March 2014 Current Affairs

MARCH 2014
CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Iwao Hakamada- Worlds longest-serving death row-inmate freed by Japan
March 31, 2014
The Japanese court release of the Worlds longest serving death row inmate, Mr. Iwao
Hakamada (78), as the evidences used against him were probably made up.
About Mr. Iwao Hakamada
Nationality: Japanese.
Japanese former professional boxer.
Sentenced to death on September 11, 1968 for a mass murder (known as
the Hakamada Incident).
Convicted of killing a company manager and his family and setting fire to their
central Japan home, where he was a live-in employee.
Known for: Worlds longest death-row inmate (48 years) certified by Guinness World
Records.
Apart from the United States, Japan is the only major industrialized democracy to carry
out capital punishment, a practice that has led to repeated protests from European
governments and human rights groups. (Japan carries out a handful of executions every
year).
Note: The only crimes that can lead to a death sentence in Japan are murder and
treason.
President Pranab Mukherjee re-promulgated SEBI ordinance
March 31, 2014
President Pranab Mukherjee cleared the re-promulgation of the SEBI Ordinance that
provides powers for SEBI Chairman to authorize Investigating Authority or any other
officer of the regulator to conduct search and seizure under the SEBI Act and crack down
on Ponzi schemes.
SEBI ordinance Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill 2013
Purpose: To arm the regulator with more stringent powers comes in wake of
thousands of duped investors reportedly taking to the streets in Siliguri (West Bengal)
protesting the proliferation of chit fund companies there and the Rs 2,000-crore
Sardhaa chit fund scam.
SEBI can regulate any money pooling scheme worth Rs 100 crore or more and attach
assets in cases of non-compliance and its Chairman can order search and seizure
operations. Empowers the market watchdog to seek information, such as telephone call
data records, from any persons or entities in respect to any securities transaction being
investigated by it.
Note: The SEBI ordinance lapsed on January 15, has been re-promulgated for the third
time as the Parliament could not pass the Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2013, in the
winter session.
Indias forex reserves near $300 billion mark
March 31, 2014
Indias foreign exchange reserves continued their rally for the fourth straight week,
increased by $1.35 billion to 298.64 billion dollar on a surge in currency assets even

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though the reserve position with the IMF slid heavily.
As per the data released by Reserve Bank of India( RBI)
Gold reserves remained unchanged at $ 20.978 billion.
Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major part of the overall reserves, rose $1.58 billion
to $ 271.40 billion.
FCAs expressed in dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of the
non-US currencies viz. the euro, pound and yen held in its reserves.
The special drawing rights were down by $ 16.9 million to % 4.462 billion, while the
countrys reserve position with the IMF was down by a whopping $ 214.7 million to
$1.801 billion.
MoF: Indias external debt at $426 billion in December, 2013
March 31, 2014
As per the quarterly report of Ministry of Finance (MoF), Indias external debt was at $
426 billion including the governments debt of $ 76.4 billion in December 2013. The
total external debt of $ 426 billion showed an increase of $ 21.1 billion over the Marchend
level.
Reasons for increase of Indias external debt during the period were
Due to long-term debt particularly NRI deposits.
A sharp increase in NRI deposits reflected the impact of fresh FCNR(B) deposits
mobilised under the swap scheme during September-November 2013.
Excerpts of the quarterly report of Ministry of Finance (MoF) on December 2013
figures
Long term debt: $333.3 billion showed an increase of 8.1 % over March, 2013 level.
Short-term debt: Declined by 4.1 % to $92.7 billion.
Government (Sovereign) external debt: $76.4 billion, (17.9 % of total external debt)
The share of US dollar denominated debt was the highest in external debt stock and
stood at 63.6%, followed by debt denominated in Indian rupee (19.4 %), SDR (7.1 %),
Japanese yen (5.0 %) and Euro (3.1 %).
The debt has remained within manageable limits as indicated by the external debt to
GDP ratio of 23.3 %, vis-a-vis 21.8 % at end-March 2013 and debt service ratio of 5.9
% in 2012-13.
Indias foreign exchange reserves provided 69 % cover to the total external debt as of
December end, against 72.1 % as of March-end 2013.
Indias external debt has remained within manageable limits due to prudent external
debt management policy of the Government of India.
Note: The external debt management policy continues to focus on monitoring long and
short-term debt, raising sovereign loans on concessional terms with longer maturities,
regulating external commercial borrowings through end-use, all-in-cost and maturity
restrictions, and rationalising interest rates on Non-Resident Indian deposits.
Parthasarathi Shome panel for tax administration reform set up
March 31, 2014
In a bid to bring more credibility among tax payers and to streamline income tax

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procedures, the Union Government has set up a Tax Administration Reform
Commission (TARC) comprising officials from public and private sector agencies.
About Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC)
Chairman: Dr. Parthasarathi Shome.
Focus: On the rules and features and structural reforms in tax administration.
Members: Former chairmen of two tax boards, Former Chief Financial Officer from IT
service provider Tata Consultancy Services and an Ex-Vice President for Taxation from
the Murugappa Group.
Purpose: To bring in more transparency in the tax department and in the collection of
taxes as a certain amount of distrust emerged between the tax department and the
tax
payers.
SEBI extends time to implement FPI regulations to June 30, 2014
March 31, 2014
The market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the
time-frame for implementing new Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) regulations by three
months to June 30, 2014.
About new FPI regulations
SEBI has divided FPIs into three categories as per their risk profile and the KYC
(Know Your Client) requirements. The new FPI regime makes the KYC norms and other
registration procedure much simpler as compared to existing process.
Purpose: To make an easier registration process and operating framework for
overseas entities seeking to invest in Indian capital markets.
The new regulations will replace the existing SEBI norms for Foreign Institutional
Investors (FIIs) and the new class of investors, FPIs, would encompass all FIIs, their
sub-accounts and qualified foreign investors (QFIs).
Designated Depository Participants (DDPs): Through which FPIs can apply for
registration, may continue to open QFI accounts till May 31, 2014.
Category I FPIs: It would enlist the the lowest risk entities including foreign
governments and government related foreign investors.
Category II FPIs: It would comprise of broad based funds, appropriately regulated
entities, funds whose investment manager is appropriately regulated, university funds,
university related endowments, pension funds etc.
Category III FPIs: It would cover all others not eligible under the first two categories.
Note: FPIs will be granted permanent registration. At present, foreign investors are given
only one year or five year approval to invest in the country. They will be permanent
unless suspended or cancelled by the board or surrendered by the FPI.
2014 Ukraine crisis: UN General Assembly rejected Russian annexation of
Crimea
March 31, 2014
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly refused to recognize Russias annexation of
Crimea from Ukraine and passed a non-binding Resolution 68/262 that declared

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invalid Crimeas referendum. In the 193-nation assembly, the resolution
Supported by 100 United Nations member states that declared invalid Crimeas
Moscow-backed referendum.
Eleven nations voted against the resolution viz. Armenia, Belarus,Bolivia, Cuba,
North Korea, Russia,Nicaragua, Sudan, Syria,Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
NATO and Western powers voted overwhelmingly in favor.
58 Abstention countries: Afghanistan, China, India and Pakistan, many South
American nations, etc.
More than 20 nations didnt vote viz. Israel, Iran, etc.
The UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 is a resolution adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in response to the 2014 Crimean crisis and
entitled Territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Note: The resolution was introduced by Canada, Costa
Rica, Germany,Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine.
Kisan Card launched by Axis bank to facilitate easy agriculture lending to
farmers through ATMs.
March 29, 2014
The private lender bank, Axis Bank launched anelectronic Kisan
Card on the RuPay platform, through which a farmer can withdraw up to Rs. 1 lakh per
day from Automated Teller Machines ( ATMs)
Purpose: To facilitate easy agriculture lending to farmers through ATMs.
Electronic Kisan Card
Will be offer to agrarian customers on their cash credit crop loan accounts.
Helpful for them to reduce the interest burden as the interest payments start after
withdrawal of the money.
Provides queue free, 247 disbursement facility for farmers.
Allows them to use their loan limit by withdrawing cash up to Rs 1 Lakh per day, in
the required quantum, as and when required, thereby reducing their interest burden
and negating the risk of carrying higher volumes of cash.
Amnesty International released Global death penalty report 2013
March 29, 2014
Amnesty International released the Global Death Penalty Report 2013
in London, with a call on governments who still killed in the name of justice to impose a
moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it.
Highlights of annual Amnesty International report 2013
At least 22 countries which are still applying death penalty, consider the abolition of
capital punishment as a top priority. Also, the number of countries which use the death
penalty has reduced in the last 20 years.
Worlds Top executioner: China.
Overall 32 countries signed pardons on death sentences
viz.Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea,the United
Arab Emirates (UAE), USA, etc.

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Countries vindicated convicts: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, the UAE and
USA.
Nine persistent executioners or The 9 Worst Offenders (as they were known to
execute every year since 2007 to 2013): China, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia,
USA, Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh and North Korea.
Public executions were known to occur:Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia
and Somalia.
No executions were reported in Singapore, while several death-row prisoners had
their sentences commuted in that country in 2013.
Pacific sub-region continued to be a virtually death penalty-free zone, despite
threats from Papua New Guinea to resume executions.
For the first time since 2009, Europe and Central Asia was anexecution-free
zone, with the only country still clinging to the death penalty being Belarus, although
that country did not put anyone to death in 2013.
Indian figures of annual Amnesty International report 2013:
President Pranab Mukherjee rejected the mercy petitions of 18 prisoners on
death row in 2013, the highest number of rejections by any President in the last
25 years.
The international standards were violated on the execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru
in February 2013.
Raised concerns about the fairness of Afzal Gurus trial viz. he did not
receive legal representation of his choice or a lawyer with adequate experience at the
trial stage, Afzal Gurus family were not informed in time of his imminent execution and
his body was not returned to the family for last rites and burial.
72 new death sentences were known to have been imposed throughout the year and at
least 400 people were believed to be on death row at the end of the year.
About Amnesty International
Type: Non-profit NGO.
Founded: July 1961 by Peter Benenson in the United Kingdom.
Headquarters: Global International Secretariat in London, United Kingdom.
Objective: To conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses
of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated.
Mr. Sunil Gavaskar: Appointed by SC as interim BCCI chief for IPL 7
March 29, 2014
The Supreme Court of India appointed batting legend, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar as
the Interim BCCI President of BCCI to oversee Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 in
place of N Srinivasan and also directed him to relinquish his job as
a Cricket Commentator. The other responsibilities of the board would be performed by
BCCI vice-president Shivlal Yadav.
The apex court cleared that they have not passed any order preventing any player or any
team from participating in the IPL tournament 2014.
They permitted Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals to play IPL matches of

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season 7 as per the schedule.
Note: The Justice A K Patnaik bench passed interim order in the IPL fixing and betting
case and refused to pass any order for allowing former BCCI chief N Srinivasan to
participate in the activities of ICC.
Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor: New Brand Ambassdar of Earth Hour 2014
March 29, 2014
Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor became the national ambassador of the Earth Hour 2014
that was observed on March 29.
Under the Earth Hour initiative, citizens are asked to switch off all electricity for an hour.
This year, it will be observed Saturday from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Earth Hour campaign: I Will If You Will (IWIYW) to encourage positive action for
the environment.
Note: Earth Hour is an annual global event at which hundreds of millions of households,
businesses and governments around the world turn off their lights for one hour in order to
call attention to the need of action on climate change. (Organized by the World Wide
Fund for Nature (WWF)).
Dendroid -Android Malware targeting Indian Users
March 29, 2014
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) warned about a
currently active Dendroid malware campaign that is spreading across India, targeting
Android users.
About Android Malware Dendroid
Belongs to deadly Trojan family.
Created by modifying the required permissions by any clean APK (Android Application
Package) with Dendroid RAT functionality that allows detailed management of the
infected devices.
Once activated in our smartphone, could affect and control all applications in our
android phone and intercept private SMSes coming in or going out.
The malicious toolkit, Dendroid is able to generate a customized malicious APK
file that offers many amazing features viz.
Can delete and modify call logs and contacts.
Can open any web page on device browser.
Dialing any number.
Recording calls.
Intercepting device messages.
Uploading images and videos to remote server.
Can open an installed application.
Able to perform DoS attack from the victims device.
Can change the command and control server location.
Measures to protect from malicious malware Dendroid
Install applications downloaded from reputed app stores only.
Keep updating your mobile anti-virus and Firewall solution to protect your device from

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malware and cyber attacks.
Always Check applications permissions before installing it.
Avoid using unsecured and unknown Wi-Fi networks.
Advise by Indian cybersecurity: To keep an eye on data usage (application-wise
usage also) and unusual increase in mobile bills and keep an eye on device battery
usage (application-wise usage also).
Note: The CERT-In is the nodal agency to combat hacking, phishing and to fortify
security-related defences of the Indian Internet domain.
SEBI: To issue guidelines for FATCA compliance for fiscal year 2014-15
March 29, 2014
To combat possible tax evasion by Americans through Indian entities, the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) planned to issue the Foreign Account Tax Compliance
Act (FATCA) compliance norms in the fiscal year 2014-15. For the implementation of
the FATCA, the US government is required to sign Inter-Government Agreement
(IGA) with various countries, including India, where American individuals and companies
may hold accounts and other assets. Till now, the USA has signed IGAs with 22
countries viz. the UK, Switzerland, etc.
Currently, the negotiations are going on between the India and US for an IGA to be
signed between the two countries under the FATCA.
Purpose of FATCA: To check and impose withholding tax on illicit activities of some
wealthy individuals who use offshore accounts to evade millions of dollars in taxes.
Once this new Act and the Indo-US IGA come into effect, all financial institutions in
India would need to carry out a detailed due diligence on all their clients and report
details of their US clients to the US tax department (Internal Revenue Service).
Any non-compliance of the FATCA provisions would result in penal withholding of 30%
of the total US-source income of such financial institutions.
SEBI would examine the applicability of the FATCA provisions to all market
intermediaries regulated by the capital markets regulator. It was examined by SEBI in
coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
Note: FATCA became a law in 2010, the final regulations were issued for it inJanuary
2013 and it is set to come into effect from 1 July 2014, after signing of IGAs with different
countries.
India Rating: Extended Basel III deadline to ease pressure on banks
March 29, 2014
As per the rating agency, India Ratings (formerly Fitch), the putting off of Basel III by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) till March 2019 would ease pressure on banks. There were
industry-wide concerns about the potential stress on asset quality and consequential
impact on performance and profitability of banks. Thus, the apex bank extended
deadline for banks to implement Basel III capital norms up to March 31,
2019, instead of March 31, 2018.
Though, capital injection would remain a priority for banks through the rest of this
decade, as the total capital required during the migration to Basel III has only gone up

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due to addition of an extra year.
The governments commitment to maintain its majority shareholding in public sector
banks assures them of steady equity injections.
Now, the budgeted amount of Rs 11,200 crore is higher than the new requirement of
under Rs 10 billion equity by PSU banks in FY15, injecting the full amount will help
reduce capital pressures in subsequent years.
It can also help meet part of any shortfall in the hybrid tier 1 requirement of Rs 13,400
crore now estimated for FY15.
The revised norms have also tightened the loss absorption features of hybrid capital by
eliminating the temporary write-down feature in both hybrid tier 1 and tier 2
instruments.
These instruments can be either permanently written down or converted into equity that
improves the quality of capital by increasing any potential loss that investors may face.
Note: Basel series of norms refer to a broad supervisory standards formulated by
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) to ensure that financial institutions
have enough capital on account to meet obligations and absorb unexpected losses.
SC awarded compensation for sewer deaths since 1993
March 29, 2014
The Supreme Court of India awarded a compensation of Rs.10 lakh each for the
families of all the manual scavengers who have died in sewerage work since 1993 and
also criminalized entering sewer lines without safety gear.
The Chief Justice P. Sathasivam bench stated that Sewer deathsentering sewer lines
without safety gear should be made a crime even in emergency situations.
Identify the families of all the persons who have died in sewerage work (manholes,
septic tanks) since 1993 and award compensation of Rs.10 lakh for each such
death to the family members.
Ordered all the state governments and UnionTerritories to fully implement legislation
for eradicating manual scavenging and take action against violators, while issuing
directions for education, employment and rehabilitation of affected people.
As per the relevant scheme of the Central or state governments, the children of manual
scavengers should be entitled to scholarships.
The people who were employed as scavengers be alloted residential plot or ready-built
house or financial assistance for house construction according to their eligibility and
willingness,
At least one member of their family shall be given training in livelihood skill and be paid
monthly stipend.
At least one adult member shall be given subsidy and concessional loan for taking up
an alternative occupation on sustainable basis.
The Indian Railways is the largest employer of manual scavengers. It should take
time bound strategy to end manual scavenging on the tracks and persons released
from manual scavenging should not have to cross hurdles to receive what is their
legitimate due under the law.

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Note: Manual scavenging is a term used for the practice of physically removing human
excrement from dry toilets with bare hands, brooms and metal scrappers. About 95% of
the manual scavengers are dalits who clean the so-called night soil, mostly from the
toilets of the upper castes.
Newly acquired IAF aircraft C-130J Super Hercules crashed near Gwalior
March 29, 2014
The newly-acquired US-made C-130J Super Hercules Special Operations transport
aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Gwalior. All the five members of the crew
died in the incident.
Recently, India has inducted six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which were bought
from the US at the cost of around Rs 6000 crore (USD 1.1 billion) three years ago. The
per unit cost of the aircraft comes to around Rs 1,000 crore
IAFs C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
Acquired by India in 2010 from the US.
Used in a major show of stresngth against China when its troops pitched tents in
Ladakhs Daulat Beg Oldie sector in 2013.
Maximum load of 6 pallets or 74 litters or 16 CDS bundles or 92 combat troops or 64
paratroopers, or a combination of any of these up to the cargo compartment capacity
or maximum allowable weight.
Powered by four Rolls Royce AE2100 engines and Dowty six bladed props which
provide the aircraft with tremendous power.
Can fly at an altitude of 28,000 feet (8,615 meters) with the maximum payload of
42,000 pounds (19,090 kilograms) and has a top speed of 417 mph/362 ktas (Mach
0.59).
Range at maximum normal payload is 2,071 miles (1,800 nautical miles).
Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS) and an air-to-air receiver refueling
capability for extended range operations.
Could perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions.
Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in
hostile air defence environments
Third Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) 2014
March 28, 2014
The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) 2014 held at The Hague, Netherlands. In the third
edition of nuclear summit, 58 world leaders participated to enhance the global nuclear
security structure.
Objective: To prevent nuclear terrorism by reducing the amount of dangerous nuclear
material in the world, improving the security of all nuclear material and radioactive
sources and improving international cooperation.
Leaders of 35 countries
viz. Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy,Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the
Netherlands, Philippines, UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States of
America,Vietnam, etc, agreed to adopt the Nuclear Security Guidelines. These

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guidelines will bind and engage IAEA teams to assess the security of nuclear
materials.
Permit international experts to evaluate their security procedures for nuclear material. It
guarantees that security will be assessed on the basis of international standards and
ensures the effectiveness of the measures taken.
New guidelines of NSS 2014
Reduce the amount of dangerous nuclear material (highly enriched uranium and
plutonium) in the world that terrorists could use to make a nuclear weapon.
Improve the security of radioactive material (including low-enriched uranium) that can
be used to make a dirty bomb.
Improve the international exchange of information and international cooperation.
Keep the quantities of nuclear material as low as possible and to reduce them where
possible. Countries that use highly enriched uranium or plutonium as fuel for power
generation will limit the quantity involved as much as they can.
Also covers other radioactive materials viz. low-enriched uranium, cobalt-60, strontium-
90 and caesium-137. These materials have useful applications in hospitals industry,
research and can also be used with ordinary explosives to make a dirty bomb.
Note: The leaders of the countries refused to adopt the Nuclear Security Guidelines,
viz. China, Russia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Saudi
Arabia,Switzerland, Argentina, Thailand,
South Africa, Malaysia, Nigeria, Singapore,Egypt, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Jordan and
Gabon.
Indias spices export registered 41% increase in April-Dec 2013
March 28, 2014
As per the data released by the Spices Board at Kochi, the Indias spices export in
rupee terms registered an increase of 41% in the current financial year (April-Dec 2013).
The total volume of 1,93,625 tonnes seed spices valued at Rs.1,906 crore has been
exported against 1,09,067 tonnes valued at Rs.1,008 crore in the previous year.
Seed spice basket had registered 78 % increase in volume and 89 % in value.
Cumin registered a prominent increase of 89 % in volume and 83 % in value.
Mint and mint products viz. mint oils, menthol and menthol crystals topped the itemwise
list.
Value-added products viz. spice oils, oleoresins, etc, fetched Rs. 1,242 crore by
exporting 8,665 tonnes.
Pepper and cardamom (small) marked an increase of 41 % and 23 % respectively.
Note: Indian spices export is on course to touch $3 billion by 2016-17.
Internet transition to speedier Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)
March 28, 2014
The Internet transition from the current Internet Protocol IPv4 to the next-generation
Internet protocol IPv6 is set to speed up in 2014 as web addresses under the system
IPv4 come to an end. IPv6 addresses are longer and more complex than the familiar
192.168.0.1-style IPv4 addresses.

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Why the internet transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is taking place?
With the growth of the Internet, the number of unused IPv4 addresses will eventually run
out soon because every device viz. computers, smartphones, game consoles, etc, that
connects to the Internet requires an address. IPv4 provides only 4.3 billion addresses i.e.
not enough as the Internet continues to grow exponentially. The new Internet addressing
system Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is being deployed to fulfill the need for more
Internet addresses.
Switchover from IPv4 to IPv6 will bring about many changes viz. No more NAT
(Network Address Translation), Auto-configuration, No more private address collisions,
Better multicast routing, Simpler header format, Simplified, more efficient routing, True
quality of service (QoS), also called flow labeling, Built-in authentication and privacy
support, Flexible options and extensions, Easier administration, etc.
About Internet protocol (IP)
A protocol by which data is sent from one computer to another on the Internet.
Each computer (known as a host) on the Internet has at least one IP address that
uniquely identifies it from all other computers on the Internet.
Current versions of Internet Protocol (IP): IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)- Latest version of the Internet Protocol (IP)
Provides an identification and location system for computers on networks and routes
traffic across the Internet.
Address: 128-bit long written in hexadecimal and separated by colons.
More efficient and more secure than IPv4.
Provides for trillions of IP numbers or addresses.
Permit automatic setup and quality control.
IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
Fourth revision of the Internet Protocol (IP) used to identify devices on a network
through an addressing system.
Operates on a best effort delivery model, in that it does not guarantee delivery, nor
does it assure proper sequencing or avoidance of duplicate delivery.
Uses a 32-bit address scheme.
Provides only 4.3 billion addresses (i.e. not enough as the Internet continues to grow
exponentially.
Universal Account Number (UAN)- will be provided by EPFO from Oct 2014
March 28, 2014
The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) will provide permanent account
numbers to its over five crore subscribers from October, 2014.
EPFO is a statutory body of the Government of India under the Ministry of Labour and
Employment. It administers a compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme,
Pension Scheme and an Insurance Scheme. (Headquarters: New Delhi).
Permanent or Universal Account Number (UAN)
Purpose: To provide great relief to those workers in organized sector who frequently
change jobs, particularly, in the construction sector.

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Will facilitate subscribers to avoid filing Provident Fund (PF) account transfer claims on
changing jobs.
Subscriber would not be issued new PF account number on joining new employer.
The UAN would be one account number which would be allotted to a subscriber for
various schemes run by the EPFO for his or her entire service period with different
employers.
The roadmap for implementing the UAN programme will be prepared byCentre for
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
Benefit: UAN will help to reduce the workload of the EPFO to a great extent as it
receives over 12 lakh claims for transfer of PF account on changing of jobs by its
subscribers.
Note: The C-DAC is the premier research and development organization under the
Union Ministry of Communications & Information Technology for carrying out R&D in IT,
Electronics and associated areas.
Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020-Launched by WHO-India to protect
Vulnerable Rhinos
March 28, 2014
WHO-India launched Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020 programme to protect and
increase the population of the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis). IVR 2020 is
a partnership among the Government of Assam, the InternationalRhino Foundation, the
World Wide Fund for Nature, the Bodoland Territorial Council, and the U.S. Fish & World
Wildlife foundation.
Purpose: To attain a population of 3,000 wild one-horned rhinos in seven of Assams
protected areas by the year 2020.
Procedure to protect & increase the population of Rhinos
The horns of rhinos will be trimmed before their translocation to Laokhowa-Burachapori
Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaon district of the state.
The trimming will be done in a way that any damage is not done to their internal organs
and the trimmed horns will grow back to their original shape within four to five months.
This action of trimming will also protect them from the poachers, who hunt them just to
take away their horns.
Note: Rhinos are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species. To
achieve the targeted number, the programme needs an increase by 600 over the existing
population available in the state in next 8 years. It means an annual increase of about 3
%.
Jammu and Kashmir- First state to declare all Election booths as No
Smoking Zones
March 28, 2014
Jammu and Kashmir became the first state in the country to declare all election booths in
the Lok Sabha polls 2014 as no smoking zones. It will be mandatory for all election
booths to display the warning No Smoking Area Smoking here is an offence.
In reference to Section-4 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of

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Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and
Distribution) Act 2003 that prohibits smoking at all public places, the Chief Electoral
Officer declared all election booths as No-Smoking Zones.
Note: The directions were issued in the backdrop of a request made by the J&K
Voluntary Health Association.
WHO declared South-East Asia region polio-free
March 28, 2014
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared South-East Asia region as polio-free
region. The certification is being hailed as a historic milestone in the global fight to
eradicate the deadly virus. It came after, when WHO certifiedIndia officially polio-free
after the country went three years with no new cases of the illness.
India embarked on the programme to eradicate polio 19 years ago in 1995, when
the disease used to cripple more than 50,000 children in the country every year. Since
January 2011, India has been polio free nation.
Southeast Asia is the fourth of six WHO regions to officially eradicate the disease,
which means 80 % of the worlds population now lives in a polio-free area.
Other WHO Regions that are certified as polio-free: the Region of the Americas
(1994), the Western Pacific Region(2000) and the European Region (2002).
Though, the disease is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria andPakistan.
Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan have been free of the virus for more than 15 years.
Member states in the WHOs Southeast Asia Region: Bangladesh, Bhutan,
South Korea, India,Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and
Timor-Leste.
The polio-free tag does not mean the end of polio vaccination. Now, nations will have
to work towards introducing the injectable polio vaccine and the eventual phasing out
of oral polio vaccines.These countries will introduce a dose of IPV by the end of 2015
as part of their commitment to the global polio endgame plan which aims to ensure a
polio-free world by 2018.
Note: Polio- a viral disease that mainly affects children under five years old. The virus is
transmitted through contaminated food and water, and multiplies in the intestine. It can
then invade the nervous system, causing paralysis in one in every 200 infections.
Scientists discovered how to avoid a speeding ticket
March 27, 2014
The researchers from University of Leicester found that the drivers could escape
detection by driving so fast that their number plates would appear invisible to speed
cameras.
The car would need to be travelling at about 192 million km/ hr to make the number
plate invisible.
This speed equates to one sixth of the speed of light and no man-made vehicle is
capable of going anywhere near this speed.
The fastest man-made object the Helios Probe is only capable of travelling at one
five thousandth of the speed of light.

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Mechanism to avoid a speeding ticket
The calculations are based on the Doppler Effect the physical effect where the
frequencies of light or sound waves emanating from an object increase or decrease
when it moves towards or away from us.
With light, this process creates red shift where the frequency of light from an object
travelling away from the observer is shifted towards the red end of the colour spectrum.
The faster an object is travelling, the bigger the shift in frequency.
It would theoretically be possible for the light from a fast-moving car number plate to be
shifted out of the frequency range which speed cameras are able to detect.
Assumption: The camera would be able to detect a similar frequency range as the
human eye roughly 400 terahertz at the red end of the spectrum to 790 terahertz at
the violet end.
Generally, Car number plates are yellow ( frequency of around 515 terahertz).
To work out the necessary speed of the car for the number plate to be shifted past the
400 terahertz boundary of the visible spectrum, the researchers utilized the equation
used by astronomers to calculate how fast stars are travelling away from the Earth.
They found the car would need to be travelling at 53 million m/sec equal to one sixth of
the speed of light.
Note: The study published in the Journal of Physics Special Topics.
Kolkata- Worlds 7th most riskiest city
March 27, 2014
As per the Worlds Riskiest Cities 2014 report, Kolkata emerged as the worlds 7th
most risky city, the only entry from India, when it comes to being under threat from all
types of natural disasters.
Excerpts of the Worlds Riskiest Cities 2014 report
Based on Swiss Res risk modelling expertise and the latest hazard information.
Focus: On the most severe natural disasters confronting 616 of the worlds largest
urban areas and assesses the potential impact they have on local residents and the
wider economy.
Most risky city in the world for all types of natural disasters:Tokyo.
Manilla the second riskiest city followed by the Pearl River Delta inChina, Osaka,
Jakarta, Nagoya, Kolkata, Shanghai, Los Angeles and Tehran.
Storms endanger mostly urban areas on the coast. The danger of wind storms is most
acute in the metropolitan areas of eastern Asia.
Across the 616 cities assessed, river flooding poses a threat to over 379 million
residents. Over 283 million inhabitants could potentially be affected by earthquakes
and 157 million people are at risk from strong winds.
Winter storms in Europe:London (2.2 million), Paris (1.1 million), the Rhine-Ruhr area
in Germany (1.0 million) and Amsterdam- Rotterdam (0.9 million) are at top four spots.
For the first time in human history more people live in cities than in rural areas. The
United Nations expects 68% of the worlds population to be living in urban areas by 2050.
BofA-ML pricks poll bubble: Indias growth depends on global cycle

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March 27, 2014
As per the American brokerage Bank of America-Merrill Lynch (BofA-ML) report
titled, Will markets be third time lucky? Three big ifs: Polls, the El Nino, and the
dollar, the global economic cycle drives growth far more than who rules in India.
Excerpts of report Will markets be third time lucky? Three big ifs: Polls, the El
Nino, and the dollar
The BJP led NDA has a fighting chance in around 425 seats out of the 543 seats.
On Bihar, the entry of LJP in NDA fold is particularly sweet for BJP since LJP was part
of the NDA in 2002 before it left the alliance.
In both the past two Lok Sabha Elections (2004 & 2009), the market behaved
irrationally: in 2004 it lost 15.9 % even as growth was picking up and in 2009 it rallied
15 % on the result day just before growth began to fall.
On both the occasions, the market did not get the poll outcomes correctly.
The Indian market should look more at the global economic cycle and its impact
on growth than who rules in India after Lok Sabha Elections 2014.
Warned that after talking to over 20 equity and fixed income investors inSingapore, the
forex market players would be playing it safe and square off their positions before the
polls.
The real test for the investors will be impact of the three big ifs facing the country-the
polls, the El Nino and the US dollar.
Note: BofA-ML is the corporate and investment banking division of Bank of
America. (Headquarters: New York, United States & Founded: January 1, 2009).
WHO: Air pollution top environmental health risk
March 27, 2014
As per the new estimate of World Health Organization (WHO), Air pollution is the worlds
single largest environmental health risk that caused 7 million deaths in 2012, 80% of
which were from heart attacks and stroke.
Excerpts of the UN health agency World Health Organization (WHO) report
Air pollution ranges from cooking fires to auto fumes.
Biggest pollution-related killers: heart disease, stroke, pulmonary disease and lung
cancer.
Hardest-hit regions: Southeast Asia viz. India and Indonesia, and the Western
Pacific, ranging from China and South Korea to Japan and thePhilippines.
Indoor air pollution: The global death toll is 4.3 million deaths, caused by cooking
over coal, wood and biomass stoves.
Outdoor pollution: The global death toll is 3.7 million, with sources ranging from coal
heating fires to diesel engines.
Outdoor air pollution caused by car exhausts, power stations, emissions
from agriculture and industry, heating in peoples homes (Group 1 carcinogenic, a
cancer causing agent in the same category as tobacco smoke, UV radiation and
plutonium).
Note: Its first time, WHO has directed a link between air pollution and heart disease,

16
respiratory problems and cancer. The latest figures of 2012 are more than doubles from
the previous estimates of deaths caused by air pollution in 2008.
25th Arab summit 2014: Rejected Israel as Jewish state
March 27, 2014
The Arab Summit refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and condemned the
Israeli illegal settlements established on the Palestinian territories.
Highlights of 25th Arab Summit 2014
Took place in Kuwait city, Kuwait.
Spoke out against the Israels continued settlement activities and attempts to Judaise
Jerusalem and its violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque as void and contrary
to international law.
Stressed on the Arabs support to the Palestinian struggle and called on the UN
Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause.
To intensify all efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with its capital in
East Jerusalem and invited the UN Security Council to take the necessary steps to
resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict and end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian
territories and hold it responsible for the peace process failure.
Stressed on Arab solidarity with the Syrian people and their legitimate demands to live
in a state based on freedom and equality.
Invited the international community to put an end to the war in Syriaand eliminate the
suffering of the Syrian people.
About Arab League
Regional organization of Arab countries in and around North Africa, the Horn of Africa,
and Southwest Asia.
Official language: Arabic.
Administrative center:Cairo.
Represents 21 states and about 350 million people.
Objective: to draw closer the relations between memberStates and co-ordinate
collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to
consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries.
Soon, Kotak Mahindra Bank link current accounts to Twitter
March 27, 2014
The private lender bank, Kotak Mahindra launched a new current account product that
will enable the account holders to undertake 21 services viz. cheque book requisitioning,
checking last few transactions, etc, and using their Twitter accounts.
For the activity of listed service, the bank customers have to use the dedicated
hashtags (#).
The account christened Jifi, also involves a host of loyalty-based reward points
accrued from merchant transactions carried out using the account, referrals made and
sharing and commenting of tweets/updates.
The reward points, classified as transactional and social, can be redeemed for
discounts with select online merchants or also transfered to friends.

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The account can be opened by a self-invite either via Facebook or an e-mail, the bank
said, adding that existing account holders can also get a new account opened.
Note: The bank has integrated all their systems with their core banking software and can
seamlessly throw up the required result into the account holders Twitter handle as a
direct message.
RBI simplified foreign portfolio investment norms
March 27, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) simplified foreign portfolio investment norms by putting
in place an easier registration process and operating framework to attract inflows.
The portfolio investor registered in reference to SEBI guidelines is known byRegistered
Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI).
Registered Foreign Portfolio Investor (RFPI)
Purchase and sell shares and convertible debentures of Indian companies through a
registered broker on recognized stock exchanges in India as well as purchase shares
and convertible debentures, which are offered to public in terms of relevant SEBI
guidelines, it said.
Also acquire shares or convertible debentures in any bid for, or acquisition of,
securities in response to an offer for disinvestment of shares made by the Central
Government or any State government.
Would be eligible to invest in government securities and corporate debt, subject to
limits specified by the RBI and SEBI from time to time.
All investments made by that FII/QFI in line with the regulations prior to registration as
RFPI shall continue to be valid and taken into account for computation of aggregate
limit.
Might offer cash or foreign sovereign securities with AAA rating or corporate
bonds or domestic government securities, as collateral to the recognized stock
exchanges for their transactions in cash as well as derivative segment of the market.
Note: The existing portfolio investor class viz. Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) and
Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) registered with SEBI included under RFPI.
Historic MS-DOS and Word for Windows source code available to the public
March 27, 2014
The software giant, Microsoft released the source codes of MS-DOS and Word for
Windows in collaboration with the Computer History Museum (CHM) in Silicon Valley.
The source code from MS DOS 1.1 and 2.0, as well as Microsoft Word for
Windows 1.1a, is made public under a non-commercial license that forbids re-publication
elsewhere on the Web.
Purpose: To understand how software has evolved from primitive roots to become a
crucial part of our civilization.
These important pieces of source code and history will be preserved and
made available to the community for historical and technical scholarship.
Users can download the code for MS-DOS and Word for Windows from CHM Historical
source code series.

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MS-DOS secured Microsofts monopoly of the PC market for more than 20 years and
the massive success of Word for Windows would go on to cultivate Microsofts Office
suite, which has generated hundreds of billions of dollars for the company.
Both MS-DOS 1.1 and 2.0 are written in Assembly Language (ASM)and the Microsoft
Word for Windows 1.1a is written in C language.
These source codes will be helpful for the project work of university. We can hack the
code and then load it up in a Windows emulator but cant redistribute it.
About the Computer History Museum
Headquarters: Mountain View, California.
Non-profit organization: The worlds leading institution exploring the history of
computing and its ongoing impact on society.
Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computer history and is home to the
largest international collection of computing artifacts in the world, encompassing
computer hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, photographs and moving
images.
Note: The source codes are available for educational and non-commercial purposes
only.
Japanese architect Mr. Shigeru Ban won the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2014
March 27, 2014
The Japanese architecture, Mr. Shigeru Ban (56) won the Pritzker Architecture Prize
2014 for his unique approach in using materials viz. paper tubes, bamboo and shipping
containers.
About Mr. Shigeru Ban
Known for his creative and inexpensive designs for disaster relief shelters.
Purpose: To build an inexpensive and easy-to-construct-and- dismantle structures.
Designed a range of buildings to help victims of natural disasters and refugees in
places viz. Rwanda, Turkey, India, China, Haiti,Japan, etc.
Uses cardboard tubes to make temporary housing in disaster zones.
Notable work: the seven-storied wooden office-building in Zurich, and the church
made of cardboard tubes and colour glasses in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Pritzker Architecture Prize
Establish: 1979.
Awarded for: A career of achievement in the art of architecture.
Sponsor: Hyatt Foundation.
Prize: $100,000, a citation and a bronze medallion.
Note: Mr. Ban would be the seventh Japanese architect to receive the prize when it is
given away on June 13, 2014 in Amsterdam.
Malaysia Airlines MH370 incident
March 26, 2014
The Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared from air traffic control screens off
Malaysias east coast early on March 8, as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239
people on board.

19
As per the recent analysis of satellite data, Inmarsat and UK Air Accidents Investigation
Branch (AAIB) have concluded that flight MH370 ended in thesouthern Indian Ocean.
The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has resumed after weather
conditions in the southern Indian Ocean improved.
About Malaysia Airlines MH370 Flight Incident
Flight MH370 to Beijing took off from Kuala Lumpur.
It diverted from its planned flight path and contact between the plane and ground
controllers ceased less than an hour after take-off; no distress signal or message was
sent.
After the last contact with air traffic controllers, all on-board communications ceased
when the planes transponder was switched off.
Planes movements picked up by different countries military radar and satellites after
this, providing incomplete information about its course.
No debris from the Boeing 777-200ER has been recovered despite
aninternational search involving the navies and air forces of several Asian nations as
well as the United States.
Many countries viz.
A multinational search effort has focused on seas some 2,500km to the southwest of
the Australian city of Perth.
Now, sophisticated analysis of satellite data has narrowed down the search area but
this is still a vast area of the Indian Ocean.
Six countries viz. Australia, New Zealand, the US, Japan, China and South Korea are
sending aircraft or ships to the search area.
The reasons for the loss of the flight remain a mystery.
Nirbheek- Indias first gun for women
March 26, 2014
A 6-shot cylinder revolver, Nirbheek is the Indias first gun for women to defend
themselves. This 0.32 bore light weight revolver is designed and manufactured to give
tribute to December 2012 gang-rape victim Nirbhaya.
About Indias handgun for women Nirbheek
Manufacturer: Ordnance Factories Board, Kanpur.
Unit cost: Rs.122,360.00
Feed system: 6-shot Cylinder.
Weight: 525 g.
Length: 177.8 mm.
Uses .32 caliber bullets with an effective fire range of 50 ft.
Has a titanium-alloy body and wooden handle.
Designed by arms experts as an Indian hybrid of a Webley & Scott and Smith &
Wesson.
Bank of India (BoI) launched Instant Money Transfer (IMT) scheme
March 26, 2014
The Bank of India (BoI) launched an Instant Money Transfer (IMT) scheme and became

20
the first state-run lender to allow withdrawal of funds to individuals from its ATMs without
an account in the bank. In other words, the IMT scheme allowscustomers to withdraw
cash without using either debt card or credit cardat BoIs IMT-enabled ATMs.
Mechanism of Instant Money Transfer (IMT) scheme
Initiation by Sender for IMT: By providing receivers mobile number, four digits
sender code, the IMT amount and authorises the transaction from either banks ATM or
banks internet banking.
The sender provides receivers name, address and mobile number to the bank either
on SMS or Internet banking.
The receiver receives the notification of IMT on his mobile phone, along with a fourdigit
SMS Pin.
The sender separately communicates the four-digit sender code to the receiver.
After getting these two pieces of information, one from the sender and the other on
SMS, the receiver walks into the banks nearest IMT-enabled ATM and withdraws
cash by punching in the mobile number, sender code, and SMS Pin.
The receiver would receives partial details for cash withdrawal on his/ her mobile
phone and partial details by customer.
The sender will be charged of IMT fee of Rs 25 for every IMT transaction, he or
she issues to a receiver or beneficiary.
Monthly withdrawal limit prescribed for IMT transaction:Rs.25,000 for receiver,
and per transaction limit of Rs.10,000.
Instant Money Transfer (IMT)
An innovative domestic money remittance facility.
Purpose: To extend the services across banks branches, so that the IMT sent from
the account-holder of one bank, can be withdrawn from other bank ATM.
Allows the customer to send money to a receiver only by using the receivers mobile
number through the banks ATM and retail internet banking facility.
The receiver can withdraw money from a Bank of Indias ATM without using a card.
The facility can be initiated by the banks customer over banks ATM and retail
Internet banking.
Can also be cancelled by the sender before its expiry and withdrawal.
From the date of issue, valid for 14 days only. After 14 days the transaction expires
and the sender is credited back with the IMT amount.
Deadly Ebola Virus detected in Guinea
March 26, 2014
The deadly Ebola virus detected in the samples of a viral hemorrhagic fever that has
killed more than 50 people in the West African nation of Guinea marked the first ever
human outbreak of the disease in the country. There are fears that the virus may have
been spread across the border into Sierra Leone. UNICEF has set up Doctors without
Borders in Gueckedou to try to stop the disease from spreading.
At present, Guinea is also grappling with epidemics of measles, cholera and meningitis.
And an outbreak of deadly epidemic Ebola can be devastating for the country, as they

21
have weak medical infrastructure.
About deadly Ebola virus (EBOV)
Order: Mononegavirales.
Family: Filoviridae.
Genus: Ebolavirus.
Causes an extremely severe disease in humans and in nonhuman primates in the form
of viral hemorrhagic fever.
Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever and one of the most
virulent viral diseases known to humankind.
Distinct strains of the Ebola virus:Bundibugyo, Ivory Coast, Reston,Sudan and
Zaire.
Transmission to humans can come from wild animals or from direct contact from
infected human blood, feces or sweat, or by sexual contact and the unprotected
handling of contaminated corpses.
Signs and symptoms: Severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and
diarrhea. Then, organs shut down, causing unstoppable bleeding.
Between two and 21 days after becoming infected, patients begin to feel weak and
experience headaches, muscle aches and chills. They lose their appetite and feel
lethargic, suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea. A so-called
hemorrhagic fever sets in, accompanied by severe internal bleeding. This condition
affects the gastrointestinal tract, spleen and lungs, eventually leading to the death.
The virus is called a molecular shark in health publications.
According to the World Health Organization, the deadly fever has a fatality rate of up to
90 %.
No cure or vaccine for the virus.
Occurs mostly in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical
rainforests.
Note: The only way to limit the possibility of infection and an epidemic of this deadly
disease is to take preventative measures. These include establishing hygiene practices in
hospitals, wearing protective latex gloves and having adequate quarantine measures in
place.
Ukraine crisis 2014: G8 Summit in Russia cancelled
March 26, 2014
The US and top economic powers have cancelled the G8 Summit to build pressure
on Russia against its military action in Ukraine.
The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the US, the
President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission took
the decision in The Hague that the G8 Summit scheduled in Sochi in June, 2014 would
be replaced by a G7 meeting in Brussels, without Russian involvement.
The G-7 countries stated that they will suspend their participation in the G-8 until Russia
changes course and the environment comes back to where the G-8 is able to have a
meaningful discussion.

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Note:Russia was added to the G7 club of the US, Japan, Germany, Italy, France,
Canada and Britain in 1999 as a reward for choosing the path of democracy after the
collapse of Communism.
Mr. Govind Mishra selected for Saraswati Samman 2013
March 26, 2014
The renowned Hindi author, Mr. Govind Mishra will receive Sarawasti Samman 2013 for
his book Dhool Paudho Par published in 2008. The award would make Mr.
Mishra the second Hindi author to receive the honour after noted Indian poet
Mr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan.
About Saraswati Samman
Establish: 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
Cash Price: Rs 10 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
Annual award for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any Indian language
listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India.
Note: In 1991, Mr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan became the first Hindi author to receive
the Saraswati Samman for his autobiography in four volumes.
MoD got EC nod for appointment of new Navy chief
March 25, 2014
The Election Commission gave its nod to the Ministry of Defense (MoD) for the
appointment of the new Navy chief. The permission was sought by the MoD in view of the
Model Code of Conduct in force for the Lok Sabha elections.
Selection process of Indian Naval Chief: The Defense Ministry shortlists a list of at
least three candidates. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by the
Prime Minister will select the most suitable person. Other members of the ACC: Defense
Minister and Minister of Department of Personnel.
Note: The Indian Naval Chief Admiral DK Joshis tenure would have normally ended in
2015, but he resigned in the wake of submarine INS Sindhuratna accident on February,
2014. Vice Admiral RK Dhowan took over as the Acting Chief till regular Naval Chief is
appointed.
SC directed Centre to withdraw all orders making Aadhar mandatory for any service
March 25, 2014
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to withdraw all
orders that makes the Aadhaar card mandatory for availing any service and also
directed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) not to share any information
pertaining to an Aadhaar card holder with any government agency without the prior
permission of the card holder.
The apex court stated that the project not only violates the right to privacy but the
biometrics, which is the foundation of the project, is an unreliable and untested
technology.
Note: The Justice BS Chauhan bench gave their ruling on the petitions that challenged
the Constitutional validity of Aadhaar card with those opposing the mega project saying it
was not backed by any statute and compromises with national security.
Study: Cosmic inflation no longer theory

23
March 25, 2014
The scientists from the Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization 2
(BICEP2 )found out the primordial gravitational waves, the first direct evidence
of cosmic inflation theory. The data represent the first images of gravitational waves, or
ripples in space-time. These waves have been described as the first tremors of the Big
Bang. The data highlights a deep connection between quantum mechanics and general
relativity.
Purpose: To find a residual marker for inflation the idea that the cosmos
experienced
an exponential growth spurt in its first trillionth, of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second.
About the BICEP2 study on cosmic inflation
Experimental Location: South Poles dry atmosphere (one of the driest and
clearest locations on Earth, perfect for observing the faint microwaves from the Big
Bang).
Studied the 13.5 billion-year old residual energy of the Big Bang called the Cosmic
Microwave Background (CMB).
Purpose: To detect gravitational waves, as these waves are of purely gravitational
energy capable of stretching or squeezing the space-time continuum.
Gravitational waves squeeze space as they travel, and this squeezing produces a
distinct pattern in the cosmic microwave background. Gravitational waves have a
handedness, much like light waves, and can have left- and right-handed
polarizations.
Detected a B-mode polarization signal i.e. considerably stronger than many
cosmologists expected.
The swirly B-mode pattern is a unique signature of gravitational waves because of
their handedness. This is the first direct image of gravitational waves across the
primordial sky.
Scientists analyzed their data for more than three years in an effort to rule out any
errors. They also considered whether dust in our galaxy could produce the observed
pattern, but the data suggest this is highly unlikely.
Outcome: The study opened the door for physicists to explore a unified theory of
nature in new light.
In other words, in theory, this swirling polarization pattern could only be created from
gravitational waves. And that is what BICEP2 found.
Key terms:
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): A field of microwave radiation that
permeates the universe. It consists of electric (E) andmagnetic (B) fields, called
modes.
B-mode: A twisting or curl pattern in the polarized orientations of the ancient light
Cosmic inflation: The expansion of space in the early universe at a rate much faster
than the speed of light.
Cosmic inflation indicates that the universe expanded at many times the speed of

24
light a fraction of a second just after the Big Bang. These newly-discovered
gravitational waves are ripples in space-time buried deep in the cosmic microwave
background radiation, ancient light that permeated the known universe 380,000 years
after the universe came into existence.
Note: BICEP2 is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF also runs the
South Pole Station where BICEP2 and the other telescopes used in this work are located.
Aditya Puri committee recommendation: Give customers a free copy of credit profile
March 25, 2014
As per the Aditya Puri committee recommendations, customers should be given a free
copy of their credit profile as it would help in promoting financial discipline among loan
seekers.
Excerpts of the recommendations made by Puri committee
Headed by Aditya Puri (Chairman of HDFC Bank).
Recently submitted report of the Committee to recommend Data Format for
Furnishing of Credit Information to Credit Information Companies (CICs) to RBI.
On issues relating to credit information viz. increasing its coverage, format of reports
and best practices to be followed by credit institutions, Credit Information Companies
(CICs) and the RBI.
Provide customers with a free copy of their Credit Information Reports (CIRs) that
would help to create awareness about the need to have credit discipline, enable
customers to correct their behaviour and improve their score well before they plan to
avail fresh credit of any kind.
Help to detect identity theft at an early stage.
Low usage of credit information by member institutions and other specified users
needs to be addressed by requiring CICs to populate their databases with requisite
credit information so that enquiries by specified users yield desired information
Reduce the information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers and provides a
fillip to the growth of credit especially among the disadvantaged sections of society.
Use common data formats and a common data quality index that could assist credit
institutions in determining the gaps in data.
CICs should have a common classification of credit scores so they are easier to
understand and interpret.
Stuart Oliver won first edition of Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship
March 25, 2014
The British racer, Mr. Stuart Oliver won the Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing
Championship (Indias first truck racing championship) at the BuddhInternational Circuit,
Greater Noida. Mr. Oliver represented Castrol Vecton teamin the race and took
30:26.848 minutes to complete 15 laps of the 2.5 km loop on the 5.1 km-long track.
About T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship
Two races: a 5-lap Sprint Race and a 15-lap Main Race.
Champion Award granted to the winning driver on the basis on combined points from
both the races.
The Team Championship was awarded on the basis of the combined scores of the two

25
drivers of the respective teams from both the races.
The series used 12 heavily-modified Tata Prima trucks having 370 horsepower and
reaching a top speed of 110 km/hr.
Top three winners: Stuart Oliver (Castrol) , Mathew Summerfield (Cummins) and
Dave Jenkins (Tata Technologies).
Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership- Anil Shastris book launched by Dalai
Lama
March 25, 2014
The Tibetian spiritual leader Dalai Lama launched a book on the life of Former Prime
Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in New Delhi. The book titled Lal Bahadur Shastri:
Lessons in Leadership is a biographical account co-authored by former PMs son Anil
Shastri and columnist Pavan Choudhary.
Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of the Republic ofIndia and a
leader of the Indian National Congress party. He led his life with great simplicity and
honesty and was a great source of inspiration for all the countrymen.
About the book Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership
Highlights the rich values and principles of Former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri which may
have moral lessons for masses.
And also his exemplary leadership that helped the nation to overcome challenges viz.
the acute food shortage, social unrest, hostile neighbors, etc.
Contains an account of how Former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri handled questions of
governance and politics even as he dealt with crises viz. the 1965 war with Pakistan.
Note: The slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Honor the Soldier, Honor the Farmer) was
given by our honorable PM Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Kirti Chakra gallantry awards 2014
March 25, 2014
The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented
gallantry awards todefense personnel for their distinguished services at Rashtrapati
Bhavan in NewDelhi.
Kirti Chakra awards: Lt Commander Abhilash Tomy, Major Mahesh Kumar andWing
Commander Darryl Castelino.
Wing Commander Darryl Castelino: Awarded posthumously for his role in operation
Rahat in Uttarakhand where his chopper crashed with 20 personnel on board after he
had helped in rescuing lives of more than 80 people.
Major Mahesh Kumar (Punjab Regiment): Awarded for his gallant acts in
counterinsurgency
operations in Jammu and Kashmir where he killed 4 terrorists in three
separate incidents.
Caption Abhilash Tomy: Awarded for completing world voyage on his sail ship nonstop
and without any external support in 151 days.
Param Vishist seva medals (15): Lt Gen Ashok Singh of Infantary, Air Marshal
Jaswinder Singh Chauhan of Air Force and Vice Admiral Niranjan Kumar Nadella, etc.

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Two Uttam Yudh seva medals and 10 Shaurya Chakra awards were also conferred
to the defence personnel.
Note: Kirti Chakra is the second highest peace time gallantry award i.e. awarded for
valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle.
RBI: Unclaimed bank money to be used for depositors education
March 25, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to utilize unclaimed bank deposits that are
estimated at Rs. 3,650 crore for education and awareness of depositors. The apex
bank has announced the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme,
2014 for this purpose.
What are unclaimed bank deposits that to be credited for fund?
The amounts to be credited to the Fund shall be the credit balance in any deposit
account maintained with banks which have not been operated upon for ten years or
more, or any amount remaining unclaimed for ten years or more.
Deposit accounts viz. savings bank deposit accounts, fixed or term deposit accounts,
recurring deposit accounts and current deposit accounts.
Any amount payable in foreign currency under an instrument or a transaction that has
remained unclaimed for 10 years or more.
In case of demand from a customer or depositor whose unclaimed amount/deposit had
been transferred to the fund, banks shall repay the customer/depositor, along with
interest if applicable.
Note: RBI stated that the fund would be utilized for promotion of depositors interest by
imparting necessary education and awareness about the bankingsector.
Environmentalist Ms. Almitra Patel
March 24, 2014
Environmentalist Ms. Almitra Patel is the member of Supreme Court Committeefor Solid
Waste Management of India. She has a very strong technical background and
experience in several engineering fields, good para-medical knowledge and on a wide
variety of pollution-related issues.
About Ms. Patels work in the field of environment & solid waste management
practices
Honorary Tree Warden for Karnataka.
Founder Member of Swabhimana.
Fought a successful battle against poor solid waste managementand filed a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) to force the Union Government to put in place effective solid
waste management rules in the country.
Designed and supervised construction of 41 low-cost homes, 22 poultry sheds and 2
large school buildings.
Designed and built a gender-friendly low-cost toilet to prevent blockage of sewers.
Convener, INTACH Waste Network.
Honorary Advisor / supporter / mentor of numerous students, entrepreneurs,
individuals and NGOs in the fields of Environment, Solid Waste Management and

27
Waste Water Management.
Award(s): Economic Times Achiever of the Year for Environment in Karnataka,
Golden Jubilee Award for Environment from Bangalore City Corpn, Kempegowda
Award-winner for Environment, etc.
Publications: Vacuum Concrete, Track Down Your Induction Furnace Lining
Problems, Strategies for Slum Free cities : A Discussion Paper, etc.
Note: Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 2000apply to
every municipal authority that would be responsible for the collection, segregation,
processing, transportation and disposal of solid waste.
GEAC revalidated 10-GM crops for field trails
March 24, 2014
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) revalidated the field trials for
10 varieties of Genetically Modified (GM) food crops viz. wheat, rice, maize, cotton,
sorghum, etc.
The panel has allowed multi-national seed companies viz. Mahyco, BASF India and
Monsanto India to go ahead with wider or phase-II field trials for these genetically
modified crops.
The companies desiring to go for confined field trials will have to approved first by the
respective State governments because agricultureis a State subject under
Constitutional provision.
Revalidation of GM crops varieties was required due to the lapse of validity period on
account of State governments not allowing field trial.
The GEAC had given its clearance in those 10 cases way back in 2011 and 2012.
Functions of Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)
To permit the use of GMOs and products thereof for commercial applications.
To adopt producers for restriction or prohibition, production, sale, import & use of
GMOs both for research and applications under EPA.
To approve for conduct of large scale field trials, evaluation of large scale field trial data
and final approval for release of transgenic crop in to the environment.
To authorize large scale production and release of GMOs and productsthereof into the
environment.
To authorize agencies or persons to have powers to take punitive actions under the
EPA.
Note: The committee under the chairmanship of additional secretary in theMinistry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF) Mr. Hem Pande did not take decision on any new
cases in its meeting on Friday. It will meet again on April 25, 2014 to take a call on 70
fresh applications.
Ukraine crisis2014: EU signed pact with Ukraine as crisis with Russia continues
March 24, 2014
The European Union leaders signed an agreement with Ukraine, forging closer economic
and political ties, as the crisis with Russia continues. The EU Association Agreement with
Ukraine is designed to give the countrys interim leadership under PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk
economic and political support.

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Key elements of the pact: to foster core reforms and economic growth, co-operation in
energy and environment protection, sustainable development, to enhance foreign and
security policy, respect for human rights, etc.
Govt. sold 9% stake in Axis Bank via SUUTI & raised Rs. 5500 crore
March 24, 2014
The Central Government sold 42.26 million shares or 9 % of Axis Banks share capital
through a trust fund, Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India(SUUTI), by a
block deal in a price range of Rs.1,313-1,341 per share.
Purpose: To garner over Rs.5, 500 crore through the sale of 4.2 crore shares or 9 %
stake.
The SUUTI hold 20.72 % stake in the bank, offloaded 9 % shareholding through
multiple block deals (i.e. largely took place on the Bombay Stock Exchange) and raised
around Rs 5,603 crore by selling Axis Bank stake at Rs 1,334 a share.
After this stake sale, SUUTI will have a lock-in period of six-month, which means
SUUTI cant sell stake in Axis Bank for six months after this block deal.
Bankers for the deal: J P Morgan, Citigroup Global Markets and JM Financial.
Block deal: A trade with a minimum quantity of 5 lakh shares or minimum value of Rs.5
crore executed through a single transaction on this separate window of the stock
exchange.
Outcome of Axis Bank stake sale held through SUUTI
The government raised Rs.5,557 crore i.e. nearly doubles the budgeted amount of Rs
3,000 crore.
LIC has emerged as the single largest investor picking up over 85 lakh shares for an
estimated 1,116 crore.
Other major buyers of the shares viz. Citigroup Global MarketsMauritius, Goldman
Sachs Singapore, etc.
The stake sale in Axis Bank was a part of divestment programme of the government
in FY14. It is second biggest divestment in FY14 by governmentafter IOC stake sale
on March 14, 2014. The government garnered Rs 5,340 crore by selling 5 % stake each
in IOC to ONGC and Oil India at Rs 220 a share through off-market transaction.
Note: Axis Bank is the third largest private sector bank of India in whichGovernment of
India holds 20.7 % share by assets. The share sale is part of the governments
campaign to raise revenues and meet its revised fiscal deficit target of 4.6 % of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) in the financial year ending on March 31, 2014.
RBI Deputy Governor KC Chakrabarty gave early resignation
March 24, 2014
Dr. Kamalesh Chandra Chakrabarty (62), the Deputy Governor of RBI, resigned from
the post against his scheduled term end, due to his personal reasons. His term was
scheduled to end on June 30, 2014.
Mr. Chaktabarty is also the Chairman of the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran and
also heads the Advisory Committee of College of Agricultural Banking (CAB).
About Mr. KC Chakrabarty
First RBI top official to quit before retirement in the last two decades.

29
Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for a three-year term on June 15, 2009 and was
subsequently given a two-year extension. His extended term was to come to end
on June 15, 2014.
Known for his strong views on use of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) as a tool for
monetary management, was involved in verbal duel last year with the then SBI
Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri, who wanted its abolition.
Current portfolio at RBI: Secretarys Department, Department of Banking
Supervision, Financial Stability Unit, Human Resource Management Department,
Rajbhasha Department, Department of Currency Management, Deposit Insurance and
Credit Guarantee Corporation, Customer Service Department and the Rural Planning
and Credit Department.
RBIs nominee on the Financial Stability Board. (FSB- a global body established to
develop and promote implementation of effective regulatory, supervisory and other
financial sector policies).
Previous jobs: Worked in Bank of Baroda, Chairman of the Indian Bank and
then Punjab National Bank before being appointed as Deputy Governor of RBI.
Gyan Correa bagged the Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013
March 24, 2014
The debutant director of Gujarati movie The Good Road, Mr. Gyan Correa has been
selected for the 17th Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013. The award would be
presented to the winners on August 12, 2014 in Chennai.
Gollapudi Srinivas National Award
Instituted in memory of late Gollapudi Srinivasa, who died while directing his first film
Prema Pustakam (Book of Love) on August 12, 1992.
Cash Prize: Rs.1.50 lakh and a memento.
Note: Gujarati movie The Good Roadis the first ever Gujarati film selected to
represent India at the Oscars and also won the Best Gujarati film award at the 60th
National Film Award.
Indian Journalist Mr. Shubranshu Choudhary won Google Digital Activism Award 2014 for
regional
news service
March 24, 2014
Indian Journalist Mr. Shubhranshu Choudhary won the Google Digital Activism
Award 2014 in Barbican Centre in London for his work in using mobile phones to bring
local news to remote Indian regions in their native language i.e. known by CGNet Swara
(Voice of Chhattisgarh).
CGNet Swara (Voice of Chhattisgarh)
A mobile-phone service that allows Indian citizens to report on local issues as well as
listen to other reports in their language using basic or feature phones.
Empowers tribals in Chhattisgarh and connects them to the world outside by using
various digital means.
Voice-based portal freely accessible via mobile phone.
Launched as part of the Knight International Journalism Fellowships, a programme

30
of the International Centre for Journalists.
About Mr. Choudhary
A Knight International Journalism Fellow.
Founded a hyper local mobile news platform CGNet Swara in 2004 in Chhattisgarh
state.
Previously, worked with BBC and Guardian and was also a reporter at the Hindi-daily
Deshbandhu.
Note: The Google Digital Activism Award is a part of the Index Freedom of
Expression Awards, organized by London-based international organisation Index on
Censorship, recognises the bravest journalists, artists and activists from around the
world in four diverse categories: advocacy, arts, digital activism and journalism.
G D Birla award for scientific research 2013: Physicist Prof. Rajesh Gopakumar
March 24, 2014
Physicist Prof. Rajesh Gopakumar (46) to be honoured with 23rd G D Birla award for
scientific research for 2013. At present, Mr. Gopakumar working as a theoritical
physicist at Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad and has made important
contributions on topics in quantum field theory and string theory.
About G D Birla award for scientific research
Established: 1991 K K Birla Foundation to recognise significant scientific research
undertaken by Indian scientists below the age of 50, working in India.
Cash Prize: Rs. 1.5 lakh and a citation.
Tata Power And Wipro Emerged As Most Ethical Companies in India
March 24, 2014
As per the study of Ethisphere Institute (USA), Wipro Limited and Tata
Power Company emerged as the only Indian entities in the 2014 list of Worlds Most
Ethical Companies.
2014 Worlds Most Ethical (WME) Companies
Assessment is based on the Ethisphere Institutes Ethics Quotient
framework. Ethisphere that has prepared a list of 144 companies of different sectors
viz. Aerospace and Defense, Agriculture, Automotive,Banking, Computer Services,
Chemicals, Electronics, etc.
Key categories that are taken into account while scoring the companies: Ethics
and compliance programme (25%), reputation, leadership and innovation (20%),
governance (10%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (25%) and culture of ethics
(20%).
Only three Indian global firms that are headed by an India-origin individuals are in
the list viz. Satya Nadella-led software giant Microsoft Corporation, Indra Nooyi-led
beverages company PepsiCo and Shantanu Narayen-led software major Adobe
Systems.
Indian Entities: Wipro Limited and Tata Power. (Wipro and Tata Steel also
bagged the 2012 and 2013 list of WME companies).
Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Google, etc, are in the list.

31
WME honorees not only promote ethical business standards and practices internally,
they exceed legal compliance minimums and shape future industry standards by
introducing best practices today.
Provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather
than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics.
Note: The Ethisphere Institute is an independent center of research, best practices and
thought leadership that promotes best practices in corporate ethics and compliance and
enables organizations to improve governance, mitigate risk and enhance relationships
with employees, business partners, investors and the broad regulatory community.
Scientists develop an artificial heart
March 23, 2014
The scientists from the Harvard Medical School, Boston developed an artificial heart
that can beat in animals. This discovery could be helpful in repairing damaged hearts
enabling millions of people around the world live longer, healthier lives.
Steps taken by scientists to develop artificial heart that beats in animals
In order to develop the artificial heart similar to natural heart, scientists developed a
new family of hydrogel using a stretchy human protein known astropoelastin.
Led by Dr. Ali Khademhosseini of the HarvardMedicalSchool.
Hydrogel are natural protein that are soft and contain a lot of water viz. human tissues.
They can be tuned to attain chemical, biological, mechanical and electrical properties
which are essential for regeneration of any human tissue.
Though, existent hydrogel did not have the needed elasticity as the natural human
heart has.
In order to overcome this, the scientists used a stretchy human protein
called tropoelastin to give the newly developed hydrogel the much needed resilience
and strength that is important in keeping intact the elasticity of the natural heart.
After developing the hydrogel, then scientists developed the artificial cells.
To make sure the cells form the right structure, scientists used 3-D printing and micro
engineering techniques to create patterns in the gels. These patterns coax the cells
to grow the way the researchers want them to.
These newly developed hydrogel are micro patterned and elastic and can be further
used as cardiac patches.
This elastic natural hydrogel can be used for the regeneration of other tissues
viz. blood vessels, skeletal muscle, heart valves and vascularized skin.
Note: At present, the best treatment option for patients with major heart damage is an
organ transplant.
HSP90- New molecule discovered to kill malaria parasite without harming human red
blood cells
March 23, 2014
The researchers from the University of Geneva discovered a new molecule HSP90 (Heat
Shock Protein 90) that could be effective for the treatment of malaria. HSP90 has the
potential to kill malaria parasite without harming human red blood cells.
Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to

32
humans by the Anopheles mosquito. It is preventable and treatable disease.
Parasite species that cause malaria in humans: Plasmodium falciparum and
Plasmodium vivax.
The most severe form of malaria is caused by infection withPlasmodium
falciparum. The eradication of this parasite is even more difficult as it becomes
resistant to treatments.
About the newly-discovered molecule HSP90 (Heat Shock Protein 90)
Led by Didier Picard from the University of Geneva (UNIGE),Switzerland.
Purpose: To determine if there was a difference between the human form and the
parasitic form of HSP90 that could exploit for therapeutic purposes.
Used ultra-sophisticated computerized modelling tools to characterise the various
tri-dimensional conformations of the parasites HSP90.
A chaperone protein that assists other proteins to fold properly, stabilizes proteins
against heat stress and aids in protein degradation.
Stabilizes a number of proteins required for tumor growth (thats why, Hsp90 inhibitors
are investigated as anti-cancer drugs).
Plays a central role for several factors involved in the life cycle, survival and
resistance of the pathogen.
Participates in the maturation of the pathogen in human red blood cells.
During high fever protects parasitic proteins in the plasmodium.
Capable of binding inhibitory substances, completely absent in its human alter ego.
Capable to kill the parasites viz. Plasmodium falciparum, etc,without affecting the
infected red blood cells.
Note: The study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
5 Indian languages reinstated in S. African schools curriculum
March 23, 2014
The South African government reestablished the five Indian languages as official subjects
in state-run schools, which were removed from the official curriculum in South African
state schools in 1994.
Five Indian Languages that are reinstated: Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Telugu and Urdu.
Initially, these languages will be offered as an optional third language for learners only
in KwaZulu-Natal province, where about 70% of the Indian-origin population resides.
The classes of these languages will be recognized as official subjects up to matric
level (the final year of the schooling system in the country).
Though, the subjects will only be offered at schools where the number of learners
makes it a viable option to hire specialist teachers in the language concerned.
Note: The five Indian languages Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Telugu and Urdu alongside Arabic
are referred as Eastern languages.
U.S. India Energy Dialogue 2014 to advance clean energy access: Promoting Energy
Access
through Clean Energy (PEACE)
March 23, 2014
India and the USA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a joint

33
implementation committee to regularly monitor and boost the PEACE (Promoting
Energy Access through Clean Energy) initiative in New Delhi. This new initiative
PEACE was launched in 2013 under the India-US Energy Dialogue.
Objective: To harness commercial enterprise to bring clean energy access to un-served
and underserved Indian villages, capture lessons learned, and develop best practices.
Reliable and cost-effective off-grid clean energy solutions can significantly improve the
quality of life and economic conditions in rural households and communities.
Focus Areas of Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE)
Sharing best practices and institutional and other approaches.
Finance.
Technology innovation, standards, testing, and certification.
Skill development and information sharing.
Under the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue 2014, both the Governments finalized an
initial plan of activities viz.
To create a new PACEsetter fund to support the development of early-stage,
innovative clean energy solutions for un-served and underserved populations in India.
To cooperate on a study to recommend the design of a smart micro-grid pilot to test
and validate a business model for scaling up smart micro-grids commercially.
Will work with stakeholders to develop a quality assurance framework, including
control standards and performance benchmarks, that can serve consumers better in
terms of safety, reliability, performance and cost comparison, and facilitate the delivery
of high quality products to the market.
Off-Grid Alliance: To establish an alliance of businesses, not-for-profit organizations,
and government to strengthen Indias off-grid ecosystem, bring existing efforts to scale,
and attract new businesses and commercial enterprises.
Note: The implementation of PEACE will be under the New Technology and Renewable
Energy (NTRE) Working Group of the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue.
Lok Sabha election 2014: EC ropes in Aamir Khan as national icon
March 23, 2014
The Election Commission signed up Bollywood actor Aamir Khan as its national icon in
the run-up to 2014 Lok Sabha poll. Aamir Khan will spread awareness about the
importance of voting and will urge people to cast their votes.
Purpose: To encourage more and more people to vote in the General Elections 2014.
Mr. Khan joined the league of four other national icon Indiancricket team captain
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, boxer MC Mary Kom,badminton ace Saina Nehwal and former
President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Note: The national icons will reach out to people through programmes viz. systematic
voter education and electoral participation (SVEEP) that ims at increasing voter turnout
as also quality of electoral participation in terms of informed and ethical voting.
RBI extended 80:20 scheme to import gold to five private banks
March 23, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the 80:20 schemes to import gold to five

34
private banks.
Under RBI 80:20 scheme
Banks have been allowed to import gold:HDFC Bank, Axis Bank,Kotak Mahindra
Bank, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank.
Objective: To make easy on inward consignment of the gold.
Nominated agencies could import gold with a condition that 80% kept for domestic use
and 20% of the consignment will be exported.
Does not require any simplification of exports of gold in the past three years by these
private banks.
These five private banks can import gold within prescribed limits.
Allowed more banks to import gold and it will raise consignments up to 40 tonnes per
month 70 tonnes per month India used to send.
Previously, only 6 banks and 3 state-run trading agencies were allowed to import gold
provided that each had simplified export of gold in past 3 years. .
Note: After oil import, Gold import is the 2nd biggest import that had pushed the current
account deficit (CAD) to a record high in the last year.
Hockey to become 60-minute game from Sept. 1, 2014
March 23, 2014
To make hockey exciting and viewer-friendly, the International Hockey Federation
(FIH) introduced major changes in the structure of the sport viz.reduced the 70-minute
game to 60 minutes, comprising four 15-minute quarters instead of two 35-minute
halves. After the first and third quarters there will be a two-minute break while the existing
10-minute half-time will remain unchanged.
New format of Hockey
Purpose: To improve the flow and intensity of hockey, increase fan experience and
provide more time for game presentation and analysis.
Played in 4-quarter format.
Match duration: 60 minutes 4 quarters: Each quarter will be of 15 minutes.
40 sec timeout: After penalty corner awarded and after a goal scored.
Two-minute breaks: After the first and third quarters. The existing 10-minute half time
will remain unchanged.
Commentators will be allowed more time to provide analysis between plays.
Additionally, coaches and players will see improvement in their performance with the
additional opportunities to re-hydrate and re-strategise.
The new regulations will come into effect from September 1, 2014.
Will be used in the upcoming Champions Trophy, World League Round 2, World
League Semi-Final and Final, all continental Olympic qualifying events as well as the
2016 Rio Olympics.
The new format would make the game faster and more exciting while allowing organizers
and broadcasters to develop more engaging fan experiences, both at the venue, on TV
and online.
Note: The four-quarter model has been tried and implemented by both the Euro Hockey
League and the Hockey India League.

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Study: Sea Anemone is genetically half-animal and half-plant
March 23, 2014
The scientists from the University of Vienna discovered that sea anemones,the
waterdwelling
predatory creatures, are technically half plant and half animal. Before this
research, sea anemones are classified as animals.
As per the new research, Sea Anemones
An oddball: half-plant and half-animal (at least when it comes to its genetic code).
Sea creatures genes look more like those of animals, but the regulatory code that
determines whether those genes are expressed resembles that in plants.
More similar to plants rather to vertebrates or insects in their regulation of gene
expression by short regulatory RNAs called microRNAs.
Shows a complex landscape of gene regulatory elements similar to the fruit fly or other
model animals.
This suggests that this principle of complex gene regulation was already present in the
common ancestor of human, fly and sea anemone some 600 million years ago.
In other words, the study shows that the sea anemone shows a genomic landscape
surprisingly similar to human genome, but also displays regulatory mechanisms similar to
plants.
About Sea Anemone
Kingdom: Animalia.
Phylum: Cnidaria.
Class: Anthozoa.
Bright colours and daisy-like shape.
Flowers of the sea. Despite their pretty looks, they are predatory animals, using their
stinging tentacles to catch their prey.
Life span: Approx 60-80 years.
Note: The study published Tuesday in the journal Genome Research.
India Human Development Survey (IHDS) 2011-12
March 23, 2014
As per the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) survey, 4 out of 10 women in
India still have no say in their marriage, 8 out of 10 need permission to visit a doctor, 6
out of 10 practise some form of head covering and the average Indian household gives
over Rs.30,000 in dowry.
Excerpts of the latest data of India Human Development Survey (IHDS)2011-12
Sample size: 42,000 households.
Covers economic data on income and expenditure, development data
on education and health, and sociological data on caste, gender andreligion.
Average wedding expense: Groom: Rs 81,952, Bride Rs 1,26,724.
Average dowry: Rs.30, 000.
Marriage: 48% women (over 25) were married before age 18 (as opposed to 60% in
2004-5) and 59% women (over 25) with any say in marriage.
Around 41% of women still have no say in their marriage.

36
Say in marriage: Best states: Tamil Nadu (94%), Assam (90%), AP and Kerala
86%, Worst States: Rajasthan (20%), UP(24%), MP &Orissa- 29%.
Mean age at marriage - 17.8.
Knew their husband before marriage (over 25): 18%.
Woman practice head/face covering: Highest: Rajasthan 96%,Bihar
91%, Haryana & MP 88%, Lowest: T.N 6%, AP 13%, North east 15%.
81% women need permission to visit doctor.
60% of women, including 59% of forward caste Hindus and 83% of Muslim women,
practice some form of `purdah or `ghunghat.
Most expensive weddings: Kerala & Delhi.
The practice of marrying a cousin or relative, more common in the south than the north,
is becoming less common, but over 20% inAndhra Pradesh and Karnataka still marry
relatives.
About India Human Development Survey (IHDS)
Conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
Largest household survey. (After the governments Nation Sample Survey Organization
(NSSO) surveys.
NCAER is the only independent body that conducts such large-sample panel surveys.
Outcome of the survey: The data shows that with the growing level of education,
urbanization and women empowerment programme the condition of women is slightly
improving in the society.
Ekhon Nedekha Nadir Xipaare- Assamese thriller film bagged Audience Choice Award
2014 in
North Carolina film festival
March 23, 2014
The Assamese thriller movie, Ekhon Nedekha Nadir Xipaare (also known as As the
river flows) bagged the Audience Choice Award 2014 in North Carolina film festival.
The film has also been selected for the upcoming 14th annual New York Indian Film
Festival North Americas oldest and most prestigious destination for feature films,
documentaries, and shorts from and about the Indian subcontinent to be held from May
5-10, 2014.
About the Assamese movie Ekhon Nedekha Nadir Xipaare
Writer & Director: Bidyut Kotoky.
Produced by: National Film Development Corporation of India.
Starring Actors: Sanjay Suri, Bidita Bag, Victor Banerjee, Nakul Vaid, Raj Zutshi,
Naved Aslam and Preeti Jhangiani.
Inspired by the kidnapping of activist Sanjoy Ghosh, who was first abducted in 1997
from the island Majuli in Assam supposed to be by the United Liberation Front of Asom
(ULFA) and subsequently killed.
The movie is a socio-political Assamese thriller set in the river island of Majuli.
Ukraine crisis 2014: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaty to make Crimea part
of Russia
March 23, 2014

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Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Crimea signed a treaty in
Moscow to make Crimea part of Russia again. Though, Mr. Putin stated that he has no
plan to seize any other regions of Ukraine.
As per the resolution approved by the new republics legislature, Crimea has also
decided to switch to Russian time by moving the clock forward two hours by March 30,
2014.
Though, peninsula will keep the existing Ukrainian budget and tax codes until Crimea
formulates its own related regulations.
About newly-proclaimed Republic of Crimea
Formerly known as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Capital:Simferopol.
Official languages: Russian, Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian.
Prime Minister of Crimea: Sergey Aksyonov.
Officially currency: Russian Ruble (though, Ukrainian Hryvnias will continue to
circulate till January 2016).
Elections to the government bodies of Crimea and Sevastopol shall be conducted on
September, 2015. Till then, current Parliament of Crimea and the Council of Ministers
of Crimea along with the Legislative Assembly of the city of Sevastopol will continue
their work.
Ukrainian citizens and non citizens permanently living in Crimea and Sevastopol will
automatically be recognized as Russian unless they express their wish to maintain
their current citizenship within a month.
Note: After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Crimea stayed with Ukraine in 1991 as
the Republic of Crimea before Ukraine later changed its name as
theAutonomous Republic of Crimea.
Ukraine crisis 2014: Russia suspended from G-8 Countries Club over its incursion into
Crimea
March 23, 2014
The Group of Eight countries have suspended Russia from elite club of world powers
amid heightened tensions over Ukraine and Russias incursion into Crimea.
Despite this suspension of Russia from G8 Nations list, the US and European Union
also announced new sanctions against Moscow over its actions in the
CrimeanPeninsula.
The Group of Seven nations (worlds leading industrial democracies) suspended
preparations for a G-8 summit that Russia is scheduled to host in June in Sochi.
Note: Despite strong international objections, Russian President Vladimir
Putin approved a draft bill for the annexation of Crimea, one of a flurry of steps to
formally take over the Black Sea peninsula.
Ms Aditi Khanna became first women President of Indian Journalists Association
March 23, 2014
Ms. Aditi Khanna became the first women President of Indian Journalists Association
(IJA) in London. At present, Ms. Khanna is the London correspondent for Press Trust

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of India.
Apart from Ms. Khanna, Ms. Rupanjana Dutta appointed as the general secretary of
Indian Journalists Association (IJA). Presently, Ms. Dutta is an associate editor of
Asian Business Publications Ltd.
Note: Indian Journalists Association (IJA) established in May 1947.
US FDIC sued 16 world largest banks for manipulating LIBOR rates
March 23, 2014
The US regulator, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) filed a law-suit on 16
worlds largest banks, as these global financial institutions are accuse of conspiring to
manipulate the LIBOR interest rate.
The US regulator stated that the manipulation caused substantial losses to 38 US banks
that were shut down due to insolvency during and after the 2008 financial crisis.
These global financial institutions broke certain swap contracts and separately planed
to rig the LIBOR rate to which the contracts were signed.
Banks that have been sued in setting the daily Libor rate: Bank of America,
Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase of the United States,Germanys Deutsche Bank and
WestLB, Britains HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds banks, Japans Norinchukin Bank and
Bank of TokyoMitsubishi, Credit Suisse and UBS of Switzerland, Royal Bank
ofScotland, Royal Bank of Canada, and Rabobank of the Netherlands.
About LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) interest rate
The rate at which banks in London lend money to each other for the short-term in a
particular currency. In other words, its an interest rate at which banks can borrow
funds, in marketable size, from other banks in the London interbank market.
Worlds most widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates.
A new Libor rate is calculated every morning by financial data firm Thomson Reuters
based on interest rates provided by members of the British Bankers Association.
Note: FDIC is an independent agency created by the U.S. Congress to maintain stability
and public confidence in the nations financial system by insuring deposits, examining
and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness and consumer protection
and managing receiverships. (Headquarters:Washington, D.C.).
RBI cautioned banks to protect ATMs and systems as Windows XP support ends on April
8, 2014
March 23, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned banks to take immediate steps to
implement appropriate systems and controls if their systems and ATMs are still working
on Windows XP, as Microsoft will stop issuing updates and patches for bugs in its
Windows XP operating system (OS) from April 8, 2014.
If the updates and patches for bugs are stopped, then the probability of attacks on
systems based on Windows XP OS may increase and it may be difficult to defend such
attacks in the absence of Microsoft support.
Potential risks users will face as staying with Windows XP after April 8, 2014
After the deadline, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support

39
for Windows XP then the potential risks users face are
Security: Without critical Windows XP security updates, our PC may become
vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal
or damage our business data and information.
Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Support: Many software vendors will no
longer support their products running on Windows XP as they are unable to receive
Windows XP updates. For example, the new Office takes advantage of the modern
Windows and will not run on Windows XP.
Hardware Manufacturer support: Most PC hardware manufacturers will stop
supporting Windows XP on existing and new hardware. This will also mean that drivers
required to run Windows XP on new hardware may not be available.
Note: The customers and partners will have to migrate to a modern operating system viz.
Windows 8.1 to receive regular security updates to protect their computer from
malicious attacks. It will enhance security, broad device choice for a mobile workforce,
higher user productivity, and a lower total cost of ownership through improved
management capabilities.
Lok Sabha elections 2014: EC issued detailed guidelines for political ads on social
networking sites
March 23, 2014
In a bid to curb paid news in the Lok Sabha elections 2014, the Election
Commission issued detailed guidelines to social networking sites on posting of election
related matters. The guidelines will be applicable to a range of Internet-based social
media viz. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, etc.
As per the Election Commission guidelines, the social networking sites have
To maintain expenditure incurred by the political parties and individual candidates on
advertisements so that they can be produced to the Commission when requested for.
To ensure that contents displayed by them during the electoral process was not
unlawful or malicious or violative of the model code of conduct.
To get the approval and then publish the election advertisements. To obtain certificate
for contents of political advertisements before putting them in public domain. If unlawful
comments are present, violating the rule, the EC would take action to remove them.
In other words, the content managers of social networking sites have to make sure that
candidates do not post anything violative of the model code of conduct.
Note: The guidelines are issued as part of the ECs efforts to address the problem of paid
news.
RBI hiked trade related remittance limit from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.5 lakh per transaction
March 22, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hiked the trade related remittance limit from Rs.2
lakh to Rs.5 lakh per transaction with immediate effect and also increased the number
of transaction handled by exchange houses. The hike in per transaction is on the review
of the permitted transactions under the Rupee Drawing Arrangements (RDAs). These
changes have been included in the Memorandum of Instructions for Opening and
Maintenance of Rupee/ Foreign Currency Vostro Accounts of Non-resident Exchange

40
Houses.
Note: Vostro account (also known as a loro account) is one in which the domestic bank
acts as custodian or manages the account of a foreign counterpart.
Mr. Nandan Nilekani resigned as UIDAI chairman
March 22, 2014
Mr. Nandan Nilekani resigned as chairman of Unique Identification Authority
of India (UIDAI) and formally joined Congress. Infosys co-founder Mr. Nilekani will
contest Lok Sabhapolls from Bangalore. Mr. Nandan Nilekani declared that his and wife
Rohinis assets were worth Rs.7,700 crore
Note: Bangalore South has been a hostile terrain for Congress which had been tasting
defeat since the late 1970s, barring in 1989 when former chief minister late R. Gundu
Rao had won.
DoT issued new guidelines to tackle the threats of Cyber attack
March 22, 2014
Under the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued guidelines to tackle the threats of cyber
attacks and hacking of websites.
As per new guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), all
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Must adopt new security measures for those using fixed-line broadband. The ISPs
must advise customers to take necessary precautions to protect modems from
malware attacks and hacking attempts.
Must assist customers to change the default password of Asymmetric Digital
Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem to a strong password at the time of installation of
modem to avoid unauthorized access to modem. (At present, the ADSL modems are
supplied by vendors with default set up of user ID and password as admin. The
password is normally installed by broadband service providers).
Should disable protocol ports on the modems which otherwise may be used as hacking
points to plant malwares.
Tell their customers to check their online daily usage, and if any unexpected high
usage of data is noticed, they may bring it to the notice of the ISP concerned.
Must implement all the guidelines by May 2014 to ensure security of almost 1.5 crore
fixed-line broadband users.
Consumers should also upgrade to latest firmware or software and ISPs should
disseminate the message to customers at the time of installation and at regular intervals.
Alongside, customers should also be advised to switch off their modem when not in use.
Note: An ADSL modem is a version of the regular DSL modem, that gives higher
download but lower upload speeds.
SIPRI: India is the worlds largest arms importer
March 22, 2014
As per the report published by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRI), India become the worlds largest arms importer over 2004-13

41
and its import of weapon systems is three times more than Pakistan andChina.
As per the report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Indian imports of major weapons rose by 111% in the last five years compared to
2004-08. Its share of total global arms imports increased from 7 to 14%.
Worlds total arms sales had increased by 14 % from 2009 to 2013.
Worlds top five Global arms importers: India (14%), China (5%), Pakistan (5%), the
United Arab Emirates (4%) and Saudi Arabia (4%).
Major suppliers of arms to India in 2009-13: Russia (accounting for 75% of imports)
and the US (7%).
Worlds top five Global arms suppliers between 2009 and 2013:the United States
(29 % of global exports), Russia (27%), Germany (7 %), China (6 %) and France (5%).
Imports by European nations decreased by 25 % between 2004-2008 and 2009-13.
Britain was the largest importer of major weapons in Europe (received 12 % of
deliveries), followed by Azerbaijan (12 %) and Greece (11 %).
Arms exports to Africa between 2004-08 and 2009-13 jumped 53 per cent. The three
largest importers in the region were Algeria, Moroccoand Sudan.
Note: SIPRI is an independent international institute in Sweden i.e. dedicated to research
into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. It provides data, analysis and
recommendations, based on open source, to policymakers, researchers, media and the
interested public.
The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database
The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database contains information on all international transfers of
major weapons (including sales, gifts and production under licence) to states,
international organizations and armed non-state groups since 1950. It is the only publicly
available resource providing consistent data on arms transfers for this length of time.
The database can be used to track transfers of major weapons and to answer such
questions as:
Who are the main suppliers and recipients of major weapons?
How have relations between different suppliers and recipients changed over time?
Where do countries in conflict get their weapons?
How do states implement their export control regulations?
Where are potentially destabilizing build-ups of weapons occurring today?
What major weapons have been exported or imported?

The trend in international transfers of major weapons, 19502013
(Source: www.sipri.org)

The 10 largest exporters of major weapons and their main clients, 2009
13 (Source: www.sipri.org)

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Changes in major arms exports since 20042008 by the 10 largest exporters in

The 10 largest importers of major weapons and their main suppliers, 2009

Rani-ki-Vav and GHNP nominated by India for UNESCOs World Heritage Site Status
2014
March 21, 2014
India nominated Rani-ki-Vav and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
forUNESCOs World Heritage Site Status for 2014. The World Heritage Committeewill
convene in Doha, Qatar, in June 2014 to review the nomination and take a final decision.
Process to confirm World Heritage status
Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention and pledged to protect
their natural and cultural heritage, can submit nomination proposals for properties on their
territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCOs World Heritage List.
The nomination process for selecting World Heritage site:
Tentative List: Countries create an inventory of potential monuments and natural sites
and include them in the Tentative List.
The Nomination File: The concern department in particular country selects a few sites
and nominates them for final inscription, every year to the World Heritage centre. The
centre sends it to the Advisory bodies, the International Council on Monuments and
Sites (ICOMOS) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) for evaluation mandate by
the World Heritage Convention.
Advisory Bodies: UNESCO appoints advisory committees to evaluate the
nominations.
World Heritage Committee: Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, the
intergovernmental World Heritage Committee meets to decide which sites will be
inscribed on the World Heritage list.
About Rani-ki-Vav
Location: Patan, Gujarat.
Constructed by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty.
The 11th century stepwell and is one of the finest examples of stepwells in Gujarat.
The well is subterranean structure with a series of steps, board landings, pavilions and
sculpted walls which provides access to water in deep water. It is of seven storeys with
five exist and there are more than 800 elaborate sculptures which are survived. This is
a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.
About Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP)
Location: Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh.

43
Established: 1984 and declared as National Park in 1999.
Area: 452 sq mi.
Known for its biodiversity and has more than 25 forest types, 800 kinds of plants and is
home to more than 180 bird species.
Habitat to numerous flora and more than 375 fauna species that comprises nearly
around 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and
127 insects.
Indian soldiers of World War I to be honoured by UK
March 21, 2014
The United Kingdom (UK) will honour the Indian soldiers, who participated in World War-I
(WW-I) as part of British India, through a series of events to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the conflict of World War I that was started in 1914.
Events will be organised in the UK, India and around the world and will see the
participation of representatives from every country whose soldiers took part in the
historic war. The tribute will include publication of regimental diaries.
To commemorate Indian involvement in the war that began in 1914, the British High
Commission in India and the Delhi-based United Service Institute of India would hold
events.
In the World War I, about 10-lakh Indian soldiers had fought on behalf of the British
empire and over 70,000 Indian servicemen died.
About World War I (1914-1918)
A global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November
1918. At the start of the war, these were the major players (more countries joined the war
later):
Allied Forces (a.k.a. the Allies):France, the United Kingdom andRussia.
Central Powers:Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Result of the First World War
Allied victory.
End of the German, Russian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires.
Formation of new countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Transfer of German colonies and regions of the former Ottoman Empire to other
powers.
Establishment of the League of Nations.
ATP Indian Wells 2014: Novak Djokovic won BNP Paribas Open by defeating Roger
Federer
March 21, 2014
The World No.2 Tennis player, Novak Djokovic won the BNP Paribas Open
singles title 2014 by defeating Roger Federer by 3-6, 6-3,7-6 in California.
Other winners of BNP Paribas Open 2014
Womens singles title: Flavia Pennetta (Italy) defeated Agnieszka Radwanska
(Poland) by 6-2, 6-1.
Womens doubles title: Hsieh Su-Wei (Chinese Taipei) & Peng Shuai (China) defeated

44
Cara Black (Zimbabwe) and Sania Mirza (India) by 7-6(5), 6-2.
Mens doubles title: United States pair Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan defeated Alexander
Peya (Austria) & Bruno Soares (Brazil) by 64, 63.
Note: The Indian Wells Masters, also known by its current sponsored name the
BNP Paribas Open, is an annual tennis tournament held in Indian Wells, California,
United States.
HR 5171 A- the largest ever yellow hypergiant star discovered
March 21, 2014
The astronomers of Oliver Chesneau of the Cote dAzur Observatory (Nice,France)
discovered the largest Yellow star HR 5171 A in our Milky way Galaxy.
Technique used by astronomers: Interferometry that helps to combine the light
collected from multiple individual telescopes, effectively creates a giant telescope up to
140 metres in size.
About HR 5171 A star
Also known as V766 Centauri, HD 119796 and HIP 67261.
A yellow hypergiant star in the constellation Centaurus.
Observed by the European Southern Observatorys (ESO) Very Large Telescope
Interferometer (VLTI).
About 12,000 light-years away from Earth and can be visible to the naked eye in the
nighttime sky.
1,300 times wider and 1,000,000 times brighter than Sun.
50 times bigger than red supergiant Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation.
The star is in a binary system by studying the data contributed by several observatories
and determined the system as an eclipsing binary star system with the smaller
companion star orbiting the larger V766 Centauri once every 1300 days.
This new discovery highlights the importance of studying these huge and short-lived
yellow hypergiants, and could provide a means of understanding the evolutionary
processes of massive stars in general.
Note: Yellow hypergiants are extremely rare and approximately a dozen are known to
exist in the Milky Way. In general, they are very unstable because of the stage of their
life. The most well-known is Rho Cassiopeiae in the Cassiopeia constellation.
ESPNcricinfo Awards 2013: Sachin Tendulkar- Cricketer of the Generation
March 21, 2014
Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has been voted the cricketer of the
generation by a 50-member jury of current and former cricketers and journalists. The
award is meant to honour themost outstanding cricketer between the years 1993 and
2013.
The award ceremony was organized in Mumbai to also mark the 20th anniversary
celebrations for the cricket website.
Winners of ESPNcricinfo Award 2013
Test batting award: Shikhar Dhawan (India) for his rollicking 187 on debut
against Australia in Mohali in 2013.

45
ODI bowling award: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) (he won in the same category for 2009).
Test bowling title: Mitchell Johnson (Australia).
Debutant of the Year (new category): Mohammed Shami (India) who took 17 wickets
in his four Tests in 2013, and 30 ODI wickets.
Contribution to Cricket Award: Mr. Tarak Sinha (head coach of the Sonnet Cricket
Club in Delhi).
Cricket for Good award: Rahul Dravid (India) for his mentorship of junior and
paralympic athletes in India in his association with the GoSports Foundation.
Statsguru Award: South Africans AB de Villiers (South Africa) and Dale Steyn (South
Africa).
Batsman of the Year, Best Test Batsman, and Most Consistent Batsman: AB de
Villiers (South Africa).
Bowler of the Year and the Best Test Bowler: Dale Steyn (South Africa).
Note: The ESPNcricinfo Awards 2013 recognized the best individual performances in
cricket, in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20. The winners are voted on by an independent jury
of former cricketers, commentators and ESPNcricinfos senior writers. This was the 7th
edition of the ESPNcricinfo Awards.
Great Eared Nightjar spotted first time in Kollams Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
March 21, 2014
As per the annual bird survey at theShendurney Wildlife
Sanctuary, a brood of the highly elusive nocturnal forest bird, the Great Eared Nightjar
was spotted first time in Kollam, Kerala. Earlier, it was recorded from the Siruvani foothills
in Tamil Nadu in May 1995.
(The Great Eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis bourdilloni) belongs to the nightjar
family. It gets its name from the two erect earlike tufts of feathers on its head, behind the
eyes).
About the Kollams Bird survey at Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Led by the team of the nature lovers forum Warblers and Waders.
For the survey, the sanctuary was divided into six sub-divisions viz. Kattilappara,
Kallar-Rockwood, Umayar, Rosemala, Dharbhakulam, and Pandimotta.
194 bird species were recorded.
Objective: To update the checklist of birds in the sanctuary and study their status,
abundance, and distribution in different habitats.
Noteworthy bird species recorded viz. Painted Bush Quail, Sri Lankan Frogmouth,
White-Bellied Black Woodpecker, Great Indian Pied Hornbill, Black Baza, Blue-
Bearded Bee-eater, Red-Winged Crested Cuckoo, Great-eared Nightjar, Lesser
Fishing Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Booted Warbler, Blue Rock Thrush, Malay
Bittern, Brown Fish Owl, Black-capped Kingfisher, Thick-billed Warbler, Speckled
Piculet, Wayanad Laughing Thrush, and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
Highest bird presence of 124 species was recorded at Kattillappara and the lowest of
51 at Dharbhakulam.
Important birds recorded during previous surveys but absent this time were the Osprey,

46
Lesser Coucal, Long-tailed Nightjar, Grey Heron, and the Hair Crested Drongo.
Note: The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary ( established in 1984 and located in Kollam
District, Kerala) is rich in biodiversity and the Warblers and Waders has been conducting
bird surveys there in association with the Kerala Forest Department since 1995. It is a
protected area in the Western Ghats, India and comes under the control of
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
RapiDot Diagnostic Kit developed by Indian researchers to detect virus in shrimps
March 21, 2014
The Mangalore-based College of Fisheries developed a
diagnostic kit for the detection of white spot virus in shrimps. The technology developed
with funding assistance from the Department ofBiotechnology, Ministry of Science and
Technology, New Delhi.
About RapiDot Diagnostic Kit
This time tested technology developed by the Department of Aquaculture of the college.
Based on monoclonal antibody activity (preparing clones of the antibody or cells that
are released by the body when the virus enters), and is considered to be a pioneering
work.
This farmer-level kit is ideal for diagnosis and will cost farmers Rs.40-50.
Within five minutes of placing the sample on the cassette of the kit, thedisease can be
detected.
It is 100 100 x sensitive and 20 times cheaper than I step PCR test.
The kit can be preserved for four months in a refrigerator.
White spot diseases cause an estimated loss of Rs.500 crores to the
shrimp culture industry in India.
At present, the test developed by the Japanese costs Rs.400.
To help farmers on a large scale, the technology transferred to a French multinational
company, Virbac Animal Health Care.
Note: Shrimp is a small shellfish that has a long body and legs and that is eaten as food.
Mr. Khushwant Singh: Noted writer & journalist passed away
March 20, 2014
Prolific author and journalist Mr. Khushwant Singh (99) passed away due to
cardiac arrest in New Delhi. He was best known for his trenchant secularism, his humour,
and an abiding love for poetry.
About Mr. Khushwant Singh
Born: February 2, 1915 in Hadali, British India (current Sargodha District, Pakistan)
Founder editor of Yojana from 1951-1953.
Member of the Rajya Sabha (1980 to 1986).
Award(s): Rockfeller Grant, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya academy
fellowship award, etc.
Books: Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale, Delhi, AHistory of the
Sikhs, etc.
Also wrote autobiography, Truth, Love and a Little Malice that was published by
Penguin Books in 2002.

47
Editor of several literary and news magazines, viz. The Illustrated Weekly of India, The
Hindustan Times and The National Herald, etc.
Union Government mulls to build 200 low cost airports
March 19, 2014
The Government of India (GoI) announced to build 200 low cost airports in the next 20
years.
Objective: To expand connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Benefit: The development of low-frills airports will significantly reduce the cost of
operations.
Plan of Aviation ministry: To build 15 Greenfield airports, beside constructing lowcost
airports.
The Airports Authority of India has plans to invest Rs.1,500 crore for developing
nonmetro
airports.
At present, the non-metro airports accounts for just around 30 % of the countrys total
air traffic, but the percentage is expected to jump to 45 % within the next few years.
Note: The Union Government also planned to invest over $120 billion in the
development of airport infrastructure , improvement in connecting infrastructure ,
development of world class air navigation services infrastructure and other related
activities to improve the air connectivity.
Indian firm VNLs solar-powered WorldGSM mobile tower architecture launched in
Ghana to deliver
affordable services in villages
March 19, 2014
The Indian telecom equipment-maker, Vihaan Networks Ltd (VNL) launched its
solarpowered
WorldGSM mobile tower architecture, an environment-friendly and costeffective
mobile system, to deliver affordable services in villages.
Objective: To promote access to electronic services viz. broadcasting, the Internet,
multimedia service and basic telephony in unserved areas of rural Ghana
This innovative green mobile tower solution is very useful in Africa, particularly in
villages and remote locations.
About Vihaan Networks Ltd (VNL)
Objective: To provide mobile services to rural communities in the developing world.
Founded: 2005.
Based in Gurgaon, India and Kista, Sweden.
Provide eco-friendly, cost-effective service in villages.
Their WorldGSM technology is the first micro-telecom application, a complete GSM
system optimized for the massive rural opportunity.
Note: WorldGSM runs exclusively on solar power and requires no diesel generator
backup. It is also designed for simple delivery and deployment by local, untrained
workers all resulting in zero OPEX, dramatically lower CAPEX, and near zero

48
maintenance.
Former SC judge Mr. BN Srikrishna appointed as chairman of Financial Planning
Standards Board
India (FPSB)
March 19, 2014
Retired Supreme Court judge, Mr. BN Srikrishna appointed as
the Chairman of Financial Planning Standards BoardIndia (FPSB). He succeeded
Mr. Dhirendra Swarup.
About Mr. BN Srikrishna
Retired Supreme Court Judge.
Served as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court.
Also served as the Chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
(FSLRC) and headed the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
Note: FPSB India is a public-private enterprise and a professional standards setting body
that proactively guides development and promotion of standards for financial planning
professionals to benefit and protect the public. (Founded: 2005
& Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra).
Sahitya Akademi Award 2013
March 19, 2014
The President of Sahitya Akademi, Dr.Viswanath Prasad Tiwari presented prestigious
Sahitya Akademi Award 2013 at the annual Festival of Letters in New Delhi.
Sahitya Akademi Award 2013 to
Famous poets: Rabindra Sarkar (Assamese), Subodh Sarkar (Bengali), Anil Boro
(Bodo), Sitaram Sapolia (Dogri), Chinu Modi (Gujarati), Ambika Dutt (Rajasthani),
Radhakant Thakur (Sanskrit), Arjun Charan Hembram (Santali), Namdev Tarachandani
(Sindhi) andJaved Akhtar (Urdu) .
Novelists: Mridula Garg (Hindi),Manmohan (Punjabi) and R.N. Joe D Cruz (Tamil).
Renowned film maker Dr. Makhonmani Mongsaba.
Books of essays: C.N.Ramachandran (Kannada), Tukaram Rama Shet (Konkani),
Satish Kalasekar (Marathi), and Katyayani Vidmahe(Telugu).
Books of short stories: Temsula Ao (English) and Mohi-ud- Din Reshi (Kashmiri).
Travelogues: Makhonmani Mongsaba (Manipuri) and Man Bahadur Pradhan (Nepali).
M.N.Paloor (Malayalam) for his autobiography, Sureshwar Jha (Maithili) for his
memoirs and Bijoy Misra (Odia) for his play.
Note: Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor in India to recognize and promote
excellence in Indian writing and also acknowledge new trends.
Airbus launched new subsidiary Airbus India
March 19, 2014
The French company Airbus launched its wholly owned subsidiary in Indiacalled Airbus
India.
About Airbus India
Fifth country subsidiary outside Europe for the Airbus.
Objective: To restructure the Airbus operations in India and consolidate it to tap the

49
growing Indian aviation market.
Will include strategy, customer services and procurement teams under one
organization.
Would also set up customer centres in Delhi and Mumbai.
New Chief Executive Officer: Mr. Srinivasan Dwarakanath.
Chairman: Mr. Charles Champion.
Would manage the companys Indian footprint spread across several sites.
Plan to set up a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability.
Note: Airbus is the worlds leading commercial aircraft manufacturer and is owned by the
Airbus Group and has subsidiaries in the United States, India, Japan andChina.
SC to Law Commission: Regulate provocative speeches
March 19, 2014
The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Law Commission to look into the issue of hate
speeches being made by leaders of political, social and religious outfits and consider
framing guidelines to regulate such provocative statements.
The justice BS Chauhan bench directed the Law commission to draft guidelines
regarding hate speeches by politicians before elections and give its recommendation to
the Union Government.
The apex court passed an order on a PIL filed by an NGO, Pravasi Bhalai
Sangathan, alleging that there is a need for guidelines as hate speeches destroy the
fabric of democracy and violate the provisions of the Constitution.
The PIL had named Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh as respondents as the two
states witnessed incidents of alleged hate speeches. It had referred to the alleged hate
speeches made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Chief Raj Thackeray and claimed
that no FIR was registered against them in the state.
The PIL stated that in Andhra Pradesh, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader
Akbaruddin Owaisi had allegedly made hate speeches and was arrested for them.
Though, after being released on bail, he had again made similar speeches in Nanded,
Maharashtra, it alleged.
Karnataka won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2013-14
March 18, 2014
Karnataka won the Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy 2013-14 by defeating Railwaysby four
wickets at the EdenGardens in Kolkata. For the first time, Karnataka won the Vijay
Hazare trophy. Its Karnatakas hat-trick title, as they already won the Ranji Trophy and
Irani Trohy in this season (2014).
Note: Vijay Hazare Trophy, also known as the Ranji One Day Trophy, was started in
200203 as a limited-over domestic competition involving state teams from the Ranji
Trophy plates. It is named after the famous Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare.
SBI Life Insurance to appeal against the order of IRDA to refund Rs.275 crore
March 18, 2014
The Private sector life insurer, SBI Life Insurance would appeal against the order of
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to refund Rs.275 crore to the
policy holders of Dhanaraksha Plus Limited Premium Paying Term(LPPT), a group

50
insurance policy.
Why IRDA directed SBI Life Insurance to refund Rs.275.29 crore to policy holders within
six months?
The insurance regulator, IRDA charged SBI Life of violation of various norms by
misselling
the policy and payment of higher commission to agents. The order was issued
after an enquiry that disclosed SBI Life Insurance was charging the second year premium
along with the first year premium on its Dhanaraksha Plus Limited Premium Paying Term
(LPPT).
IRDA spotted that 99.99 % of the total premium procured under the LPPT product was
sourced by corporate agents of the life insurer belonging to SBI Group. The insurer has
paid 40 % of first year premium as first year commission and 7.5 % of second years
premium as second year commission.
Though, the single premium version of product been offered to the policy holders, the
actual commission payable would have been only 2 %.
Thus, it can be concluded that the large scale sale of LPPT as single premium
payment policy has only facilitated higher commission payments to insurance
intermediaries involved who are predominantly SBI and its associate banks.
It relates to polices issued during FY9, FY10 and FY11.
Thus, IRDA directed SBI Life Insurance to refund Rs.275.29 crore to policy holders
within six months, as the amount was collected from them in violation of norms.
Note: SBI Life Insurance is a joint venture between countrys biggest lender, State Bank
of India (SBI) and BNP Paribas Cardif.
Assam and Nagaland became first States to get Plastic Photo Identity Card
March 18, 2014
Nagaland and Assam will be the first two states to be issued plastic Electors Photo
Identity Card (EPIC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The new plastic EPICs have
many scientific features viz. a hologram with coded details of the voter to prevent
duplication, forging and tampering.
Plastic Photo Identity Card will be issued through common service center of Union
Governments Information Technology department.
The Election Commission (EC) The Election Commission (EC) declared the most
expenditure sensitive states in the country:Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjaband Tamil Nadu.
And also set-up flying squad, static surveillance team and election expenditure
monitoring committees to curb the use of money power during elections.
Note: Currently, voters using laminated Photo Identity Card for voting purpose which was
not secure as well. It could be easily cloned and tampered but PVC is quite difficult to
tamper and cloned, even it is very handy
EC sets up multi-agency grid to curb use of black money in polls
March 18, 2014
The Election Commission set up a multi-agency grid of revenue and security intelligence

51
agencies to curb the use of black money in Lok Sabha and assembly polls.
The intelligence agencies include the officials from income tax intelligence and
investigations, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence,
Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau and the security
forces of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Border Security Force (BSF), CISF and the
Railway Protection Force.
The officials-in-charge of intelligence in these respective departments will meet twice a
week at the EC headquarters (Nirvachan Sadan) to update it about suspected financial
movements.
These agencies will compile their respective information in a standard format so that
the poll panel is updated about the use of illegal money and other inducements in the
polls.
After these meetings, a comprehensive report would be prepared shared with the
respective Chief Electoral Offices of various states and UnionTerritories.
Additionally, the intelligence wing of the BSF will track the movement of cash, fake
currency and drugs from the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders while the same would be
done by the SSB along the Nepal and Bhutan borders.
Presidents Standard and Colours Award to 112 Helicopter Unit & No. 4 Base Repair
Depot
March 18, 2014
The President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian defense forces, Mr.
Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious Presidents Standard to 112 Helicopter Unit
and Presidents Colours to No. 4 Base Repair Depot of Indian Air Force at
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Winners:
Standard Award: Wing Commander Manish Sharma, Commanding Officer of 112
Helicopter Unit.
Colour Award: Group Captain S Shrinivas Commanding Officer of 4 Base Repair
Depot (BRD).
The Presidents Standard is awarded to operational Units and Colours are awarded to
non-flying formations based on their past record and achievements during peace as well
as hostilities.
The Bangalore-based 112 Helicopter Unit is a premier training establishment for
pilots, flight engineers and gunners. The Unit had been awarded with the two Vir
Chakras, one Yudh Seva Medal and two Vayusena Medals.
The 4 BRD specializes in repairing and overhauling turbo-jet aero engines. The 4 BRD
has been awarded with five Vishisht Seva Medals and numerous commendations.
Note:Presidents standard and colours Award is one of the greatest honors bestowed
upon an Air Force Unit or Squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to
the nation, both during war and in peace.
Ms Soma Mondal appointed first Women director of NALCO
March 18, 2014

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Ms Soma Mondal appointed as the first female director (commercial) of Navratna Public
Sector Unit (PSU) National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO).
Previously, Ms. Mondal was working with the company as executive director (marketing)
at Nalcos corporate office.
Note: NALCO is a public sector enterprise of the Government of India. It is Asias largest
integrated aluminium complex, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina refining,
aluminium smelting and casting, power generation, rail and port operations.
U & Me Against Dengue National Campaign launched
March 18, 2014
A national campaign has been launched against the dengue disease titled U & Me
Against Dengue in six Indian cities with a joint partnership of private and public firm.
National campaign- U & Me Against Dengue
Joint effort of AIIMS, IMA, NDMC, Rotary Blood Bank, Mortien and NGO SAHAYOG.
Will spread awareness among people how to stop viral infection of dengue mosquito
and what preparation we should take for it.
Launched a website and 247 toll-free dengue helpline 1800-200-0801 to know
each and every thing about this deadly disease viz. precaution, symptoms, cure and
medication etc.
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan: Canara Banks Brand ambassador
March 18, 2014
The public sector lender, Canara Bank announced cricketer
Shikhar Dhawan as its brand ambassador.
Objective: To gear up for the next phase ofbanking with a special focus on the countrys
youth.
Canara Bank is not the first public sector lender to name a cricketer as its brand
ambassador. For example- Cricketer Rahul Dravid has been Bank of Barodas brand
ambassador since 2005.
9969777888-Mumbai police launched free SMS helpline for women travelling alone
March 18, 2014
The Mumbai Police launched a free SMS service for ensuring safety of
women traveling alone or in odd hours. Under Travel Safe When Alone initiative, any
women before taking an auto rickshaw or taxi could message the registration number of
the vehicle to a dedicated helpline number 9969777888.
Objective: This message service would act as a deterrent which would discourage taxi
and auto drivers from taking to crime.
The service is very useful in detecting a case, in case the woman traveller goes
missing.
Police will keep the track of the vehicles that the woman is taking and would get her
location through GPS.
The service is jointly started by the Mumbai Police and MTNL i.e. free-of-cost.
Mr. Amitabh Kant appointed as new DIPP Secretary
March 17, 2014

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Mr. Amitabh Kant appointed as Secretary of Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion (DIPP). He succeeded Mr. Saurabh Chandra.
Mr. Kant is a 1980 batch Kerala cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
At present, he is CEO and MD of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development
Corporation.
ICC World Twenty 20 Schedule: ICC World Twenty 20 Starts March 16, 2014
March 16, 2014
The ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or
the T20 World Cup) will be played inBangladesh from March 16, 2014 April 6 2014.
This is the 5th World Twenty20 cricket.
Teams: 16 teams
The Top 8 Test teams enter directly into super 10 stage and Bangladesh and Zimbabwe,
who finished outside the top eight, will compete with six other qualifying teams
(Afghanistan, Ireland, Nepal, Hong Kong, UAE andNetherlands) in the first round from
March 16 to 21 for the remaining two places in the Super 10 groups.
Final: April 06, 2014 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on
Total prize money: $3 million.
Group A Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Hong Kong
Group B Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands
The two groups of the Super 10 stage are:
Group 1 Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Group B Qualifier 1
Group 2 West Indies, India, Pakistan, Australia, Group A Qualifier 1
ICC World Twenty20 (also referred to as the ICC World T20 or the T20 World Cup)
ICC Player Rankings for ODI Batsmen: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli reclaimed the number
one
position
March 16, 2014
The Indian cricketer Virat Kohli reclaimed the number one position in the
ICC Player Rankings for ODI Batsmen. He was able to claim the first position by gaining
12 points during the Asia Cup by scoring 189 runs in three innings with 136
against Bangladesh. He is followed by South African ODI captain AB de Villers, who was
at the first position before the Asia Cup.
Top position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player Rankings for
Test Batsman: A.B. de Villiers (South Africa)
Test Bowlers: D.W. Steyn (SA)
ODI Bowlers: Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)
Twenty20 Batsmen: B.B. McCullum (New Zealand)
Twenty 20 Bowlers: S.P. Narine (West Indies)
Note: In the One-Day International (ODI) bowlers, India spinner Ravindra Jadeja jumped
four places to fifth in the bowlers rankings.
ICICI Bank launched portable POS machines
March 16, 2014
The private sector lender, ICICI Banklaunched portable handheld

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machines (or portable POS machines) to avoid inconvenience around entering
secret PIN number for card transactions in hotels.
The ICICI Merchant Services is an alliance between ICICI Bank and electronic
commerce and payment services companyFirst Data.
Plan: To replace 25,000 machines located in the hospitality sector enterprises with the
portable hand-held machines.
Function of portable machine: A customer will be presented the
machine at the table in order to authorize a transaction rather than the current practice of
going to the cash counter where the Point-Of-Sale (POS)machines are generally kept.
Note: As per the new PIN rule, the Reserve Bank ofIndia (RBI) has asked for the secret
PIN to be entered for all card payments at merchant establishments. To prevent fraud
and enhance security, Businesses viz. fuel stations, hotels, hospitals and restaurants
would have to buy the portable, GPRS-enabled devices to offer convenience to clients.
Indias industrial output raised marginally by 0.1% in Jan 2014
March 16, 2014
Indias industrial output recorded marginally 0.1 % growth in January, 2014 after
contracting for three months in a row.
The marginal improvement in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was mainly on
account of higher power generation and mining sector output, while manufacturing
declined.
Though, the cumulative growth of the industrial production during the 10-month period
from April to January of this financial year was flat compared to an over 1 % growth in the
same period of 2012-13.
Indias consumer inflation falls to 8.10% in Feb 2014
March 16, 2014
Indias annual Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) falls to 8.10% in February 2014, i.e. 25-
month low on account of lower food prices.
As per the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, inflation fell for the third consecutive month
and eased to 25-month low of 8.10 percent in February mainly on account of a drop in
food prices. In other words, overall inflation in the food basket, including beverages,
slowed to 8.57 % in February from 9.9 % in the previous month.
The rate at which vegetable prices increased eased to 14.04 % as against 21.91% in
January. Retail inflation also slowed in protein-rich items viz. eggs, fish and meat to 9.69
% in February as opposed to 11.69 % in January.
Note: A Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) measures changes in the price level of a
market basket of consumer goods and services purchased by households.
Nokia unable to resist Android Technology for long, lastly adopts it with Nokia-X, to
remain in
Competition
March 15, 2014
The Finnish handset maker Nokia launched its first Androidbased
smart phone, the Nokia Xin India at Rs.8, 599. The Nokia X handset comes with

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4GB of in-built storage, and can be expanded up to 32 GB via micro SD card.
Nokia X
Run on the new Nokia X software platform i.e. based on Googles Android.
Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and is powered by Microsoft
and Nokia services.
Offers dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) support with dual standby.
Powered by 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, alongside 512MB
of RAM.
Features: 4-inch IPS LCD display with a 480800 pixel resolution, translating to a
pixel density of 233ppi, 3-megapixel rear camera.
Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, AGPS, EDGE, GPRS and 3Gconnectivity options.
Backed by a 1500mAh battery, which can deliver up to 13 hours of talktime and up to
672 hours of standby time on 2G network.
Can run 75% Android apps without any modifications.
AOSP doesnt come with proprietary Google code, thus, Google apps viz. Play
Store, Google Maps, etc, will not be available on Nokia X (but apps can be uploaded
from third party store (like Microsoft app store).
Allows consumers a choice of Android apps along with signature Microsoft offerings
from Nokia.
Would bundle the Nokia Store for apps, through which consumers will be able to
access several third-party app stores viz. 1Mobile Market and SlideME Market for
downloading any app.
Also, bundled in its own search tool Bing, Here Maps, OneDrive with 10 GB virtual
storage space, Skype and Mix Radio services.
The apps can be side loaded or moved to the memory card to keep the internal storage
free.
The other two phones of Nokias Android smartphone , the Nokia X+ and the Nokia XL,
will be available in India within two months.
Note: Nokia X+ offers more memory and storage and Nokia XL packs a 5-inch screen, 5
megapixel rear-facing and 2 megapixel front-facing camera.
Dubais largest non oil trading partner in 2013-14 India
March 15, 2014
As per the report released by the Dubai Department of Economic
Development, India has once again emerged as the largest non oil trading partner of
Dubai in 2013-14. The exports and re-exports from India have also marked significant
rise in this period. The bilateral trade between the two countries in 2013-14 crossed $37
billion i.e. 10% of the overall trade.
In terms of bilateral trade with Dubai, India was followed by China, US, Saudi Arabia and
UK.
Update on Khobragade case: US court dismissed visa fraud charges against Indian
diplomat Ms.
Devyani Khobragade

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March 15, 2014
The US Court ruled that the Indian diplomat Ms. Devyani Khobragade had full
diplomatic immunity at the time of indictment on visa fraud and underpaying her maid.
As per the judgment, Ms. Khobragade who served as Consular officer in the US
from October 2012 to January 2014 was at a position of consular immunity as per
the Vienna Convention.
The Court had dropped all charges against her claiming that the day when the charge
was returned to her, she definitely had diplomatic immunity.
This order was passed by US District Judge Ms. Shira Scheindlin supporting her
diplomatic immunity in a 14-page order.
Ms. Khobragade has won dismissal of the indictment against her for visa fraud, with a
U.S. judge ruling she had full diplomatic immunity. Though, prosecutors are not barred
from bringing new charges in future.
Note: Ms. Devyani was employed as the Deputy Consul General for Political, Economic,
Commercial and Womens Affairs at the Consulate General of India in New York, where
she was arrested for an alleged case of visa fraud and making false statements in
connection with the visa application for an Indian national employee who was domestic
helper in her home. Later on, she released on a $250000 bond after she pleaded not
guilty in a court.
SC to Lower Courts: Complete trial in criminal cases involving law makers within one
year
March 14, 2014
In a bid to expedite proceedings against sitting MPs and MLAs in criminal cases,
the Supreme Court sets a deadline for lower courts to complete trial in cases involving
lawmakers within a year of framing of charges.
The apex court stated that all such proceedings involving lawmakers must be
conducted on a day-to-day basis in order to expedite the trial.
As the trial is kept pending for years, lawmakers continue to enjoy membership of the
legislative body despite being charged in a heinous offence.
Justice R M Lodha bench stated that the trial courts will have to give explanation to
the Chief Justice of the respective high court if the trial is not completed within a year.
Though, the period can be extended by the Chief Justice of the high court, if he is
satisfied with the reason given by trial judge for not completing the trial within this
period.
Note: The court passed the ruling on a PIL filed by an NGO Public Interest Foundation,
seeking its direction for expeditious trial in cases involving lawmakers.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: 15 bird species from India are in critically
endangered list
March 14, 2014
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Birds 2013 marked
15 species of birds from India as critically endangered (CR).
Critically Endangered (CR): The highest risk category of the IUCN Red List of
threatened species, comprising those that are facing an extremely high risk of

57
extinction in the wild.
Bird species falling under the Critically Endangered category in India:-
Migratory wetland species: Baers Pochard, Siberian Crane and Spoon-billed
Sandpiper.
Non-migratory wetland species: White-bellied Heron.
Grassland species:Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Jerdons Courser and
Sociable Lapwing.
Forest species:Forest Owlet.
Scavengers: Indian Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, White-backed Vulture and
Slenderbilled
Vulture.
Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck are now considered Extinct for all practical
purposes.
Uplisted (facing greater danger) species in 2013 IUCN list from
Least Concern to Near Threatened: River Lapwing and River Tern.
Least Concern to Vulnerable: Long-tailed Duck.
Cause: Decline of these species due to destruction of wetlands and riverine habitats.
Major reasons of decline of bird species in India
Drastic modification, fragmentation, degradation and loss of habitat, environmental
pollution (both industrial and due to increased pesticide usage), poaching and land use
changes, etc.
Changes in cropping pattern due to various reasons, including implementation of
irrigation schemes, increased pesticide usage, livestock-grazing, high levels of
disturbance and developmental activities viz. mining and hydel projects resulted in
marginal fall in their population.
Drastic loss of grassland habitat over the past decades has severely threatened
species viz. Great Indian Bustard, Bengal Florican and Jerdons Courser.
Destruction of deciduous forests in central India has lead to the decline in Forest Owlet
numbers.
Destruction of forests in the fragile Western Ghats and Himalaya continue to endanger
the existence of many other species.
Use of chemical components as in the case of diclofenacs effect of vulture species.
About IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Headquarters:United Kingdom.
Founded: 1964.
Parent organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Worlds most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological
species.
Objective: To have the category of every species re-evaluated every five years if
possible or at least every ten years.
Powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy
change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive.
Provides information on population size and trends, geographic range and habitat

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needs of species.
Evaluates species in 9 categories through a criteria viz. rate of decline, population size,
area of geographic distribution, and degree of population, distribution fragmentation,
etc.
Categories: Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered
(CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC),
Data Deficient (DD) and Not Evaluated (NE).
China launched a trial programme for private firms to set up banks
March 14, 2014
For the first time, the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) approved a trial
program to establish five privately owned banks as the government seeks to ease
restrictions on the state-controlled banking industry and also move to liberalize deposit
rates in the next two years, as regulators grapple with the rising pressure on the banking
sector from a newly booming online finance industry.
The first batch of the five banks will be opened in the cities of Tianjin, Shanghai,
Zhejiang Province and Guangdong Province as a pilot project.
Ten private companies viz. Internet giants Alibaba and Tencent have been selected
to take part in the preparation work for setting up the banks.
Each of the banks will be co-sponsored by at least two private capital providers
The banks will operate independently and will assume responsibility for risks and
losses as well as profits.
The private banks will need to have adequate net capital, a specificbusiness strategy
and a mechanism to prevent risks from spreading and to protect depositors interests.
Financial services of private banks will be oriented towards small and micro businesses
as well as residential communities.
No timetable has been given for when they need to be operationally ready.
Note: Alibaba Group is one of the biggest e-commerce companies and Tencent Holdings
Ltd is Chinas most popular online games provider.
Study: Volcanoes helped species survive ice ages
March 14, 2014
As per the study of an international team of researchers, the steam and heat from
volcanoes allowed species of plants and animals to survive past ice ages.
About the study of Volcanoes
Based on Antarctica. (As it has at least 16 volcanoes which have been active since the
last ice age 20,000 years ago).
Studied tens of thousands of records of Antarctic species that are collected over
decades by hundreds of researchers and found there are more species close to
volcanoes, and fewer further away.
Examined diversity patterns of mosses, lichens and bugs which are still common in
Antarctica these days.
Around 60% of Antarctic invertebrate species are found nowhere else in the world.
Volcanic steam can melt large ice caves under the glaciers, and it can be tens of
degrees warmer in there than outside. Caves and warm steam fields would have been

59
great places for species to hang out during ice ages.
Outcome: The study helps scientists to understand how species survived past ice
ages in other icy regions, including in periods when it is thought there was little or no
ice-free land on the planet.
Mysterious four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases discovered
March 13, 2014
The scientists from the University of East Anglia, UK discovered traces of four new
man-made gases in the atmosphere that are capable of destroying the ozone layer and
intensifying global warming. Scientists stated that the new gases are manmade because
they were not seen in the atmosphere until the 1960s.
About four new man-made Ozone-Killing gases
Three of the gases are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one is a Hydro-
Chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), which can also damage ozone.
The four new gases have been identified as CFC-112, CFC112a, CFC-113a, HCFC-
133a.
CFC-113a: An agrochemical intermediate for the manufacture of pyrethroids. (a type of
insecticide once widely used in agriculture).
CFC-113a and HCFC-133a: Intermediaries in the production of widely used
refrigerants.
CFC-112 and 112a may have been used in the production of solvents and used to
clean electrical components.
Of the four species identified, CFC-113 seems to be most worrying, as it is an
insecticide coming from a very small but growing emissions source somewhere as yet
unidentified.
CFC and HCFC gases have been found to damage the ozone layer, which is essential
to filter ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer in humans.
As per estimate, about 74,000 tonnes of these gases have been released into the
atmosphere.
The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Note: The ozone layer protect the planet from damaging ultraviolet rays that can cause
skin cancer and eye cataracts.
CAPRISA discovered potent antibodies to neutralize HIV
March 13, 2014
The Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) discovered
antibodies that are capable of neutralizing HIV strains. It is a remarkable discovery of
potent antibodies that could neutralize and kill multiple strains of HIV.
Researchers studied how a South African womans body referred to as CAPRISA 256
(or CAP256) responded to her HIV infection by making potent antibodies.
These potent antibodies are also called as neutralizing antibodies because of
their ability to kill multiple strains of antibodies.
The potent antibodies were made by the researchers by first identifying the antibodies
present in the blood of the CAP256 and then duplicating these antibodies by cloning it
in the lab.

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The cloned antibodies were then used to elucidate the pathway followed by the
immune system to make these potent antibodies.
This discovery could lead to new HIV vaccine strategies that enables to stimulate the
rare precursors of these protective antibodies
The study published in the scientific journal, Nature.
What are neutralizing antibodies?
All HIV infected people respond to HIV by making antibodies. In most patients, these
antibodies are not able to kill a wide range of HIV(due to lack of neutralization breadth).
Though, in a few infected people, they naturally make antibodies that kill (neutralize)
many different kinds of HIV (i.e. they are broadly neutralizing antibodies). Previously,
these antibodies have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating HIV
infection in animals, but this has never before been shown in humans.
About Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
An AIDS research center based in Durban, South Africa.
Established: 2002 under the National Institutes of Health program called
Comprehensive International Program of Research on AIDS (CIPRA).
Mission: To promote HIV prevention and research its epidemiology.
Note: The South African consortium worked jointly with US partners based at the
VaccineResearchCenter of the National Institute of Allergy and InfectiousDiseases, part
of the National Institutes of Health, and ColumbiaUniversity in New York.
Indian-origin kid Kush Sharma won epic spelling bee
March 13, 2014
An Indian American student Kush Sharma (13) won the epic spelling bee at the Central
Library in Kansas City in Missouri and secured a berth in the Scripps National Spelling
Bee in Washington scheduled for May 2014.
Note: Indian Americans have dominated the contest over the years. New York student
Arvind Mahankali won the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Annual Health Survey: Some states showed improvement
March 12, 2014
As per the second update of the Annual Health Survey (AHS), all major health indicators
in the countrys worst-performing States are showing a gradual improvement over the
years but inter-State variations persist.
About 2nd update of Annual Health Survey (AHS)
Objective: To monitor the performance and outcome of various health interventions of
the Government including those under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) at closer
intervals through benchmark indicators
In 284 districts of nine states survey was conducted.
States: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand,Odisha, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
These states account for about 48 % of the total population in the country.
Highlights of the Annual Health Survey (AHS)
(a)Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR):-
Minimum CBR: Bageshwar (14.7) in Uttarakhand.

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Maximum CBR: Shrawasti (40.9) in Uttar Pradesh.
CBR in rural areas of districts is higher than that in urban areas.
Minimum CDR: Dhemaji (4.5) in Assam.
Low female death rates have also been observed as compared to male death rates.
(b)Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):-
Minimum IMR: Rudraprayag (19) in Uttarkhand.
Maximum IMR: Shrawasti (103) in Uttar Pradesh.
Districts achieved the MDG -4 National target of 28 by 2015: Purbi Singhbhum &
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh & Almora
(Uttarakhand).
Four districts viz. Bokaro & Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Bageshwar & Nainital
(Uttarakhand) are in closer vicinity to achieve the MDG-4 National target.
IMR in rural areas of districts is significantly higher than that in urban areas.
(c)Neo-Natal Mortality Rate (NNMR):-
Minimum NNMR: Rudraprayag (11), Uttarkhand.
Maximum NNMR: Balangir (75) in Odisha.
Rural NNMR in districts is significantly higher than the urban.
(d)Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR):-
Minimum U5MR: Pithoragarh district (24), Uttarakhand.
Maximun U5MR: Kandhmal district (145), Odisha.
Districts achieved the MDG -4 National target of 42 by 2015:Pithoragarh, Almora,
Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital & Bagheswar (Uttarakhand) and Purbi Singhbhum
(Jharkhand).
10 districts viz. Dhanbad, Bokaro, Kodarma, Hazaribagh & Giridih (Jharkhand) and
Kota (Rajasthan) and Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun & Uttarkashi
(Uttarakhand) are in closer vicinity to achieve the MDG-4 National target.
Rural U5MR in districts is significantly higher than the urban.
(e) Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):-
Minimum MMR: Kumaon HQ (183) in Uttarakhand.
Maximum MMR: Faizabad Mandal (451) in UP.
(f) Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)
Minimum SRB: Pithoragarh district (764), Uttarakhand.
Maximum SRB: Moradabad district (1034), Uttar Pradesh.
Terms:
Crude Birth Rate (CBR) denotes live births per 1000 population and Crude Death
Rate (CDR) denotes number of deaths per 1000 population.
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) denotes the number of infant deaths (age below one year)
per 1000 live births.
Neo-Natal Mortality Rate (NNMR) measures the number of infant deaths (age below
29 days) per 1,000 live births.
Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) denotes the number of children who died before
reaching their fifth birthday per 1,000 live births.
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) measures the proportion of maternal deaths per

62
1,00,000 live births.
Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) defined as the number of female live births per 1,000 male
live births.
Outcome of the survey: These indicators would provide requisite inputs for better
planning of health programmes and pave the way for evidence based intervention
strategies.
Mr. Pankaj Mishra: Indian author won Windham Campbell Literature Prize 2014
March 12, 2014
Indian author Mr. Pankaj Mishra won the prestigious Donald Windham
Campbell Literature prize 2014 in the non-fiction category. The awards are announced
by The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at YaleUniversity.
Mr. Mishra Mishra is an Indian essayist, memoirist, travel writer and novelist whose work
expands our understanding of the encounter between Western and Non-western culture.
Besides the novel, The Romantics, he has published four works of non-fiction: Butter
Chicken in Ludhiana: Travels in Small TownIndia, An End to Suffering: the Buddha in the
World, Temptations of the West: How to Be Modern in India,Pakistan, Tibet, and Beyond
and From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia.
2014 prizewinners of Donald Windham Campbell Literature Prize in
Fiction: Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone), Nadeem Aslam (Pakistan), and Jim Crace
(United Kingdom);
Non-fiction: Pankaj Mishra (India) and John Vaillant (United States/Canada);
Drama: Kia Corthron (United States), Sam Holcroft (United Kingdom) and No lle
Janaczewska (Australia).
The winners in the three categories viz. fiction, non-fiction and drama will receive
a citation and an unrestricted award of $150,000 each in recognition of their
achievements and to support their ongoing work at a ceremony at Yale University
on September 15, 2014.
Mizoram clinched 68th Santosh Trophy 2013-14
March 12, 2014
Mizoram clinched the 68th Santosh Trophy for Football by defeating Railways by 3-0 at
Siliguri ,West Bengal and won Rs.5 lakh prize money, while the runners up Railways
received Rs.3 lakh. This is the maiden Santosh Trophy for Mizoram and this was also the
first appearance for them in the final match.
Railways won its last Santosh Trophy in 1966.
About Santosh Trophy
Founded: 1941.
Annual Indian football tournament.
Trophy named after the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh
(that is now in Bangladesh).
Akron: Indian-American owned firm developing zero pressure tyre for US army
March 12, 2014
An Indian-American owned engineering firm,Akron (Ohio-based
American Engineering Group (AEG)) has received a $1 million Phase-II project grant

63
from the USDepartment of Defense to develop tyres that will continue running even after
being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire.
Note:
An Indian-American engineer Mr. Abraham Pannikottu is developing a unique carbon
fibre hoop design zero pressure tyre for the US military that could keep military vehicles
to run faster and longer after an attack.
His group is also working on new innovative products viz. US nationalfootball league
helmet and implantable cost-effective titanium hip and knee.
The company has patents pending for the Zero Pressure tyre technology.
AEG Zero Pressure tyres will:
Continue to run even after being shredded by roadside bombs or gunfire.
Withstand a minimum of 50 mph speeds for 300 miles once its punctured.
Work better at carrying heavier loads and can quickly move soldiers out of dangerous
way.
The AEG prototype dissipates heat and has the tyre flexibility and strength to support
the heavy military pick-up weight while providing a relatively smooth ride.
Note: In 2006, Pentagon honoured Mr. Abraham Pannikottu and his group for
designing an airless tyre for the Stryker armoured vehicle. This award was for exceptional
performance that exemplifies the goal of bringing innovative technologies to the soldier.
Govt. banned trucks from carrying protruding rods
March 11, 2014
The Union Government banned vehicles from carrying iron and
steel rods, pipes or any protruding material beyond the body frame. The Ministry of Road
Transport and Highwayshas deleted the provision in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules
(CMVR), 1989 that allowed protrusions up to one metre.
Why the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has banned trucks from carrying
protruding rods?
As per the section 93 of CMVR 1989 rule, goods vehicles were allowed to carry poles or
rods or indivisible load up to one metre beyond the vehicles body frame. And that was
blatantly violated by such vehicles as they hardly used sufficient signs to warn motorists.
As per the reports in 2012, approx 9,087 people were killed and 29,573 were injured in
accidents related to load viz. iron and steel rods/pipe, protruding out of vehicles.
Recently, the Supreme Court too ordered the Union Government for an explanation on
a PIL seeking a ban on trucks and trailers carrying iron rods protruding dangerously
and parked without any blinkers to warn vehicles coming from behind.
Thus, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the CMVR, 1989 and
banned vehicles from carrying any object protruding out of the vehicles body frame, even
if it is less than a metre.
64th National Basketball Championship held in New Delhi
March 11, 2014
The 64th National Basketball Championship held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in
New Delhi.
Winners:

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Chhattisgarh won the womens title after beating Indian Railways by 81-77.
Tamil Nadu won the mens title by defeating Punjab by 74-57.
Harish Sharma Most Valuable Player Award: Rikin Pethani (Tamil Nadu) and Kavita
Kumari (Chhattisgarh).
Services finished third in the mens category while Delhi women beatMaharashtra to
secure third position.
Note: The winners received Rs.1 Lakh, while the first and second runners-up received
Rs. 75,000/- and Rs. 50,000/-.
China hiked military budget by 12.2% for 2014
March 11, 2014
The Peoples Republic of China announced to raise its military budget for 2014 by
12.2% to $132 billion. The hike in defense spending would seek to develop more
hightech
weapons and to beef up coastal and air defenses.
It would also allow Beijing to create a modern force that will project power not only
across the disputed waters of the East and SouthChinaSeas but also into the western
Pacific and IndianOceans.
Goal: To become a dominant military presence in the Pacific, with a navy able to
project power across the region.
This hike in defense spending would create tension among Chinas
neighbors viz. India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.
The budget spike comes as Asia reacts nervously to a string of recent moves by China
to assert its sovereignty in disputed territory, expand its military reach and challenge
the traditional dominance of U.S. forces in the Asia Pacific region.
From Indias point of view, Chinas defense spending is far higher than $36 billion
allocated in last months interim budget that amounted to 10% hike.
Note: Chinas military spending is the second largest in the world, behind that of the
United States.
12th Meeting of the FSDC Sub-Committee at New Delhi: Set up a High Powered Inter
Regulatory
Committee to explore ways to comply with Basel-III capital norms
March 11, 2014
At the 12th sub-committee meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC), headed by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, held at New Delhi, it was decided to
set up a High Powered Inter Regulatory Committee to explore ways of enabling banks to
meet these requirements.
Objective: To find ways for the banking sector to comply with Basel-III capital norms.
Discussions during the 12th Meeting of the FSDC Sub-Committee:
The implementation of non-legislative recommendations of FSLRC and setting up of a
repository for investors with a single view of all financial asset classes.
The ways for setting up an effective resolution regime for the financial sector. Issues of
greater harmonisation of regulations across sectors for similar activities were also

65
taken up.
The report of the working group on Resolution Regimes in India, chaired by RBI
Deputy Governor Anand Sinha and Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram.
Listed below is the present structure of FSDC along with its Sub-committee and
various Working Groups/Technical Groups constituted under the aegis of the
Subcommittee:
1) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):
Apex-level body constituted by government of India
Idea to constitute such a super regulatory body was first given by Raghuram Rajan
Committee in 2008
Objective(s) of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):
Financial Stability
Financial Sector Development
Inter-Regulatory Coordination
Financial Literacy
Financial Inclusion
Macro prudential supervision of the economy including the functioning of large financial
conglomerates
Coordinating Indias international interface with financial sector bodies like the
Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Financial Stability Board (FSB)and any such body
as may be decided by the Finance Minister from time to time.
Composition of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):
Chairperson: The Union Finance Minister of India
Other Members:
Governor Reserve Bank of India (RBl),
Finance Secretary and/ or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA),
Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS),
Chief Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance,
Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI),
Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA),
Chairman Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA),
Joint Secretary (Capital Markets), DEA, will be the Secretary of the Council,
**The Chairperson may invite any person whose presence is deemed necessary for any
of its meeting(s).
2) Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) Sub-Committee:
The FSDC Sub-committee has also been set up under the chairmanship of Governor,
RBI. It meets more often than the full Council. All the members of the FSDC are also
the members of the Sub-committee. Additionally, all four Deputy Governors of the RBI
are also members of the Sub Committee.
Executive Director, RBI (in charge of financial Stability) is the Member Secretary, while
the Financial Stability Unit (FSU) of RBI is the Secretariat for the Sub-committee.
3) Working Groups/Technical Groups under FSDC Sub-Committee:
3.1) Inter regulatory technical group (IR-TG): For inter-regulatory coordination

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among the financial sector regulators. The Group is headed by ED in charge of
Financial Stability, RBI and members being ED/CGM level officers of the other
regulators.
3.2) Technical Group on financial inclusion and financial literacy: Chaired by DG,
RBI in charge of financial stability and has representatives from all regulators (at the
level of ED/CGM) as well as from DEA and DFS (at the level of Joint Secretary).
3.3) Inter regulatory forum for monitoring financial conglomerates (IRFFC):
Headed by the Deputy Governor, RBI (in-Charge of the Department of
Banking Supervision) and other Members are senior representatives of all the
sectoral regulators at the level of Executive Directors (RBI, SEBI, IRDA and PFRDA).
3.4) Early Warning Group: To coordinate the response of GOI/Regulators in the time
of a crisis situation. It is chaired by DG, RBI in-charge of Financial Markets
Department. It has Joint Secretary level representative from DEA & DFS as members.
It is represented by Member/ED level officers from financial sector regulators.
3.5) Working Group on resolution regime for financial institutions: To examine the
existing resolution regime/ framework for the entire financial sector as a whole and
identify the current gaps in the national resolution regime/ framework vis--vis the FSB
Key Attributes. With this background, the Group would recommend changes in
the legal framework to facilitate the required resolution regime including cross border
resolution. Was constituted in January 2013 under the Co-Chairmanship of Shri Anand
Sinha, DG, RBI, and Secretary (DEA). The Financial sector regulators at the level of
Executive Director/General Manager/Joint Director/Principal Legal Adviser are
members of this group.
4) Macro Financial and Monitoring Group (MFMG): Chaired the Chief Economic
Adviser. It has representation from all the Departments of the Ministry of Finance. It aims
at keeping track of the macroeconomic and financial developments, identifying
vulnerabilities, and providing early warning signals.
Stree Shakti Puraskar 2013
March 11, 2014
The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee awarded Stree Shakti Puraskarto six
illustrious women on International Womens Day for their distinguished services for the
upliftment of women. The Government of India has instituted six national awards are
known as Stree Shakti Puraskar.
These awards are in the name of the following eminent women personalities in the
Indian history who are famous for their personal courage and integrity:- Rani
Lakshmibai, Rani Rudramma Devi, Kannagi, Rani Gaidinliu Zaliang, Rani Ahilyabai
Holkar and Mata Jijabai.
Awardees are-
Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award: Dr. Vartika Nanda (Delhi) for creating awareness on
womens issues through media.
Rani Lakshmibai Award: Ms. Manasi Pradhan (Odisha) for her work in the field of
womens empowerment.
Rani Rudramma Devi Award: Dr. M Venkaiah (Andhra Pradesh) for her contribution

67
in the field of womens health.
Mata Jijabai Award: Ms. Bina Sheth Lashkari (Maharashtra) honored for her
achievement in the field of education and training
Kannagi Award: T Radha K Prashanti (Andhra Pradesh) for her achievement in the
field of providing support to orphans, visually impaired, handicapped and destitute
women.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award: Dr Seema Sakhare (Maharashtra) for her contribution
in the field of womens rights, gender issues, legalcounseling and institutional support
to women and girls.
About Stree Shakti Puraskar
Category: Women Activism (Individual).
Objective: To recognize recognizes the spirit of courage of a women in difficult
circumstances, who has established this spirit of courage in her personal or
professional life.
Instituted: 1991.
Awarded by Government of India.
Conferred by the President of India on occasion of International Womens Day i.e. 8th
March every year at New Delhi.
Cash award: Rs. 300,000.
Also recognizes pioneering contribution of an individual in empowering women and
raising womens issues.
Phantom- Worlds first 3D model of human fingerprint developed by Indian-American
scientist Mr.
Anil Jain
March 11, 2014
An Indian-American scientist, Mr. Anil Jain from Michigan State University built the
worlds first three-dimensional (3D) model of a human fingerprint known asPhantom.
About Phantom 3D model of human fingerprint
A method that takes a two-dimensional image of a fingerprint and maps it to a 3-D finger
surface.
In health care, a 3D heart or a kidney may be created because of known dimensions and
they can be put in a scanner and the imaging system may be calibrated.
Objective: To have a precise fingerprint model with known properties and features that
can be used to calibrate existing technology used to match fingerprints.
Would help to improve the overall accuracy of fingerprint-matching systems that leads to
better security in applications ranging from law enforcement to mobile phone unlock.
Developed to boost the accuracy of fingerprint-matching systems and to improve security
technology.
About Indian-American scientist Mr. Anil Jain
Has a B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur and MS and PhD degrees from
OhioStateUniversity.
Six USpatents on fingerprint matching and has written a number of books on

68
biometrics and fingerprint/facial recognition.
Received a number of prestigious awards for contributions to pattern recognition and
biometrics.
Note: The 3D model doesnt have the feel or texture or a real finger, but it could advance
the technology of fingerprinting sensing and matching.
Mr. Vince Chhabria to be first Indian-American judge in California
March 11, 2014
Indian-American attorney, Mr. Vince Chhabria (44) will become Californias first federal
judge of South Asian descent. At present, Mr. Chhabria serves as the Deputy City
Attorney at the San Francisco City Attorneys Office. He has represented San Francisco
in defense of itshealth insurance law, adoption rights of same-sex couples and other
major cases, has won Senate confirmation for a federal judgeship.
Appointed by: United States President Barack Obama.
Succeeded: Susan Illston.
Punjab Cabinet approved the Backward Class quota for Jat community
March 10, 2014
The Punjab Cabinet approved the Backward Class (BC) status for the Jat and Jat Sikhs
of the State. Now, Jats and Jat Sikhs are the 69th and 70th community to be included in
the category.
As per the Punjab Cabinet decision
Quota benefit will also be extended to economically weaker persons from the general
category.
These reservations would be in addition to the quota already in place and would not
affect the existing quota sections.
A commission will be set up to work out modalities for the implementation of the
Cabinet decision.
The grant of BC status to the Jats and Jat Sikhs will enable them to get reservation in
government jobs.
Note: Recently, the Union Cabinet decided to extend OBC status to Jats
ofHaryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Bihar,Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Delhi. Though, Jats and Jat Sikhs of Punjab
had been left out of the Union Cabinets decision because the Punjab government had
failed to bring the community in the State BC list.
Ukraine Crisis 2014: Impact of Ukraine Crisis on India
March 10, 2014
The ongoing political crisis in Ukraine will effect India due to following
reasons:
Immediate impact on India: The military stand-off situation of India would go worsen
because Ukrainian military facility provides engines for military helicopters of Russian
origin (that account for a quarter of the worlds medium, medium-heavy and heavy lift
helicopters) and India has contracts with many sourcing naval engines, from where India
gets its entire fleet of medium military transport aircraft modernized.
Business and economic factors- The conflict between Russia and Ukraine

69
Would weaker rupee against dollars that will be negative for stocks and for the
Indian economy.
International oil and gas prices would go up that will adversely effect India, as India will
have to spend more dollars to buy Brent as it is dependent on imports for its energy
needs. This will pressure the rupee and may lead to a rise in the current account
deficit.
The FDI inflow into India may be affected adversely.
Strategic reasons- If the military situation in Ukraine go worse than the relations
between the US and Russia would be deteriorate, then at that situation India will be
under pressure to take a clear position, as China has taken a clear position and
supported Russia.
Note: Russia is a key friend of India and has helped repeatedly at the crucial time viz.
Because of Russias pro-active help, India won the 1971 war againstPakistan and
liberated Bangladesh, etc.
Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament 2014
March 9, 2014
Sri Lanka won the 12th edition of Asia Cup Cricket Tournament 2014 by defeating
defending champion Pakistan at Mirpur in Bangaldesh by five wickets. Sri Lanka
equaled the record of India after winning the Asia cup for the fifth time.
Man of the match: Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
Man of the series: Lahiru Thirimanne (Sri Lanka)
About ACC Asia Cup 2014
International mens One Day International cricket tournament.
First tournament: 1984.
Most successful Teams: Sri Lanka (5 titles) & India (5 titles).
Current champion: Sri Lanka (5th title).
Host: Bangladesh.
Title sponsors: Arise India.
Powered by: Cycle Agarbathis.
2014 Ukraine crisis: Crimean MPs vote to join Russian Federation sparks outrage
March 9, 2014
The Parliament of Crimea asked
Moscow to allow the region to accede toRussia and move forwards the date of a
referendum on the regions status from March 30 to March 16, 2014. In other words,
Crimean Parliament requested to Moscow to make Crimea the part of Russia.
The authorities in Crimea voted to accelerate secession from Ukraine, unanimously
backing a law that declared the territory to be part of the Russian Federation.
Voters in Crimea had to choose between two options: Stay in Ukraine or join
Russia. (Previously, the Parliament planned to seek greater autonomy for Crimea
within Ukraine).
Ukraines interim prime minister opposed the referendum of Crimean parliament to join
Russia. (The current Crimean constitution came into effect in 1999 and Article 135 of

70
the Ukrainian constitution provides that the Crimean Constitution must be approved by
the Ukrainian parliament).
Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia had no plans to annex Crimea.
Note: Crimea is an autonomous republic in the south-eastern region of Ukraine and has
its own constitution. Crimeas people are 58 % ethnic Russians, 24% Ukrainians, and 12
% Tatars, descendants of the Turkic people that ruled the peninsula until the Russian
Tsars annexed it in 1783. (Capital: Simferopol).
What is the cause of public protest against the President Viktor Yanukovych?
The immediate cause of anti-government protests started over President Mr. Viktor
Yanukovychs decision to abandon a deal with the European Union in favour of aid and
natural gas agreements with Russia.
Causes of protest: Opposition to the Euromaidan movement, Opposition to the
Yatsenyuk Government and the Verkhovna Radas vote to repeal language law that
protected minority languages.
Effect of Protest: The anti-government protests led to the downfall of the government
of President Viktor Yanukovych and set the new government.
In brief, the 2014 Ukrainian revolution was anti-Yanukovych who is pro-Russia. Those
who protested wanted close Ukraine-EU relations and not Ukraine-Russia
partnership.
USAs move on Ukraine crisis:- The U.S. has suspended military engagement with
Russia and opined to expel Russia from G-8 but Germanydidnt favour the
expulsion. Western leaders have shown consensus on suspending theG8 summit to
be held at Sochi this year, if Russia doesnt stop its interference.
What the Ukraine government did to resolve Ukraine crisis?
In order to resolve the political crisis in Ukraine, Ukraine Prime Minister Mr. Mykola
Azarov resigned and the deputy Prime Minister Mr. Serhiy Arbuzov became the acting
Prime minister of Ukraine.
To ease the two month long protest, the parliament repealed a set of anti-protest laws
and a mass amnesty was granted to all the demonstrators in the streets, even the ones
who have seized government buildings by force.
In the crisis talks between the President and opposition leaders, it was agreed that
Parliament would hold a vote of no-confidence in the government, and to work towards
potentially reinstating a constitution that boosted parliamentary powers and curtailed
those of the President.
About Ukraine
Capital: Kiev.
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia.
Prime minister: Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
National anthem: Shche ne vmerla Ukraina.
After its independence in 1991 from the former Soviet Union, Ukraine has swung
between its desire for integration into the European Union and keeping friendly ties
with Russia that continues to be its largest single trading partner that it depends on for

71
cheap energy resources.
In 1997, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement on the division of the Black Sea
Fleet, with 81 % going to Russia along with Sevastopol and other military installations
in the Crimea. In return, Moscow compensated Kiev with a large sum of money as well
as writing off a large amount of Ukrainian debt. Russia also pays Ukraine an annual
fee.
Note: Euromaidan Protest which attracted around 300,000 people on Kievs
Independence Square, known as the Maidan, the largest since the 2004 Orange
Revolution. Activists seized Kiev City Hall.
3rd BIMSTEC summit 2014 held in Myanmar
March 8, 2014
The 3rd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation) Summit held at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
About BIMSTEC summit 2014
Theme: Partnership for Harmony and Prosperity.
Attended by:Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
Chaired by:Myanmar.
Objective: To create an enabling environment for rapid economic development
through identification and implementation of specific cooperation projects and the
sectors of trade and investment, technology, energy, transport and
communication, tourism, fisheries,agriculture, cultural cooperation, environment and
disaster management, public health, people-to-people contact, poverty alleviation,
counter-terrorism and transnational crime and climate change.
Next Summit will be chaired by Kathmandu, Nepal.( The Bimstec summit takes place
every four years).
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed by countries on the establishment
of the BIMSTECs:
1. Permanent Secretariat
2. Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory
(BCIO)
3. Centre for Weather and Climate
Resolutions taken by BIMSTEC members to
Enhance cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Enhance cooperation in the field of agriculture, including crops, livestock and
horticulture besides fisheries.
Finalize an agreement on trade in goods by 2014 with intent to promote regional
commerce
Conclude the Agreement on Services and Investments
Work on agreements on dispute settlement and cooperation in customs matters under
the Free Trade Area framework.
Devise a framework for establishment of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility.
Increase cooperation in expanding the skill and technology base of member countries.

72
Note: BIMSTEC is an international organization comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar,
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal as member countries.
Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI- Joint military exercise of India and Nepal underway at
Sailahandi
March 8, 2014
The armies of India and Nepal are jointly conducting the military
exercise, known as Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI, at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district, Nepal.
About Indo-Nepal joint military exercise- Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI
In the two-week long exercise, both the armies will work to upgrade their practical and
principle aspects of jungle warfare, anti-insurgency operations and rescue operations.
Objective: To train troops in counter terrorism operations and to
enhance defense cooperation and military relations between the two nations.
The exercise also includes a detailed training in organization and conduct of disaster
response, management and rescue operation. The two sides will also share
experiences on counter-terrorist operations.
Note: The last Indo-Nepal Joint Military Surya Kiran-V was conducted at Pithoragarh
district, Uttarakhand in 2013.
Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna- special health scheme for women launched by NMDC
March 8, 2014
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMDC) launched Stri Swasthya Suraksha
Yojna- a special health scheme for women to bring services closer for those living in
rural areas and unauthorized colonies.
Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna- a special health scheme for women
Health camps and mass awareness drives will be held in various areas of north Delhi
and medical services will be provided through various nodal centres, hospitals and
mobile dispensaries.
For unauthorized colonies and rural areas which do not have transportation facilities,
20 mobile dispensaries will be provided to bring services closer for them.
In the health camps, screenings will be done for different kinds of cancers, anemia and
malnutrition, etc.
Forty-eight points are identified where public conveniences for women will be
developed.
An amount of Rs 2,100 will be extended to 1% of the safai karamcharis as
performance-based reward.
Indian acid attack victim Ms. Laxmi won International Women of Courage Award
March 8, 2014
Indian acid attack victim, Ms. Laxmi won the prestigious International Women of
Courage Award from the US First Lady Michelle Obama for successfully leading the
campaign against acid attacks on women in India.
About acid attack victim Ms. Laxmi
Incident with her: In 2005, when she was 16 years old, an acquaintance threw acid
on her face while she waited at a bus stop in New Delhi and disfigured her
permanently.

73
After this incident, she became the standard-bearer in India for the movement to end
acid attacks.
Made repeated appearances on national television, gathered 27,000 signatures for a
petition to curb acid sales, and took her cause to theSupreme Court of India.
Owing to her petition, Supreme Court ordered the Indian central and state
governments to regulate immediately the sale of acid and the Parliament to make
prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue.
About International Women of Courage Award
Establish: 2007.
Presented by: United States Department of State annually.
Presented to: Women around the world that have shown leadership, courage,
resourcefulness and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially for better promotion
of womens rights.
2014 awardees: Ms Laxmi (India), Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil (Afghanistan), Ms. Fatimata
Tour (Mali), Ms. Roshika Deo (Fiji), Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze (Georgia), Dr. Maha
Al Muneef (Saudi Arabia), Ms. Oinikhol Bobonazarova (Tajikstan), Judge Iris Yassmin
Barrios Aguilar (Guatemala), Ms. Ruslana Lyzhychko (Ukraine) and Ms. Beatrice
Mtetwa (Zimbabwe).
Shyamala Gopinath Committee recommendations: Interest rates on FDs offered by Post
Offices
hiked by 0.2%
March 8, 2014
The Union Government decided to hike interest rates on fixed deposit schemes offered
by post offices by up to 0.2 %. The decision to hike interest rates is taken on the
recommendations of Shyamala Gopinath Committee.
As per the Shyamala Gopinath Committees recommendations
The interest rate on fixed deposits for one and two years has been increased to 8.4%
from the present 8.2%.
Fixed deposits of three and five years will earn 0.1% higher rate at 8.4% and 8.5%.
The interest rate on five-year recurring deposits will be 8.4% from 8.3%.
The rate on National Savings Scheme (NSC) with 5 and 10 year maturities also remain
unchanged at 8.5 % and 8.8 %.
The rate on five-year Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) remains the same at 8.4 %. The
savings deposit rates are kept unchanged at 4 %.
Though, the interest rate on Public Provident fund (PPF) has been kept unchanged at
8.7 %.
The new interest rates on small savings schemes will come into effect from April 1, 2014.
16th Lok Sabha elections 2014 to be held from April 7, 2014 in 9-phases
March 8, 2014
The Chief election commissioner Mr. VS Sampath announced the schedule for the
2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Some Unique features of 16th Lok Sabha Elections:-

74
For the first time, Voters will be able to exercise the None Of The Above
(NOTA) option for candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Electoral strength in 2014 is 81.45 crore (814.5 million), the largest in the world
Use of COMET (Communication Plan for Election): During the
Elections, the Election Commission of India would be using an SMS based alert
system called COMET. This system would send SMS messages to the lakhs of
government officials on election duty. COMET would also send alerts to the local police
in case of disturbances at any polling station.
It would collect data via mobile phones about officials, scheduled events viz. staff
reaching the polling station, mock polls, start/end of polling, voting %, number of
voters, etc.
As per the schedule of the 16th Lok Sabha election 2014
9-phase general elections will begin from April 7 and end on May 12, 2014.
Nine phases of polls: April 7, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24, 30, May 7 and May 12.
It will be three phase poll in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Madhya
Pradesh and Maharashtra, two phases in Andhra
Pradesh, Manipur,Odisha, Rajasthan and Tripura. All the remaining States and the
UnionTerritories will have a single phase poll.
The elections to the 294-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly will be held on April 30
and May 7 along with the respective Lok Sabha constituencies in the State.
The Lok Sabha has strength of 543 (excluding two nominated members) and the term
of thepresent 15th Lok Sabha ends on May 31, 2014.
Counting of votes will be held on May 16, 2014
View Complete Schedule here:
http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/16th-lok-sabha-elections-2014-schedule-
03201411995.html
16th Lok Sabha elections 2014 Schedule
March 8, 2014
Schedule of polling dates for all 543
Parliamentary constituencies.
State Constituency Poll Date
Andhra Pradesh Adilabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Peddapalle April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Karimnagar April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Nizamabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Zahirabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Medak April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Malkajgiri April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Secundrabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Chelvella April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Mahbubnagar April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Nagarkurnool April 30, 2014

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Andhra Pradesh Nalgonda April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Bhongir April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Warangal April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Mahabubabad April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Khammam April 30, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Aruku May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Srikakulam May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Vizianagaram May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Anakapalli May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Kakinada May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Amalapuram May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Rajahmundry May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Narsapuram May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Eluru May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Machilipatnam May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Vijayawada May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Guntur May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Narasaraopet May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Bapatla May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Ongole May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Nandyal May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Kurnool May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Anantapur May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Hindupur May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Kadapa May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Nellore May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Tirupati May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Rajampet May 07, 2014
Andhra Pradesh Chittoor May 07, 2014
Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal West April 9, 2014
Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal East April 9, 2014
Assam Karimganj April 12, 2014
Assam Silchar April 12, 2014
Assam Autonomous District April 12, 2014
Assam Dhubri April 24, 2014
Assam Kokrajhar April 24, 2014
Assam Barpeta April 24, 2014
Assam Gauhati April 24, 2014
Assam Mangaldoi April 24, 2014
Assam Tezpur April 7, 2014
Assam Nowgong April 24, 2014
Assam Kaliabor April 7, 2014

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Assam Jorhat April 7, 2014
Assam Dibrugarh April 7, 2014
Assam Lakhimpur April 7, 2014
Bihar Valmiki Nagar May 12, 2014
Bihar Paschim Champaran May 12, 2014
Bihar Purvi Champaran May 12, 2014
Bihar Sheohar May 07, 2014
Bihar Sitamarhi May 07, 2014
Bihar Madhubani April 30, 2014
Bihar Jhanjharpur April 30, 2014
Bihar Supaul April 24, 2014
Bihar Araria April 24, 2014
Bihar Kishanganj April 24, 2014
Bihar Katihar April 24, 2014
Bihar Purnia April 24, 2014
Bihar Madhepura April 30, 2014
Bihar Darbhanga April 30, 2014
Bihar Muzaffarpur May 07, 2014
Bihar Vaishali May 12, 2014
Bihar Gopalganj May 12, 2014
Bihar Siwan May 12, 2014
Bihar Maharajganj May 07, 2014
Bihar Saran May 07, 2014
Bihar Hajipur May 07, 2014
Bihar Ujiarpur May 07, 2014
Bihar Samastipur April 30, 2014
Bihar Begusarai April 30, 2014
Bihar Khagaria April 30, 2014
Bihar Bhagalpur April 24, 2014
Bihar Banka April 24, 2014
Bihar Munger April 17, 2014
Bihar Nalanda April 17, 2014
Bihar Patna Sahib April 17, 2014
Bihar Pataliputra April 17, 2014
Bihar Arrah April 17, 2014
Bihar Buxar April 17, 2014
Bihar Sasaram April 10, 2014
Bihar Karakat April 10, 2014
Bihar Jahanabad April 17, 2014
Bihar Aurangabad April 10, 2014
Bihar Gaya April 10, 2014
Bihar Nawada April 10, 2014
Bihar Jamui April 10, 2014

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Goa North Goa April 17, 2014
Goa South Goa April 17, 2014
Gujarat Kachchh April 30, 2014
Gujarat Banaskantha April 30, 2014
Gujarat Patan April 30, 2014
Gujarat Mahesana April 30, 2014
Gujarat Sabarkantha April 30, 2014
Gujarat Gandhinagar April 30, 2014
Gujarat Ahmedabad East April 30, 2014
Gujarat Ahmedabad West April 30, 2014
Gujarat Surendranagar April 30, 2014
Gujarat Rajkot April 30, 2014
Gujarat Porbandar April 30, 2014
Gujarat Jamnagar April 30, 2014
Gujarat Junagadh April 30, 2014
Gujarat Amreli April 30, 2014
Gujarat Bhavnagar April 30, 2014
Gujarat Anand April 30, 2014
Gujarat Kheda April 30, 2014
Gujarat Panchmahal April 30, 2014
Gujarat Dahod April 30, 2014
Gujarat Vadodara April 30, 2014
Gujarat Chhota Udaipur April 30, 2014
Gujarat Bharuch April 30, 2014
Gujarat Bardoli April 30, 2014
Gujarat Surat April 30, 2014
Gujarat Navsari April 30, 2014
Gujarat Valsad April 30, 2014
Haryana Ambala April 10, 2014
Haryana Kurukshetra April 10, 2014
Haryana Sirsa April 10, 2014
Haryana Hisar April 10, 2014
Haryana Karnal April 10, 2014
Haryana Sonipat April 10, 2014
Haryana Rohtak April 10, 2014
Haryana Bhiwani-Mahendragarh April 10, 2014
Haryana Gurgaon April 10, 2014
Haryana Faridabad April 10, 2014
Himachal Pradesh Kangra May 07, 2014
Himachal Pradesh Mandi May 07, 2014
Himachal Pradesh Hamirpur May 07, 2014
Himachal Pradesh Shimla May 07, 2014
Jammu & Kashmir Baramulla May 07, 2014

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Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar April 30, 2014
Jammu & Kashmir Anantnag April 24, 2014
Jammu & Kashmir Ladakh May 07, 2014
Jammu & Kashmir Udhampur April 17, 2014
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu April 10, 2014
Karnataka Chikkodi April 17, 2014
Karnataka Belgaum April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bagalkot April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bijapur April 17, 2014
Karnataka Gulbarga April 17, 2014
Karnataka Raichur April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bidar April 17, 2014
Karnataka Koppal April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bellary April 17, 2014
Karnataka Haveri April 17, 2014
Karnataka Dharwad April 17, 2014
Karnataka Uttara Kannada April 17, 2014
Karnataka Davanagere April 17, 2014
Karnataka Shimoga April 17, 2014
Karnataka Udupi Chikmagalur April 17, 2014
Karnataka Hassan April 17, 2014
Karnataka Dakshina Kannada April 17, 2014
Karnataka Chitradurga April 17, 2014
Karnataka Tumkur April 17, 2014
Karnataka Mandya April 17, 2014
Karnataka Mysore April 17, 2014
Karnataka Chamarajanagar April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bangalore Rural April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bangalore North April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bangalore Central April 17, 2014
Karnataka Bangalore South April 17, 2014
Karnataka Chikkballapur April 17, 2014
Karnataka Kolar April 17, 2014
Kerala Kasaragod April 10, 2014
Kerala Kannur April 10, 2014
Kerala Vadakara April 10, 2014
Kerala Wayanad April 10, 2014
Kerala Kozhikode April 10, 2014
Kerala Malappuram April 10, 2014
Kerala Ponnani April 10, 2014
Kerala Palakkad April 10, 2014
Kerala Alathur April 10, 2014
Kerala Thrissur April 10, 2014

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Kerala Chalakudy April 10, 2014
Kerala Ernakulam April 10, 2014
Kerala Idukki April 10, 2014
Kerala Kottayam April 10, 2014
Kerala Alappuzha April 10, 2014
Kerala Mavelikkara April 10, 2014
Kerala Pathanamthitta April 10, 2014
Kerala Kollam April 10, 2014
Kerala Attingal April 10, 2014
Kerala Thiruvananthapuram April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Morena April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Bhind April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Gwalior April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Guna April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Sagar April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Tikamgarh April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Damoh April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Satna April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Rewa April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Sidhi April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Shahdol April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Jabalpur April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Mandla April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Balaghat April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Chhindwara April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Hoshangabad April 10, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Vidisha April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Rajgarh April 17, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Dewas April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Ujjain April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Mandsour April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Ratlam April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Dhar April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Indore April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Khargone April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Khandwa April 24, 2014
Madhya Pradesh Betul April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Nandurbar April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Dhule April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Jalgaon April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Raver April 24, 2014

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Maharashtra Buldhana April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Akola April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Amravati April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Wardha April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Ramtek April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Nagpur April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Bhandara-Gondiya April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Gadchiroli-Chimur April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Chandrapur April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Yavatmal-Washim April 10, 2014
Maharashtra Hingoli April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Nanded April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Parbhani April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Jalna April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Aurangabad April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Dindori April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Nashik April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Palghar April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Bhiwandi April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Kalyan April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Thane April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai North April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai North West April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai North East April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai North Central April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai South Central April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Mumbai South April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Raigad April 24, 2014
Maharashtra Maval April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Pune April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Baramati April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Shirur April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Ahmadnagar April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Shirdi April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Beed April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Osmanabad April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Latur April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Solapur April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Madha April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Sangli April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Satara April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg April 17, 2014
Maharashtra Kolhapur April 17, 2014

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Maharashtra Hatkanangle April 17, 2014
Manipur Inner Manipur April 17, 2014
Manipur Outer Manipur April 9, 2014
Meghalaya Shillong April 9, 2014
Meghalaya Tura April 9, 2014
Mizoram Mizoram April 9, 2014
Nagaland Nagaland April 9, 2014
Orissa Bargarh April 10, 2014
Orissa Sundargarh April 10, 2014
Orissa Sambalpur April 10, 2014
Orissa Keonjhar April 17, 2014
Orissa Mayurbhanj April 17, 2014
Orissa Balasore April 17, 2014
Orissa Bhadrak April 17, 2014
Orissa Jajpur April 17, 2014
Orissa Dhenkanal April 17, 2014
Orissa Bolangir April 10, 2014
Orissa Kalahandi April 10, 2014
Orissa Nabarangpur April 10, 2014
Orissa Kandhamal April 10, 2014
Orissa Cuttack April 17, 2014
Orissa Kendrapara April 17, 2014
Orissa Jagatsinghpur April 17, 2014
Orissa Puri April 17, 2014
Orissa Bhubaneswar April 17, 2014
Orissa Aska April 10, 2014
Orissa Berhampur April 10, 2014
Orissa Koraput April 10, 2014
Punjab Gurdaspur April 30, 2014
Punjab Amritsar April 30, 2014
Punjab Khadoor Sahib April 30, 2014
Punjab Jalandhar April 30, 2014
Punjab Hoshiarpur April 30, 2014
Punjab Anandpur Sahib April 30, 2014
Punjab Ludhiana April 30, 2014
Punjab Fatehgarh Sahib April 30, 2014
Punjab Faridkot April 30, 2014
Punjab Ferozpur April 30, 2014
Punjab Bathinda April 30, 2014
Punjab Sangrur April 30, 2014
Punjab Patiala April 30, 2014
Rajasthan Ganganagar April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Bikaner April 17, 2014

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Rajasthan Churu April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jhunjhunu April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Sikar April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jaipur Rural April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jaipur April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Alwar April 24, 2014
Rajasthan Bharatpur April 24, 2014
Rajasthan Karauli-Dholpur April 24, 2014
Rajasthan Dausa April 24, 2014
Rajasthan Tonk-Sawai Madhopur April 24, 2014
Rajasthan Ajmer April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Nagaur April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Pali April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jodhpur April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Barmer April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jalore April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Udaipur April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Banswara April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Chittorgarh April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Rajsamand April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Bhilwara April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Kota April 17, 2014
Rajasthan Jhalawar-Baran April 17, 2014
Sikkim Sikkim April 12, 2014
Tamil Nadu Thiruvallur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Chennai North April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Chennai South April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Chennai Central April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Sriperumbudur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Kancheepuram April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Arakkonam April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Vellore April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Krishnagiri April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Dharmapuri April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Tiruvannamalai April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Arani April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Viluppuram April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Kallakurichi April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Salem April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Namakkal April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Erode April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Tiruppur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Nilgiris April 24, 2014

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Tamil Nadu Coimbatore April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Pollachi April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Dindigul April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Karur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Tiruchirappalli April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Perambalur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Cuddalore April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Chidambaram April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Mayiladuthurai April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Nagapattinam April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Thanjavur April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Sivaganga April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Madurai April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Theni April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Virudhunagar April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Ramanathapuram April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Thoothukkudi April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Tenkasi April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Tirunelveli April 24, 2014
Tamil Nadu Kanniyakumari April 24, 2014
Tripura Tripura West April 7, 2014
Tripura Tripura East April 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Saharanpur April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kairana April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Muzaffarnagar April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bijnor April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Nagina April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Moradabad April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Rampur April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Sambhal April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Amroha April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Meerut April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Baghpat April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Ghaziabad April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Gautam Buddh Nagar April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bulandshahr April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Aligarh April 10, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Hathras April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Mathura April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Agra April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Fatehpur Sikri April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Firozabad April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Mainpuri April 24, 2014

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Uttar Pradesh Etah April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Badaun April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Aonla April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bareilly April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Pilibhit April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Shahjahanpur April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kheri April 17, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Dhaurahra April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Sitapur April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Hardoi April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Misrikh April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Unnao April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Mohanlalganj April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Lucknow April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Rae Bareli April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Amethi May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Sultanpur May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Pratapgarh May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Farrukhabad April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Etawah April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kannauj April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kanpur April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Akbarpur April 24, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Jalaun April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Jhansi April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Hamirpur April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Banda April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Fatehpur April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kaushambi May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Phulpur May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Allahabad May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Barabanki April 30, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Faizabad May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Ambedkar Nagar May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bahraich May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Kaiserganj May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Shrawasti May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Gonda May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Domariyaganj May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Basti May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Sant Kabir Nagar May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Maharajganj May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Gorakhpur May 12, 2014

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Uttar Pradesh Kushi Nagar May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Deoria May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bansgaon May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Lalganj May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Azamgarh May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Ghosi May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Salempur May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Ballia May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Jaunpur May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Machhlishahr May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Ghazipur May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Chandauli May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Varanasi May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Bhadohi May 07, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Mirzapur May 12, 2014
Uttar Pradesh Robertsganj May 12, 2014
West Bengal Cooch Behar May 07, 2014
West Bengal Alipurduars May 07, 2014
West Bengal Jalpaiguri May 07, 2014
West Bengal Darjeeling May 07, 2014
West Bengal Raiganj April 24, 2014
West Bengal Balurghat April 24, 2014
West Bengal Maldaha Uttar April 24, 2014
West Bengal Maldaha Dakshin April 24, 2014
West Bengal Jangipur April 24, 2014
West Bengal Baharampur May 12, 2014
West Bengal Murshidabad April 24, 2014
West Bengal Krishnanagar May 12, 2014
West Bengal Ranaghat May 12, 2014
West Bengal Bangaon May 12, 2014
West Bengal Barrackpore May 12, 2014
West Bengal Dum Dum May 12, 2014
West Bengal Barasat May 12, 2014
West Bengal Basirhat May 12, 2014
West Bengal Joynagar May 12, 2014
West Bengal Mathurapur May 12, 2014
West Bengal Diamond Harbour May 12, 2014
West Bengal Jadavpur May 12, 2014
West Bengal Kolkata Dakshin May 12, 2014
West Bengal Kolkata Uttar May 12, 2014
West Bengal Howrah April 30, 2014
West Bengal Uluberia April 30, 2014
West Bengal Srerampur April 30, 2014

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West Bengal Hooghly April 30, 2014
West Bengal Arambagh April 30, 2014
West Bengal Tamluk May 12, 2014
West Bengal Kanthi May 12, 2014
West Bengal Ghatal May 12, 2014
West Bengal Jhargram May 07, 2014
West Bengal Medinipur May 07, 2014
West Bengal Purulia May 07, 2014
West Bengal Bankura May 07, 2014
West Bengal Bishnupur May 07, 2014
West Bengal Bardhaman Purba April 30, 2014
West Bengal Burdwan-Durgapur April 30, 2014
West Bengal Asansol May 07, 2014
West Bengal Bolpur April 30, 2014
West Bengal Birbhum April 30, 2014
Chhattisgarh Sarguja April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Raigarh April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Janjgir-Champa April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Korba April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Bilaspur April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Rajnandgaon April 17, 2014
Chhattisgarh Durg April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Raipur April 24, 2014
Chhattisgarh Mahasamund April 17, 2014
Chhattisgarh Bastar April 10, 2014
Chhattisgarh Kanker April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Rajmahal April 24, 2014
Jharkhand Dumka April 24, 2014
Jharkhand Godda April 24, 2014
Jharkhand Chatra April 10, 2014
Jharkhand Kodarma April 10, 2014
Jharkhand Giridih April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Dhanbad April 24, 2014
Jharkhand Ranchi April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Jamshedpur April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Singhbhum April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Khunti April 17, 2014
Jharkhand Lohardaga April 10, 2014
Jharkhand Palamau April 10, 2014
Jharkhand Hazaribagh April 10, 2014
Uttarakhand Tehri Garhwal May 07, 2014
Uttarakhand Garhwal May 07, 2014
Uttarakhand Almora May 07, 2014

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Uttarakhand Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar May 07, 2014
Uttarakhand Hardwar May 07, 2014
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Andaman & Nicobar Islands April 10, 2014
Chandigarh Chandigarh April 10, 2014
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Dadra & Nagar Haveli April 30, 2014
Daman & Diu Daman & Diu April 30, 2014
Delhi Chandni Chowk April 10, 2014
Delhi North East Delhi April 10, 2014
Delhi East Delhi April 10, 2014
Delhi New Delhi April 10, 2014
Delhi North West Delhi April 10, 2014
Delhi West Delhi April 10, 2014
Delhi South Delhi April 10, 2014
Lakshadweep Lakshadweep April 10, 2014
Pondicherry Puducherry April 24, 2014
Ms. Sheila Dikshit: Former Delhi Chief Minister appointed as Kerala Governor
March 8, 2014
Former Delhi chief minister Ms. Sheila Dikshit (75) appointed as the
Governor of Kerala by the President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. Ms. Dikshit succeeded Mr.
Nikhil Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner. She became the 22nd Governor of
Kerala. Ms Dixit formerly served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from 1998 to 2013.
Ms Dikshit was defeated in her own constituency, New Delhi,In December 2013 elections
to the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, by Mr Arvind Kejriwal
President Pranab Mukherjee also approved a second term for Uttar Pradesh Governor
B.L. Joshi.
Two additional attempts and two-year age relaxation for all categories of candidates in
UPSCs Civil
Services Exams
March 7, 2014
The Union Government approved two additional attempts along-with a
consequential age relaxation to all categories of candidates for the Civil Services Exam
conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The new rules are effective
from Civil Services Examination 2014.
The UPSC conducts the civil service exams to select members of the Indian
Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service
(IFS) among others.
As per the revised norms, the Ministry of Personnel stated that from this year :-
Unreserved (or general category) category candidates will get six attempts until 32
years of age.
There is no restriction on the number of attempts by candidates belonging to
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). But the age limit for such
aspirants has been extended by two years from 35 to 37 years.

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The Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidate will get nine attempts until 35 years of
age.
Physically handicapped candidates in the general and OBC categories will be
eligible for nine attempts as against the seven at present. They will also get age
relaxations of 42 years for general and 45 years for OBC candidates.
There is no cap on the number of attempts by physically handicapped candidates in
the SC and ST categories while there will be an age limit of 47 years for them as
against the present 45 years.
Till 2013, an unreserved candidate is permitted a maximum of four attempts with the age
limit for such candidates to take the examination being 30 years.
Note: The Civil Services Examination (Preliminary), 2014, is tentatively scheduled for
August 24, 2014. The examinations are conducted in three stages: Preliminary, mains
and interview.
Hockey India (HI) accorded status of National Sports Federation (NSF) status
March 7, 2014
Hockey India (HI) has accorded with the status of a
National Sports Federation (NSF) for governing the sport of hockey (both men and
women) in India. It will represent India in International events.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports declared Hockey India as the sole body
responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, control, regulation,
promotion and development of the sports discipline in India.
Hockey India will have to follow the guidelines of the Government and National Sports
Development Code to get assistance and continued recognition.
How Hockey India got National Sports Federation (NSF) status?
To be recognized as a National Sports Federation, any institution or body needs to be
recognized by its international body.
Hockey Indias recognition was mandatory by International Hockey Federation (FIH),
as well as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Since 2009, HI has fulfilled both the criteria as the FIH, Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)
and IOA have considered it as the sole body responsible for the governance of the
game in India.
Since 2012, HI and FIH have jointly organized major tournaments viz. the FIH Olympic
Qualifiers, FIH World League Round 2, FIH Junior Men World Cup and FIH World
League Round Final in India.
HI has also been conducting nationals in all the categories since 2011.
Note: Earlier, the Sports Ministry had derecognized it for not adhering to government
guidelines.
India at Risk Mr. Jaswant Singhs book launched
March 7, 2014
Former External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh released a
book titled, India at Risk Mistakes, Misconceptions and Misadventures of
security policy. The book is on 60 years of Indian security issues.

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About the book India at Risk
Throws a light on various events that took place during his appointments as minister of
External Affairs and Minister of Defence viz. hijacking of IC 814 to Kandahar-1999, the
Kargil war, the Operation Parakaram 2011, etc.
Also includes history events viz. Indo-China wars, the Indo-Pak war, Kargil, the
Emergency, etc.
From Kandahar to Pakistan, Mr Singh reveals what really happened as India faced grave
security challenges.
Overall, the book brings forth the mistakes, misconception and misadventures of Indian
security policy for past 60 years and way forward.
About Mr. Jaswant Singh
Belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
During the NDA regime (1998 to 2004): Had many portfolios in the national cabinet
viz. Finance, External Affairs and Defense.
From 2004 to 2009: Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
From 199899: Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India.
Known for his moderate political views, he is a self-described liberal democrat even
though the Bharatiya Janata Party is often described as a right-wing nationalist
organization.
At present, Mr. Singh representing Darjeeling parliamentaryconstituency in the
15th Lok Sabha.
India at Risk is his eleventh book in English. In addition, he has written
eleven books in Dingal, two in Hindi and one in French.
Forbess 2014 billionaires list: Bill Gates reclaims title as worlds richest person
March 7, 2014
Microsoft Co-founder, Mr. Bill Gates regained the title of the worlds
richest person in the Forbes 2014 billionaire list. Mr. Gates has topped the list for 15 of
the last 20 years, with a net worth of $76 billion and Mexicos telecommunications
mogul Mr. Carlos Slim Helu is at second place.
As per the Forbes 28th annual ranking of the worlds billionaires 2014
The US leads the list of billionaires in the world with 492 billionaires, followed
byChina (152) and Russia (111). The list has new billionaires
from Algeria, Lithuania,Tanzania and Uganda.
Total number of billionaires in the world: 1,645 with combined net worth of $6.4
trillion.
Top 5 billionaires: Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Carlos Slim Helu, Mr. Amancio Ortega, Mr.
Warren Buffett, and Mr. Larry Ellison (Oracle Corp chief).
Highest ranked women on the list: Christy Walton (9), with a net worth of $36.7
billion and Liliane Bettencourt (11) has worth $34.5 billion.
Worlds youngest billionaire: Ms. Perenna Kei from Hong Kong.
WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton join the ranks of Silicon Valleys
wealthiest for the first time.

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From Internet field: Facebook Inc founder Mark Zuckerberg (21), Amazon.com Incs
Jeff Bezos (18) and Google Inc founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin ranked 17th and
19th.
Business Tycoon, Mr. Mukesh Amabani: Indias richest person for the 7th year in a
row. Mr. Ambani is ranked 40th globally with net worth of $18.6 billion.
India has 56 billionaires in all with a collective net worth of $191.5 billion.
Note: The Forbes list of billionaires is an annual ranking of the worlds wealthiest people,
compiled and published by the American business magazine Forbes. The list only
represents each persons valuation on a single day, due to daily fluctuations among
exchange rates and stock valuations.
Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat clinched German Open Grand Prix Gold title
March 7, 2014
Indian shuttler, Arvind Bhat (34) defeated Denmarks World No. 25 Hans-Kristian
Vittinghus to clinch the mens singles title of the $120,000 German Open Grand Prix
Gold. This is the first time an Indian has won a German Open title in any category. (
Indian chief national coach Pullela Gopichand had reached the final way back in 1999.)
About Arvind Bhat
Badminton player from Bangalore.
World Ranking: 87.
Coach: Prakash Padukone.
Won six International titles viz.e Scottish Open 2004, Syria International 2007, Czech
International 2007, etc.
Participated in the 2010 Asian games in Guanzhou, China and was in the Indian team for
Sudirman Cup 2011.
Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme and Nalanda Project launched by Union Ministry of
Minority Affairs
March 6, 2014
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs launched two new initiatives for the welfare of
Minorities. These are Maulana Azad Sehat Scheme and Nalanda Project, a Faculty
Development Program for Minorities Higher Educational Institutions.
Maulana Azad Sehat scheme
Sehat Card would be issued to every student of the Institution financially aided by
MAEF.
Preventive Health Check-up Camps would be organized by the Institute twice in a year,
through Government/Private Hospitals/Nursing Homes.
All findings of the Preventive Health Checkups will be entered in the Sehat Card of the
student by the Doctors.
In exceptional and deserving cases for serious ailments, the poor students belonging to
notified minorities would be provided financial assistance for treatment in
Government/Recognized Hospitals.
Serious ailments viz. Kidney, Heart, Liver, Cancer, Brain, Knee surgery and Spinal
surgery or any other life threatening diseases would be covered.
Dispensary/Health Care Centre is to be set up in the educational institutions (School)

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to provide daily medical facilities to the students studying in the educational institutions
funded/aided by MAEF.
About Nalanda Project- a Faculty Development Program for Minorities Higher
Educational Institutions.
Objective: To help faculty learn new ways to achieve excellence and to grow as
faculty members.
Supported by Aligarh Muslim University, a premier Minority University of world fame.
Faculty development includes education, collaboration, resources and support.
Faculty development is an essential element of institutional effectiveness in higher
education. It has become a priority at many academic institutions as a way to improve
the quality of academic programs and to respond to emerging faculty, student, program
and industry needs.
Faculty who engage in professional development experiences benefit also in terms of
increased vitality, informed pedagogy, teaching innovations and scholarly teaching.
Benefit: Through educational programs and workshops, faculty can learn the skills
necessary to reach excellence in a changing academicenvironment.
RBI extends date of exchanging pre-2005 notes to Jan 1, 2015
March 6, 2014
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted an additional nine months for the public to
exchange currency notes printed before 2005, including Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000
denominations, and set a deadline of January 1, 2015. The apex bank stated that the
public can continue to freely use these notes for any transaction and people can
unhesitatingly receive these notes in payment, as all such notes continue to
remain legal tender.
RBI has advised banks to facilitate the exchange of these notes for full value and
without causing any inconvenience to the public.
Post-2005 notes have added security features and help in curbing the menace of fake
currency.
At present, currency notes are issued in denominations of Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50,
Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.
Note: Earlier, RBI stated that after March 31, 2014, it will completely withdraw all bank
notes from circulation issued prior to 2005 and from April 1, 2014, the public will be
required to approach banks for exchanging these notes.
Oscar Awards: 86th Academy Awards
March 6, 2014
The 86th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los
Angeles.
Best Motion picture: 12 Years a Slave.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuarn (Gravity).
Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club).
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

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Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club).
Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyongo (12 Years a Slave).
Best Writing Original Screenplay: Her by Spike Jonze.
Best Writing Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years a Slave by John Ridley.
Best Animated Feature Film: Frozen.
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty (Italy) in Italian Paolo Sorrentino
Best Documentary Feature: 20 Feet from Stardom.
Best Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Film Editing: Gravity.
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.
Best Cinematography: Gravity.
Best Sound Mixing: Gravity.
Best Sound Editing: Gravity.
Most awards: Gravity (7).
Mexican Open 2014
March 6, 2014
Winners of the Mexican Open 2014
Mens singles: Fourth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria defeated South African
Kevin Anderson by 7-6(7-1), 3-6, 7-6(7-5).
Womens singles: Slovakia Dominika Cibulkov beat American Christina McHale by
76(73), 46, 64.
Mens doubles: South African Kevin Anderson and AustralianMatthew Ebden beat
Feliciano Lpez (Spain) and Max Mirnyi (Belarus) by 6-3, 6-3.
Womens doubles: Kristina Mladenovic (France) and GalinaVoskoboeva
(Kazakhstan) beat CzechRepublic players Petra Cetkovsk and Iveta Melzer by 63,
26.
Note: The Mexican Open is a joint professional tennis tournament played on outdoor
hard courts, and held annually in late February at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess in
Acapulco, Mexico.
1857 revolt: Remains of martyrs of 1857 Uprising exhumed in Punjab
March 6, 2014
The skeletal remains of the Indian soldiers, who were killed by the British troops for
participating in the First War of Independence in 1857, are exhumed atAjnala well in
Amritsar district, Punjab. These were our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives
during the First War of Independence in 1857.
Kalian Wala Khuh: Martyrs place where the remains of over 250 Indian soldiers
dumped unceremoniously by the British in a deep well at Ajnala in the wake of the
1857 uprising.
Neither the Indian Government nor the Government of Punjab, attempted to extract the
bodies of the martyrs and perform the last rites and restore the honour of the soldiers
of the first freedom struggle.
Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Committee (a gurdwara in the border town of Ajnala)

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exhumed the remains of Indian soldiers who were executed by the British authorities
for participating in the 1857 mutiny.
The exercise is being done to perform last rites of these soldiers after160 years.
The well that was dug was previously known as kalianwala khu (well of the black
people) has been renamed as Shaheedanwala khu (well of the martyrs).
What British authorities did with the Indian soldiers of the 26th Bengal Native
Infantry (in Lahore) in 1857, when they revolted against the EastIndia Company?
In the 1857 mutiny, around 500 soldiers of 26th Native Infantry Regimentrevolted at
Mian Mir Cantonment in Lahore.
They marched towards Ajnala from Lahore after hearing the reports of the Sepoy
mutiny in Meerut where Hindu and Muslim troops rebelled against the East India
Company over the cartridges for their rifles being greased with animal fat.
When soldiers were moving ahead to join the revolt, they had an encounter with the
British troops on the banks of the Ravi, where 220 soldiers attained martyrdom and
their bodies were thrown into the river.
The remaining 280 soldiers were arrested and were confined in the overcrowded
barracks located at Ajnala tehsil complex.
Later, the British killed these soldiers too and buried them in Kalian Wala Khuh.
Indias First War of Independence (Indian Rebellion of 1857)
Also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the Revolt of 1857, the Uprising of 1857, etc.
A violent revolt against the British rule.
Immediate cause of Revolt: The introduction of Enfield greased rifles whose
cartridges were said to have a greased cover made of beef and pork sparked off the
revolt. It antagonized both Hindu and Muslim soldiers.
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny of sepoys of the East India Companys
army on 10th May 1857, in the town of Meerut. It soon escalated into other mutinies
and civil rebellions largely in the upper Gangetic plain and central India, with major
hostilities confined to present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, northern Madhya Pradesh, and
theDelhi region.
Leaders of 1857 revolt: Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmi bai, Bahadur Shah II, Begum
Hazrat Mahal, Babu Kunwar Singh, Nana Saheb Peshwa, Bakht Khan, etc.
Outcome of revolt: British victory - Suppression of the rebellion, End of the Mughal and
Maratha Empires, End of Company rule in India and Transfer of rule to the British crown.
Workdays for tribals under MGNREGA raised from 100 to 150
March 5, 2014
The Union Cabinet raised the number of workdays under its flagship rural employment
guarantee programme MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act 2005) from 100 days to 150 days for tribals. The decision will come into
effect from April, 2014.
MNREGAs objective: To enhance livelihood security of rural households for creating
durable assets and discouraging migration.
Focus: On water conservation, water harvesting, drought proofing, land development,

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flood control and rural connectivity among others.
Under MNREGA, eligibility for additionally working days for tribals:-
As per the rural job scheme, those tribals who have received land rights under the
Forest Rights Act, 2006 will be eligible for additional 50 days of wage employment
The beneficiaries would be those who have completed 100 workdays in that particular
financial year.
To distinguish this category from regular MGNREGA workers, they will be given a job
card of a different color.
Benefit: This hike in the workdays will benefit approx 14 lakh families in India.
Earclip-type Wearable PC- Japanese researchers testing tiny ear computer
March 5, 2014
Japanese researchers are testing tiny ear computer that is worn on the ear
and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue.
About Earclip-type Wearable PC device
Invented by: Engineer Kazuhiro Taniguchi (Hiroshima City University, Japan).
Tiny personal computer: 17-gram wireless device has microchip and data storage
that enables users to load software.
In other words, the device is a battery-powered and comes with built-in storage: users
can upload software, apps and files to their ear-worn clip.
Design was inspired by Ikebana Japanese flower arrangements,also known as kado
or way of flowers.
Features: Bluetooth capability and equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor,
battery, barometer, speaker and microphone.
Worn on the ear and can be controlled with the blink of an eye or the click of a tongue.
Can be connected to any Bluetooth-enabled device and can be programmed to register
certain movements
Uses infrared sensors that monitor tiny movements inside the earand can
recognize every time a wearers eyes and mouth move.
Useful for rock-climbers, hikers, cyclists, people with disabilities, etc.
Expected to be available in the market from December, 2015.
Indian golfer Rashid Khan won SAIL-SBI Open golf title 2014
March 5, 2014
Indian golfer, Rashid Khan(23) won the SAIL-SBI golf title 2014 against the
Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman at the Delhi Golf Club course in New Delhi. This was
Rashids fifth career title and first international win. Owing to this win, Mr. Rashid became
the 18th Indian to win an international tournament.
It was the third year in succession that an Indian won the SAIL-SBI Open.
Anirban Lahiri won the SAIL-SBI open for 2013 and 2012.
SAIL-SBI Open tournament
Location:India.
Established: 2008, played annually.
Prize: $300,000.
A Golf tournament on the Asian Tour.

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Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
Sponsors: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and State Bank of India (SBI).
Winner of Delhi Golf Culb 2014: Rashid Khan.
About Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI)
Formed: 2006.
Official body of professional golf in India.
Objective: To promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an
opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game.
Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt: Eminent Gandhian and environmentalist selected for Gandhi
Peace Prize
2013
March 5, 2014
The noted Gandhian and environmentalist, Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt selected for the
Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013.
About Mr. Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Born:1934.
Indian Gandhian environmentalist and social activist.
Founder of the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh in Gopeshwar, which later became the
mother organization to the Chipko Movement.
Known for his work on subaltern social ecology, and considered one of Indias first
modern environmentalist
One of the pioneers of the Chipko movement for which he was awarded the Raman
Magsaysay Award in 1982.
Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Green legend-Greenies Eco Award-2010, Raman
Magsaysay Award, etc.
Note: Gandhi Peace Prize is an award that is bestowed to individuals and organizations
for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through
peace and other Gandhian methods.
Roger Federer won Dubai tennis championship
March 5, 2014
Roger Federer won the Singles title at the Dubai Duty
FreeTennis Championship after defeating Tomas Berdych by 3-6, 6-4, and 6-3 in the
final. This is the sixth title for Roger Federer in Dubai and also the 78th career title.
Note: Indo Pak duo of Rohan Bopanna and Aihsan ul Haq Qureshi bagged the doubles
title by defeating Daniel Nestor and N. Zimonjic by 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
South Africa won ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014
March 5, 2014
For the first time, South Africa won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup by defeating
two-time former champions Pakistan by six wickets at the DubaiInternational Cricket
Stadium.
Man of the match Mr. Corbin Borsch (South Africa)
Player of the tournament South African captain Mr. Aiden Markram.
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014

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This was the tenth edition of the tournament.
Sixteen international U-19 cricketing teams participated.
Held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Top five cricket teams in the Under-19 cricket world cup: South Africa,
Pakistan, England, Australia and India.
Indian side was captained by Vijay Hari Zol.
Note: The next ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be held in 2016 inBangladesh.
Assam: First Indian state to observe Child Protection Day on March 4, 2014
March 4, 2014
Assam became the first state in the country to observe Child Protection Day with the
support of Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) in
collaboration with United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF).
The day was observed to highlight issues related to children viz. qualityeducation,
importance of protection of children, child trafficking, child marriage, etc.
Note: Internationally Child Protection Day is observed on 19 November every year.
Lt Gen P.R. Kumar appointed as the New Army DGMO
March 4, 2014
Lt Gen PR Kumar appointed as Director General Military Operations (DGMO). He
took the charge from Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia. Lt Kumar is an aviator and was holding the
responsibility of the Directorate General of Army Aviation.
Note: The DGMO is an important office controlling the operations of the Army and is also
responsible for immediate resolution of border conflicts with Pakistan and is soon
expected to be assigned the same task with China as well.
Raunaq- music album written by Mr. Kapil Sibal launched
March 4, 2014
Bollywood Actor, Mr. Salman Khan launched the music album titled Raunaqwritten by
the Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mr. Kapil Sibal. This
album was composed by music maestro AR Rahman.
About Raunaq album
Composed by A. R. Rahman and lyrics are penned by Mr. Sibal.
Label: Sony Music.
Consists of seven compositions.
Songs sung by artists from the music industry: Lata Mageshkar (Laadli), Shreya
Ghosal (Kismat se), Jonita Gandhi (Aa Bhi Jaa) and Rahman (Laadli and Boondein).
The album is Kapil Sibals the second lyrical attempt after the Bollywood movie
Bandook.
Regarding the music album, Mr. Sibal stated that these songs are a reflection of the
current social scenario of India and reflects his view of the world that how things touched
him.
Ambedkar Awakening Indias Social Conscience Dr. Narendra Jadhavs book
launched
March 4, 2014

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The Vice President of India Mr. M. Hamid Ansari released a book
Ambedkar: Awakening Indias Social Conscience authored by Dr. Narendra
Jadhav.
This book is the first ever intellectual biography of Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, a
dalit icon and chief architect of the Indian constitution.
Dr. Jadhav is a member of the planning commission and a well-known economist,
policy maker, educationist, social scientist and best-selling author and holds a PhD in
Economics from Indiana University, USA.
Indias first electric bus launched in Bangalore
March 4, 2014
As an initiative of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Indias first electric
zero-emission bus officially launched in Bangalore by theKarnataka Transport
Minister R Ramalinga Reddy.
Features of India first electric zero-emission bus
Air-conditioned and has the capacity to seat around 41 passengers.
Takes 5 hours to be charged normally and half that time for a fast charge.
The zero-emission Chinese-made BYD bus (K9D) is powered by four ferrous batteries,
each producing 540 volts of electricity.
Maximum speed: 96 km/hr.
Cost: Rs 2.7 crore. ((Volvo Rs 88 lakh).
No oil required.
Runs for 250 km with 6 hours of charging.
Powered by ferrous batteries and is expected to eliminate pollution caused by regular
fossil fuel-driven vehicles.
The bus will ply between Majestic and Kadugodi (Route no 335E) for the first three
months, between 7 am and 7 pm. The fare will be similar to Volvo buses.
Govt. okayed Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under EPS-95
March 4, 2014
The Union Government approved the proposal to ensure Rs 1,000 minimum monthly
pension under a scheme of retirement fund body EPFO. The government would provide
an additional amount of around Rs 1,217 crore to ensure the minimum pension of Rs
1,000 starting 2014-15.
The decision to provide the entitlement under Employees Pension Scheme-95, run by
the Employees Provident Fund Organization, was taken by the Union Cabinet in its
meeting held in New Delhi.
Benefit of this scheme: With immediate effect. approx 28 lakh pensioners including
five lakh widows will get benefit. (There are 44 lakh pensioners).
Note: Pensioners will get the benefit with effect from April 1, 2014.
500 endangered languages will be documented by CIIL
March 4, 2014
The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) will commence on a mega project to
document almost 500 endangered languages in India, each spoken by less than 10000

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people.
Objective: To bring out dictionaries and also document and preserve the ethnic
knowledge system enshrined in the languages, including folklore. It also intends to
frame grammar rules. Experts would give suggestions for the revitalization of these
languages.
Approved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
The decision to document endangered languages was taken by the CIIL during a twoday
workshop on Endangered tribal languages in south India.
The CIIL will collaborate with universities and institutes.
About 70 languages from different parts of the country would be studied in the first
phase and 500 would be taken up in a span of 10 years.
The study and documentation of each language would cost between Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 8
lakh.
About Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)
An Indian research and teaching institute based in Mysore, part of the Language
Bureau of the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Found: 1981.
Objective: To protects and documents Minor, Minority and Tribal Languages.
Established to coordinate the Indian languages through scientific studies, promote inter
disciplinary research to contribute to mutual enrichment of languages and thus contribute
towards emotional integration of the people of India.
Turkish president Abdullah Gul approved the bill on restricting the judicial powers
March 4, 2014
The Turkish President Mr. Abdullah approved the bill on restricting the judicial powers.
The bill will give more control to the Justice ministry in comparison to the Supreme Board
of Judges and Prosecutors. It is an independent body that deals with the appointment of
the judiciary.
Objective: To curb the independence of the judicial powers.
The Turkish parliament also cleared the bill putting restrictions on internet. The law would
permit the telecommunication authority to close the websites for violation of privacy.
Though, the authority would still need courts approval within 24 hours. The authority
would also have to obtain a court order to access records of user activity.
New Corporate Social Responsibility rules for companies notified by Union Ministry of
Corporate
Affairs
March 4, 2014
The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified new Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) rules for companies. They will apply to companies with at least Rs 5 crore net
profit, or Rs.1,000 crore turnover or Rs.500 crore net worth. As part of the new
Companies Act, these new CSR rules would come into effect from April 1, 2014.
Objective: For expanding the scope to include more activities but at the same time
clarifying that contribution to state government funds and funding of political parties will
not be considered CSR activities.

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Excerpts of the actions that are considered as CSR activities:
Livelihood enhancement and rural development projects, promoting
preventive health care and sanitation as well as making safe drinking water
available, working towards protection of national heritage, art and culture including
restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art, setting up
public libraries and promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.
To reduce inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups.
Measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents,
setting up homes and hostels for women and orphans, setting up of old age homes,
day care centres and such other facilities for senior citizens.
Control ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agroforestry,
conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of soil, air and
water.
Training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympics sports and
Olympic sports, contributions or funds provided to technology incubators located within
academic institutions which are approved by the central government.
Provisions of new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules for companies:
The companies
Falling under range are required to spend 2 % of their 3 year average annual net
profit on CSR activities in each financial year, beginning from the next fiscal year
2014-15.
Has to declare its CSR policy. This policy should mention plans/ activities
/programmes or projects. These works should not be a part of
routine business activities.
Can undertake CSR activities as per the approval of the companys board and decision
of its CSR Committee in accordance with its CSR policy.
Are permitted to spend only 5% of the total CSR expenditure for manpower
required for CSR activities in a single financial year. The manpower would include
companys own personnel and those of the implementing agencies.
Can also carry out CSR activities with a Society or a registered trust.
Rules also define the manner in which CSR committee should formulate and monitor
CSR policy, role of board of directors.
A Company is permitted to collaborate with other companies in pursuing their CSR
activities but they need to show their CSR reports separately.
Surplus from CSR activities cannot become a part of the profit of the company.
Any type of contributions to any political party will not be treated as CSR
activities.
Spending for the benefit of the companys own employees also cannot be a part of
CSR activity.
All CSR activities will have to be within India.
The new rules will be applicable to the foreign companies registered in India.
Note: Notifications have been issued for Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies
Act, 2013 that relate to CSR spending by companies.

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Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championship title
March 4, 2014
Mr. Sourav Kothari won the National Billiard Championships held in Lucknow
by beating Alok Kumar by 5-3. It is the first maiden title for Saurav Kothari since he
turned professional in 2007.
Sourav Kothari and Alok Kumar both play for Petroleum SportsPromotion Board
(PSPB). Third position was secured by B. Bhaskar by beating Dhruv Sitwala.
Indias first post office savings bank ATM inaugurated in Chennai
March 4, 2014
The Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram inaugurated the Indias first post office
savings bank ATM at the Head Post Office in Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai.
About Post office savings bank ATM
The ATM would run on a trial basis for six months.
Objective: To make the department technology-oriented.
Part of an Information Technology (IT) modernization project of the Department of
Posts.
Rs 4,909 crore had been allocated for the IT modernisation of Department of Posts in
the interim budget for 2014-15.
Note: By March 31, 2014, a total of 700 more post offices will be covered and all 26,840
post offices will be functional under CBS in another two years.
India and ADB inked an agreement to improve key road connectivity in Chhattisgarh
March 4, 2014
The Government of India (GoI) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an
agreement for a $300 million loan to help improve road connectivity along key corridors in
the State of Chhattisgarh.
Objective: To improve more than 900 kilometers of State roads, in line with the
Chhattisgarh Road Master Plan, involving up gradation of roads sections and
strengthening culverts and bridges.
The loan will be funded from ADBs ordinary capital resources. It has a principal
repayment period of 20 years, and annual interest set in accordance with ADBs
LIBOR-based lending facility.
The Government of Chhattisgarh will provide counterpart finance of about $128 million to
cover the estimated total project cost of $428 million.
Mr. Dinesh Sarraf appointed next ONGC chief
March 4, 2014
Mr. Dinesh K Sarraf appointed the new Chairman and Managing Director
(CMD)of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).
Previously, he was the Managing Director of ONGCs overseas arm, ONGC Videsh
(OVL). Mr. Sarraf replaced Mr. Sudhir Vasudeva.
Planet bonanza: NASA announces discovery of 715 new worlds
March 3, 2014

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The NASAs Kepler mission announced the discovery of 715 new planets. These
newlyverified
planets orbit 305 stars, revealed multiple-planet systems much like our own solar
system. This discovery marks a significant increase in the number of known small-sized
planets more akin to Earth than previously identifiedexoplanets, which are planets
outside our solar system.
About the discovery of 715 new planets
Technique used by scientists: Verification by multiplicity that relies in part on the
logic of probability.
Used the planet-hunting Kepler telescope. It observed 150,000 stars and has found a
few thousand of those to have planet candidates.
Nearly 95% of these planets are smaller than Neptune that is almost four times the size
of Earth.
Four of the new planets are less than 2.5 times the radius of Earth, and they orbit their
host suns in the habitable zone the region around a star where water can keep a
liquid state. In other words, it is defined as the range of distance from a star where the
surface temperature of an orbiting planet may be suitable for life-giving liquid water.
One of these new habitable zone planets known as Kepler-296f -orbits a star half the
size and 5% as bright as our sun. Kepler-296f is twice the size of Earth, but scientists
do not know whether the planet is a gaseous world, with a thick hydrogen-helium
envelope, or it is a water world surrounded by a deep ocean.
This latest discovery brings the confirmed count of planets outside our solar system to
nearly 1700.
Key terms:
Exoplanet (or extrasolar planet): A planet outside the Solar System.
Habitable zone: The region around a star where water can keep a liquid state
Kepler space telescope mission
Launched in 2009, with the sole purpose of finding new stars and planets. In other
words, the Kepler space telescope sought to find Earth-like worlds orbiting distant stars
in the Constellation Lyra.
Orbits around the Sun, 40 million miles from Earth.
Named after 17th Century astronomer Mr. Johannes Kepler.
Outcome of the discovery: The study indicates that the planets in these multi-systems
are small and their orbits are flat and circular, resembles pancakes, not our classical view
of an atom.
Indian Navy Chief Mr. DK Joshi resigned after accident on Indian sub Sindhuratna
March 3, 2014
The Indian Naval Chief Admiral DK Joshi (59) resigned in the wake of submarine INS
Sindhuratna accident. The Defense Ministry has accepted his resignation.
Vice Admiral RK Dhowan took over as the Acting Chief till regular Naval Chief is
appointed.
What is the issue behind the resignation of Navy Chief Mr. DK Joshi?
Recently, Indias Russian-built submarine, INS Sindhuratna was at sea off Mumbai for

102
routine training and workup (inspection) when smoke was reported in the sailors
accommodation. In that accident, seven sailors were injured and two officers were
dead. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
This accident was the 10th involving an Indian Navy warship and the third involving a
submarine in the last seven months.
In August 2013, the Navy lost another Kilo, INS Sindhurakshak, in a fire that gutted the
boat and killed all 18 crew on board.
Due to the repeated accidents of naval vessels and submarines, Mr. Joshi took the
moral responsibility and resigned form the post of Naval Chief.
He became the first Indian naval chief to resign.
Note: INS Sindhuratna (S59) is a Sindhughosh-class diesel-electric submarine of the
Indian Navy.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahlab: New Prime Minister of Egypt
March 3, 2014
Mr. Ibrahim Mahlab sworn- in as new Prime Minister of Egypt. He is a former member of
Hosni Mubaraks political party. Mr. Mahlab replaced Mr. Hazem el-Beblawi, who was
interim Prime Minister of Egypt since 2013. Previously, he was the housing minister in the
previous administration. Mr. Mahlab would head Egypts sixth government since the 2011
uprising that toppled the autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. He is expected to lead an
interim government at least until the election of a new president.
Indias Largest Solar Power Plant launched in Madhya Pradesh
March 3, 2014
Welspun Solar MP project, the largest Solar Power Plant of India launched
atBhagwanpur in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
About Welspun Solar MP project
The 151-megawatt photovoltaic plant.
Worlds 2nd largest & Asias Largest solar project (Single Plant).
Constructed by: Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL).
Location: Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
Inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Set up at a cost of Rs. 1100 crore on 305 hectares of land.
Supply power at Rs. 8.05 a kWh.
This Project will raise Indian solar capacity by 7%.
About Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL)
Biggest developer of solar photovoltaic projects of India.
Headquarters:New Delhi.
Objective: To develop 1,000 MW of wind power projects by 2014.
The energy arm of Welspun Group is an independent power producer with plans to build
grid connected 750MW of solar power & 1 GW of wind power plants across India.
ICICI Bank launched branch on wheels in Odisha
March 3, 2014
ICICI Bank Ltd. launched Branch on Wheels in Odisha as part their financial inclusion

103
plans to provide banking services in remote villages in the state which are devoid of
banking facilities.
ICICI Bank is the first private sector bank to launch Mobile Branch with ATM
About Branch on Wheels mobile branch with an ATM.
First-of-its-kind initiative by any private sector bank in India.
Objective: To provide basic banking services to the remote unbanked villages in the
state.
The branch would be operated on a van. It will be stationed at specific timings of the
day in pre-identified, unbanked villages at specified locations.
Would be equipped with a GPS tracking system, laptops with 3G connections, LED TV,
a safe, a printer, public announcement system, an UV Lamp that detects forged
cheques, a note counting-cum-authentication machine that identifies fake currency
notes and a unique low-weight ATM.
Offers a wide range of banking products and services viz. savings accounts, loans,
cash deposit/withdrawal, account balance enquiries, statement printing and funds
transfer/DD/PO collections, among others.
Note: Odisha is the third state where ICICI Bank has expanded its Branch on Wheels
network after Maharashtra in September 2013 and Chhatisgarh in February 2014.
M-Pesa launched in Odisha
March 3, 2014
Telecom major, Vodafone India and ICICI Bank announced the launch of mobile
commerce initiative called M-Pesa service in Odisha.
About M-Pesa service
A mobile money transfer and payment service that allows customers to transfer money
to any mobile phone, remit money to any bank account, make utility payments,
recharge of mobile, DTH payment and earn interest on deposits.
Empowers the un-banked and under-banked sections of the population gain access to
financial services through the mobile phone.
This service will now be available across 202 Tehsils, 24 Districts through 1350
specially trained authorized agents including 73 Vodafone exclusive stores in Odisha.
Apart from Odisha, M-Pesa has been rolled out in Delhi, Mumbai, West Bengal,Punjab,
UP East, UP West, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam &
North East and Haryana. It will be made available across the country in a phased
manner.
CCEA nod for hiking fixed cost of Urea
March 3, 2014
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Rs 350/tonne
increase in the fixed cost for urea plants in reference to the Group of Ministers
recommendations. For urea plants, the fixed cost includes salary and wage expenses,
contract labour, repair and maintenance, and selling costs. This move would lead
to increase in subsidy by about Rs. 900 crore. Though, it would not have any impact
on urea prices.

104
Under the New Pricing Scheme (NPS) III, the fixed cost of urea produced by plants
which are 30 years old or more by Rs. 150/tonne and for all other plants by Rs 350/tonne.
The minimum fixed cost would be Rs 2,300/tonne.
The CCEA also approved modification in the New Investment Policy for the soil nutrient
to boost its domestic production.
The New Investment Policy:
Dropped the guaranteed buyback provision that assured buyback of urea for 8 years
from start of production.
Inserted a provision of bank guarantee of Rs. 300 crore from companies keen to set
urea plants under this policy.
Government will provide subsidy on sale of urea produced from the new plants.
Note: In India, Urea production is stagnant at 22 million tonnes and the gap of 8 million
tonnes is met through imports. To date, about 4 million tonnes of urea has been
imported.
CCEA approves opening of 54 new KVs in 12 FYP
March 3, 2014
The Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the opening of 54 new Kendriya
Vidyalayas (KVs) during the 12th Five Year Plan. The KVs are considered as model
schools in terms of physical infrastructure, teaching resources, curriculum and academic
performance.
New Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)
Will be located in 53 districts in 17 States.
Objective: To cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central
Government employees including defense and para-military personnel by providing a
common programme of education.
Cost of the project: Rs. 927.40 crore.
These new KVs when fully functional will provide quality education to approximately
54,000 students in addition to 12 lakhs students already studying in the present KVs.
The CCEA also approved setting up of 3500 model schools in backward districts in the
country to provide quality education.
Note: At present, there are 1094 functional Kendriya Vidyalayas including three
inMoscow, Kathmandu and Tehran.
Venom GT- worlds fastest car recorded 435 km/hr (270 Miles/hr)
March 3, 2014
The US car manufacturer Hennessey developed the
worlds fastest car Venom GT with a top speed of an incredible 435 km/hr. The firm
set a new record for the fastest car in the world during a test run at the Kennedy Space
Centre in Florida.
Venom GT beat the previous best record of 431km/hr set by Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
About Venom GT
Based on Lotus Exige with a 7.0-litre.
927kw twin-turbo V8 wedged between its axles.

105
Though, Venom broke the record of Bugatti, the cars speed record will not be ratified
by Guinness World Records, as Hennessey only completed one run.
To replace the record of Bugatti the book requires cars that run in two directions to
account for variables including gradients and wind direction.
Note: The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined sports car, designed and developed
by the Volkswagen Group and manufactured in Molsheim, France by Bugatti Automobiles
S.A.S.
Eminent painter Mr. Prokash Karmakar passed away
March 3, 2014
The veteran Indian painter Mr. Prokash Karmakar (81) passed away in Kolkata
due to age related illness. The painter was best known for his landscapes and nudes.
About Mr. Prokash Karmakar
Born: 1933 in Kolkata.
Inspired by the works of Picasso and other masters of the 19th century Impressionism.
Works: Permanent collections of the National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalit Kala
Akademi in Delhi and Lucknow Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata.
Awards: Lalit Kala Akademi National Award, RabindraBharatiUniversity Award,
BirlaAcademy of Art and Culture, Calcutta, etc.
His Official Website: http://www.prokashkarmakar.com/
His paintings reflect his perception and interpretation of nature (both orderly and chaotic),
life (both rural and urban), and form (from soft to sharp), without reference to religion.
India and Israel inked pacts on bilateral security relations
March 3, 2014
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (Government ofIndia)
and Israel signed three pacts to strengthen the efforts in the war against terror and beef
up bilateral security relations.
The pacts are Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on
Protection of Classified Material and Agreement on Cooperation in Homeland and
Public Security.
The agreements are based on the shared determination to protect their citizens, their
assets and their interests.
The pacts were signed by Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry Rajiv Sharma and
Ambassador of Israel in India Alon Ushpiz and one agreement by Director in the Ministry
of Defense Amir Kain.
Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Shastry: Veteran Telugu litterateur passed away
March 3, 2014
The well-known Telugu litterateur, Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Sastry (90)
passed away in Kapada town of Andhra Pradesh due to old age-related illness.
About Dr. Janumaddi Hanumath Sastry
Born: Rayadurg in Anantapur district on September 5, 1926.
Awards: Kavitraya Jayanthi Puraskaram, the Gadicherla award, Sarvadhari Ugadi
Puraskaram, etc.
Authored books: Maa Seema Kavulu, Mana Devathalu, Rasavadghattalu, Bellary

106
Raghava, Mokshagundam Visweswarayya, C.P. Brown Charitra, Dr. Ambedkar,
Ganapati, etc.
For his contribution to Telugu literature, he was conferred with a doctorate by Telugu
University Hyderabad.
Delivered over 150 talks on AIR and wrote over 2,000 articles for various magazines.
Organized C.P. Brown bicentennial celebrations in November 1998.
India Saudi Arabia signed defense cooperation deal
March 3, 2014
India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
on defense cooperation for greater exchange of information and training in New Delhi.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar
Bin Obaid Madani and Indias Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of radio and television,
as also in fields of media coverage and training, besides agreeing to activate the
agreement signed between Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the Press Trust of India
(PTI).
The pacts were signed in the presence of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mr. Salman
bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who was on a three-day visit to India. (Mr. Al Saud is also
Saudi Arabias Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister).
Saudi Arabia is Indias fourth largest partner with bilateral trade of over $43 billion in
2012-13. Saudi Arabia is also Indias largest crude oil supplier accounting for about
20% of total imports in 2012-13.
Note:Saudi Arabia is the 6th largest market in the world for Indian exports and is
destination of more than 4.08 percent of Indias global exports.
FNCCI & CII agree to organize Nepal-India Economic Summit every year
March 3, 2014
The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and industry (FNCCI) and the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have agreed to organize Nepal-IndiaEconomic
Summit every year alternatively in the two countries.
This was decided at a meeting of President of FNCCI, Mr. Suraj Vaidya and the
incoming President of CII, Mr. Ajaya S. Shriram in Kathmandu.
The Summit would be an effective platform to discuss the promotion of bilateral
economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The two business organizations have also agreed to play a strategic role for developing
hydropower projects that have been long pending in Nepal.
The private sector has also principally agreed to make a joint study to find out various
areas for improvement for new trade treaty between the two countries.
MTDC and Mehair launched seaplane service
March 3, 2014
The Maritime Energy Heli Air Services (MEHAIR) jointly
with MaharashtraTourism Development Corporation (MTDC) launched the Indias
first seaplane service from mainland at Mumbai, through which tourists will be taken

107
by two Amphibian aircraft to tourist spots like water bodies where there are no runways.
The first service will take off on March 10, 2014 from Mumbai to AambyValleyCity.
About Indias first seaplane service
First of its kind in mainland India that will link Mumbais Juhu airport with tourist
destinations of the state.
Will be launched with a Cessna 206 Amphibian aircraft. Another Cessna 208 will be
inducted into service by April, 2014. Both these models can accommodate 4 to 9
passengers.
First phase: MEHAIR will roll out its service to destinations viz. AmbayValley lake,
Gangapur Dam (Nashik), Mula Dam (Meherabad/Shirdi), Pawna Dam (Lonavla),
Varasgaon Dam (Lavasa) and Dhoom Dam (Panchgani /Mahabaleshwar).
Second phase: MEHAIR will connect Mumbai with Konkan coast viz. Ganpatipule,
Harihareshwar, Tarkarli and Murud Janjira.
MEHAIR has plans to roll out 25 seaplanes over the next five years operating in most
of the major states of the country.
What are Sea-planes?
Sea-planes are small aircrafts that can touch down on land as well as on water, and do
not require capital-intensive infrastructure for operations.
Thus, they are considered ideal for high-end travel to destinations that are far by road
and are not equipped with airports.
They require either a 1-km long airstrip or a water body, which is one km long and at
least 10 feet deep.
Note: In 2011, Mehair pioneered the launch of seaplane in India, the service has been
operational in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014
March 3, 2014
The second edition of Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014 (GAF) held at Queen of
Arabian Sea, Kochi in Kerala.
About Global Ayurveda Festival Kerala 2014
Five days International Expo with more than 350 stalls.
Chief Guest:Mauritius President Mr. Rajkeswar Puryaag.
Theme: Ayurveda in Public Health and Communicable Diseases.
Focus: On the strengths of Ayurveda in public health in the context of growing burden
of new age communicable diseases.
Other sub themes: Mental Health and Ayurveda, Clinical Research in Ayurveda,
Cosmetology in Ayurveda, Nutrition and a variety of other related topics.
The bi-annual Ayurveda fest organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science &
Social Action (CISSA), jointly with the State of Government and the Ayurveda
Fraternity of Kerala.
First ever Ayurveda Paramedics Conference.
Note: CISSA is a non-profit, non-governmental organization of scientists and citizens
combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen

108
advocacy to build a cleaner, safer and healthier world.
Braigo- a low-cost Braille printer invented by Indian-origin boy Shubham Banerjee
March 3, 2014
The Indian-origin, Master Shubham Banerjee (12) invented Braigo, a low-cost Braille
printer by using toy construction Lego pieces in USA.
About Braigo, a low-cost Braille printer
A mash-up of Braille and LEGO.
Cost: $350.
Designed from the Lego Mindstorms EV3 set.
Modified a robot model to make a functional printer at a fraction of the cost of other
machines in the market. (Basic model Braille printers retail for about $2,000 online).
Programmed to produce the letters :A to Z in Braille. It takes about seven seconds to
print each letter.
Users can type in letters, and the Braigos needle will hammer out the translated
message in raised dots on paper.
Future Plan: To programme Braigo to print the numbers one to 10.
What is Braille printer?
Braille printers, also known as embossers, are used to make copies of electronic
documents on paper in a format that is readable by blind people.
Working: Receives data from computer devices and embosses that information in
Braille onto paper through the use of solenoids that control embossing pins. Typically
print on heavyweight paper and use up more pages for the same amount of information
than pages printed on a regular printer.
Slower and noisier.
Inter-point printers are Braille printers that emboss Braille on both sides of a page.
Note: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a remarkably powerful and functional robotics kit people
of any age can use to build some impressive and complicated projects.
Presidents rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh
March 2, 2014
President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee approved the Telengana Bill and on the
recommendation of the Union Cabinet imposed Presidents Rule in Andhra Pradesh.
Why Presidents rule imposed in Andhra Pradesh?
Due to the resignation of Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy from the CM post of Andhra (to
protest against the passage of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill to create a
separate State of Telangana), thePresidents rule imposed in Andhra
Pradesh, as the State was without a Chief Minister and no party came forward to form
the government.
President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee gave his nod to place under suspended animation the
Andhra Pradesh assembly whose term is slated to end on June 2, 2014.
After Presidents assent to the Telangana bill, appointed day yet to be published in the
Gazettee of India.
About Presidents Rule (Article 356 of the Constitution of India)

109
Purpose: To deal with the failure of the Constitutional machinery of an Indian state.
In practice, Presidents rule has been imposed under different circumstances viz.State
Legislature is unable to elect a leader as Chief Minister, Breakdown of a coalition,
Elections postponed for unavoidable reasons, etc.
The President on the advice of the governor or on his own attains the right to dissolve
the state government and its council of ministers, thereby impose president rule. The
parliament must approve the president rule to come into effect. After the
implementation of president rule, the governor heads the state and takes all the power.
When Presidents rule is imposed, the assembly is either dissolved or kept in
suspended.
Excerpts of the Telangana Bill:
Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts.
Hyderabad will remain the joint capital of Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh for
ten years.
The Bhadrachalam division will continue to be with Khammam district which will be part
of Telangana.
NTPC will construct a 4,000 MW power project in Telangana to solve the electricity
problem in the region.
A petroleum university will be constructed in Seemandhra region while seats for
Semmandhra students in educational institutes in Telangana will be reserved for ten
years.
Article 371 D will continue for the both states to ensure equitable opportunities
for education and public employment.
Telangana comprises 10 districts: - Hyderabad, Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar,
Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Rangareddy and Warangal.
Note: Till now, India consists of 28 states and 7 union territories. Soon, Telangana will
become the 29th state of India, as it got approval from President of India.
Zero AIDS Discrimination Day launched on March 1
March 1, 2014
For the first time, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)
launched its Zero Discrimination Day on March 1 in Beijing, China, to support those
who are infected by HIV/AIDS.
About Zero Discrimination Day 2014
Motto: To call the people everywhere to promote equal rights for AIDS victims and
celebrate everyones right to live a full life with dignity no matter what they look like,
where they come from or whom they love.
Transformative Symbol: Butterfly.
Vision: Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.
An initiative of UNAIDS advocate and Nobel laureate Ms. Daw Aung Suu Kyi.
Offers an unprecedented opportunity for raising awareness; for speaking up to support
people who have been discriminated against; for promoting diversity; and for becoming
champions of tolerance, compassion and peace.

110
Discrimination against HIV/AIDS victims is a serious barrier preventing the provision of
equal services.
Note: Discrimination is not only a violation of human rights, it is illegal, immoral, hurtful
and dehumanizing. Discrimination can happen anywhere: at work, at school, at home, at
the health facility and in the community. Discrimination doesnt just hurt individuals or
groups of people, it hurts everyone.
Chennais Ennore Port officially renamed as Kamarajar Port
March 1, 2014
The Ennore Port Limited of Chennai officially renamed as Kamarajar Port Ltd. after the
veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu Mr.Kumarasami Kamarajar. Mr. Kamarajar was known for his pioneering efforts
including introducing the free noon-meal scheme for children in schools besides
heralding the states industrialization.
About Kamarajar Port
Location: Ennore, Chennai.
Owned by: Kamarajar Port Limited.
Opened: 2001.
The 12th major port of India and the first port in India which is a public company.
The Centre holds a stake of about 68% and the remaining 32 % is held by the Chennai
Port Trust.
Category-I Mini Ratna status.
Have six cargo handling berths with a total capacity of 30 million tonne per annum.
Has the potential to become the first in terms of cargo handling.
Note: Mr. Kamarajar was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu during 19541963 and a
Member of Parliament during 19521954 and 19691975. He was known for his
simplicity and integrity.
Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohanis postage stamp released by Vice President of
India
March 1, 2014
The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansari released the commemorative postage
stamp of Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani in New Delhi.
About Freedom fighter Maulana Hasrat Mohani
Born: January 1,1875 in Mohan , United Province, British India.
Died: May 13,1951 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Pen name: Hasrat Mohani.
Eminent poet who used to Ghazal poetry a purely genre of love poetry for political
subjects and gave it a new turn.
Was a great freedom fighter and never accepted British rule over India.
Great admirer of Lokmanya Tilak and always used to refer him as Tilak Maharaj,
even in his poetry.
In 1908, he was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment by British government
for publishing an article in Urdu-e-Mu-alla against British policies in Egypt. He was

111
released in 1910 and re-started Urdu-e-Mu-alla.
Second person in Indian History who demanded Complete Independence (Azadie-
Kaamil) in 1921 as he presided over an annual session of All India Muslim League.
(First person wasSwatantryaveer Savarkar, who demanded Complete
Independence in 1900).
In 1919, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and his brother Maulana Shaukat Ali along
with some other Muslim leaders viz. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Raees-ul-
Muhajireen Barrister Jan Muhammad Junejo, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad and Dr. Hakim Ajmal Khan formed an All India Khilafat Committee at
Lucknow.
Indian-origin men win Heinz Awards in US
March 1, 2014
Indian-origin men, Professor Abraham Verghese and Mr. Sanjeev Arora are among
the five recipients who won the 19th Heinz awards 2013 and will be honored in Pittsburgh
on April 3, 2014. Each winner will receive a cash award of $250,000 each as well as a
medallion inscribed with an image of late US senator John Heinz.
19th Heinz Awards 2013: Category and its recipients
Arts and humanities Professor Abraham Verghese, a doctor and author based at
Stanford University Medical School, USA was given the award in recognition of his
best-selling authorship. In his first book, My Own Country, he wrote extensively about
AIDS in rural areas of Tennesse. He belongs to Kerala.
Public policy Dr. Sanjeev Arora, professor of medicine at the University of
New Mexico in Albuquerque, was recognized for revolutionizing
community healthcare using video conferencing technology. He belongs
to Kota, Rajasthan.
Environment Professor Jonathan Foley, director of the Institute on the
Environment at the University of Minnesota where he has conducted research on the
global environment and how to improve the efficiency of food production.
Human condition Mr. Salman Khan, founder of online KhanAcademy in Mountain
View, Calif., an educational nonprofit that offers free tutorials and exercises to students
around the world.
Technology, the economy and employment Leila Janah (an entrepreneur based in
San Francisco, USA) was honored for founding the nonprofits Samasource and
SamaUSA that uses an Internet to train and employ people in impoverished
communities around the world.
About Heinz Awards
Established in 1993 by Ms. Teresa Heinz, the chairwoman of the Heinz Family
Foundation in honor of her late husband, Senator H. John Heinz III, the Pennsylvania
Republican.
Headquarters:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (separate from theinternational food
company).
Annually awarded by the Heinz Family Foundation.

112
The Heinz Awards celebrates the accomplishments and spirit of the Senator by
recognizing the extraordinary achievements of individuals in the areas of greatest
importance to Senator John Heinz, who died in a midair aircraft collision in 1991.
Awards recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions in five areas:
Arts and Humanities, Environment, Human Condition, Public Policy, and Technology,
the Economy and Employment.
Dr. Madan Babu won the Protein Science Young Investigator Award for 2014
March 1, 2014
An Indian-born scientist, Dr. M Madan Babu won the Protein Science Young Investigator
Award for 2014 at Cambridge, UK. He got the award for his effort in the field of biological
system and to understand intrinsically disordered proteins and gene regulation clearly.
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CambridgeUK
He became the first scientist from MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology to won this
award.
At present, Dr. Babu heads the group on Regulatory Genomics and Systems Biology at
the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
About Protein Science Young Investigator Award
Recognizes an important contribution to the study of proteins by a scientist still in the
early stages of an independent career.
Given by the Protein Society.
The Society represents a global community of researchers dedicated to the
understanding of proteins.
German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel awarded Israels highest civilian honor
March 1, 2014
The German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel awarded the Presidential Medal of
Distinction (Israels highest civilian honor) by the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres.
She was awarded with this medal for her firm commitment to the security of Israel along
with her fight against anti-Semitism and racism in particular through education.
About Presidential Medal of Distinction (Israels highest civilian honor)
The medal features the North Star (to symbolize the (right path) and a sevenbranched
menorah or Jewish candelabrum the symbol of Israel inscribed with the
phrase From his shoulders and upward, from the Book of Samuel 9:2.
Open to Israeli citizens and non-citizens.
Awarded every year by the President to a person for his/her extraordinary contribution
to the country.
Past recipients of the medal: U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.S. president
Bill Clinton, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra director Zubin Mehta, human rights activist
Elie Wiesel, etc.
Note: Anti-Semitism is a hostile belief or behavior towards Jews as a religious or racial
group and the term was coined in 1879 by the German agitator, Wilhelm Marr to
designate the anti-Jewish campaigns underway in central Europe at that time. The
person who holds the position of ant-Semitism is known as anti-Semite.

113
National Lok Adalat to be held in Nagpur on April 12, 2014
March 1, 2014
Due to large number of pending cases, the District Legal Services Authority is organizing
a National Lok Adalat at Nagpur on April 12, 2014.
The National Lok Adalat will be conducted at all levels right from theSupreme Court,
High Courts, it benches upto the Taluka Courts.
The mechanism of Lok Adalats available for disposal and resolution of disputes will be
used to clear pending cases at the earliest by sorting out suitable ones.
In the National Lok Adalat, cases viz. criminal compoundable cases, negotiable
instrument act Cases U/S 138, motor accident claim petitions, accident information report
(AIR), state transport cases and matrimonial and family courts cases will be taken into
account.
NTPC to set up Kajra Thermal Project in Bihar
March 1, 2014
NTPC will set up a 1,320 MW thermal power project at Kajra in Lakhisarai district
of Bihar. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NTPC, Bihar State
Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) and Lakhisarai Bijlee Company Private
Limited (LBCPL) at Patna in Bihar.
Estimated cost of the project: Approx Rs. 9200 crore.
The plant would have two units of 660 MW each.
Note: In the joint venture, NTPC would have 74% stake and the rest would be with
BSPGCL.

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