Dec 2013

PREFACE PICK OF THE MONTH The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 Nelson Mandela, the former President
of South Africa died at 95 9th WTO Ministerial Conference concluded at Bali, Indonesia Israel, Jordan, Palestine signed Red Sea-to-Dead Sea Water sharing Deal Mid-day meal scheme ranked 12th among lower-middle-income countries First indigenous Thalassaemia testing kit unveiled by ICMR in association with NIIH Scientists discovered a new greenhouse gas 7000 times more potent than CO2 Cabinet approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011 Red Beacons are allowed for Constitutional posts : Supreme Court South Korea expanded its defence zone in disputed area with China Afghanistan-Iran agreed on long term friendship and cooperation Pact CCEA allowed RIL to sell gas at higher price with bank guarantee Repo Rate kept unchanged by RBI in Mid-Quarter Monetary Policy Review First human artificial heart implanted in France Oxford Scientists Developed Malaria Vaccine Kapil Dev selected for Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award 2013 Star India replaced Sahara India as the new Official Sponsor of Indian Cricket Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Anti-Superstition Bill Bihar government announced New Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for Maoists Devyani Khobragade transferred to Indias Permanent Mission in United Nations Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed approved as Prime Minister by Somalian Parliament Michiaki Takahashi who developed Chickenpox vaccine died Fourth Generation LCA Tejas received operational clearanceII Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio joined hands on telecom infrastructure Tesco Plc and Tata Group agreed to roll out retail chains in India
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INTERNATIONAL
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Current Affairs eBook December 2013
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China banned officials from smoking in public places Rhinos 32 killed in Bus accident in Phetachbun, Thailand Five new ministers took oath of the office in Afghanistan cabinet Colorado and Washington legalized Marijuana recreational pot US launched an inter-agency review in Devyani Khobragades case Iran has installed 1000 Second Generation IR-2m centrifuges China opened its Satellite System completely for Asian neighbours China formally eased one-child policy and abolished labour camps UN to reduce its staffs and cut budget India and Pakistan DGMOs meet at Wagah-Attari border UK to overtake Germany as Europes largest economy by 2030: CEBR report Okinawa Governor approved the relocation of US airbase in Japan Court of Sri Lanka extended remand of 111 Indian fishermen India and Nepal agreed to reduce Trade Barriers and Check Illegal Trade India evacuated all its oil employees from strife-torn South Sudan First Ministerial Level Talk held for BCIM Trade Corridor India and Venezuela Signed Programme on Cultural Exchange Mexican President signed a law that allows foreign companies to drill for Oil and Gas Japan decided to increase defence spending by 5% over the next 5 years Michelle Bachelet won Chile Presidential Elections Yemen Parliament Banned use of US Drones Bangladesh Islamist Abdul Kader Mullah hanged for 1971 war crimes European Union granted GSP-Plus status to Pakistan India and UAE signed Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
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Indonesian Government announced to build new sanctuary to save Worlds rarest Javan
Barack Obama signed two year cross-party budget Bill to avert Government shutdown 57
India and the Arab League inked MoU to elevate political, trade and cultural relations 71
National referendum in Egypt on new draft of Constitution to take place on 14-15 January
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Uruguay became the First Country to Legalize Marijuana Trade Thailand opposition party resigned en masse from the Parliament All unfilled munitions by Syrian Government have been destroyed: OPCW South Korea and US agreed to join hands to denuclearise North Korea Jordan elected to UN Security Council as a Non-Permanent Member Sri Lanka to set up 8 economic zones across country OPEC Decided to maintain the same oil output for 2014 Egypt Panel approved New Draft Constitution China successfully launched unmanned Lunar Probe- Change-3 WORLD DAIRY NATIONAL
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Government issued food safety guidelines for Integrated Child Development Services scheme Urban life quality improved by JNNURM said NSSO AAI centre received ICAD Accreditation and Membership Centre approved National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar campus of AIIMS Cabinet approved the Constitutional Status to Judicial Appointments Commission Union Government launched e-inclusion project to spread e-literacy 94 96 97 98 99 101 102 104
CCEA approved the change in National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen in the 12th Plan National Sample Survey Office released survey on drinking water, sanitation and hygiene
Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways added Quadricycle as new category 105 National Skills Qualifications Framework approved by Cabinet Committee on Skill Development cases Union Cabinet approved the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill 2013 106 107 107 SC ruled Government sanction not required to probe public servants in court monitored
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Union Ministry of Finance Approved Three Proposals to utilise Nirbhaya Fund CCEA approved Panchayati Raj Ministry proposal on BRGF Bureaucrats Homosexuality is offence: Supreme Court Election Commission to recognise Aam Aadmi Party as State Party in Delhi to Nation Express Parcel and Business Parcel Services launched by Department of Post INDIA DAIRY ECONOMY 8TH Financial Stability Report released by RBI CIIs Business Confidence Index revealed signs of economic turnaround PPPAC-a high level committee has appraised five Port Projects RBI launched Inflation Indexed Saving Bonds Government decided to launch Direct transfer of Cash subsidy on kerosene Fiscal deficit to touch 5.2% in FY14: CRISIL Net Direct Tax Collection increased by 13.7% till 20 December of FY 2013-14 Cabinet approved Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN SEBI exempted Government from making open offer to IOB shareholders CCEA allowed CIL to pump gas from CBM mines SEBI laid out the Deposit Requirements for members of the Debt Segment
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Union Cabinet Approved Changes in Code of Conduct for Ministers to Check Misuse of
Supreme Court ordered Centre and States to make 22 CBI courts functional across India BJP won Assembly Elections 2013 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh 114 Prime Minister dedicated GAIL India Ltds 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore Natural Gas Pipeline
CCEA nod for guidelines to provide aid to sugar industry for payment of cane price arrears
RBI and Bank of Japan agreed to triple the currency swap agreement to 50 billion dollar
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CCEA approved 6600 crore rupees free loan to Sugar Industry Wholesale Inflation increased to 7.52 percent in November 2013 Indias trade deficit with China touched 11-month high of 29.5 billion dollar Inflation soared up to 11.24%, industrial production shrank to 1.8% The Ragarajan Panel recommended the guidelines for Highway sector The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India met in Kolkata Mauritius-India agreed to include Limitation of Benefits clause in revised Tax Treaty approval Ministerial Panel recommended bailout package to Sugar Industry Government of India Modified FDI Policy for unlisted Companies RBI eased Companies Foreign Funding Norms for Infra Projects EGoM approved Merger and Acquisition Guidelines for Telecom
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India exports grew by 5.86 percent and imports dip by 16.3 percent in November 2013 Reserve price for Spectrum Auction in 1800 MHz and 900 MHz Bands got Union Cabinet
Current Account Deficit falls to $5.2 billion in the July-September Quarter of 2013-14 149 ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT 150 stretches of river identified as polluted by CPCB Ministry of Environment issued fresh order on Kasturirangan recommendation Taishan, fourth research station of China, opened in Antarctica Kimberlite rocks containing diamonds discovered in East Antarctica First-ever Environment Gender Index (EGI) launched by IUCN at COP-19, Warsaw 150 150 151 152 153 154
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Scientists found Phosphorus in supernova Cassiopeia A Unique cancer called histiocytosis operated by team of doctors at Chennai ISROs SDSC to be shifted for oil exploration in Bay of Bengal
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To Combat Obesity And Diabetes, Australia opened worlds first standing classroom 159 Bolivia launched countrys first telecommunications Satellite Tupak Katari Mars rover got Software Upgrade Indian Scientists developed Insulin Pill for diabetics Europe launched Gaia satellite from French Guiana Iran sent second monkey into the Space Chinas first lunar rover named Jade Rabbit landed on Moon Scientists created sperm-based biobots in Germany ISRO successfully performed first Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre of Mangalyaan Scientists decoded the oldest known human DNA Mars Orbiter Spacecraft successfully placed in Mars transfer trajectory CORPORATE FIPB approved Vodafones proposal to acquire shares of Stake Holders Oil India and IRMA has inked a pact for study on dairy development National Aluminium Company Limited got excellent rating for 2012-13 Microsoft India launched safety application, Guardian Cabinet approved pension proposal for MTNL employees Axis Bank proposal to increase foreign investment to 62 percent approved CCI approved Acquisition of Cement Plants of Jaypee in Gujarat by UltraTech Apple signed iPhone deal with China Mobile Canara Bank got license to open branch in New York Sri City in Andhra Pradesh to have PepsiCos largest beverage plant in India ject USFDA disapproved a product of Sun Pharma in its present form Tech Mahindra launched a Global Center of Excellence with Hewlett Packard 169 169 170 171 172 173 174 174 175 175 176 177 177 178 179 160 161 162 163 163 164 165 166 166 167
Saab, the Swedish manufacturer won 4.5 billion dollar contract for fighter jet from Brazil
Alstom bagged 125 million euro contract from BHEL for Neyveli New Thermal Power Pro-
Torrent Pharmaceuticals signed agreement with Elder Pharma for 2004 crore Rupees 179
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ONGC Videsh signed an MoU to evaluate E&P opportunities in Ecuador Alstom T&D bagged two contracts of 151 crore rupees from GETCO Biyani sold entire 44% stake in Capital Foods to Artal Group of Europe SPORTS Sushil got land to set up wrestling academy at Motilal Nehru School Bomb Blast rocked Russian City, Volgograd ahead of Olympic Games Serena Williams and LeBron James won APs Athlete of the year award Durban Test: South Africa defeated India by 10 wickets to clinch the series 1-0 Ace Tennis Star Stefan Edberg to join Roger Federers coaching team Deepika Kumari won 34th National Archery Championship Athletics Federation of India banned six states and 14 athletes Jacques Kallis announced retirement after Durban Test Vernon Philander of South Africa topped Test bowler ranking of ICC Sindhu and Shrikant won singles titles in National Badminton Championship Zaheer fourth Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket Englands Graeme Swann announced retirement from International Cricket India won Asia-Pacific Junior Golf Team Titles Cheteshwar Pujara slipped to 7th position in ICC Test rankings South Indias 1st high altitude cricket stadium inaugurated in Kerala ICC suspended Shane Shillingford for illegal Bowling action Mahesh Mangaonkar won IMET Squash Open 2013 Ethiopian Runner Atsedu Tsegay won Delhi Half Marathon 2013 Germany won Mens Junior Hockey World Cup 2013 India retained the World Kabaddi Cup for fourth consecutive time India won Womens Kabaddi World Cup 2013 Prakash, Malaika struck Gold at 57th National Shooting Championship India retained its top position in latest ICC ODI rankings
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Indian Judokas won Silver and 4 bronze medals in Asian Youth & Junior Championships
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Sergio Perez joined Sahara Force India with multi-year deal for 2014 F1 season ICC Annual Awards: Pujara bagged Emerging Cricketer of the Year trophy South East Asian Games kicked off in Naypyitaw, Myanmar Indian Olympic Association (IOA) debars charge-sheeted from contesting elections Chitra won bronze at IBSF World Snooker Championships Kerala topped the 29th Junior National Athletics Championships BRAZUCA, The official 2014 FIFA World Cup Match Ball was unveiled Mahendra Singh Dhoni won ICC Peoples Choice Award 2013 Gaganjeet Bhullar won Indonesia Open Golf Tournament 2013 India retained Top-spot in ICC ODI Rankings PV Sindhu won Macau Open Badminton Singles title STATE
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Ethiopian Runners won both Mens and Womens titles at Pune International Marathon214
Gujarats Cheeranjavi Yojana failed to reduce MMR and IMR significantly: Duke University Tamil Nadu Government launched free CFL bulb scheme for hut-dwellers Arvind Kejriwal sworn-in as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi Tamil Nadu Court granted conditional bail to crew of US ship Fatwa issued by Jammu & Kashmir scholars allows half-widows to remarry Himachal Pradesh High Court banned plastic packing of junk food High Court asked two Telugu actors to return the Padma Awards Chief Minister of Odisha in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Administrative Tribunal quashed 27% SEBC quota and sanctuaries 216 217 218 219 220 221 221 222 223 223 224
Assam Government announced 100 crore rupees package for tea garden communities United Nations felicitated Odisha Government for effectively handling Cyclone Phailin 223
Cabinet Panel in Karnataka formed to demarcate eco-sensitive zones around national parks Darmar Murugesan to be the chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission
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Rann Utsav 2013 Began in Kutch, Gujarat Shivraj Singh Chouhan sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh camps Vasundhara Raje sworn in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan West Bengal Assembly adopted a fresh Bill to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds Congress won the Mizoram Assembly Election by two-third majority Cabinet Committee sanctioned 7346 crore rupees for flood-hit Uttrakhand AIADMK won Yercaud Assembly Seat: Tamil Nadu by-election Maharashtra Cabinet approved for setting up Sugarcane Control Board NEWS CAPSULE Person in news tion Anurag Bhushan took charge as the Dubai Consul General of India Tyler Armstrong became the youngest person to reach the Summit of Aconcagua Hisham Qandil, the former Prime Minister of Egypt has been arrested Angela Merkel elected as German Chancellor for third term Ranjan Mathai took over as the Indias High Commissioner to UK Ali Osman Taha resigned as Vice President of Sudan Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich became Miss Earth 2013 Person Appointed Devendra Kumar Pathak appointed as Special DG, BSF
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UP Government constituted a high-level committee to look into the issue of death in relief
State cant withdraw cases against terror accused without Centres consent: High Court
Tripura Introduced PVC-Electoral Photo Identity Cards for the First Time in the Country
Sashi Tharoor named PETAs Person of the Year for taking steps to advance animal protec-
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Ashraf Jehan, first female judge in Paks National Sharia Court Pradeep Kumar appointed as MD Corporate Banking of State Bank of India J.N.Chaudhary appointed New Head of NSG CISF got new chief Arvind Ranjan Ashok Lavasa, appointed the New Civil Aviation Secretary M. Veerappa Moily appointed as the new Environment and Forests Minister Siddarth Birla took charges as President of FICCI Usha Sangwan appointed first woman managing director of LIC P.H. Parekh elected as the President of Supreme Court Bar Association S.B. Nayar appointed CMD of IIFCL Puneet Kumar appointed as the new secretary general of AEPC Harsh Kumar Bhanwala appointed Chairman of NABARD CVR Rajendran appointed CMD of Andhra Bank Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag designated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff Shivakumar appointed as the CEO of PepsiCo India Ahmet Uzumcu re-appointed as OPCW Director General Person Resigned Chandra Kant Birla resigned from Hindustan Motors Limited Jayanthi Natarajan resignation accepted by President Shivraj Singh Chouhan resigned from Vidisha Assembly seat Panruti Ramachandran retired from active Politics Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit resigned Person Died Farooq Sheikh, the Bollywood Veteran actor died at 65 Atul Sarpotdar leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena died Mikhail Kalashnikov the inventor of AK47 died Renowned Kannada poet Shivarudrappa died Veteran journalist Pran Chopra died
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Vinod Kumar Duggal, the former Home Secretary appointed as the Governor of Manipur
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Ronnie Biggs, the man behind the Britains Great Train Robbery died Paul Torday, the British author died at 67 Marthanda Varma, head of Travancore royal family died at 92 Peter O Toole, the Lawrence of Arabias star dead Former footballer, Babul Phukan died in Guwahati Union Labour Minister, Sis Ram Ola died The Last King of Mysore Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Died US Actor Paul Walker Died in Car Accident Places in News Hoquiam, a small town of Washington to celebrate Nirvana Day Awards | Honours Two Indian American researchers got US Presidential Early Career award Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad received Sword of Honour award ment Sahitya Academy Awards announced for the year 2013 Bipan Chandra awarded Itihas Ratna Dubai International Film Festival: Irrfan Khan won best actor award Wipro Chairman Azim Premji received ET Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 e-BRC Project won 2013 e-ASIA Award East Timor film Beatrizs War won Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2013 Report | Survey Kolkata ranked top in public transport among Indian cities: UTIP Study With expanding Urbanisation, Villages thinning out revealed by Census 2011
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Super Volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in US is larger than estimates: Scientists
Mammen Mathew chosen for prestigious journalism Lokmanya Tilak National Award 269
IRCON won the India Pride Award for Excellence in Central PSUs in India Image Enhance-
103-year old Park Mansion of Kolkata awarded KMC-INTACH Heritage Award 2013 274
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UP emerged as the biggest exporter of Buffalo meat India Ranked 94th on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013 Exhibition | Fare India-Afghan Innovation Partnership Fair opened in Kabul
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Defence | Security TEJAS Team Set New Record of 500 Flights in 2013 AGNI-III missile test fired successfully from Wheeler Island India successfully test-fired indigenously developed MBLR Pinaka at Chandipur Chinese troops detained Indian porters at Chumar in eastern Ladakh India successfully test fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi -2 Missile Books & Author Remembering Nirbhaya: Mumbai University released book Mary Kom Autobiography titled Unbreakable unveiled Art | Culture President inaugurated Nagalands Hornbill festival Science | Space ISRO successfully raised Mars Orbiter Spacecrafts Orbit Scientists discovered a Black Hole in Ophiuchus Star Constellation Day | Week | Year National Consumers Right Day observed across India on 24 December Kisan Diwas observed across India on 23 December Minorities Rights Day observed on 18 December International Migrants Day observed across the world on 18 December
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Defence Acquisition Council DAC approved the procurement of Israeli Barak-I missile 288
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Vijay Diwas observed on 16 December Human Rights Day observed across the World on 10 December International Anti-Corruption Day observed on 9 December Armed Forces Flag Day Observed Throughout the Country International Civil Aviation Day observed on 7 December International Volunteer Day Observed on 5 December International Day of People with Disability was observed on 3 December International Day for Abolition of Slavery observed on 2 December World AIDS Day observed on 1 December Miscellaneous BJP Organised Run for Unity Across the Country ONE LINERS
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PREFACE
The Current Affairs December 2013 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of December. Current Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including IAS|PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA. The lack of preparation for current affairs by the aspirants and candidates often is a main cause of their failure. Even though the candidates know it but they are often confused about how to prepare the current affairs section of the different competitive exams. It is to clear such doubts and confusion, Jagranjosh.com has come up with eBook concept. Although current affairs section per se is very wide to be covered, yet we have tried to cover all the possible current affairs for the month of December 2013. The December 2013 eBook is divided into different section keeping in mind the need of various exams. The sections covered namely are International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment, Science & Technology, Corporate, Sports, States, and News Capsule. Every news item in each section is arranged date wise with the most recent news being covered first and so on. Although there might be some deviations but that is solely to give priority to the most important current affairs in each section. Presentation of the given current affairs has been planned meticulously. It has been planned in such a way that it remains in the minds of readers for a longer duration. Wherever necessary each news item is presented along with a background and analysis so as to help candidates contemplate all the important current events at the time of exam in an effective way. The eBook has been prepared keeping in mind the requirements of various competitive exams and utmost care has been taken to make the content accurate and informative. All the contents given in the book has been thoroughly cross-checked from various news websites and government and non-government websites. Our experts have tried to put in their best efforts to make sure that the content provided remains in the mind of the candidate for a longer period of time and is perceived with its true meaning.
Copyright Jagranjosh.com All rights reserved. No part or the whole of this eBook may be copied, reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted and/ or cited anywhere in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the written permission of the copyright owner. If any misconduct comes in knowledge or brought in notice, strict action will be taken. Disclaimer Readers are requested to verify/cross-check up to their satisfaction themselves about the advertisements, advertorials, and external contents. If any miss-happening, ill result, mass depletion or any similar incident occurs due to any information cited or referenced in this e-book, Editor, Director/s, employees of Jagranjosh.com cant be held liable/responsible in any matter whatsoever. No responsibilities lie as well in case of the advertisements, advertorials, and external contents.
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PICK OF THE MONTH
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

The President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013 on 1 January 2014, thus making it an Act. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act seeks to establish an anti-corruption watchdog that will have in its purview even the office of Prime Minister. The Act was passed by the Lok Sabha on 18 December 2013 by voice vote amid the opposition from the members Seemandhra region who were protesting against division of Andhra Pradesh to create Telangana state. The Rajya Sabha had passed it on 17 December 2013 with some amendements. Among the amendments accepted by the government are delinking of the mandatory creation of lokayuktas by the state governments, one of the provisions which had stalled the passage of the bill in December 2011.
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Important features of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013:

Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta at the States. The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members of which 50% shall be judicial members. 50 per cent of members of Lokpal and Lokayuktas shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities and women. The Lokpal Chairperson or member shall not be connected with any political party and one member will be an eminent jurist nominated by the President. The selection of Chairperson and members of Lokpal shall be through a Selection committee consisting of 1. Prime Minister 2. Speaker of Lok Sabha 3. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha 4. Chief Justice of India or sitting Supreme Court judge nominated by CJI 5. Eminent jurist to be nominated by the President of India on the basis of recommendations of the four members of the Selection Committee. The Act makes it mandatory for the Selection Committee to constitute a search committee of at least seven members. At least 50% of the members shall be from among SC, ST, OBC, women or minority communities. The Selection Committee may consider a candidate other than one recommended by the Search Committee. All ministers including Prime Minister with some safeguards and senior public servants are covered by the ombudsman, excluding the public servants under Army, Navy and Coastal guard. Inquiry initiated by the Lokpal shall be completed within 60 days and investigation to be completed within 6 months. However, inquiry against PM has to be held in-camera and approved by two-thirds of full bench of Lokpal All entities receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of 10 lakh rupees per year are brought under the jurisdiction of Lokpal. Provides adequate protection for honest and upright Public Servants. Lokpal will have power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency including
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CBI for cases referred to them by Lokpal. The CBI may, with the consent of the Lokpal, appoint a panel of Advocates, other than the Government Advocates, for conducting the cases referred to it by the Lokpal. The Central Government may from time to time make available such funds as may be required by the Director of the CBI for conducting effective investigation into the matters referred to it by the Lokpal and the Director shall be responsible for the expenditure incurred in conducting such investigation. A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will recommend selection of the Director, CBI. A Directorate of Prosecution will be created in the CBI which will be headed by a Director who shall be an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India, for conducting prosecution of cases under this Act. The appointment of the Director of Prosecution, CBI will be made on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission. The Director of Prosecution shall notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the rules relating to his conditions of service, continue to hold office for a period of not less than two years from the date on which he assumes office. Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of Lokpal. The Act also incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending. The Act lays down clear time lines for Preliminary enquiry & investigation and trial and towards this end, the Bill provides for setting up of Special Courts. A mandate for setting up of the institution of Lokayukta through enactment of a law by the State Legislature within a period of 365 days from the date of commencement of the Act. All expenses to be charged to the Consolidated Fund of India (Funds available to the Lokpal will not be dependent on the annual budget voted by Lok Sabha) Imprisonment up to one year and a fine up to Rs. 1 lakh for false and frivolous complaints. Public servants can face imprisonment up to 7 years. Criminal misconduct and habitually abetting corruption can attract jail terms up to 10 years.
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An Analysis
The Indian Lokpal is synonymous to the institution of Ombudsman existing in the Scandinavian countries. Ombudsman a Swedish word stands for an officer appointed by the legislature to handle complaints against administrative and judicial action. The institution of Ombudsman first came into being in 1713 in Sweden followed by Finland, Denmark, New Zealand and the UK. Since 1960s constitution of Omudsman has become a worldwide phenomenon to tackle maladministration and corruption.
Why Lokpal in India?

The Lokpal is necessary and desirable. There is no truly autonomous or empowered body at present to deal with corruption cases involving the political class and the bureaucracy. The corruption in India though has a long history but it has become more remarkable since the initiation of the developmental and welfare programmes after the attainment of independence which swelled the administrative machinery. More the administrative machinery swelled more the avenues for misuse of authority led to corruption. For example, the license-permit raj and the simultaneous existence of politico-bureau-business nexus in the eighties. To tackle corruption in the past government had enacted the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 along with the existing Indian Penal Code, 1860. However, these measures were found to be ineffective. Therefore, the need for an agency independent of the executive, legislative and judiciary, to look into citizens grievances and cases of corruption have been widely felt and the central government have at several times considered the introduction of a Lokpal Bill to put it in place as a mechanism to tackle corruption. In India, the term Lokpal was first used by the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1963. In 1966 a Lokpal for the Centre and Lokayukta for each State were proposed by the First Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) headed by Moraji Desai. As a result, Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill was first introduced in the Fourth Lok Sabha in 1968. The Bill was re-introduced in 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998, 2001 but was never passed. All these attempts by the government had only been half-hearted measures. It reflected the government lack of seriousness in tackling the hydra-headed corruption. The issue of corruption was slowly becoming a plague for the Indian polity, society and the economy. However, in the year 2010-2011 the corruption had reached to great heights. It witnessed various scandals being blown apart by the media, whistle-blowers, civil society activists and government investigation agencies alike. Scams like 2G Spectrum Scam, Adarsh Housing Society Scam, Commonwealth Games scam and many more brought about name of various Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers and even members of the Armed Forces. The result was the outburst of the accumulating anger and the unhappiness of the citizens with the prevailing governance system in India.
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Jan Lokpal Bill

Jan Lokpal Bill (Citizens Ombudsman Bill) is an Indian draft anti-corruption bill that would create the Jan Lokpal, an independent body similar to the Election Commission with the power to prosecute politicians and bureaucrats without prior government permission. The bill drafted by civil society organization led by Anna Hazare proposes the institution of the office of Lokpal (Ombudsman) at the center and local Lokayukta at the state level. The bill is designed to create an effective anti-corruption and grievance redress system that effectively deters corruption while providing effective protection to whistleblowers. The bill is a first step towards anti-corruption measures and will not be complete without addressing certain major reformations like bringing back black money.
Main Features of the Jan Lokpal Bill

1. To establish a central government anti-corruption institution called Lokpal, supported by Lokayukta at the state level. 2. As in the case of the Supreme Court and Cabinet Secretariat, the Lokpal will be supervised by the Cabinet Secretary and the Election Commission. As a result, it will be completely independent of the government and free from ministerial influence in its investigations. 3. Members will be appointed by judges, Indian Administrative Service officers with a clean record, private citizens and constitutional authorities through a transparent and participatory process. 4. A selection committee will invite short listed candidates for interviews, video recordings of which will thereafter be made public. 5. Every month on its website, the Lokayukta will publish a list of cases dealt with, brief details of each, their outcome and any action taken or proposed. It will also publish lists of all cases received by the Lokayukta during the previous month, cases dealt with and those which are pending. 6. Investigations of each case must be completed in one year. Any resulting trials should be concluded in the following year, giving a total maximum process time of two years. 7. Losses caused to the government by a corrupt individual will be recovered at the time of conviction. 8. Government office work required by a citizen that is not completed within a prescribed time period will result in Lokpal imposing financial penalties on those responsible, which will then be given as compensation to the complainant. 9. Complaints against any officer of Lokpal will be investigated and completed within a month and, if found to be substantive, will result in the officer being dismissed within two months.
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10. The existing anti-corruption agencies (CVC, departmental vigilance and the anti-corruption branch of the CBI) will be merged into Lokpal which will have complete power and authority to independently investigate and prosecute any officer, judge or politician. 11. Whistleblowers who alert the agency to potential corruption cases will also be provided with protection by it.
The journey of the Lokpal Act has been arduous and since 1966 it has undergone a metamorphosis. The emphasis has shifted from complaints and grievances of mal-administration against public servants to allegations of corruption against public functionaries. Yet it is better that WE the People of India keep the government on the toe to fight corruption so that the faith of the very people of India and the global community is restored in the worlds largest democracy. Remember it is better late than never.
Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa died at 95
Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary of South Africa died on 5 November 2013. He was 95 years old. He died at his house in Johannesburg following a long illness. He was also known as Madiba in South Africa. He was receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung infection after spending three months in hospital.
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His death was announced by the South African President, Jacob Zuma. He announced that Mandela will receive a full state funeral and the flags would be flown at half-mast until the state funeral. Nelson Mandela was one of the worlds most revered statesman for preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years. He was the first black South African to hold the office of President from 1994 to 1999, and the first elected President in a fully representative multiracial election.
About Nelson Mandela

He was born in 1918 in Cape Province of South Africa. He joined the African National Congress in 1943 In 1962, he was arrested and was convicted of incitement and leaving country without a passport. He was sentenced to five years in prison In 1964, he was charged with sabotage, sentenced to life He was freed from the prison in 1990 In 1999, he stepped down as the President In 2001, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer
Awards received by Nelson Mandela

Mandela has received more than two hundred and fifty awards over four decades, some of the awards are: He was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 He was the recipient of Bharat Ratna and Mahatma Gandhi peace award The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 18 July, Mandelas birthday, as Mandela Day, for his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle In 1973 a nuclear particle discovered by scientists at the University of Leeds was named Mandela Nelson In 1979 he recieved the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding given by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations New Delhi, India In 1981, a panel of International Judges, Vienna, Austria, chose him for the Bruno Kreisky Award for merit in the field of human rights.
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9th WTO Ministerial Conference concluded at Bali, Indonesia

The 9th WTO Ministerial Conference concluded on 6 December 2013 at Bali, Indonesia. The 159 member nations of the WTO agreed on the revised draft of Bali Package.
Bali Package
During the conference, the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action. In this regard, the WTO has issued a revised draft of the Bali Package which addresses Indias concerns on food security. The draft proposes an interim mechanism to safeguard minimum support prices to farmers against WTO caps till a permanent solution is adopted. The deal allows nations such as India to fix a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farm produce and to sell staple grains to the poor at subsidised rates. It also permits countries to store food grains to meet contingency requirements.
Trade Facilitation Agreement

The 159-member nations of WTO also agreed on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which is aimed at making international trade much easier by simplifying and streamlining custom procedures across the globe. The pact is billed to bring in gains worth 1 trillion Dollars for global trade. The TFA would help countries cut transaction costs. The trade facilitation will also help developing countries including India to reduce transaction cost and improve competitiveness of domestic industry
India Point of view

1. Food Security Law may push Indias Minimum Support Prices (MSP) above WTO limits, but interim mechanism provides safeguards till WTO rules are corrected. 2. WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation could boost Indias exports 3. India gains global leadership by getting a crucial poor-rich country imbalance corrected on a multilateral forum 4. Support subsidies to poor farmers across all developing countries get safeguards against WTO rule.
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About Ministerial Conferences

Ministerial Conference is- the topmost decision-making body of the WTO. The Ministerial Conference, usually meets every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO, all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreement.
About World Trade Organization

WTO was established on 1 January 1995 with the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement/ Marrakesh Declaration at Marrakesh, Morrocco in 1994. WTO came up as a replacement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). GATT was overseeing the rules of commerce since 1948. GATT covered trade in goods, whereas WTO deals with trade of inventions, designs and services too. The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible
Fact File of WTO

Location Established Created by Membership Budget Secretariat staff Head Geneva, Switzerland 1 January 1995 Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-94) 159 countries on 2 March 2013 196 million Swiss francs for 2011 640 Azevdo (Director-General)
Functions:
Administering WTO trade agreements Forum for trade negotiations Handling trade disputes Monitoring national trade policies Technical assistance and training for developing countries Cooperation with other international organizations
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Past WTO Conferences

Year
1996
Place
Singapore
Main Highlights
Singapore Issues: Transparency in government procurement, Trade Facilitation (customs issues), Trade and Investment, and Trade and Competition.
1998 1999 2001
Geneva, Switzerland Seattle, USA Doha, Qatar Massive protests by Civil societies drawing worldwide attention. It casted doubt over the future of WTO. Doha Development Agenda. China became the 143rd member of WTO. Rise of G-20 led by India, China and Brazil. The Conference ended into a stalemate over Singapore issues and agricultural subsidies. Countries agreed to phase out all their agricultural export subsidies by the end of 2013. Terminate any cotton export subsidies by the end of 2006. Agreement to introduce duty free, tariff free access for goods from the Least Developed Countries, following the Everything But Arms initiative of the European Union. Other major issues were left for further negotiation to be completed by the end of 2006.
2003
Cancun, Mexico
2005
Hong Kong
2009 2011
Geneva, Switzerland Geneva, Switzerland Russia, Samoa and Montenegro admitted to WTO.
Israel, Jordan, Palestine signed Red Sea-to-Dead Sea Water sharing Deal
Israel, Jordan and the Palestine on 9 December 2013 signed a historic Red Sea-to-Dead Sea water-sharing initiative of the World Bank in Washington that could protect the Dead Sea from rising demand for water in the region. The agreement was signed by Israeli Energy Minister Silvan Shalom, Shaddad Attili, head of the Palestinian water authority, and Hazim el-Naser, head of the Jordanian water ministry.
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According to the agreement- a pipeline will be built on the Jordanian side of the Aqaba Gulf to carry brine (sea water) from a desalination plant at the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, while providing drinking water to the region. The project is expected to cost 250m-400m Dollars.
The Dead Sea water Depleting Issue

The Dead Sea is dropping by as much as 1m (3.3ft) a year as the River Jordan is depleted for use in irrigation. The Dead Sea is so rich in salt and other minerals that humans float naturally on the surface. The area around the sea has an established tourism and health industry because of the waters unique properties.But the Dead Sea is losing water rapidly, with some fearing the Dead Sea could dry up entirely by 2050. The scheme will pipe water from the Gulf of Aqaba off the Red Sea through a desalination plant in Jordan, sending brine to the southern-most edge of the Dead Sea. The sea water will be used to test the impact of Red Sea water being transported to the Dead Sea. It will involve the construction of a desalination plant in Jordan, projected to yield 80 million-100 million cu m of water annually. A water transfer deal will also see Israel supply water to Jordan and the Palestinian territories. The project also expected to yield hydroelectric power for use in the desalination process.
Mid-day meal scheme ranked 12th among lower-middle-income countries

The State of School Feeding Worldwide 2013 Report released on 10 December 2013 by the World Food Project (WFP) for 169 countries has said that Indias midday meal programme stands 12th among 35 lower middle income countries. However it noted that India has the largest school feeding programme in the world, catering to over 114 million children. It covers almost 79 per cent of its total number of school-going children. The report has based its conclusions on a global survey conducted by the World Food Programme in 2012. The report shows praise for Indias mid-day meal scheme as a good example of a mixed implementation approach.
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It observes the two procurement processes in Indias Midday Meal scheme one for food grains, which are subsidized by the Centre through Food Corporation of India (FCI), and one for other items like fresh fruits or vegetables, procured at the State level. According to the Report the Midday Meal Scheme is the primary reason behind increase in gross primary enrolment between 2001-02 and 2007-08. The link is more pronounced in case of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Further the Report notes that school feeding schemes are not a sufficient condition for increase in enrolments. They have to be complemented with curriculum, textbooks, teachers and an environment conducive to learning. It also states that teachers should not be deployed in cooking since it would disrupt the teaching process in schools. However the Report does not say anything about the nutritional impact of the scheme. Nevertheless it adds that the scheme needs to be fine-tuned with better coordination between sectors involved; government needs to allocate more and quickly delivered funds for food transportation and infrastructure. In a landmark recommendation it states that the Mead day Meal Scheme can be connected with the local agricultural sector. Food could be purchased locally to feed the children and provide the agricultural economy boost by providing it a guaranteed local market. The Report points to the examples of Brazil, Scotland and Chile which already such local purchases to fund their school feeding programmes.
About Mid Day Meal Scheme

In 1925 a midday meal scheme was launched for disadvantaged groups in Madras Municipal Corporation. By the first half of 1980s three states (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) and the Union Territory of Puducherry had universalized a cooked school feeding programme for children up to the primary level (1-5 standards). For enhancing the enrolment, retention and attendance as well as the nutritional status of children, the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) was launched on 15 August 1995 only in 2405 blocks of the country as a centrally sponsored scheme. In 2001 the scheme was expanded to all over India after a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of India. In October 2007 the scheme was extended to the upper primary level too (6 to 8 standards) first in 3479 blocks. From 1 April 2008 the scheme has been covering Government, Local Body and Government-aided primary and upper primary schools and the EGS/AIE (Education Guarantee Scheme/Alternative & Innovating Education) centres including Madarsa and Maqtabs supported under SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) of all areas across the country. In 2009 food norms were revised for upper primary children, allocation for Pulses are now increased from 25 to 30 grams, vegetables from 65 to 75 grams. The allocation for oil and fat contents are
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decreased from 10 grams to 7.5 grams. The Budget 2013 has allocated 13215 crore rupees for the school feeding programme. It is 80% of total elementary education budget. Significantly, allocation to the Mead Day Meal Scheme has gone up by 55 % during the period of Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012). While it was 6678 crore rupees in 2007-08, it has gone up to 10380 crore rupees in 2011-12.
First indigenous Thalassaemia testing kit unveiled by ICMR in association with NIIH
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on 17 December 2013 unveiled the first indigenously developed thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia testing kit. The testing kit was developed by the National Institute of Immuno Haematology (NIIH) in Mumbai. The testing kit is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test that screens for eight genetic mutations, six of which can cause thalassaemia and two sickle cell anaemia. The kit would bring down the cost of screening for both the genetic diseases to a tenth of the 15000 rupees to 20000 rupees in the private sector. The test costs 4000 rupees in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The testing kit would be of immense help for premarital and post-pregnancy counselling. This is
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because two carriers of a defective gene have a 25 per cent chance of having a baby born with thalassaemia. There are 3-4% (30-40 million) beta thalassaemia carriers in India and 10000-12000 thalassaemic babies are born every year and 5000 with sickle cell anaemia. The prevalence is between 5 and 15 per cent among Sindhis, Kutchis, Punjabis, Bhanushalis, Jains and Muslims. Scientists who developed the kit, meanwhile, rued the fact that a PCR machine which costs about Rs 1 lakh was available in only 10 per cent of medical colleges.
About Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the bodys ability to create red blood cells. In case of thalassaemia bone marrow does not produce the haemoglobin causing anaemia and reducing the oxygen carrying capacity. There are two types of thalassaemia that is alpha thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia.
Scientists discovered a new greenhouse gas 7000 times more potent than CO2
Scientists at University of Toronto discovered a long-lived manmade greenhouse gas (GHG) called Perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) that is 7100 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the Earth over a 100-year time span. The new discovered gas PFTBA which does not occur naturally has been in use in the electrical industry such as transistors and capacitors since the mid-20th century. It belongs to an entire class of chemicals used for industrial applications whose effects on the atmosphere remain unknown. Concentrations of PFTBA in the atmosphere are low 0.18 parts per trillion in the Toronto area compared to 400 parts per million for carbon dioxide. So PFTBA does not in any way displace the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal as the main drivers of climate change. From a climate change perspective, individually, PFTBAs atmospheric concentration does not significantly alert the phenomenon of climate change, still the biggest culprit is CO2 from fossil fuel emissions. Further, it has the highest radiative efficiency of any molecule detected in the atmosphere to date. But PFTBA is long-lived. The Toronto researchers estimated that PFTBA remains in the atmosphere for about 500 years. Unlike carbon dioxide which is taken up by forests and oceans, there are no known natural sinks on Earth to absorb it. The discovery of PFTBA and its warming potential raises questions about the climate impacts of
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other chemicals used in industrial processes.
Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

Earths atmosphere works something like a giant glass greenhouse. As the suns rays enter our atmosphere, most continue on down to the planets surface. When they hit the soil or surface waters, those rays release much of their energy as heat. Some of this heat then radiates back into space. However, several gases in Earths atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor work like a blanket to retain much of this heat. That helps to warm our atmosphere. The gases do this by absorbing the heat and radiating it back to Earths surface. Such gases are nicknamed greenhouse gases because of their heat-trapping effect. Due in part to the warming effects of the greenhouse gases, the global average temperature is about 15C (59F). Without the greenhouse gases the global average temperature would be much colder, about -18C (0F).
Why Global Warming?

Since the industrial revolution got into full swing in the 19th century we have been burning ever increasing amounts of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gasoline, natural gas) in electric generating plants, manufacturing plants, trains, automobiles, airplanes, etc. Burning releases CO2 into the atmosphere (much the same as respiration does). These fossil fuels may have formed tens or hundreds of millions of years ago from the buried and preserved remains of plant and animal matter whose carbon originated via photosynthesis. Photosynthesis and respiration in plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc. leads to exchange of carbon between the CO2 in the atmosphere and carbon compounds in the organisms. But humans are now putting this natural carbon cycle out of balance. Due to the emission of CO2, long-stored in fossil fuels, the percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased very much. It has increased from about 289 parts per million before the industrial revolution to over 360 parts per million and still rising. Sometime during the 21st century the concentration of CO2 will be twice what it was before the industrial revolution.
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With higher CO2 concentrations the greenhouse effect also becomes stronger and as a result global temperatures are expected to increase. This was originally proposed by a chemist named Arrhenius about a century ago. Global average temperatures have risen by a small, but measurable amount in the past 100 years, apparently in large part because of the higher level of atmospheric CO2. Global average temperatures are expected to be on the order of 2-5C (3.6-9F) higher by the time CO2 doubles the preindustrial concentration. The temperature rise will be small in the tropics but much greater at high latitudes.
Effects of Global Warming

A whole host of consequences will result. Some are probably already occurring. Te m p e r a t u r e measurements of the sea surface and deep oceans indicate that the oceans are warming. Rising ocean temperature causes rising sea level from thermal expansion of the water. Rising temperature also means melting glaciers and rising sea level through addition of melt water to the oceans. Sea levels have risen by about 1 foot during the last century, mostly from thermal expansion of the oceans. Sea level is expected to rise closer to 3 feet during the coming century. Rising sea level will cause increasing coastal erosion, flooding, and property damage during coastal storms. Besides, it will also lead to loss of life from storms in low-lying coastal countries like Bangladesh and island nations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Warmer sea surface temperatures will result in more and stronger tropical storms (hurricanes and typhoons). Coastlines already ravaged by these storms will expect to see more strong storms than before, increasing the loss of life and damage to infrastructure. It is much more difficult to predict how regional and local weather patterns will change but there will certainly be changes. While higher temperatures will produce more rainfall across the globe,
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the regional rainfall patterns will likely change. Some areas will get more, some areas will get less. The timing of wet and dry periods may change. But higher temperatures will also mean more evaporation. Higher temperatures may also mean stronger storms with damaging winds. All of these mean new risks and changing conditions for agriculture. Centuries old farming practices will have to change. Some areas may go from being marginal to becoming a breadbasket region, while other regions may go from major agricultural production to marginal. Higher CO2 allows plants to grow faster (more CO2 enhances photosynthesis). That would sound good for agriculture. However, weed species tend to grow even better than crop plants under enhanced CO2 conditions so improved crop growth may be nullified by weed competition. Natural ecosystems will be hard pressed to keep up with the changing climate because the rate of change will be faster than typical long-term natural climate change. Many species, especially plant species, will not be able to migrate to cooler areas fast enough to keep up with the warming of their habitats. And Arctic species will have no place to go and may not be able to adapt to the new conditions. Severe summer heat in areas not used to it can lead to deaths. Higher heat and expansion of tropical areas may lead to increased incidence of malaria.
What can be done to slow Global Warming?

We cant realistically stop the rise of CO2 in the near term, but we can slow it and therefore reduce the consequences that will occur. Reducing our energy needs: More fuel-efficient cars, less frivolous driving, more use of mass transit, improved insulation to decrease the fuel burned to heat and cool our homes, more efficient appliances, use of fluorescent rather than incandescent light bulbs, and careful monitoring of home electricity usage (turn off the lights and TV when not using them) can reduce our energy needs. Conversion to alternatives like wind and solar power which dont burn fossil fuels and emit CO2 into the atmosphere Planting large areas with trees will consume CO2 as the trees grow, until the forests mature. Deforestation in the tropical forests around the world, especially in the Amazon and Indonesian rain forests should be stopped. This will keep that carbon in the forest rather than sending it back into the atmosphere as the trees are burned or decay and are not replaced by more. Other techniques have also been proposed such as the chemical removal of CO2 from smokestacks and burial in deep underground reservoirs, though only certain areas can benefit from this. Disposal in the deep ocean can be tried, where they will form a semi-stable compound under the cold temperatures and high pressures, though the CO2 could too easily come bubbling back up. These latter solutions are not well studied and wouldnt be especially cheap.
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Moreover, leaders, societies, communities, local planners, farmers, health organizations, need to recognize the changing climate and rising sea level as they make plans for the future. Our citizens need to be educated as to likely changes and how best to deal with the changing conditions.
Cabinet approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011

The Union Cabinet on 12 December 2013 approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011. The Bill is a comprehensive measure that covers a whole spectrum of problems from physical disabilities to mental illness and multiple disabilities. It will replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunity Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995. The Bill has been prepared on the basis of recommendations made by Sudha Kaul Committee. The Committee was appointed in 2010 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Main highlights of the Bill

Provides for 5% reservation in public sector jobs and makes the private sector more accountable for creating a disabled-friendly environment. It provides incentives for the private sector to take such measures. To ensure political participation, the Bill says that every person with disability who fulfils eligibility requirements is entitled to be registered as a voter. He/she should not be disqualified from exercising the voting right on the grounds of disability, irrespective of any stipulation to the contrary in any law for the time being in force. Further, it says that any person who is unable to vote in person due to disability or because of admission to hospital for treatment is entitled to opt for postal ballot. It requires the Election Commission to ensure that all polling stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. It allows mentally unsound women the right to fertility and prescribes punishment for forced abortion or hysterectomy on them. The Bill is based on the premise of all rights for all disabled. The Bill has been described as historic by the social activists as it has provided the definition of disability in very expansive terms to cover all kinds of disability whether physical or mental.
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Red Beacons are allowed for Constitutional posts : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India on 10 December 2013 ordered red beacons are allowed to be used by persons holding Constitutional posts and high dignitaries. The decision came to prevent the misuse of red beacons by local politicians as a symbol of status. The Supreme Court bench was headed by Justice G S Singhvi has asked the centre to issue a fresh list of people eligible to use red beacons on their vehicles. The apex court has also asked the Government to amend the rule within three months. It has also said that the State Governments cannot enlarge the list of VIPs eligible for the red beacons. The Courts order came on a PIL filled by a resident of Uttar Pradesh, Abhay Singh on misuse of the beacons. Earlier, the bench had said that misuse of red beacon and siren, granted by government to VIPs, was a menace to society and it must be stopped. The Supreme Court also said that the red light has become a status symbol and police personnel, who are put on duty for giving security cover to VIPs, should be deployed for better purposes like making the roads safe for women.
South Korea expanded its defence zone in disputed area with China
On 8 December 2013 South Korea expanded its defense zone in the East China Sea, also called Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). This is the first time South Korea took such a step in response to the decision taken by China to set a defense zone of its own in the disputed area of East China Sea on 23 November 2013. This has increased regional tensions; as now South Korea has expanded its defense zone beyond the southern edge of its present zone. On 23 November 2013 China took a unilateral decision to establish East China Sea Air Defence Identification Zone. It changed the status quo creating apprehensions of frictions and tensions among the littoral countries that include Japan, South Korea
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and Taiwan. The ADIZ when expanded will overlap with the areas of Chinas Defence Identification Zone. The 23 November decision had displeased South Korea as well as Japan because it included the disputed Diaoyu or Senkaku islands. These are claimed by both Japan and China. Moreover the Chinese Defence Zone includes the submerged Leodo reef which is currently owned by South Korea. Both Japan and South Korea have contested the Chinese zone as China claimed that it had reported at least 12 aircrafts of Japan and the US.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ)

It is a defined area in international space either on water or land, within which aircrafts reaching the territorial space of the related nation are tracked and observed for national security. They go beyond a countrys airspace so that a country can respond to foreign aircrafts and events like hijackings in time. The first Air Defence Zone was established by the US immediately after the Second World War. Now several countries have such zones including India.
Afghanistan-Iran agreed on long term friendship and cooperation Pact

Afghanistans President, Hamid Karzai, signed a comprehensive pact of friendship with the president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, on 10 December in Iran. This would cover the significant issue of regional security since the US forces are set to withdraw from Afghanistan from 2014. The pact will be for long term political, security, economic and cultural cooperation. Karzai sought Rouhanis help in countering the US pressure on Bilateral Security Agreement between the US and Afghanistan. Iran has already voiced its opposition to the Agreement opposing any further presence of US forces in Afghanistan.
About The Bilateral Security Act

It would put in place a legal regime that would apply to American troops in Afghanistan, who would be earmarked to stay beyond 2014, when most of the U.S. forces are to withdraw. The security pact which would allow the staying back of 8,000 to 12,000 US troops has led to a heated debate inside and outside Afghanistan. Analysts point to the fact that the presence of US forces might risk the security and stability of not only Afghanistan but neighbouring countries too (like India, China, Iran).It might increase extremism
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in Afghanistan beyond limits. International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), led by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), have been carrying out security operations in Afghanistan besides training the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). They have shown their unwillingness to stay back in Afghanistan beyond 2014 in the absence of an agreement on the Bilateral Security Act.
CCEA allowed RIL to sell gas at higher price with bank guarantee
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) resolved the issue of Reliance Industries (RIL) to sell KG-D6 block gas at a higher price with effect from April 2014. RIL has been asked to provide bank guarantees that would be in force till an international court of arbitration gives its final ruling on whether RIL has willfully violated contractual obligations on 80 per cent of committed gas output or resorted to hoarding. The government said that details of the bank guarantee including its periodicity would be worked out by January 2014, taking into account the law ministrys views. According to the government, the short-supply of gas at KG-D6 so far has been around 1 trillion cubic feet.
About New pricing Formula

The new pricing is based on the Rangarajan committee formula. The new formula will be valid for five years and applies only to new contracts or renewals when existing ones expire. It does not apply to contracts which contain a specific formula for natural gas price indexation or fixing. As per the Rangarajan formula, beginning 1 April 2014, all domestic gas will be priced at an average of international hub prices and the cost of LNG imported into India. The increased domestically produced gas price in the country would hover around 7-8/mmBtu
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dollar at the current rate. This would be almost double that of the current rate. This would also result in higher subsidy outgo, as the input costs for fertiliser and gas-based power plants will go up.
Benchmarks
There are two broad elements which are used for an average which will be used as an unbiased arms length price.
These are
1. A price obtained by taking the cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into India under longterm contracts and removing charges such as transportation to obtain a theoretical price at the point of production in exporting countries. This is known as the netback price. The government decided not to include spot import costs. It will be a weighted average. 2. The weighted average of prices at three major gas trading points - the hub price at Henry Hub in the United States, the price at the National Balancing Point of the UK and the netback price at sources of supply for Japan.
Review date
The main departure from the Rangarajan proposals was to review prices quarterly, rather than monthly, in an attempt to smooth volatility and allow better planning of investments. For both pricing elements, the formula will take the average prices for the four quarters preceding the quarter before the review. So for the quarter starting 1 April 2014, the formula will be based on the four quarters ending 31 December 2012.
KG- D6 block
Krishna-Godavari Basin is a river basin in India. It is spread across more than 50,000 square kilometers in the Krishna River and Godavari River basins in Andhra Pradesh. The site is known for the D-6 block where Reliance Industries discovered the biggest natural gas reserves in India in 2002. It was also the worlds largest gas discovery of 2002.
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Repo Rate kept unchanged by RBI in Mid-Quarter Monetary Policy Review

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review on 18 December 2013. It has kept the policy rate unchanged at 7.75%. The move was unexpected in light of the recent spike in inflation, especially food inflation. This has come as welcome relief for the industry which already is battling gloomy economic environment as indicated 1.8% growth in industrial output in November 2013. The RBIs policy decision to keep the policy rate unchanged is based on the assessment that there exists great deal of uncertainty with respect to the short-term path of inflation from its high current levels. Besides, given the weak state of the economy, RBI felt that it would be unwise to adopt an overtly reactive policy action. It would be more prudent to determine the lag-effect of monetary policy.
Thus, on the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, the RBI decided to:
Keep the policy Repo Rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) unchanged at 7.75%, and Keep the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0% of the Net Demand and Time Liability (NDTL).
As a result, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 6.75%, and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 8.75%.
About Policy Rates

Basis points: It is the increase in interest rates in percentage terms. For instance, if the interest rate increases by 50 basis points (bsp), then it means that interest rate has been increase by 50%. One percentage point is broken down into 100 basis points. Therefore, an increase from 2% to 3% is an increase of one percentage point or 100 basis points. Repo rate: Repo rate is the policy rate and is part of RBIs Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF). It is the rate at which commercial banks borrow from the RBI by selling their securities or financial
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assets to the RBI for a short-period of time. It comes with an agreement that the sold securities will be repurchased by the commercial banks from the RBI at a future date at predetermined price. The repo rate is used by the central bank to increase liquidity in the system. Reverse repo rate: Reverse Repo Rate is also a part of LAF. It is the rate of interest at which the central bank borrows funds from other banks for a short duration. The banks deposit their short term excess funds with the central bank and earn interest on it. This rate is used by the central bank to absorb liquidity from the economy. Generally it is one percentage less than the Repo rate. Bank rate: The only way the bank rate is different from the repo rate is that the bank rate is the rate at which banks borrow money from the central bank without any sale of securities. It is generally for a longer period of time. Cash reserve ratio: CRR is the minimum percentage of cash deposits that banks must keep with the central bank. The current rate is 4%, which means for a cash deposit of Rs. 100, the bank has to park 4 rupee with the central bank. Marginal Standing Facility: The Reserve Bank of India in its monetary policy for 2011-12 introduced the marginal standing facility under which banks could borrow funds from RBI when there is a considerable shortfall of liquidity. This measure has been introduced by RBI to regulate short-term asset liability mismatches more effectively. Under this facility, banks can borrow up to 1% of their net demand. Liquidity Adjustment Facility: Under this facility, banks borrow from the central bank by pledging government securities. Statutory Liquidity Ratio: This is the percentage of deposits that banks must mandatorily hold in the form of government bonds. SLR bonds are liquid assets that can be sold at a short notice to meet any unexpected demand from depositors.
First human artificial heart implanted in France

The first human artificial heart implantation performed in Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris on 18 December 2013 was successful. The artificial heart was designed by the French biomedical firm Carmat and developed by the Dutch based European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).
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The artificial heart can give patients up to five years of extra life, which replaces the real heart. The previous heart assistance devices are created mainly for temporary use. The artificial heart uses biomaterials including bovine tissue and an array of sensors to mimic the contractions of the heart. The patient has to wear a belt of lithium batteries to power the heart. Inside the heart, surfaces that come into contact with human blood are made partly from bovine tissue instead of synthetic materials which can cause blood clots. The artificial heart weighs as little as less than a kilogram (900grams), almost three times heavier than an average healthy human heart.
Oxford Scientists Developed Malaria Vaccine

Oxford scientists recently developed a novel new Malaria Vaccine which can protect against the deadly mosquito-borne disease. The vaccine has shown promising results in the first clinical trial to test whether it can protect people against the disease. The trial was carried out by researchers led by Professor Adrian Hill of the Jenner Institute at Oxford University, along with researchers from the biotechnology company Okairos. Its the first time that a vaccine has been shown to have a protective effect through a sufficiently high immune response involving cells called CD8 T cells. It is CD8 immune cells that are seen to mount a protective response against malaria in similar studies in mice. Every existing vaccine in use - bar one - generates antibodies. But there are two arms to the bodys immune system for fighting infection: antibodies and T cells.This new vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response involving T cells. CD8 T cells are important because they are the primary killer cells in the immune system. They can attack nearly all types of infected cells in this case liver cells infected with the malaria parasite. But this first demonstration of a large CD8 response from a vaccine could be relevant for tackling other diseases too.
About Malaria
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting,
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and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.
Kapil Dev selected for Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award 2013
Kapil Dev, the Former Captain and legendary All-rounder of Indian Cricket Team on 18 December 2013 selected for the BCCIs prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award for the year 2013. Kapil Dev had played 131 Tests for India taking 434 wickets. He was the first player to complete 5000 runs and 400 wickets in Tests. He played 225 ODIs, in which he took 253 wickets and scored 3783 runs. His most memorable contribution to Indian cricket was the victory in the 1983 World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar won this award for the year 2012. Other cricketers to have bagged the coveted award include, Mohinder Amarnath, Ajit Wadekar, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Lala Amarnath, Syed Mushtaq Ali and Capt. Vijay Hazare.
About Col. CK Nayudu and the Lifetime Achievement Award

Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, comprises a trophy, a citation and a cheque of 25 lakh Rupees. This award, named after Indias first Test captain, is given to individuals for contribution to Indian cricket on and off the field by BCCI. Col. CK Nayudu or Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu was the first captain of Indian Cricket Team in Test Matches, and he played the first class cricket for India till 1958. The ruler of Holkar in 1923 conferred him with the honour of Colonel in Holkars Army at Indore. Nayudu was appointed as the first captain of Indian team for its first test tour of England in 1932 after the previously appointed captain and vice-captain of the team, Maharaja of Porbandar and Ghanshyamsinhji of Limbdi respectively were out of the series due to health problems.
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Star India replaced Sahara India as the new Official Sponsor of Indian Cricket
Star India replaced Sahara India as the new Official Sponsor of Indian cricket team. This was declared by the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) at a meeting held in Chennai on 9 December 2013. Star India Private Limited was awarded with the Team Sponsorship Rights that will cover BCCI Events, ICC Events and ACC Events. The sponsorship rights will be for a period of three years starting from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2017. According to the Boards Marketing Committee, Rights include the right to be called the `Official Team Sponsor` and to display a commercial logo on the team clothing of the Senior Men`s Cricket Team, the U-19 Men`s Cricket Team, the Men`s A-Team and the Women`s Team. Although the BCCI has slashed the base price to Rs 1.5 crore from Rs 2.5 crore three years ago, the Star India will have to shell out Rs. 1.92 crore per match organized by the Board. The total amount bid by Star India stood at Rs. 203 crore. Star India is the Title Sponsor for BCCI international and domestic matches for the period October 2013 to 31 March 2014, as well as the Holder of the Broadcast, Internet and Mobile Rights of cricket in India, for the period July 2012-March 2018.
Background
Subroto Roy led Sahara India had been Indian cricket teams Official Sponsor for the last 12 years. The company had outbid Airtel in 2010 to extend its sponsorship of the Indian team. Sahara secured the rights by paying Rs 3.34 crore to Airtel`s Rs 2.89 crore per international game. But their relations with the BCCI turned sour and in October 2013. The Board terminated Saharasponsored Indian Premier League team Pune Warriors over franchise fees. Sahara, in turn, decided to sever all links with BCCI. As a result, this time despite Saharas higher bid of Rs 2.35 crore per match, Sahara Indias bid was rejected by the BCCI.
About BCCI
The BCCI was established in 1928 in Mumbai. The first President of the BCCI was Govan and De Mello was the first Secretary. The current President is N. Srinivasan and Sanjay Patel is the Secretary.
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In 1929, India was admitted as a Full Member of International Cricket Council (ICC).
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Anti-Superstition Bill

The Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra on 13 December 2013 passed the much-awaited AntiSuperstition Bill. The Bill seeks to curb black magic and other inhuman practices arising out of superstition. It came after four months of the murder of the noted rationalist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar on 20 August 2013 in Pune, who fought for such a law for more than for one and a half decade. Earlier, the State Government of Maharashtra on 21 August 2013 adopted an Anti-Black Magic and Superstition Ordinance. The Lower House adopted the Bill by a voice vote with certain amendments. The Bill was introduced in the Lower House on 10 December 2013 by the Social Justice Minister Shivajirao Moghe. Resentment and dismay was expressed by the opposition members, over the passage of the Bill in undue haste even after development of consensus on the Bill. Now the Bill will be taken to the Legislative Council for consideration and passage, after which it will be enforced as a law. The state Government had promulgated an ordinance in this regard after the assassination of the Anti-Superstition campaigner Dr. Dabholkar and introduced the revised Bill to get it converted into the law.
Bihar government announced New Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for Maoists
The Bihar government on 3 December 2013 approved a new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Maoists in the state. The policy was approved in a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The new surrender policy aimed to convince the Naxals to put down arms and lead a normal life and bring youths to the mainstream of society. The move comes after seven policemen were killed in a land mine blast by the Maoists in Aurangabad district of the state on 3 December 2013.
New Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy

According to the new policy 2.5 lakh rupees would be given for state, regional, central committees
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and to politbureau members of Maoists who surrender under the new policy. The amount would be deposited in bank and would be given after three years of surrender. An additional amount would be provided to those surrendering with arms and explosives, based on their weight. Under the earlier 2001 policy, 10000 Rupees was given as immediate assistance for surrender and 3000 rupees per month for rehabilitation.
Devyani Khobragade transferred to Indias Permanent Mission in United Nations

Indias deputy consul in New York, Devyani Khobragade was transferred to Indias Permanent Mission in United Nations in New York on 18 December 2013. This was done by India to boost her diplomatic immunity. Earlier, Devyani Khobragade was charged with criminal offences by US. Devyani, the IFS officer was transferred to the post of the deputy consul-general in New York. The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations is located in New York. She was moved to UN because of the fear that she might be detained again, as she was arrested in the second week of December 2013 by US. She will have a complete diplomatic immunity as an official of UN, which was not available to her as an official consulate. At present, India wants the US to apologize and drop the criminal charges against Devyani Khobragade and allow her to return home. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State on 18 December 2013 called to the National Security Adviser, Shivshankar Menon to express his regret over the episode.
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations was inked in 1961 and is an international accord and defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. It governs the conduct of diplomats and defines the immunities they enjoy when serving in foreign countries. Three articles
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of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations fall significant and they are:
Article 40 Protection of Consular Officers

The receiving State shall treat consular officers with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on their person, freedom or dignity
Article 41 Personal Inviolability of Consular Officers

1. Consular officers shall not be liable to arrest or detention pending trial, except in the case of a grave crime and pursuant to a decision by the competent judicial authority 2. Except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this article, consular officers shall not be committed to prison or be liable to any other form of restriction on their personal freedom save in execution of a judicial decision of final effect. 3. If criminal proceedings are instituted against a consular officer, he must appear before the competent authorities. Nevertheless, the proceedings shall be conducted with the respect due to him by reason of his official position and, except in the case specified in paragraph 1 of this article, in a manner which will hamper the exercise of consular functions as little as possible. When, in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article, it has become necessary to detain a consular officer, the proceedings against him shall be instituted with the minimum of delay.
Article 43 Immunity from Jurisdiction

1. Consular officers and consular employees shall not be amenable to the jurisdiction of the judicial or administrative authorities of the receiving State in respect of acts performed in the exercise of consular functions. 2. The provisions of paragraph 1 of this article shall not, however, apply in respect of a civil action either: Arising out of a contract concluded by a consular officer or a consular employee in which he did not contract expressly or impliedly as an agent of the sending State By a third party for damage arising from an accident in the receiving State caused by a vehicle, vessel or aircraft
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Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed approved as Prime Minister by Somalian Parliament

Abdiweli replaced outgoing Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon. Abdi was ousted in November 2013 by the Parliament following a rift with the Somali President over policy differences. In the voting held for the endorsement of the new Prime Minister in the Parliament, 239 votes out of total 243 were put in favour of Abdiweli. The result was announced by the Somali Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari on 21 December 2013.The endorsement of Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as Prime Minister was welcomed by the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Nicholas Kay.
About Somalia
Somalia is a country located in the Horn of Africa and its capital is Mogadishu. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Kenya to the southwest. Somalia has the longest coastline on the mainland.
Somalias Political System:

Somalia was renamed as Federal Republic of Somalia on 20 August 2012 following the end of interim mandate provided by the Transitional Federal Government (TGF). The TGF was formed in November 2004 as part of Roadmap for the End of Transition, which was a political process that provided clear benchmarks leading toward the establishment of permanent democratic institutions in Somalia by late August 2012. Concurrent with the end of the TFGs interim mandate on 20 August 2012, the Federal Parliament of Somalia was inaugurated, ushering in the Federal Government of Somalia, the first permanent central government in the country since the start of the civil war in 1991.
Federal Parliament:
Federal Parliament of Somalia is 225-member bicameral parliament comprising of an upper house seating 54 Senators as well as a lower house. 30% of the total seats in the Parliament are earmarked for women. The President is appointed via a constitutional election. The President selects a Prime Minister, who then appoints a Cabinet.
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United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)

The UNSOM was formed on 3 June 2013 by a resolution adopted by United Nation Security Council on 2 May 2013.The UNSOM is formed for an initial period of 12 months during which it is mandated to provide policy advice to the Federal Government and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on peace building and state-building in the areas of: governance, security sector reform and rule of law (including the disengagement of combatants), development of a federal system (including preparations for elections in 2016), and coordination of international donor supAbdiweli Sheikh Ahmed appointed as Prime Minister by the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud last week was approved overwhelmingly by the Somalian Parliament.
Michiaki Takahashi who developed Chickenpox vaccine died

Dr. Michiaki Takahashi who developed a vaccine for the chicken pox virus died at the age of 85 due to heart failure on 23 December 2013 in Osaka, Japan. Takahashi developed the vaccine for the chicken pox in 1972, within few years Japan and some other countries had begun vaccination programs. The vaccine did not treat the disease, but it prompted immune systems to produce antibodies.
About Michiaki Takahashi:

Dr.Takahashi was born in Osaka, Japan and received his medical degree from Osaka University in 1954. In 1964 Takahashi had spent several years in studying the measles and polio viruses as research fellowship at Baylor Medical College in Houston, US. In 1972 he developed the early version of the chicken pox vaccine in Japan. The Food and Drug Administration, United Stated approved the first chickenpox vaccine in 1995. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a second dose of the vaccine in 2001. The C.D.C. recommends that children receive their first dose when they are 12 to 15 months old and a second dose when they are 4 to 6
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years old. He also served on the board of directors of the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University.
About Chicken Pox:

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is a form of herpes. Chickenpox is highly contagious disease that is spread via contact with infected person. Chickenpox symptoms are rashes in the body, fever, loss of appetite, headache and tiredness.
Fourth Generation LCA Tejas received operational clearanceII

The fourth generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas received its second operational clearance on 20 December 2013 in Bangalore. A k Anthony and Chief Air Marshal Browne attended the occasion. Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) II of Tejas is to replace the Mig21 fleet of IAF, which was decommissioned on 11 December 2013. The attainment of initial operational clearance is an important milestone towards indigenization through self-reliance and several programs like inclusion of fifth generation of fighter aircrafts. The Production of Tejas was taken up by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) and it would be ready for battle by December 2014. The salient features of IOC-II include Safe flying up to High angle of Attack as mandated and enhance the combat performance of the aircraft. The Initial Operational Clearance-I of Tejas was achieved on 10 Jan 2011.
About Tejas
India indigenously designed and developed frontline fighter Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was christened Tejas. Tejas is the smallest, light weight, single engine, single seat and supersonic, multirole, combat aircraft. LCA Tejas is capable of flying non-stop to destinations over 1700 km away.
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The advanced Glass cockpit open architecture system complements piloting. Four variants of Tejas aircraft (Combat variant, Trainer and Naval variants) are being developed for land and carrier borne operations. Tejas has multi mode weapon multirole capability that is Air to Ground and Air to Air missions are demonstrated by dropping Laser Guided Bombs and R735E firing in single pass. Tejas has quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight system which ensures adequate safety and advanced Glass cockpit open architecture complements piloting Extensive use of advanced composites in the airframe gives a high strength to weight ratio, long fatigue life and low radar signatures. Helmet Mounted Display Sight (HMDS) has been fully integrated in Tejas and R73E missile firing has been successfully demonstrated using HMDS
Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio joined hands on telecom infrastructure

On 10 December 2013 Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, owned by Mukesh Ambani, signed a telecom infrastructure-sharing accord with Bharti Airtel Ltd led by Sunil Mittal, Indias biggest mobile phone services provider. Thus was ended the rivalry between two of Indias biggest business groups. The significant tie up may lead to cost savings to a large extent. Ambani is venturing into the telecom business through Reliance Jio, a unit of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). The venture is expected to lead to the formation of the nations largest 4G-based wireless communications service next year. The agreement aims to avoid duplication of infrastructure and will permit Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio to utilize each others infrastructure including their optic fiber network, under-sea cables, wireless towers and Internet broadband services.
About 4G
It is the fourth generation of mobile communication technology which is also called International Mobile Telecommunication Advanced (IMT-A).
A 4G mobile communication technology, as defined by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), must fulfill following conditions:
The cellular technology must be based on an all-IP packet switched network. It should have peak data rates of up to approximately 100 Megabit per seconds for high mobility such as mobile access and up to approximately 1 Gigabit per seconds for low mobility such as nomadic/local wireless access.
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It should be able to dynamically share and use the network resources to support more simultaneous users per cell. It should be using scalable channel bandwidths of 520 MHz, optionally up to 40 MHz. The ability to offer high quality of service for next generation multimedia support. 4G services provide data speeds that are 10 times faster than currently available 3G. This makes it the fastest wireless internet service. Besides, it can solve the problem of last mile connectivity. Since 4G data can move faster, it can reach more people. Thus even the rural areas at the last leg of providing telecommunication services can be reached. Airtel was the first to launch 4G services in India in Kolkata circle on 10 April 2012.
Tesco Plc and Tata Group agreed to roll out retail chains in India
Britains Tesco Plc is set to become the first global retailer to set up multi-brand outlets in India under the liberalised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy. It has agreed to set up a partnership with the Tata Groups Trent Hypermarket Ltd (THL), with an initial investment of 110 million dollar (about 675 crore rupee). Tesco proposed to set up a 50-50 joint venture with its existing Indian partner Trent, a Tata group firm, to open retail stores in Bangalore (Karnataka) and Kolhapur (Maharashtra). The proposed venture between Tesco and THL will sell products including food products, wine and liquor, textiles and garments, footwear, crockery, furniture, electronic equipments, jewellery and books and magazines. Tesco and THL have applied to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) the nodal agency to vet overseas investment proposals.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

An investment made by a company or entity based in one country into a company or entity based in another country. It is an investment made to acquire lasting or longterm interest in enterprises operating outside of the economy of the investor. The investment is direct because the investor, which could be a foreign person, company or group of entities, is seeking to control, manage, or have
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significant influence over the foreign enterprise Foreign direct investments differ substantially from indirect investments such as portfolio flows, wherein overseas institutions invest in equities listed on a nations stock exchange. An Indian company may receive Foreign Direct Investment under the as given two routes under Automatic Route: FDI is allowed under the automatic route without prior approval either of the Government or the Reserve Bank of India in all activities/sectors as specified in the consolidated FDI Policy, issued by the Government of India from time to time.
Government Route: FDI in activities not covered under the automatic route requires prior approval of the Government which are considered by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. The Indian company having received FDI either under the Automatic route or the Government route is required to comply with provisions of the FDI policy including reporting the FDI to the Reserve Bank.
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INTERNATIONAL
China banned officials from smoking in public places
According to the Chinas official Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Government on 30 December 2013 banned its officials from smoking in public places. Public places include schools, offices, and hospitals, sports venues, on Public transport or any other places where smoking is banned or to smoke or offer cigarettes hen performing official duties. Also, officials cannot use public funds to buy cigarettes, and within Communist Party or in government office tobacco products cannot be sold. The smoking ban must be displayed in meeting rooms, reception offices, passageways, cafeterias and rest rooms. The Officials have been asked to take the lead in implementing government ban on smoking in public places. China with a population of 1.35 billion has about 300 million smokers. China is the Worlds largest cigarette producer and consumer.
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Though Chinas health authorities already banned people from smoking in indoor public places in 2011, the rule is not seriously enforced or obeyed in the country. India also banned smoking in public places which covers offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, college campuses, bars and discos with effect from 2 October 2008. In Asia, India, Hong Kong and China have banned smoking in public places.
Indonesian Government announced to build new sanctuary to save Worlds rarest Javan Rhinos
Indonesian Government announced to build a new sanctuary to save Worlds rarest Javan rhinos. The new sanctuary will be carved out of the Ujung Kulon National Park. Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on the western tip of Indonesias main island of Java. It will encompass 12,600 acres of lush rainforest, freshwater streams and mud holes in the park. In Indonesia Javan rhinos are locally termed as Abah Gede or the Great Father. As per the latest report of the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN), decline in the strength of rhinos had reached to the level of extinction. There are thought to be only around 50 of the rhinos in existence. Poaching in particular represents a severe threat, with rhino horns used in traditional Asian medicine. It fetches higher prices in the black market despite a lack of scientific evidence showing horn has any medicinal value. Recently, Asia has stepped up efforts to save the regions dwindling rhino populations. There was a conference held in October 2013 with representatives from several countries on the issue in the western Indonesian island of Sumatra. Countries including Indonesia, Nepal and India, pledged to take steps to increase their rhino populations by three percent annually.
32 killed in Bus accident in Phetachbun, Thailand

32 peoples were killed when a bus fell down in a 50 meter deep ravine in Phetachbun in Thailand on 29 December 2013. The incident happened when the bus carrying passengers crashed into the guard rail of a bridge. The bridge has the tallest supporting pillars in Thailand. The bus from Khon Kaen was heading to Chiang Rai province.
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As per the latest report of World Health Organisation (WHO), Thailand saw some 38.1 road deaths per 100000 of population. As against this, South-east Asian countries have an average of 18.5 as a whole.
Five new ministers took oath of the office in Afghanistan cabinet

Five new ministers took the path of the office in the Cabinet of the Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 30 December 2013. These ministerial posts fell vacant for various reasons, including resignation of some ministers.
People who took the oath of the office are

Foreign Minister Zarar Ahmad Osmani Commerce and Industries Minister Mohammad Shakir Kargar Energy and Water Minister Mohammad Arif Noorzai Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mohammad Akbar Barekzai Counter-narcotics Minister Din Mohammad Mubariz
Colorado and Washington legalized Marijuana recreational pot

The two states of United States, Colorado and Washington, became the first to legalize Marijuana recreational pot. The legalisation of Marijuana as a recreational pot in these two US States will become effective from 1 January 2014. Voters in Colorado and Washington approved recreational pot in 2012. Medical marijuana is legal and regulated in 19 United States and in most of them private consumption of cannabis is not classified as a crime. Outside the US, Uruguay also legalized the marijuana recreational pot in 2013. The market for medical marijuana was huge in 2013 and it is projected to grow in 2014 with recreational pot added in Colorado and Washington.
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About Marijuana
Marijuana is a plant containing a psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in its leaves, buds and flowers. Cannabis is also major type of psychoactive chemical, THC. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug by American adults. Marijuanas effect is less harmful than those of most drugs like alcohol and tobacco. US marijuana policy is unique among American criminal laws in being enforced so widely and harshly.
US launched an inter-agency review in Devyani Khobragades case

United States on 29 December 2013 initiated an inter-agency review to look at the lapses that happened in the D e v y a n i Khobragade case that triggered uproar in India and strained bilateral ties. The decision on the review was taken following a tough stand of India on the arrest of Devyani Khobragade. The US departments involved in the review include the National Security Council of the White House, the State Department and the Justice Department. The matter of the diplomat has now landed up in the judiciary and it mainly depends on the judges for which the two bodies are engaged actively. There was a judgmental error in handling the case and an inter agency team that is led by the State Department is working 24x7 to get resolved the issue as quickly it is possible. Devyani Khobragade a 1999-batch IFS officer is the Indias Deputy Consul General in New York was arrested on alleged visa fraud charges. Devyani, the 39-year-old diplomat was strip searched
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and held with the criminals on the charges of making false declarations in the visa application of her maid Sangeeta Richard. In respond to it India reacted strongly by downgrading the privileges of certain category of US diplomats among other steps.
Iran has installed 1000 Second Generation IR-2m centrifuges

Iran installed a one thousand second generation IR-2m centrifuges at one of its nuclear enrichment sites. This was announced by Ali-Akbar Salehi, the Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on 29 December 2013. Salehi is also a Vice President of Iran. As per Salehi, at present Iran have 19000 centrifuges and is developing a new generation of centrifuges, which will need all kind of tests before being into operation. As per the report of ISNA, UF6 gas has not been injected into the centrifuges in view of the ongoing talks of Iran with the six world powers on its nuclear issue. Earlier in November 2013, Iran and the six world powers together signed an interim deal under which Iran agreed to not operate its new centrifuges for next six months. But the deal doesnt stopped Iran from developing new centrifuges. Fereidoon Abbasi, the chief of AEOI in August 2013 announced that 18000 centrifuges were available with Iran of which 10000 were operating. Salehi also said that Tehran and Moscow are discussing on the construction of four nuclear power plants in Iran.
China opened its Satellite System completely for Asian neighbours

China on 27 December 2013 welcomed the Asian countries to use its home grown BeiDou Navigation System for navigation system for free. China is intended to widen the use of its home grown BeiDou Navigation System, which already has 16 satellites. China is keen to develop BeiDou satellite as an alternative to the American Global Positioning System (GPS) and Russian GLONASS. GPS has been active since the 1970s and has satellites in orbit. The satellites have been operating for more than two decades. BeiDou launched the first of its current generation satellites only five years ago. GPS (Global Positioning System) comprises 30 satellites, while BeiDou already has over sixteen and is going to have another forty in orbit by the time the network is complete in 2020, at a cost of another 6 billion dollar. The greater the number of satellites, the easier it is for the system to calculate location, time and
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velocity of moving objects. In this scenario, China offers the use of its satellite for free to its neighbouring countries on the lines of American GPS. The focus will be on countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and particularly in South and Southeast Asia, where the satellites has offered the highest accuracy. China is developing Stations in Pakistan to improve the service there. By January 2014, Thailand will become the first country in 2014 to build a satellite station based on BeiDou, with both countries signing a 319 million dollar deal. The successful deployment of BeiDou means the increasingly potent Chinese armed forces will have an accurate, independent navigation system. It has a vital technology for guiding the missiles, warships and attack aircraft that allow Beijing to claim great power status. The system, which was first launched in 2011 for use only by the government and military, has over the past year begun to be widely deployed for civilian uses domestically. Currently, 80 per cent of passenger buses and trucks in China are using the system. The Chinese State Council, or Cabinet, said in a September report that the domestic satellite navigation industry would be valued at 400 billion Yuan i.e. 4 lakh crore rupees by 2020. BeiDou is the only satellite navigation system that offers telecommunication services. That means that, apart from giving users location and time information, BeiDou can also send users information to other people and communicate with users via text messages. China launched the first satellite for the BeiDou system in 2000 and a preliminary version of the system has been used in traffic control, weather forecasting and disaster relief work on a trial basis, since 2003. More than 1000 BeiDou terminals were used after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake to provide information from the disaster area. The system was also used during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 Shanghai Expo to pinpoint traffic congestion and supervise venues. The global satellite navigation segment has become a crowded marketplace over the past decade, and looks to become even more so. Russia recently completed its constellation of Glonass satellites (though it has since lost one). Europe is unrolling its Galileo system, while other countries such as India and Japan plan to develop at least regional navigation networks.
Barack Obama signed two year cross-party budget Bill to avert Government shutdown
Barack Obama, the President of US on 27 December 2013 signed a two year bipartisan federal budget bill to avert the risk of shutdown of the Government in January 2014.
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This legislation was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives earlier this month. The Bill was drafted by a cross-party budget committee, which was set up after 16-day government shutdown in October. The bipartisan Bill has been crafted by Congressman Paul Ryan and Snator Patty Murray. He also signed a defense spending bill that includes the ways of altering the way of the sexual assault in the military. The bill has made it easier to transfer the detainees out of Guantanamo Bay detention facility in Cuba. He has also signed six other Bills. With this signing 52nd National Defense Authorization Act has been converted into a law. The US Congress now has time till 15 January 2014 to pass the fiscal spending bill of 1.012 trillion dollar for 2014. Top four Republicans in the Senate, who are in the minority in the upper chamber has voted to block the consideration of the budget Bill. The bill aims to shave up to 23 billion dollars from the nations 642 billion dollars annual budget deficit. It also rolls back 63 billion dollars in military and domestic spending cuts automatically imposed in January when Democrats and Republicans failed to reach a budget compromise.
China formally eased one-child policy and abolished labour camps

China on 28 December 2013 adopted a resolution that eases the one child policy of the country. The resolution was passed by the standing committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC). The resolution has allowed the couples of China to have two children if either parentis an only child. Earlier, a couple generally had a second child only if both parents were only children. It also approved proposal that abolishes re-education through labour camps. The policy had an exception, which included the ethnic minorities and couples who both lacked siblings. The policy changes were announced following a meeting of top Communist Party officials in
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November 2013. These reforms came at the end of the six day meet of the congress after this was tested in parts of the country. To be put into effect, it just needed a approval by the legislature. The one-child policy was introduced in 1979 in China. The decision was taken to curb the rapid population growth. The policy restricted the couples in urban areas to only one child, whereas in rural areas families were allowed to have two children only in case the first one was a girl. As per the policy about one-third of the total population of 1.3 billion citizens of China couldnt have a second child without incurring a fine. This led to a gender imbalance occurred in China because of the preference for a boy child. The policy has become increasingly unpopular and leaders fear the countrys ageing population will both reduce the labour pool and exacerbate elderly care issues. By 2050, more than a quarter of the population will be over 65.
UN to reduce its staffs and cut budget

United Nations on 27 December 2013 ordered to cut staff and budget under the pressure from United States and other austerity-stricken industrialized powers. This is the first time since 1945 United Nations has taken the decision to cut the staff and budget. The decision was taken because the governments of members suffer from financial crisis. After protracted negotiations, the 193-nation Assembly agreed to cut 221 staff or 2 percent at the UN headquarters and ordered a one-year pay freeze for the more than 10000 workers in New York. A two-year freeze on benefits allowance was also mentioned. The staff cut is part of the 2014-2015 UN budgets. The members of UN have also voted to cut its budget to 5.5 billion dollars for 2014-15, which is 50 million dollars below the final spending in past two years. United States provides about 22 percent of UN budget. Apart from US, other countries like France, Britain, Germany and Japan are among the top contributors in the budget of UN. The general budget does not include UN peacekeeping activities that cost more than 7.5 billion dollars a year or to operate several major UN agencies, such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, which are funded by voluntary contributions.
India and Pakistan DGMOs meet at Wagah-Attari border

Director Generals Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan meet took place on 24 December 2013 along the Wagah-Attari border. The meeting was held to work out a mechanism to ease tension between the two sides and to ensure peace at the Line of Control (LoC).
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Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia led the Indian side, whereas, Major General Aamer Riaz headed the Pakistani side. A brigadier and three lieutenant colonels also participated in the talks from both each side. The DGMO-level talks of the two nations have been held after 14 years. Last time the key army commaders of India and Pakistan met in July 1999 after the Kargil war. The decision of holding the meet between India and Pakistan DGMOs was taken at political level. The DGMOs of the two country discussed major issues that pertains to tension on the LoC. They also discussed issues on the working boundary with a focus to maintain ceasefire and bring normalcy. The two sides met, three months before the proposed meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to defuse tensions. Initially Pakistan proposed to include the Foreign Ministry officials in the meet of the military officers, which was rejected by India. In 1949, United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was established. It was established under the resolution passed by the world bodys council to supervise ceasefire along the LoC.
UK to overtake Germany as Europes largest economy by 2030: CEBR report

Centre for Economic and Business Research (CERB) study released in December 2013 has predicted that UK will overtake Germany as Europes largest economy by 2030. At present Germany is at the top spot in Europe. It cites the UKs population growth as an aid to economic acceleration. CERB has also predicted that strong growth by emerging economies like India, Russia and Brazil will make UK to slip down on the global ranking over the next two decades. It said that UK would be the second most successful western economy after US. Germany will slip in the position of the European economy to UK in 2030 because of its faster population growth and its less dependence on other European economies. The report has echoed the recent confidence of other business groups such as the British Chambers of Commerce, BCC. The CERB released its annual World Economic League Table in which the future ranking of the economic is done depending upon the ups and downs of the global economies. CERB in its release has also said that China will take over the US economy in 2028 and India will be in the third place.
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CERB compiled the forecasts of growth, inflation and currency values in its league tables to the size of economies, which was measured in US dollars in 2013, 2018, 2023 and 2028. In its release CERB has said that its prediction should be treated as a caution because of the unpredictable fluctuations in currencies. As per the released report, India will overtake Japan as the third biggest economy in next 15 years with Brazil as the fifth biggest economy. The anti-deflation strategy would lead to the weaken of Yen for the future and would affect the value of dollar of its national output. However, as far as Germany, the group said that should the euro break up, that Germanys outlook would be much better. As for France, the CEBR said it will be one of the worst performing of the Western economies, and will be overtaken by the UK by 2018. This is because of slow growth due to high taxation in addition to the general issues of eurozone economies.
Okinawa Governor approved the relocation of US airbase in Japan

Japan on 27 December 2013 approved the relocation of the US military airbase Futenma on its southern island of Okinawa. The relocation was accepted by the Governor of Okinawa, Hirokazu Nakaima. He agreed to landfill work to develop a new base in a less densely populated part of the island. A document was signed to give a green light to the Governor of the landfill. It has paved a way to the construction of the new base on the coast. The relocation of the airbase was accepted after the Prime Minister of Japan, Shino Abe pledged an annual injection of 300 billion yen (about 2.9 billion dollar) into the islands economic stimulate budget until 2021 fiscal. The Governors nod is a breakthrough to the 1996 agreement to shut down the Futenma airbase that is located in a densely populated urban area of the island. The agreement searched for a new site for placing the new US base. The US has around 26,000 troops on Okinawa under a longstanding security alliance with Japan.
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Court of Sri Lanka extended remand of 111 Indian fishermen

Sri Lankan court on 26 December 2013 extended the remand of 111 Indian fishermen, who were caught by the Navy of the country in December 2013. The Tr i n c o m a l e e magistrates court has extended the remand on the charges of violating the international maritime boundary. The court has held 6 January 2013 to review the case. The same court, earlier also extended the remand of two groups of 30 fishermen each. Rajitha Senaratne, the Fisheries Minister of Sri Lanka has said that none of the boats or the fishermen of India will be released until the 200 Sri Lankan fishermen, who are in the custody of the India were released. As per the Fisheries Minister of Sri Lanka, the two countries will held a meeting of the representative of the fishermens associations of the two countries in January 2013. Also the Senaratne will visit New Delhi in January 2013 to discuss the issue with Sharad Pawar, the Union Agriculture Minister, who also holds the charge of the Indian fisheries department.
Maritime Boundaries: India and Sri Lanka

The Government of the Republic of India and the Republic of Sri Lanka signed an agreement on 23 March 1976, establishing maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Manaar and the Bay of Bengal. Ratifications were exchanged and the agreement entered into force on 10 May 1976, two years after the two countries negotiated a boundary in the Palk Strait.
Article V of the signed agreement mentions

1. Each Party shall have sovereignty over the historic waters and territorial sea, as well as over the
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islands, falling on its side of the aforesaid boundary. 2. Each Party shall have sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction over the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone as well as over their resources, whether living or non-living, falling on its side of the aforesaid boundary. 3. Each Party shall respect rights of navigation through its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone in accordance with its laws and regulations and the rules of international law.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea treaty is the international agreement that resulted from the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), which took place between 1973 and 1982. The Law of the Sea Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the worlds oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. The Convention, concluded in 1982, replaced four 1958 treaties. UNCLOS came into force in 1994, a year after Guyana became the 60th nation to sign the treaty. As of August 2013, 165 countries and the European Union have joined in the Convention. However, it is uncertain as to what extent the Convention codifies customary international law. While the Secretary General of the United Nations receives instruments of ratification and accession and the UN provides support for meetings of states party to the Convention, the UN has no direct operational role in the implementation of the Convention. There is, however, a role played by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, the International Whaling Commission and the International Seabed Authority (the latter being established by the UN Convention).
UNCLOS I
In 1956, the United Nations held its first Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I) at Geneva, Switzerland. UNCLOS I resulted in four treaties concluded in 1958: Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone, entry into force: 10 September 1964 Convention on the Continental Shelf, entry into force: 10 June 1964 Convention on the High Seas, entry into force: 30 September 1962 Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas, entry into force: 20 March 1966
Although UNCLOS I was considered a success, it left open the important issue of breadth of territorial waters.
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UNCLOS II
In 1960, the United Nations held the second Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS II); however, the six-week Geneva conference did not result in any new agreements. Generally speaking, developing nations and third world countries participated only as clients, allies, or dependents of United States or the Soviet Union, with no significant voice of their own.
UNCLOS III
The issue of varying claims of territorial waters was raised in the UN in 1967 by Arvid Pardo, of Malta, and in 1973 the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea was convened in New York. In an attempt to reduce the possibility of groups of nation-states dominating the negotiations, the conference used a consensus process rather than majority vote. With more than 160 nations participating, the conference lasted until 1982. The resulting convention came into force on 16 November 1994, one year after the sixtieth state, Guyana, ratified the treaty. The convention introduced a number of provisions. The most significant issues covered were setting limits, navigation, archipelagic status and transit regimes, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), continental shelf jurisdiction, deep seabed mining, the exploitation regime, protection of the marine environment, scientific research, and settlement of disputes. The convention set the limit of various areas, measured from a carefully defined baseline. (Normally, a sea baseline follows the low-water line, but when the coastline is deeply indented, has fringing islands or is highly unstable, straight baselines may be used.) The areas are as follows:
Internal waters
Covers all water and waterways on the landward side of baseline. The coastal state is free to set laws, regulate use, and use any resource. Foreign vessels have no right of passage within internal waters.
Territorial waters
Out to 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres; 14 miles) from the baseline, the coastal state is free to set laws, regulate use, and use any resource. Vessels were given the right of innocent passage through any territorial waters, with strategic straits allowing the passage of military craft as transit passage, in that naval vessels are allowed to maintain postures that would be illegal in territorial waters. Innocent passage is defined by the convention as passing through waters in an expeditious and continuous manner, which is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or the security of the coastal
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state. Fishing, polluting, weapons practice, and spying are not innocent, and submarines and other underwater vehicles are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag. Nations can also temporarily suspend innocent passage in specific areas of their territorial seas, if doing so is essential for the protection of its security.
Archipelagic waters
The convention set the definition of Archipelagic States in Part IV, which also defines how the state can draw its territorial borders. A baseline is drawn between the outermost points of the outermost islands, subject to these points being sufficiently close to one another. All waters inside this baseline are designated Archipelagic Waters. The state has full sovereignty over these waters (like internal waters), but foreign vessels have right of innocent passage through archipelagic waters (like territorial waters).
Contiguous zone
Beyond the 12-nautical-mile (22 km) limit, there is a further 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the territorial sea baseline limit, the contiguous zone, in which a state can continue to enforce laws in four specific areas: customs, taxation, immigration and pollution, if the infringement started within the states territory or territorial waters, or if this infringement is about to occur within the states territory or territorial waters. This makes the contiguous zone a hot pursuit area.
Exclusive economic zones (EEZs)

These extend from the edge of the territorial sea out to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometer; 230 miles) from the baseline. Within this area, the coastal nation has sole exploitation rights over all natural resources. In casual use, the term may include the territorial sea and even the continental shelf. The EEZs were introduced to halt the increasingly heated clashes over fishing rights, although oil was also becoming important. The success of an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 1947 was soon repeated elsewhere in the world, and by 1970 it was technically feasible to operate in waters 4000 meters deep. Foreign nations have the freedom of navigation and over flight, subject to the regulation of the coastal states. Foreign states may also lay submarine pipes and cables.
Continental shelf
The continental shelf is defined as the natural prolongation of the land territory to the continental margins outer edge, or 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the coastal states baseline, whichever is greater. A states continental shelf may exceed 200 nautical miles (370 km) until the natural prolongation ends. However, it may never exceed 350 nautical miles (650 kilometer; 400 miles) from the baseline; or it may never exceed 100 nautical miles (190 kilometer; 120 miles) beyond the 2500 meter isobath (the line connecting the depth of 2,500 meters). Coastal states have the right
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to harvest mineral and non-living material in the subsoil of its continental shelf, to the exclusion of others. Coastal states also have exclusive control over living resources attached to the continental shelf, but not to creatures living in the water column beyond the exclusive economic zone. Landlocked states are given a right of access to and from the sea, without taxation of traffic through transit states.
India and Nepal agreed to reduce Trade Barriers and Check Illegal Trade
India and Nepal on 22 December 2013 agreed to address each others concerns on commerce and transit, including reduction of tariff barriers and checking illegal trade along the border. The decision was made during the two-day Inter-Governmental Committee meeting that concluded in Kathmandu. The delegations of the two sides were led by the Commerce Secretaries of the two countries namely SR Rao of India and Madhav Prasad Regmi of Nepal. India and Nepal has agreed on a 14-point agenda to enhance trade, promote co-operation and address concerns of the private sector of both the countries. Institutional arrangements will be made to facilitate the third country import and export to build infrastructure in newly identified customs points. India has also agreed to provide 10000 cows to Nepal in response to the demand of milk and dairy products of the country. India has recognized the necessity of balancing trade to make it sustainable for both the countries. Both sides looked towards trade in goods to increase trade in services and investments for balancing trade. Both the sides were able to sort out important bilateral issues. India will also help Nepal to reduce its trade deficit.
India evacuated all its oil employees from strife-torn South Sudan
India on 23 December 2013 evacuated all its employees from the strife torn South Sudan. It has also shut down all its oilfields amid escalating violence in the country. The 11 employees deputed by ONGC Videsh Ltd. at the Greater Nile Oil Project and Block 5A in Sudan working on 40000
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barrels per day have been airlifted. Evacuation has happened in two batches and the airlifted employees have arrived safely to India. The company made all arrangements to evacuate its personnel as rebel forces loyal to deposed South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar captured Unity state in which most of the oil fields are operating. ONGC Videsh Ltd. is the overseas arm of the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Earlier, United Kingdom sent an aircraft to Juba in South Sudan to evacuate Britons amid fighting that followed a reported coup attempt.
Background
At present, South Sudan is facing an ethnic violence, which is led by the former Vice President of South Sudan, Riek Machar. The fighting in South Sudan broke on 15 December 2013 and by now it has claimed about 500 lives, which include a life of an Indian Soldier, who was working as United Nations peacekeeper. President Kiir, who is a member of the majority Dinka ethnic group, sacked the Vice President Machar, who belongs to Nuer community in July 2013. He was sacked on accuse of coup attempt. As per Machar, the President is carrying out the trying to clean of his rivals. Ethnic Nuer is the second largest group in South Sudan. Riek Machar was appointed as the Vice president in 2005 and has retained the post even after independence of South Sudan in 2011, till the time he was sacked by the President.
First Ministerial Level Talk held for BCIM Trade Corridor

India, China, Bangladesh and Myanmar in the third week of December 2013 held the first ever official-level discussions on the ambitious corridor to link India and China with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The BCIM corridor faced a rapid boost for the first time after it was discussed with ministerial level talk. The four member countries namely, Bangladesh, India, China, and Myanmar proposed the establishment of the BCIM Forum for regional cooperation. Over the next six months, each country will come up with a joint study report proposing concrete projects and financing modalities, before the next meeting of the four nations in June 2014. The next meeting would be hosted by Bangladesh. Presently, the four countries come up with an ambitious proposal that included developing multi-modal transport, such as road, rail, waterways and airways, joint power projects and
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telecommunication networks. As a first step, the four countries will identify realistic and achievable infrastructure projects to boost physical connectivity. The linking of all four countries by road has further strengthen the notion that this corridor would subsequently open up the whole of the northeastern region of India to Southeast Asia and China and turn it into a significant channel of trade.
About BCIM
The corridor would cover 1.65 million square kilometers encompassing an estimated 440 million people in the regions of Yunnan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, West Bengal, Bihar and states in Northern India. The establishment of a trade corridor by the BangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation (BCIM) was an idea originally developed by Chinese scholars in Kunming at the end of the 1990s, and then it is called the Kunming Initiative. The Kunming Initiative evolved into the BCIM Forum for Regional Cooperation during its first meeting in 1999.
Benefits of the Trade Corridor

The economic advantages of the BCIM trade corridor are considerable, most notably Access to numerous markets in Southeast Asia, Improvement of transportation infrastructure and Creation of industrial zones
The construction of industrial zones will have a twofold benefit

Firstly, it will lead to industrial transfer boosting industries such as processing, manufacturing and commerce logistics. Secondly, as labor costs rise in China, labor-intensive industries such as textile and agroprocessing will eventually be shifted out of China. These industries will need to be transferred to new regions with lower labor costs.
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India and Venezuela Signed Programme on Cultural Exchange
India and Venezuela on 20 December 2013 signed a Programme on Cultural Exchange. The programme was signed by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Ravindra Singh and Minister of State for the Promotion of Cultural Economy, Ministry of Peoples Power for Culture, Venezuela Javier Sarabia after delegation level talks between the two countries. Programme on Cultural Exchange shall be valid for three years. Thereafter, it shall be renewed automatically for a term of three years at a time unless either Party gives in writing an advance notice of its intention to terminate.
According to the Programme of Cultural Exchange both the countries have decided to
To promote the exchange of bilingual publications (traditional and contemporary stories) On a reciprocal basis, participation of India in the Venezuelas International Book Fair To provide the customs and tax condition in accordance with their domestic legislation, in order to provide assistance to the International Book Fairs in their respective countries To encourage the participation of Venezuelan and Indian poets and writers in the literature
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festivals organized by both countries To encourage the participation of India in the Venezuelas World Festival of Poetry Make an issue of the magazine Actualidades (a CELARG publication) on India or on Indian writers
In the field of Film and Media according to the Programme of Cultural Exchange, both the countries have to undertake
Indian will have to promoted participation of Venezuelan film works at international movie exhibitions organized by India To encourage the participation of Indian movies in the National Film Library and community rooms of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The diplomatic/consular/missions of both the countries will organize movie exhibitions Fora should be organized with the purpose of exchange in the expertise between the film makers and representatives from both countries Invite personalities and new film makers to give lectures at the National Lab of Film and Media in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Encourage the institutional links between the Autonomous National Center of Film Making of Venezuela and the Institute of Cinema and Television of India. Encourage the acquisition of Distribution Rights of Indian film works by the film distributor Amazonia Films To promote the participation of Venezuelan film works at Indian international film festivals and vice versa
In the field of Image and Space Arts, both the countries have to undertake
To increase the exchange of knowledge with specialists in the field of drawing techniques with natural pigments, specialists in dying with natural inks and the use of enzymes Six specialist will have to organize workshops together with the local specialist in the Venezuelan communities as per the interest of the Institute of Image and Space Arts Participation of two artists, lecturers and/ or specialists to the events organized by the Institute of Image and Space Arts Knowledge exchange with the purpose of training in the two states of the Venezuela with the help of a photographer or specialist from India, a group of thirty people consisting of students, artists, and members of the community in general
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For the purpose of encouraging the photographic creation, the community management of photography, the curatorial and museum experience, the use of new means and technologies for the promotion of photography, its preservation or creation of data bank and photo files Fundacin Centro Nacional de la Fotografa de Venezuela- FUNDACENAF ( Foundation National Center of Photography in Venezuela), will organize an event and invite one photographer and / or specialist in photography for the purpose to participate in the event
In the field of Stage and Music Arts, both the countries undertake to
Participation of a Venezuelan theatre company in the New Delhis Festival to diffuse the Venezuelan theatre in India Exchange of six specialists belonging to a Kathakali theatre group for the purpose of organizing workshops and presentations in the Venezuela for one week Participation of one dancer or couple of dancers from India at the International Dance Festivals Solos y Duetos (Solos & Duets)
Mexican President signed a law that allows foreign companies to drill for Oil and Gas
Enrique Pena Nieto, the Mexican President on 20 December 2013 signed a controversial law that allows foreign companies to drill for oil. The law was signed for the first time since nationalization of the sector in 1938. The Mexican Congress passed the legislation on 13 December 2013 and was ratified by the majority of Mexican states. This legislation has changed three articles in the Constitution of the country. It allows foreign investment in oil, gas and electricity. To drill oil and gas, private companies have been allowed to sign contracts with state controlled Pemex. Pemex will get a share of the profits. The law was signed to attract investment to Mexico that will attract the investment needed to boost the falling oil output of the country. The Mexican oil production has fallen from 3.4 million barrels per day in 2004 to the current rate of 2.5 million barrels per day.
India and the Arab League inked MoU to elevate political, trade and cultural relations
India and Arab League on 17 December 2013 inked an MoU to elevate the political, trade and cultural relations. The MoU was signed by Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of India and Nabil Elaraby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States during his visit to India.
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List of documents signed are:
Sr.No
1.
Title
Details
Memorandum of Cooperation The new Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) has replaced the existing MOC signed in between the League of Arab December 2008. The new MOC provides for States and the Republic of replacing the High Level Joint Committee of India the existing MOC with new formats for future meetings, namely Ministerial and Senior Officials meeting, involving all the member states and the Arab League Secretariat. It also provides for setting up of an Executive Programme, which will be renewed every two years. The Executive Program of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum between the League of Arab States and the Republic of India for 20142015 The Executive Programme is much more specific in terms of the cooperation envisaged in diverse areas like trade & investment, energy, small and medium enterprises, culture, capacity building, etc. and attempts to specify the modality for each major activity. As per the EP, the League of Arab States Mission in New Delhi and the Indian Embassy in Cairo have been designated as the nodal points for coordination.
Japan decided to increase defence spending by 5% over the next 5 years

Japan under the hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided on 17 December 2013 to increase its spending on defence by about 5% over a period of 5 years (2014 2019). This is the biggest increase in defence spending in 22 years, although much of the growth reflects higher import costs due to a weaker yen. Abes government also decided to review Japans ban on weapons exports. This means that Japan could revive struggling defence contractors like Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd and Mitsubishi
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Heavy Industries Ltd. The decision to increase defence spending to 24.6 trillion yen (239 billion dollar) was in response to Chinas ever increasing military budget. Besides, the decision has come at a time when the tensions between Japan and China have soared over the ownership of tiny islands in East China Sea. The tiny islands in Japan are known as Senkaku and in China as Diaoyu. The increase in defence spending would include an additional purchase of F-35 fighters, made by Lockheed Martin Corp, as well as two more Aegis warships, bringing the total to eight. Japan will also be buying the tilt-rotor Osprey surveillance aircraft, built by Boeing Co and Textron Incs Bell Helicopter unit, and drones including Northrop Grumman Corps Global Hawk. Japans defence plan included a five-year military buildup plan and a 10-year defence guideline. According to the plan, there is a need for stronger air and maritime surveillance capabilities. It also improved ability to defend far-flung islands through setting up a marine unit, buying unarmed surveillance drones and putting a unit of E-2C early-warning aircraft on Okinawa Islands in the south. Japans 10-year guidelines also mark a shift from its Cold War posture of defending against a Russian attack from the north, toward a potential conflict with China to the west and south. The defence plan cuts Japans tanks by 400 to 300 over 10 years, while adding some faster, more maneuverable combat vehicles that could be flown in, say, to retake islands. The new policy outline also calls for Japan to beef up its ability to defend against ballistic missile attacks, such as from unpredictable neighbor North Korea.
An Analysis
The new defence plan of Japan is an update of the defence posture that was last reviewed in 2010 under the Yoshihiko Noda government. Until 2010, past governments had stretched the limits of a post-war Pacifist Constitution that renounced war and said Japan will never have an army or navy. Pacifist Constitution of Japan put a limit on the participation of Japan in defence related matters. Under the current interpretation of Japans pacifist constitution, Japans armed forces are not permitted to fight on behalf of friends or allies unless the Japanese themselves come under direct attack.
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Prime Minister Shizo Abe wants to change this policy which constraints Japan from involving in collective self-defence. The change in the stance of Japan should be seen in the light of Chinas increasing military strength and assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. This has led to increasing calls for Japan to participate in international peace and security operations. In the two decades through last year, Japan remained the sixth-biggest military spender, just behind Britain, with outlays rising 13 percent in constant 2011 dollar terms, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. By contrast, Chinas defence spending exploded more than five-fold, vaulting the country to second place from seventh. Still, given Chinas annual double-digit increases in defence spending, Japan will have to rely heavily on cooperation with its close ally, the United States, and others in the region just to maintain the status quo. Indeed, Abes national security strategy calls for Japan not only to upgrade its cooperation with the United States but strengthen ties with strategic partners including South Korea, Australia, Southeast Asian countries and India. Abe and leaders of Southeast Asian countries called at a Tokyo summit in the second week of December 2013 for freedom of the air and sea. This was a veiled reference to China, which has territorial disputes with several countries in the Association of South East Asian Nations.
Michelle Bachelet won Chile Presidential Elections

Left-wing candidate Michelle Bachelet on 15 December 2013 elected as the Chile President for a second time by a wide margin. Michelle Bachelet got 62 percent votes against 38 percent votes for Evelyn Matthei, a former minister from the governing centre-right coalition. Michelle Bachelet, candidate for a centre-left coalition of parties known as Nueva Mayoria, she first served from 2006 to 2010, but under Chiles constitution she could not stand for a second consecutive term. The major contenders in the presidential election are Evelyn Matthei of conservative Alianza party and Franco Parisi, an independent candidate. Michelle Bachelet will succeed the present president Sebastin Piera.The General elections were held in Chile on 17 November 2013 for the president post. The term of the president is for four years.
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About Michelle Bachelet

Michelle Bachelet, candidate for a centre-left coalition of parties known as Nueva Mayoria: 61-year old Bachelet served as Chiles president between 2006 and 2010. She is the daughter of a high-ranking air force officer who died from the effects of torture while a prisoner of the military junta led by Gen Augusto Pinochet. Michelle Bachelet was herself tortured and spent some years in exile before being allowed to return and finish her medical studies. Bachelet held the post of health minister in Ricardo Lagos government and was Chiles first female defence minister. She became Chiles first female president in 2006, and she had a stunning 84 per cent approval rating when she left office in 2010. In 2010, she was appointed the first director of the newlycreated agency UN Women.
About Chile
Chile officially the Republic of Chile is a South American country occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Chile stretches over 4300 km (2670 miles) north to south, but only 350 km (217 miles) at its widest point east to west. It is bounded on the north by Peru and Bolivia, on its long eastern border by Argentina, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The capital of Chile is Santiago.
Yemen Parliament Banned use of US Drones

The Yemen Parliament on 15 December 2013 banned the use of US drones in the country after dozens of civilians were killed by the unmanned aircraft. In this regard an anti-drone motion was passed by Yemens parliament on 15 December 2013. The Parliament also stressed the importance of protecting innocent citizens from any airstrike as well as preserving Yemens sovereignty. The decision by the Yemeni parliament to ban the use of US drones comes after one of the unmanned aircrafts mistakenly hit a wedding convey in Al - Bayda province, killing 17 Yemeni civilians and wounding about 21 others on 12 December 2013. It was the second airstrike mistake in a week
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after a US drone killed at least four people traveling on a road in the eastern province of Hadramout on 9 December 2013. The United States has stepped up drone strikes in Yemen as part of a campaign against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot has carried out a series of attacks in Yemen targeting state institutions, the military and foreign missions in the country. However, the US drone strikes have mistakenly hit civilian targets several times in the past two years. The Yemeni people staged several rallies this year to demand an end to the US drone strikes in the country.
National referendum in Egypt on new draft of Constitution to take place on 14-15 January
The Interim President of Egypt, Adly Mansour on 14 December 2013 announced 14-15 January 2014 as the date for national referendum on the new draft of the constitution. The 2012 Constitution, which was approved by the Islamist dominated Parliament, under the ousted President Mohamed Morsi will be replaced by the new draft Constitution. The Islamist drafted constitution in existence was approved by a referendum in December 2012, with 64 percent of the votes. Amr Moussa, the head of the constitution drafting panel said that the draft constitution is a balanced constitution that provides freedoms, rights and separation of powers. As the new Constitution of Egypt protects the freedom of belief, opinion and creation, which preserves intellectual property rights, and provides gender equality. It bans the political parties on religious lines and provides for equality of citizens. The amended draft was submitted to Mansour on 3 December 2013 by the drafting committee. The draft of the new constitution was prepared by a 50 member panel. Under the transitional roadmap after the ouster of Mohamed Morsi, the former President of Egypt in July 2013, the amended Constitution needs to be approved by a national referendum. A successful referendum vote would be followed by elections. The constitutional drafting committee, during the amendment process decided to leave the decision on President Mansour that whether to hold presidential or parliamentary elections first.
Bangladesh Islamist Abdul Kader Mullah hanged for 1971 war crimes
Islamist leader Abdul Kader Mullah of Bangladesh was executed on 12 December 2013. His
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execution was done at the Dhaka Central Jail at 22:01 local time. He was executed for genocides done during the Bangladeshs 1971 liberation war with Pakistan. He was the first person convicted by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and the first politician to be hanged for such crimes. He was the senior leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) was set up in Bangladesh in 2010 to investigate on the abuses committed during the 1971 conflict. The prosecutors during his trial described him as the Butcher of Mirpur, the suburb of Dhaka where he has been alleged to carry out the crimes. He massacred unarmed civilians and killed intellectuals, who were supporting the independence from Pakistan. Apart from Abdul Kader Mullah, four other leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami have been convicted by the ICT and will face the death penalty. 42 years ago in 1971 Bangladesh broke away from Pakistan after a war after the military intervention by India, in which many were killed and about 10 million people migrated as refugees.
Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is a war crimes tribunal in Bangladesh, which was set up by the Government in 2009. The ICT was formed to investigate and prosecute the suspects for the genocide committed in 1971 by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. During the 2008 general election, the Awami League (AL) when won the election with more than two-thirds majority in Parliament set up the tribunal. The first indictment was issued in 2010.
European Union granted GSP-Plus status to Pakistan

The European Union on 12 December 2013 granted GSP-Plus status to Pakistan. This move will boost the textile and other industries of Pakistan as it has given exporters a duty free access to 27 European Countries. 406 members of the European Parliament supported the move of the Union at a session in Brussels. Under this deal 75 Pakistani products would have duty-free access to European markets. The Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif governments top priority was to gain an access into the European
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market as part of its economic agenda. As this status will enable Pakistan to export products of 1 billion dollars to international markets and help the textile industry of the country to earn profits of more than 1 trillion rupees. Overall, the increase in the exports will also facilitate economic growth and generate millions of additional jobs. As per the analysts, the trade concession to Pakistan from European Union will benefit the textile and clothing industry of the country and also enable its products to compete with the products of rivals like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the two countries that have duty-free access to the bloc markets of European Union. At present the textile and clothing exports of Pakistan to the European Union constitutes of its total exports to the bloc of 9.5 billion dollars. The GSP-Plus status will provide duty free or preferential duty rate access for total 3500 products to Pakistan. Currently, the Pakistani textile exports to European Union an 11 percent duty. To get the status, Pakistan lobbied with several countries of the European Union. To get the deal done, it has held the death penalty.
About GSP-Plus status of European Union

The European Unions GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) allows developing country exporters to pay lower duties on their exports to the European Union. This gives them vital access to European Union markets and contributes to their economic growth. The reformed GSP, which will apply as from 2014, will further focus support on countries most in need. The EU has adopted a reformed GSP law on 31 October 2012. In order to allow ample time for economic operators to adapt to the new scheme, the new preferences will be applied from 1 January 2014.
There are three main variants (arrangements) of the scheme

The standard GSP scheme, which offers generous tariff reductions to developing countries. Practically, this means partial or entire removal of tariffs on two thirds of all product categories. The GSP+ enhanced preferences mean full removal of tariffs on essentially the same product categories as those covered by the general arrangement. These are granted to countries which ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labour rights, environment and good governance Everything but Arms (EBA) scheme for least developed countries (LDCs), which grant duty-free quota-free access to all products, except for arms and ammunitions
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India and UAE signed Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
India and United Arab Emirates on 12 December 2013 signed a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) that would accelerate fresh capital investments of UAE in India. The BIPPA agreement was signed by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, the Minister of State for Financial Affairs of UAE and Namo Narain Meena, the Minister of State for Finance of India. At present the Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan is on a visit to India. The BIPPA has been worked on as an exception to the norm of India to freeze all BIPPA agreements until a new template is in place. UAE wants to explore major infrastructure projects in India but was waiting till the signature of the BIPPA. India and UAE are the largest trading partners of each other with the total bilateral trade of 75 billion dollars. At present, the UAE invests in India about 3 billion dollar. UAE controls the second largest Sovereign Wealth Fund in the world under the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. At present, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) wants to invest 700 million dollars in Himachal Pradesh in the electricity sector, whereas the DP World Operations is aimed at expansion of their footprint in the port sector in India. In February 2013, India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments that was set up to speed up investment opportunities met but before proceeding UAE wanted to conclude the BIPPA. This signing of the agreement has opened the possibilities of High Level Task Force meetings in January 2014 to explore investment opportunities. With the signing of the India-UAE BIPPA, India now has such agreements with all GCC countries, which also opened the possibilities of pursuing India-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which has been on the backburner so far.
Uruguay became the First Country to Legalize Marijuana Trade

Uruguay on 10 December 2013 became the first country in the world to legalise marijuana for recreational use with the state taking control of the trade. In this regard Uruguay senators gave the approval for government-sponsored bill. According to the new law-Registered Uruguayans over the age of 18 will be allowed to buy up to 40 grams of the drug a month. Tourists will be excluded. The government hopes it will help tackle drug cartels, but critics say it will expose more people to drugs. With introducing new law, Uruguay became the first country in the world to have a system regulating legal production, sale and consumption of the drug.
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Uruguay Marijuana Law

State controls the production, distribution, commerce and consumption of marijuana Consumers have to be over 18 and registered Marijuana to be sold at licensed pharmacies Sales are limited to 40g (1.4oz) per month Registered users can grow up to six plants at home Buyers and growers have to be over 18 Tourists are excluded Advertising is forbidden Prices will be fixed by the government
About Marijuana
Marijuana, the most often used illegal drug in many countries, is a product of the hemp plantCannabis sativa. Its main psychoactive chemical is delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol, or THC. Due to the variety of effects it can produce, marijuana can be categorized as a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen.
Thailand opposition party resigned en masse from the Parliament

The members of the opposition party (Democrat Party) of Thailand resigned en masse from the Parliament on 8 December 2013 to protest a Government claimed by them as illegitimate. The opposition party of Thailand cant work in the legislature anymore because the government is no longer accepted by the people. This will bring in a political crisis in the country. The opposition party has aligned with the anti-government protesters, who have staged the biggest rally of the country in the years. These demonstrations began in November 2013 and aims to oust Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra from the office. Yingluck Shinawatra won the elections in 2011. The opposition party Democrats has not won an election, since 1992. Democrat Party has won most of the seats on the Parliament in 1948, 1976 and 1992 but has never won an outright Parliamentary majority. Earlier, in 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of the Yingluck was overthrown in a military coup.
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All unfilled munitions by Syrian Government have been destroyed: OPCW

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 November 2013 said that the unfilled (Category 3) munitions declared by the Syrian Government have been destroyed. The international chemical weapons watchdog (OPCW) has completed the key stage towards destroying, the chemicals weapons of Syria. The OPCW has also verified the destruction of some chemical weapons production facilities, which has been rendered inoperable during the first phase of the mission. These activities were conducted at the Homs cluster of sites that had remained inaccessible for some time due to security reasons. The joint United Nations-OPCW team is aimed to remove toxic chemicals from Syria by the end of the year for destruction at sea and destroy the entire program by mid-2014.
The Convention contains four key provisions

Destroying all existing chemical weapons under international verification by the OPCW Monitoring chemical industry to prevent new weapons from re-emerging Providing assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical threats Fostering international cooperation to strengthen implementation of the Convention and promote the peaceful use of chemistry
UN-OPCW relationship agreement

The Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the OPCW was concluded with the United Nations in 2000 and entered into force in 2001. This was the first such agreement. The Relationship Agreement was approved by the OPCW Conference of the States Parties in decision on 17 May 2001 and by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution on 7 September 2001.
Non-Member Countries of OPCW

Signatory Countries, which have not yet ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention, are Israel and Myanmar. The countries that have neither signed nor acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention are Angola, Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan.
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Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. As of today the OPCW has 190 Member States, who are working together to achieve a world free from chemical weapons. They share the collective goal of preventing chemistry from ever again being used for warfare, thereby strengthening international security.
South Korea and US agreed to join hands to denuclearise North Korea

Vice President of US, Joseph Biden and Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea on 6 December 2013 agreed to join hands to denuclearize North Korea (DPRK). The two countries have agreed to make effort to achieve a substantive progress in dismantling Pyongyangs nuclear programme based on the close bilateral cooperation and firm deterrence against possible nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. As the principle of Pyongyangs, nuclear weapons are unacceptable. North Korea is officially known as Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Jordan elected to UN Security Council as a Non-Permanent Member

UN General Assembly elected Jordan to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on 6 December 2013 to replace Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was elected in October 2013 to the Security Council as a non permanent member but it has rejected its seat in protest at the UN councils failure to end the war in Syria and act on other
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Middle East issues. With 179 members of the 193-member General Assembly voting by secret ballot, Jordan received 178 votes while Saudi Arabia got one vote. Jordan will now join with Lithuania, Chile, Nigeria and Chad as new members of the council, replacing Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Pakistan, Morocco and Togo. The other five temporary council members that will remain next year are Argentina, Australia, Luxembourg, South Korea and Rwanda.
About UN Security Council

Article 23 of chapter V of United Nations Charter provides for the composition of United Nations Security Council. The council is composed of 15 members. There are 5 permanent members of Security Council and 10 non permanent members. Five permanent members are: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Ten non-permanent members are elected for 2 years term by General Assembly and these members can not be immediately re-elected.
Objective of the UN Security Council

The Objective of UNSC is to maintain peacekeeping operations, the establishments of international sanctions and the authorization of military action. The powers of UNSC are exercised through United Nations Security Council resolutions. All Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Sri Lanka to set up 8 economic zones across country

Sri Lankas Board of Investment on 5 December 2013 announced plans to start eight export processing and industrial zones across the country. These economic zones will begin operations in 2014.
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As per the Investment Promotion Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana these zones will attract foreign investment and will provide economic development to the rural areas. The largest of the eight zones will be in Vavuniya in the North, which will revive the economic activities after the civil war. The three of the economic zones will be at Hambantota in the south. The Government of Sri Lanka has invested heavily to develop the region as a commercial and industrial hub.
OPEC Decided to maintain the same oil output for 2014

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on 4 December 2013 decided to maintain the same oil output at 30 million barrel per day for the year 2014. The decision was taken at the 164th meeting of OPEC Oil Ministers in Vienna, Austria on 4 December 2013. They have also agreed to meet again on 11 June 2014 to assess the status of oil production target. The OPEC meeting came in the backdrop of a modest relief in sanctions for Iran, global slowdown in crude oil demand and unrest in Libya. The crude demand has slowed down with open supply lanes, boom in the gas output and Shale gas and oil discoveries. Libyas output has plunged to around 250000 barrels per day from 1.5 million due to the fighting between radical Islamists and the army. Fresh from the nuclear deal, Iran will be looking at boosting its oil output and the exports.
About Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

OPEC is an organisation of twelve oil-exporting countries consisting of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Angola, Venezuela, Libya, Algeria and Ecuador. The organisation has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Vienna hosts regular meetings among the oil ministers of its member nations. OPEC supplies nearly 35 percent of worlds oil.
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Egypt Panel approved New Draft Constitution

An Egyptian Constitutional panel on 1 December 2013 approved a new draft Constitution for Egypt Government. 50-member Constitution drafting panel headed by Amre Moussa approved draft Constitution, which contains 247 Articles. According to the countrys officials, the referendum on the draft Constitution is to be held in January 2014.
Key provisions in the new draft Constitution Presidential powers

President to only serve two four-year terms Candidates must be at least 40 years old President to appoint Prime Minister President can dismiss the government with the approval of the majority of the Parliament.
Military Powers
It gives more power to military, including an article that allows trial of civilians in martial courts. Military budget to be discussed by a national defence council. The defense minister must be appointed in agreement with the military.
Religion
Islamic law, or sharia, the main source of legislation Political parties may not be formed on the basis of religion
Freedom and rights

Political parties cannot be formed on the basis of gender, race, sect or geography. Parties must not have military or paramilitary components.
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Citizens have the right to organise public meetings and demonstrations and all forms of peaceful protests.
Background
1. Egypt is witnessing a political crisis since the resignation of the long-serving leader Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 that saw the rise of Arab spring. 2. The country is deeply divided between Islamist and secular groups, while the Egyptian military remains the countrys chief decision-maker. 3. The first democratic elections held for Egypt in December 2011, and won by the Islamist-Muslim Brotherhood group. But Egypts first democratically elected parliament was dissolved in June 2012. 4. The Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi won the presidential elections in June 2012. 5. In July 2013, Egyptian army ousted the Morsi government, suspended the constitution and dissolved the Parliament and appointed Mansour as the new interim president. 6. The interim authorities suspended the previous constitution written under the Morsi government and appointed new panel for drafting a new Constitution in September 2013.
China successfully launched unmanned Lunar Probe- Change-3

China on 2 December 2013 successfully sent an unmanned lunar probe with a robotic rover to soft land on the Moon, and to explore moons surface. The probe Change-3 was launched into orbit aboard an enhanced Long March3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. The mission was the 25th launch of the Long March-3B, which is the most powerful launch vehicle in the Long March fleet. Change-3 comprises a lander and a Moon rover called Yutu (Jade Rabbit).
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The Change-3 mission is the second phase of Chinas lunar program, which includes orbiting, landing and returning to Earth. It follows the success of the Change-1 and Change-2 missions in 2007 and 2010. The lunar probe will land on the Moon in mid-December 2013 according to the plan. So far, only the United States and the former Soviet Union have soft-landed on the Moon. Indias Chandrayaan-1, which was credited to have discovered water in the lunar surface made a hard landing on the Moon.
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
2 December 2013 China successfully sent an unmanned lunar probe- Change-3-with a robotic rover to soft land on the Moon, and to explore moons surface. International Day for Abolition of Slavery was observed across the world to create awareness about abolition of slavery.
3 December 2013 The 9th WTO Ministerial Conference is scheduled from 3 December to 6 December 2013 at Bali, Indonesia. The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) is scheduled from 3 to 4 December 2013 at New Delhi. Transparency International released the Global Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 at Berlin, Germany.
4 December 2013 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has decided to maintain the same oil output at 30 million barrel per day for the year 2014.
5 December 2013 Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary of South Africa passed away. He was of 95 years old. Sri Lankas Board of Investment has announced the plans to start eight export processing and industrial zones across the country. The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was observed across the world.
6 December 2013 UN General Assembly elected Jordan to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on to replace Saudi Arabia.
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
The World Trade Organization on agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 November 2013 said that the unfilled (Category 3) munitions declared by the Syrian Government have been destroyed
7 December 2013 International Civil Aviation Day was observed on 7 December 2013 to highlight the importance of civil aviation for social and economic development. Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich was crowned with the pageant of Miss Earth 2013 at the Versailles Palace, Philippines. Ali Osman Taha, the Vice President of Sudan resigned to pave way for the new Government.
8 December 2013 South Korea stated that it had expanded its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the first time in six decades over East China Sea. Democrat Party- the Thailands main opposition party resigned from Parliament.
9 December 2013 Super Volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in US is larger than estimates: Scientists International Anti-Corruption Day observed on 9 December Thailand opposition party resigned en masse from the Parliament South Korea expanded its defence zone in disputed area with China Israel, Jordan, Palestinians signed Red Sea-to-Dead Sea Water sharing Deal
10 December 2013 Afghanistan-Iran agreed on long term friendship and cooperation Pact
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
Human Rights Day observed across the World on 10 December
11 December 2013 Pope Francis named as the TIMEs Person of the Year Uruguay became the First Country to Legalize Marijuana Trade
12 December 2013 India and UAE signed Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Scientists created sperm-based biobots in Germany
13 December 2013 European Union granted GSP-Plus status to Pakistan Bangladesh Islamist Abdul Kader Mullah hanged for 1971 war crimes
14 December 2013 Iran sent second monkey into the Space Chinas first lunar rover named Jade Rabbit landed on Moon Egypt: National referendum on new draft of Constitution to take place on 14-15 January
15 December 2013 Peter O Toole, the Lawrence of Arabias star dead Chinese troops detained Indian porters at Chumar in eastern Ladakh Yemen Parliament Banned use of US Drones
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
16 December The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspends Shane Shillingford, the West Indies offspinner, from bowling in international cricket after his action was found illegal.
17 December India and Arab League inks an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate the political, trade and cultural relations. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe decides to increase its spending on defence by about 5% over a period of 5 years (2014 2019). Angela Merkel elected as the German Chancellor for third term by the German ParliamentBundestag.
18 December Ronnie Biggs who took part in the Great Train Robbery in Britain in 1963 died due to multiple strokes. He was 84.
19 December Paul Torday, the British businessman who turned an author died. He was 67. His debut novel Salmon Fishing in the Yemen was his comic best seller.
20 December Enrique Pena Nieto, the Mexican President, signs a controversial law that allows foreign companies to drill for oil. India and Venezuela signs a Programme on Cultural Exchange
21 December Somalias Federal Parliament approves Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as the new Prime Minister of Somalia.
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
22 December India and Nepal agrees to address each others concerns on commerce and transit, including reduction of tariff barriers and checking illegal trade along the border. India, China, Bangladesh and Myanmar holds the first ever official-level discussions on the ambitious corridor to link India and China with Bangladesh and Myanmar. England spinner Graeme Swann announces his retirement from international and first-class cricket
23 December India evacuates all its employees from the strife torn South Sudan. Mikhail Kalashnikov, who invented the AK47 machine gun, dies due to ill-health in Izhevsk, Udmurtia province of Russian Republic. He was 94.
24 December Director Generals Military Operations (DGMO) of India and Pakistan meet along the WagahAttari border to work out a mechanism to ease tension between the two sides and to ensure peace at the Line of Control (LoC). Hisham Qandil, the former Prime Minister of Egypt was arrested by Egyptian police.
25 December Egypts ruling Government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group. Cricketer Jacques Kallis, the South African all-rounder, announces his retirement from test and first class cricket after the second Test against India in Durban.
26 December Japan approves the relocation of the US military airbase Futenma on its southern island of Okinawa.
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WORLD DAIRY
December 2013
Serena Williams won the Female Athlete of the Year award and LeBron James won the Male Athlete of the Year award of the Associated Press.
27 December China opens its home grown BeiDou Navigation System for Asian countries for free. The US President Barack Obama signs a two year bipartisan federal budget bill to avert the risk of shutdown of the Government in January 2014. United Nations orders to cut staff and budget under the pressure from United States and other austerity-stricken industrialized powers.
28 December The Chinese government adopts a resolution that eases the one child policy of the country. Roger Federer announces that Stefan Edberg, the former Swedish tennis player, will join his coaching team in 2014.
29 December 32 peoples were killed when a bus fell down in a 50 meter deep ravine in Phetachbun in Thailand. Bomb Blast rocks Russian City of Volgograd ahead of Winter Olympic Games killing 18 persons.
30 December Chinese Government banned its officials from smoking in public places. Indonesian Government announced to build a new sanctuary to save Worlds rarest Javan rhinos. The new sanctuary will be carved out of the Ujung Kulon National Park. Ashraf Jehan becomes the first female judge to be sworn-in at Pakistans national sharia court which hears cases under the Islamic legislation.
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NATIONAL
Government issued food safety guidelines for Integrated Child Development Services scheme
The Government of India on 31 December 2013 issued food safety and hygiene guidelines to prevent contamination of supplementary nutrition provided to pregnant women and children. The guidelines were issued under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The guidelines were issued by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. The issued guidelines have barred the anganwadi workers and helpers from wearing nail polish, and artificial nails. The anganwadi workers and helpers have been asked to trim their nails and should keep them clean while washing the hands. It has also banned them from wearing wrist watches and rings and bangles or any type of jewellery item, while cooking and serving food. These have been banned as these jewellery items may carry foreign bodied and compromise with the hygiene standard.
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The Operational Guidelines for Food Safety and Hygiene of ICDS has also mentions that the workers and helpers should tie their hairs neatly and it should be covered. It also mentions that any type of glass should not be allowed in the cooking areas. As per the issued guidelines, an adequate precaution for cleanliness has been issued for the staffs to prevent the food from getting contaminated during cleaning of rooms, utensils or any other equipment. It has also mentioned that before using any equipment, while cooking food should be washed with water. It has also mentioned that toilets should be cleaned all the times to make safe disposal of stool and wastes. It has said that the activity rooms, should be well ventilated and also be spacious, which should be cleaned every day before the start of the functions in the morning.
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme

Integrated Child Development Services scheme was launched on 2nd October 1975. ICDS Scheme represents one of the worlds largest and most unique programmes for early childhood development. ICDS is the foremost symbol of Indias commitment to her children Indias response to the challenge of providing pre-school education on one hand and breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality, on the other. Objectives: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme was launched in 1975 with the following objectives: To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years; To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout; To achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education Services: The above objectives are sought to be achieved through a package of services comprising: Supplementary nutrition Immunization Health check-up Referral services Pre-school non-formal education
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Nutrition & health education
The concept of providing a package of services is based primarily on the consideration that the overall impact will be much larger if the different services develop in an integrated manner as the efficacy of a particular service depends upon the support it receives from related services.
Urban life quality improved by JNNURM said NSSO

The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data showed that JNNURM scheme improved key indicators of urban life in India and it reached the poorest of poor. The Government spent over 46000 crore rupees on infrastructure augmentation under JNNURM scheme.
The NSSO data showed that

Over 90 percent of slumdwellers feel water drainage, sewerage and garbage collection and disposal have improved. 24 percent of slums have benefited from welfare schemes such as JNNURM and Rajiv Awas Yojana. 95.3 percent people living in urban areas felt significant improvement in water supply. About 76 percent improved their access to some sort of garbage disposal system in cities and towns. According to the Urban Development Ministrys data, among 539 projects sanctioned between 2005 and 2012, at least 217 projects are completed and 322 are in a stage of completion. Out of 806 UIDSSM projects 413 projects are completed.
About JNNURM
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was officially inaugurated on 3 December 2005 to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in the cities.
The JNNURM has two major schemes: Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG):
The main focus of UIG is on infrastructure projects relating to water supply, sanitation, sewerage,
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solid waste management, road network and urban transport. It also focuses on redevelopment of old city areas, shifting industrial and commercial establishments to confirming areas. Urban Infrastructure Development for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT): UIDSSMT focus is integrated development of slums and achieved through various projects for shelter, basic services and other related civic amenities which provide utilities to the urban poor.
AAI centre received ICAD Accreditation and Membership

irports Authority of India (AAI) has received TRAINAIR PLUS accreditation certificate and membership plaque by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). ICAO is a United Nations (UN) agency and is headquartered at Montreal, Canada. These certificates are given for facilities to enhance airport safety. By joining the TRAINAIR PLUS programme, the Fire Training Centre will have access to a global sourcing of training package. The Certificate and membership plaque were handed over to V.P. Agrawal, Chairman, AAI and G.K. Chaukiyal, Member (Operations), AAI by the General Manager (Fire Service), Md Hanif. Herve Touron from ICAO Air Navigation Bureau had visited the Fire Training Centre (FTC) of Airports Authority of India in October 2013 for an inspection of the facilities before granting ICAOs TRAINAIR PLUS membership. CATC, Allahabad and AAI, New Delhi has received TRAINAIR PLUS accreditation earlier for its training facilities.
About Airports Authority of India

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. It provides Air traffic management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas.
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental
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protection. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States.
Centre approved National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar campus of AIIMS

The Centre approved the proposal to set up National Cancer Institute at the Jhajjar campus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi on 26 December 2013. The Health Ministry proposed to set up Cancer Institute in Haryana. The Cancer Institute costs 2035 crore rupees and will be completed in a period of 45 months. The National Cancer Institute will operate on the line of National Cancer Institute in USA and Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) in Germany. The institute will have Tissue Repository which is the first of its kind in India. The institute will broadly have clinical division, research division and disease management groups (DMGs). DMGs will maintain details of all issues pertaining to management of various cancers, site wise and other facilities. The National Cancer Institute will operate as a nodal center for indigenous research, promotive, preventive and curative aspects of care and human resource development. The institute aims to plan, conduct and coordinate research on cancers which are more specific to India like tobacco related cancers, cancer of uterine cervix, gall bladder cancer and liver cancers. HSSC (India) Ltd a public sector enterprise under Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry has been
Item
11th Plan
12th Plan
75000 rupees per house
Cost of construction of house 50000 rupees per house
30000 rupees for all States 40000 rupees for all States and Union Territories Cost of construction of Tube and Union Territories well 35000 rupees for North 45000 rupees for North Eastern Eastern States Cost of construction Community Hall Relief under Saving Relief component of 175000 rupees per hall States 200000 rupees per hall
cum
1800 rupees (600 rupees per 2700 rupees (900 rupees per month month for three months ban for three months ban period) period)
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50000 rupees in case of Compensation under Group partial permanent disability Accident Personal Insurance and 100000 rupees in case of death/total disability Stipend at 125 rupees per day subject to maximum of 1875 rupees per participants for maximum of 15 days of honorarium to authors of handbook 15000 rupees Training and Extension
100000 rupees in case of partial permanent disability and 200000 rupees in case of death / total disability
Honorarium for experts for preparation of manual: 5000 No Change rupees Workshops/seminars: 50000 rupees Construction of training centre 30 lakh rupees
Grant in Aid to FISHCOPFED 50 Lakh rupees
No Change
appointed as the Project Consultant. As a Project Consultant, HSSC (India) Ltd will be responsible for concept, detailed design & engineering, contracting, project management and medical equipment procurement, installations and the commissioning of the institute. Cancer is emerging as a major public health concern in India where eleven lakh new cases are diagnosed every year and the mortality rate is 5.5 lakh per year. The National Cancer Control Programme was launched in 1975-76 with the objectives of primary prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.
Cabinet approved the Constitutional Status to Judicial Appointments Commission

The Union Cabinet on 26 December 2013 approved the constitutional status to a proposed Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for appointment and transfer of judges to the higher judiciary.
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The constitutional status would ensure that composition of the commission cannot be altered through an ordinary legislation. A Parliamentary standing committee which examined the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2013 had also made a similar recommendation. There were demands that the composition as well as the functions of the proposed JAC should be mentioned in the Constitution as a safeguard against future changes. As per the Constitutional amendment two articles will be inserted in the Constitution, viz., Article 124A and Article 124B. Article 124 A of the Constitution of India will define the composition of JAC and Article 124 B will define its functions. The decision to make Judicial Appointments Commission was taken to do away the Collegiums System of Appointment of Judges that allows Judges to make their own appointments. As per the proposed Bill inclusion of two eminent persons in the six-member Judicial Appointments Commission is to happen instead of the two jurists. The decision was made to create a balance and avoid the extra weightage to judiciary in the body. As per the new proposal the six members Judicial Appointments Commission would comprise of the Chief Justice of India, two Supreme Court judges, Union Law Minister and two eminent persons, instead of two jurists. To appoint the two eminent persons for the appointments commission would be done by the collegium that will include the Prime Minister of India, the Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India. The secretary of the Law Ministry will act as the convenor of the Judicial Appointment Commissions but not the member of the commission.
Main Points of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Bill 2013 are
The JAC on creation will do away the collegium system of appointments to the High Courts and Supreme Courts The Article 124 (2) of the Constitution of India will be amended to give power to the President of India to appoint the Judges on the recommendation of the JAC The JAC will be determined as per the Constitution (120th Amendment) Bill 2013 introduced in the Parliament by UPA government Constitutional Amendment for establishing JACs term will require two-third majority for modification in the Parliament. The ordinary law requires a simple majority
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Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India

In appointing the Judges of the Supreme Court, the President shall consult the Chief Justice of India and such other Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts as he may deem necessary.
CCEA approved the change in National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen in the 12th Plan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 26 December 2013 approved the central sector scheme National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen during the 12th Plan. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture has formulated the scheme.
The objectives of the scheme are:

1. Provision of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation in fishers` villages 2. Better living standards for fishers and their families, 3. Social security for active fishers and their dependants, and 4. Economic Security
Following benefits have been targeted during the twelfth plan period for the fishermen across India:
1. Additional 4600 houses per year 2. Coverage of 3.5 lakh fishers under Saving-cum-Relief every year 3. An additional coverage of 3 lakh fishermen under Group Accident Insurance has been set 4. Covering 6400 fishermen per year under Training and Extension
The outlay to implement the scheme is 640 crore rupees, which involves the central outlay of 320 crore for remaining part of the 12th Plan.
Components of the scheme are:

1. Group Accident Insurance for active fishermen
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2. Development of model fishermen village 3. Saving-cum-Relief, and 4. iTraining and Extension
Legal wing of CBI now under control of agencys Director

The Government of India in a major step to allow more autonomy to CBI placed the agencys legal wing under the command of the CBI Director, making his word final in investigations on 25 December 2013. Earlier, the legal wing of the agency reported to the Law Ministry. The Directorate of Prosecution has been now placed under the stewardship of the agency director, who will not only see the promotions and postings but will also write the annual confidential reports, which was earlier done by the Law Minister. In CBI, the Directorate of Prosecution is responsible for conducting and supervising cases pending trial, appeal and revision in courts. It also supervises and monitors the conduct of prosecution in the courts and gives advice to the CBI officers on all legal matters of general or specific issues, which arose during trial or investigation. The Director of Prosecution was the chief functionary of the Prosecution Wing of CBI and was vested with powers of direction and control over prosecuting officers. Those powers have now passed to the CBI Director. The new arrangement gives the power to a final view on investigations and subsequently the charge sheets to the CBI Director, which earlier was overturned by the Directorate of Prosecution. The Lokpal Bill recently passed by the Parliament provides that the DoP should be placed under the CBI Director. The Lokpal Bill also provides that the DoP headed by the Director of Prosecution to be placed under the CBI director. The Lokpal Bill that the Director of Prosecution will be appointed in consultation with the Lokpal and CVC. A new Directorate of Prosecution (DoP), O P Verma has joined the agency on 24 December 2013.
National Sample Survey Office released survey on drinking water, sanitation and hygiene
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) released the survey of the key indicators of drinking
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water, sanitation, hygiene and housing condition in India on 24 December 2013. The Survey conducted from July 2012 to December 2012 by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The objective of the NSS survey was to collect information on the different aspects of living conditions of Indian population necessary for decent and healthy living and to develop suitable indicators to assess the situation. The improved sources of drinking water include bottled water, piped water into dwelling, piped water to yard, public tap, standpipe, tube well or bore well, protected well, protected spring and rain water collection.
Salient features of the NSSO Survey Drinking water:

Nearly 88.5 percent households in rural India and 95.3 percent households in urban India improved source of drinking water. In Kerala rural household are the worst hit with only 29.5 percent having access to safe drinking water whereas in Tamil Nadu it was 94 percent. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are above national average, people having access to safe drinking water. Bihar with 97.6 percent of rural households and 99.7 percent of urban households improved source of drinking water and in Uttar Pradesh with 96.6 percent and 99.2 percent respectively. The availability of drinking water from the principal source was considered sufficient throughout the year if in each of the calendar months the availability of drinking water was sufficient. 85.8 percent of rural households and 89.6 percent of urban households in India had sufficient drinking water. 16 percent of Nagaland rural households have sufficient drinking water throughout year.
Sanitation & Housing Condition:

Nearly 62.3 percent of rural household and 16.7 percent of urban households did not have any bathroom facility. 59.4 percent and 8.8 percent households in rural India and urban India respectively had no latrine facilities. The households having latrine facilities, 31.9 percent and 63.9 percent households in rural India
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and urban India respectively had access to its exclusive use. About 38.8 percent and 89.6 percent households in rural and urban India respectively had access to improved type of latrine. 80.0 percent of rural households and 97.9 percent of urban households had electricity for domestic use. 94.2 percent households in rural India and 71.3 percent in urban India had secured tenure in their dwelling. 65.8 percent of rural households and 93.6 percent of urban households lived in a house with pucca structure whereas 24.6 percent of rural households and 5.0 percent of urban households lived in a house with semi-pucca structure during 2012. Only 26.3 percent and 47.1 percent households in rural India and urban India respectively had dwelling units with good ventilation. 31.7 percent of rural households and 82.5 percent of urban households had improved drainage facility in the environment of their dwelling units 32 percent of rural households and 75.8 percent in urban households areas had some garbage disposal arrangement. Only 10.8 percent of urban dwelling units were situated in slum. The households living in slums/squatter settlements, percentage of households who tried to move out of slums/squatter settlements were 8.5 percent, 4.9 percent and 6.9 percent in case of notified slums, non-notified slums and squatter settlements respectively. At all-India level 70.8 percent of households had cited better accommodation as the main reason for which they thought to move out of the slum/squatter settlement whereas 11.7 percent households had identified proximity to place of work as the main reason.
Union Government launched e-inclusion project to spread e-literacy

The Union Government on 24 December 2013 launched e-inclusion project to make people e-literate. The project is an initiative to make at least one individual in every household e-literate. Union minister of Communications and Information Technology, Kapil Sibal also launched the book on e-inclusion after launching e-inclusion and e-literacy through Common Services Centres in New Delhi. IT training will be provided to the economically weaker sections of the society including rural SC,
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ST and women under this project. The project will help people to participate in the knowledge based activities and access the financial, social and government services by the use of internet.
Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways added Quadricycle as new category
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways cleared quadricycle as a new category of vehicle on 23 December 2013. The Ministry suggested that the quadricycles should be registered under the commercial transport category for intra-city movement. Quadricycles are seen as safer than three-wheelers as they will have four wheels with fully enclosed body structure with hard top and door. These battery-powered or electric fourwheelers will come under quadricycle category. These vehicles will be allowed to ply only on city roads as transport vehicles and not as personal vehicles. These vehicles should have dual car-type braking system since there is no provision for crash test of these vehicles. The quadricycle have a substantial upgrade over the three-wheeler auto and will be bigger than an auto-rickshaw and smaller than a normal car. No change in weight, size, body and emission norms of the vehicle. The vehicle meant for carrying passengers will be of 450 kg and for carrying goods will be of 550 kg. The length will be 3 metre for passenger version and 3.7 metre for goods version. Quadricycles can carry a maximum of four passengers and goods vehicles can carry 500 kg which excluded the weight of battery from total vehicle weight.
As per the Ministry the final notification will be released in less than a month and these vehicles will be allowed to ply after six months of the notification.
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Inclusion of battery operated four-wheelers as quadricycle will bring more players in competition including Mahindras, Bajaj Auto, TVS, Tata Motors, Maruti.
National Skills Qualifications Framework approved by Cabinet Committee on Skill Development

The Cabinet Committee on Skill Development on 19 December 2013 approved the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). It is a quality assurance framework, which organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. NSQF levels can be defined as the learning outcomes that a learner must possess regardless how they have acquired it may be through a formal means of learning or a non-formal or informal learning. It will help in shifting the emphasis to outcome, which is based learning both in the general and vocational space. The lack in uniformity in qualifications across institutions leads to a problem in establishment of equivalence of certificates/ diplomas/degrees in different parts of India turn impacts in the employment and mobility to the students. NSQF would help in tackling the challenge. This often leads to problems in establishing equivalence of certificates/diplomas/degrees in different parts of the country, which in turn impacts the employability and mobility of students. By shifting the focus from inputs to learning outcomes, the NSQF would aim to tackle this challenge. NSQF will also facilitate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) that is largely lacking in the present education and training scenario. It would help alignment of Indian qualifications to international qualifications. The NSQF will allow people to move between education, vocational training and work at different stages in lives and help them in credit accumulation and transfer system as per the needs and convenience. The National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), an autonomous body attached to the Ministry of Finance will anchor and operationalise the framework. NSDA is mandated to coordinate and harmonize skill development efforts of the Government of India and the private sector. National Skills Qualifications Framework is a nationally integrated education and competency based skill framework which will provide multiple pathways, horizontal as well as vertical, both within vocational education and vocational training and among vocational education, vocational training, general education and technical education, thus linking one level of learning to another higher level. There are 10 levels in the framework, with the entry level being 1, and the highest level being 10. This will enable a person to acquire desired competency levels, transit to the job market and, at an opportune time, return for acquiring additional skills to further upgrade competencies.
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SC ruled Government sanction not required to probe public servants in court monitored cases
Supreme Court ruled on 17 December 2013 that governments prior sanction is not required to probe a public servant. This will apply to the cases where the probe is being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the surveillance of the Court. A three-judge bench of Justice RM Lodha, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Madan B. Lokur ruled that Section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DPSE) Act does not apply to the corruption cases being monitored by the Court. Section 6A of the DPSE Act requires prior consent of the Central Government to investigate top babus. Thus, it gave the CBI power to investigate officers of the rank of joint secretary and above without the Centres prior permission in cases where court is monitoring the probe. The Judgement was delivered while hearing the plea filed by the CBI contending that there was no need for prior government sanction to inquire a public servant in court-monitored cases. As a result, the deck has been cleared for the CBI to prosecute bureaucrats allegedly involved in coalgate scam without waiting for governments sanction.
Union Cabinet approved the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill 2013

The Union Cabinet on 16 December 2013 approved the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill 2013. The bill aimed to prevent and tackle the communal violence in the country and punish the perpetrators of the violence.
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The Bill has been named as The Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2013. The Bill has the provision of creating an institutional arrangement for speedy investigation, disposal of cases and for providing relief and rehabilitation to victims of communal violence. It also seeks imposition of enhanced punishment on persons involved in communal violence.
The highlights of the Bill

The Bill defines communal violence to include any act of series of acts, whether spontaneous or planned, resulting in injury or harm to the person or property knowingly directed against any person by virtue of his or her religious or linguistic identity. The Bill has proposed to punish organized communal violence with life imprisonment. Hate propaganda will be punished with up to three years imprisonment or fine or both. Funding of communal violence will be punished with up to three years or fine or both. Dereliction of duty will invite a punishment with imprisonment ranging from two years to five years and breach of command with imprisonment of up to 10 years. Earlier the power of intervention of the Centre in event of riots was unilateral, that is, central could send paramilitary forces without consulting the state governments. This has been amended and now the State governments will have discretion in deciding whether the assistance of the Centre is needed or not. The new bill makes bureaucrats and public servants accountable for any acts of commission and omission while handling communal violence. However bureaucrats who refuse to obey unlawful orders of their superiors during communal situations cannot be held responsible for willful neglect of duty. The Bill provide compensation of 7 lakh rupees to the next kin of those killed in communal violence, 5 lakh rupees for rape, 3 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees for disability and 2 lakh rupees for grievous injury.
Union Ministry of Finance Approved Three Proposals to utilise Nirbhaya Fund

The Union Ministry of Finance on 16 December 2013 approved the three proposals of different Ministries to utilise the Resources in the Nirbhaya Fund to Enhance the Safety and Security of Women in the country. In the Union Budget speech on 28 Februry 2013, the Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram had
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announced that the Government will set-up a Fund called the Nirbhaya Fund and contribute 1000 crore rupees to the Fund.
Three Proposals
(I) Proposal of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs designed in consultation with Ministry of Information Technology: Integration of the police administration with the mobile phone network to trace and respond to distress calls with minimum response time. Instructions will be issued by the Ministry of Information Technology to all mobile phone manufacturers to introduce, mandatorily, an SOS alert button in all the handsets. Manufacturers will also be instructed to launch SOS alert system in the existing handsets through free downloading of suitable software. The scheme will be launched in 157 cities in two phases (55 in phase I and 102 in phase II). The expected outlay is 1000 crore rupees. Department of IT has already initiated two projects in this context. The first project A Pilot Deployment of an Electronic Personal Safety System(ePSS) by C-DAC (Trivandrum), that provides a complete eco-system for assisting women in distress, is being implemented at Jaipur Police Control Room. Another project called Design and Development of an affordable Electronic Personal Safety Device is being implemented by IIT, Delhi for development of personal security device in the form of a wrist watch. (II) Proposal of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: A scheme for security of women in road transport in the country covering 32 towns each with a population of over one million to be implemented over a period of two years. The scheme would have following features: Public Transport Vehicles to compulsorily have Global Position System(GPS) for tracking and enforcement. On-board unit should be a necessary condition for giving permit. Control room in every city having more than one million population to track public transport
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vehicles. Public Transport Buses to have CCTVs to record the events. Passenger Information Systems through smart phones, display on bus stops etc. IVR, Text and E-mail based complaint system for transport. Scrutiny and constant review of every public transport vehicle and driver. Women enforcement wing in transport department. More women drivers and conductors Training and Licensing. Awareness campaign. The expected outlay is about 1700 crore rupees for this proposal. (III) Proposal of Ministry of Railways: A pilot scheme of setting up an SOS alert system in trains in select zones. The railway helpline system will have the following features: The facility will cover all the service providers from all the telecom circles of mobile and landline networks. Call recording i.e. recording of the conversations between passengers and Call Centre Agents. Upgradability/compatibility for SMS service. To start with, the proposed call centre will support English and Hindi as languages of communication. However the system is flexible to be upgraded to a distributed mode wherein calls from a centralized call centre can be transferred to regional call centers. Rolling out of the scheme on All India basis would require an estimated amount of 25.17 crore rupees. Besides the above three schemes, Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) have reported that they are formulating a scheme for vulnerability mapping, opening of response centres and creating awareness for enhancement of safety and security of women in the selected 32 towns.
About Nirbhaya Incident

The 23-year old para-medical student (also known as Damini or Nirbhaya) was gang raped in New Delhi on 16 December 2012. She passed away in Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on 29 December 2012. She was raped in the moving bus by six men, one of which included a minor. The 16 December gang rape led to massive protests across the country. Government of India also promised strict punishment to the criminals of the crime, new rules for safety and security of women in the country. so that Government announced the Nirbhaya Fund for women safety.
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CCEA approved Panchayati Raj Ministry proposal on BRGF

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 12 December 2013 approved the proposal of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to continue district component of Backward Region Grants Fund (BRGF) in the current financial year (2013-14). The district component of BRGF covers 272 backward districts in 27 states and the entitlement of each district is one crore rupees. The amount is used primarily to build capacity for elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj institutions. The BRGF will have budgetary estimate of 6500 rupees during 2013-14. The fund will contribute towards poverty alleviation in backward districts and promote accountable and responsible panchayats and municipalities.
About Backward Region Grants Fund (BRGF)

The Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF), launched by the Prime Minister at Barpeta in Assam on 19th February 2007, signifies a new approach to addressing persistent regional imbalances in development. The programme subsumes the Rashtriya Sama Vikas Yojana (RSVY), a scheme earlier being administered by the Planning Commission.
Objectives of BRGF
The Backward Regions Grant Fund is designed to redress regional imbalances in development by way of providing financial resources for supplementing and converging existing developmental inflows into the identified backward districts, so as to: Bridge critical gaps in local infrastructure and other development requirements that are not being adequately met through existing inflows, Strengthen, to this end, Panchayat and Municipality level governance with more appropriate capacity building, to facilitate participatory planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring, to reflect local felt needs, Provide professional support to local bodies for planning, implementation and monitoring their plans, Improve the performance and delivery of critical functions assigned to Panchayats, and counter possible efficiency and equity losses on account of inadequate local capacity.
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Union Cabinet Approved Changes in Code of Conduct for Ministers to Check Misuse of Bureaucrats
The Union Cabinet on 12 December 2013 approved fresh amendments to a 50-year-old Code of Conduct for the Ministers to check the misuse of bureaucrats by ministers for political purposes, both at the Centre and in the states. In this regard cabinet added a new clause which aims at checking the political executive from misusing bureaucrats for political purposes and will also help check civil servants from cultivating political patronage. While the fresh clause will come into effect at the Centre immediately, it will be sent to the state governments for their adoption. This is the second amendment to the Code of Conduct which came into being in 1964. The Code of Conduct will now include the proposed paragraph to Section 2, which reads: Section 2-After taking office, and so long as he/he remains in office, the Minister shall :- (f) Uphold the political impartiality of the civil services and not ask the civil servants to act in any way, which would conflict with the duties and responsibilities of the civil servants. The revised Code of Conduct for Ministers will become effective immediately from the date of issue with regard to the Ministers of the Union Government. The revised Code will be forwarded to the Chief Ministers of the states for adoption in regard of the Ministers of State Governments and the Union Territory Administrations.
Homosexuality is offence: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India on 11 December 2013 upheld the constitutional validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment. A bench of justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya set aside the Delhi High Courts verdict which had in 2009 decriminalised gay sex among consenting adults in private. The Supreme Court bench allowed the appeals filed by various social and religious organisations challenging the Delhi high court verdict on the ground that gay sex is against the cultural and religious values of the country. The Supreme Court ruled that there is no constitutional infirmity in section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, IPC which makes gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment.
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With the apex court verdict, the operation of penal provision against gay sex has come into force. The bench stated Parliament is authorised to delete section 377 of IPC but till the time this penal provision is there, the court cannot legalise this kind of sexual relationship. The court passed the order on a batch of petitions of anti-gay right activists and social and religious organisations against the Delhi High Courts verdict decriminalising gay sex. The Delhi High Court had on 2 July 2009 decriminalised gay sex as provided in Section 377 of the IPC and had ruled that sex between two consenting adults in private would not be an offence.
Section 377 in the Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 377: Unnatural offences; Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
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Supreme Court ordered Centre and States to make 22 CBI courts functional across India
The Supreme Court of India on 10 December 2013 set a fresh four month deadline for the centre and states to make functional all the 22 CBI courts across the country for trying corruption cases that involves politicians and public servant. The Court has also warned the chief secretaries that failure to comply with its order will invite contempt action against them. The bench of Supreme Court that comprised Justice GS Singhvi and C Nagappan also observed that these CBI Courts are necessary for speedy and expeditious disposal of corruption cases. The Supreme Court had on 30 January directed the Centre to set up 22 special CBI courts within two months across the country. The Supreme Court also brought in notice the letter written by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the Chief Ministers for creation of additional special courts, in July 2009. The Government in 2009 took a decision to set up 71 additional special courts for trial of CBI cases in various states. The Apex Court has been passing orders for creation of the courts since 2011, but the Government failed in creation of the court.
BJP won Assembly Elections 2013 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
Total Seats in Chhattisgarh Total Seats in Madhya Pradesh Total Seats in Rajasthan Total Seats in Delhi 90 230 199 70 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 8 December 2013 won the state assembly election in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. In Delhi assembly elections BJP emerged as the largest party and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in its debut emerged as the second largest party pushing the ruling party
Congress as the third party. In Chhattisgarh, BJP won 49 seats and the opposition party Congress won 39 seats. In Madhya Pradesh the party won 161 seats, whereas the main opposition party Congress was able to secure 58 seats. In Rajasthan, BJP won on 162 seats by reducing the ruling party Congress government to 21 seats only.
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Election Commission to recognise Aam Aadmi Party as State Party in Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with winning over 28 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections on 8 December 2013 met the eligibility criteria of Election Commssion to become a State Party. The Aam Aadmi Party registered as a political party by the Election Commission in March 2013.
What are the criteria for recognition of a Party?
1. Under the existing provisions of the Symbol Order, a registered party has to fulfill any of the following conditions for recognition as a State Party: 2. A political party should secure at least six percent of the total valid votes polled during general election to a State Legislative Assembly and should, in addition, win at least two seats in that Assembly, or the party should win at least three percent of the total number of seats or three seats in the Legislative Assembly, whichever is more; 3. Alternatively, a political party should secure at least six percent of the total valid votes polled in a State during a general election to Lok Sabha and win at least one seat in the Lok Sabha from that State, or the party should win at least one seat in the Lok Sabha for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to that State. 4. Under the liberalized criteria, one more clause has been added to provide that even if a Party
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fails to win any seat in a State in a general election to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly of the State, the party will still be eligible for recognition as State Party if it secures 8 percent or more of the total valid votes polled in the State. 5. If a political party is recognised as a State Party in four or more States then it will automatically become a national party. 6. Recognition is given only based on the poll results of Assembly/Lok Sabha general elections and by-elections are not taken into account for considering this. 7. A party, which is recognised as a State or National party, loses its recognition if it performs poorly in the subsequent polls.
Benefits under recognized state Party

The AAP, which was allotted broomstick as the election symbol by the Commission from among the common symbols following a request in this regard from AAP, will now have the choice of retaining broomstick as its permanent election symbol or it can design its own poll symbol provided it fits within the rules and regulations of the Commission. EC recognition will entail the parties to participate in the all-party meetings convened by the EC/the State/Central governments, get a permanent common symbol for all their contestants, privilege to address the voters through the All India Radio and Doordarshan during poll.
About Aam Aadmi Party

The Aam Admi Party was launched by Aravind Kejriwal, a former member of India against Corrpution (IAC) movement on 26 November 2012 in Delhi. AAP has a 23-member national executive committee and Aravind Kejriwal is national convener of the Party. Aam Admi Party has won 28 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections on 8 December 2013. The election symbol of AAP is Broomstick.
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Prime Minister dedicated GAIL India Ltds 1000 km DabholBangalore Natural Gas Pipeline to Nation
Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh on 3 December 2013 dedicated GAIL India Ltds 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore natural gas pipeline to the Nation. Prime Minister dedicated it to the nation during the inauguration of the 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) Bengalore.
About Dabhol-Bangalore Natural Gas Pipeline

The Dabhol Bangaluru pipeline connects South India to the national gas grid for the first time. Pipeline has been constructed at an investment of 4500 crore rupees with a design capacity of 16 MMSCMD of natural gas which can produce 3000 MW of clean energy. The pipeline starts at Dabhol in Maharashtra and passes through Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Devanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban districts. It traverses through 18 National Highways, 382 other road crossings, 20 railway crossings, 83 cased crossings, 11 major river crossings and 276 water body crossings including Asias largest river crossing in rocky terrain at Ghatprabha. The construction operations which continued for 19 months involved pipeline laying in some of the worlds steepest slopes of 60 to 70 degrees and sharp elevations of upto700 metres in a 3.5 km stretch.
About Gas Authority India Ltd

GAIL (India) Ltd was incorporated in August 1984 as a Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Gas Authority of India Limited is the largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company. GAIL is a Maharatna Company.
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Express Parcel and Business Parcel Services launched by Department of Post

Department of Posts under the Union Ministry of Communications & IT on 2 December 2013 launched an Express Parcel service and Business Parcel service for speedy delivery of parcels across the country. The services were launched by Smt. P. Gopinath, Secretary, Department of Posts, at a function organized at New Delhi G.P.O.
About the Parcel Services

Express Parcel service is a premium parcel service for retail as well as bulk customers. It offers timebound, safe and secure home delivery of parcels. To have minimal transit time these parcels will be given airlift wherever needed. Business Parcel service is an economical parcel service for bulk customers wherein parcels will be transported through surface roads. The Business Parcel service will have a nationwide coverage whereas the Express Parcel service will initially be available between 20 identified cities: Agra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi (NCR), Patna, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Parwanoo, Shillong, Surat and Thiruvanthapuram. This service will be expanded nationwide in phased manner. These two new parcel service aim to promote the e-commerce market in India by offering reliable and cost efficient delivery solutions. These services will have Cash on Delivery facility which has become a pre-requisite today for e-commerce parcels.
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
2 December 2013 Department of Posts has launched an Express Parcel service and Business Parcel Services for speedy delivery of parcels across the country. India cricket team has retained its top position in the latest ICC ODI rankings and second position in the ICC Test cricket rankings.
3 December 2013 Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh has dedicated the GAIL India Ltds 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore natural gas pipeline to the Nation. The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) was held from 3 to 4 December 2013 at New Delhi. India was ranked 94th on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013, which was released by Transparency International. India successfully test fired its surface to surface ballistic missile Prithvi-ll from Chandipur in the Balesore District of Odisha.
4 December 2013 Indias Current Account Deficit narrowed sharply to 5.2 billion dollars or 1.2 percent of GDP in the July-September quarter of 2013-14. The Union Government rejected the demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya.
5 December 2013 The Union Cabinet has approved the Telangana Draft Bill 2013 for the creation of a 10-district Telangana state from the present Andhra Pradesh state. The Supreme Court of India favoured punishment of life imprisonment to people indulging in production and marketing of adulterated milk.
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
6 December 2013 Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 came into force on 6 December 2013 across India except Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India modified the FDI policy allowing unlisted companies to directly list on stock exchanges abroad. A Union Ministerial panel has recommended a bailout of 7200 crore rupees to sugar mills. The loan will be provided to pay off the arrears of cane growers. The Junior Hockey world Cup is scheduled from 6-15 December in New Delhi, India. A total of 16 teams are participating in this tournament.
7 December 2013 Armed Forces Flag Day was observed across India on 7 December 2013.
8 December 2013 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the state assembly election in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. In Delhi assembly elections BJP emerged as the largest party and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in its debut emerged as the second largest party pushing the ruling party Congress as the third party.
9 December 2013 BJP won Assembly Elections 2013 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Election Commission to recognize Aam Aadmi Party as State Party in Delhi
10 December 2013 Red Beacons are allowed for Constitutional posts and high dignitaries: Supreme Court The Last King of Mysore Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Died Panruti Ramachandran retired from active Politics
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
Wipro Chairman Azim Premji received ET Lifetime Achievement Award 2013
11 December 2013 Homosexuality is offence: Supreme Court Supreme Court ordered Centre and States to make 22 CBI courts functional across India Supreme Court Judge Justice GS Singhvi retired IIT alumnus in top ten list of US startup Founders Fortune 500 Indian companies list released
12 December 2013 Union Cabinet Approved Changes in Code of Conduct for Ministers to Check Misuse of Bureaucrats CCEA approved Panchayati Raj Ministry proposal on BRGF Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag designated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India met in Kolkata Mary Kom Autobiography titled Unbreakable unveiled
13 December 2013 The Code of Conduct for Ministers for Union and State Governments has been revised Cabinet approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011 Inflation soared up to 11.24%, industrial production shrank to 1.8% Torrent Pharmaceuticals signed agreement with Elder Pharma for 2004 crore Rupees CVR Rajendran appointed CMD of Andhra Bank
14 December 2013 Krishna Iyer appointed CEO of Wal-Mart India
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
Lal Thanhawla sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for second successive term Former footballer, Babul Phukan died in Guwahati
15 December 2013 Union Labour Minister, Sis Ram Ola died Chinese troops detained Indian porters at Chumar in eastern Ladakh Harsh Kumar Bhanwala appointed Chairman of NABARD BJP Organised Run for Unity Across the Country
16 December The Union Cabinet approves the Prevention of Communal Violence Bill 2013. The bill aims to prevent and tackle communal violence in the country. Squash player Mahesh Mangaonkar wins the IMET Open 2013 in the Slovakian capital Bratislava. He is the first Indian squash player to win the IMET Open.
17 December Supreme Court rules that governments prior sanction is not required to probe a public servant in the corruption cases monitored by the court. The Inflation in India reaches 7.52 percent, the highest in 14 months since September 2012. India wins the boys and girls team titles in the Asia-Pacific junior golf championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). It was Indias first ever victory in the Asia Pacific Junior Golf Championship.
18 December Lok Sabha passes the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2013 with voice vote. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Japans Central bank, Bank of Japan, decides to enhance the bilateral currency swap arrangement from 15 billion dollars to 50 billion dollars. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review has kept the repo rate unchanged at 7.75%.
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
Cricketer Kapil Dev, the Former Captain and legendary All-rounder, selected for the BCCIs prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award for the year 2013.
19 December The Cabinet Committee on Skill Development approves the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). The Cabinet approves free trade agreement between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) allows state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) to pump methane gas trapped in coal seams of its existing mines. The Election Commission recognizes Aam Aadmi Party as a State Party and reserved symbol of broom.
20 December The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves the sale of Natural Gas from D1 and D3 Gas fields at revised prices on the basis of Bank Guarantee. IRCON International Limited receives the prestigious India Pride Awards for Excellence in Central PSUs in India Image Enhancement. United Nations felicitates Odisha Government for effectively handling Cyclone Phailin.
21 December Sri City in Andhra Pradesh to have PepsiCos largest beverage plant in India.
22 December Subrahmanyam Jaishankar takes charge as the Ambassador of the US. He succeeds Nirupama Rao. Pran Chopra, the veteran journalist and first editor of The Statesman, died. He was 92. Zaheer Khan becomes the fourth Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in Test Cricket. Jacques Kallis was his 300th wicket.
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
23 December The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways cleared quadricycle as a new category of vehicle. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched an inflation indexed saving bonds. The indexed savings bonds offer protection to retail investors from price rise. The renowned Kannada, Rashtrakavi G. S. Shivarudrappa, poet died in Bangalore. He was 87.
24 December The Union Government launched e-inclusion project to make people e-literate. The project is an initiative to make at least one individual in every household e-literate. Marpadi Veerappa Moily , the petroleum and natural gas Minister took an additional charge of the Environment and Forests Ministry after the exit of Jayanthi Natarajan. Sidharth Birla, Chairman of Xpro India Limited took charge as the President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
25 December Deepika Kumari wins her sixth consecutive title at the 34th National Archery Championships at JRD Tata Stadium of PSPB, Jamshedpur. The Government of India decides to place the legal wing of CBI under the command of the CBI Director, making his word final in investigations. Earlier, the legal wing of the agency reported to the Law Ministry.
26 December The Centre approved the proposal to set up National Cancer Institute at the Jhajjar campus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Haryana. The Union Cabinet approved the constitutional status to a proposed Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) for appointment and transfer of judges to the higher judiciary. Arvind Ranjan appointed the full time chief of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
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INDIA DAIRY
December 2013
Microsoft India introduced Guardian, a new safety application that enables friends and family of Windows phone users to track them in real time in Hyderabad.
27 December Airports Authority of India (AAI) received TRAINAIR PLUS accreditation certificate and membership plaque by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). J.N.Chaudhary appointed New Head of National Security Guards (NSG).
28 December Veteran Bollywood actor Farooq Sheikh died due to heart attack in Dubai. He was 65. National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a public sector undertaking recieves Excellent Memorandum of Understanding score of 1.5 by the Department of Public Enterprises for its outstanding performance in 2012-13.
29 December P Pradeep Kumar appointed as the Managing Director (Corporate Banking) of State Bank of India (SBI), the biggest lender of the country. Energy major, the Oil India Limited (OIL) signed an agreement with the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) to carry out a feasibility study on dairy production in two districts of Assam.
30 December According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme has improved key indicators of urban life in India and it reached the poorest of poor. Sashi Tharoor, the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development named as the Person of the Year by the animal rights body PETA India for taking steps to advance animal protection. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 8th Financial Stability Report (FSR) highlighting the spectre of rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and its consequences.
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ECONOMY
8TH Financial Stability Report released by RBI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 8th Financial Stability Report (FSR) on 30 December 2013. The FSR was released against the backdrop of a mild positive market reaction to the announcement of tapering in the US Federal Reserve bond purchase plan from January 2014.
Major Highlights of the report are:

Indias external sector has improved with reduction in Current Account Deficit (CAD). CAD is expected to be less than 3 per cent of the GDP during the current financial year 2013-14. Report revealed that the banking system is facing rising tide of bad loans. The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) in the system will rise to 4.6 per cent by September 2014 from 4.2 per cent in September 2013.
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The amount of recast loans touched an all-time high of 10.2 per cent of the overall advances as of September 2013. The state-run banks will be the worst-affected, the report said, pegging the gross NPAs for public sector banks at 4.9 per cent by March 2015. It projected the gross NPAs for private banks at 2.7 per cent in the same period. Asset quality continues to be a major concern for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs). The Gross Non-performing Assets ratio of SCBs as well as their restructured standard advances ratio has increased. Five sectors infrastructure, iron & steel, textiles, aviation and mining have a high level of stressed advances. At system level, these five sectors together account for around 24 per cent of total advances of commercial banks and around 51 per cent of their total stressed advances. Due to the interconnectedness with banks, liquidity pressure is felt by the money market mutual funds (MMMFs) whenever redemption requirements of banks are large and simultaneous. Regulatory measures are taken to reduce the degree of interconnectedness seem to have been successful in reducing the liquidity risk in the system. However, macro-economic adjustment is far from complete, with persistence of high inflation amidst growth slowdown. Fall in domestic savings and high fiscal deficit are other major concerns for India. Macro stress tests on credit risk suggest that if the adverse macroeconomic conditions persist, the credit quality of commercial banks could deteriorate further. However, under improved conditions, the present trend in credit quality may reverse during the second half of 2014.
CIIs Business Confidence Index revealed signs of economic turnaround

Business Confidence Index (BCI) was released by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the period October-December 2013-14 on 29 December 2013. The Index indicated pick-up in the economic activity in the Quarter 4 of 2013-14. BCI rose sharply to 54.9 during the Q4 of 2013 -14 from 45.7 in the Q3 of 2013-14 indicating that there are signs of economic turnaround in the fiscal year 2013-14. This improvement in BCI happened because of improvement in export performance, said the CII Director-General Chandrajit Banerjee. he growth in BCI for the Q4 came as a major relief for the Indian economy which has braved the onslaught of the slowdown for the last several quarters and been awaiting the return of growth.
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However, the BCI also revealed downside risks to the economy. These include: domestic economic and political instability, slackening consumer demand, high level of corruption, persistent high inflation and risk from exchange rate volatility.
HSBC Business Confidence Index

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited has teamed up with Middle East Economic Digest and YouGov to create a unique index of business sentiment in the Middle East. The first edition of the HSBC - MEED Middle East Business Confidence Index was published in the Middle East Economic Digest magazine on 18 June. HSBC Trade Confidence Index for India stood at the highest -- 142 points, followed by UAE (132 points) and Indonesia (127 points).
PPPAC-a high level committee has appraised five Port Projects

The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC-a high level committee of the Government of India) on 30 December 2013 appraised five proposals in the Port Sector. These projects will now be recommended for grant of final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). For this purpose of approval of the CCEA, a Cabinet Note will be submitted by the Ministry of Shipping. The five projects are
Development of 4th Container Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) on DBFOTDesign, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis Development of Container Terminal at Ennore Port Limited (EPL) on DBFOT Development of Multipurpose Cargo at Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) on DBFOT Development of Mega Container Terminal at Tuna Tekra at Kandla Port (KPT) on BOT Development of Container Terminal at Diamond Harbour at Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) on BOT
These projects are proposed to be awarded in the current financial year by various Major Ports for implementation under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The proposed projects are to create an additional capacity of 150 MMTPA with an investment of about 17630 Crores rupees. In the year 2013, the Ministry of Shipping has so far conveyed approval for 16 projects against a
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target of 30 and the major ports have already awarded these projects. Of the 16 projects that has been granted an approval includes six under PPP and 10 projects are under non-PPP mode. It is expected that these projects will add a capacity of 89 MMTPA with an investment of 4200 crore rupees.
CCEA nod for guidelines to provide aid to sugar industry for payment of cane price arrears
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 26 December 2013 approved the guidelines for providing financial assistance to the sugar industry for payment of cane price arrears. The expenditure for the scheme will be met fully from the Sugar Development Fund (SDF). The Central Government will provide an interest subvention up to 12 percent at a simple rate of interest for the additional working capital loans to the sugar undertakings. Banks will provide the additional working capital loan that is equal to last three sugar seasons excise duty, cess and surcharge on sugar. Sugar undertakings with loan classified Non Performing Assests (NPA) by the banks are also eligible for the loans only if the concerned state government will give a guarantee for their new loans. The interest subvention on the total loan has been provided for five year, which includes moratorium period of two years. In the principal repayments, no interest subvention will be provided for the period of defaults. The loans would be meant exclusively for effecting cane price payments by the sugar mills.
RBI launched Inflation Indexed Saving Bonds

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched an inflation indexed saving bonds on 23 December 2013. The newly launched indexed savings bonds offer protection to retail investors from price rise. It will be open for subscription between 23 to 31 December. These securities were launched in the backdrop of announcement made in the Union Budget 201314 to introduce instruments that will protect savings from inflation, especially the savings of the poor and middle classes. The minimum limit for investment on the indexed saving bonds is 5000 rupees and maximum is 5
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lakh rupees per annum. Interest rate on these securities would be linked to final combined Consumer Price Index (CPI) Interest rate would comprise two parts - fixed rate (1.5%) and inflation rate based on CPI and the same will be compounded in the principal on half-yearly basis and paid at the time of maturity. Early redemptions would be allowed after one year from the date of issue for senior citizens (i.e. above 65 years of age) and 3 years for all others, subject to penalty charges at the rate of 50% of the last coupon payable for early redemption. Early redemptions, however, will be made only on coupon dates. These securities will be issued in the form of Bond to be held in the Bond Ledger Account (BLA) and all the provisions of Government Securities Act, 2006 shall be applicable. The eligible investors for these bonds would include individuals, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), charitable institutions registered under section 25 of the Indian Companies Act and Universities incorporated by Central, State or Provincial Act or declared to be a university under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956). The eligible investors can approach three private sector banks -- HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank -- and Stock Holding Corporation of India.
Government decided to launch Direct transfer of Cash subsidy on kerosene

The government of India puts a way ahead to launched Cash subsidy on kerosene after the successful implementation of cash subsidy on LPG for BPL (below poverty line) families. The scheme would be known as DTCK (direct transfer of cash subsidy on PDS kerosene). This would be on the lines of DBTL( direct benefit transfer of subsidy on LPG (cooking gas).
What is direct transfer of cash subsidy

The price of the commodity remain same as that of the market price , government itself decide the subsidized price and pay the difference between market price and subsidized price directly to the family of the BPL in their account. Instead of paying subsidy to the manufacturer , government directly pay cash to the poor people.
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The mode of implementation would be covered under two phases , In the first phase seven districts of three states would be covered under the subsidy. In Maharashtra , the scheme would be lunched in Nandurbar , Wardha and Amrawati . while in Rajasthan , Alwar , Ajmer and Udaipur would be covered. Similarly, the initiative would be covered in north Goa. So far , Centre had grant a subsidy of around 1700 crore rupees for DBTL , but now the exchequer would be expected to face a subsidy bill of 30000 crore rupees for providing fuel to BPL families. A pilot DTCK scheme has been running in Kotkasim tehsil of Rajasthans Alwar district since December 2011. The results have been encouraging.
The change in the subsidy policy able to tackle the following shortcomings of the system :
Dual pricing Black Marketing Unresponsiveness to customer needs Poor targeting of BPL population Diversion and leakages Under recoveries for Oil Manufacturing companies ( OMCs) .
Bolsa Famlia Program (BFP):

The largest and the most successful conditional cash transfer program is the Bolsa Famlia Program (BFP) in Brazil that covered close to 100 percent of Brazils poor in 2007. Under the programme, the government transfers cash straight to a family subject to conditions such as school attendance, nutritional monitoring, pre-natal and post-natal tests. The entire system is managed through efficient targeting, disbursement and regular monitoring of the disbursed funds.
Impact on government
The new system is expected to reduce this cost and subsidy bill through better targeting In the Union Budget 2012-13, target is to keep 2012-13 subsidies under 2 percent of GDP and under 1.75 percent of GDP in the next 3 years .
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Fiscal deficit to touch 5.2% in FY14: CRISIL

Ratings agency CRISIL (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) on 24 december 2013 said governments fiscal deficit would touch 5.2% during current Fiscal , above the target by 0.40%. In the Union Budget 2013-14 , government had set the target to curb the fiscal deficit by 4.8%. The Centre can reduce its fiscal deficit by as much as 20000 crore rupees this fiscal by using cash reserves of public sector units. The top 20 public sector undertakings will have a cash reserve of 160000 crore rupees by March 2014 and are comfortably placed to pay a special dividend.
About Crisil
CRISIL - Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited.CRISIL is a global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services.CRISILs majority shareholder is Standard & Poors, a division of McGraw-Hill Financial and provider of financial market intelligence. Its rating capabilities span the entire range of debt instruments and it has worked across the corporate strata, from large corporates in the country to the SMEs.
The public sector undertakings considered for this report include Bharat Electronics, Bharat Heavy Electronics, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Coal India, Container Corporation, Engineers India, Gail, MMTC, MOIL, Nalco, Neyveli Lignite Corp, NHPC, NMDC, NTPC Ltd, Oil India, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Power Grid Corporation, Shipping Corporation, SJVNL, and Sail.
What is fiscal deficit

Fiscal deficit is the difference between the governments expenditures and its revenues (excluding the money its borrowed). A countrys fiscal deficit is usually communicated as a percentage of its gross domestic product (GDP).
What are the causes of fiscal deficit

Government spending inflation lower revenue Slow economic growth Sluggish economic activities
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How fiscal deficit can be bad for India

A large fiscal deficit is an indication that the economy is in trouble and will have reasons to worry. A high fiscal deficit could pose an inflation risk, minimize the growth of the economy, doubt the governments abilities; it could affect the countrys sovereign rating, which in turn will limit foreign investors from looking at India as one of the investment hubs.
Net Direct Tax Collection increased by 13.7% till 20 December of FY 2013-14

The net direct tax collection increased by 13.7% to reach 4.12 lakh crore rupees till December 20, 2013 of the current fiscal year 2013-14. During the same period in 2012-13, the net direct tax collections had totalled 3.63 lakh crore rupee. The increase in net direct tax collection has come despite a slowdown in the economy, according to data released by Ministry of Finance on 21 December 2013. The government in Union Budget 2013-14 had fixed a target of over 6.68 lakh crore rupees for the current fiscal as against 5.65 lakh crore rupees in 2012-13. That is the government envisaged a growth of 19 per cent in direct tax collection in the fiscal year 2013-14. Out of above net collection, contribution by way of advance tax increased by 8.8% to 202626 crore rupees. The collection of corporate taxes increased 10.2% to 260752 crore rupee against 236580 crore rupee in the same period last year. Advance tax collection from corporates rose by 8.4 per cent to 176935 crore rupee as compared to the same period last year. Personal income tax collection was up by 20.5 per cent to 147987 crore rupee from 122818 crore rupee in the corresponding period last year. Securities Transaction Tax (STT) mop-up stood at 3427 crore rupee. STT is levied on every purchase or sale of securities that are listed on the Indian stock exchanges. Wealth tax collection up to stood at 752 crore rupee.
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Cabinet approved Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN

The Cabinet approved free trade agreement between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 19 December 2013. The Agreement of Trade in Services and Agreement was signed under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (CECA) between and the ASEAN. The CECA between India and ASEAN was signed in 2003. The Cabinet approved the Agreement on Trade Goods under the CECA with the ASEAN in 2009.
About ASEAN
The Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. The member of ASEAN countries are Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The agreement will help to boost the movement of Indian professionals in the ASEAN region and also facilitate more investments in the services sector. In 2011, the implementation of the free trade pact in goods, made both sides engaged in widening the base of the pact by including services and investment sectors. Trade between India and ASEAN countries was of about 76 billion dollar in 2012-13. Both the sides aim to increase it to 100 billion by 2015.
SEBI exempted Government from making open offer to IOB shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 18 December 2013 exempted the Government of India from making an offer to public shareholders for acquiring the shares of the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB). The order was issued after the Government planned to raise its stake in Indian Overseas Bank by five percent by infusion of 1200 crore rupees to 79 percent. The order was issued by the SEBI after Government proposed to acquire nearly 23 crore additional shares of the bank by way of preferential allotment against the Rs 1200 crore infusion
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The governments stake will rise by little over 5 percent to 79.01 percent after the government purchases these shares. As per the rules the entities that holds 25 percent or more stake in the company acquire 5 percent or more stake in the firm are required to make open offer to provide an exit opportunity to the Public shareholders. SEBI in its order has said that the minimum public shareholder level in IOB, which is 10 percent for public sector units, would be maintained even after the proposed hike in Government hike in the bank. It has also said that there will be no change in the management control at the bank. The bank filed an application on 8 November 2013 to SEBI seeking the exemption on behalf of the government. The exemption was allowed by the SEBI on a condition that the proposed acquisition will be in accordance to the provisions of the Companies law and government.
RBI and Bank of Japan agreed to triple the currency swap agreement to 50 billion dollar
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Japans Central bank, Bank of Japan, decided on 18 December 2013 to enhance the bilateral currency swap arrangement from 15 billion dollars to 50 billion dollars. The agreement would help bring stability in the financial markets in both the countries. The deal is basically aimed at lifting sentiments and allaying any fears that India has insufficient cushion to finance its current account deficit (CAD) if the situation worsens drastically. The arrangement implies that, the Bank of Japan will accept rupees and give dollars to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Similarly, Indias central bank will take yen and send dollars to the Bank of Japan.
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The arrangement will help stabilise the currencies of the two nations in time of contingencies. It can be put into operation whenever there is depletion of foreign exchange reserves or speculators hammer the currencies. Further, this will help reduce the demand for dollars in the short-term and boost exports and could be effective hedge against the volatility in the foreign exchange market. India should only enter into such agreements with countries with which it does not have a big trade imbalance. The currency swap arrangement was first signed in 2008 and was limited to 3 billion dollars. In 2011, the deal was renewed and the size was increased to 15 billion dollars.
About Currency Swap

A currency swap is defined as the exchange of principal and interest in one currency for the same in another currency. It is considered to be a foreign exchange transaction and is not required by law to be shown on a companys balance sheet. For example, suppose a U.S.-based company needs to acquire Swiss francs and a Swiss-based company needs to acquire U.S. dollars. These two companies could arrange to swap currencies by establishing an interest rate, an agreed upon amount and a common maturity date for the exchange. Currency swap maturities are negotiable for at least 10 years, making them a very flexible method of foreign exchange.
CCEA allowed CIL to pump gas from CBM mines

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) allowed state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) to pump methane gas trapped in coal seams of its existing mines. The decision by the CCEA would open a new revenue stream for the worlds largest coal miner CIL. Further it would help unlock several mines that have remained out of bounds because of the presence of the explosive gas that make mining unsafe. Currently, rules and regulations prohibit mining firms from extracting CBM during mining as the policy does not allow for
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simultaneous extraction of methane (CBM) and coal. CBM extracted by CIL will be priced and marketed as per the governments gas pricing and utilization policy. At present, only those companies that successfully bid for mines with CBM are allowed to explore and produce such gas. The government has auctioned 33 CBM blocks since 2001. CIL holds at least 20% of the estimated 60 billion tonnes of coal resources in India. It has several coal mines in eight States, which are estimated to have CBM reserves of 3.5-4 trillion cubic feet.
Coalbed methane
Coal bed methane (CBM), coalbed gas, or coal mine methane (CMM) is a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds. It is an unconventional source of energy because methane gas is contained in the coal and does not migrate to other rock strata. In recent decades it has become an important source of energy in United States, Canada, and other countries. Australia has rich deposits where it is known as coal seam gas
Coal Bed Methane Policy in India

CBM Policy was the Government of India on 19 July 1997 with an aim to offer the block for the exploration of CBM through open competitive bidding system. It provides infrastructure status to the exploration and exploitation of CBM. It asks the contractor to pay royalty at a flat rate of 10% ad valorem as is applicable to natural gas. These amounts will accrue to the State Governments concerned. The duration of the CBM contract will be for 38 years for blocks located in a normal area and 40 years for blocks in a frontier area. Government will not have any participating interest. Foreign/Indian companies could have 100% participating interest.
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SEBI laid out the Deposit Requirements for members of the Debt Segment
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 19 December 2013 laid out the minimum deposit requirements for members in debt segment of the stock exchanges. SEBI on 20 January 2013 announced a separate debt segment on bourses and had amended norms to enable registration of the stock broker, proprietary trading member, clearing member and the self clearing member on platform. In the newly issued circular, SEBI has said that the minimum capital requirements as per the norms for stock brokers and proprietary trading members will be applicable for the debt segment as well. As per the market regulator, SEBI for a member seeking registration in the debt segment, no deposit will be required if they are already member if some another segment on the stock exchange. It also said that the Clearing Member (CM)/Self Clearing Member (SCM) will have to deposit 10 lacks rupees. No exposure shall be granted against such deposit requirement of the Clearing Member/ Self Clearing Member. The circular also said that no deposit shall be payable in case a CM/SCM clears and settles trades only on gross basis for both securities and funds, and where no settlement guarantee is provided by the clearing corporation. This circular was issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11 (1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market.
CCEA approved 6600 crore rupees free loan to Sugar Industry

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 6600 crore rupees interest-free loans to cash starved sugar industry on 19 December 2013. The loans will be provided by banks to sugar mills exclusively for making payments to sugarcane farmers, including arrears. The loans are equivalent to the excise duty paid by the mills in the past three years. The Interest subvention will be 12 percent which will be borne by the Centre and Sugar Development Fund. Mills have to repay the loans in five years and can avail of a moratorium on repayment for the first two years. The loans will help the industry reduce around 500 crore rupees annually of interest burden in the next 5 years. The informal Group of Ministers (GoM) set up by the Prime Minister under the chairmanship of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar recommended the proposal to address the cash crunch
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of the sugar industry. The sugar industry is facing financial problems due to higher cost of production and lower sugar prices in the wake of surplus production in the last few years.
About CCEA
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is one of the standing committees constituted by the Government of India.
Some of the major functions of CCEA

CCEA review the economic trends on continuous basis. CCEA directs and coordinates all polices and activities in the economic field including foreign investment, which require policy decisions at higher level. Matters regarding fixation prices of agriculture and reviewing the prices of rural development including the small and marginal farmers are in CCEAs competence. Prices of industrial raw materials and products, industrial licensing polices including establishment of joint sector undertakings, reviewing of public sector undertakings (structural and financial) under purview of CCEA. CCEA facilitates finalization of factual reports on the accomplishments of ministers, Agencies and public sector undertaking involved in implementation prioritized schemes or projects evolved by the Prime Minister.
Wholesale Inflation increased to 7.52 percent in November 2013

The Inflation in India reached 7.52 percent, the highes t in 14 months since September 2012. The official data based on wholesale price index showed high inflation in November 2013 as compared to October 2013. The overall inflation in the food segment comprising wheat, pulses, vegetables and milk among others was 19.93 percent in November 2013. This was higher than the 18.19 percent rise in October 2013. Vegetables price especially the prices of Onion and
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Potatoes has sustained inflation at such high levels. Besides, protein rich items such as egg, meat and fish also became costlier by 15.19 percent. Inflation in fuel and power segment was at 11.08 percent and in manufactured products inflation rose to 2.64 from 2.50 percent. This is the last data before the RBIs monetary policy review on 18 December 2013.
About Inflation
Wholesale Price Indexes (WPIs) is an index that measures and tracks the changes in price of goods before the retail level. WPI is measured on the monthly basis. Consumer Price Index is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and service such as transportation, food and medical care etc., This is also called head line inflation. CPI is released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Indias trade deficit with China touched 11-month high of 29.5 billion dollar
According to the data released by the Chinas General Administration of Customs on 13 December 2013, Indias trade deficit with China reached a record $29.5 billion in the period January-November 2013. The trade deficit with China in 2013 was higher than the trade deficit in 2012. The numbers underline the sharp decline in once-burgeoning trade, which reached 74 billion dollar in 2011 when China became Indias biggest trading partner. In 2012, Indias the trade deficit with China registered a 10% decline to reach 66.50 billion dollar, even as both the countries announced an ambitious 100 billion trade target to be achieved by 2015. The decline was partly the result of 20% slump in Indias exports, largely on account of iron ore mining bans by China and partly on account of global slowdown. The latest figures have casted doubt on whether that target may be achieved. During the period January-November 2013, even as Chinas trade with the rest of Asia as well as with its major Western trading partners has picked up, trade with India has remained in a slump. This suggests that causes were more structural rather than a reflection of global trends. After 11 months of this year, Indias exports to China reached only 14.87 billion dollar out of total bilateral trade of 59.24 billion dollar. Trade between the two countries was down by 2.7% year-onyear, even as Chinas overall global trade rose 7.7%. This was driven by an export sector that has
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continued to show signs of revival, growing 12.7% and marking the second straight month of rising exports. Trade has grown more than 50 times since 2006, when the Nathu La pass between Sikkim and the Shigatse prefecture in Tibet was reopened. Most of the trade is made up of imports of Indian goods into Tibet, which reached 12 million dollar in 2012. Authorities said the border market is open for only six months of the year opening on May 1 and closing on November 30.
Inflation soared up to 11.24%, industrial production shrank to 1.8%

In a double whammy for the UPA government, retail inflation soared to a nine-month high of 11.24% and output shrank to 1.8%. These developments may prompt the Reserve Bank to further increase a key interest rate. Official data released on 12 December 2013 showed retail inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), touched a nine-month high of 11.24% in November 2013 on account of costlier vegetables and fruits such as onions and tomatoes. Inflation which was in double digits for several months until March 2013 declined to 9.39% in April 2013 and came back to double digits in October 2013. As per the revised data, CPI based inflation for October 2013 moved upward to 10.17% as compared to preliminary estimate of 10.09%. The data also showed that the provisional inflation rates for rural and urban areas for November 2013 were 11.74% and 10.5%, respectively. For CPI inflation, price data are collected from select towns by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and from certain villages by the department of posts. The index of industrial production (IIP) contracted in October 2013 after three months, mainly due to poor performances in manufacturing, mining and consumer durables. Factory output, as measured in terms of the IIP, grew by 8.4 per cent in October 2012. Meanwhile, IIP growth for September 2013 was revised marginally upwards to 1.96% from the provisional estimate of 2%. IIP dipped by 1.8% in June 2013. According to data released by the government, industrial output for April-October 2013 period remained flat as compared to 1.2% in the same period of 2012-13. The manufacturing sector comprising over 75% of the IIP, declined by 2% in the month of October 2013 as compared to the growth of 9.9% in 2012. During April-October 2013, the sectors output contracted 0.3% compared to a growth of 1.1% in the same period in 2012. The mining sector, with a weight of about 14% in IIP, also saw a contraction of 3.5% in October
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2013 as against a dip of 0.2% in the same period in 2012. During April-October 2013, the mining output shrank by 2.7% as against a contraction of 1% in the same period in 2012. Power generation, however, posted a growth of 1.3% in October 2013 as compared to 5.5% in October 2012. Expansion in power generation was at 5.3% in April-October 2013 as compared to 4.7% in April-October 2012. In terms of industries, 10 out of 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have shown negative growth during the month of October 2013. The Indian economy, Asias third-largest, faces a difficult situation where growth has slowed to a decade low but price pressures have remained stubborn. It has one of the highest inflation rates in the world, and the highest in Asia. Weak growth and high inflation also complicated the policy choice for the central bank.
The Ragarajan Panel recommended the guidelines for Highway sector

The C Rangarajan panel recommended the guidelines prescribing bailout packages for developers of highway projects and the task of implementation lie with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI. The panel recommended that 75% of the premium amount payable to the government will be restricted in the first three years of the contract. Further it recommended that the road developers should submit the entire premium amount three years before the completion of full contract. At present companies pay some amount of premium to the government in the first year of the project which keeps increasing in the subsequent years. The panels recommendations, if accepted, will lead to huge reduction in the premium payment in the first years. As a result, it will provide relief to the developers like GMR Infrastructure Ltd and GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd and 23 other road developers.
Background
The panel was appointed by the Government in October 2013 o fine-tune and decide all terms and conditions of the bailout policy for the road developer who were pulling out of road projects due to the premium burdens. The six-member panel is headed by the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council Chairman C Rangarajan. The other members of the panel include Secretary Planning Commission Sindhushree Khullar, Expenditure Secretary R.S. Gujral, Secretary, Economic Advisory Council Alok Sheel,
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Roads Secretary Vijay Chhibber, Joint Secretary Road Transport and Highways Rohit Kumar Singh and Chairman National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) R.P. Singh. Earlier in October 2013, the Cabinet note, which included suggestions of the finance ministry, planning commission and law ministry, had suggested that developers pay a discount rate of 12% on the premium payment and also pay a penalty of up to 0.5% of the total project cost in case default was on their part. The proposal says if toll revenues turn out to be more than projected, the money left after servicing debt and other necessary costs would go to NHAI as advance payment. Further the concessionaire cannot claim return to equity till premium equals or exceeds what was originally quoted for that particular year. The highways sector has seen a drastic reversal of fortune since 2012-13 with developers and financiers steering clear of the sector even while multiple projects have failed to take-off. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) managed to award only 479-km till now as against target of 3000 kms by September 2013. In the previous financial year, only 1,116-km was awarded against the target of 9,500-km.
The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India met in Kolkata

The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) met on 12 December 2013 at Kolkata. The Governor of Reserve Bank of India Raghuram G. Rajan chaired the meeting. The Board reviewed the current economic situation, global and domestic challenges and policy responses. The Central Board meets at least once every quarter. Apart from holding meetings in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and one in New Delhi after the Union Budget, which is addressed by the Finance Minister, the rest of the meetings are held in other state capitals by rotation. The main function of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank is to provide overall direction to the Reserve Banks affairs. Earlier, on December 11, 2013, Raghuram Rajan said the financial system will be improved on the Reserve Banks developmental measures over the next few quarters on five pillars.
These five pillars are:

Clarifying and strengthening the monetary policy framework Strengthening banking structure through new entry, branch expansion, encouraging new varieties of banks, and moving foreign banks into better regulated organisational forms Broadening and deepening financial markets and increasing their liquidity and resilience so that
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they can help allocate and absorb the risks entailed in financing Indias growth Expanding access to finance for small and medium enterprises, the unorganised sector, the poor, and remote and underserved areas Improving the systems ability to deal with corporate distress and financial institution distress by strengthening real and financial restructuring as well as debt recovery
Mauritius-India agreed to include Limitation of Benefits clause in revised Tax Treaty

Mauritius and India agreed on 9 December 2013 to include Limitation of Benefit (LoB) clause in the revised tax treaty. This was revealed by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Marc Hein. He was in Mumbai to participate in an international taxation conference. While details of this clause in the India-Mauritius tax treaty are being worked out, LoB clauses aim to prevent treaty shopping or inappropriate use of tax agreements by third-country investors.
Financial Services Commission (FSC)

The FSC is Mauritius integrated regulator for global business companies and non-banking financial services sector. Marc Hein is its present chairman.
Treaty benefits are limited by this clause to those who meet certain conditions, including those concerned with business, residency and investment commitments of anyone seeking benefit of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

It is a tax agreement that India has with 65 nations. It means those Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are the residents of the country in which they stay and pay income taxes in that country are eligible to pay a lower tax on their incomes earned in India in the same financial year. For example many Indian
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companies have offices in Mauritius and they route their investments to India through that country because the general taxation rates are lower than compared to India. This means India gets to lose tax revenue as DTAA ensures that these investments are taxed at much lower rates than investments of the same quantity but not routed through Mauritius or any other nation with which India has a DTAA. This is called Round tripping. This also leads to conditions conducive to money laundering. Money laundering is when the sources of money are not known. So it may be money earned through corrupt means and money meant for funding terrorist activities. Such money is called dirty money.
India exports grew by 5.86 percent and imports dip by 16.3 percent in November 2013
Exports of India in November 2013 grew by 5.86 percent and reached 24.6 billion dollars against 23.25 billion dollars in November 2012. Apart from exports, the imports fell by 16.37 percent to 33.83 billion dollars. This dip in imports is the lowest level in since March 2011. This helps in narrowing the trade deficit. The trade deficit in November 2013 under the review stood at 9.22 billion dollars as against 17.2 billion dollars in November 2012. Even the gold and silver imports dipped to 1.05 billion dollars in November 2013 as compared to 5.4 billion dollars in November 2012. During April-November period this fiscal, the imports aggregated at 25.5 billion dollars.
Reserve price for Spectrum Auction in 1800 MHz and 900 MHz Bands got Union Cabinet approval
The Union Cabinet on 9 December 2013 approved the finalization of the reserve price for the auction of spectrum in 1800 MHz band for all service areas. It also finalized the reserve price for auction of spectrum for 900 MHz band in metro in service areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The cabinet has approved the following points on the recommendation of the Empowered Group of Ministers: 1. The reserve price for 1800 MHz band of 1765 crore rupees per MHz Pan India, which works out to be 8825 crore rupees for 5 MHz Pan India 2. The reserve price for 900 MHz band of 360 crore rupees, 328 crore rupees and 125 crore rupees per MHz in Metro service areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata respectively. The decisions will help in further efficient utilization of the scarce natural resource of spectrum
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facilitating expansion of telecom services in the country.
Ministerial Panel recommended bailout package to Sugar Industry

An informal Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar on 6 December 2013 recommended a bailout package to the Sugar Industry. The bailout includes 7200 crore rupees at 12 percent interest rate to sugar mills by the banks to pay off the arrears of the sugarcane growers. The 12 percent interest on the financial support on the loan will be paid by Government of India (GoI) and Sugar Development Fund (SDF). The GoI will pay 5 percent of the loan, while the 7 percent will be paid by the SDF. This makes the loan amount free of interest for the sugar mills. The ministerial panel was constituted by the Prime Minister. The panel has also recommended loan recasting for the mills as per the Reserve Bank norms, incentives for production for the raw sugar of up to 4 million tonnes and to set up the buffer stock besides doubling ethanol-blending in petrol to 10 percent. The government will set up an inter-departmental committee to implement the proposal of ethanol blending. Ethanol is derived by processing sugarcane. The panel has ruled out an immediate hike in sugar import duty. The sugar industry at present is facing a financial crisis due to higher cost of production and fall in the prices of sugar. This has led to 3400 crore rupees cane arrears from 2012-13 during the marketing year that ended in September 2013. India is the second biggest sugar producer in the world after Brazil. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are the top sugar producing state of India.
Government of India Modified FDI Policy for unlisted Companies

The Government of India on 6 December 2013 modified the FDI policy allowing unlisted companies
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to directly list on stock exchanges abroad. The move will facilitate raising of funds for acquisitions or clearing overseas debts. It may help India in containing its high Current Account Deficit (CAD). Presently, unlisted companies are not allowed to directly list in overseas markets without prior or subsequent listing in the Indian market.
According to the Revised FDI Policy;

1. Unlisted companies shall be allowed to raise capital abroad without the requirement of prior or subsequent listing in India initially for a period of two years. 2. The capital raised abroad may be utilised for retiring outstanding overseas debt or for operations abroad including for acquisitions. 3. In case the funds raised are not utilised abroad, the company should repatriate the funds to India within 15 days and park it with a scheduled bank and may be used domestically. 4. While raising funds abroad, the listing companies would have to be fully compliant with the FDI policy. 5. The listing company would also have to comply with the instructions on downstream investment and the criteria of eligibility of who can raise funds through American depositary receipts (ADR) or global depository receipts (GDR) would be as prescribed by the government. 6. The new scheme will be implemented on a pilot basis for a period of two years.
Unlisted Company: a company whose shares are not traded on a stock exchange. Its shares are therefore not available for trade to the general public. Listed company: a company whose shares are bought and sold on a particular stock market. The share price of a listed company is quoted and traded on a stock exchange.
RBI eased Companies Foreign Funding Norms for Infra Projects

The Reserve Bank of India on 3 December 2013 eased norms for companies raising foreign funds
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for infrastructure projects. The new norms will help Companies to raise funds through the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) route for their infrastructure projects through their holding firms or core investment firms. This will enable them to arrange finances for their projects faster and strengthen the flow of resources in the sector. The RBI also stated that such funds should be used in special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for a specific project. Presently, the SPVs are allowed to bring in ECB funds for infrastructure projects, while there were restrictions for parent firms in doing so. The Reserve bank, however, has listed a series of conditions to avail this facility.
What is External Commercial Borrowing?

External Commercial Borrowing is an instrument used in India to facilitate the access to foreign money by Indian corporations and PSUs. External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) refers to commercial loans in the form of bank loans, buyers credit, suppliers credit, securitized instruments (e.g. floating rate notes and fixed rate bonds, non-convertible, optionally convertible or partially convertible preference shares) availed of from non-resident lenders with a minimum average maturity of 3 years.
EGoM approved Merger and Acquisition Guidelines for Telecom

The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram, approved the guidelines on telecom merger and acquisition on 3 December 2013. In addition to this EGoM cleared the sale of over 400 MHz of 2G spectrum (1800 MHz band), which are to be auctioned in January 2014. EGoM also approved payment of market rates for spectrum above 4.4 MHz allotted to the acquired entity. The EGoM also cleared the sale of 403 MHz of 2G spectrum, which is valued at about 36000 crore Rupees, as per the reserve price recommended by the Telecom Commission. The Telecom Commission has already approved the draft M&A guidelines, which says that the market share of a merged entity should not exceed 50 per cent of the subscriber base. The much-awaited mergers and acquisitions guidelines would pave way for consolidation of mobile
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market which presently has 12 mobile operators. All these decision would now be forwarded to the Union Cabinet for final approval.
Current Account Deficit falls to $5.2 billion in the July-September Quarter of 2013-14
Indias Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed sharply to $5.2 billion or 1.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the July-September Quarter of 2013-14 on the back of turnaround in exports and decline in gold imports. The Reserve Bank of India stated in a statement in Mumbai that the CAD (the difference between outflow and inflow of foreign exchange) was $21 billion or 5 percent of GDP in the July-September Quarter of financial year 2012-13. Both the government and RBI are expecting the CAD to be below $56 billion in the current financial year compared to the record high of $88.2 billion during last financial year. Indias CAD increased to 4.8 percent of GDP in 2012-13 which was much above the governments comfort level of 2.5-3 percent of GDP.
What is Current Account Deficit?

Current Account Deficit is a measure of difference between a countrys foreign exchange earnings and payments. In India gold and crude oil imports have accounted for the largest components of dollar outflow.
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ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

150 stretches of river identified as polluted by CPCB
The Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) has identified 150 polluted river stretches in the country with Maharashtra and Gujarat topping the list of having maximum of them. Based on the level of BOD (bio chemical oxygen demand) in water, CPCB identified polluted river stretches across 293 rivers. The contaminants like utensils of daily use, according to the CPCB, were affecting aquatic environments. The open drainage of sewage into various rivers across the country had polluted the
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rivers. These stretches are located in almost all parts of the country except Jammu & Kashmir and couple of Union Territories and northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The Central pollution control board (CPCB) had first compiled its report on polluted river stretches in December 2009, after testing water samples taken between 1995 and 2008. These stretches are being monitored constantly since then through a network of 1429 water quality monitoring stations in States and UTs.
About BOD
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) refers to the amount of oxygen that would be consumed if all the organics in one liter of water were oxidized by bacteria and protozoa.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). It was established in 1974 under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It is an apex organization in country in the field of pollution control and works as the technical wing of MoEF.
Ministry of Environment issued fresh order on Kasturirangan recommendation

The Union Environment Ministry issued a fresh order, following the in principle acceptance of the Ksatrurirangan committee report on 20 December 2013 and withdrawn 16 November 2013 notification. The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) order clarified that the recommendations made by the Kasturirangan led High-Level Working Group (HLWG) has not put any fresh restrictions on land use in the ESA. And the order does not impact the continued occupation of land in possession of the local people or affect their day to day activities or normal livelihood.
The HLWG report however maintains the bans on the following

Mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal power plants Building construction projects on areas that are 20000 sq m or more, township and area development projects with an area of 50ha and above and red category of industries in ESA.
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The HLWG defines 37 percent of the Western Ghats landscape as ecologically sensitive. Ministry said that a high-level committee of the Environment Ministry will be set up to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the HLWG in a time-bound manner. The Ministry accepted all the other major recommendations made by the HLWG like financial arrangements to incentivise green growth in Western Ghats, participation of and involvement of local communities in decision making, data monitoring systems especially the establishment of Decision support and Monitoring Centre for Western Ghats are accepted. The Ministry of Environments order dated December 20, issued to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Taishan, fourth research station of China, opened in Antarctica

China built a new research station in Antarctica called Taishan. It was Chinas fourth research station in the southern pole. The aim of the research station would be to provide a base for research on bio-ecology and remote satellite sensing. The Taishan camp will be used from December to March every year and is located near the United States McMurdo Station, Italys Zucchelli Station and a recently built South Korean station.
Base Stations of India at Antarctica:

Dakshin Gangotri Maitri Bharathi
The other three research stations of China in Antarctica are Great Wall, Zhongshan and Kunlun. Chinas first research station, Great Wall Station was opened in 1985.
About Antarctica:
The Antarctica comprises the continent of Antarctica and the ice shelves, waters, and island territories in the Southern Ocean situated south of the Antarctica Convergence. It is the fifth-largest continent in area after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. For comparison, Antarctica is nearly twice the size of Australia. About 98 of Antarctica are covered by ice that averages at least 1 mile in thickness.
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Kimberlite rocks containing diamonds discovered in East Antarctica

A new type of Kimberlite rocks that are believed to be containing diamonds was discovered by the researchers in Antarctica. Kimberlite deposits were discovered around Mount Meredith in the Prince Charles Mountains in East Antarctica. The discovery was reported in the journal Nature Communications by an Australian-led team on 18 December 2013. The kimberlites deposits discovered lie near the margins of the Lambert rift, an enormous, transcontinental rift that crosses much of Antarctica. Researchers, however, believe that the commercialization of such find would not be possible. The reason cited by the geologists among others includes Antarcticas remoteness, cold and winter darkness. Further, less than 10 percent of deposits of similar kimberlite were economically viable. Despite the possibility of Antarctic diamonds, the search for Antarctica diamonds would have to be put off due to the existence of an environment accord signed in 1991 under the Antarctica Treaty of 1963. The environment accord of 1991 bans mining in Antarctica region for at least 50 years so as to achieve the objective of Antarctica Treaty. The Antarctica Treaty signed by 50 nations serves to protect its wildlife, from its native seals. The kimberlite deposit was also the confirmation of how continents drift. The region of East Antarctica was once part of a continent known as Gondwana connected to what is now Africa and India, which also have kimberlite.
About Kimberlite Rocks

The blue-tinged Kimberlite rocks are a rare type of rock named after the South African town of Kimberley. These rocks are supposed to be rich in diamond deposits. Diamonds are formed under immense heat and pressure around 160-km below the Earths surface in the mantle layer. Mantle layer of the planet is sandwiched between the outer crust and the core. Diamonds are natures hardest material. However, two other rare natural substances are harder wurtzite boron nitride, which is formed during intense volcanic eruptions, and lonsdaleite, which is sometimes created when meteorites hit Earth.
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First-ever Environment Gender Index (EGI) launched by IUCN at COP-19, Warsaw

At the COP-19 Conference on Climate Change held in Warsaw, the Global Gender Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched the first-ever Environment and Gender Index (EGI) on 19 November 2013. The EGI monitors gender equality and womens empowerment in the environmental arena. The Index has ranked 72 countries on the basis of how each country has succeeded in translating gender and environment mandates into national policy and planning. The strongest performers were Iceland, Netherlands and Norway. The lowest rankings went to Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen and Mauritania. The United States was ranked 14 out of 72 whereas India was ranked 46 out of 72 countries.
The major findings of the EGI Report were:

Information about womens roles and access in environment-related sectors is not widely collected and reported. The discovery of this lack of information is significant because it shows we do not know the full story behind human dependence on the natural world, and women are virtually invisible. Implementation of global international agreements on gender and environment is lacking in most countries. The global average for womens participation in inter-governmental negotiations on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification has peaked at 36 percent. Iceland is the top performer in most categories, but scored lower in performance on women in COP delegations, female managers, senior officials, and legislators; and country-reporting on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention to Eliminate all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Poland ranks highest worldwide in ecosystem category, and lowest in livelihood category for OECD countries. Costa Rica ranked highest for governance in Latin America and Caribbean region, lowest on women in COP delegations, and lowest for country-reported activities. Mongolia was a top performer in Asia region, but low on women in policy-making and protection of property rights.
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Liberia scored in the top tier of access to credit, land, and property (equivalent to same legal rights as men.) The USA had the highest performance on percentage of women without anemia, and lower performance equal to Greece and Bangladesh on women in policy-making positions. Lebanon had the highest percentage of women in COP delegations, and low performance for women as legislators, managers, and senior officials. Benin ranks highest in the ecosystem category in Africa, and lowest in gender-based education and assets category worldwide. Mozambique, the first country in the world to establish a national climate change and gender action plan, was the highest performer globally on women delegates to the CBD COP11 in 2012.
Dimensions of EGI
The Environment and Gender Index (EGI) brings together environment and gender variables in a composite index. The EGI scores and ranks 72 countries worldwide along 27 dimensions divided into six categories. These are listed below:
Ecosystem
1. Biodiversity Preservation 2. Critical Habitat Preservation 3. HigherQuality Forests
Genderbased GovernEducation + ance Assets

1. Women with bank accounts 2. Access to agricultural land 3. Female post primary education 4. Access to credit 5. Access to property 6. Female literacy 1. Civil liberties 2. Political stability 3. Property rights
Country Reported Activi- Livelihood ties

1. Inclusion of gender in UNFCCC Reports 2. Inclusion of gender in UNCCD Reports 3. Inclusion of gender in CBD Reports 1. Less poverty
Gender-based Rights + Participation

1. Equal legal rights
2. Women 2. Food in COP adequacy delegation 3. Improved 3. Women in water policy-making 4. Fewer position women 4. CEDAW with ratification anemia
5. Improved 5. Women 4. Inclusion of managers sanitation sustainable development 6. Less solid topics in fuel use CEDAW Reports
PERFORMANCE OF 72 COUNTRIES
STRONGEST PERFORMERS MODERATE PERFORMERS 1. Iceland (0.84) 2. Netherlands (0.83) 3. Norway (0.81) 4. Sweden (0.81) 5. France (0.80) 6. Finland (0.80) 7. Canada (0.79) 8. Spain (0.79) 9. Denmark (0.78) 10. Australia (0.78) 11. Switzerland (0.77) 12. Poland (0.77) 13. Portugal (0.75) 14. USA (0.73) 15. Greece (0.73) 16. Italy (0.72) 17. Panama (0.70) 18. South Africa (0.70) 19. Costa Rica (0.69) 20. Argentina (0.68) 21. Mexico (0.67) 22. Romania (0.66) 23. Jamaica (0.66) 24. Brazil (0.66) 25. Mongolia (0.66) 26. Philippines (0.60) 27. Georgia (0.60) 28. Viet Nam (0.59) 29. Thailand (0.59) 30. Turkey (0.58) 31. Moldova (0.58) WEAKEST PERFORMERS 45. Jordan (0.49) 46. India (0.49) 47. Burkina Faso (0.48) 48. Tajikistan (0.48) 49. Morocco (0.47) 50. Kenya (0.47) 51. Laos (0.47) 52. Egypt (0.47) 53. Nepal (0.47) 54. Liberia (0.47) 55. Mozambique (0.45) 56. Saudi Arabia (0.45) 57. Benin (0.44) 58. Madagascar (0.44)
32. Dominican Republic (0.57) 59. Algeria (0.44) 60. Bangladesh (0.43) 33. Indonesia (0.56) 61. Gambia (0.42) 34. China (0.55) 62. Uganda (0.41) 35. Kyrgyzstan (0.54) 63. Cameroon (0.40) 36. Malawi (0.54) 64. Mali (0.40) 37. Armenia (0.54) 65. Congo (0.39) 38. Sri Lanka (0.53) 39. Uzbekistan (0.51) 40. Fiji (0.51) 41. Ghana (0.51) 42. Lebanon (0.50) 43. Gabon (0.50) 44. Tanzania (0.50) 66. Ethiopia (0.38) 67. Pakistan (0.38) 68. Burundi (0.37) 69. Syria (0.37) 70. Mauritania (0.37) 71. Yemen (0.31) 72. Dem Rep Congo (0.27)
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scientists found Phosphorus in supernova Cassiopeia A
Scientists discovered Phosphorus for the first time in the cosmic leftovers from the supernova Cassiopeia A explosion. The study was published in a science journal on 13 December 2013. The discovery of Phosphorus confirmed that massive exploding stars are crucibles in which the element is created. Phosphorus is 100 times more abundant in the remains of a supernova than elsewhere in the galaxy. Abundance of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur has been measured in supernova remnants before. Now supernova remnant Cassiopeia A revealed the first measurement of the relatively scarce phosphorus. These five elements are essential to life and can only be created in massive stars. They are scattered throughout our galaxy when the star explodes and become part of other stars, planets and humans. The observations of the object were made with a spectrograph mounted on a telescope at Palomar Observatory at the California Institute of Technology.
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Scientist said that Cassiopeia A exploded 300 years ago.
About Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is an essential component of living systems and it is found in nervous tissue, bones and cell protoplasm. Phosphorus used in the manufacture of safety matches, pyrotechnics, incendiary shells, smoke bombs. Phosphorus used in pesticides and also in the production of special glasses. Na3PO4 is important as a cleaning agent, water softener and for preventing boiler scale and corrosion of pipes and boiler tubes Phosphorus found in food items are pumpkin, soya foods, cheese, nuts like badam and fish.
Unique cancer called histiocytosis operated by team of doctors at Chennai

Team of Doctors at Chennai performed a surgery on unique cancer called Histiocytosis found in the patients food pipe and stomach and removed it on the third week of December 2013. The Histiocytosis is generally believed to affect the blood cells and is found in the nasal region of the person. The cancer escaped several endoscopic and laparoscopic biopsies and finally team of doctors from the surgical gastroenterology department at the Government General Hospital, Chennai operated the patient and put the tissues under the microscope, it showed up as Histiocytosis of the esophagus and stomach.
ISROs SDSC to be shifted for oil exploration in Bay of Bengal

Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) , Sriharikota , the satellite launching centre of ISRO would be shift its northern boundary to make a way for the oil exploration. The consortium of Cairn India , Tata , ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corp ) had to explore oil and Gas in Bay of Bengal. ISRO would shift the boundary of the prohibited zone seven kilometers south to permit exploration drilling by operator Cairn. The consortium had put in $31 million in exploring block PR-0SN-2004/1 in Palar basin.
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As the consortium claims that a site in the zone has best chance of establishing petroleum system. It was held for huge potential to attract investors in the future. ISRO had stopped effective exploration in last two years as DoS(Department Of Space) refused to give drilling permission as the site was within 10-km radius of Satish Dhawan Space Centre a strategic zone in terms of national security. The DoS had maintained for years that there was a vulnerability of radio frequency interference as well as the risk of space debris falling on any installations that come up for exploration.
Satish Dhawan Space Centre

The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is the launch centre for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, 80 km north of Chennai. Originally called Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR) and then Sriharikota Launching Range, the centre was renamed in 2002 after the death of ISROs former chairman Satish Dhawan.
To Combat Obesity And Diabetes, Australia opened worlds first standing classroom
In an effort to know the effects of long sitting , scientists had started a new initiative in Australia. Mont Albert Primary School had launched the worlds first standing classroom as part of the Experiment by Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute Researchers. Since the desks were introduced more than two months ago, most students have taken the opportunity to stand. A grade six class at Primary School was fitted with height-adjustable desks to allow the pupils to sit or stand, as part of an experiment. Previous studies have shown students spent two-thirds of a school day sitting, and prolonged childhood sitting can contribute to the onset of such diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
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Bolivia launched countrys first telecommunications Satellite Tupak Katari

Bolivia on 20 December 2013 launched the countrys first telecommunication satellite Tupak Katari. The satellite has been named upon an indigenous national hero, who fought the 18th century Spanish colonial rule. The rocket carrying the satellite blast off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. Bolivia is one of the last countries in South America to have its own satellite. Ivan Zambrana is the Director of the Bolivian Space Agency. He said that the satellite should be fully operational by March 2014 and help to bring down communication cost and improve television and Internet services for people living in rural areas.
Telecommunications satellite
Satellite telecommunication is the most mature of space applications. Starting 50 years ago with the launch of Telstar in 1962 and Syncom in 1963, satcom has continued to grow ever since. At first, satellite performance was very limited. The use of satellites was limited to long distance telephony and to the transport of television signals between studios.
Use of Telecommunication satellites

While listening to the radio and watching T.V. the signals, we receive is distributed from the satellite Most news agencies use satellites to distribute text, audio and video to their affiliates Access to the Internet is possible only by satellite communication Satellites are being used for tele-education, telemedicine or videoconference systems Internet service providers often link their servers to the core of the Internet network by satellite With the emergence of very powerful broadband satellites, users equipped with their own
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broadband interactive satellite terminals get access to the Internet regardless of their distance from the nearest terrestrial node In most remote and some not-so-remote parts of the world, satellite communications continue to play a fundamental role in the infrastructure of telephone and other services
Mars rover got Software Upgrade

NASA engineers have upgraded the Software of the NASAs Mars rover Curiosity 20 December 2013. The NASA team is now planning to check the wear and tear on the wheels of the rover. As per Jim Erickson of NASAs jet Propulsion Laboratory project manager for the NASA Mars Science Laboratory Project, Curiosity is now operating on version 11 of its flight software. Since 16 month of landing of Curiosity on Mars, this is the third upgrade version. Completing the switch from Version 10 took about a week NASA said. An earlier switch to version 11 prompted an unintended reboot on 7 November and a return to version 10, but the latest transition went smoothly. The upgrades in Curiosity have allowed advances in its capabilities like version 11 has expanded the capabilities of robotic arm of Curiosity at the time, when it is at slope. It has also improved its flexibility to store the information overnight to use in resuming autonomous driving on a second day. An upcoming activity would be driven to a relatively smooth patch of ground to take a set of images of Curiositys aluminum wheels, by the use of Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera at the end of the rovers arm. NASAs Mars Science Laboratory Project is using Curiosity inside Gale Crater to assess ancient habitable environments and major changes in Martian environmental conditions. JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, built the rover and manages the project for NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
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Indian Scientists developed Insulin Pill for diabetics

The Indian Scientists, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) developed insulin pill for diabetics in third week of December 2013. The Scientists developed a long-sought insulin pill that could spare millions of diabetics and soughed a way the delivery of insulin therapy from a jab to a pill. The experiments with rats, the pill lowered blood glucose levels almost as much as injected insulin and the effects of the pill lasted longer than injected insulin. The bodys digestive enzymes in the body are so good at breaking down food also break down insulin before it can get to work. In addition, insulin does not get easily absorbed through the gut into bloodstream. To solve these problem researchers from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Punjab combined two approaches to shield insulin from the digestive enzymes and then get it into the blood. The team of researchers Ashish Kumar Agrawal, Harshad Harde, Kaushik Thanki and Sanyog Jain, packaged insulin in tiny sacs made of lipids or fats called liposome.Then wrapped the liposomes in layers of protective molecules called polyelectrolytes. To get absorbed and to transport the layersome across the intestinal wall into the blood stream they attached folic acid and a kind of vitamin B. This was published in American Chemical Society journal biomacromolecules, Washington.
About Diabetics:
Diabetics also called as diabetic mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar) either because insulin production is inadequate or because the bodys cells do not respond properly to insulin or both. There are three types of diabetics that is Type1 diabetics, Type2 diabetics and Gestational Diabetes An estimated 347 million people globally are living with diabetes. Diabetics must test their blood sugar several times and need insulin jabs for the rest of their lives in order to maintain adequate levels of the hormone.
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Europe launched Gaia satellite from French Guiana

Europe on 19 December 2013 launched the Gaia satellite one of the most ambitious space missions in the history. Gaia lifted on a Soyuz rocket from Europes Spaceport from the Kourou in French Guiana at 6:12 local time. It will map the precise positions and distances to more than a billion stars. This will give the first realistic picture of how the Milky Galaxy has been constructed and will also detect thousands of unseen objects like asteroids and new planets. The satellite is carrying two telescopes that will throw light on to a huge, one billion-pixel camera detector connected to a trio of instruments. It has been developed to sample the ultra-stable and supersensitive optical equipment to pinpoint. Gaias journey will take about a month as it will travel about one and half kilometers to the observatory station from the earth.
About Gaia
Gaia has been developed in more than 20 years. Then Gaia is on a five-year science mission Gaia is now en route towards an orbit around a gravitationally-stable virtual point in space called L2, some 1.5 million kilometers beyond Earth as seen from the Sun Gaia will observe each of the billion stars an average of 70 times each over the five years and will measure the position and key physical properties of each star, like its brightness, temperature and chemical composition It has a sunshield that will block heat and light from the Sun and Earth and this blocking will provide the stable environment that is needed by its sophisticated instruments to make an extraordinarily sensitive and precise census of the Milky Ways stars
Iran sent second monkey into the Space

Scientists and experts of Iran have successfully launched a research rocket that took the second monkey into the space on 14 December 2013. The rocket named Pajohesh (research) was launched
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on the first day of the national Research Week of Iran and carried out the second monkey named Fargam and safely it returned to Earth after 15 minutes. The liquid fueled rocket was sent to 120 kilometer into the space. This process will help the Iranian Scientists in developing Irans Space Research works with necessary information, which would enrich their space technology knowhow. During the 15 mission, the Iranian Scientists were successful in measurement of signals that comes from the rocket including its gas combination and vital signs of the space monkey. The first rocket carrying a monkey named Pishgam (pioneer) in the space was launched by Iran on 28 January 2013.
Chinas first lunar rover named Jade Rabbit landed on Moon
The first lunar rover of China, which was carried by an unmanned remotely piloted spacecraft Change-3 was deployed successfully on moon on 14 December 2013. The lunar rover has been named Jade Rabbit (called Yutu in Chinese). Change-3 was blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket. The Chinese moon exploration has made it one of the only three nations that have soft landed on the surface of moon after United States and the Soviet Union. In past three decades, China is the first country to do so. Earlier, Luna 24 Probe of Soviet Union was the last space mission to land on moon in August 1976. It landed after four years after the launch of the manned Apollo 17 mission by United States.
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About the lunar rover - Jade Rabbit

It is a six-wheeled lunar rover It is equipped with four cameras and two mechanical legs, which can dig the soil samples, up to a depth of 30 meters For at least for next three months, the solar-powered rover will patrol the moons surface to study the structure of lunar crust, soil and rocks It weighs 140 kilograms and carries an optical telescope for astronomical observations It also have a powerful ultraviolet camera to monitor the effects of solar activity on various layers of Earths atmosphere namely troposphere, stratosphere and ionosphere Radioisotope heater units of the rover will help it to be functional during cold lunar nights, the time when the temperature of moon goes down up to -180C As per the Shanghai Aerospace Systems Engineering Research Institute, the rover can climb the slopes up to 30 degrees and it can travel at 200 meters per hour China has been increasingly ambitious in developing its space programmes, for military, commercial and scientific purposes.
Scientists created sperm-based biobots in Germany

Scientists led by Oliver Schmidt created the biological robots or biobots powered by sperm in the Institute for Integrative Nanosciences in Dresden, Germany on December 2013. It is also called as biohybrid micro-robot. The researchers created magnetic nanotubes that were 50 microns long by 5 to 8 microns in diameter and dropped these into a fluid containing bull sperm. The tubes were narrower at one end to stop the sperm from escaping and can be rotated by using magnetic fields. The tail-like flagellum of the sperm cell sticks outside the end of the tube and power the bibot like a propeller
Benefits
These biobots can be used to guide individual sperm or to deliver targeted doses of drugs or fertilizing an egg. Schmidt Said that sperm cells are an attractive option because they are harmless
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to the human body, do not require an external power source and swam through viscous liquids. Till now researchers has only managed to persuade groups of cells to cooperate with the help of chemical gradients and magnetic fields.
ISRO successfully performed first Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre of Mangalyaan

The first Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre (TCM) of Spacecraft of Indias maiden interplanetary mission to Mars was carried out successfully at 06:30 hrs (IST) on 11 December 2013. The TCM was fired by the 22 Newton Thrusters for duration of 40.5 seconds. The spacecraft at present is travelling at a distance of about 29 lakh (2.9 million) km away from Earth. The correction has been done to fine tune the trajectory path of the spacecraft to keep it travelling in the intended track towards Mars (red planet). To place the spacecraft on a right path the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned four Trajectory Correction Manoeuvres for Manglayan for its journey to Mars. They oeuvres are needed to keep the spacecraft on the required path. It is also essential for maintaining the required velocity. Mangalyaan is on a 680 million km voyage to Mars. The Spacecraft moved out from the orbit of Earth on 1 December 2013. The 1350 kilogram Mars Craft was successfully injected into the orbit around earth from the national space agencys PSLV C 25 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. It was launched on the 5 November 2013 and it is expected that the spacecraft will reach to the Martian orbit by 24 September 2014.
Scientists decoded the oldest known human DNA

The scientists on 4 December 2013 decoded the oldest DNA from ever found 400000 year old thigh bone of human family. This research has expanded the knowledge of the human genetics by 300000 years and also suggests the journey of man evolution.
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The thigh bone was found at a burial site Sima de los Huesos (Bone Pit) that was preserved in Spains northern Sierra de Atapuerca highlands. The researchers have found that the mitochondrial genome of Denisovans belongs to the extinct relatives of Neanderthals in Asia. The researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, have determined an almost complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a 400000 year old representative of the genus Homo. The researchers sampled two grams of bone powder extracted from a femur and sequenced the genome of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is passed down along the maternal line. Further, they compared the code with the modern humans, apes, Neanderthals and their sister group, Denisovans. In the result they found that the Spanish hominins were more closely related to the geographically more distant Denisovans than to Neanderthals. The bone pit (Sima de los Huesos) is a cave site in Northern Spain that has given the largest assembly of Middle Pleistocene hominin fossils of the world, which consist of 28 skeletons.
Mars Orbiter Spacecraft successfully placed in Mars transfer trajectory

Indias Mars Orbiter Spacecraft successfully placed in Mars transfer trajectory on 1 December 2013 by ISRO scientists. Now, the Mars spacecraft will travel 780 million kilometers (485 million miles) over 300 days (ten months) to reach an orbit around Mars planet in September 2014. With this achievement the journey towards Mars, Mangalyaan has reached the next phase of its journey. The team of scientists at ISRO telemetry, Tracking and Command network, Bangalore will monitor every minute detail of the movement of the orbiter. It was raised in six stages until it reached 1.92 lakh kilometres as it circled earth several times. PSLV C25 carrying the orbiter was placed in the earths orbit on the 5th November 2013 and is expected to reach the Mars orbit in September 2014. This landmark technological mission of ISRO will fulfill the objective of deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management.
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The flight path of the vehicle will be monitored by ground stations at Canberra in Australia, Goldstone in the US and Madrid in Spain. The Indian Space Science data centre will receive and disseminate the payload data of the Mangalyaan. One of the payloads in the spacecraft the Mars Colour Camera is already in operation. The other payloads are Lyman alpha photometer, Methane sensor for mars, Mars exospheric neutral composition analyser and Thermal infrared imaging spectrometer to understand the soil features and minerals available in the red planet- the Mars.
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CORPORATE
FIPB approved Vodafones proposal to acquire shares of Stake Holders
The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) on 30 December 2013 approved the proposal of Vodafone to acquire the shares from Ajay Piramal and Analjit Singh for over 10000 crore rupees. This will make Vodafone a company with 100 percent shares in the venture and make Vodafone, the British telecom company among the largest foreign investors in India. Apart from this, FIPB also allowed Tesco to set up the countrys first multi-brand retail chain with overseas funds. This was also the proposal of Vodafone to partnership the Tata group in Retain sector. Vodafone is buying 50 percent stakes in the Tata Groups Trent Hypermarkets. It is also intends to open its stores In Maharashtra and Karnataka and thus it is ready to invest 110 million dollar (about 680 crore rupee).
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In Vodafone, Pirmal holds about 11 percent stake in India and Analjit Singh, who is also the non executive Chairman of Vodafones India holds 24.65 percent stakes. After the approval of FIPB, Vodafone have will pay 1241 crore rupees to Ayanjit Singh and 8900 crore rupees to Parimal Enterprises for their stakes to convert Vodafone as a wholly owned entity. Vodafone had first spent 11.1 billion dollar (about 49000 crore rupees) in 2007 to acquire a 67 percent economic interest in Hutch Essar. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs nod is only awaited by Vodafone on the proposal that has been approved by FIPB before the transaction takes place. CCEA approval is need in every foreign investment proposal over 1200 crore rupees. Vodafones investment in retail market comes after the WALMART has postponed its plan to enter India following the strict and rigid rules required by a foreign company to invest in India. As the norms of investment in India mentions investment in creation of a back-end infrastructure and a company will have to source 30 percent goods from the local companies. FIPB has also approved the proposal of Johnson & Johnson for foreign investment. FIPB has postponed the proposal of HDFC Bank to raise equity from FIIs.
Oil India and IRMA has inked a pact for study on dairy development
Energy major, the Oil India Limited (OIL) on 29 December 2013 signed an agreement with the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) to carry out a feasibility study on dairy production in two districts of Assam. Oil India as a CSR initiative has decided to step into dairy sector. Oil India has a significant presence in Assam and IRMA will prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) after the study in the two districts Dibrugarh and Tinsukia of Assam. It is expected that the study would pave a way for a roadmap for the plan for development of a cooperative dairy project in the two districts. OIL has planned to develop the project on the lines of the Amul model. Oil India, to implement the companys Dairy Project aims to formulate the DPR on the basis of the baseline survey. The study is funded by Oil India and is focused on the prospects of development of a cooperative dairy project in the state.
Oil India Limited

Oil India Private Limited was incorporated to expand and develop the newly discovered oil fields of
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Naharkatiya and Moran in the Indian North East on 18 February 1959. In 1961, it became a joint venture company between the Indian Government and Burmah Oil Company Limited, UK. It became a wholly-owned Government of India enterprise in 1981. At present the OIL is a premier Indian National Oil Company engaged in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, transportation of crude oil and production of LPG. OIL also provides various E&P related services and holds 26 percent equity in Numaligarh Refinery Limited. At present, the Government of India, the Promoter of the Company is holding 68.43% of the total Issued & Paid-up Capital of the Company.
Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA)

Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) is Indias leading school in rural management and is committed to act as a catalyst and facilitator of rural prosperity. IRMA educates those inspired to work with organisations serving the rural sector and engaging directly with rural communities.
National Aluminium Company Limited got excellent rating for 2012-13

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a public sector undertaking has got Excellent Memorandum of Understanding score of 1.5 by the Department of Public Enterprises for its outstanding performance in 2012-13. During the 2012-13, NALCO has been rated as Excellent with a score of 97.5 for compliance with guidelines on Corporate Governance for Central Public Service Enterprises. NALCO already had last achieved the Excellent MoU score in 2006-07 and it got navratna status in 2008.
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During the financial year 2012-13

NALCO has reported a highest ever net sale of 7247 crore rupees against a target of 7073 crore rupees. This represents an increase of 2.46 percent against the MoU target. NALCO reported a net profit of 593 crore rupees with metal sale of 403102 tonnes and alumina sale of 984722 tonnes in the financial year 2012-13. NALCO also produced highest-ever bauxite of 54.19 lakh tonnes and highest-ever alumina of 18.02 lakh tonnes in 2012-13. During this financial year the company generated 6076 units of power from its Captive Power Plant.
NALCOs significant achievements and activities towards CSR, Sustainable Development and R&D also contributed towards companys excellent ratings. NALCO has entered into a wind power generation with commissioning of 50.4 MW wind power plant at Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh on December 2012 and sale of power has been commenced. Department of Public Enterprises under Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises resents annually to the Parliament an overview of the financial and physical performance of central PSEs.
About MoU
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as applicable to PSEs is a negotiated document between the government and the management of the enterprise specifying clearly the objectives of the agreement and the obligations of both the parties. MoU system in India was introduced in 1986 as result of the recommendations of the Arjun Sengupta Committee Report.
Microsoft India launched safety application, Guardian

Microsoft India introduced Guardian, a new safety application that enables friends and family of Windows phone users to track them in real time on 26 December 2013 in Hyderabad. Guardian enables users to switch on a track me feature in the application, which lets friends and family to track them. It is available exclusively for Windows phone users in India. Guardian users can call for help through an SOS alert button and also connect to security agencies, police and hospitals easily in times of distress. SOS is an international code signal of extreme
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distress. For the effective use of Guardian, users need to add the names of friends, family members and security groups to the settings and then the application can be used to alert them in emergency situation via the SOS button. The users has to tap the SOS button then phone sends a distress SMS to friends and family mobiles and notify the location details. At the same time the SOS button also sends emails and posts to private Face book groups to registered members.
Cabinet approved pension proposal for MTNL employees

The Union Cabinet on 26 December 2013 approved the pension proposal for 43000 MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd) employees, who joined the public sector company from the Department of Telecom (DoT). The pension plan will cost about 500 crore rupees annually to the Government of India. The Cabinet approved plan mentions that the employees of the government of all categories (Group A, B, C & D) absorbed in MTNL and who have opted for the combined service will be given a similar treatment in the matter of payment of pensionary benefits as available to the absorbed employees of BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd). Within three months the necessary amendments will be done in the Rule 37-A of CCS (Pension) Rules 1972 to include MTNL along with BSNL in respect to Government pension liability, which was previously discharged by MTNL. This amendment would help in resolving the long-pending MTNL pension issue. The Government approved the pension plan as a part of plan to revive BSNL and MTNL. To review the two PSUs, a multi-pronged strategy was presented by the Department of Telecom to the EGoM. The strategy involves refunding the payment for buying the broadband spectrum by two companies. Last time, the PSUs took a broadband spectrum in 2009 without participation in the auction and were asked to pay the bid price quoted by private players. But the two firms failed to make the payment of the auction.
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Axis Bank proposal to increase foreign investment to 62 percent approved

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 26 December 2013 approved the proposal of Axis Bank Limited to increase its foreign investment from 49 percent to 62 percent. The approval is subject to the aggregate foreign institutional investors that hold not exceeding 49 percent of the paid up equity share capital of the bank. The approval would result in foreign investment of 7250 crore (approximately) rupees in the country. The CCEA that gave a green signal to the proposal of the bank was chaired by Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India.
About Axis Bank

Axis Bank is the third largest private sector bank in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of financial services to customer segments, which covers the large and mid-corporate, MSME, agriculture and retail businesses. Axis Bank is one of the first new generation private sector banks to have begun operations in 1994. The Bank has a large footprint of 1947 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 11245 ATMs spread across the country as on 31 March 2013. The Bank also has overseas offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Colombo, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
CCI approved Acquisition of Cement Plants of Jaypee in Gujarat by UltraTech

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 23 December 2013 approved the proposed acquisition of the cement plants of Jaypee Cement Corporation Limited in Gujarat by Ultratech Cement Limited (Ultratech). As per the order, UltraTech will make acquisition of an integrated cement unit at Sewagram and grinding unit at Wanakbori in Gujarat. UltraTech has done a deal of 3800 crore rupees with the Jaypee Cement Corporation group to acquire its facilities in Gujarat. Jaypee Cement Corporation Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates Limited (Jaypee). UltraTech Cement is part of the US 40 billion dollar Aditya Birla Group. The company has
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22 cement plants in India with an installed capacity of 50.9 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). Ultratech and Jaypee both are engaged in manufacture and marketing of different varieties of cement across India. The combined capacity of sewagram and wanakbori plants is 4.8 MTPA. The commission made an opinion with reference to its order passed on 20 December 2013 that the proposed combination will not have an appreciable adverse effect on the competition in India. Thus it approved the proposed combination under the sub-section (1) of the Section 31 of the Act. Top 10 Test Bowlers
Apple signed iPhone deal with China Mobile

Apple and China Mobile on 22 December 2013 announced that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to bring iPhone to the worlds largest mobile network. As part of the agreement, iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c will be available from China Mobiles expansive network of retail stores as well as Apple retail stores across China from 17 January 2014. iPhone on China Mobile will support 4G/TD-LTE and 3G/TD-SCDMA networks and will provide high-speed mobile service to customers. At present, the China Mobile has 760 million customers and became one of the three networks to be awarded the first 4G licenses of China. The deal will help Apple to boost its sales in China.
Canara Bank got license to open branch in New York

Canara Bank on 19 December 2013 announced that it has received a license from the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve System to open a branch in New York. Canara Bank wants to expand its global presence. RK Dubey, the Chairman and Managing Director of the bank said that the Board of Governors of the Federal System of US approved the proposal of the bank to
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open a branch in New York. The license was announced on 13 December 2013. The approval came in 20 months after the bank filed its application. This is the first time that an Indian bank has secured an approval of the US regulators.
About Canara Bank

Canara Bank was founded by Ammembal Subba Rao Pai in July 1906, at Mangalore, then a small port town in Karnataka. The Bank has gone through the various phases of its growth trajectory over hundred years of its existence. It was nationalized in the year 1969. In June 2006, the Bank completed a century of operation in the Indian banking industry. Today, Canara Bank occupies a premier position in the comity of Indian banks.
Saab, the Swedish manufacturer won 4.5 billion dollar contract for fighter jet from Brazil
Saab, the Swedish manufacturer on 18 December 2013 won a 4.5 billion dollar contract to supply 36 Gripen NG fighter jets to Brazil by 2020. The offer presented to the Brazilian Government by Saab includes Gripen NG, sub-systems for Gripen NG, an extensive technology transfer package, a financing package as well as long term bi-lateral collaboration between the Brazilian and Swedish Governments. In the race of the contract, Saab defeated Boeing of US and Dassault Aviation of France to secure, one of the emerging defence deals. Might be possible, the recent allegations of spying by United States could be the reason for the loss of the Boeing. The allegations of spying were made by a journalist, Glenn Greenwald, who obtained the secret files from NSA contractor Edward Snowden. Gripen has been exported to other countries like South Africa, Thailand and Switzerland (the advanced version of Gripen). Czech Republic and Hungary have leased the Gripen from Sweden.
About Saab
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and
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constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers changing needs. If you have any Question/Point on the above information, please ask/discuss it in the Current Affairs
Sri City in Andhra Pradesh to have PepsiCos largest beverage plant in India
Beverages and snacks major PepsiCo India planned to invest over 1200 crore rupees to build a new beverage manufacturing facility in Sri City of Andhra Pradesh. The new beverage manufacturing plant will be the largest in India. The plant will manufacture a range of beverages, including fruit juice based drinks, carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks. The 1200 crore rupees investment in the new beverage plant is part of the recently announced plans by PepsiCo to invest 33,000 crore rupee in India by 2020. The company also announced plans to substantially increase sourcing of mango pulp from Andhra Pradesh in the next six years. PepsiCo Indian already has a beverage manufacturing plant at Sangareddy in Andhra Pradesh. With seven production lines, the plant manufactures and supplies PepsiCo products to the entire Andhra Pradesh region and parts of Karnataka.
Alstom bagged 125 million euro contract from BHEL for Neyveli New Thermal Power Project
Alstom on 18 December 2013 bagged a contract of 125 million euro (over 1000 crore rupees) from the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL). The contract is to supply components and services for the 1000 MW Neyveli New Thermal Power Project (NNTPP) of Neyveli Lignite Corporation located in Tamil Nadu. The Alstom as per the scope of the contract will co-operate with BHEL in conceptualising, designing,
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engineering and supplying two tower boilers, the complete lignite milling and firing equipment, and critical components. The equipment will be engineered and manufactured at the facility of Alstom in Stuttgart (Germany) as well as in India at the Durgapur and Shahabad facilities. The 1000 MW greenfield Neyveli New Thermal Power Project (NNTPP), being developed by Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, will be the first lignitefired 2X500 MW power plant in the country and major source of power to the southern states.
About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure. It has set a benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It also provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind. It also offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids.
USFDA disapproved a product of Sun Pharma in its present form

US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in the third week of December 2013 disapproved Sun Pharma Advanced Research Companys new drug application for an anti-depressant product, in its present form. As per the Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, the USFDA has sent a letter to them seeking additional studies related to the efficacy and safety of its Venlafaxine extended release 300 mg tablets. The USFDA cant approve the application of the drug in its present form.
About Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company

The Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company was formed in 2007 as a pharma research and drug discovery company. It was separated out from the Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd as its active projects in drug discovery and innovation into a new company.
About US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)

The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible to protect and promote the public health, through the regulation and supervision of different products. As per Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act and associated regulations it enforces other laws, which are not directly related to food or drugs.
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President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 signed Food and Drug Act into a law. The Act was also known as Wiley Act after the name of the Harvey Washington Wiley, the chief advocate, who brought the attention of congress towards public hygiene demonstration. The act was originally named as the Food, Drug and Insecticide Organization and was shortened to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after some years.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals signed agreement with Elder Pharma for 2004 crore Rupees
Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals on 13 December 2013 agreed to buy Mumbai-based Elder Pharmaceuticals branded domestic formulations business in India and Nepal for 2004 crore rupees. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both the companies, and was expected to close in the first half of 2014. Elders India business comprises a portfolio of 30 brands, including market leading brands in the womens healthcare, pain management, wound care and nutraceuticals therapeutic segments. The brands include Shelcal, Chymoral, Eldervit, Formic and Carnisure. Torrent, with a turnover 3200 crore rupees, will fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and bank borrowings. Under the proposed transaction, Elder, which has six manufacturing facilities, will continue to manufacture and supply the products at its existing facilities for Torrent for three years. Torrents plants at Indrad, Baddi and Sikkim make formulations and bulk drugs. The deal would help Elder Pharmaceuticals address its recent challenges and will significantly help Elder de-leverage its balance sheet. Moreover it will allow Elder reorient its focus and grow its inlicensing, anti-infectives and exports business. Torrent Pharmaceuticals was founded in late 1960s in Ahmedabad by U N Mehta. Its Chairman and CEO is Sudhir Mehta. Elder Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1989 in Mumbai. Its Chairman and Managing Director is Jagdish Saxena.
Tech Mahindra launched a Global Center of Excellence with Hewlett Packard

Tech Mahindra Ltd on 10 December 2013 launched its Global Center of Excellence (CoE) with Hewlett Packard (HP) in Bangalore. This Center will focus on IT Application and IT Infrastructure
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Performance Management solutions that transform customers IT Operations landscape through automation and unification of key services. The company at CoE is in the process of creating innovative service offerings in areas such as tools consulting and implementations to an integrated managed services delivery platform. It has an emphasis on automation and unification of key services. The solutions provided will facilitate complete and dynamic alignment of IT infrastructure with organizations strategic goals while deriving significant return on investment due to newer levels of productivity and efficiency.
ONGC Videsh signed an MoU to evaluate E&P opportunities in Ecuador

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) on 9 December 2013 signed an agreement to evaluate E&P opportunities in Ecuador. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Co-ordinating Ministry for Strategic Sectors (MICSE) of the Republic of Ecuador and ONGC Videsh Limited in New Delhi. It was signed by Minister Rafael Poveda Bonilla on behalf of MICSE and D. K. Sarraf, Managing Director & CEO, ONGC Videsh. It was signed in the presence of Jorge David Glas Espinel, the Vice President of Ecuador, who at present is on the visit of India. Since last one year, the OVL has been evaluating the E&P opportunities in Ecuador. For OVL Latin America is the focus area and it has a presence in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. About 30 percent of the oil production of OVL is contributed by these countries. As per the signed MoU, the MICSE will provide information to OVL regarding the oil and gas projects in Ecuador. As per the information, OVL will evaluate to identify the projects of its interest and it will propose participation in such projects through specific definitive agreements. Ecuador is an oil producing and exporting country, a member of OPEC and has a daily production of about 500,000 barrels of crude oil. Earlier, ONGC Videsh on 20 November 2013 signed MoU with Petrovietnam (PVN) to promote the joint cooperation in hydrocarbon sector in Vietnam, India and other countries.
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About ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)

ONGC Videsh Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the National Oil Company of India and is Indias largest international oil and gas E&P Company. he primary business of OVL is to prospect for oil and gas acreages outside India, including exploration, development and production of oil and gas. At present OVL has participation in 32 projects in 16 countries that include Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Libya, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Myanmar. It contributed 12 percent and 7 percent of oil and natural gas production of India. OVL is currently producing 160 thousand barrels of oil and oil equivalent gas per day.
Alstom T&D bagged two contracts of 151 crore rupees from GETCO
Alstom T&D India on 9 December 2013 bagged two contracts of 151 crore rupees from Gujarat Energy Transmission Company Ltd (GETCO). The contracts are for supply of 400 KV, 220KV and 66KV AIS substations located at Charanka and Sankhari on turnkey basis to evacuate power from Solar Park of the state. The substation at Charanka and Sankari will play an important role in strengthening transmission network in Gujarat by acting as the evacuation and nodal grid substations. It will also improve the energy flow in the western region of India. The order involves manufacture, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of the 400 KV substations with the key products like 400kV, 220 KV & 66 KV air insulated switchgear and related equipment Alstoms and the SCADA automation system along with the civil works. The equipment will be manufactured at Alstoms world-class manufacturing facilities in India. The project is being developed under ADB Solar Energy schemes to catalyse 3,000 MW of solar power generation projects in ADB developing member countries. As the solar energy will play an essential role, thus these projects will be significant in increasing the share of the renewable energy and green energy mix in India.
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About Alstom T&D India

Alstom T&D India (globally known as Alstom Grid), is a market leader in the Indian power transmission sector. It has over 100 years of expertise in building the transmission infrastructure for the country.
About Alstom
Basically, Alstom is a global leader of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure. It has set benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group is in around 100 countries.
Biyani sold entire 44% stake in Capital Foods to Artal Group of Europe
Kishore Biyani led Future Consumer Enterprises (FCEL) on 9 December 2013 sold its entire 44 percent stake in Capital Foods to a European private equity fund Artal Group for 180 crore rupees. This marks the end of Biyanis seven year old investment in Capital Foods. As a result, the value of Capital Foods has increased to 400 crore rupees. Capital Foods is a domestic food company that makes a range of products under the brands Chings Secret and Smith & Jones. The rest of the stake in Mumbai-based Capital Foods is held by the founderchairman Ajay Gupta. Biyani entered the Capital Foods through Future Ventures and had pumped in 13 crore rupees in 2006. Last week, the group announced it has exited its investment in apparel brand Biba having sold its 28% to Warburg Pincus and Faering Capital for 300 crore rupees. While Biyani is paving his way out of non-core businesses, FCEL aims to become 10000 crore rupees FMCG player in another five-six years. To achieve this gargantuan size, Biyani has signed a long-term agreement to launch food and beverage brand Sunkist in India through a long-term licensing agreement. The 1.4 billion dollar, California-based Sunkist Growers licenses its brand across more than 80 countries and is widely known for its presence in the citrus category. Artals entry into India follows the interest of several large European investors and family offices like
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Verlinvest that have chased F&B deals in India. Artal is part of the New York-based Invus Group, which manages 4 billion dollar in funds, and is headed by a low-key investor Raymond Debbane. The Invus Group manages money for wealthy European families through its vertical Artal and is famous for its investment in American weight loss company Weight Watchers International.
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SPORTS
Sushil got land to set up wrestling academy at Motilal Nehru School
Sushil Kumar, the two time medal winner wrestler in Olympics has received eight acres of land by the Haryana Government on 31 December 2013. Haryana Government gave him the land as it promised him to grant a land for setting up his academy at the Motilal Nehru School of Sports in Sonepat.
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About Sushil Kumar

1. Sushil Kumar is a wrestler of India who has won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver during the London edition last year 2. He is the only Indian to win individual medal back to back in the Olympics. His Olympics bronze was the second Olympics medal in wrestling after KD Jadhavs bronze medal in Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952 3. He has won gold in the freestyle competition at the FILA 2010 World Wrestling Championship in 66 kg freestyle competition 4. He was the final baton bearer to hand over the Queens Baton to Prince Charles in the Queens Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony 5. He has been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award (joint), the highest Indias sporting honour and Arjuna Award in 2005
Bomb Blast rocked Russian City, Volgograd ahead of Olympic Games

A bomb blast took place at the busy railway station of Volgograd on 29 December 2013. 18 people were reported dead and more than 50 were critically injured in the attack. City was rocked by an explosion detonated by a suicide bomber. A suicide bomber blew herself up in a train station in the Russian city of Volgograd. Russian government had launched an inquiry into a suspected act of terror. Volgograd is located 400 miles northeast of Sochi, a Black Sea resort in the North Caucasus Mountains. Sochi is scheduled to hold Winter Olympics in February 2014.
Volgograd:
The city of Volgograd was known as Stalingrad in the Soviet era. The city of Stalingrad is famous for the Battle of Stalingrad which took place in 1942-43 and was a turning point of the World War II. The Battle of Stalingrad is one of the most ferocious and decisive battle fought in the World War-II. The Battle led to destruction of German 6th Army and led to the decline of Axis Forces in the Eastern Front.
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Serena Williams and LeBron James won APs Athlete of the year award
Serena Williams won the Female Athlete of the Year award and LeBron James won the Male Athlete of the Year award announced by the Associated Press on 26 December 2013.
About Serena Williams

For this season Serena Williams is at the number 1 in the world ranking. Williams won 11 titles and reached 13 finals in 2013 season. She also conquered the clay court season after winning 5 titles. Williams has the most winning percentage of 95.1 percent. Williams has been honoured 3 times with this award, previously she won in 2002 and 2009 seasons.
About LeBRon James

James is an American Basket ball player and he had done good job in 2013 season. He received his fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He led the team to the finals and won the Championship title.
Durban Test: South Africa defeated India by 10 wickets to clinch the series 1-0
South Africa on 30 December 2013 clinched the two match series with India in Durban 1-0. It defeated India by 10 wickets in the second cricket test to win the series. In the second inning of the match, India gave a 58 runs target to chase on the fifth day. It was all out on 223 runs in the second innings in which Ajinkya Rahane scored 96 runs. For South Africa, Robin Peterson claimed four wickets while Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander took three each.
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Brief Scores
India: 334 and 223 all out South Africa: 500 and 59 for no loss Man of the Match: Dale Steyn Man of the Series: AB De Villers
Jacques Kallis, who was playing his last Test hit a superb 115 runs in the first innings. With this knock he surpassed Rahul Dravid of India as the third highest run-getter 13289 runs in the longest format in his farewell match. Now, he is behind Sachin Tendulkar (15921) and Ricky Ponting (13378) in the alltime list. Retiring South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis was given a guard of honour by the Indian players as he walked out to bat in the second and final Test at Kingsmead on 29 December 2013.
Ace Tennis Star Stefan Edberg to join Roger Federers coaching team
Roger Federer on 28 December 2013 announced that Stefan Edberg, the former Swedish tennis player will join his coaching team in 2014. Stefan Edberg will join the long-time coach Severin Luthi as part of his team before the start of first grand slam (Australian Open) in 2014. Edberg will train to Federer for a short period of time across the year and Luthi the person who is training Federer for past 7 years will coach him for the most time. Edberg who will coach Rogar Federer in January 2014 has been his childhood hero. Federer, who is the 17 times major winner ranks at sixth position at present.
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Stefan Edberg
Stefan Bengt Edberg was born on 19 January 1966 He is a former world no. 1 professional tennis player in both singles and doubles from Sweden From 1985 to 1996, Edberg had won six grand slam singles title and three grand slams in double titles, which includes Australian Open in 1985 and 1987, Wimbledon in 1988 and 1990 and US Opens in 1991 and 1992 He was a part of the Swedish Davis Cup winning team for four times He has won the Masters Grand Prix He has won four Masters Series titles and four Championship Series titles
Deepika Kumari won 34th National Archery Championship

Deepika Kumari won the 34th National Archery Championships at JRD Tata Stadium of PSPB, Jamshedpur on 25 December 2013. Deepika by winning the sixth National title consecutively has set the record of winning the most individual titles at the national meet. Earlier it was Dola Banerjee who won five national titles. Archer Krishna Ghatak with seven consecutive individual titles has the record of winning most individual titles. He won the National titles between 1975 and 1982. Deepika Kumari won her sixth consecutive title at the 34th National Archery Championships at JRD Tata Stadium of PSPB, Jamshedpur on 25 December 2013. Deepika by winning the sixth National title consecutively has set the record of winning the most individual titles at the national meet. Earlier it was Dola Banerjee who won five national titles. Archer Krishna Ghatak with seven consecutive individual titles has the record of winning most individual titles. He won the National titles between 1975 and 1982.
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Athletics Federation of India banned six states and 14 athletes

The Athletics Federation Of India (AFI) on 23 December 2013 banned six states and 14 athletes for one year. The decision was taken in order to curb the fielding of overaged athletics. Overall 44 overaged athletes were found in six states and was suspended for one year. The six states namely Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar , Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh was banned for next season . Although, these states can take part in national events under the banner of AFI. 14 Athletes were suspended on the charge of doping for two years. As per provision of constitution of AFI, if the president or secretary desire, the athletes may be allowed to participate under the banner of AFI.
Athletics Federation of India

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the apex body in Athletics in India and is responsible for conducting Competitions in the country. It was earlier called as Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI). It is associated with both Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Doping
The use of drugs by athletes, which can aid performance and give competitors an unfair advantage is considered unethical by most international sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee. Doping test was conducted by NADA in India under the supervision of WADA.
Jacques Kallis announced retirement after Durban Test

Jacques Kallis the South African all rounder of cricket announced retirement from test and first class cricket after the second Test against India in Durban. The decision of retirement was announced on
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25 December 2013. As per the South Africa Cricket Board, Kallis will play the game in the limited over formats. But Kallis will play in the 2015 World Cup for South Africa.
About Jacques Kallis

Kallis made his debut in December 1995 against England He has played 165 tests and scored 13174 runs at an average of 55.12, which includes 44 centuries and 58 half-centuries At present he is the fourth top run-getters in Test cricket and second on the list of batsmen with most centuries in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar of India, who retired in November 2013 He has taken 292 wickets in test matches at an average of 32.53 As a fielder, in test cricket he has taken 199 catches and stands only behind Rahul Dravid in test matches
Boxing Day test match

A test match that starts on 26 December is termed as the Boxing Day test match. Basically, this match is hosted in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and involves cricket team and an opposing national team that is on a tour of Australia. It begins annually on Boxing Day (26 December) and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Boxing Day Test forms part of the 5 match ashes series with England in every four years.
Vernon Philander of South Africa topped Test bowler ranking of ICC

South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander declared on the No. 1 position in the latest ICC Test rankings in bowling and batting released on 24 December 2013. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, had moved in the right direction on rankings for Test batsmen. Philander recorded figures of four for 61 and three for 68, Steyn managed just one wicket. The
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contrasting performances resulted in Philander gaining 13 ratings points and Steyn conceding 13 ratings points. Steyn was on this position from july 2009. Philander is now the seventh South Africa bowler to claim the number-one rank after Aubrey Faulkner (1914-1921), Hugh Tayfield (1955-1958), Peter Pollock (1969), Allan Donald (1998-1999), Shaun Pollock (1999-2003) and Dale Steyn (2008-2013). Kohli, who stroked 119 and 96, has jumped nine places to a career-best 11th position, du Plessiss 134 in the second innings has helped him rocket 16 places to a best-ever 28th position. Of the other two century-makers in the Test, numberone ranked AB de Villiers and Indias Cheteshwar Pujara have consolidated their number-one and number-seven spots, respectively.
Team Rankings Rank Team Rating

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. South Africa India England Pakistan Australia Sri Lanka West Indies New Zealand Zimbabwe Bangladesh 131 119 116 102 101 88 87 82 34 18
The ICC Player Rankings are a widely followed system of rankings for international cricketers based on their recent performances.
Sindhu and Shrikant won singles titles in National Badminton Championship

Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu won the mens and womens titles respectively at the 78th Senior National Badminton Championship in Siri Fort Sports Complex at New Delhi on 23 December 2013. Srikanth won the mens singles crown of the Senior National Badminton Championship by defeating M V Guru Sai Dutt 21-13, 22-20 in the finals. In the Womens singles, PV Sindhu defeated the Junior National Champion Rituparna Das 21-17, 21-11 in the finals to win the title. In the mens doubles the second seeded Pranav Chopra and Akshay Devalkar beat the top seeds Munnu Atri and Sumit Reddy 21-19, 21-17 to lift the title. Womens doubles title was won by Jwala Gutta and Ashwani Punnappa. Jwala and Punnappa regained the womens doubles crown for the first time, since 2009. Defending mixed doubles champions Aparna Balan and Arun Vishnu retained their title by defeating Tarun Kona and Ashwini Ponnappa 21-10 21-17. The second seeded pair of Jwala and Ashwini prevailed over top seeds Pradnya Gadre and Siki Reddy N 21-17 21-16.
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78th Senior National Badminton Championship-2013 was held from 16 December 2013 to 23 December 2013 in New Delhi. It held five types of events namely Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, Womens Single, Womens Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
About Badminton Association of India (BAI)

Badminton Association of India (BAI) is the governing body for Badminton in India. Based in Lucknow, BAI is an association registered under the societies act. It was formed in 1934 and has been holding national-level tournaments in India since 1936. BAI has 33 State Associations and 4 other organizations as its members that conduct Badminton tournaments and have a 2x voting power compared to the 8 affiliate members, who do not conduct tournaments and have a single vote each in the association.
Zaheer fourth Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket

Zaheer Khan on 22 December 2013 became the fourth Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in Test Cricket. Jacques Kallis was his 300th wicket in international test cricket on the fifth day of the first cricket test match against South Africa in Johannesburg at the Wanderers Stadium. With the 300 wickets, Zaheer joined the club of bowlers of India, who has taken 300 wickets namely Kapil Dev (434 wickets), Anil Kumble (619 wickets) and Harbhajan Singh (413 wickets). He also became the most successful left arm fast bowler after Wasim Akram of Pakistan (414 wickets) and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka (355 Wickets).
About Zaheer Khan

Zaheer has taken 282 wickets in 200 one day international matches 17 wickets in Twenty20 Internationals Zaheer was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2011 World Cup
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In 2011, he was conferred with the Arjuna Award, the second highest sporting award of India In 2008, he was selected as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year He debuted in the International one days and test matches in 2000 He has played for Worcestershire in County Cricket He plays for Mumbai in Indian domestic cricket
Englands Graeme Swann announced retirement from International Cricket

England spinner announced his international and midway through the December 2013. Graeme Swann retirement from first-class cricket Ashes Series on 22
The surprise announcement came days after England lost the coveted Ashes in the third Test in Perth to fall 3-0 behind in the five-test series.Swann had long been Australias Ashes tormentor. He played a key role in Englands run of three successive series wins against their arch-rivals Australia. He topped the bowling table with 26 wickets in the Ashes Test series held in 2012 in England. England won the series by 3-0 margin. In the process, he became the first English spinner since Hedley Verity in 1934 to take five wickets in an Ashes Test innings at Lords.
About Swann
Swann made his test debut against India at Chennai in 2008 wherein he took four wickets. He retired as the sixth highest Test wicket-takers of England. He took 255 wickets from his 60 matches at an average of 29.96. He has taken more wickets since his debut in December 2008 than any other bowler in Test cricket, including
Englands highest Test wickettakers

383 329 325 307 297 255 252 Ian Botham James Anderson Bob Willis Fred Trueman Derek Underwood Graeme Swann Brian Statham
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Dale Steyn and James Anderson. He also took 104 wickets in 79 one-day internationals at an average of 27.76 after making his debut against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2000 at the age of 20. He took 51 T20 wickets in 39 T20 matches at an average of 16.84. In addition, he helped England clinch their first major global world title at the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.
India won Asia-Pacific Junior Golf Team Titles

India won the boys and girls team titles in the Asia-Pacific junior golf championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). It was Indias first ever victory in the Asia Pacific Junior Golf Championship. In the boys category, the team of Viraj Madappa and Manu Gandas took India A to win the team title. On the other hand, in the girls category, the team of Aditi and Ridhima Dilawari fashioned India B to win the team title. In the individual category, Aditi Ashok lifted the individual title in the girls category after a thrilling play-off with second-placed Min-Jou Chen of Chinese Taipei.
Team Boys
India A (Manu Gandas, Viraj Madappa)
Results
Girls
India B (Ridhima Dilawari, Aditi Ashok)
Thailand B (Ekthumrong Luanganuruk, Suradit Chinese Taipei A (Yu-Hsin Chang, Min-Jou Yongcharoenchai) Chen) Chinese Taipei A (Sung I Yu, Chun An Yu) Chinese Taipei B (Hsin-En Tsai, Cih-Hui Chen)
Cheteshwar Pujara slipped to 7th position in ICC Test rankings

Cheteshwar Pujara the batsman of Indian Cricket team slipped to seventh position in the batting list of the test matches that was released by ICC on 19 December 2013. Among the bowlers, R Ashwin retained his fifth position in the bowling chart. Virat Kohli, who struck a century in the opening day of the first test against South Africa in the only other Indian cricketer to be in the latest chart released. He is
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unchanged at 20th position. Pragyan Ojha has moved up to the eighth spot. R Ashwin also holds the top position in the list of all-rounder. South African batsman, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla continue to head the rankings for Test batsmen.
Top 10 Batsmen in Test ID Rat. Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 909 898 868 866 854 835 801 783 771 769 A.B. de Villiers H.M. Amla M.J. Clarke K.C. Sangakkara S. Chanderpaul R.L. Taylor C.A. Pujara Misbah-ul-Haq G.C. Smith Younus Khan
Top 10 Bowlers in Test ID Rat. Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 903 899 831 824 808 796 786 756 745 719 D.W. Steyn V.D. Philander H.M.R.K.B. Herath Saeed Ajmal R. Ashwin R.J. Harris P.M. Siddle P.P. Ojha S.C.J. Broad T.A. Boult
Earlier, Cheteshwar Pujara on 13 December 2013 bagged the Emerging Cricketer of the Year trophy at the ICC Annual awards announced in Dubai.
South Indias 1st high altitude cricket stadium inaugurated in Kerala

South Indias first high altitude cricket stadium was inaugurated on 17 December 2013 at Krishnagiri in Waynad district of Kerala. The stadium was inaugurated by Kerala Governor Nikhil Kumar. This is the second cricket ground in India after Dharamsala stadium to be located as such height. The stadium spreads over 4.4 hectares area and is situated at about 2800 feet above the sea level. The Kerala Cricket Association had invested 6.5 crore rupees for construction of the stadium. The stadium has all amenities on par with international standards and can accommodate about 10,000 spectators.
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ICC suspended Shane Shillingford for illegal Bowling action

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 16 December 2013 suspended Shane Shillingford, the West Indies offspinner, from bowling in international cricket after his action was found illegal. Another West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels, who is a part-time offspinner, also has been prohibited from bowling quicker deliveries in international cricket. Both the players were reported for suspect action on 16 November 2013, during the second Test against India in Mumbai. They underwent biomechanical analysis in Perth on 29 November 2013. An ICC statement stated that an independent biomechanical analysis had revealed that for both Shillingfords standard off-break delivery and his doosra, the amount of elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations. Shane Shillingford will remain suspended until he submits a fresh analysis that proves his action has been corrected. Shane Shillingford had earlier been suspended from bowling in international cricket in December 2010, a month after being reported for a suspect bowling action on West Indies tour of Sri Lanka. He underwent remedial action on his bowling and was cleared by the ICC in June 2011. Shane Shillingford, (born 22 February 1983) is a West Indian cricketer who plays first-class and List A cricket for the West Indies cricket team. He played 14 Tests (debut 2010, 65 wickets).
About International Cricket Council (ICC)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for international cricket, encompassing mens, womens and youth participation and competition. ICC was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia and South Africa. ICC is responsible for the administration of mens and womens cricket including the management of playing conditions and officials for Test Match and One-Day International (ODI) cricket and the staging of international cricket events for men, women and juniors.
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Mahesh Mangaonkar won IMET Squash Open 2013

Indian squash player Mahesh Mangaonkar has won the IMET Open 2013 in the Slovakian capital Bratislava on 16 December 2013. Mahesh, the 19-year-old World No.98 from Mumbai downed defending champion Greg Lobban, the No.2 seed from Scotland 7-11, 11-8, 11-4, 6-11, 11-7 to take the title. With this victory Mahesh Mangaonkar also became the first Indian squash player to win the IMET Open.
About IMET Squash Open

The IMET Open is the PSA World Tour Challenger 5 event. The IMET Open 2013 was held from 12 to 15 December 2013 at the IMET Squash Centrum in the Slovakia capital Bratislava. The prize money for the title winner is 5000 Dollars. This is the sixth edition of the tournament
Ethiopian Runner Atsedu Tsegay won Delhi Half Marathon 2013

Ethiopian runner Atsedu Tsegay on 15 December 2013 won the Mens Delhi Half Marathon (21.097 km) by creating a new race record. Tsegay clocked 59 minutes 10 seconds beating the previous record of 59 minutes 15 seconds held by Deriba Merga since 2008. Former junior world champion Geoffrey Kipsang of Kenya came second, while his compatriot Wilson Kiprop finished third. G. Laxman was the top finisher for India, with a timing of 1 hour 04 minutes and 44 seconds.
Womens category
In womens category Kenyan athlete Florence Kiplagat finished on top with a timing of 1 hour 07 minutes and 58 seconds. Gladys Cherono came second, while Lucy Kabuu finished third. Among the Indian athletes, Preeja Sreedharan was the top finisher. She clocked 1 hour 20 minutes 04 seconds. The winners of the both men and women category won the prize money of 25000, 18000, and 12000 US Dollars respectively according to their top three positions.
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About Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is an annual half marathon event held in New Delhi, India. Established in 2005, it is both an elite runner and mass participation event. Indian telecommunications services company Airtel took the title ownership of the marathon in 2008. Prior to this, telecom provider Vodafone had the title sponsorship. A total of 31000 plus runners participated in the 2013 Delhi half marathon.
Germany won Mens Junior Hockey World Cup 2013

Germany on 15 December 2013 lifted the Mens Junior Hockey World Cup for a record sixth time. In the title clash at New Delhi, defending champions Germany defeated France, 5-2 to retain the title. For the Germans, Nilkas Wellen scored the hat-trick goals with Jonas Gomoll and Christopher Ruhr being the other goal scorers. For France, Gaspard Baumgarten scored both the goals. In another match, the Netherlands beat Malaysia, 7-2 to finish third in the tournament. The Indian team finished at the 10th spot, after losing to Pakistan in penalties in the 9th-10th position match on 14 December 2013.
Final Positions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Germany France The Netherlands Malaysia Australia Belgium New Zealand Korea Pakistan India Argentina South Africa Spain England Egypt Canada
Individual Awards:
Player of the final: Niklas Wellen (Germany). Player of the Tournament: Christopher Rhr (Germany) Goal-keeper of the Tournament: Edgar Reynaud (France) Top Scorer: Christopher Rhr (Germany), 9 goals Goal of the Tournament: Jean-Laurent Kieffer (France), Argentina vs. France, 3rd French goal (48th minute) The Junior Hockey world Cup 2013 was held in New Delhi, India from 6-15 December 2013. A total of 16 teams were participated in this tournament.
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About Mens Junior Hockey World Cup

The Mens Junior Hockey World Cup also known as the Roger Danet Trophy is an international field hockey competition organised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The tournament was first held at France in 1979. Since 1985 it has been held every four years. Competitors must be under the age of 21 as of December 31 in the year before the tournament is held.
Indian Judokas won Silver and 4 bronze medals in Asian Youth & Junior Championships
Indian Judokas in second week of December 2013 won silver and four bronze medals in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships, which concluded in Hainan, China. The junior Indian team comprised of seven boys and seven girls. The youth team also comprised of seven girls and boys. The championship was held from 11 to 13 December 2013. The Indian youth team won Silver and two bronze medals and the junior team won two bronze medal. Obaid Al-Anzi, the President Judo Union of Asia (JUA) opened the 7th Asian Youth & 14th Asian Junior Judo Championships 2013 at Hainan, China.
7th Asian Youth Judo Championships 2013

As per the schedule the 7th Asian Youth Judo Championships 2013 concluded on 11 December 2013 at Hainan, China. 17 Nations participated in this Youth Championships. The host country China won overall Championship by winning 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze, and South Korea placed runner-up by winning 3 Gold and 3 Bronze, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan placed third and fourth places.
14th Asian Junior Judo Championships 2013

The 14th Asian Junior Judo Championships 2013 concluded on 13 December 2013 at Hainan, China. 95 Men and 60 Women from 19 Nations participated in this Championship. Japan won overall Championship by winning 10 Gold and 1 Silver medal, however South Korea placed runner-up by winning 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 5 Bronze medals, and Mongolia won 2 Gold and Silver placed third.
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About Judo Union of Asia

Judo Union of Asia came into existence in the year 1956 with 7 National Judo Federations as its members. Chinese Taipei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines and Thailand were the Founding Members of JUA. The 1st Asian Judo Championships (Men) was held in the year 1966 in Manila, Philippines, and teams from 8 Member National Judo Federations participated in the Championships. JUA Membership has been increasing year by year. By the end of the year 1970, National Judo Federations from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam, DPR Korea, Burma (Myammar, at present), Singapore, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iran and Syria also joined JUA, thus expanding the membership to 23.
India retained the World Kabaddi Cup for fourth consecutive time
India defeated Pakistan 48-39 in the World Kabaddi Cup in the finals played at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana, Punjab on 14 December 2013. With this win, India retained the title for fourth consecutive time. Hardavinder Singh Dulla and Balbir Singh from India were named as the Best Raider and Best Stopper of the tournament, respectively. In the semi-finals, hosts India crushed England 63-32 while Pakistan beat USA 51-33. After the end of the final game, the winning team India was presented with a cash reward of two crore rupees and the runner-up team, Pakistan won a cash prize of one crore rupees. The awards were given by the Chief Guest of the match, Shahbaz Shrief along with Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister. When the World Kabaddi Cup concluded, the Chief Minister of Pakistans Punjab Mian Shahbaz Shrief promised that the fifth edition of the Kabaddi Cup would be held jointly at Lahore and Ludhiana. Earlier on 13 December 2013, the Indian women Kabbadi team defeated New Zealand by 49-21 and received 51 lakh rupees as winning amount. The last three editions of the Kabaddi World Cup have been won by India by defeating Canada once and Pakistan twice.
India won Womens Kabaddi World Cup 2013

India on 12 December 2013 won the womens Kabaddi World Cup championship for the third time
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in a row, defeating New Zealand 49-21 in the summit clash in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Indian womens team led their New Zealand counterparts for most part of the match and held out a strong challenge by the visitors in the second half, on course to a resounding win. The Indian team took home a first-place prize of 1 crore rupees. Anu Rani was adjudged the best stopper while Ram Bateri was declared the best raider. Both received a Maruti Alto car each. In Earlier matches, India defeated Pakistan and New Zealand defeated Denmark respectively in the semi-finals. In third place match, Denmark took the third place by 34-33 points, while Pakistan took the fourth place.
About Womens Kabaddi World Cup 2013

The 4th Pearls Kabaddi World Cup - 2013 was held from 30 November to 12 December 2013 in the state of Punjab, India. The women teams which were participated in the tournament are India and the United States, England, Denmark, Iran, Mexico, Kenya and Pakistan. The Kabaddi world cup 2013 was organised state Government of Punjab. Indian womens team has won 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions of World cups. This tournament is annual event, with popularising the rural sport at the international level, aims to promote people-to-people contact. For the first team a womens team from Pakistan participated in the tournament.
Prakash, Malaika struck Gold at 57th National Shooting Championship

Malaika Goel of Punjab and Prakash Nanjappa of Karnataka won Gold at the 57th National Shooting Championship held at Tughlakabad on 14 December 2013. Malaika won the Gold in womens 10-meter air pistol whereas Prakash won Gold in 50-meter free pistol. The 16-year-old Malaika beat seasoned Harveen Srao by 5.3 points in the final to win the gold. Earlier she beat Olympians Heena Sidhu and Annu Raj Singh to make the final. Malaika also swept the junior and youth Gold medals as well, on the basis of her qualification score of 385 that had placed her second in qualification for the womens final. The 37-year-old Prakash battling Bells Palsy disease (dryness of eye) scored a total of 550 to win the Gold medal in the final.
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The Results: EVENTS

50-METER FREE PISTOL MEN JUNIORS
POSITION
1. Prakash Nanjappa 2. Kapil Kumar 3. Gurpal Singh 1. Sukhwinder Singh 2. Kapil Kumar 3. Prashant Malik 1. Malaika Goel
10-METER AIR PISTOL
2. Harveen Srao 3. Shreya Gawande 1. Malaika Goel
WOMEN
JUNIORS
2. Nayani Bhardwaj 3. Shreya Gawande 1. Malaika Goel
YOUTH
2. Nayani Bhardwaj 3. Gauri Sheoran
India retained its top position in latest ICC ODI rankings

India on 12 December 2013 retained its top position in the latest ICC ODI rankings. India topped the rankings table with 120 points, which is followed by Australia with 114 rating points. The latest ICC ranking was released in Dubai. Even after, the dismal performance against South Africa, the Indian team was able to stick on the number one position because of the games played by it on the home ground. Apart from this, in the player rankings released A.B. Devilliers of South Africa moved ahead of Virat Kohli as the Worlds number one Batsman. The Indian Cricket captain, M.S. Dhoni was placed at
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number six and the Shikhar Dhawan was placed at tenth position in the rankings chart. In the bowlers rankings, Indian bowler Ravindra Jadeja was pushed on the seventh place in the ranking chart. Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistan spinner was placed at number 1 and is followed by the South African pace man, Dale Steyn. In the category of All Rounders, Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh retained his number one position and was followed by Shane Watson of Australia. Ravindra Jadeja of India was placed at fifth position in the rankings.
ICC One Day International team Rankings

Rank
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Team
India Australia England Sri Lanka South Africa Pakistan West Indies New Zealand Bangladesh Zimbabwe Ireland Netherlands Kenya
Matches
58 42 42 51 44 53 44 34 26 26 11 7 4
Points
6967 4808 4671 5605 4825 5279 3958 2899 2165 1439 423 88 40
Rating
120 114 111 110 110 100 90 85 83 55 38 13 10
ICC Test team Rankings

Rank
1 2 3
Team
South Africa India England
Matches
27 33 38
Points
3531 3920 4407
Rating
131 119 116
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4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Pakistan Australia West Indies Sri Lanka New Zealand Zimbabwe Bangladesh
25 33 25 26 30 11 16
2538 3318 2366 2295 2243 372 285
102 101 95 88 75 34 18
ICC T20 team Rankings

Rank
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Team
Sri Lanka India South Africa Pakistan West Indies England Australia New Zealand Ireland Bangladesh Afghanistan Netherlands Scotland Zimbabwe Kenya Canada
Matches
20 15 23 30 17 21 20 21 9 11 13 9 11 12 15 6
Qfy Matches
24 19 29 40 22 28 26 27 14 15 14 12 13 16 17 8
Points
2570 1843 2818 3638 2041 2357 2047 2139 783 791 908 508 545 553 633 11
Rating
129 123 123 121 120 112 102 102 87 72 70 56 50 46 42 2
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Top 10 batsmen in Test Cricket

ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Rat.
909 898 884 866 863 801 794 783 771 769
Name
A.B. de Villiers H.M. Amla M.J. Clarke K.C. Sangakkara S. Chanderpaul C.A. Pujara R.L. Taylor Misbah-ul-Haq G.C. Smith Younus Khan
Top 10 Bowlers in Test Cricket

ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Rat.
903 899 831 824 808 792 781 764 756 710
Name
D.W. Steyn V.D. Philander H.M.R.K.B. Herath Saeed Ajmal R. Ashwin R.J. Harris P.M. Siddle S.C.J. Broad P.P. Ojha J.M. Anderson
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Top 10 Batsmen in One Day International Cricket

ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Rat.
872 859 839 835 830 789 766 754 722 717
Name
A.B. de Villiers V. Kohli H.M. Amla G.J. Bailey K.C. Sangakkara M.S. Dhoni T.M. Dilshan I.J.L. Trott Misbah-ul-Haq S Dhawan
Top 10 Bowlers in One Day International Cricket

ID
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Rat.
763 742 730 708 696 695 692 674 673 670
Name
Saeed Ajmal D.W. Steyn S.P. Narine S.T. Finn J.M. Anderson H.M.R.K.B. Herath R.A. Jadeja L.L. Tsotsobe M. Morkel M.G. Johnson
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Sergio Perez joined Sahara Force India with multi-year deal for 2014 F1 season
British-based Sahara Force India on 12 December 2013 signed Sergio Perez as race driver for the team in 2014 and beyond. He has signed a multi-year contract with the Force India team. Earlier, he dropped England based McLaren at the end of the 2013 Formula one season.
About Sergio Perez

Perez was a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy until 2012 and took his first Formula One podium at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix Perez joined McLaren for the 2013 season by replacing Lewis Hamilton
Sergio Perez along with the German Nico Hulkenberg will be the race drivers of Force India for the team in 2014 and beyond. The two have finished at 11th and 10th in the 2013 F1 Drivers standings, respectively.
ICC Annual Awards: Pujara bagged Emerging Cricketer of the Year trophy
The Indian cricketer and a Rising Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara on 13 December 2013 bagged the Emerging Cricketer of the Year trophy at the ICC Annual awards announced in Dubai. This is the first ever ICC Award for Pujara. He became the second fastest Indian to score 1000 Test runs during the course of his double hundred against Australia on March at Hyderabad. He put on the board 370-run record second wicket partnership with Murali Vijay. Pujara, the 25 year old cricketer has scored 1310 runs in 15 tests with an average of 65.50. Apart from Pujara, the Captain of Indian cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the Indian to win ICC Annual award and he got LG Peoples Choice Award. Australian captain Michael Clarke was the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for ICC Cricketer
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of the Year and was also named as the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year. In total, there were eleven individual awards. The full list of winners is:
ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) Michael Clarke (Australia) ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Michael Clarke (Australia) ICC Womens ODI Cricketer of the Year Suzie Bates (New Zealand) ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Cheteshwar Pujara (India) ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year Kevin OBrien (Ireland) ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year Umar Gul (Pakistan) ICC T20I Womens Cricketer of the Year Sarah Taylor (England) ICC Spirit of Cricket Award Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka) ICC Umpire of the Year (winning the David Shepherd Trophy) Richard Kettleborough LG Peoples Choice MS Dhoni
The award function was hosted by Ricky Ponting, the former Australian Captain. Ponting is the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy in 2006 and 2007 and was the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2006. Apart from this he was also appointed captain of ICCs ODI Team of the Year in 2007, 2008 and 2010.
South East Asian Games kicked off in Naypyitaw, Myanmar

The 27th edition of South East Asian Games kicked off in Naypyitaw, the new state capital of Myanmar on 11 December 2013. This is the biggest sporting event in South East Asia. The games involve 34 events with participation from 11 Countries. More than 1500 medals are to be given to the winners. The 27th edition of SEA Games is scheduled from 11 to 22 December 2013. Myanmar is hosting the South East Asian Games after 40 years. Myanmar was the host for 1961, 2nd SEAP Game and 1969, 5th Southeast Asian Peninsular Games (SEAP). The Theme for this year SEA Game is: Green, Clean and Friendship
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About Southeast Asian Games

The Southeast Asian Games is a biannual multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia. The games are under regulation of the Southeast Asian Games Federation with supervision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia. In order to participate, all athletes must be entered by their National Olympic Committee. The previous edition- the 26th South East Asian Games were held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2011. The first edition of SEA games were held in Bangkok, Thailand in 1959.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) debars charge-sheeted from contesting elections

On 8 December 2013 the Indian Olympic Association amended its constitution debarring framed and charged people from contesting elections to the governing body of Olympic sports in India, Indian Olympic Association, IOA. IN a special meeting of its general body headed by S. Reghunathan the association decided to fix 9 February as the date for fresh elections to the IOA after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had given it the ultimatum to reduce external influence on the India Olympic Association and corruption within it and if it did not do so, it risked being removed from the Olympic mission. The amendments would disallow charge-sheeted administrators like Lalit Bhanot from contesting elections to the governing body of the Association. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is now expected to go through the amendments and revoke the suspension of IOA so that India could return back to the Olympic movement. IOA was suspended from the IOC for government interference putting at risk the recognition of IOA by the IOC. Shri Jitendra nSingh, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, had taken a delegation to IOC to help end the suspension of IOA in the early part of this year. He expressed happiness at the step taken by the IOA. It would clean up the sports administration in India; thus helping it to meet the
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IOC commitments on corruption and non interference of government within sports bodies and federations.
About International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Pierre Baron de Coubertin, the father of Modern Olympics, founded the body with Demetrios Vikelas as the first president on 23 June 1894. It organizes the Olympic games, the winter Olympic games and promotes ethical values in Olympic sports. It acts as the collaborator between the various Olympic Associations in holding the world events like the Asian Games. Thomas Bach is the present head of the body.
About Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

It has the responsibility of preparing the players for the Olympics, the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games and other regional events as well ensuring their participation in their respective disciplines. Sir Dorabji Tata did the early work in establishing a National level body in India to encourage Olympics in 1919. He established the Indian Olympic Association with the help of Dr A. G. Noehren who the director of Youth Missionary Christian Association (YMCA).Its current president is Abhay Singh Chautala.
Chitra won bronze at IBSF World Snooker Championships

Chitra Magimairajan won the bronze at the IBSF World Snooker Championship held at Daugvapils, Latvia. She lost to Wendy Jans of Belgium 1-4 in the semifinals. In the final, Wendy Jans successfully defended her title by defeating Chunxia Shi of China 5-3. In the mens final, Zhou Yuelong of China defeated compatriot Zhao Xintong 8-3 to win the IBSF title. The next edition of the IBSF World Snooker Championship will be held at Bangalore in November 2014. The last edition was held at Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012.
About IBSF
The International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) is an organisation that governs nonprofessional snooker and English billiards around the world and was formed in 1971. The IBSF is made up of seventy three affiliated countries all of which belong to one of the five Olympic Regions: Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
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The aims and objectives of the IBSF are to co-ordinate, promote and develop the sports of billiards and snooker on a non-professional level.
The events that is organized and coordinated by the IBSF are: World Snooker Championships; World Team Snooker Cup; World Under-21 Snooker Championships; World Ladies Snooker Championships; and World Billiards Championships. The current President is James Leacy. The IBSF is the snooker division of the World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS). The WCBS is an organisation that promotes cue sports in the form of carom, pool and snooker. The aim of the WCBS is to gain the acceptance of these three cue sports disciplines into the Olympic Games
Kerala topped the 29th Junior National Athletics Championships

Kerala emerged as the champion state in the 29th Junior National Athletics Championships which concluded on 7 December 2013. The championship was held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. Kerala ended the competition with a 585 score, way ahead of the second placed Tamil Nadu. Haryana was placed third. Significantly Kerala has been the champion for 19th time in the 29 year old history of the event. At the championship many national records were broken. The list of athletes who broke national records in various events is given below:
NAME
Swapan Burman Gayathri Shivakumar Chandan Bauri Sahil Mahabali Mahashri Baloda Athira Suchendran Chandan Bauri
STATE
West Bengal Kerala West Bengal Haryana Delhi Kerala West Bengal
EVENT
Girls High Jump (U-18) Girls High Jump (U-14) Boys 400 m (U-16) Boys Long Jump (U-16) Boys 3-kg Iron Ball Throw Youth Girls Triple Jump Boys 200-m (U-16)
RECORD
1.71 M 1.55 M 48.24 sec 7.27 M 11.63 M 12.86 M 22.11 sec
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Best athletes of the 29th National Junior Youth Athletic Championship BOYS
U-20: Sumit Malik (Himachal Pradesh 400m)
GIRLS
U-20: Archana Suseendran (Tamil Nadu 100m)
U-18: Nirbhay Singh (Haryana Discus Throw) U-18: G. Karthika (Tamil Nadu Long Jump) U-16: Mankirat Singh (Punjab Shot Put) U-14: Sourav (Haryna Shot Put) U-16: Tiasha Samadder (West Bengal 400m) U-14: Maharshi Baloda (Delhi Shot Put).
BRAZUCA, The official 2014 FIFA World Cup Match Ball was unveiled
Brazuka, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup match ball was unveiled on 3 December 2013 by manufacturers Adidas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The ball is called the Brazuca after a public vote by more than one million football fans in the host nation Brazil. Brazuca is an informal local term which means Brazilian, or relating to a Brazilian way of life. The ball was named Brazuca in September 2012 following a public vote in Brazil involving one million football fans. The colours of the ball reflect those of the Brazilian flag and tournament logo, while the design is a representation of the colourful wristbands that Brazilians often wear. The ball, the successor to the Adidas Jabulani used at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, has already been tested in competitive international matches, at the Under-20s World Cup, with a different print design, and in the friendly between Sweden and Argentina in February 2014. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be the 20th FIFA World Cup, an international mens football tournament, tournament is scheduled to be held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014.
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni won ICC Peoples Choice Award 2013

India Cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on 3 December 2013 won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Peoples Choice Award for the year 2013. Dhoni also became the second Indian cricketer after SachinTendulkar to get this award. Sri Sangarkara won this award for two times in 2011 and 2012. Other nominees for this years LG Peoples Choice Award were Michael Clarke, Alastair Cook, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers The International Cricket Council (ICC) Peoples Choice award introduced in the year 2010 and Sachin Tendulkar won inaugural Award. Lanka cricketer Kumar
Gaganjeet Bhullar won Indonesia Open Golf Tournament 2013

Indian Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar on 1 December 2013 won the 2013 edition of the Indonesia Open at Jakarta. Bhullar finished 72 holes on the Pantai Indah Kapuk Course at Damai Indah Golf at 16-under-par 268. Bhullar, who led the tournament from the outset with a 64 in his opening round, finished at 16-under, three shots ahead of Malaysian Nicholas Fung and Thailands Chapchai Nirat at 13-under. Malaysias Nicholas Fung (66) finished tied second alongside Thailands Chapchai Nirat (66). Bhullars victory also credited him with $135,000 in prize money to be placed fourth in Asias Order of Merit with total earnings of $462,378. This is Bhullars fifth Asian Tour title. The 2013 edition of Indonesia Open is one of the tournaments in the Asian Tour, scheduled from 28
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November to 1 December at the Pantai Indah Kapuk course at Damai Indah Golf, Jakata.
Ethiopian Runners won both Mens and Womens titles at Pune International Marathon
Runners from Ethiopia have won the both the mens and womens events in the 28th edition of the Pune International Marathon on 1 December 2013. Belachew Endale Abayneh won the mens 42.195 km race in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 52 seconds, while Aberu Zewude Tesema claimed the top spot in the womens half-distance race clocking 1 hour, 16 minute and 54 seconds.
Category
First
Country
Ethopia
Second
Country
Third
Edisa Merga Eiigu Melaku Belachew Bizuneh Romeha AleneWoldu Ankit Malik Lalita Babar
Country
Ethiopia
Belachew Mens full marathon (42 Endale Abayneh km) Habtamu Mens halfmarathon (21 Arga Wegi km) Womens halfmarathon Mens 10 km Womens 10 km Aberu Zewude Tesema Man Singh Nilam Sachin Rajput
Ezekiel Cherop Kenya
Ethopia
YEgon Daniel Cheruiyot Mestawot Tradesse Shankutie Arjun Pradhan Kavit Raut
Kenya
Ethiopia
Ethopia
Ethopia
Ethiopia
India India
India India
India India
India retained Top-spot in ICC ODI Rankings

India cricket team has retained its top position in the latest ICC ODI rankings and second position in the Test cricket rankings. Both the lists were released by the International Cricket Council in Dubai on 1 December 2013. Virat Kohli is the top batsman in ODI list while R. Ashwin is the top all-rounder in the Test rankings.
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Pakistans spin-maestro Saeed Ajmal has topped the ODI bowlers ranking. In test rankings, Cheteshwar Pujara is the best-placed Indian batsman at sixth with Virat Kohli following him at a distant 20th spot. In the bowlers list, R Ashwin is fifth, followed by Pragyan Ojha at ninth.
TOP TEN TEAMS (Dated: 1 December 2013) TEST

South Africa India England Pakistan Australia West Indies Sri Lanka New Zealand Zimbabwe Bangladesh
ODI
India Australia England Sri Lanka South Africa Pakistan West indies New Zealand Bangladesh Zimbabwe
PV Sindhu won Macau Open Badminton Singles title

Indian shuttler P V Sindhu on 1 December 2013 won the Womens Singles trophy at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton Tournament. In the title clash, Sindhu, defeated seventh seed Li Michelle of Canada in straight games, 21-15, 21-12. With this victory, Sindhu has bagged yet another Tier-III title this season, after her triumph at the Malaysia Open Grand Prix in May 2013. Besides the Malaysia Open triumph, she also became Indias first woman to win the Bronze medal at the World Championship in August 2013. This was Indias first singles medal at the World Championships since Prakash Padukone won a Bronze in the 1983 edition.
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STATE
Gujarats Cheeranjavi Yojana failed to reduce MMR and IMR significantly: Duke University
A study conducted by the Duke University showed that Chiranjeevi Yojana of Gujarat failed to reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) significantly. The study was published by the international public health, Bulletin of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the last week of December 2013. The Cheeranjavi Yojana launched in 2006 to reduce the MMR and IMR, according to the study, did not lead to increased probability of institutional child-delivery or maternal health outcomes. Also, the Yojana did not led to any fall in the household expenditure on private-sector deliveries.
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The reasons for the failure cited by the study are as follows:
The inaccurate BPL classification of the population is a contributing factor. That is, 40 percent of above BPL have BPL cards and 45 percent BPL do not have BPL cards. This shows a clear case of leakage and benefits not reaching the targeted population. The providers were charging extra for other services and also lot of empanelled hospitals were in the urban areas that led to huge cost of access to these services. It also did not address self-selection of women into institutional delivery or reported inaccuracies by hospitals
About Chiranjeevi Yojana

Gujarat government launched Chiranjeevi Yojana in 2005-06 to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate in the state and increase the institutional delivery rates. It covers the cost of deliveries at designated private sector hospitals for women from Below poverty Line households. It pays 1600 rupees per delivery to the hospitals to provide free deliveries and reimburses at least some of the womens travel costs. In 2006, the programme received the Asian Innovations Award and considered this scheme should be replicated in other states.
Tamil Nadu Government launched free CFL bulb scheme for hutdwellers
Tamil Nadu government on 30 December 2013 launched the first phase of providing free compact fluorescent light bulbs to over 14 lakh hut-dwellers in the state. This is an energy-saving measure aimed at saving 40 mw of power. In the first phase of the project that has been launched, the Chief Minister gave away one nine-watt CFL bulb to seven persons to seven persons each marking its roll out. The first phase of the project will cost 8.77 crore rupees to the state. Of the 14.62 lakh domestic consumers, who comes under the hut-dwellers category of the state will be benefitted with the project. In the first phase of the project, seven lakh people will be covered. Apart from this, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa has also launched projects of 500 crore rupees under the Energy Department through video conferencing from her camp office Kodanadu in the Nilgiris district. Under this sub-station in capacity of 230 kv, 110 kv and 33 kv
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were inaugurated. The Chief Minister has also inaugurated a 60 kw solar power generating system at the head office of TANFEDCO. The system will generate up to one lakh units per year and this will help the state to meet a part of the daily electricity demands.
Arvind Kejriwal sworn-in as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi

Arvind Kejriwal, the convener of the newly launched Aam Aadmi Party sworn in as the seventh (as a person) Chief Minister of Delhi on 28 December 2013 at a function in Ramlila Maidan. Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administered the oath of office and secrecy to Kejriwal. He has sworn in as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi. He is of 45 years in age. Since 1956 when Delhi was given the status of UT and since 1991 when Delhi was designated as NCT, Arvind Kejriwal is the youngest CM of Delhi State. Apart from Kejriwal, six other MLAs namely Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Saurabh Bhrdwaj, Rakhi Birla, Satyendra Kumar Jain and Girish Soni also took oath as Cabinet Ministers. Aam Aadmi Party that won 28 seats in the election held on 4 December 2013 has formed the state Government with the support of Congress party, which won from eight seats. Most seats were wined by BJP, which failed to get a majority and decided not to try to form a Government. The place of sworn in, the Ramlila Maidan is the same venue, where he rallied the historic anticorruption movement that was led by the activist Anna Hazare in 2012.
Arvind Kejriwal will handle Power, Finance, Home and Planning departments Manish Sisodia will handle Education and PWD Somnath Bharti will handle tourism and Law departments
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Saurabh Bhardwaj will handle Food, Supply and Transport Satendra Jain will handle Health Rakhi Birla will handle Women and Child Development Minister Girish Soni will handle the charge of Development and Employment departments
Chief Minister of Delhi Name

Chaudhary Brahm Prakash GN Singh President Rule Madan Lal Khurana Sahib Singh Verma Sushma Swaraj Sheila Dikshit Sheila Dikshit Sheila Dikshit Arvind Kejriwal
Time as the CM
1952 to 1955 1955 to 1956 1956 to 1993 1993 to 1996 1996 to 1998 1998 to 1998 1998 to 2003 2003 to 2008 2008 to 2013 2013
Arvind Kejriwal is only the second Chief Minister to be an IITian after his Goa counterpart Manohar Parrikar. He is a product of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Khargapur studied Mechanical Engineering and passed out in 1989.
Tamil Nadu Court granted conditional bail to crew of US ship

US ship MV Seeman Ohio with 35 crew members was granted a conditional bail by a local court of Titicorin in Tamil Nadu on 27 December 2013. The ship along with the crew members was arrested on 18 October 2013 by the Tamil Nadu on the charges of illegally carrying weapons in board
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the vessel and straying into Indian waters. They were booked under the Arms Act and Essential Commodities Act. K Venkatasamy, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) passed the order on the criminal revision petition filed by the Q branch of Tamil Nadu Police that challenged the conditional bail granted to the crew by Tuticorin Judicial Magistrate I, C. Kathiravan. As per the CJM the incident poses a challenge to the national security and the conditional bail granted was against the orders of the higher courts, which includes the Supreme Court. The CJM observed that the order of granting bail was shocking as it involved the security of the nation. It also said that the bail would be granted after obtaining an assurance from the respective embassies that they will be available during the investigation. He also said that it was a failure of the Judicial Magistrate to find out that weather the investigation was over or the charge sheet was ready. The conditional bail was granted by the I C Kathiravan, the Judicial Magistrate on 26 December 2013 after the crew argued in its bail plea that the Q branch of the state police failed to file a charge sheet even after 60 days of their arrest. Earlier, their bail pleas had been rejected by a court in Tuticorin and the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed the bail petitions filed as the probe was in the initial state and their bail would have been affected the investigation.
Fatwa issued by Jammu & Kashmir scholars allows half-widows to remarry

Group of Islamic Scholars in Kashmir issued a fatwa on 26 December 2013 that women, whose husbands are missing for the past four years, can remarry. The religious scholars of Jammu & Kashmir concluded that half-widows whose husbands have disappeared in custody or otherwise over the past 20 years can remarry four years after the disappearance. Under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act 1939, a woman married under Muslim law is entitled to obtain a decree for the dissolution of marriage, if the whereabouts of her husband have not been known for a period of four years. Human rights groups said that the number of people, who have disappeared in the past 20 years is more than 8000 and one fourth of them were married. The Islamic scholars held three rounds of consultations for the remarriage of Kashmiri women and then issued the fatwa and a detailed edict will be issued soon.
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Fatwa is a legal pronouncement in Islam issued by religious law scholars on specific issue.
Himachal Pradesh High Court banned plastic packing of junk food

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on 26 December 2013 banned the junk food items in plastic packing and directed to implement the ban in the state from 26 January 2014. The High Court cleared stay on the Himachal Pradesh governments notification issued on 26 June 2013 imposing ban on sale, storage, entry, supply and manufacture of 25 junk items.
A division bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice V.K. Sharma directed the State Government
To implement the banning of the storage, supply, sale and entry of non-essential food items packaged in plastic or non-biodegradable material. It excludes drinking water both packaged and mineral. To ensure that no foodstuff, including primary and essential food, is manufactured, transported, sold, packaged and distributed without conforming to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulation of 2011 Eatables like potato chips, cookies, candy, chewing-gum, ice-cream, chocolates and noodles would not be available in polythene packets To appoint a food commissioner, if not already appointed within four weeks should be appointed To ensure that no person is permitted to commence or carry on any food business without obtaining a license. All the municipal authorities in the state to manage the plastic waste by undertaking Waste audit from beginning of the year. The Order will be passed by the High Court further to ensure that edible oils shall not be sold in plastic bottles or pouches and shall be packed in tin containers from 31 March 2014.
High Court asked two Telugu actors to return the Padma Awards
Andhra Pradesh High Court on December 2013 asked the Telugu film actor cum producer Mohan Babu and actor Brahmanandam to return their Padma Awards to the Government of India.
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Both the recipients carried the Padma Shri as prefix in the title cards of the movie Denikina Ready violating the article 18 of the Indian constitution. According to the article 18(1) of the constitution the award does not carry any monetary grant and the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipients name.
Assam Government announced 100 crore rupees package for tea garden communities
Assam Government on 22 December 2013 announced special package of 100 crore rupees for the upliftment of the tea garden communities. Package amount would be used for the expansion of the education and for increasing the employment opportunities among the tea tribes. The Chief Minister also announced to donate 20 lakh rupees to publish different books related to the tea tribes. Special schemes will be launched soon for the upgradation of employment opportunities. Under the expansion of education, government announced to provide bicycles to students and to connect the rural areas through electricity. The Tea-tribes are tribes that were brought by the British colonial planters as indentured labourers from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region. They are found mainly in the districts of Darrang, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj Tinsukia and almost all the districts of Assam in India. India produces and consumes more tea than any other country in the world, except for China, including the famous Assam tea and Darjeeling tea. Tea was officially recognized as the National Drink in 2013. According to the ASSOCHAM report released in December 2011, India, as the worlds largest consumer of tea uses nearly 30 per cent of the global output. India is also the second largest producer of tea. Despite the production, India is also the largest exporter of tea after China.
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United Nations felicitated Odisha Government for effectively handling Cyclone Phailin
Odisha Government on 20 December 2013 was felicitated by United Nations for effectively handling the Cyclone Phalin in October 2013. Margaret Wahlstrom, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction presented a citation to the Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Government was felicitated for its efforts to keep human casualties to a minimum at the time of cyclone. After the citation, Wahlstrom invited Naveen Patnaik to participate in the global conference on disaster management that will be organised in 2015 by United Nations. With this felicitation, Odisha became the first South East Asian state to be felicitated for disaster management.
Odisha Administrative Tribunal quashed 27% SEBC quota

Odisha Administrative Tribunal on 19 December 2013 quashed the provision of 27 percent reservation under Odisha Reservation of Posts and Service (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) Act, 2008 for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) candidates in public employment.
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The decision was taken by the tribunal that comprised Chairman Justice, Nityananda Prusty and the administrative member, SN Das. The tribunal has directed the Odisha government and Odisha Public Service Commission to abide by the stipulation of the Supreme Court not to exceed 50 per cent ceiling in respect of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and SEBCs in public employment.
Orissa Administrative Tribunal

The Orissa Administrative Tribunal was set up during 1986 for quick re-dressal of grievances of State Government employees regarding their service matters. Besides the Principal Bench at Bhubaneswar, one regular Bench of O.A.T. at Cuttack and two Circuit Benches at Sambalpur and Berhampur are functioning. The Tribunal deals with original applications, transferred applications and miscellaneous petitions.
Cabinet Panel in Karnataka formed to demarcate eco-sensitive zones around national parks and sanctuaries
A Cabinet subcommittee has been set up to demarcate eco-sensitive zones around the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. B Ramanath Rai, the Minister of Forest of Karnataka will head the Cabinet subcommittee set. The state cabinet decided to constitute the panel as per the direction of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). In its direction the Supreme Court has ordered the centre and states to demarcate 10 kilometer zone in parks as the buffer zone. 2 kilometers of the zone around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve has been demarcated by the authorities. This demarcation has led to a total ban on quarrying within the zone and other activities. The states have five national parks and 27 wildlife sanctuaries and the subcommittee will study and prepare a report on demarcating the eco-sensitive zones around other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. As per the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra, the report of the study would be sent to the Centre for demarcation of the boundaries. He also said that as per the guidelines of centre, commercial mining, seeting up of the industries that causes pollution, establishment of hydroelectric projects, commercial use of firewood, tourism and others are prohibited in the eco-sensitive zones.
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Darmar Murugesan to be the chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission
Darmar Murugensan, the former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court will be the next Chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC). The post was vacant for last 18 months, since the retirement of the former Karnataka High Court Judge SR Nayak. At present he is a member of the National Human Rights Commissions. The decision of appointment was taken on 17 December 2013 during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah. Justice Darmar Murugesan was a Judge of the Madras High Court from March 2000 before his elevation as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court in 2012. He retired in 2013.
About Justice Darmar Murugesan

He was born in Cumbum, Pudupatti district Theni of Tamil Nadu on 10 June 1951. He did Bachelor of General Law Course from Madras University in 1974 and was a Gold Medalist. Justice Darmar Murugesan had served as Special Government Pleader in the Madras High Court during 1994-96 and Special Government Pleader from October 1997 and Government Pleader on 8 December 1998. As a Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, he was instrumental in setting up the fast track court in Saket for trying the Delhi gang rape case as well as the special court for trying the Italian marines case.
Rann Utsav 2013 Began in Kutch, Gujarat

The Rann Utsav, a cultural festival of Gujarat state was inaugurated by Gujarat Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel on 17 December 2013 at Kutch, Gujarat. The two-month long cultural festival that attracts huge number of domestic and international tourists is celebrated from 17 December to 14 February 2014.
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The Rann Utsav started in 2005, and it was initially held for three days, which later extended to a span of two months due to overwhelming response from the people. This year, the Rann Utsav will be held on the public-private partnership model. For the first time, online photography competition has been organised during the two-month festival for the amateur and professional photographers, who will take pictures of the natural beauty of Kutch and share them on the social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Other major attractions for the event will be folklore such as camel safari, local art, folk music besides sport such as desert biking, para-motoring, hang glider and paraceiling.
About Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat. Kutch is one of the Gujarat largest districts. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the salt encrusted desert. This district is the last frontier of many crafts and traditions that have changed little over the centuries.
Best described as a cradle of craftsmanship, Kutch is the land of weaving, block-printing, bandhini tie- and dye, Rogan-painting and various styles of embroidery, pottery, wood carving, metal-crafts, shell-work and other handicrafts. The district also has a long history dating from the Harappan civilization that thrived at cities like Dholavira in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC to the Jadeja Rajput rulers Who reigned from the 1540s to the merger of states in the 1940s and endowed their Princely state with forts, palaces, temples and other monuments of historic and religious Importance.. For those interested in natural history, Kutch is the habitat of the endangered and Interesting wildlife species like the Indian wild ass. This district is widely reputated As a paradise for birdwatchers. Besides the reservoirs in the state that are important Habitats for water and waterside birds, and flyways for migrating birds, Kutch is also The breeding ground for critically endangered birds like the Indian bustard and the lesser florican.
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Shivraj Singh Chouhan sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

The BJP leader, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh on 14 December 2013. The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Ram Naresh Yadav administered the oath of office and secrecy to him in Jamboori Maidan of Bhopal. He has sworn in as the Chief Minister for the third consecutive time. After Narendra Modi and Raman Singh, he became the third person to become a states Chief Minister in a row from BJP. Chouhan, who is known for maintaining a low-profile, has led BJP to win in the state of 230 member legislative assembly with 165 seats. In the 2013 assembly election, Congress was reduced to 58 seats from 78 seats won in 2008 election.
About Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shivraj Singh Chouhan (54) is the 18th and current Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh He replaced Babulal Gaur as Chief Minister of the state on 29 November 2005 He has served as leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, as its general secretary and as president of its Madhya Pradesh state unit. In 1972, he joined the RSS as a 13-year-old Since 1991, he has been a five-time Member of Parliament, representing Vidisha in the Lok Sabha At present he represent Budhni constituency, a tehsil in Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh assembly To focus on the prevention of female infanticide in Madhya Pradesh, he introduced schemes named as Ladli Lakshmi Yojna, Kanyadhan Yojna and Janani Suraksha Yojna in 2007
Shivraj Singh Chouhans sworn-in ceremony was attended by Senior BJP leaders including L.K. Advani, Party President-Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Gujrat-Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Rajasthan-Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh-Raman Singh.
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UP Government constituted a high-level committee to look into the issue of death in relief camps
The Uttar Pradesh Government on 13 December 2013 set up a high-level committee to look into the issue of deaths of children in relief camps set after the Muzaffarnagar riots. The committee will be headed by the Commissioner of Meerut and have district magistrates of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli, and Chief Medical officers of these districts as members. The commissioner would be free to nominate any other person as the member of the committee. The committee has been asked to submit its report by 18 December 2013. The main objective of the committee is to prove the facts about the number of relief camps in existence in the district and the number of people staying in them. The Committee will also probe the facts related to the deaths of the children. As per the writs filed, a list of 39 names of deceased people has been given to check them. He committee will also find out the shortcomings in the relief works and arrangements made in the camps to fight with the chilling winters. IT will also review the medical services, which are provided in the camps in Muzaffarnagar and provide aids in case it is required. The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious note of over 40 children as per reported in the relief camps and has directed the Government of Uttar Pradesh to immediately take remedial measures.
Vasundhara Raje sworn in as Chief Minister of Rajasthan

BJP leader Vasundhara Raje was on 13 December 2013 sworn in as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan for the second time. Vasundhara Raje was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Margaret Alva during a grand swearing-in ceremony inside the Assembly building premises in Jaipur. In 2013 Rajasthan Assembly elections Baratiya Jananta Party has won 162 out of 199 seats. Vasundhara Raje is elected from Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar) constituency.
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About Vasundhara Raje

Vasundhara Raje was born on 8 March 1953 in Mumbai, Maharastra, She is daughter of Vijayaraje Scindia and Jivajirao Scindia, Maharaja of Gwalior, members of the prominent Scindia royal Maratha family. She graduated with Economics and Political Science degrees (Hons.) from Sophia College, affiliated to Mumbai University, Mumbai. She has been elected to the Rajasthan state assembly thrice and five times to Lok Sabha. She is the first woman chief minister of Rajasthan state in 2003. In her first term as chief minister she served from 8 December 2003 to 13 December 2008. She is the 22nd Chief Minister of Rajasthan state.
About Rajasthan
Rajasthan, the largest state of India is located in the north-western part of the subcontinent. It is bounded to the north and north-east by the states of Punjab and Haryana, to the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, to the south-west by the state of Gujarat, and to the west and north-west by Pakistan. The southern part of the state is about 225km from the Gulf of Kutch and about 400 km from the Arabian Sea. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan.
Facts about Rajasthan Date of formation

Size Population Capital Legislature Population density No. of districts Lok Sabha seats Judicature Languages Rivers Minerals Industries 342239 sq km 68621012 (census 2011) Jaipur Unicameral 165/sq km 33 25 Jodhpur High Court Hindi and Rajasthani Beas, Chambal, Banas, Luni Zinc, mica, copper, gypsum, silver, magnesite, petroleum Textiles, woollen, sugar, cement, glass, zinc smelters
1 November 1956
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Airports Forests and national parks Neighbouring states State animal Main crops
Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo Ghana NP, Ranthambore NP, Dhawa WS East: Madhya Pradesh; North-east: Uttar Pradesh; North: Haryana and Punjab; West: Pakistan, South: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Chinkara Mustard, jowar, bajra, maize, gram, wheat, cotton, millet
State cant withdraw cases against terror accused without Centres consent: High Court
The Allahabad High Court on 12 December 2013 ruled that the Uttar Pradesh government cannot withdraw prosecution in terror cases under the central acts without the permission of the Centre. The ruling was given by the High Courts Lucknow bench of justices Devi Prasad Singh, Ajai Lamba and Ashok Pal Singh on questions raised by a two-judge division bench on a PIL filed by Ranjana Agnihotri and five other local lawyers. The PIL had sought a direction for quashing the order of the UP government for withdrawal of cases against people accused of terrorist activities and serial blasts. The bench stated that since most of the accused were booked under the Central Acts the State government could not withdraw the cases without the Central governments permission. Bench stated that: for offences under unlawful activities (prevention) act, explosive substances act and arms act and the offences falling in chapter vi of ipc or alike offences the executive power of the union of india extends, hence the permission of the central government with regard to withdrawal of prosecution shall be necessary. The Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh had in its 2012 election manifesto promised to release innocent Muslims implicated in terror cases.
West Bengal Assembly adopted a fresh Bill to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds
The West Bengal Assembly on 12 December 2013 adopted a fresh Bill to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds in the State. Amit Mitra, the Finance Minister of the state moved the West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill, 2013 in the House.
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Amit Mitra moved the new Bill in the house after including everything that was possible to incorporate in it for protection of the interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments. The new Bill includes the provisions like personal properties of a person, who has borrowed money from defaulting Chit Fund Company will be attached besides, the properties of the owner, partners, directors and employees of the Financial Institutions will also be confiscated. Apart from this, the state Government has returned the money of 2 Lakhs 87 thousand people by now, who were dupred by the Sardha Group. The Government has spent 165 crore rupees for this purpose by now. Earlier, the Bill related to the same was withdrawn by the House following recommendations from the Union Home Ministry to the State Government that asked to pass a fresh Bill in the Assembly incorporating some suggestions. A Bill on the same subject was adopted by the states Assembly in April 2013 after the Sardha Chit Fund Scam.
Congress won the Mizoram Assembly Election by two-third majority

Indian National Congress on 9 December 2013 emerged as the winner in the Mizoram Assembly election by winning 33 seats in the 40 member house. The result was declared by the Election Commission of India. The ruling party congress has secured two third of majority in the state, whereas the opposition party, Mizoram Democratic Alliance secured six seats. Other parties like Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), BJP, NCP and Jai Mahabharat (JMB) failed to win any seat. The Chief Minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla won from both Serchhip and Hrangturzo seats. While the Finance Minister Liansailova and Tourism Minister S Hiato lost the elections. The results of 39 seats were declared and re-poll will be done on 11 December 2013 for the Lawngtlai East Constituency in Southern Mizoram. It was necessitated due to a defect in an EVM.
Result of Mizoram in the 44 member house Party

Indian National Congress Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA) Others (Independent party)
Seats won
33 0 6 0
Over 81 percent voters exercised their franchise during the elections on the 25 November 2013. Congress for the fifth time came to the power in Mizoram, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. In 2008, Congress won 32 seats of the 40 seats in the Assembly election.
Cabinet Committee sanctioned 7346 crore rupees for flood-hit Uttrakhand

The Cabinet Committee on Uttrakhand, headed by Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh on 9 December 2013 sanctioned 7346 crore rupees for the relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit Uttarakhand. Of the total amount of 7346 crore rupees sanctioned, 18885 crore rupees will be given for center-aided schemes and 1200 crore rupees for the National Disaster Relief Fund. As per the State Government of Uttrakhand, the decision was taken during a meeting held at the Prime Ministers official residence in New Delhi. The State Government of Uttrakhand has issued 3180 death certificates by now against 4025 people, who went missing during the floods. As per the Chief Minister of Uttrakhand, Vijay Bahuguna, the remaining death certificates will be issued by 15 December 2013.
AIADMK won Yercaud Assembly Seat: Tamil Nadu by-election

All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagams (AIADMK) candidate P. Saroja on 8 December 2013 won the assembly by-election from Yercaud, Tamil Nadu by 78116 votes. AIADMK secured 142771 votes, whereas her rival from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams (DMK) V. Maran secured 64655 votes. AIADMK has won from Yercaud Constituency for
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seventh time, since 1957. Saroja became the 11th member of the Yercaud Constituency. In 1957, the Yercaud Constituency was formed a reserve constituency for Scheduled Tribe candidates. For the first time, NOTA (None of the Above) was introduced in Tamil Nadu elections and 4433 voters opted for it. The by-election was held on 4 December 2013, during which the turnout was 90 percent. Overall, 11 candidates contested in the election which included AIADMKs Saroja, DMKs Maran and nine independents. The by-election was necessitated by the demise of AIADMK MLA Perumal on 18 July 2013. Perumal won the seat of Yercaud constituency in 2011.
Maharashtra Cabinet approved for setting up Sugarcane Control Board

The Maharashtra state cabinet on 4 December 2013 approved the setting up of a Sugarcane Control Board in the state. The decision came in the wake of the recent violent agitation by farmers, demanding increased price for sugarcane. The board would function on the lines of state electricity regulatory commission. The cabinet also approved the draft Maharashtra Sugarcane (Purchase and Supply) Bill 2013, expected to be tabled in the winter session of the state legislature. Maharashtra has 202 registered co-operative sugar factories and over 65 private ones.
Sugar Production in Maharastra
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Maharashtra is the highest sugar producing state of India. Its sugarcane yield in 2011-12 was 80.1 tonne/hectars, compared to the yield of 59.6 t/ha for the second highest sugar producing state Uttar Pradesh and national average of 70.3 t/ha. The average sugar recovery rate in Maharashtra was 11.32 percent in 2011-12, way above that of UP at 9.16 percent and all India rate of 10.2 percent. The total sugarcane area in the state is 936498 hectares.
Tripura Introduced PVC-Electoral Photo Identity Cards for the First Time in the Country
Tripura on 30 November 2013 introduced for the first time in the country PVC Electoral Photo Identity Card (PVC EPIC) as mandated by the Election Commission of India.
About PVC Electoral Photo Identity Card (PVC EPIC)

The new PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride- or Plastic) EPIC has many scientific security features to prevent duplication, forging and tampering. Unlike the present paper voters card, the PVC-EPIC has inserted coded information of the elector. The information and government logos of the new EPIC would be visible only in ultraviolet light. The new card will be issued through the Common Service Centre of the central governments Information Technology department. The card was simultaneously introduced in 23 sub-divisions of all the eight districts of the State.
What is PVC?
Plastics are also called synthetic resins and are broadly classified into two categories: thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins. The thermosetting resins include phenolic resin and melamine resin, which are thermally hardened and never become soft again. Thermoplastic resins include Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), which can be re-softened by heating.
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NEWS CAPSULE
Person in news
Sashi Tharoor named PETAs Person of the Year for taking steps to advance animal protection
Sashi Tharoor, the Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development was named as the Person of the Year by the animal rights body PETA India for taking steps to advance animal protection. The director of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was encouraged by Tharoor to examine PETAs Central Board of Secondary Education approved programme for incorporation into its textbooks. He also wrote a letter to Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad urging him to implement non-animal
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methods of teaching in medical courses. In 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a directive instructing all the institutes or establishments associated with teaching of medical, pharmacy and other courses in life sciences to follow UGC guidelines for discontinuation of dissection and animal experimentation in universities and colleges and introduce use of alternatives to animal experimentation. Past recipients of the award are Hema Malini and R Madhavan.
Anurag Bhushan took charge as the Dubai Consul General of India

Anurag Bhushan, a career diplomat on 30 December 2013 took charge as the Consul General of India in Dubai and Northern Emirates in the UAE. Before taking the charge as the Consul General, he was serving as the head of the Regional passport office in New Delhi. He is the 14th Consul General of India in Dubai, since 1973 and he is the successor of Sanjay Verma, who has been appointed as the ambassador of India to Ethiopia. He joined the Indian Foreign services in 1995. Apart from being the Consul General of India in Dubai, his other overseas assignments have included economic, commercial, visa and administration responsibilities in Dhaka, political, information and cultural work in Tokyo and administration wings in the Indian Embassy in Berlin. While being at the Foreign Service Instituted in New Delhi, he was responsible for training the foreign diplomats as well as Indian Foreign officers. He is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and holds a Post Graduate Diploma degree in Executive Management from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Tyler Armstrong became the youngest person to reach the Summit of Aconcagua
Tyler Armstrong on 27 December 2013 became the youngest person to reach the summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain of America. The nine year old boy of United States climbed the mountain in the Argentine Andes with his father and Tibetan Sherpa, Lhawang Dhondup. In 2012, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro - Africas highest peak. More than 100 people have died attempting to conquer Aconcagua, which rises 6962 metres above the sea level. Before Tyler, Matthew Moniz from the United States was the youngest person to climb the mountain at the age of 10 in the year 2008.
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Hisham Qandil, the former Prime Minister of Egypt has been arrested
Hisham Qandil, the former Prime Minister of Egypt was arrested by Egyptian police on 24 December 2013. He served under the ousted President Mohammed Morsi. As per the interior ministry, Qandil was caught in a mountainous area with smugglers, while he was trying to flee to Sudan. He was arrested on the order of the Court that was issued against him. He was sentenced for a year in prison, while he was in office for failing to carry out the ruling of the court to re-nationalise a company Tanta Flax and Oil Company, which was privatized in 1996. The lawsuit was instigated against the former Prime Minister by a number of companys workers. The sentence was upheld by a Cairo appeals Court in September 2013 after two months when Morsi, the then President was overthrown. He Qandil in July 2012 became the youngest Prime Minister of Egypt since 1954. He won the first truly democratic elections of Egypt, which was followed the fall of Hosni Mubarak, the autocrat President in 2011. He is not a member of Muslim Brotherhood or any other Islamist political organization. He represented an alliance of pro-Morsi Islamist groups in meets with the mediators of Europe, who tried to defuse tensions with the military installed government.
Angela Merkel elected as German Chancellor for third term

Angela Merkel was on 17 December 2013 elected as the German Chancellor for third term by the German ParliamentBundestag. Angela Merkels conservative Union bloc - the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had secured a stunning hat-trick win in the 22 September 2013 elections but failed to grab an outright majority, forcing them to enter into coalition with the rival Social Democrats (SPD). With a whopping 504 of the 631 seats, Angela Merkels centreright Christian Democrats Union (CDU) bloc and the SPD now hold a comfortable majority in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament. Angela Merkel was confirmed by 462 votes on 17 December 2013, with nine abstentions. For the vote, 621 members of parliament were present, of whom 150 voted against Merkel.
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Angela Merkel is the third chancellor to win a third four-year term after Helmut Kohl (1982-1998) and Konrad Adenauer (1949-1963). Germany, as the EUs most industrialised and populous state, with its biggest economy, it dominates decision-making for the Eurozone.
About Angela Merkel

Angela Dorothea Kasner, better known as Angela Merkel, was born in Hamburg, West Germany, on 17 July 1954. Trained as a physicist, Merkel entered politics after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Rising to the position of Chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union party, Merkel became Germanys first female chancellor, and one of the leading figures of the European Union, following the 2005 national elections.
Ranjan Mathai took over as the Indias High Commissioner to UK

Ranjan Mathai, the former Foreign Secretary of India on 9 December 2013 took over as the Indias High Commissioner to the UK. He has succeeded Jaimini Bhagwati, who retired recently from the post.
About Ranjan Mathai

Born on 24 May 1952, t he 61-year old Mathai joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1974 On 31 July 2013, he demitted the office of Foreign Secretary and was replaced by Sujata Singh as the new Foreign Secretary He has served as the Ambassador of India to France in January 2007 From August 2005 to January 2007, he held the post of the Deputy High Commissioner of India
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to the UK in London From August 2001 to July 2005, he served as the Ambassador of India to Qatar From February 1998 to June 2001, he has served as the Ambassador of India to Israel From January 1995 to February 1998, he was the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (BSM) in New Delhi He has headed the division that dealt the Indias relations with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Maldives He has served in Indian Missions in Vienna, Colombo, Washington, Tehran and Brussels
Ali Osman Taha resigned as Vice President of Sudan

Ali Osman Taha, the Vice President of Sudan resigned to pave way for the new Government. His resignation was announced by the Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir in Khartoum on 7 December 2013. He resigned and vacated his office at the presidency ahead of his cabinet reshuffle. Taha has been replaced by Lieutenant General Bakri Hassan Saleh. The second Vice President selected is Hasbo Mohamed Abdulrahman and the parliament head is Alfateh Ezziddin. Taha has been the first Vice President of Sudan, the second highest political party. He was the main negotiator of Sudans Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, which led to the end of Sudanese Civil War.
About Ali Osman Taha

Taha led the National Islamic Front Party that backed the coup of 1989, which installed Bashir and since he has been a member of the National Congress Party (NCP) He stepped down from the position of Vice President for rebel leader John Garang in 2005. But Garang died in a helicopter crash a month later. After his death Taha continued as the second Vice-President From 1995 to 1998 he was Minister of Foreign Affairs From 1998 to August 2005, he served as the first Vice President and Second Vice President from 2005 August to July 2011 He entered politics as a member of Sudans parliament in the 1980s From 2003 to 2004 he was responsible for handling the Darfur crisis
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Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich became Miss Earth 2013

Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich on 7 December 2013 was crowned with the pageant of Miss Earth 2013 at the Versailles Palace, Philippines. She was crowned with the pageant of Miss World by Tereza Fajksova, the Miss Earth 2012 from Czech Republic. This was the 13th edition of the annual Miss Earth. With this winning, Alyz Henrich has joined the roster of beauty queens and will be an ambassador for environmental preservation.
Other winners are:

Miss Earth Fire: Miss Korea Catharina Choi Miss Earth Water: Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut Miss Earth Air: Miss Austria Katia Wagner
Indias participant for the pageant was Sobhita Dhulipala, who failed to make it in the list of top 16. arlier, she won the Miss Photogenic and the Miss Eco Beauty Title contests. For the crown of the Miss Earth, 88 beauties competed from across the earth. The show was presented by popular television show host, Oli Pettigrew and Singapore-based fashion model, Linda Black. The contest began in 2001 to promote the preservation of the environment. Nicole Faria is the first Indian contestant to have won the title in 2010.
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Person Appointed
Devendra Kumar Pathak appointed as Special DG, BSF
Devendra Kumar Pathak has been appointed as the Special DG, Border Security Force (BSF) on 30 December 2013. At the time of his appointment in BSF, he was serving as the Special DG, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His appointment as the Special DG, BSF started with immediate effect and will continue till the date of superannuation in March 2016 or until any further orders. Pathak is an (Indian Police Service) IPS of 1989-batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadres. He has been serving Central Reserve Police Force since 11 November 2011.
Ashraf Jehan, first female judge in Paks National Sharia Court

Ashraf Jehan a female judge on 30 December 2013 sworn-in at Pakistans national sharia court which hears cases under the Islamic legislation. Ashraf Jehan took oath and became the first female judge to be appointed in the courts history. She was serving as an additional judge at the Sindh High Court. The Court was established during the rule of military dictator Ziaul Haq as part of his policy towards Islamisation of Pakistans institutions. The law is also known as the Hudood Laws, which run parallel to the penal code. Pathak is an (Indian Police Service) IPS of 1989-batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadres. He has been serving Central Reserve Police Force since 11 November 2011.
Pradeep Kumar appointed as MD Corporate Banking of State Bank of India

P Pradeep Kumar on 29 December 2013 was appointed as the Managing Director (Corporate Banking) of State Bank of India (SBI), the biggest lender of the country. As one of the four managing Directors, he will look after the corporate banking portfolio of the bank. As per a Government of
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Indias notification P Pradeep Kumar will be the Managing Director and Group Executive (Corporate Banking) of SBI with effect from 27 December 2013. The position will be occupied by him till the end of October 2015. Pradeep Kumar is a post graduate in Statistics and he joined SBI in 1976 as a probationary officer. He has held several key assignments, which includes banks US operations. He has served State Bank of Travancore as its managing Director. At the time of his appointment at this position, he served as the deputy managing director and group executive of the corporate banking group that looks after the corporate accounts and project finance of the bank. The other three managing directors are K Krishna Kumar holds the national banking, Hemant Contractor holds the global banking and A Vishwanathan holds subsidiaries and associates. The deputy Managing Director, RK Saraf will continue to hold the charge of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The position of MD and CFO was vacant since Arundhati Bhattarcharya was elevated as the Chairperson of SBI in October 2013. The top management of State Bank of India includes a Chairman, four managing directors, more than twelve deputy managing directors and about 35 chief general managers.
J.N.Chaudhary appointed New Head of NSG

J.N.Chaudhary was appointed as new head of NSG (National Security Guard) on 26 December 2013.He is a 1978 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. J.N.Chaudhary got his name clear from the Union Home Ministry. He will take his charge from incumbent Arvind Ranjan. He had also served in Intelligence Bureau. He is due to retire in may 2015.
National Security Guard

The National Security Guard (NSG) is a special force in India that has primarily been utilised for counter-terrorism activities. The NSG operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headed by the Director General of the Indian Police Service (IPS).The NSG members are also known as Black Cats because
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of the black drill cotton coveralls and balaclavas or helmets they wear.
CISF got new chief Arvind Ranjan

Arvind Ranjan was appointed the full time chief of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on 26 December 2013. Ranjans name for the post was cleared by Union Home Ministry. He is a 1977 batch kerala cadre IPS officer. Ranjan took over his charge from January. He will take his charge from incumbent Director General Rajiv.
Central Industrial Security Force :

The Central Industrial Security Force is a Central Armed Police Force in India. CISF was established in 1983 in the present form. CISF is the largest industrial security force in the world. It is directly under the federal Ministry of Home Affairs and its headquarters are at New Delhi. The CISF guards vital government installations including airports and nuclear and aerospace facilities in the country.
Ashok Lavasa, appointed the New Civil Aviation Secretary

The ministry of civil aviation on 26 December 2013 appointed Ashok Lavasa , a Haryana cadre IAS officer of 1980 batch as new Civil Aviation Secretary . He would take his new post on 1 January 2014.He will take charge from incumbent K.N.Srivastava.
About Ministry Of Civil Aviation

The Ministry of Civil Aviation of the Government of India is the nodal Ministry responsible for the formulation of national policies and programmes for development and regulation of Civil Aviation and for devising and implementing schemes for the orderly growth and expansion of civil air transport. Its functions also extend to overseeing airport facilities, air traffic services and carriage of passengers and goods by air.
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Vinod Kumar Duggal, the former Home Secretary appointed as the Governor of Manipur
Vinod Kumar Duggal, the former Home Secretary has been appointed the new Governor of Manipur on 23 December 2013. His appointment will come into effect from the date on which, he will assume the charge of the office. He will replace the present Governor of the state, Ashwani Kumar, who was given an additional charge of Manipur, while being a Governor of Nagaland. The post of Manipur Governor had fallen vacant in July 2013, when former Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Gurbachan Singh Jagats tenure of five years had ended. Ashwani Kumar was given the additional charge till Duggal appointment. At the time of appointment, he was serving as a member of the National Disaster Management Authority and was the in charge of the relief operations after the natural disaster that struck Uttarakhand and Odisha in 2013. Since his retirement in March 2007 as the Union Home Secretary, he has been a Member of other commissions and committees in the rank and status of Minister of State. He is the first IAS officer from Union Territory cadre of 1968 batch. During his tenure in the government services, he has served in different capacities which include Municipal Commissioner of Delhi from 19996 to 2000, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Secretary in Water Resources Ministry.
M. Veerappa Moily appointed as the new Environment and Forests Minister

Marpadi Veerappa Moily , the petroleum and natural gas Minister on 24 December 2013 took an additional charge of the Environment and Forests Ministry after the exit of Jayanthi Natarajan. The last Environment minister from congress was Jayanthi Natarajan. Marpadi Veerappa Moily (born 12 January 1940) is a congress MP from the state of Karnataka, and the current Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He was the former Minister of Corporate Affairs and Minister of Power in the Indian government.
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Moily was elected as MP of the Chickballapur district. Moily was the former Chief Minister (and the first ethnic Tuluva CM) of the Indian state of Karnataka (19 Nov 1992 - 11 Dec 1994). He was elected to Karnataka state legislative assembly from Karkala constituency of Udupi district. He is also currently serving as the All India Congress Committee General Secretary in charge of Andhra Pradesh.
Process of allocating the ministry/appointment of a minister:

Under article 75 (1) - Prime Minister of India is selected by the President and the ministers are appointed by the president on advice of the Prime Minister. The portfolio allocation to different ministers is also done by him.
About Ministry of Environment & Forests ( MoEF)

The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of Indias environmental and forestry policies and programmes. The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the countrys natural resources including its lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and the prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these policies and programmes, the Ministry is guided by the principle of sustainable development and enhancement of human well-being.
Siddarth Birla took charges as President of FICCI

Sidharth Birla, Chairman of Xpro India Limited took the charge as the President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 21 December 2013. Sidharth Birla succeeded the HSBC India Country Head
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Naina Lal Kidwai. Chairperson and Managing Director of Bharat Hotels, Joytsna Suri elected as Senior Vice-President of FICCI and Chairman of Ambuja Neotia group, Harshavardhan Neotia as Vice-President of FICCI.
About Sidharth Birla:

Birla did Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1980 from International Institute for Management Development (now known as IMD), Switzerland. Sidharth Birla has a wide-ranging experience in areas of corporate governance, acquisitions & divestments, company law, corporate & financial structuring, operating financial management and industrial and business operations etc.
About FICCI:
FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organization in India and established in 1927. FICCI is a non-government, non-profit organization and the voice of Indias business and industry. FICCI draws its membership from the corporate sector, both private and public, including SMEs and MNCs.
Usha Sangwan appointed first woman managing director of LIC

Usha Sangwan was appointed as the first woman managing director of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) by the Government. She is the first woman director of LIC in its near six decades of existence. With this appointment, LIC is set to function at its full strength of four MDs after almost two years. These would be S B Mainak, Sushobhan Sarkar, Sangwan and V K Sharma.
About Usha Sangwan:

Sangwan joined LIC in 1981 as a direct recruit. She holds a masters degree in economics and a post-graduate diploma in human resource management.
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About LIC:
LIC is Indias largest insurer, with 83 per cent market share in terms of the number of policies, and 71 per cent in premium.
P.H. Parekh elected as the President of Supreme Court Bar Association

Senior advocate P.H. Parekh has been appointed as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for 2013-14. This is Mr. Parekhs sixth term as SCBA President.
Other appointments include

V. Shekar as the Vice-President Aishwarya Bhati as secretary Sandeep Singh as assistant secretary Vikas Bansal as treasurer Rajesh Pathak the assistant treasurer of the SCBA
Supreme Court Bar Association

The Bar Council of India is a statutory body that regulates and represents the Indian bar. It was created by Parliament under the Advocates Act, 1961.
It provides the code of conduct in professional manner , etiquettes and exercises disciplinary jurisdiction over the bar. It also sets standards for legal education and grants recognition to Universities whose degree in law will serve as a qualification for students to enroll themselves as advocates upon graduation. From its very inception, the Supreme Court Bar Association has been in the association of the movement for upholding, maintaining and consolidation of the constitutional values of democracy, rule of law and independence of Judiciary.
S.B. Nayar appointed CMD of IIFCL

S.B. Nayar was appointed as chairman and managing director (CMD) of India Infrastructure Finance Co. Ltd (IIFCL). IIFCL is a state-owned firm that funds infrastructure projects. Nayar will have a term of three years. He presently works as head of Industrial Finance Corporation of India Limited (IFCIL), another state-owned financier.
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About IIFCL:
India Infrastructure Finance Corporation Ltd (IIFCL) was incorporated in 2006 as a wholly-owned Government of India company. It was set up as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to provide long term finance to viable infrastructure projects. A SPV is a legal entity formed to direct the resources for a single, well defined and narrow purpose. In India, the genesis of SPV is found in the Union Budget 2005-06.
Puneet Kumar appointed as the new secretary general of AEPC

Puneet Kumar, a Kerela cadre IAS officer has been appointed as the Secretary General of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC). Apparel Export Promotion Council is the apex body for apparel exports in the country. The post was vacant since April 2012. Amarendra Sahoo was the last secretary general.
About Puneet Kumar

He is a 1993 batch officer and a graduate in mechanical engineering He has worked in different capacities in departments like revenue, technical education, excise and agriculture in Kerala
Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

Apparel Export Promotion Council was incorporated in 1978. It is the official body of apparel exporters in India, which provides invaluable assistance to Indian exporters as well as importers/ international buyers, who choose India as their preferred sourcing destination for garments.
Harsh Kumar Bhanwala appointed Chairman of NABARD

The Union Government on 13 December 2013 appointed Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as the Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for a period of five years. Prior to this appointment, Bhanwala was an Executive Director at India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), a state-owned infrastructure lender. Bhanwala succeeds Prakash Bakshi, who retired as NABARD Chairman in September 2013.
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Before joining IIFCL, Bhanwala was senior vice president in IL&FS Water Ltd, which was involved in development work in water and waste water projects. He has also worked in various capacities as an officer in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development) and was the Managing Director of Delhi State Cooperative Bank Ltd (DSCB) during its turning around (2000 to 2005).
About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

NABARD is set up as an apex Development Bank (Est. in 12 July 1982) with a mandate for facilitating credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts. It also has the mandate to support all other allied economic activities in rural areas, promote integrated and sustainable rural development and secure prosperity of rural areas. In discharging its role as a facilitator for rural prosperity NABARD is entrusted with
Providing refinance to lending institutions in rural areas Bringing about or promoting institutional development and Evaluating, monitoring and inspecting the client banks. If you have any Question/Point on the above issue, please ask/discuss it in the Current Affairs Group
CVR Rajendran appointed CMD of Andhra Bank

CVR Rajendran was on 13 December 2013 appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Bank. He was appointed by Union Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Rajendran is appointed for a period of five years or until superannuation, whichever is earlier. He is due to superannuate in
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April 2015. Prior to this post, Rajendran was Executive Director of Bank of Maharashtra. Rajendran started his career in Corporation Bank, and has experience in international banking and investment banking, among other divisions. He also held the post of general manager of the treasury and information technology division of Corporation Bank.
About Andhra Bank

Andhra Bank is one of the Public Sector Banks in India. The Banks operating segments include Treasury, Corporate/Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking and Other Banking Operations. Andhra Bank was founded by the eminent freedom fighter Dr. Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya. The Bank was registered on 20th November 1923 and commenced business on 28th November 1923. The bank is headquartered in Hyderabad, India.
Lt Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag designated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff
Eastern Army Command, Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag on 12 December 2013 was designated as the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCoAS). He will take over from Lieutenant General SK Singh as the Vice Chief of Army Staff retires on 31 December 2013. He will be replaced by Lieutenant General MMS Rai at the Kolkata based Eastern Army Command. Lieutenant General Arun Kumar Sahni will head the Jaipur-based Southwestern Army Command. It is expected that, Lieutenant General Suhag by seniority after the post of Vice Chief of Army Staff would succeed as the Chief of the Indian Army Staff, after the retirement of General Bikram Singh on 31 July 2014. Earlier, the former Army Chief V K Singh in 2012 imposed a promotion ban on him for disciplinary reasons. The ban was later lifted by Gen Bikram Singh.
About Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag

He joined the National Defence Academy in 1970 and in June 1974 he was commissioned into the 4/5 GR (FF) In Op Pawan in Sri Lanka, he has served as the company commander He has commanded the 53 Infantry Brigade that was involved in the counter insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley He also commanded the 8 Mountain Divisions in Jammu & Kashmir
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In plains, he has also commanded the armoured engineer regiment He has also commanded the mountain brigade in Northeast and also the Rashtriya Rifles Force in Jammu and Kashmir
Shivakumar appointed as the CEO of PepsiCo India

D Shivakumar was appointed as the Chairman a nd CEO of PepsiCo India. The post was lying vacant since Manu Anand quit the US food and beverage maker PepsiCo India in June 2013 to join foods company Cadbury Kraft. He will now be responsible for the strategic deployment of the Rs 33,000-crore investment in the country announced by the company in November 2013. In his new role, Shivakumar will oversee all aspects of PepsiCos India business, which includes food and beverage brands such as Pepsi, Frito Lays potato chips, Slice mango beverage, Kurkure snacks, Tropicana juices and Quaker oats. Besides, he will also oversee the business of NourishCo a joint venture with Tata Global Beverage and franchise businesses in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Shivakumar will report to Sanjeev Chadha, CEO - PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA). Shivakumar is PepsiCo Indias first outsider CEO since Rajeev Bakshi, who led the firm from 2001 to 2006. D Shivakumar is an engineer from IIT-Chennai and an MBA from IIM-Calcutta and has worked at Hindustan Unilever, Philips and Nokia.
About Pepsi Co
PepsiCo, Inc. was established in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. Pepsi-Cola was created in the late 1898 by Caleb Bradham. Frito-Lay, Inc. was formed by the 1961 merger of the Frito Company, founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company, founded by Herman W. Lay, also in 1932. Indira K Nooyi is the Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo since 2006.
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Its net revenue is more than $65 billion and has 22 brands under its name. PepsiCo entered India in 1989 and is now one of the leaders in food and beverages segment.
Ahmet Uzumcu re-appointed as OPCW Director General

Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu on 4 December 2013 was re-appointed as the OPCW Director General at the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties. This will be his second term in the office. The Director-General called 2013 a truly historical year in his statement during the opening of the conference as the year has witnessed an unprecedented challenge for the OPCW in the form of eliminating Syrias chemical weapons in the midst of an active war.
About Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu

Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu has served as OPCW Director-General, since 25 July 2010. He was appointed to the position in December 2009 by the 14th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention He has represented Turkey at the United Nations Office in 2006 and Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Council between 2002 and 2004 He is a career diplomat with vast experience in multilateral diplomacy Ambassador Uzumcu has a thorough understanding of political-military affairs and disarmament and proliferation issues
He graduated from Foreign Relations Department of the Faculty of Political Science, Ankara University. He was consul at the Consulate General in Aleppo, Syria and ambassador to Israel from 28 July 1999 to 30 June 2002 In 2008, he became chair of the Conference on Disarmament The Nobel Committee in recognition of 16 years of achievement of the OPCW has awarded it the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
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summit confrence
International Petroleum Conference 2014 to be held in New Delhi
International Petroleum Conference 2014 (PETROTECH-2014) will be held in New Delhi from 12th 15th January 2014. It is being organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Oil and Natural gas Corporation Limited and PETROTECH. PETROTECH-2014 will offer world-class facilities to showcase the entire gamut of opportunities in the hydrocarbon industry at one place. The Theme of the PETROTECH 2014 will be- Vision 2030: Emerging Global Energy Basket - Challenges and Opportunities. PETROTECH-2014 is planned as a Carbon Neutral event. The Conference will aim for tangible contributions to the issues of -Shaping an Equitable and Sustainable Energy Basket, Diversifying the Global Energy Basket, Creating Capacity to Service the Emerging Energy Basket, Aligning Policy with the Emerging Energy Basket and Global partnerships for a Sustainable Energy Basket. The PETROTECH series of International Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibitions is a biennial platform for national and international experts in the oil & gas industry to exchange views and share knowledge, expertise and experiences.
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Person Resigned
Chandra Kant Birla resigned from Hindustan Motors Limited
Chandra Kant Birla, Chairman of Hindustan Motors Limited resigned from the board on 29 December 2013. He also stepped down from the post of director of Hindustan Motors (HM). During the 18- month period, that is April 2012 September 2013, company incurred a huge loss of 71 crore rupees as compared to a loss of 29 crore rupees in 2011-12. The slowdown in the economy has affected HM. HM faced some additional challenges in term of cash flow problems for the company.
Hindustan Motors Limited

Hindustan Motors is an Indian automaker based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is part of the Birla Technical Services industrial group. The company was the largest car manufacturer in India before the rise of Maruti Udyog. It is the producer of the Ambassador car, widely used as a taxicab and as a government limousine. This car is based on the Morris Oxford, a British car that dates back to 1954. One of the original three car manufacturers in India, the Hindustan Motors was founded in 1942 by Mr. B. M. Birla. It was a leader in car sales until the 1980s, when the industry was opened up from protection.
Jayanthi Natarajan resignation accepted by President

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan resigned as the minister of state for environment and forest from the Council of Ministers (COM) on 21 December 2013. The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, accepted the resignation of Jayanthi Natarajan from the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister advised the President of India
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that M. Veerappa Moily, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas shall be given additional charge of the work of Ministry of Environment & Forests. Jayanthi Natarajan expected to return to party work which is relating to manifesto and other election matters of the Congress Party.
About Jayanthi Natarajan:

Jayanthi Natarajan is a lawyer and politician of Congress Party. Jayanthi Natarajan, a senior member of Rajya Sabha for the third term from Tamil Nadu and served in Environment ministry for two years .
Shivraj Singh Chouhan resigned from Vidisha Assembly seat

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh resigned from the Vidisha assembly seat on 20 December 2013 and retained the Budhni seat. Earlier, he was elected from Budhni and Vidisha assembly segments in the recently concluded state assembly elections. As per the rules, if a person is elected from two constituencies, he/she has to tender resignation from one segment within 14 days of the constitution of the new Assembly. He submitted his resignation from Vidisha seat to Vidhan Sabha Secretariat on 20 December 2013, which was accepted. In the recent concluded election, Chouhan declared that he will retain the seat that will give him the highest victory margin. From Budhni seat, he won by 84805 votes, which was the second highest margin in Madhya Pradesh, whereas from Vidisha seat, he won by 16996 votes gap against Shashank Bhargava of Congress. Earlier, in the last assembly elections the Vidisha seat was represented by a former leader of BJP Raghavji. In July 2013, Raghavji resigned from the seat over the allegations of sexually harassing his domestic help and was later expelled from BJP and arrested.
Panruti Ramachandran retired from active Politics

Panruti S. Ramachandran, the Chairman of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on
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10 December 2013 announced his retirement from active politics. Ramachandran of 76 year has handed over his resignation to the Assembly Speaker, P Dhanpal. He has retired on the health grounds. He has also decided to quit from the post of Member of Legislative Assembly from Alandur constituency from where he was elected in 2011 Assembly elections.
About Panruti Ramachandran

From 2011 he served as the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu In 1967, he entered the Assembly on DMK ticket from Panruti constituency. Six times, he has been elected from the constituency, twice on DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) ticket in 1967 and 1971, thrice on the ticket of AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) in 1977, 1980 and 1984 and one time in 1991 as the candidate of PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) He has served a Minister for 15 years at portfolios of Transport, Local Administration, Electricity and Food He joined DMDK as the Chiarman in 2005 He headed Peoples Liberal Party from 1996 to 2005
Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit resigned

Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi resigned from her post on 8 December 2013 after Congress party faced a defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls. She sent her resignation to the Lt Governor. Sheila Dikshit was defeated in her constituency in New Delhi from Arvind Kejriwal of Aam Aadmi Party by over 5000 votes. She has been the Chief Minister of Delhi three times. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with 28 seats has emerged as the second largest party in New Delhi in its debut elections after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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Person Died
Farooq Sheikh, the Bollywood Veteran actor died at 65
Veteran Bollywood actor Farooq Sheikh died on 28 December 2013 due to heart attack in Dubai. He died at the age of 65 and was born on 25 March 1948. He is survived by wife Rupa and daughters Shaista and Sanaa. He was best known for roles in films like Garam Hawa (1973), Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977), Noorie (1979), Chashme Baddoor (1981), Umrao Jaan (1981), Bazaar (1982) and Kissi Se Na Kehna (1983). He won 2010 National Film Award for best supporting actor in Lahore (a sports film). He started his Bollywood career in 1973 with Garam Hawa and his last performance was inClub 60. Earlier he was seen in the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in 2013. He was a theatre personality. He was the host of the popular show Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai on television, in which he interviewed the celebrities of Bollywood. Sheikh worked with Directors like Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Muzaffar Ali. He started his Bollywood career in 1973 with Garam Hawa and his last performance was in Club 60. Earlier, he was seen in the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in 2013. He was a theatre personality. He was the host of the popular show Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai on television, in which he interviewed the celebrities of Bollywood. Sheikh worked with Directors like Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Muzaffar Ali.
Atul Sarpotdar leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena died

Atul Sarpotdar, the leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) died on 26 December 2013 after a brief illness. He was of 51. Due to illness he was admitted to Leelavati Hospital in suburban Bandra on 25 December 2013 due to blood sugar-related problems.
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He is now survived by his wife and a son. Raj broke away from Shiv Sena to join Raj Thackeray. Sarpotdar was an old associate of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, when Thackeray was leading Bhartiya Vidyarthi Sena, the students wing of Shiv Sena. He was the General Secretary and Chief Coordinator of Marathwada in MNS. His father Madhukar Sarpotdar, who was the two time MP and close aid of Bal Thackeray, the late chief of Shiv Sena was indicted by the Sri Krishna Commission that probed into the communal riots of Mumbai of 1992-93.
Mikhail Kalashnikov the inventor of AK47 died

Mikhail Kalashnikov, who invented the AK47 weapon died at the age of 94 due to ill-health on 23 December 2013 in Izhevsk, Udmurtia province of Russian Republic. Kalashnikov worked as weapon designer for the Soviet Unions Red Army during World War II. He designed the AK47 (Avtomat Kalashnikov), which was officially accepted by the Soviet in 1947. Kalashnikov was decorated with numerous honors including the Hero of Socialist Labour and Order of Lenin and Stalin Prize.
About AK47:
The AK first used in East Berlin riots in 1953 and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. AK47 is the worlds most popular firearm favored by guerrillas, terrorists and the soldiers of many armies. The weapon was simple, easy to use and maintain. It was reliable in any extreme conditions (hot, cold, wet or sandy). Russia stopped producing AK-47 models in the late 1960s but production of variants such as AK-74M and AK-200 continued which is more efficient than AK47. The weapon, recognizable by its banana-shaped ammunition magazine, became known for its simple effectiveness. It was easy to use and maintain, and it was reliable in extreme conditions, be they hot, cold, wet or sandy.
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Renowned Kannada poet Shivarudrappa died

The renowned Kannada, Rashtrakavi G. S. Shivarudrappa, poet died on 23 December 2013 in Bangalore. He was 87. He is known as the new age poet of Kannada in literary circles and his poems are acclaimed for balancing images and emotions.
About G.S. Shivarudrappa

He is a writer and researcher, who was awarded with the title of Rashtrakavi by the Government of Karnataka in November 2006 Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 for his literary contribution Kavyartha Chintana He has also received the Karnataka State Sahitya Academy in 1982 He received the Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1973 He was conferred with the Rajyotsava Award in 1984 In 1998, he received the Pampa Prashasti He was born on 7 February 1926 in Shikaripura in Shimoga district
Veteran journalist Pran Chopra died

Pran Chopra, the veteran journalist and first editor of The Statesman died on 22 December 2013 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Born in 1921 in Lahore, Pran began his journalism in 1941 in civil and military gazette. In 1940s he served All India Radio as a War Correspondent in China and Vietnam. He wrote the foreword of the book If Im Assassinated a book of former Pakistan
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Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
He wrote and edited several books namely

Studies in Indian Democracy in 1965 Indias Second Liberation in 1973 Contemporary Pakistan: New Aims & Images in 1983 India: The Way Ahead in 1988 Scene Changes in Kashmir, India and Pakistan in 2003 Political Parties and Party Systems in 2003 The Indian Parliament: A Comparative Perspective in 2003 The Editors Guild of India has condoled the death of Chopra, who was the former executive member of the body.
Ronnie Biggs, the man behind the Britains Great Train Robbery died
Ronnie Biggs who took part in the Great Train Robbery in Britain in 1963 died at the Carlton Court Care Home in East Barnet, north London on 18 December 2013 due to multiple strokes. He was 84 years old. The Great Train Robbery was called the Crime of the Century. The gang, of which Biggs was a part, escaped with 2.6 million pound (equivalent to 40 million pounds today) from the Glasgow to London mail train on 8 August 1963. He was given a 30-year sentence in 1964, but he escaped after 15 months by fleeing over the walls of Londons Wandsworth prison in April 1965. He was again jailed in 2001 after being on the run for 36 years, mainly in Australia and Brazil. He was finally freed in 2009 on compassionate grounds by then Justice Secretary Jack Straw who said he was not expected to recover. Christopher Pickard was the ghost writer of Biggs autobiography titled Odd Man Out. It was published in 1994. He was generally referred as the tea-boy or The Brain. The BBC would be releasing two film dramas made on Biggs. The name of films are A Robbers Tale and A Coppers Tale.
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Paul Torday, the British author died at 67

Paul Torday, the British businessman who turned an author died on 19 December 2013 at the age of 67 in Northumberland. His debut novel Salmon Fishing in the Yemen was his comic best seller. Publisher, Weidenfeld and Nicolson announced about his death. His novel, Salmon Fishing won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize in 2007 and went on to be filmed in 2011 and starred Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. It also won the Waverton Good Read Award in 2008 and has been sold over 500000 copies in the UK. Light Shining in the Forest was his most recent novel and was published in 2013
About Paul Torday

He was born in Croxdale, County Durham in 1946 He read English Literature at Pembroke College, Oxford He spent 30 years working in engineering and in industry before turning his hand to writing
Novels of Paul Torday

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen published in 2006 The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce published in 2008 The Girl on the Landing published in 2009 The Hopeless Life of Charlie Summers published in 2010 More Than You Can Say published in 2011 The Legacy of Hartlepool Hall published in 2012
Marthanda Varma, head of Travancore royal family died at 92

Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of Travancore royal family who ruled south Kerala before Independence died on 16 December 2013 due to cardiac arrest. He was 92 years of age. Varma was the younger brother of the last ruler of Travancore, Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma. He assumed as the head of the royal family after the death of Balarama Varma.
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Varma was the chairman of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, recently where a treasure worth of 1 lakh crore rupees was discovered.
Peter O Toole, the Lawrence of Arabias star dead

Peter O Toole, the Lawrence of Asia star, died on 14 December 2013 at the Wellington Hospital in London after a prolong illness. He was 81 years. He began his acting career in 1955 with Bristol Old Vic theater and played notable role in Hamlet and Shylock in the Merchant of Venice. These stage plays were critically acclaimed. He moved to films with a small role in Walt Disneys family adventure Kidnapped in 1960. He shot to stardom with the title role of Lawrence of Arabia, which earned seven Oscars, including best picture and director for David Lean. Peter OTooles grand performance as British adventurer T.E. Lawrence brought him his first best-actor nomination but set him on an unenviable path of Oscar futility. His eight losses without a win is a record among actors. OToole earned best-actor Oscar nominations for Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), The Ruling Class (1972), The Stunt Man (1980) and My Favorite Year (1982). Seamus Peter OToole was born Aug. 2, 1932, the son of Irish bookie Patrick Spats Peter OToole and his wife Constance. There is some question about whether Peter was born in Connemara, Ireland, or in Leeds, northern England, where he grew up. A Book titled Hellraisers: The Life and Times of Burton, Harris, OToole & Reed written by Robert Seller talks about the life of three Hollywood actors who were contemporaries of each other.
Former footballer, Babul Phukan died in Guwahati

The former footballer of India, Babul Phukan on 14 December 2013 died at a hospital in Guwahati, Assam after a prolong illness. The footballer was of 49 years in age. He is survived by his wife and a minor daughter.
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About Babul Phukan

He represented Assam nine times in the Santosh trophy Babul played for Assam sub junior, junior and Santosh Trophy teams on several occasions He has played several, international matches in England, Germany and Italy As a member of the SAI team, Babul played against a Russian team in Guwahati and Shillong in 1988 He represented the Maharana Club, one of the oldest clubs of North East and played for the Mohammedan Sporting Club in 1989 He was a SBI officer He was born at Chakalibhoria village near Panitola in Tinsukia district
Union Labour Minister, Sis Ram Ola died
The Union Labour Minister, Sis Ram Ola died on 15 December 2013 after a prolonged illness in Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana. He was of 83 years in age.
About Sis Ram Ola

He took over as the Labour Minister in June 2013 after Mallikarjun Kharge was shifted to Railways.
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Under the UPA 1 Government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he served as the as Labour Minister and Union Cabinet Minister of Mines He was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India and elected in 2009 He was a Senior Rajasthan Congress leader and represented, the Juunjhunu constituency of the state He served as a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from 1957 to 1990 He remained a cabinet minister in the Government of Rajasthan from 1980 to 1990 He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan from 1993 to 1996 In the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996, he was elected and served as an Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers (Independent Charge) from 1996 to 1997 From 1997 to 1998, he served as a Union Minister of State for Water Resources (Independent Charge) In 1968, he became a recipient of Padma Shri award for social work He was born on 30 July 1927
The Last King of Mysore Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Died

The last King of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar passed away in Bangalore on 10 December 2013 due to heart attack Maharaja Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Bahadur also known as Srikanta Wadeyar was the last prince of Mysore Kingdom under Wodeyar dynasty. Wodeyar Dynasty ruled the Kingdom of Mysore between 1399 and 1950.
About Narasimharaja Wodeyar

Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar was born in 1953. He was the only son of Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore and his second wife Maharani Tripura Sundari Ammani Avaru. Maharaja Srikanta Narasimharaja Wodiyar
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has no sons. He studied Masters in Political Science from a college of Mysore University. He succeeded his father as the head of the Wodeyar dynasty in 1974. He was elected as a Member of Parliament representing the Mysore Parliamentary Constituency four times as a candidate of Indian National Congress. Besides politics, he also had keen interest is fashion designing and was a regular at fashion shows. He used to design for his own brand of silk sarees - Royal Silk. Maharaja Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Bahadur was the last link with the Mysore citys royal past. He played a key role in conducting the ten-day Dasara celebrations each year in Mysore city. Every year the famous Mysore Dasara festival draws lakhs of tourists from across the world.
US Actor Paul Walker Died in Car Accident

US actor Paul Walker died in a car accident in Southern California on 30 November 2013. He was 40. The incident occurred while he was coming back from his o r g a n i z a t i o n s charity event. Paul Walker was working on the latest Fast & Furious movie at the time of his death. He also starred in the suspense drama, Hours, a movie that is set for release in December 2013. The actor, who is best known for playing Brian OConner in the Fast & Furious film series, has also done films like Into the Blue, Shes All That Eight Below and Takers among others. Paul William Walker IV was born on 12 September 1973. He became famous in 1999 after his role in the hit film Varsity Blues.
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Places in News
Hoquiam, a small town of Washington to celebrate Nirvana Day
Nirvana Day will be celebrated in Hoquiam, a small town of US on 10 April 2014. Nirvana Day will be celebrated as the bands Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the same day. This is the first time that the day will be celebrated by Hoquiam. The day will be celebrated to pay a tribute to the bands late frontman, Kurt Cobain. He was born and raised just four miles away from Hoquiam in Aberdeen and he lived in Hoquiam, Washington for a very short time. As per Jack Durney, the Mayor of the city, Nirvana will bring great honour to the entire community of the town. Nirvana was a band formed by Cobain and Krist Novoselic in 1987 and a drummer Dave Grohl joined it in 1990. The debut album of Nirvana band was each was launched in 1989. Cobain committed suicide at the age of 27.
Super Volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in US is larger than estimates: Scientists
Yellowstone National Park in US have super volcano than previously estimated
Scientists in the first week of December 2013 in their report claimed that the super volcano lying beneath Yellowstone National Park in US is much larger than it was thought previously. As per the study, the magma chamber is 2.5 times bigger than previous estimations and the carven stretches for more than 90 Kilometers and contain 200 to 600 cubic kilometer of molten rock. The findings were presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco. In case the Yellowstone Super Volcano is blown now than it would bring in catastrophic consequences. The major volcanic eruption happened 640000 years ago, which sent ash across North America and affected the climate of earth. To map the magma chamber, the team of scientists used a network of Seismometers situated around the park. They recorded the earthquakes in and around Yellowstone to measure the seismic waves as they travel through ground. The waves from the hot and molten material travel slower and this helps the scientists to measure, what is beneath the earth over there.
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As per the findings the scientists found a colossal, magma chamber that reach depths from 2 kilometer and 15 kilometer. They also identified that the carven was 90 kilometers long and 30 kilometer wide. BY now, there have been only three major eruptions so far, the first happened around 2.1 million years ago, the second one happened around 1.3 million years ago and the third one happened 640000 years ago.
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Awards | Honours
Mammen Mathew chosen for prestigious journalism Lokmanya Tilak National Award
Mammen Mathew, the Chief Editor and Managing Director of Malayala Manorma has been chosen for prestigious journalism award instituted by a trust founded by Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on 31 December 2013. The Lokmanya Tilak National Award instituted by the Kesari Mahratta Trust for excellence in journalism consist a memento and a cash of 1 lakh rupees. It will be given on the day of celebrations of the trusts 133rd foundation day at Tilakwada, Pune on 4 January 2013.
About Mammen Mathew

Mammen Mathew is a senior journalist with an experience of 44 years of working in reputed publications in India and abroad. He served as the President of the Editors Guild of India He has been a President of Indian Newspaper Society; it is an association of newspaper owners He has also been a member of the National Security Advisory Board He was the first Indian, Director Trustee of the Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company
Two Indian American researchers got US Presidential Early Career award

Two Indian Americans are among 102 scientists who received the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. The awards were given by President Barack Obama on 23 December 2013. The Indian American who received the award are Dr. Karunesh Ganguly of San Francisco and Dr. Hardeep Singh of Houston. They will receive their awards at a Washington, DC, ceremony in the coming year.
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The award is categorized as the highest US honour for young professionals in these fields. Dr. Karunesh Gangulys research was aimed towards the development of novel therapies for patients with chronic neurological deficits following stroke or other forms of brain injury. Dr. Hardeep Singhs research involved detecting, understanding and reducing missed and delayed diagnosis in the outpatient setting, as well as in using health information technology to achieve safe and effective health care.
Presidential Early Career Award

Initiated by President Clinton in 1996 and coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the awards are the highest honors given by the U.S. on young scientists, researchers and engineers.
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport of Hyderabad received Sword of Honour award

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad awarded the Sword of Honour for safety management in London in the second week of December 2013. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Ltd is operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) and it is first airport in India to receive this award. The airport received award in recognition of its effective implementation of occupational health and safety management systems from the British Safety Council for health and safety works at the airport. The Sword of Honour is considered to be Oscar of the Safety World. The Organization has achieved 5-star certification in the British Safety Councils audit Programme.
IRCON won the India Pride Award for Excellence in Central PSUs in India Image Enhancement
IRCON International Limited on 20 December 2013 has been awarded the prestigious India Pride Awards for Excellence in Central PSUs in India Image Enhancement. The award was received by Mohan Tiwari, the CMD of IRCON from M.M. Pallam Raju, the Union Minister for Human Resources Development.
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About IRCON
IRCON International Limited is a government company that was incorporated by the Central Government (Ministry of Railways) under the Companies Act, 1956 on 28 April 1976 originally under the name Indian Railway Construction Company Limited. It is a leading turnkey construction company in the public sector known for its quality, commitment and consistency in terms of Performance. IRCON has widespread operations in several States in India and in other countries like Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, U.K. Algeria, Sri Lanka and others. The Company has earned total foreign exchange of 2117 crore rupees in the last five years. IRCON has so far completed over 100 projects in more than 20 countries.
Sahitya Academy Awards announced for the year 2013

The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2013 was announced on 18 December 2013 by Sahitya Akademi. Poetry writers have dominated the awards announced in 2013. Eight books of poetry, four of essays, three of novels, two each of short stories and travelogues, one each of autobiography, memoirs and play have won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2013. The awards were recommended by jury members, who represent 22 Indian languages and approved by the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi that met under the Chairmanship of Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President of the Sahitya Akademi. Assamese and Gujarati language awards will be declared later on. The books were selected on the basis of recommendations made by a Jury of three members in the concerned languages in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose. According to the procedure, the Executive Board declared the Awards on the basis of unanimous selections made by the Jurors or selection made on the basis of majority vote. The Awards relate to books first published during the three years immediately preceding the year of Award (i.e., between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011). The Award in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of 100000 rupees will be presented to the authors of these books at a special function to be held on 11 March 2014 at New Delhi during the Festival of Letters organized by Sahitya Akademi.
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Sahitya Akademi Awards 2013 Language

Bengali Bodo
Title and Genre

Dwaipayan Hrader Dhare (Poetry) Delphini Onthai Mwdai Arw Gubun Gubun Khonthai (Poetry) Doha Satsai (Poetry) Laburnum For My Head (Short Stories) Miljul Man (Novel) Akyana-Vyakyana (Essays) Aina Aatash (Short Stories) Manmotayam (Essays) Sangharsh Aa Sehanta (Memoirs) Kathayillathavante Katha (Autobiography) Chinglon Amadagi Amada (Travelogue) Vachanaryachi Rojanishee (Essays) Manka Lahar Ra Raharharu (Travelogue) Banaprastha (Play) Nirvaan (Novel) Aanthyoi Nahi Din Hal (Poetry) Chaladuravani (Poetry) Chanda Bonga (Poetry) Mansh-Nagari (Poetry) Korkai (Novel) Sahityaakashmlo Sagam (Essays) Lava (Poetry)
Author
Subodh Sarkar Anil Boro
Dogri English Hindi Kannada Kashmiri Konkani Maithili Malayalam Manipuri Marathi Nepali Odia Punjabi Rajasthani Sanskrit Santali Sindhi Tamil Telugu Urdu
Sitaram Sapolia Temsula Ao Mridula Garg C.N. Ramachandran Mohi-ud-Din Reshi Tukaram Rama Shet Sureshwar Jha M.N. Paloor Makhonmani Mongsaba Satish Kalasekar Man Bahadur Pradhan Bijoy Misra Manmohan Ambika Dutt Radhakant Thakur Arjun Charan Hembram Namdev Tarachandani R.N. Joe D Cruz Katyayani Vidmahe Javed Akhtar
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Winning poets of these awards were:

Javed Akhtar for poetry Lava in Urdu language Namdev Tarachandani in Sindhi language for poetry Mansh-Nagari Arjun Charan Hembram for poetry Chanda Bonga in Santali language Radhakant Thakur for poetry Chaladuravani in Sanskrit Ambika Dutt for poetry Aanthyoi Nahi Din Hal in Rajasthani Sitaram Sapolia for poetry Doha Satsai in Dogri Anil Boro for poetry Delphini Onthai Mwdai Arg Gubun Gubun Khonthai in Bodo Subodh Sarkar for poetry Dwaipayan Hrader Dhare in Bengali
Sahitya Akademi
The Sahitya Akademi was formally inaugurated by the Government of India on 12 March 1954. As a national organization it is responsible to work for the development of Indian letters and to set the literary standards in all the Indian languages. It functions as an autonomous organization. It was registered as a society on 7 January 1956, under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Bipan Chandra awarded Itihas Ratna

Eminent historian Bipan Chandra on 17 December 2013 was awarded Itihas Ratna from Asiatic Society Bihar. The award was given to Bipan Chandra on his 86th birthday. He was honoured by O.P. Jaiswal, the Secretary of the Asiatic Society of Bihar in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus, New Delhi. Bipan Chandra is the fourth historian to be honoured with the Itihas Ratna by the society. The three others, who have been honoured with the Itihas Ratna are: Ram Sharan Sharma, who was awarded on 19 November 2010 Irfan Habib was awarded on 9 September 2011 J S Grewal awarded on 9 September 2012
About Bipan Chandra

The Rise and Growth of Economic Nationalism, is one of his known and one of the earliest books
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He served the Indian History Congress as its Sectional President and then as the General President in 1985 He has been a Chairperson of the centre for historical studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi In 1993, he became a member of the University Grants Commission From 2004-2012, he has served National Book Trust, New Delhi as its Chairperson He was at the forefront of the communist struggle in India since independence He is an Indian historian and has specialized in economic and political history of modern India He was born in 1928 in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh
Some of his books are:

India after Independence In the Name of Democracy: JP Movement and Emergency Essays on Colonialism Nationalism and Colonialism in Modern India Communalism and the Writing of Indian History History of Modern India The Epic Struggle Essays on Indian Nationalism
103-year old Park Mansion of Kolkata awarded KMC-INTACH Heritage Award 2013
The 103-year-old Park Mansions on Kolkatas upscale Park Street was given the prestigious heritage award for the restoration of its colonial era structure. The KMC-INTACH Heritage Award 2013 was given to the Park Mansions by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. The heritage property was restored at a cost of more than 10 crore rupees to its original glory in 2010, the centennial year of the building. It is owned by the Karan Paul led Apeejay Surendra Group. The building was constructed in 1910 for both residential and commercial use and it is spread
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over more than 5 bighas. The architecture is a mixture of Victorian and Indo-Saracen styles with a bulbous dome on the roof, British-style interiors with a touch of Indian architectural style on the facade. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is a non-profit organization set up in 1984 to involve its members in protecting and conserving Indias vast natural, built and cultural heritage.
Dubai International Film Festival: Irrfan Khan won best actor award
Irrfan Khan on 13 December 2013 won the best actor award for his brilliant performance in his film The Lunchbox at the 10th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). Ritesh Batra, the Writer-Director of the film The Lunchbox, got a special mention for screenplay for the film in the same category. Irrfan won the award in the Muhr Asia Africa Feature Category. Dubai International Film Festival was held from 6 December to 14 December 2013. The jury at the DIFF was headed by renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.
The 2013 other Award winners were

Apart from this, Ilo Ilo the story of a Filipina maid from Singapore bagged the Best Picture Prize, whereas its star, Yeo Yann Yann won the Best Actress Award. Sandeep Ray won the best director award for his Bengali language film Shirno Bahu or the Thin Arms, which revolves around an ailing octogenarian woman in the Muhr Asia Africa shorts category The Palestinian work, Omar, won the top Muhr Arab Feature Prize. Omar, which was opened in the current 10th edition of the Festival, but also played at Cannes in May and Toronto in September. Omar is also Palestines submission for the Foreign Language Oscar. The movie is a thriller and talks about the relationship between a young Palestinian and a hardcore Israeli agent. Its director Hany Abu Assad was adjudged the best helmer In the Muhr Arab Feature Prize category, Yasmine Raees won Best Actress Award for the buzzworthy Egyptian movie, Factory Girl a work about the nations stifling social mores. Hassan Badid was declared the Best Actor for his performance in Moroccos They are the Dogs
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Among the documentaries, Salma El Tarzi, a Egyptian filmmaker bagged the Best Director trophy for Underground on the Surface, while the Best Documentary spot was filled by Karim Amers The Square Emirates NBD Peoples Choice Award: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee for American film Frozen and Amal
Wipro Chairman Azim Premji received ET Lifetime Achievement Award 2013

Wipro Chairman Azim Premji, 68, won the Economic Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 for his role in creating Indias third-largest software exporter and also for the impressive scale of his philanthropy. The 2013 ET Awards for Corporate Excellence were given in Mumbai on 9 December 2013. The ET Awards were decided by a jury headed by Anshu Jain, co-CEO of Deutsche Bank. The theme of the awards was Governance.
The list of the 2013 ET Award winners NAME CATEGORY CONTRIBUTION

Chairman of the 40 billion dollar commodities-to-telecom Aditya Birla Group was chosen for his feat in transforming a traditional Indian family enterprise - which he inherited in 1995 after the sudden death of his father into a globalised conglomerate, with 51% of its revenues coming from abroad.
Kumar Mangalam Birla
Business Leader of the Year
P Chidambram
Finance Minister of India was chosen Business Reformer of the Year for his Herculean efforts in turning around the fortunes of the economy.
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Vinod Khosla
Global Indian of the Year
A storied venture capitalist, Khosla was one of the founders of Sun Microsystems, where he pioneered open systems. He then went on an equally stellar career in venture capital at Kleiner, Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), which he joined in 1986. In 2004, he set up Khosla ventures, which has a bent for startups in the clean energy space and microfinance. The founder of Flipkart, was picked for creating an e-commerce company valued at over $1 billion that showed the appetite for risk-taking by Bansal. Chairman of Wipro was recognised by the jury not only for his role in creating India's third-largest software exporter but also for the impressive scale of his philanthropy. A M Naik led L & T got the award for its contribution to public good through commitment to critical social causes that influence the lives of thousands of needy Indians. Ashish Hemrajani led Bookmyshow is the Indias most popular ticketing website and the jury recognized it for its potential to rapidly establish itself as an innovative and financially successful company The jury recognised Dilip Shangavi led Sun Pharma for its considerable achievements: the number one Indian pharma company by sales, net profit and market capitalisation. The latter was an eye-popping Rs 1.18 lakh crore at the Wednesday close, up 54% in 2013.
Sachin Bansal
Entrepreneur of the Year
Azim Premji
Lifetime Achievement Award
Larsen & Toubro
Corporate Citizen of the Year
Bookmyshow
Start-up of the Year
Sun Pharma
Company of the Year
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ET Awards 2012
Business Leader of the year: Anil Agarwal Corporate Citizen of the year: Aditya Birla Group Entrepreneur of the year: Devi Prasad Shetty Global Indian of the year: Anshu Jain Policy Change Agent of the year: Sam Pitroda Company of the year: HDFC Bank Emerging Company of the year: Jubilant FoodWorks Lifetime Achievement Award: PRS Oberoi
About ET Awards
The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence (also referred as ET Awards) are the awards conferred by The Economic Times in the field of business, corporate and government policies, economies in India. It is an annual award conferred in various categories and is being given since 1998.
e-BRC Project won 2013 e-ASIA Award

Directorate General of Foreign Trades e-BRC project has won the 2013 e-ASIA Award under the Trade Facilitation category. The award was announced by Asia-Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (AFACT) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 29 November 2013.
About e-BRC Project

e-BRC is the acronym for electronic Bank Realization Certificate (e-BRC) project which was launched on 5 June 2012 to electronically transmit foreign exchange realization details on exports from the respective banks to Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The project has created an integrated platform for receipt, processing and subsequent use of all bank realization related information by exporters, banks, central and state government departments. It was made mandatory with effect from 17 August 2012.
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The Bank Realization Certificate is required for discharge of export obligation and to claim incentives under Foreign Trade Policy. Earlier, this certificate was issued by banks manually. BRC is also used by state government departments for refund of VAT.
About the Award

e-Asia award is administered by Asia-Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (AFACT). Its principal focus is to facilitate international transactions, through the simplification and harmonization of procedures and information flows, and so contribute to the growth of global commerce.
East Timor film Beatrizs War won Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2013
East Timor film Beatrizs War bagged Golden Peacock award for Best Film at the 44th International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa on 30 November 2013. The film, directed by Bety Reis and Luigi Acquisto, is a passionate story of one womans conviction to remain true to the man she loves. The award carries a Golden Peacock, a certificate and a Cash Prize of 40 lakh Rupees. Indian Director Kaushik Ganguli bagged the award for Best Director for his Bengali film Apur Panchali. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 15 lakh Rupees. Special Jury Award went to Turkish film Thou Gildst The Even, directed by Onur Unlu. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 15 lakh rupees. Best Actor (Male) award went to Alon Moni Aboutboul for his performance in Israeli movie A Place in Heaven. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees. Best Actor (Female) award was presented to Boczarska Magdalena for her excellent performance in Polish film In Hiding. The Award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 10 lakh Rupees. The Special Centenary Award was given to Bengali film Meghe Dhaka Tara, directed by Kamaleshwar Mukherjee. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 10 lakh Rupees.
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Report | Survey
Kolkata ranked top in public transport among Indian cities: UTIP Study
Kolkata was ranked top in public transport among Indian cities, according to a study of the International Association of Public Transport (UTIP) released on 16 December 2013. Kolkata was ranked 31st which was the highest among the six cities studied in India. The study was made by the IAPT in association with Arthur D Little, a management consultant based in Boston, for 84 cities across the world. The study was titled Future of Urban Mobility 2.0. According to the study, although Kolkata had the slowest mode of commuting but in public transport it was regarded as the most progressive city in the country. The other cities studied by the IAPT are Mumbai (41), Chennai (54), Hyderabad (55), Bangalore (65) and Delhi (79). Moreover, Kolkata fared better than several cities in developed countries including New York (35), Toronto (38) and Melbourne. The Study has placed Hong Kong as the best city in public transport followed by Stockholm and Amsterdam. The cities with the worst mode of public transport were Baghdad, Hanoi and Atlanta. The parameters that were taken into account included share of trips made in public transport, smart card penetration, road density, frequency of public transport and initiatives taken in the public sector.
With expanding Urbanisation, Villages thinning out revealed by Census 2011

According to the rural data of the Census 2011 released on 10 December 2013, the rural population is increasingly getting concentrated in a narrow band of villages ranging from the size of 2000 population to the size of 10000 population. The Census further revealed that close to 50% of the rural population now lives in just 1.2 lakh villages. The remaining 50% lives in 4.8 lakh villages. According to the Census 2011, out of 640930 villages 597483 villages were inhabited whereas 43447 villages were deserted. In the previous Census held in 2001, there were 5.93 lakh villages with inhabitants and there were 44865 deserted villages.
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Between 2001 and 2011, the share of rural population living in villages with less than 2000 population went down from 46 percent to 41 percent. To the contrary the share of population living in the biggest villages (with over 10000 population size) went up marginally from 8.55 percent to 8.68 percent between the two census counts. There were 670 more big villages in 2011 than in 2001. Uttar Pradesh has the most number of 10000+ villages. Kerala stands next in having bigger villages.
Village size
Less than 2000 Between 2000 and 9999 Above 10000
Census 2001 Census 2011

46% 45.4 8.6 41.8% 49.5 8.7
Some Statistics related to Rural-Urban data: Census 2011 Population in Crores 2001
India Rural Urban 102.9 74.3 28.6 83.3 37.7
2011
121.0
Difference
18.1 9.0 9.1
For the first time since Independence, the absolute increase in population is more in urban areas that in rural areas RuralUrban distribution: 68.84% & 31.16% Level of urbanization increased from 27.81% in 2001 Census to 31.16% in 2011 Census The proportion of rural population declined from 72.19% to 68.84%
State wise data on level of urbanization and rural population

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are respectively the states with the highest rural population in India. In percentage terms Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Orissa, Meghalaya are the most rural states. Sikkim, Mizoram and Goa are the states with least rural populations. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the states with highest absolute (total) urban
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population. The bottom three states with least urban population are Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Meghalaya (27%) & Bihar (24%) witnessed the highest growth of rural population among States in 2001-11. Four States saw decline in Rural Population during 2001-11.These are Kerala (by 26%), Goa (19%), Nagaland (15%) &Sikkim (5%).
UP emerged as the biggest exporter of Buffalo meat

Uttar Pradesh (UP) with a share of 67% has emerged as the biggest exporter of buffalo meat from the country followed by Punjab and Maharashtra, said a recent FICCI report. The report also noted that apart from having the countrys largest buffalo population, UP also has the highest number of abattoirs-cum-meat processing export units. Buffalo meat production in the state has been increasing gradually since 2007-08 but since 2010 it increased by 40%. UP ranks third in meat production and the state has a large livestock population, representing 10% of the cattle and over 25% of the buffalos in India.
About Buffalo Meat

Indias livestock population includes, 88 million buffaloes, which is 58 per cent of the worlds buffalo population. Buffalo contributes about 30% of total meat production in the country. The major areas for Buffalo Meat production are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. The country has exported 1106.96 thousand MT of buffalo meat products to the world for the worth of 17,400.59 crores Rupee. Major Export Destinations in 2012-13 are: Vietnam Social Republic, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt Arab Republic, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
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India Ranked 94th on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013

India was ranked 94th out of 177 countries on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013, which was released by Transparency International on 3 December 2013. In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2013, Denmark and New Zealand tied for first place with scores of 91. Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia this year make up the worst performers, scoring just 8 points each. Transparency International has released its 19th annual Corruption Perceptions Index on 3 December 2013 at Berlin, Germany. The Index, which ranks the public sector of 177 countries across the world according to perception of corruption.
Indias Performance
Indias rank (94th) has remained unchanged from the last year, it has emerged as more corrupt than three of its BRICS countries China (80th), South Africa and Brazil (both ranked 72nd) -- but better than Pakistan and Russia (both are ranked at 127th). According to the 2013 list, India has scored 36 points on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means that a country is perceived as highly corrupt and 100 means it is perceived as very clean. None of the countries have managed to get the perfect 100 score. India has done better than countries like Thailand (102nd), Mexico (106th), Egypt (114th), Nepal (116th), Vietnam (116th), Bangladesh (136th) and Iran (144th).
Top 10 Most Corrupt Countries

Rank Country Name Score
Top 10 Least Corrupt Countries

Rank Country Name Score
175 175 175 174 173 172 171 168 168 168
Somalia North Korea Afghanistan Sudan South Sudan Libya Iraq Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Syria
8 8 8 11 14 15 16 17 17 17
1 1 3 3 5 5 7 8 9 10
Denmark New Zealand Finland Sweden Norway Singapore Switzerland Netherlands Australia Canada
91 91 89 89 86 86 85 83 81 81
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About Corruption Perception Index 2013

The index, the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, scores countries on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 100 (perceived to be very clean). The results of the 2013 index serve as a warning that more must be done to enable people to live their lives free from the damaging effects of corruption.
About Transparency International

Transparency International is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to fighting corruption. It is best known for its Corruption Perceptions Index. Its secretariat is located in Berlin, Germany. The organization is present in more than 100 countries. It came into existence in 1993.
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Exhibition | Fare
India-Afghan Innovation Partnership Fair opened in Kabul
The first ever India-Afghanistan Innovation Partnership Fair opened in Kabul, Afghanistan on 3 December 2013. Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan, Amar Sinha, has inaugurated the IndiaAfghanistan Innovation Partnership Fair. The two day fair has been jointly organized by the Indian Embassy in Kabul in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Kabul Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of commerce and Industries (FICCI). Nearly 20 Indian and 25 Afghan participants are showcasing their innovations in the fair.
India - Afghanistan Relations

India and Afghanistan have a strong relationship based on historical and cultural links. India has played a significant role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan. Recently, Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed between Afghanistan and India during Afghan President Hamid Karzais visit to India in October 2011, which reinforced the strong, vibrant and multi-faceted relations between the two countries and at the same time formalized a framework for cooperation in various areas between the two countries: political & security cooperation; trade & economic cooperation; capacity development and education; and social, cultural, civil society & people-to-people relations. This agreement is a strong signal of Indias abiding commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan during this critical period of security and governance transition. The commitment is also reflected in Indias extensive developmental assistance programme, which now stands at around US 2 billion Dollars, making India the 5th largest bilateral donor in Afghanistan after the US, UK, Japan and Germany.
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Defence | Security
TEJAS Team Set New Record of 500 Flights in 2013
Tejas, Indias Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) set a new record on 27 December 2013 of flying 500 sorties in 2013. This is the highest sorties achieved in a calendar year so far. The previous record stood at 300 sorties.In 2013, the team participated in seven detachments across the country and carried out tests like shutting off and reignition of the engine, high energy brake testing, flight envelope expansion, missile firing with radar guidance, air-to-ground weapon testing and wet runway trials, the DRDO said.
About Tejas
Indias indigenously designed and developed frontline fighter Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) started in 1983 to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter aircrafts. It was christened as Tejas by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003 when Tejas crossed the sonic barrier for the first time. Tejas is the smallest, light weight, single engine, single seat and supersonic, multirole, combat aircraft. LCA Tejas is capable of flying non-stop to destinations over 1700 km away. Four variants of Tejas aircraft (Combat variant, Trainer and Naval variants) are being developed
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for land and carrier borne operations. Tejas has multi mode weapon multirole capability in the form of Air to Ground and Air to Air missions Tejas has quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight system which ensures adequate safety and advanced Glass cockpit open architecture complements piloting. Extensive use of advanced composites in the airframe gives a high strength to weight ratio, long fatigue life and low radar signatures. Helmet Mounted Display Sight (HMDS) has been fully integrated in Tejas and R73E missile firing has been successfully demonstrated using HMD.
Defence Acquisition Council DAC approved the procurement of Israeli Barak-I missile
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by the Defence Minister, A K Antony, lifted restrictions on the further procurements of Israeli Barak missiles on 22 December 2013.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposals for procurement which includes
Additional 226 Israeli Barak Surface-to-air precision-guided missiles Two naval projects for 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) warships which is capable of operating in shallow waters, worth of 13440 crore rupees Two diving support vessels meant for rescuing sailors from disabled submarines, worth of 1500 crore rupees. 41 Dhruv Advanced light Helicopters (ALH) worth of 300 crore rupees being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was cleared.
The diving support vessels or deep-submergence rescue vessels (DSRVs) will be acquired through floating global tender and the ASW boats will be built with foreign collaboration for torpedoes. Final nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security is required to go-ahead with the acquisition of Barak-I missiles.
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Barak Missiles
The Barak deal was originally signed in 2000 by India during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime. The Barak missiles are effective missile interceptors used as the last layer of defence to destroy advancing missiles within a 10 km range.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):

Defence Acquisition Council is the highest body headed by the Defence Minister which oversees the entire acquisition process for the Armed Forces. DAC approves the long-term perspective plans and accords the acceptance of necessity which involves categorization of items into Buy, Buy & Make and Make in capital acquisition. DACs decisions are implemented under the overall supervision of DAC by the Defence Procurement Board, Defence Production Board and the Defence R&D Board.
AGNI-III missile test fired successfully from Wheeler Island

Agni-III the nuclear capable ballistic missile was successfully test-fired by India on 23 December 2013. It was test-fired for its full range of 3000 kilometer from the Wheeler Island of Odisha Coast. The test fire of the surface-to-surface missile was conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with the logistic support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile was flight-tested from a mobile launcher at launch complex number 4 of the Integrated Test Range. The Agni-III missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant system. The entire trajectory of the trial was monitored through various telemetry stations, electro-optic systems and sophisticated radars located along the coast and by naval ships anchored near the impact point for data analysis. It has a length of 17 metres, 2 metres diameter and launch weight is around 50 tonnes. It can carry
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a warhead of 1.5 tonne, which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield. The missile has already been inducted into the armed forces is equipped with the hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer. The electronic systems are hardened for higher vibration, thermal and acoustic effects. Agni-IIIs first user successful trial was carried out on 21 September 2012 from the same base.
India successfully test-fired indigenously developed MBLR Pinaka at Chandipur

India on 19 December 2013 successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Pinaka from a base at Chandipur-on-sea near Balasore, off the Odisha coast. Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL). Six rounds of Pinaka were successfully tested from the proof and experimental establishment at Chandipur. The tests were conducted by personnel from Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune unit. Since 1995, the Pinaka has undergone several tests has been inducted in the armed forces and the present trials were conducted with some improvements in the system. To supplement the artillery guns, rockets with a range of 40 kilometer capable as a force multiplier has been developed. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of the system gave an edge to the Army during a low-intensity conflict situation. Earlier in July 2013, more advanced second generation Pinaka Mark II Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System had undergone successful firing trials at Chandhan area in Pokhran field firing ranges in western Rajasthan.
The Main Features of Pinaka

Pinaka is an area weapon system with a range of 40 km. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of Pinaka will give an edge to the Army during a minor conflict situation. Pinaka system can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. The battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km.
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Pinaka is capable to incorporate several types of warheads, which make the weapon deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers
Chinese troops detained Indian porters at Chumar in eastern Ladakh

Chinese troops once again detained five Indian porters and their mules at Chumar area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. According to the Sources, the porters were released by the People Liberation Army (PLA) troops only after the Indian Army intervened through the hotline and a flag meeting between local commanders to demand their return. Both Indian and Chinese armies have been conducting aggressive patrolling along all the three sectors of the 4,057-km long unresolved LAC - western (Ladakh), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal) - to strengthen their claims to disputed territories. India, for instance, has recorded close to 700 transgressions by the PLA troops across the LAC in the last three years. In the latest incident, the Indian porters were detained in the Chumar area in first week of December by the PLA troops, who were apparently patrolling to their claim line but which India considers as its own territory.
Chumar post, the bone of contention

The Indian post at Chumar on the Ladakh-Himachal Pradesh border, in particular, has for long irritated the PLA because it looks into Chinese territory and track troops movements there. Chumar, in fact, is one out of the handful of sectors in eastern Ladakh where Indian positions and supply lines are far superior to PLA ones. Chumar has witnessed several tense incidents and face-offs between the two forces in recent years. China already was irked about Indias re-activation of the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), Fukche and Nyoma advanced landing grounds and construction of some posts along the LAC in Ladakh over the last five to six years to match the massive infrastructure build-up by PLA in the region.
April-May 2013 face-off between Indian Army and PLA

Chumar was also the bone of contention during the 21-day military face-off in April-May 2013 that saw the two rival armies pitching tents and indulging in banner drills after PLA troops intruded 19 km into Indian Territory in the Depsang Bulge area of the DBO sector. The main pre-condition laid down by the PLA to withdraw from Depsang during the face-off was that India should dismantle the temporary bunkers it had constructed in Chumar, which incidentally is some 250 km south of DBO. The crisis was finally defused on May 5, 2013 after India dismantled
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what it called ``a tin shed at Chumar and the PLA troops simultaneously withdrew from Depsang.
Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA)

The BDCA was inked between India and China on October 23, 2013 during PM Manmohan Singhs trip to Beijing. It was to provide a more robust protocol for defusing such confrontations and ``build trust between the two rival armies along the LAC, till the political leadership can actually resolve the larger and vexed boundary problem. The BDCA basically consolidates earlier such pacts inked in 1993, 1996 and 2005 to reinforce various de-escalatory steps while reaffirming that ``neither side shall use force or threaten to use force or seek unilateral superiority to alter the status-quo along the LAC. It then goes beyond them to outline new CBMs like a hotline between the two military headquarters, no tailing of each others patrols, additional border personnel meeting (BPM) points and ``small scale tactical exercises - apart from the Hand-in-Hand joint exercise - along the LAC. The pact holds that both armies will exercise maximum self-restraint if a face-to-face situation develops, as also have the right to seek a clarification from the other side if a doubtful situation arises where there is no common understanding of the LAC.
India successfully test fired Nuclear Capable Prithvi -2 Missile
India on 3 December 2013 successfully test fired its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Prithvill from Chandipur in the Balasore district of Odisha. The test which is a part of the user training
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exercise of the Indian Army was conducted from lunch complex 3 of the ITR in Chandipur along the Odisha coast. The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on 7 October 2013.
Prithvi-II Missile features

1. Inducted into Indias Strategic Forces Command in 2003, the Prithvi II missile is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under Indias Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). 2. It is capable of carrying 1000 kg of warheads and thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines, uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory. 3. The nine-meter long Prithvi-II missile is equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system and guided by an innovative guidance scheme.
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Books & Author

Remembering Nirbhaya: Mumbai University released book
Book: Nirbhaya: Ek Atmachintan :Published by Mumbai University
Mumbai University on 16 December 2013 launched a book titled Nirbhaya: Ek Atmachintan to mark a year since the brutal gangrape of a Delhi paramedic student. The books prologue is written by Justice Chandrashekhar Dharamadhikari and is edited by the vice-chancellor of the Mumbai University, Rajan Welukar. Several notable writers and thinkers, such as, Nirja Dhulekar, Kumar Ketkar, Asha Bage, Vijaya Wad, Judge Mrudula Bhatkar, etc have contributed to the book. The topics that these writers have covered include women empowerment in the fields of economic, social and political spheres, the rights which are given to them and their safety. The 23-year old para-medical student (also known as Damini or Nirbhaya) was gang raped in New Delhi on 16 December 2012. She passed away in Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on 29 December 2012. She was raped in the moving bus by six men, one of which included a minor. The 16 December gang rape led to massive protests across the country.
Mary Kom Autobiography titled Unbreakable unveiled

Olympic medal-winning boxer M C Koms autobiography, titled Unbreakable was unveiled by the Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan on 9 December 2013. Mary said that her struggle has been one that many in country face, especially women. The reason behind to pen down her story was so that others could read it and feel that if she could achieve what she had, so can they. Mary kom was born on 1 March 1983 in Kangathei, Manipur, India. Mary Kom turned professional boxer after her victory in the Manipur state womens boxing championship in 2000. Mary made her international debut at the first AIBA Womens World Boxing Championship held in the United States, where she bagged a silver medal in the 48 kg weight category. Subsequently, she won a gold medal in the 45 kg class at the second AIBA Womens World Boxing Championship in Turkey in 2002. Kom has total 5 world boxing championship titles in her name.
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The government of India had awarded her with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2009, which is the countrys highest award given to a sportsman. She also received the Arjuna Award in 2003 and Padma Shree Award in 2006. She was also appointed the International Boxing Associations Ambassador for Womens Boxing in 2009. She won bronze at Summer Olympics held in London in 2012.
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Art | Culture
President inaugurated Nagalands Hornbill festival
President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 1 December 2013 inaugurated the Nagalands traditional Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The 10-day festival began with sounding of the gong by the President. The President was also presented with traditional Naga gear like Dao (a small sword), among others. He wore Tsula (traditional head gear) and posed with the Dao to portray a ferocious Naga warrior.
About Hornbill Festival

Hornbill (name of a bird) Festival, considered one of the biggest events in the state, showcases the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Naga people. In the festival, music and dance make for an enchanting display of their ethnicity and diversity. To revive, protect and preserve this heritage and to enable visitors to understand it, the Hornbill Festival is celebrated through a collaborative effort of all Naga tribes. The Hornbill festival for the first time was inaugurated by the former President Dr. S Radhakrishnan on 1 December 1963.
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Science | Space
ISRO successfully raised Mars Orbiter Spacecrafts Orbit
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 7 November 2013 performed the first orbit raising manoeuvre of the Mars Orbiter spacecraft. The spacecraft was fired for 416 seconds by the command from the Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Peenya, Bangalore from the 440 Newton Liquid Engine of the spacecraft. With this engine firing, the spacecraft`s apogee (the farthest point to Earth) was raised to 28825 km, while its perigee (nearest point to Earth) was at 252 km. Earlier, Mars Orbiter Spacecraft was launched on 5 November 2013. A series of five orbit raising operations during the Mars mission will be performed, of which the second and third raising operations would be performed on 8 November 2013 to apogee 40000 and 71650. The fourth and fifth raising to apogee of one lakh km and 1.92 lakh km will be performed on November 11 and 16 November 2013. After the operations will be completed, the mission is expected to take on the crucial event of the trans-mars injection on 1 December 2013. The Mangalayaan, the Mars orbiter of 1350 kilogram was successfully injected by ISROs PSLV-C25 into the orbit around Earth in 44 minutes after launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at
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Sriharikota on 7 November 2013. The International Designator or the NSSDC ID of Indias Mars mission is 2013-060A.
International Designator
The International Designator is the international naming convention for satellites. The name consists of launch year, a 3-digit incrementing launch number of the year and up to 3 letter code that represents the sequential identifier of a piece in a launch. Its also known as COSPAR designation and in the United States as NSSDC ID.
Scientists discovered a Black Hole in Ophiuchus Star Constellation
Scientists discovered a black hole in a collection of stars in the constellation Ophiuchus, which is about 22000 light years from Earth. The globular cluster in which black hole was spotted is known as M62. The globular cluster M62 is located in the constellation Ophiuchus. The discovery was done by the team of astronomers led by a Michigan State University professor. Black holes are stars that have died, collapsed into themselves and possess such a strong gravitational field that even light cannot escape from them. Prior to this discovery, astronomers had assumptions that the black holes did not exist in globular clusters- some of the oldest and densest collections of stars in the universe. There are numerous stars in such a condensed area that they often interact with one another. Massive black holes will have most violent encounters.
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Day | Week | Year

National Consumers Right Day observed across India on 24 December
National Consumers Right Day 24 December
National Consumers Right Day was observed across India on 24 December 2013. The day is being observed on 24 December, since the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted on this day in 1986. The Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 1986 with the objective of providing better protection of consumers interest. Effective safeguards are provided to the consumer, against various types of exploitations and unfair dealings, relying mainly on compensatory rather than a disciplinary or preventive approach under the Act. It applies to all goods and services unless specifically exempted, which covers the private, public and cooperative sectors. It also provides speedy and inexpensive adjudication.
Consumer Protection Act, 1986

The rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 flow from the rights enshrined in Articles 14 to 19 of the Constitution of India. The Right to Information Act (RTI), which has opened up governance processes of our country to the common public, also has far-reaching implications for consumer protection.
The Act envisages the promotion and protection of following rights for the consumers:
Right to Safety Right to be informed Right to Choose Right to be heard The World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15 March.
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Kisan Diwas observed across India on 23 December

23 December: Kisan Diwas
Kisan Diwas was observed across the country on 23 December 2013 to celebrate the birthday of Chaudhary Charan Singh. On this occasion, farmer seminars were organised at the divisional, district and block levels. Political leaders cutting across party lines paid tributes to fifth PM of India on his 11th birth anniversary. Leaders visited the former PMs samadhi at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi. Government in 2001 had decided to observe 23 December every year as Kisan Diwas (Farmers Day).
About Chaudhary Charan Singh

Chaudhary Charan Singh (23 Dec 1902 - 29 May 1987) was the fifth Prime Minister of India. He served as the Prime Minister from 28 July 1979 to 14 January 1980. Chaudhary Charan Singh holds the record of being the only Prime Minister of India who did not face the Parliamentary floor for a single day after assuming the office.
Minorities Rights Day observed on 18 December

18 December: Minorities Rights Day
Minorities Rights Day was observed on 18 December 2013 across the Nation to create awareness on rights of minorities. Minorities Rights Day is celebrated on 18th December every year. The day is celebrated to protect rights of the minority communities as well as bringing the better understanding among religious minorities in India.
Background
On 18th December 1992 the United Nations promulgated the Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities to strengthen the cause of the minorities. Since then, International Minority Rights Day is observed to create awareness on rights of minorities.
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The UN had declared that

States shall protect the existence of the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identity of minorities within their respective territories and encourage conditions for the promotion of that identity. This declaration was a huge step in protecting minorities group all over the world. It is a very important day in India because of frequent discussion and disagreements on majority-minority issues. The National Commission for Minorities celebrates the Minority Rights Day every year on 18 December. The commission has played a major role in protecting the rights of the minority communities and in bringing about better understanding among the various religious minority communities in India.
International Migrants Day observed across the world on 18 December

International Migrants Day: 18 December
International Migrants Day was observed across the world on 18 December 2013. The number if international migrant worldwide has reached 232 million in 2013. The Secretary General of UN put forward an ambitious eight point agenda in his report to the General Assembly to make migration work for all: for all: migrants, societies of origin and societies of destination alike.
About International Migrants Day

The UN General Assembly on 4 December 2000 took into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world and proclaimed 18 December as the International Migrants Day. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 1990. The Member States of UN, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations observe the international Migrants Day through dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, through sharing the experiences and the design of actions to ensure the protection of the migrants. The member states unanimously adopted a declaration on October 2013 recognizing the contribution of migration to development at the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development. They have also called on for cooperation to address the challenged of irregular migration and to facilitate safe, order and regular migration. A need to respect the human rights of migrants and to promote international labour standards was emphasized in the declaration.
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Vijay Diwas observed on 16 December

Vijay Diwas was observed on 16 December 2013 across the Nation to celebrate the Indias military victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Vijay Diwas commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces and the Mukti Bahini in the IndoPak war which culminated in the liberation of Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, on 16 December 1971 and the historic surrender of over 93000 Pakistani soldiers. After the Indias victory, Lt. Gen. A K Niazi, Pakistani Army Comander in the Eastern Command was surrendered to the Indian Armed Forces, which led by the then General Officer Commanding-inChief Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora and also signed the Instrument of Surrender that resulted in the birth of Bangladesh. The day is also observed across the country by paying tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. This year is the 42nd anniversary of the War. Union Defence Minister A K Antony accompanied by three Services Chiefs laid wreathes at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in the National Capital -New Delhi.
Human Rights Day observed across the World on 10 December

Human Rights Day: 10 December
Human Rights Day was observed across the world on 10 December 2013 to bring to light the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2013 Theme of the day is 20 Years Working for Your Rights. NHRC in India organized a programme in New Delhi on this Day.
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Human Rights Day

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention of the peoples of the world the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. The United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 created the mandate of High Commissioner for the promotion and protection of all human rights. This year, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights marks 20 years since its establishment. The General Assembly was acting on a recommendation from delegates to the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna in 1993. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference, marked the beginning of a renewed effort in the protection and promotion of human rights and it is regarded as one of the most significant human rights documents of the past quarter century.
United Nations Human Rights Prize

The UN Human Rights Prize is given on 10 December to the individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding achievement in human rights.
International Anti-Corruption Day observed on 9 December

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed across the world on 9 December 2013 to raise awareness about the menace of Corruption and what people can do to fight it. The theme for the year 2013 is: Act against Corruption Today. The day is observed on December 9 each year to raise awareness about the corruption. The UN General Assembly by resolution of 58/4 of 31 October 2003 designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day. This decision aimed to raise peoples awareness of corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the secretariat for the Conventions Conference of States Parties. The Convention entered into force in December 2005.
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About the Corruption

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the start-up costs required because of corruption.
Armed Forces Flag Day Observed Throughout the Country

7 December: Armed Forces Flag Day
Armed Forces Flag Day was observed across India on 7 December 2013. The day is observed to remember the sacrifices made by gallant servicemen of India in defending the integrity of our borders and to salute the martyrs, honour the brave and express solidarity and support towards welfare of widows, children, disabled and sick ex-servicemen. The day is observed on 7 December every year in India, since 1949. The officials of Kendriya Sainik pinned Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Lapels on Dignitaries and collected donations from the public which goes into the AFFD corpus. The fund collected with the donation is utilized to give grants to various ESM welfare institutions and relief to ex-servicemen and their dependents besides host of other welfare measures.
Significance and Purpose of the Flag Day

The Flag Day is observed to serve three basic purposes Rehabilitation of battle casualties Welfare of serving personnel and their families Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families
On Armed Forces Flag Day funds are collected from the Indians by distribution of flags. This process gives Indians a chance to express gratitude and appreciation to the military personnel of India.
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International Civil Aviation Day observed on 7 December

International Civil Aviation Day was observed on 7 December 2013 to highlight the importance of civil aviation for social and economic development around the world. The International Civil Aviation Day is aimed at promoting the safety and efficiency of air transportation and to create awareness about the role of International Civil Aviation Organization in air transport. International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO) is a UN body responsible for developing international standards for aviation safety. International Civil Aviation Day is annually observed on December. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation at Chicago on same date in 1944.
About International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO)

ICAO was established on 7 December 1944 to secure international cooperation and uniformity in civil aviation matters. This observance aims to generate and reinforce global awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development. The day also commemorates the ICAOs role in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport. In 1996 the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day, in accordance with an ICAO initiative and with the Canadian Governments assistance. The assembly urged governments and organizations to observe the day. This day is now an official UN day. ICAO is a UN body that works closely with other United Nations members including the World Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the Universal Postal Union, the World Health Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
International Volunteer Day Observed on 5 December

Day: 5 December: International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was observed across the world on 5 December 2013. The day, which is also known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), gives volunteers a chance to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels.
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Theme for the year 2013 is: YOUNG.GLOBAL.ACTIVE

The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/212 on 17 December 1985. Since then, the day is celebrated each year on 5 December across the world.
Importance of International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme works closely with partners and governments to establish national volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism in countries. Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.
International Day of People with Disability was observed on 3 December

Day: 3 December :International Day of People with Disability
International Day of People with Disability was observed across the world on 3 December 2013. This is the 21st anniversary of International Day of People with Disability. The theme of the year is Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all. This day is observed annually to focus on the issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. On this day, the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards were instituted by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, are given to outstanding achievers among persons with disabilities, as well as to individuals and institutions which do outstanding
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work for the empowerment of such persons. International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.
International Day for Abolition of Slavery observed on 2 December

DAY: 2 December: International Day for Abolition of Slavery
International Day for Abolition of Slavery was observed on 2 December 2013 across the world to create awareness about the prevention of human trafficking and the exploitation of human being. The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, and the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. The day marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949). According to the UN data- 21 million women, men and children are trapped in slavery all over the world.
Global Initiatives to End slavery

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has teamed up with prominent artists, athletes and advocates in its new campaign to End Slavery Now. In 2007 the UN marked the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on 25 March. In 2008 the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade became an annual observance on 23 August.
World AIDS Day observed on 1 December

World AIDS Day was observed on 1 December 2013 across the globe to raise awareness about the HIV/ AIDS.
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The theme for the year 2013 is: Getting to Zero

HIV/AIDS remains a major global issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives so far since the discovery of the virus more than 20 years ago. According to the World Health Organisation, there were approximately 35.3 million people living with HIV in 2012. Since the inception of World AIDS Day in 1988, it has been observed on 1st December every year with different themes. The theme for this year is Getting to Zero- means zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The theme will be repeated until 2015, focusing on Zero AIDS Related Deaths as well as pushing towards better access to treatment for all.
World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on December 1st each year. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
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Miscellaneous
BJP Organised Run for Unity Across the Country
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) organised runs in Kolkata, Patna, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jammu and Jharkhand on 15 December 2013. The race was organized as part of its nationwide programme to drum up support for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modis Statue of Unity project on the 63rd death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Gujarat government is building a gigantic statue of Sardar Patel, christened Statue of Unity, which it claimed would be the worlds tallest statue on Sadhu Bet in Narmada River. A campaign was also organised along with the run for collection of iron from all over the country for the statue. 565 places were chosen by BJP for the race as Patel had integrated this number of princely states into the Union of India at the time of Independence. The theme for the race was good governance and national integration.
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ONE LINERS
December 2013
Name the person who on 4 December 2013 was re-appointed as the OPCW Director-General at the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties - Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu Name the body that on 6 November 2013 declared that the Category 3 (unfilled) munitions of Syrian Government have been destroyed was named - Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Park Geun-hye, the President of South Korea on 6 December 2013 agreed to join hands to denuclearize North Korea (DPRK) with - the Vice President of US, Joseph Biden An informal Group of Ministers headed by the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar on 6 December 2013 recommended a bailout package to - Sugar Industry Sri Lankas Board of Investment on 5 December 2013 announced plans to start how many export processing and industrial zones across the country eight Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary of South Africa died on 5 November 2013. He was also known - as Madiba in South Africa The Union Cabinet on 5 December 2013 approved the Telangana draft Bill. Telangana will have - 10 districts Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 came into force on - 6 December 2013 The Supreme Court of India has favoured punishment of life imprisonment to people indulging in production and marketing of - adulterated milk The country that was elected as a non-permanent member of United Nation Security Council (UNSC) - Jordan Armed Forces Flag Day was observed across India on - 7 December 2013 Who was crowned with the pageant of Miss Earth 2013 at the Versailles Palace, Philippines -Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich The government has modified the FDI policy allowing unlisted companies to directly list on - stock exchanges abroad Indian freestyle grapplers bagged seven gold, four silver and three bronze medals and has won the team title in the category in the 2013 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Johannesburg World Trade Organization (WTO) today issued a revised draft of the Bali package that would
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address Indias concerns on food security and take through the - Trade Facilitation Agreement The Supreme Court of India on 5 December 2013 said that politicians and businessmen heading sports bodies are causing harm to the games and should leave their running to Sport persons Committee to formulate a Policy document on Corporate Governance on 6 December 2013 submitted its report to the Union Government of India. The Committee was constituted on 7 March 2012 under - the Chairmanship of Adi Godrej. Name of the Vice President of Sudan, who resigned to pave way for the new Government Ali Osman Taha Insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has decided to stop selling as many as - 34 policies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 8 December 2013 won the state assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The members of the opposition party (Democrat Party) of a country resigned en masse from the Parliament on 8 December 2013 to protest a Government claimed by them as illegitimate Thailand
The scientists has decoded the oldest DNA from ever found 400000 year old thigh bone of human family found at - a burial site Sima de los Huesos in Spains northern Sierra de Atapuerca highlands His Imperial Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan and Imperial Majesty Michiko, Empress of Japan were on a visit to India after 1989 7346 crore rupees for the relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit Uttarakhand was sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Uttrakhand that was headed by Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh Indian National Congress on 9 December 2013 emerged as the winner in the Mizoram Assembly election by winning - 33 seats in the 40 member house Human Rights Day was observed across the world on 10 December 2013 to bring to light the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a theme - 20 Years Working for Your Rights The Union Cabinet on 9 December 2013 approved the finalization of the reserve price for the auction of spectrum in - 1800 MHz band for all service areas Ranjan Mathai, the former Foreign Secretary of India on 9 December 2013 took over as the - Indias High Commissioner to UK
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The Supreme Court of India on 10 December 2013 ordered red beacons to be provided only on the vehicles of high dignitaries and the people, who hold - Constitutional posts Alstom T&D India on 9 December 2013 bagged two contracts of 151 crore rupees from Gujarat Energy Transmission Company Ltd (GETCO). Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests inaugurated a workshop to discuss the Role of Bamboo and Rattan in Pro-Poor Green Development - Asia Regional Workshop on Bamboo and Rattan at New Delhi The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997 with its headquarters - Beijing, China. A US commission has asked Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel to explain the exclusion of Sikhs from the American armed forces for adhering to their religious beliefs, the name of the person who asked this is - Martin R Castro, he is the Chairman of the Commission on Civil Rights India has welcomed the inking of the first disarmament treaty at the - Biological Weapons Convention in Geneva President of India, Pranab Mukherjee visited South Africa in Memorial service of its - antiapartheid icon and former South African President Nelson Mandela The US has called on China to release the jailed Nobel Peace prize winner five years after he was first detained - Liu Xiaobo US Senate on 9 December 2013 approved the 10 years extension of ban on plastic guns, because it is - invisible to metal detectors The Supreme Court of India on 10 December 2013 set a fresh four month deadline to make functional all the 22 CBI courts across the country for the Centre and States ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) on 9 December 2013 signed an agreement to evaluate - E&P opportunities in Ecuador Scientists in the first week of December 2013 in their report claimed that the super volcano lying beneath - Yellowstone National Park in US The first Trajectory Correction Manoeuvre (TCM) of Spacecraft of Indias maiden interplanetary mission to Mars was carried out successfully on 10 December 2013 and the TCM was fired by - 22 Newton Thrusters The Chairman of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on 10 December 2013
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announced his retirement from active politics - Panruti S. Ramachandran Tech Mahindra Ltd on 10 December 2013 launched its Global Center of Excellence (CoE) with - Hewlett Packard (HP) in Bangalore The World Innovation Summit for Health-2013 (WISH-2013) began in Doha, Qatar on 11 December 2013 with an aim of - practical, innovative and sustainable health solutions The High Level Committee to Review the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992 was constituted under the Chairmanship of - Justice N.K. Sodhi Person who in December 2013 was named as the Person of the Year 2013 by Time Magazine - Pope Francis Waqar Younis, the former captain of Pakistan cricket team was inducted into the - ICC Crickets Hall of Fame A Bank that has been granted the license to start its banking operations in India Doha Bank The West Bengal Assembly on 12 December 2013 adopted a fresh Bill to tackle illegal activities of - Chit Funds in the State India and UAE has signed a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement that would accelerate - fresh capital investments of UAE in India The European Union has granted GSP-Plus status to Pakistan. British-based Sahara Force India on 12 December 2013 signed - Sergio Perez as race driver for the team in 2014 and beyond Islamist leader Abdul Kader Mullah of Bangladesh was executed on 12 December 2013. His execution was done at - Dhaka Central Jail The Indian cricketer and a Rising Test batsman on 13 December 2013 bagged the Emerging Cricketer of the Year trophy at the ICC Annual awards announced in Dubai was Cheteshwar Pujara The Uttar Pradesh Government on 13 December 2013 set-up a high-level committee to look into the issue of deaths of children in relief camps set after the Muzaffarnagar riots The Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra on 13 December 2013 passed the much-awaited Anti Superstition Bill. A person has sworn in as the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the second successive term on 14 December 2013 is - Lal Thanhawla of Congress party Darmar Murugensan, the former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court will be the next
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Chairman of the - Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) The former footballer of India, who died on 14 December 2013 died at a hospital in Guwahati, Assam after a prolong illness was - Babul Phukan An Indian actor, who won the best actor award for his brilliant performance in his film The Lunchbox at the 10th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is - Irrfan Khan The Interim President of Egypt, Adly Mansour on 14 December 2013 announced 14-15 January 2014 as the date for national referendum on the new draft of the constitution The first lunar rover of China which was carried by an unmanned remotely piloted spacecraft Change-3 was deployed successfully on moon on 14 December 2013. The lunar rover that landed on mood was named - Jade Rabbit (called Yutu in Chinese) India defeated Pakistan 48-39 on 14 December 2013 in the World Kabaddi Cup in the finals played at - Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana, Punjab The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) met on 12 December 2013 at Kolkata. International Migrants Day observed on - 18 December 2013 across the world Eminent historian Bipan Chandra on 17 December 2013 was awarded Itihas Ratna from Asiatic Society Bihar. Proposals of Irans President Hassan Rouhani on fight against extremism and violence were put on the agenda of the - United Nations General Assembly to be ratified as a UN resolution The International Cricket Council today inducted Australias legendary wicketkeeperbatsman Adam Gilchrist into its - Hall of Fame during the ongoing third Ashes Test Iranian negotiators halted the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna with P5+1 group of nations Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany - the move came after Washington blacklisted a dozen companies and individuals for evading US sanctions. Russia is to increase its arms exports worth 50 billion dollars - by 2020 India has rejected to the reference made on Jammu and Kashmir by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in its recently held - session in Guinea The Bengaluru International Airport will be renamed after - Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, who founded Bengaluru in 16th century South Indias first high altitude cricket stadium was inaugurated at - Krishnagiri in Waynad district of Kerala President Vladimir Putin announced a plan to buy 15 billion dollar of Ukrainian bonds and -
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slashed Kievs bill for Russian gas imports The US has appealed to India to uphold the Vienna Convention principles and ensure safety and security of its diplomats stationed in the country Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations was inked in 1961 and is an international accord and defines - a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries Indias deputy consul in New York, Devyani Khobragade was transferred to Indias Permanent Mission in United Nations in New York - to boost her diplomatic immunity Saab, the Swedish manufacturer won a 4.5 billion dollar contract to supply 36 Gripen NG fighter jets to - Brazil by 2020 The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2013 was announced by Sahitya Akademi and - poetry writers have dominated the awards announced in 2013 Odisha Administrative Tribunal quashed the provision of 27 percent reservation under Odisha Reservation of Posts and Service (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) Act, 2008 for - Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) candidates in public employment Kuwait will host the Second edition of the Syria Donors conference in the capital Kuwait city in January and it will be chaired by - UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon Indias first World Cup winning captain, Kapil Dev will be conferred with the - Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award for the year 2013 The Ariyalur plant of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited in Tamil Nadu has been honoured with the National Energy Conservation Award for the year 2012-13 by the Ministry of Power, Government of India Europe on 19 December 2013 launched the Gaia satellite one of the most ambitious space missions in the history
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PREFACE PICK OF THE MONTH The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 Nelson Mandela, the former President

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

157 157 158 158

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

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Current Affairs eBook December 2013

282 283 286 286

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

PICK OF THE MONTH

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Important features of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013:

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Why Lokpal in India?

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Jan Lokpal Bill

Main Features of the Jan Lokpal Bill

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa died at 95

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

About Nelson Mandela

Awards received by Nelson Mandela

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

9th WTO Ministerial Conference concluded at Bali, Indonesia

Trade Facilitation Agreement

India Point of view

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

About Ministerial Conferences

About World Trade Organization

Fact File of WTO

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Past WTO Conferences

1998 1999 2001

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

The Dead Sea water Depleting Issue

Mid-day meal scheme ranked 12th among lower-middle-income countries

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

About Mid Day Meal Scheme

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

other chemicals used in industrial processes.

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

Why Global Warming?

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Effects of Global Warming

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

What can be done to slow Global Warming?

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Cabinet approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2011

Main highlights of the Bill

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

Red Beacons are allowed for Constitutional posts : Supreme Court

Current Affairs eBook December 2013

PREFACE PICK OF THE MONTH The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 Nelson Mandela, the former President