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Corruption in Sports: Money Matters the Most India & Nepal
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Civil Services Mentor

November: 2011
INDEX
CORRUPTION IN SPORTS
MONEY MATTERS THE MOST
Chief Editor: Sachchida Nanda Jha Editor: Yagya Designed by: Chandan Kumar 011 45151781
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INDIA & NEPAL

RELATIONS IN NEW LIGHT
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National
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MONEY MATTERS THE SPORTS CORRUPTION IN MOST Money Matters the Most
Sport is a big phenomenon of today, it is very important part of today life. However, sport is rather contradictory phenomenon. It is connected with big humanistic values and it formats life and values of billions of people on the one side. It is also connected with dirty business, doping, corruption and violence on the other side. Corruption in sport should be matter of concern not of pessimism. We are not speaking about decline of sport values. But we are facing of a new challenge. This challenge is higher as the issue is still not dealt with properly. We may perhaps compare doping in sport with corruption in sport. However, doping has been seriously treated for many years now, with number of experts, scientific background and international co-ordination structures. Nothing of it exists in the area of corruption in sport yet. Just over a decade after cricket was hit by one its biggest scandals, three Pakistani cricketers were given prison sentences last week by a London court on charges of spot-fixing. For the first time in crickets history, players face jail terms of between six and 30 months, besides the prospect of never again playing the game. This is in stark contrast to investigations into match-fixing in 2000 where the central
figure was the former South African captain, Hansie Cronje. Cricketers from various countries were alleged to have been involved, including a former captain of the Indian team who is now a member of the Indian Parliament. Enquiry commissions were set up in South Africa and Pakistan following the scandal, but most players got away with bans, fines or in some cases just a reprimand. After the events of 2000, crickets governing body, the International Cricket Council, set up the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit to tackle the menace of match fixing. But ironically it was a sting operation by the now discredited and defunct News of the World in 2010 which exposed the spot-fixing by the Pakistani cricketers and provided evidence for sentencing. While cricket with its elaborate rules is particularly prone to spot-fixing where you bet on individual events within the game rather than the result itself - the phenomenon of fixing is hardly confined to cricket. We are at a time when the world of sport seems to be awash in corruption. Earlier this year, prosecutors in South Korea indicted an astonishing 46 football players on charges of fixing matches in the football K-League. According to
the South Korean prosecutors, the players received up to US$50,000 for fixing matches, and sometimes even bet on the outcome. In Turkey, the champion club Fenerbahce is at the centre of a match-fixing scandal, having won 16 of its 17 league matches at the end of the season to clinch the title on goal difference. Its not just sportspersons who are in the dock. Sports administrators all over the world are facing scrutiny. FIFA, footballs governing body and the richest sports association in the world, is in the midst of its biggest scandal. FIFAs 24-member executive committee, which has had Sepp Blatter at the helm of affairs for 13 long years, is among the most sought after clubs. But this elite club has now been riven apart with influential committee members accused of paying bribes. The head of the Caribbean and North and Central American region has already resigned. And Qatar s Mohamed bin Hammam, who was head of Asias football federation, has been banned for life by FIFAs ethics committee. Bin Hammam is not going down without a fight. He has not only challenged FIFAa ban but also promised to reveal wrongdoings by Blatter. This has put a question mark
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over the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. What many had long suspected about the cronyism and corruption within FIFA is now coming to light. The obvious reason why there are so many corruption scandals involving both players and administrators is the incredible amount of money involved in sport. FIFAs current annual revenue is now pegged at US$1.3 billion and it even gets tax breaks from Switzerland where it is headquartered. There is plenty of money too in other sports like cricket which enjoys much less global popularity, but is akin to a religion in South Asia. In 2010-11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India generated over US$400 million in revenues. With this kind of money it is not surprising that corruption has eaten into sport. While sports administrators in many parts of the world have never had a great reputation, it is the corruption of players that is more worrying. Many individual sporting disciplines have been tainted by performance enhancing drugs, but that is something the administrators have tried to check by putting in place an elaborate regime of doping tests. Transparency International has produced this collection of articles, links and information resources to cast a light on the vulnerabilities of the sport world to corruption as well as efforts being undertaken to combat it. We speak with investigative journalists. We look at the mysterious lack of convictions in sports corruption. We examine a book that details the history of FIFA (Fdration Internationale de Football Association). And we talk about the role of civil society organisations in keeping the beautiful game beautiful. If sport was a largely informal affair a century ago, it has morphed into a full-fledged industry total costs,
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including infrastructure, of the 2006 World Cup in Germany are estimated at upwards of 6 billion (see interview with sport journalist Jens Weinreich). With such increasingly huge sums in play, whether in terms merchandising, sponsorship, betting or athlete salaries, the seduction of and vulnerability to corrupt behaviour has grown. The sport world has responded slowly and, to date, inadequately. It is as serious a threat as doping; only it has the potential to inflict much greater damage on the sport world and the communities, representing billions of people globally, that support it. Football scandals in Germany, Brazil, Italy, Belgium and China are evidence that the problem is real and it is global. This means that international sports associations such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) must lead the way in terms of systematic enforcement of a zerotolerance policy on corruption. FIFA is currently trumpeting the introduction of an Ethics Commission as well as the creation of a commercial firm called Early Warning System designed to detect irregularities in game scoring. These are laudable efforts, but the phenomenon runs deeper than match-fixing. There is a need to address the conflicts of interest that are part and parcel of a familial network of athletic officials that spans the globe. While statements have been made and ethical codes adopted, what is missing is rigorous enforcement and follow-through, including the systematic ejection of tainted officials. For preventing and eliminating corruption it is important to know the scope of corruption and areas where it occurs. Knowing this it is also important to know patterns under which corruption is predominantly performed. This simple request is not easy to fulfill. When corruption is
regarded it is very difficult everywhere, in all sectors of society, to get reliable figures. Especially to get police and judicial statistic, which is successfully used in many other areas of crime and social pathology, do not bring required information. Detected or reported corruption is always only an iceberg of the whole problem and not always indicates correctly areas where corruption is most wide spread .A comprehensive study of this issue would be most desirable. But even for the short study like this one a survey of international press and Internet provides interesting mapping of the problem. It appears that corruption can be found in almost any imaginable areas of sport. The main areas are match fixing, embezzlement or misusing of sport funds, corruption in hosting of games, corruption in changing sport results, corruption in transfers of players, corrupted elections in sporting bodies. We can also mention situations where high sport officials were convicted of corruption in their non-sport activities which is not corruption in sport itself but it certainly influences the sport life. We also keep aside a role of politics in sport which might be very close to political corruption of sport. It represents another very interesting and controversial issue of sport closely related to the issue of corruption in sport. Match Fixing Match fixing is a quite common problem in number of sports like football, tennis, basketball, volleyball etc. The reasons for match fixing may be also numerous. Perhaps the most commonly match fixing is connected with betting, legal or illegal. In this cases match fixing is connected with financial profit and it may be connected with organized groups or we can even directly speak about
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links to organized crime. Match fixing may also occur in direct links with sport life. Matches can be fixed in order to gain better position in sport competition. It often occurs in cases where a club is in a risk of falling to lower league. While the visible purpose is of a purely sport nature the underlining causes are often again financial remaining in a higher league can generate higher income for the club and its owners (TV rights, better value for players). Devastating impact to sport is the same. However, match-fixing is something that requires not just administrators but investigative agencies to be on their toes. Prison terms for the guilty cricketers, one of them still a teenager, is not a happy occurrence. But its heartening that the Pakistani people have by and large welcomed the court judgment and said the players deserved it. Indeed, we can only hope that such punishment will deter sportspersons in future from giving in to the temptation of making quick money through dubious means. Fixing of any sort destroys the purity of sport and the sacrosanct relationship between a spectator and the sports hero. Once that trust is destroyed, it does irreparable damage to the enterprise of sport. Thats why the jail terms for the cricketers, however distasteful, were needed. Managing of International Sport Federations International sport federations with their often-enormous wealth and limited external control are of an especially high risk of corruption. Corruption here can take different form from simple misuse or embezzlement of federation funds though corruption related to media rights up to corruption of federation members. To make picture more structured we take the later two
options as separate one. Following case of Ruben Acosta, former president of Volleyball Federation represents a very good example of difficulties regarding possible corruption in sport. Media rights and other marketing activities represents one of major income source of sport, namely of a top international sport. Large sum of money attract the fraud and corruption and organised crime. Large amount of money also always attracted organized criminal groups. At the 12 Anti-corruption conference in November 2006, on workshop The Business of Sports and Corruption Henri Roemer, of UEFA, presented part of the findings of a report that he had made to UEFA and which is expected to lead to some reforms of the organization in the next few months: There are no sport mafias but mafias invest into sports. With the huge potential for financial returns and the generally rather low standards of professionalism in the administration of clubs, football attracts criminal activities such as the trafficking of young players, money laundering, illegal betting etc. The risks for criminals are minimal and control systems are weak. Players are normally young and easy to influence, while by bribing one key player, the outcome of a game can be bought and generate revenues from betting. National laws and systems often have little chances to be effective in relation to the international dimension of illegal activities in sports. There is also a legal vacuum: even the EU itself counts only half as many members as UEFA. Because player trafficking, money laundering and corruption are bloodless crimes, they tend to be rather accepted socially. One can also see that these problems started to affect amateur sports too. But the risks are great and the loss of interest by fans can already be witnessed in empty Italian stadia.
Doping is another grave area of concerns. There have been many successful partnerships between antidoping and Governments worldwide, collaborating together to bring fair honest sport to all that deserve it. Anti-doping operations including the Balco case, the Italian police investigations at the 2007 Turin Olympics and operation Puerto were all conducted with close partnerships between the police and anti-doping agencies. Drug testing, research and education is overseen by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the WADA Code forms the bible of antidoping, seen by many as one of the most significant developments in antidoping to date. Many now believe that the other evil of sport is that of corruption, yet there is no anticorruption body solely for sport. Corruption is growing and at an alarming rate. Betting scandals are taking up more headline space in sports such as snooker, tennis and soccer. Where there is money there will be crime and corruption. Unfortunately there is no test for corruption, although WADA have close ties with Interpol and the World Customs Organisation to help combat such evils. Sport is big business, with millions being gambled on events each day, we are faced with many challenges. It is important that the anti-doping community unite against such spoils and that all athletes respect ethical, honest sport. Outcomes of above mentioned discussion must reach wide sport audience. They must therefore be transferred into ethical guidelines and training manuals. Ethical and integrity aspect including risk of corruption and corruption prevention principles should become a part of sport education and training. While many manifestation of corruption in sport may be ambiguous there are many acts of corruption in sport which can be prosecuted under
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existing international legislations. As Council of Europe and United Nations conventions provide rather sufficient framework for corruption investigation and prosecution it is highly recommended to adhere to these convention for countries which had not done so yet. Transparency is one of the most powerful tools against corruption. Any measure which will make sport life, including sport
financing, more transparent should be supported and promoted. National subsidies provided by government to sport can be use a tool for requesting increased transparency. Having in mind limited possibilities of governments to intervene to internal sport life also other measures should be explored. For instance big sponsors and marketing partners might be
encouraged to play an important role in promoting transparency in sport. To avoid risk that they will be perceived negatively together with corrupted sport in the case of corruption scandals they may man connect their support to the sport organization with demands on bigger transparency. The power of money can be in this way put to the service of a good purpose.
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INDIA-NEPAL
Relations in New Light
India - Nepal relations are unique for reasons ranging from geographical contiguity to close cultural ties, and extensive institutional and social relationships. Cultural, economic and geographical factors along with the common bond of a shared religion have had a great influence on bilateral relations. As two sovereign nations, both India and Nepal are naturally guided by their national interests. These interests are related to cultural, economic and security areas. Despite some turbulence in the past, IndiaNepal relations have remained close, stable and mutually beneficial. Cultural bond provides moral strength to the relationship, while respect for each others political identity as independent, sovereign countries provides the political base for meaningful interaction. Nepal recognizes and admires Indias position as the largest democracy and an emerging economic and strategic power which is striving to find its rightful place in the comity of nations. article-india & nepal It appreciates the support accorded to Nepal in the spirit of Panchsheel. There exist vast areas of complimentarity and mutuality of benefits between the two countries. Economic reforms in both countries have opened up new avenues of cooperation in trade and commerce, investment and joint collaboration projects. Nepal can benefit
tremendously from such bilateral interaction. Greater creativity is required, however, to take full advantage of the complimentarity of economies between the two countries. Security issues are the most vital questions that determine the tenor and content of the relationship between the two countries at present. It determines the trust, endurance and sustainability of the relationship. There have been strong commitments to each other in the past like assurances not to allow their territory to be used for undertaking unlawful activities against the other. Formation of governmental committees and frequent consultations aim at bettering the security scenario. Despite these efforts, perceptions about Nepal not being adequately appreciative of Indias sensitivities has caused sufferings to Nepal in the form of criticism and lack of help at times. As a result, mutual trust and confidence are sometimes shaken and put to stress. Promoting regional cooperation is another way of indirectly improving bilateral relations. A few areas marked for the purpose include trade and transit, energy, water resources, investment and combating terrorism. The biggest problem troubling the Himalayan kingdom is the Maoist insurgency. There are diverse opinions depending upon ones vantage point about where the blame lies for the
present crisis. A number of measures are urgently needed to tackle the present situation. Security related establishments have to be strengthened to tackle the rising tide of Maoist attacks and to maintain the fabric of the State. But this should not be misconstrued as remilitarization of Nepal. The move is solely for the purpose of facing the Maoist threat forcefully and adequately. The Maoist problem is not a problem of Nepal alone. It has ramifications on India as well in the form of growing linkages with the Naxals in India and even Bangladesh. Ever since the confrontation between the Maoist-led government and the Nepal Army in 2009 led to the resignation of Mr. Prachanda as Prime Minister, India has been dead-set against the Maoists leading any kind of coalition government in Kathmandu. Indeed, the officials running Indias Nepal policy made it clear the Maoists should ideally not even be allowed to join a coalition headed by someone else, that they be punished a word Indian diplomats in Kathmandu have used with their counterparts from other countries for having dared to presume they could call the shots in the wake of their victory in the April 2008 CA elections. During the wasted year of Madhav Kumar Nepals premiership, which India backed to the hilt, New Delhi
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hoped the Maoists would either split or come under pressure to accept a unilateralist reading of the Twelve Point Understanding and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement two documents which paved the way for the constitutional and political transformation of Nepal. Though the Maoists see themselves as creating a new mainstream, India wants them to stick to the old mainstream and abandon the hope of restructuring the Nepali state and its institutions in any fundamental way. This the Maoists are not prepared to do. Historical Background Nepals trade with India continued till 1923 without having a trade agreement with British India. Prior to the signing of this trade agreement, British East India Company was interested to have trade relations with Nepal, for expansion of its own exports. The opening of direct India Tibet route via Gyantse routes further promoted Nepal to develop trade with India. Moreover, the development of good transportation system and the creation of many trade centers in the northern India further helped to enhance the trade turnover between Nepal and India. India Nepal Trade Treaty 1923 The Article VI of the first Trade Treaty between Nepal and India signed in 1923 provided that No customs duty shall be levied at British Indian Ports as goods imported on behalf of the Nepal government for immediate transport to that country. Provision of this Article in Trade Treaty 1923 led to the development of Nepal-British trade freely through the port of British India for Nepal could not import goods from other overseas countries. Nepal was compelled to purchase goods manufactured in Britain Nepal
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was very much isolated from other countries, especially from the developed Western countries prior to the political change of 1951. Treaty of Peace and Friendship The signing of Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and Treaty of Trade and Commerce between Nepal and an independent India in July 1950 can be seen as the landmark towards the external trade of Nepal. Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 formalized close relations between the two countries. This Treaty can be seen as a non-reciprocal treaty. The Treaty symbolizes a balanced document and served for more than five decades to keep harness between the two countries. Formal trade relation between the two countries was established in 1950 with the signing of the Treaty of Trade. This Treaty was modified and renewed in 1961 and 1971, and incorporated provisions regarding transit facilities extended by India for Nepals trade with a third country, as well as on cooperation to control unauthorized trade. Duty free access to Nepalese imports on a non-reciprocal basis was first given in 1971 but with a Nepalese/ Indian material content requirement of 90 per cent. Indias influence over Nepal increased throughout the 1950s. The Citizenship Act of 1952 allowed Indians to immigrate to Nepal and acquire Nepalese citizenship with easea source of some resentment in Nepal. And, Nepalese were allowed to migrate freely to Indiaa source of resentment there. (This policy was not changed until 1962 when several restrictive clauses were added to the Nepalese constitution.) Also in 1952, an Indian military mission was established in Nepal. In 1954 a memorandum provided for the joint coordination of foreign policy, and Indian security posts were established
in Nepals northern frontier. At the same time, Nepals dissatisfaction with Indias growing influence began to emerge, and overtures to China were initiated as a counterweight to India. King Mahendra continued to pursue a nonaligned policy begun during the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah in the mid-eighteenth century (see The Expansion of Gorkha , ch. 1). In the late 1950s and 1960s, Nepal voted differently from India in the UN unless Indias basic interests were involved. The two countries consistently remained at odds over the rights of landlocked states to transit facilities and access to the sea. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian border war, the relationship between Kathmandu and New Delhi thawed significantly. India suspended its support to India-based Nepalese opposition forces. Nepal extracted several concessions, including transit rights with other countries through India and access to Indian markets (see Foreign Trade , ch. 3). In exchange, through a secret accord concluded in 1965, similar to an arrangement that had been suspended in 1963, India won a monopoly on arms sales to Nepal. In 1969 relations again became stressful as Nepal challenged the existing mutual security arrangement and asked that the Indian security checkposts and liaison group be withdrawn. Resentment also was expressed against the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950. India grudgingly withdrew its military checkposts and liaison group, although the treaty was not abrogated. The 1978 agreements incorporated Nepals demand for separate treaties for trade and transit. The relationship between the two nations improved over the next decade, but not steadily. India continued to support the Nepalese opposition and refused to endorse Nepal as a zone of peace. In 1987 India urged expulsion of
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Nepalese settlers from neighboring Indian states, and Nepal retaliated by introducing a work permit system for Indians working in Nepal. That same year, the two countries signed an agreement setting up a joint commission to increase economic cooperation in trade and transit, industry, and water resources. Relations between the two countries sank to a low point in 1988 when Kathmandu signed an agreement with Beijing to purchase weapons soon after a report that China had won a contract for constructing a road in the western sector to connect China with Nepal. India perceived these developments as deliberately jeopardizing its security. India also was annoyed with the high volume of unauthorized trade across the Nepalese border, the issuance of work permits to the estimated 150,000 Indians residing in Nepal, and the imposition of a 55 percent tariff on Indian goods entering Nepal. In retaliation for these developments, India put Nepal under a virtual trade siege. In March 1989, upon the expiration of the 1978 treaties on trade and transit rights, India insisted on negotiating a single unified treaty in addition to an agreement on unauthorized trade, which Nepal saw as a flagrant attempt to strangle its economy. On March 23, 1989, India declared that both treaties had expired and closed all but two border entry points. The economic consequences of the trade and transit deadlock were enormous. Shortages of Indian imports such as fuel, salt, cooking oil, food, and other essential commodities soon occurred. The lucrative tourist industry went into recession. Nepal also claimed that the blockade caused ecological havoc since people were compelled to use already dwindling forest resources for energy in lieu of gasoline and kerosene, which came
mostly via India. To withstand the renewed Indian pressure, Nepal undertook a major diplomatic initiative to present its case on trade and transit matters to the world community. The relationship with India was further strained in 1989 when Nepal decoupled its rupee (see Glossary) from the Indian rupee which previously had circulated freely in Nepal. India retaliated by denying port facilities in Calcutta to Nepal, thereby preventing delivery of oil supplies from Singapore and other sources. A swift turn in relations followed the success of the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in early 1990. In June 1990, a joint Kathmandu New Delhi communiqu was issued pending the finalization of a comprehensive arrangement covering all aspects of bilateral relations, restoring trade relations, reopening transit routes for Nepals imports, and formalizing respect of each other s security concerns. Essentially, the communiqu announced the restoration of the status quo ante and the reopening of all border points, and Nepal agreed to various concessions regarding Indias commercial privileges. Kathmandu also announced that lower cost was the decisive factor in its purchasing arms and personnel carriers from China and that Nepal was advising China to withhold delivery of the last shipment. The communiqu declared that Kathmandu and New Delhi would cooperate in industrial development, in harnessing the waters of their common rivers for mutual benefit, and in protecting and managing the environment. This was gradually reduced when the Trade Treaty was periodically renewed and in 1993, it was brought down to 50 per cent of Nepalese/Indian material content and Nepalese labor content. Indo-Nepal Treaty of Trade, 1991 In order to expand trade between Nepal and India and also to encourage
collaboration in economic development, Treaty of Trade, 1991 was signed on 6 December 1991. It was explicitly expressed in the Treaty to promote mutual trade between the two countries for the benefits of mutual sharing of scientific and technical knowledge and experience. Treaty of Transit, 1991 Recognizing the fact that Nepal is a land-locked country and its need to have access to and from the sea to promote its international trade, the Treaty made the provision in its Article I that the contracting parties shall accord to traffic in transit freedom of transit across their respective territories through routes mutually agreed upon. No distinction shall be made which is based on flag of vessels, the places of origin, departure, entry, exist, destination, ownership of goods or vessels. Further, exemption from customs duties and from all transit duties or other charges were made except reasonable charges for transportation and such other charges as needed to commensurate with the costs of services. In addition, for the convenience of traffic in transit the contracting parties agreed to provide point or points of entry or exist warehouses or shed and open space for the storage of traffic in transit awaiting customs clearance before onward transmissions. As such the requirements in course of import and export of goods and articles from Nepal was well established in this Treaty. Indo-Nepal Trade Treaty, 1996 This Treaty, signed on December 3, 1996 at Kathmandu, sets a landmark in bilateral trade relation between Nepal and India. It gave a new direction in the trade related areas as well as a scope for the trade improvement especially to Nepal. Some of the provisions made in the
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earlier treaties were replaced and modified. It made the procedures simple and straight so as to remove the procedural delays. This Treaty is seen more often as the turning point in the history of Nepal- India trade relations leading to several policy changes. Government of India provided access to the Indian market free of customs duties and quantitative restrictions for all products manufactured in Nepal on the basis of the certificate of origin. The negative list of product imported to India were shortened from seven to three items which are alcoholic liquors/beverages and their contents except industrial spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, cigarettes and tobacco. Export of Nepalese consignments with the certificate of origin would not be delayed at the Indian customs border/ check-post. Indian investment in Nepal in Indian Rupees for up to 25 crores would get fast track clearance. It was decided to increase the air seat capacity from 4000 to 6000 per week. Also two more points in India would be opened for Nepalese airlines. The governments of the two countries also agreed to have open sky policy. f. The government of India opened the transit route to Bangladesh through Phulbari. Nepal amended its foreign investment policy, company law and transfer of technology act. h. Nepal decided to open Nepali Stock Exchange to overseas investors. India and Nepal signed the power trade agreement and allowed private investment in hydropower project. India was the first country to welcome the restoration of democracy in Nepal. Government of India welcomed the roadmap laid down by the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement of November 2006 towards political stabilization in Nepal through peaceful reconciliation and inclusive democratic processes. A comprehensive economic package worth Rs.1000
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crores was announced during the visit. A soft credit line of USD 100 million for infrastructure development projects was extended, and outstanding dues on defence purchases worth NRs. 1.6 billion waived. Government of India also agreed to doubling the number of GOI scholarships for Nepalese students and to supply of 25,000 metric tons of fertilizers to Nepal at subsidized prices.PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda paid an official visit to India from 14-17 September 2008, A Joint Press Statement was issued at the conclusion of the visit, reiterating the special features of the bilateral relationship and committing both sides to work towards further improving relations.India agreed to implement the Naumure hydro-electric project on Rapti river besides the Rs. 20 crores assistance for Kosi breach relief. Credit of up to Rs 150 crores was also provided to GON to ensure uninterrupted supplies of petroleum products. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal paid an official visit to India from August 18 22, 2009 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India. The two leaders had also met earlier on the sidelines of the XVth NAM Summit in Sherm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. The two Prime Ministers expressed their satisfaction on the age-old, close, cordial and multifaceted relations between Nepal and India and agreed to expand them further. India expressed full support for the ongoing peace process and the efforts to bring about economic transformation in Nepal.2009 IndiaNepal Treaty of Trade and Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade The 2009 Trade Treaty revises the 1996 Trade Treaty between the two countries. The 1996 Treaty has been a turning point in the trade relations between the two countries and resulted in phenomenal growth of bilateral trade from Rs. 28.1 billion in 1995-96 to Rs. 204.8 billion
in 2008-09. While the Nepalese exports to India increased from Rs. 3.7 billion to Rs. 40.9 billion, the Indian exports to Nepal increased from Rs. 24.4 billion to Rs. 163.9 billion during the period -1995- 2009.The 2009 Agreement of Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade will allow export of goods imported by Nepal from India to the third countries without necessity of carrying out any manufacturing activity in Nepal. This will enhance exports from Nepal to third countries where it has a better market access as compared to India. Similarly it will allow export of the goods imported by India from Nepal to third countries. This will help Nepalese exporters to take advantage of the third country market access developed by the Indian export houses. The relations and agreements institutionalised in the 20th century may not be enough to meet the needs of the 21st century. Hence, the emphasis should be to develop bilatersl relations further, clear misgivings and misunderstandings that we have against each other, and sort out the problems left by history. When the subcontinent was colonised by the British, they left behind a legacy which has created friction among the nations of South Asia. Both the nations will have to overcome that, and develop mutual relations in the changed time and context. Instead of harping on old disputes, India and Nepal will have to look forward, and create an atmosphere of cooperation. There are certain political issues, which would need more discussions. We can engage on it freely and frankly, but they can be postponed for the future. The major thing is to build trust between two countries, two governments, and two peoples. Once there is trust, and we are sensitive and empathise with each other, even the most difficult issues can be resolved amicably.
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NATIONAL ISSUES
India on 134th Place in Human Development Index A UN study ranked India at 134 out of 187 countries in terms of Human Development Index. The study however observed that life expectancy at birth in India has increased by 10.1 per cent a year over the last two decades.In the 2010 Human Development Report, prepared by UNDP, India had been ranked at 119 out of 169 countries. However, according to the new report for 2011, it is misleading to compare values and rankings with those of previously published reports as the underlying data and methods have changed, as well as the number of countries included in the Human Development Index. Indias Human Development Index (HDI) The report highlighted Indias Human Development Index (HDI) value for 2011 was 0.547 positioning the country in the medium human development category. Between 1980 and 2011, Indias HDI va lue increased from 0.344 to 0.547, an increase of 59 per cent or an average annual increase of about 1.5 per cent.The report pointed out that the Indias HDI of 0.547 was below the average of 0.630 for countries in the medium human development group and below the average of 0.548 for countries in South Asia. @ The report mentioned that mean year of schooling for the country increased by 3.9 years between 1980 and 2011 and expected years of schooling increased by 3.9 years. @ The UN report also mentioned that between 1980 and 2011, Indias life expectancy at birth increased by 10.1 years. Gender Inquality Index In terms of gender inquality index, the report highlighted that in India, 10.7 per cent of Parliamentary seats are held by women and 26.6 per cent of adult women have reached a secondary or higher level of education compared to 50.4 per cent of their male counterparts. For every 100000 live births, 230 women die from pregnancy-related causes and the adolescent fertility rate is 86.3 births per 1000 live births. @ Female participation in the labour market is 32.8 per cent compared to 81.1 per men, the report says. @ The gender inequality index reflects gender-based inequalities in three dimensionsreproductive health, empowerment and economic activity. Human Development Index (HDI) The HDI is a measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development such as a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. The five countries who topped the Human Development Index study are as follows (The countries sequence follow their respective ranks): Norway, Australia, Netherlands, US, New Zealand @ Neighbouring countries Pakistan was ranked at 145 (0.504) and Bangladesh at 146 (0.500) respectively in terms of HDI as per the UN study. MMDR Bill, 2011 Approved The Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2011 that provides for mining companies to keep aside 26 per cent of their net profits for a Mineral Development Fund to be used for development and rehabilitation of project-affected people in the tribal areas of the country approved by Union Cabinet. For the non-coal companies, the amount will be equivalent to the royalty they pay. The Bill is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament.
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In the case of non-coal miners, the new law will provide for payment to project-affected people of an amount equivalent to the royalty paid to the State government. The regulatory body, proposed to be set up under the new mining law, will have powers to investigate and prosecute the offenders, The authority would also be empowered to look into the cases of organised illegal mining. The MMDR Bill will replace a 54-year-old legislation governing the sector. The Bill seeks a complete and holistic reform in the mining sector with provisions to address issues relating to sustainable mining and local area development, especially families impacted by mining operations. Supreme Court: Centre has Absolute Powers to Decide the Terms and Conditions for Telecom Operators The Supreme Court of India ruled that the Centre has absolute powers to decide the terms and conditions for telecom operators as neither the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, TRAI, nor the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, TDSAT, can overrule it. TRAI was conferred with the statutory power to recommend the terms and conditions of the license and the Central Government was bound to seek its recommendations, yet, the same was not binding on it. This ruling was given while upholding an appeal filed by the Union Government challenging a TDSAT direction of 2007 to the Government to prepare a revised term and conditions for the licensees vis-avis adjusted gross revenue. Jammu Kashmir Topped the List in Utilizing the Fund for Minorities Jammu and Kashmir topped among the states in utilizing funds which was released to
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them under Multi Sector Development Programme, MSDP, for the Welfare of Minorities .Jammu and Kashmir has utilized over 74 percent of the allocated fund of about six crore rupees. Five other States including Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka West Bangal and Haryana have also reported over 60 percent expenditure of the fund released to them. The average percentage of the expenditure of the 20 States under this Programme is about fifty percent. MSDP is a Special Area Development Programme for the welfare of the Minorities. It was implemented in 90 Minority Concentration Districts identified on the basis of substantial minority population and relative backwardness. Infertility Drug Letrozole Banned The union government of India decided to ban the use of infertility d r u g Letrozole which is mainly recommended for treating Cancer patients. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a directive to ban the use of Letrozole completely with immediate effect. While banning the drug, the Ministry stated that harmful effects were found in the use of Letrozole. Letrozole is used worldwide for cancer patients but it was being used in India as an infertility drug for a long time. Saranda Action Plan A developmental action plan called Saranda Action plan for Naxal Affected districts in Naxal affected districts particularly in eastern India,
finalised by the Union Government of India . The Saranda Action Plan was prepared by Rural Development Ministry. It will be implemented firstly in Jharkhands Naxal-hit Saranda district. Saranda district is in Jharkhand. According to the plan, immediate priority is to distribute solar lanterns and bicycles, construction of prefab houses for BPL families under the Indira Awas Yojana and bridges with the help of Army and special water supply - handpump schemes. Approximately, 4.5 crore rupees will be needed for distribution of solar lanterns and bicycles and this will be met out of the Integrated Action Plan funds. Health Insurance Portability The health insurance portability came into effect from October 1.With implementation of portability, the insurers will need to enhance their service capabilities and engage in constant innovation to service their existing and potential customers.The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) had issued necessary orders in February. Minimum Vote Limit 8 Percent for State Party The Election Commission of India raised the cap of minimum votes a political party must secure in election to get the status of a State party or maintain it further. The new minimum limit is 8 per cent of total valid votes polled in State Assembly or Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, the limit was 6 per cent. In addition, the party must have returned at least two members to the Legislative Assembly in case of Assembly polls or at least one member in Parliament
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from the State in case of Lok Sabha elections. The Commission amended its Election Symbols reservations and allotment order 1968 and issued a new order on 16 September 2011, the Election Symbol reservations and allotment amendment order 2011 to make these changes. The amended order was sent to all States and Union Territories. Grievance Redress Bill If the proposed Lokpal Bill intends to address corruption in high places, the UPA government, as part of its antigraft campaign, plans to introduce a Citizens Right to Grievance Redress Bill to complement it in the coming winter session of Parliament. The Grievance Redress Bill would address grievances related to public services and corruption in service delivery that afflicted the common man and that would not be addressed by the Lokpal Bill. The governments view was that it would be better to split it into two laws for more effective implementation.The Grievance Redress Bill would cover the functioning of panchayats, the government, public sector units and even the.This law, once enacted, would ensure that citizens grievances would have to be addressed within a fixed time frame.It would look into complaints of violation of the citizens charter, which would be formulated by each government department, identify liabilities of public servants in case of default and impose penalties for failure to deliver services or redress grievances in a time-bound manner. Behavioural Changes bring down HIV Prevalence Rate Changes in the sexual behavioural patterns of people having a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) have resulted in an overall decline or stabilisation in HIV and STD rates among the high-risk population groups in four highprevalence States, reveals a new survey. The findings correlate with the decline of HIV and STD among the general population as estimated by the national annual HIV Sentinel Surveillance Survey.The survey shows that use of condoms during commercial sex acts has increased considerably across all districts. Consistent condom use among female commercial sex workers increased with both occasional clients and regular clients. For the first round of survey conducted in 2005-06, condom use ranged between 36 per cent to 99 per cent whole in the second round, conducted in 2009-10, it ranged between 70 per cent to 100 per cent and with the regular clients, it ranged between 15 per cent to 97 per cent and 61 per cent to 99 per cent. Similarly, prevalence of any STDs (Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, C. trachomatis) ranged from 7.6 per cent to 57.5 per cent in the first round and 1.9 per cent to 31 per cent in the subsequent round. Prevalence of any STDs has declined in majority of the districts across the States.For the clients of female sex workers, consistent condom use with female sex worker partners ranged from 26 per cent to 80 per cent in the second round as against 19 per cent to 68 per cent across the States, whereas, with the regular female sex workers, this proportion was between 16 to 68 per cent in the first study and 18 per cent to 81 per cent in the second study.The use of condoms among long-distance truck drivers with a paid female partner ranged from 64 per cent to 74 per cent in round one and 66 to 95 per cent in the subsequent round for all routes except the North East. The prevalence of any STDs among truck drivers ranged from 1.6 per cent to
4.8 per cent and 1 per cent to 4.4 per cent respectively. HIV prevalence among this category across all four routes ranged from 1.9 per cent to 3.3 per cent in the second round as against 2.4 to 6.8 per cent in the first round. The findings from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu, have been critical for guiding HIV prevention programmes among the high-risk groups in the States covered by the survey, as well as for planning of the National AIDS Control Programme phase-IV.The findings from the two rounds of the Integrated Behavioural and Biological Assessment (IBBA) were conducted in six high-prevalence States by the Indian Council of Medical Research and FHI-360, a global development organisation. The two rounds of IBBA provided information on key indicators such as types of sexual partners, condom use patterns with these partners, knowledge, awareness and prevalence of HIV and STDs among the high risk groups. The two rounds were conducted on over 50,000 people. Of the six States where the survey was conducted, Avahan-Bill and Melinda Gates funded group- worked in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.As for the high-risk men who have sex with men and trans-genders, condom use with paying male partners ranged from 73 per cent to 82 per cent in the first round and 78 per cent and 98 per cent in the subsequent round. The prevalence of STI ranged between 1.8 per cent and 12.9 per cent the second time and 5.3 per cent and 18.8 per cent the first time.The STD declined in East Godavari from 13.9 per cent to 6.6 per cent; Coimbatore from 15.1 per cent to 7.1 per cent; Salem from 12.4 per cent to 2.2 per cent; Mumbai (Thane) from 10.8 per cent to 1.8 per cent and Pune from 16.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent.The
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prevalence of HIV among men having sex with men ranged from 4.8 per cent to 24.7 per cent in first round and 4.8 per cent to 28.9 per cent in the next round of the survey, though there was a sharp drop in HIV prevalence among high risk men in a few districts like East Godavari; Coimbatore, Salem, Thane and Pune.For injecting drug users, heroin was the most commonly reported drug injected in Maharashtra and Manipur while in Nagaland it was Spasmo-proxyvon. Avahan Successfully Slowed the Transmission of HIV A study conducted jointly by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, University of Hong Kong and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) found that Avahan successfully slowed the transmission of HIV among the general population. Avahan managed to slow down transmission of HIV by raising the coverage of prevention interventions in high-risk groups like female sex workers, their clients and partners, men who have sex with men (MSM), intravenous drug users and truck drivers. About 100, 000 fresh HIV cases among the general population were averted in India in five years by targeting the most vulnerable section. Lead author of the study Professor Lalit Dandona from the PHFI mentioned that HIV mainly spread in India through sexual intercourse. According to Lalit, high-risk population like sex workers would infect their clients who would then spread it to other female partners like their wives. Similarly, MSMs infected each other and then spread it within the general population through unprotected sex. Avahan showed that by targeting highrisk groups, the virus spread among the general population could be controlled.India has an estimated 2.4
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million living with HIV, making it one of the largest infected populations in the world. Avahan was launched in 2003 and received $258 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It complemented the governments own efforts on HIV prevention. The programme was implemented in four large states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and two small northeastern states of Manipur and Nagaland. These six states were estimated to have the highest HIV prevalence in India in 2003, and a total population of 300 million.The study, Assessment of population-level effect of Avahan, an HIV-prevention initiative in India, published in the British Medical Journal, The Lancet highlighted that interventions like safe-sex counselling by peers, clinical services like treatment for sexually transmitted infections, distribution of free condoms and needle and syringe exchange programmes among the most-at-risk population prevented the virus from spreading among the general population. New Crime Tracking System in Haryana
Haryana where a majority of crimes are committed by migrants from other States. Child Welfare Officers in Every Police Station
The Supreme Court of India directed the states and Union territories to appoint child welfare officers in every police station for monitoring and extending better treatment to juveniles by the police. The apex court, which is monitoring the implementation of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, also directed that state and national legal services authorities issue appropriate guidelines for training and orientation of police officers, who could be designated as child welfare officers. Prasar Bharati Amendment Bill, 2010 Proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for pursuing the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010 approved by the Union Cabinet of India on 1 November 2011.The Cabinet also approved the action taken on the recommendations made in the Eighteenth Report on Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010 of the Standing Committee on Information Technology. The Cabinet further approved the amendment to section 11(2) of the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010 pending in the Rajya Sabha by the addition of the words and until their retirement at the end of the section. This will make the status of the employees recruited between 23 November 1997 and 5
Haryana has become one of the first States in the country to take up implementation of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a mission mode project of the Union Home Ministry, to create a platform for sharing intelligence and information about crime and criminals across the country.This stated after signing an agreement with HewlettPackard India Sales Private Limited to implement the CCTNS in the State.CCTNS is a time-bound project costing Rs.55.04 crore and would be fully implemented by 2013, it could help in checking crime, particularly in
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October 2007. It makes the status of employees on deemed deputation to Prasar Bharati until their retirement, absolutely clear and unambiguous. The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill 2010 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August, 2010. The Bill is for making amendments to the existing section 11 of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, regarding Transfer of service of existing employees to the Corporation, which deals with the transfer of services of employees to Prasar Bharati upon its creation as a Corporation in the year 1997. Karmayuga A nationwide campaign, K ar ma yuga : The right every wrong generation, aiming to bring together and recognise citizen volunteers, uncommon and unsung heroes trying to lead society towards a better tomorrow through their sustained focus, was launched here earlier this week. The campaign was launched by Social Outreach and Accreditation Programme (SOAP) founder Gul Panag in collaboration with International Confederation of NGOs (iCONGO), data centre CtrlS, United National Volunteers and NGO volunteer organisation VSO. The initiative seeks to reward the inspiring work done by ordinary people to right a wrong that they see around them. To be a part of the Karmayuga campaign, affiliation with an organisation is not necessary. The campaign will only look at the simple acts of individuals, with commitment and involvement to address wrongs in society. Anyone with an inspiring story can post it on the official Karmayuga website www.righteverywrong.com The top
20 stories will be awarded CtrlSiCONGO Karmaveer Chakra, a medallion for proactive voluntary actions to Be The Change , instituted with the United Nations. All participants will be awarded the CtrlS-iCONGO Karmaveer: The Right Every Wrong Generation Certificate. Digitalisation of Analogue Cable Systems Ordinance Approved Proposal of Information and Broadcasting Ministry to publicize the Digitalisation of Analogue Cable Systems Ordinance was approved by the Union Cabinet of India on 13 October 2011. The objective of the ordinance is the complete digitalisation of cable television in the four metros by 31 March 2012. By the end of 2014, all parts of India are expected to have phased out analogue cable TV. India has started the process of a global transition towards digitalisation. USA completed the process in 2009, China has set the deadline of 2015 to phase out anologue transmission. The approval of the ordinance means that all customers must have a set top box whether they want to receive free-to-air or pay channels. They could watch high quality channels of their choice and will get access to internet and telephone through the same digital cable. Broadcasters will generate more revenue directly from subscribers, and it could reduce their dependence on TRPs and advertisers. Real-time info System for Trains
for a dozen important trains through which passengers can access the accurate train running information. The facility will not only be available to passengers on these trains but also to the public who are accessing the website http:/www.simran.in, and through SMS from railway enquiry number 139.Passengers will be provided with the information about the location of the train, its running position on time or late, next stop, nearest approaching/crossed station and the speed. The Railways intends to provide this facility in all passenger and freight trains by December 2012. Final Report of Panel of Interlocutors The Jammu and K a s h m i r int er locut or s submitted their final report to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, focusing on a permanent political settlement of the Kashmir problem.The report deals with issues pertaining to economic, social and cultural aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. Eminent journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and the former Information Commissioner, M.M. Ansari are the members of the three-member panel. It was appointed by the Centre exactly a year ago with a mandate to suggest the contours of a political settlement to the Jammu and Kashmir problem. The report aims at a permanent political settlement of the Kashmir problem. The report offers important insights, as it reflected in an accurate and comprehensive manner the views of the broadest possible spectrum of a cross-section of people of the State.
The Indian Railways launched a Realtime Train Information System (RTIS)

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Sale of Property Through Power of Attorney not Valid The Supreme Court has deprecated the practice of sale of immovable properties through sale agreement/ general power of attorney/will transfer, and said such sale of property is not valid. A three-judge Bench said such transactions are not transfers or sales and such transactions cannot be treated as completed transfers or conveyances. To avoid such transactions, the Bench asked the States to reduce the stamp duty to encourage registration of sale deeds. Computer Infection Rate Rising in India The latest Microsoft Security I nt elligence Report said that While the world is becoming more secure when it comes to cyber security, in India the computer infection rate is climbing, having almost three times the worldwide average of certain threat categories such as viruses and worms.Our study has found that Indias infection rates have climbed 0.7 per cent in the last quarter alone, while worldwide figures report a 1.1 per cent drop. In India, the host infection rate when calculated using IP geo-location was 15.9 per cent, which is around 6 per cent higher than the worldwide average of 9.8 per cent, said Microsoft India Chief Security Officer Sanjay Bahl. The report also highlighted that in India the most common category was worms that affected 38.3 per cent of all infected computers, followed by miscellaneous Trojans (33.6 per cent) and miscellaneous potentially unwanted software (30.7 per cent). Pointing out that in India, miscellaneous Trojans,
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Trojan downloaders, password stealers and monitoring tools all outnumber the scenario worldwide, Mr. Bahl said: India is home to three of the worlds most dangerous bots (software applications that run automated tasks over the Internet) Win32/Lethic + Cutwail + Pramro.The most common error that computer users make is that they do not update their software or use pirated software, while in some computers even basic security features are missing which includes anti-virus software. NCRI to Promote Rural Education The National Council of Rural Institutes, an autonomous body under the Ministry of HRD, will work for promoting rural higher education by bringing different organisations under its umbrella, said its Chairman S.V. Prabhath here on Wednesday. The agenda of the NCRI was to bridge gaps between formal and non-formal education towards value-based rural development by providing a forum for confluence of new ideas. Minimum Passing marks is 35% to Secure IIT UG Seat Students hoping to clinch a seat in undergraduate courses of any of the Indian Institutes of Technology will now have to score a minimum 10 per cent in each subject and have an overall aggregate of 35 % in the qualifying exams from the 2012 academic year onwards. According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Joint Admission Board of the Institutes, a common rank list will be prepared based on the scores with separate benchmarks being set for reserved category students. Students will then be admitted according to this
list. While Other Backward Classes candidates are required to score a minimum of 9 per cent in each subject and a 31. 5 per cent aggregate to make it to the list, the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates will have to manage a 5 per cent subject score and a 17.5 per cent aggregate. Admissions into any of the IIT undergraduate courses is done through a common entrance test, IITJEE, and the decision to change the calculation of scores for admissions was taken at a Joint Admission Board meeting held at IIT-Delhi on Tuesday. Sibal Introduces New Plan for Better Spectrum Management U n i o n C ommu nications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal unveiled the National F r equency Allocation Plan-2011 (NAFP) that will help in better management of spectrum, besides development and promotion of indigenous manufacturing and technologies in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The NFAP2011 contains spectrum allocation for various radio communication services and applications in different frequency bands to be effective from October 1. It will provide the basis for development, manufacturing and spectrum utilisation activities, both for the government and private sectors. It is essential that these scarce resources be used rationally, optimally, efficiently and economically so that equitable access could be available to a large variety of radio communication network in an interference-free radio environment, Mr. Sibal told reporters here after releasing the policy document. Planning of frequency bands for various services and applications for their co-existence without constraining the existing
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assignments was essential. The growing demand for information-rich content, faster access and mobility by both commercial and captive users is increasingly being met by broadband wireless application. The new plan will help the ICT sector prepare for future growth and bring about revolution in the sector, thereby leading to enhanced economic growth. Six Pharma National Institutes to be set up The Union Cabinet approved setting up of six new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) to meet the shortage of skilled manpower in the pharmaceutical sector. The new institutes will come up at Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Hajipur, Guwahati and Rae Bareli. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved the establishment of the new institutes at a cost of Rs.633.15 crore. The decision would facilitate the establishment of full fledged NIPER campuses for imparting higher postgraduate level education as well as undertaking R&D projects, she said. It would also help in meeting the requirement of highly skilled manpower of the pharmaceutical industry and focus on R&D. The government had set up the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research at Mohali under the NIPER Act, 1998. Rooftop Travel no Ground for Denying Compensation While observing that travelling on the rooftop of a bus is pure negligence, the Karnataka High Court has said that a passenger cannot be denied compensation just because of this act,
unless it contributed to an accident. No contributory negligence or fixed percentage of contribution could be attributed to the passenger, merely because he was travelling on the rooftop of the bus. Hence, the precise percentage by which the award of the compensation amount is to be reduced is a pure question of fact, to be decided by the court, on the evidence adduced and in the circumstances of the each case. The Bench was constituted after different Division Benches gave different verdicts on the percentage of negligence on the part of passengers and the reduction of compensation payable to them while dealing with cases of accidents involving passengers travelling on rooftop. New AIIMS Campus in Haryana during 12th Plan Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that his Ministry has initiated work to build a second All-India Institute of Medical Sciences campus at Jhajjar in Haryana on the pattern of the one in New Delhi. Speaking at the dedication of the geriatric OPD at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences here to the National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE), New AIIMS campus would come up in Jhajjar during the 12th Five Year Plan.. Regional geriatric centres at eight regional medical institutions AIIMS, Delhi; Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU; Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar; Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram; Guwahati Medical College; Madras Medical College; SN Medical College, Jodhpur; and at Grants Medical College, Mumbai would be set up as part of the NPHCE.
Ration Cards for Sex Workers in Maharashtra The Maharashtra government distributed ration cards among 50 commercial sex workers from Mumbais red-light district Kamathipura, kick-starting a drive for the whole of the State. The cards will include the names of the woman concerned and her children. The profession would not be listed on the ration card. The orange cards would entitle women to 10 kg of wheat at Rs.7.60, 5 kg of rice at Rs.9.20, one litre of palm oil and around two to three litres of kerosene. Non-advocates can Appear before Consumer Forum
The Supreme Court has held that a non-advocate or an authorised agent can represent a consumer before the district, State and national consumer forum for adjudicating a complaint. A three-judge Bench, directed the National Consumer Commission to frame within three months comprehensive rules on appearance of agents, representatives, registered organisations and/or non-advocates in respect of their qualifications, conduct and ethical behaviour. Directing the National Commission to frame rules, the Bench said it might consider creating a process of accrediting nonadvocates through an examination for them to practise as representatives before a forum. The basic issue involved in appeals filed by G. Venkatachalam and the Bar Council of India against a Bombay High Court judgment was whether a person under cover of being an agent could represent a large number of persons before the forums created under the Consumer Protection Act. The Bench said it was
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the obligation of the court to carefully discern and articulate the legislative intention. It dismissed the appeals and upheld the impugned judgment. Central University of Bihar Faces Eviction Threat Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) in Patna has sent an eviction notice to the Central University of Bihar, leaving the students of this two-yearold varsity virtually on the road. The Central University of Bihar, established by an Act of Parliament two years ago, has been functioning from rented accommodation at BITMesra ever since its establishment as the State Government has refused to allot land to it except at Motihari a site chosen by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar but rejected by the selection committee of the Union Human Resource Development Ministry due to poor social infrastructure and connectivity. We need to take it up on a priority, ViceChancellor Janak Pandey told. Central Excise, Customs Duty Evasion is Bailable The Supreme Court has held that evasion of central excise and customs duties is a bailable offence and authorities cannot arrest the offender without obtaining a warrant from a competent court. The language of the scheme of the 1944 Central Excise Act seems to suggest that the main object of the enactment was recovery of excise duties and not really to punish for infringement. The introduction of Section 9A by way of amendment reveals the thinking of the legislature that offences under the 1944 Act should be non-cognisable and therefore, bailable, said a three-judge Bench.Justice Altamas Kabir said: Having considered the various provisions of the Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure, which has been made applicable to it, we are of the
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view that the offences under the 1944 Act cannot be equated with offences under the Indian Penal Code, which have been made non-cognisable and non-bailable. NHRC Notice to Chhattisgarh One person died and 25 turned blind in one eye in a shocking incident due to infections spread post-cataract surgery at an eye camp organised by the Chhattisgarh Government under the National Blindness Control Programme at Balod in Durg district. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident based on media reports and issued a notice to the State Chief Secretary seeking a report. The Commission wanted the State Government to give details on the health of 334 patients who underwent surgery at the Balod Community Centre on September 2130 this year, what medical aid had been given to the victims by the government and whether the government proposed to grant compensation to the victims. According to media reports, a number of other people were facing the same fate due to infection one month after their surgery for cataract removal at the eye camp. The patients, mostly farmers, caught infection due to lapses in the surgical procedure and lack of proper fumigation in the makeshift operation theatre. The Commission observed that if the content of the media reports were true then it was a serious issue of violation of human rights of the farmers who became victims of gross negligence of the doctors. Pink City to Host a Gem of a Conference The Pink City Jaipur hosted the first international
coloured gemstones Mines to Market conference. Modelled after the existing initiative in diamonds by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), the two-day event from November 2 marked the coming together of specialists, leading mine owners, wellknown gem carvers, explorers, brand ambassadors and editors of fashion magazines to address the global concerns of the industry and find solutions. The event was an initiative to establish and maintain the global brand positioning of India, said Council Chairman Rajiv Jain. The aim was to reinforce Indias position as a global hub for coloured gemstones and gemstone-studded jewellery. The GJEPC wants to establish India as a one-stop-shop for global consumers, he adds. The GJEPC, an apex body of gem and jewellery sector representing 5,500 members, operates under the supervision of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Originally Mines to Market used to be the theme for the international meet on diamonds held in India on every alternate year. A similar event on coloured gemstones is being organised for the first time in the country. The Jaipur conference was attended by miners from Columbia, Africa, Sri Lanka, leading business people from Britain, China, Thailand, Italy, Germany and experts from the US and other countries. The event was sponsored by leading gemstone company Gemsfield. The co-sponsors were KGK Diamonds and Gemological Institute of America. The gem and jewellery sector is a major foreign exchange earner for the country and considered among the fastest growing areas with a share of 16.67 per cent in Indias export merchandise in 2010-11. The total exports stood at 43.14 billion US dollars last year.
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Standards Presented to 85 Armoured Regiment The Army Chief, General V. K. Singh presented Standards to 85 Armoured
Regiment in recognition of its over three decades dedicated and meritorious service. The regiment was raised on October 1, 1976, as a premier unit of the Indian Armoured
Corps and has taken part in all operations since then, including peacetime deployment.
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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
Muammar Gaddafi Killed in Sirte Mu amma r Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for over 40 years, was killed on 20 October 2011 while trying to flee from his hometown, Sirte. Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya autocratically for 42 years after coming to power in a coup. Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was born to nomadic parents in the desert region of Sirte in 1942. He went on to study history at the University of Libya in 1961 and then entered the Benghazi Military Academy. He remained the autocratic ruler of Libya from 1969, when he seized power in a bloodless military coup that overthrew King Idris I until 2011 when his government was overthrown in a civil war. His 42-year rule prior to the uprising made him the fourth longestruling non-royal leader since 1900, as well as the longest-ruling Arab leader. He pinned several titles to himselfthe Brother Leader and Guide of the Revolution, in 2008 a meeting of traditional African rulers bestowed on him the title King of Kings.After seizing power in 1969, he abolished the Libyan Constitution of 1951 and
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civil liberties enshrined in it. He imposed laws based on the political ideology which he had formulated and called it the Third International Theory. He also published The Green Book. The United Nations called Libya under Gaddafi a pariah state. In the 1980s, countries around the world imposed sanctions against Gaddafi. A leading advocate for a United States of Africa, he served as Chairperson of the African Union (AU) from 2 February 2009 to 31 January 2010. 2011 Libyan Civil War Protests against Gaddafis rule began in February 2011. Soon an uprising that spread across the country, with the forces opposing Gaddafi establishing a government based in Benghazi named the National Transitional Council (NTC). This led to the 2011 Libyan Civil War, which included a military intervention by a NATO-led coalition to enforce a UN Security Council Resolution 1973 calling for a no-fly zone and protection of civilians in Libya.The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on 27 June 2011 for Gaddafi, his son Saif alIslam, and his brother-in-law Abdullah al-Senussi, head of state security for charges, concerning crimes against humanity.Rebel forces engaged in a coastal offensive and took most of their lost territory, and captured the capital city of Tripoli in August.
Gaddafi evaded capture and loyalists engaged in a rearguard campaign. He remained in hiding until 20 October 2011, when he was captured and killed in Sirte. An Earthquake Measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit Turkey An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale killed many people in eastern Turkey on 23 October 2011. Approximately, 93 people died in Van province alone and 45 in the Ercis district. The death toll is likely to increase. Serious damage and casualties were also reported in the district of Celebibag, near Ercis. The US Geological Survey initially measured the quake at 7.3 magnitude but later downgraded it to 7.2.The earthquake struck at a depth of 20 kilometres with its epicentre 16 kilometres north-east of Van in eastern Turkey. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, also centred north of Van, including two of magnitude 5.6 soon after the quake and one of 6.0. Turkey is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it sits on major geological fault lines.
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Afghanistan Rethinking Ties with Pakistan Af gha nis t a ns President and other senior leaders have announced that they are rethinking the relationship with Pakistan and its negotiations with the Taliban because talks had yielded so little. As a result, said the leaders, they planned to work closely with the United States, Europe and India to plan the countrys future. The shift in Afghanistans policies emerged in a statement released by the presidential palace after a meeting of senior government officials, including the two Vice-Pesidents, the national security adviser and several former military commanders who are close advisers to President Hamid Karzai and who fought to push the Russians out of the country in the 1980s.Despite making repeated attempts in the past three years, including sending several letters to the Taliban to open negotiations in order to bring peace and stability to the country, our leaders, scholars, influential figures, elders, women and children, old and young are being martyred, said the statement, referring to a string of assassinations this year, most recently the killing of Burhanuddin Rabbani, chairman of the peace council. While the peace talks have yielded little, they had provided Afghanistan and the United States with the hope that there could be a negotiated end to the 10-year-old war. The statement did not rule out the possibility of future talks, but suggested there was little prospect that they would continue.Over the past several months, Afghanistan appeared to have had a reconciliation with Pakistan, and
the two countries had been meeting regularly, bilaterally and also with U.S. representatives present. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Afghanistan was planning to suspend the trilateral talks indefinitely. EU and IMF Auditors held Talks with Greece EU and IMF auditors held talks with Greece, focussing on reform of the transport sector and the justice system as part of efforts to stabilise the finances and release another instalment of debt aid.The Greek press agency Ana said the auditors met Transport Minister Yannis Ragoussis to discuss restructuring public transport, including the part privatisation of the national rail service. Mr. Ragoussis said he understood the need to not give in to corporatist demands, referring to mass protests by angry taxi drivers opposed to deregulation of their industry. Meetings were delayed and moved to secret locations after several dozen civil servants, protesting cuts in public services, occupied several Ministries to block entry to the auditors, whose green-light is needed to unblock EU-IMF bailout funds desperately needed in the next few weeks for Greece to stay solvent. Jail for Ex-Ministers by ICTR Two former Rwandan Ministers were jailed for 30 years by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda for involvement in the central African countrys 1994 genocide. The Tanzania-based tribunal acquitted two Ministers due to lack of evidence. The sentencing came 12 years since they were arrested. All the ex-Ministers, who denied the charges, were accused of calling for the massacre of Tutsis during several meetings they held across Rwanda and in public speeches, some of which were aired on radio. The ICTR, based in the
northern Tanzanian town of Arusha, was established in late 1994 to try the key perpetrators of the 1994 massacre which claimed some 800,000 lives, mainly minority Tutsis, in a span of 100 days. Russia and Bangladesh signed a Deal to build a Nuclear Power Plant Russia and Bangladesh signed a deal to build a nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna district. It would be Bangladeshs first nuclear plant. Russia will provide technical support for setting up two generators each capable of producing 1000 megawatts of electricity. Russia will also supply fund and fuel rods for safe storage. The new safety features will also be implemented in the plant. Bangladeshs junior science and technology minister Yeafesh Osman and Russias State Atomic energy corporation directorgeneral Sergei Kiriyenko signed the agreement. Bangladesh relies heavily on gas-fired plants for power. Power generation falls 2000 megawatts short of its daily requirement, which hampers its industrial production and economic growth. Palestine got full Membership of UNESCO Palestine got the membership of UNESCO (United Nations E du ca t i on a l , Scientific and C u l t u r a l Organisation) with 107 votes in favour and 14 votes against, there were 52 abstentions. Eighty-one votes were required for approval with 173 UNESCO member delegations
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present. The USA, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Australia and the Czech Republic voted against. Britain, Italy and many Pacific and Caribbean island nations absented themselves from the voting. India, Russia, Brazil, China, South Africa and France voted in favour. UNESCO is the first UN agency Palestine has joined as a full member. UNESCO protects historic heritage sites and works to improve world literacy and cultural understanding. Its headquarters are located at Place de Fontenoy in Paris, capital of France. Palestine is also seeking full membership in the UN (United Nations), but USA has threatened that it will veto it unless there is a peace deal with Israel. Full membership of UNESCO is a small but crucial step forward for the Palestine in its attempts to achieve international recognition and statehood. A Committee to Prepare New Constitution for Syria President of Syria Bashar al-Assad announced the creation of an ad hoc committee tasked with preparing a new Constitution within four months. President Assad issued a decree establishing the national committee to draft a new Constitution in a period not exceeding four months from the date of its creation. The 29-member committee is headed by former Justice Minister Mizhar al-Annbary. A new Constitution has been a key demand of a protest movement that erupted on 15 March 2011, initially calling for greater freedoms and later demanding the ouster of the Assad regime. Amnesty for 6300 Prisoners in Myanmar Myanmar announced an amnesty for more than 6,300 prisoners. This
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follows an appeal by the government appointed Human Rights Commission in Myanmar to free prisoners. Earlier, Myanmars National Human Rights Commission chairman Win Mra had called for the release of prisoners. The decision by the Government of Myanmar is aimed at persuading the West to end sanctions that have hurt the regime. The elections in 2010 brought a civilian-led government in place of the military rule. Still, the military retains control of key positions and most of the candidates who won in the election were just-retired members of the armed forces. It was alleged that the election was rigged in the favour of the members of armed forces. The government is intolerant to political dissidents in Myanmar and according to an estimate, there are 2000 political prisoners, which include prodemocracy activists, government critics and journalists. Oil Slick Ship at Risk of Break Up A ship stuck on a New Zealand reef grew fears that would break up and release a new wave of pollution, as its two chief officers were charged over the nations worst oil spill. Prime Minister John Key said cracks had been found in the hull of the stricken container ship Rena, and the situation was precarious, with the boat teetering at a steep angle in stormy seas.We have identified stress fractures on the ship. We cant rule out the risk of the ship breaking up, thats certainly being monitored, he told reporters near Tauranga, where already beaches have been fouled and wildlife found dead.I wish that boat wasnt spewing oil out into New Zealands pristine sea, but it is and were dealing with that.The ship stranded on the Astrolabe Reef, 22 kilometres (15 miles) off the North Island coast,
showed a gaping crack in its hull, with Transport Minister Steven Joyce saying saying it would probably shear in two. Up to 300 tonnes of heavy fuel has already leaked into the environmentally sensitive Bay of Plenty since the Rena ploughed into the reef last Wednesday, creating New Zealand worst maritime pollution disaster. Officials have warned the crisis will deepen if the Rena breaks up and releases all 1,700 tonnes of oil it is carrying. Wiki Leaks will Soldier on The High Courts ruling that Julian Assange shall be extradited to Sweden to face an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and rape by two Swedish women was not entirely unexpected, considering how things have gone before this. His extradition is not likely to take place immediately, unless a decision is taken not to appeal; his lawyers are expected to press before the High Court the right to appeal before the Supreme Court .But as Mr. Assange pointed out in a short statement he made on the steps of the court, no charges have been laid against him in any country, including Sweden. He added that many attempts would no doubt be made to try to spin these proceedings as they occurred today but they were merely technical. Extradition to Sweden is a distinct possibility, even a probability, and if it happens, the charismatic founder and Editor-in-Chief of Wiki Leaks will face the situation bravely and is confident of coming out clean. He, his core team, and supporters have their concerns. But considering that Mr. Assange has been under house arrest at Ellingham Hall for 330 days electronically tagged, having to sign in
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at a nearby police station every day, and required to be back inside the house by 10pm they are prepared for worse and are nothing if not resilient. Wiki Leaks has been fighting attempts to intimidate, muzzle, and kill it on more than one front. It announced recently that it had been forced to temporarily suspend its publishing whilst we secure our economic survival. It revealed that the unlawful, U.S.-directed financial blockade imposed against it through powerful financial intermediaries and some banks had choked 95 per cent of its revenues, running into tens of millions of pounds, and that this blockade threatened its very existence. Wiki Leaks has launched a Wiki Leaks Needs You campaign, which provides for perfectly legal practical ways of donating and beating the financial blockade. The good news is that through this time of troubles, it has been working on new things new projects, innovative technology, and creative ideas and has interesting publishing and partnering plans for the future. It is due to launch on November 28 a new submission system, a platform for principled leaking that will be more advanced and more secure than anything seen before. China is Russias Biggest Trading Partner China became Russias biggest trading partner. The exports and imports between these two nations touched 50.8 billion US dollars from January to August 2011. The year 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of China-Russia Good neighborly, Friendly Relations and Cooperation Treaty. At a meeting on customs cooperation on 7 October 2011, Russia and China agreed to seize the new opportunities for speedy development of bilateral relations to
achieve the bilateral trade targets of 100 billion dollars before 2015 and 200 billion dollars before 2020. Exercise IO Wave 11 People living in some of the vulnerable areas along the coast were evacuated in Orissa, Puducherry and Maharashtra as India joined 23 other Indian Ocean Rim nations in conducting a 12-hour mock tsunami drill codenamed Exercise IO Wave11.During the exercise, the operational efficacy of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS) was tested, as the events of December 26, 2004, when a 9.2 magnitude tsunamigenic earthquake occurred off the North West coast of Sumatra, were re-enacted, followed by an ocean-wide tsunami. The 24/7 stateof-the-art Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) here swung into action soon after the earthquake was simulated at 6.30 a.m. and issued the first bulletin in five minutes to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs and State disaster management agencies. Using modelling data, ITEWC subsequently issued 15 bulletins indicating the height of the tsunami waves at different locations as it travels along the coast. It takes about 12 hours for the simulated wave to cross the Indian Ocean and reach the coast of South Africa. All coastal States, Union Territories, the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, the National Disaster Response Force, the State disaster management agencies, ports, harbours and critical installations like the Atomic Power Plant at Kalpakkam participated in the exercise as the preparedness of the emergency services was put to test. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova marked the transition of
responsibility for the tsunami warning system through a video address to authorities of India, Australia and Indonesia. China Rules out Brahmaputra Diversion A top Chinese Water Resources Ministry official has ruled out any plan to divert the Brahmaputra rivers waters to tackle water shortages, even as hydropower industry groups have renewed calls on the government to lift a suspension on dam projects on the river s fastflowing upper and middle reaches to address a power crisis. Jiao Yong, Vice Minister of Water Resources, said at a briefing here that China had no plans to divert the Brahmaputra, or Yarlung Tsangpo as it is known in Tibet, considering technical difficulties, environmental impacts and state relations, referring to Indias concerns. Every year, Mr. Jiao noted, 166.1 billion cubic meters of water from the Brahmaputra flows outside Chinas borders. Mr. Jiaos comments come amid calls by some Chinese experts for a rethink on the Western diversion plan to tackle water shortages in Chinas arid north. In recent months, some Chinese hydroengineering experts, such as Wang Guangqian of Tsinghua Universitys State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, have argued that the diversion project was feasible with recent technological advancements. The Water Resources Ministry has, however, voiced opposition both to diversion plans and proposed hydropower projects to tap the rivers ecologically sensitive upper reaches. Influential State-run hydropower companies have been campaigning for the government to kick-start
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suspended plans for 28 proposed dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo, leaving the future of the projects uncertain. The calls for the hydropower dams have grown louder this year, in the wake of a power crisis triggered by the worst drought in five decades that struck the Yangtze river this summer. Mr. Jiao said China planned to harness more than 5,000 rivers over the next five years, and double its annual spending on water conservation to reach 4 trillion yuan ($ 635 billion) over the next decade. He disagreed with the assessment from the Water Resources Ministry that building hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra rivers upper reaches posed technical difficulties. The technology, he said, was sufficient, except in the Great Bend of the river, where the Tsangpo turns towards India a terrain, he said, where it is difficult to put in equipment.Despite the difficulties, Sinohydro, a major State-owned hydropower company, has put up a proposal on its website for a 38gigawatt plant at Motuo, near the Great Bend, a project which Mr. Zhang said could save up to 100 million tonnes of coal. Hydropower projects, he said, unlike diversion plans, would not affect India, although many experts say even large run-ofthe-river dams, such as the one proposed at Motuo, could impact downstream flows. India Took Over as the Chairman of UNSARCT India took over as the Chairman of U n i t e d Nations South Asian Regional Commission for tourism. This was announced at the ongoing United Nations World Tourism Organisation
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(UNWTO) conference at Gyeongju in South Korea.The chairmanship of the Commission was with Iran for the last four years.It signifies the confidence of various countries in India and the efforts of the Indian government in the promotion of tourism in the country as well as across the globe in a responsible and sustainable manner to achieve inclusive growth. G20 Summit Held in Cannes The 6th G20 (industrialist and developing count ries) summit was held in Cannes, France on November 3 and 4, 2011 to discuss key issues in the global economy. Eurozone debt crisis dominated the Summit in Cannes. The other issues discussed in the summit were global imbalances, financial transactions tax, tax evasion and reform of the international monetary system. Agreements Made in G20 Cannes Summit @ The G20 leaders agreed on an Action plan for Growth and Jobs to address short term vulnerabilities and strengthen medium-term foundations for growth. @ They affirmed their commitment to work together and took decisions to reinvigorate economic growth. They agreed to create jobs, ensure financial stability, promote social inclusion and make globalization serve the needs of the people. @ The leaders of G20 agreed to continue their efforts to further strengthen global financial safety nets. They committed to support the IMF in putting forward the
new Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) to provide on a case by case basis increased and more flexible short-term liquidity to countries with strong policies and fundamentals facing exogenous shocks. @ An affirmation was made on G20s commitment to move more rapidly toward more marketdetermined exchange rate systems and enhance exchange rate flexibility to reflect under lying economic fundamentals, avoid persistent exchange rate misalignments and refr ain from competitive devaluation of currencies. @ They determined to enhance the functioning and transparency of energy markets. @ They supported the euro areas comprehensive plan and urged rapid elaboration and implementation, including of country reforms. @ Member countries decided to develop the r egulation and oversight of shadow banking. They agreed on developing further their regulation on market integrity and efficiency, including addressing the risks posed by high frequency trading and dark liquidity. India pitched for a consensus among G-20 nations on sharing of tax and banking information with retrospective effect. The G20 summit in Cannes finally ended in ominous disarray. The leaders finally were unable to agree upon a boost to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help distressed countries. Debt-ridden Italy, was seen as the epicentre of the euro crisis, was forced to put its austerity programme under the funds control. The UK showed focus on urging its European partners to make progress, and wished
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to continue support extra cash for the IMF.India stressed on the fact that the era of banking secrecy laws was over, and it was vital to build a consensus on sharing of past banking data as it would help in investigation of earlier cases of tax evasion. About G-20 G-20 is an abbreviated form of the Group of Twenty. It consists of 19 member countries and EU. G20 was established in 1999 to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The inaugural meeting of the G-20 took place in Berlin, on December 15-16, 1999, and it was hosted by German and Canadian finance ministers. The G-20 was created as a response both to the financial crises of the late 1990s and to a growing recognition that key emerging-market countries were not adequately included in the core of global economic discussion and governance. Russia and China Vetoed UNSC Sanctions against Syria On 5 October 2011 Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council draft resolution recommending sanctions against Syria for the ongoing crackdown on Protesters. The resolution was moved by EU (European Union) member countries and backed by USA. There were nine votes in support of the resolution while two votes were against of it. Four countries abstained themselves from the voting. India along with other member countries of IBSA (Brazil and South Africa) abstained from voting. Lebanon was the fourth nation to abstain. This was the second attempt by the western countries to bring a resolution on the Syrian unrests. Russia and China opined that the threat of sanction was not the best solution for the problem.
Egypts Military Amended Election Law Egyp ts military council amended a contentious election law to allow parties to contest a third of the seats in Parliament reserved for independents. Egypts military decided to cancel Article 5 of the election law, which reserved a third of seats for independents. The three-round Parliamentary election will start on 28 November 2011, which will be the first since an uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February 2011.The amendment to the election law was made after political parties warned the military, that they would boycott the poll if the article allowing only independent candidates to contest a third of seats were not amended. Political groups feared the law could allow supporters of Hosni Mubarak to return to power. Egypts caretaker cabinet had announced in September 2011, that three rounds of elections will start on 28 November and made amendments to the contentious election law. This will be the first parliamentary election since the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in February this year. Egypts military council is acting as a caretaker government until the parliamentary elections are over. German Parliament Approved Expanded EU Bailout Fund Garman Parliament approved expanded powers for the EUs main bailout fund. The Parliament voted in favour of an enhanced 440 billion euro European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). Many Germans are against committing more money to prop up struggling eurozone members such as
Greece. The approval by the Parliament means that it would allow the fund to buy bonds of distressed states and offer emergency loans to governments and offer emergency loans to governments. Earlier, Finnish parliament approved the proposed overhaul of the EFSF. The EU bailout fund must win the approval of all eurozone members. CAG Appointed External Auditor of IAEA and WIPO The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has been appointed as external auditor of two major UN organisations, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Having traditionally been the stronghold of the developed world, it is for the first time that a supreme audit institution from outside Europe has been appointed to these prestigious positions in these 2 organisations. These appointments were made in the face of competition from other developed countries like the U.K., Spain and Norway. The tenure of these audits could extend up to six years. The CAG is on the panel of external auditors of the UN and its agencies and also on the Governing Board of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions and is poised to take over as its Chairman for three years from March, 2012.These appointments for organisations such as IAEA and WIPO... are recognition of the professional capabilities of the CAGs auditing talent pool. The international community has acknowledged that public auditors of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department have high professional competence. The recognition of the capabilities of the CAG of India has in the past manifested in his appointment on the Board of Auditors
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of the United Nations and as external auditor to a number of other major UN agencies like Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Italy: When Society Scolds Scientists Something unusual is happening in a place called LAquila in Italy, which suffered an earthquake on April 5, 2009, causing large scale damage to property and the loss of over 300 lives. The citizens
there have sued a group of 7 scientists for manslaughter. The case is being heard in an Italian court and the judgment expected with great anxiety by the scientific community, and with hope for justice by the citizens there. This is perhaps the first time that a community has taken a group of scientists to court for having caused a large number of deaths by negligence. Expectedly, scientific societies and academics have condemned the petitioners; one such group has said that it was unfair and nave of the local prosecutors to charge the scientists for failing to alert the population of LAquila of an impending earthquake. Why this accusation of manslaughter against a group of 7 seismologists who were, on
the face of it, trying to help and advise the citizens of this medieval town, situated in a well-known earthquakeprone zone, where the people since long had learnt to live with this everpresent danger? The basis of the charges is that they (as the scientific committee advising the town) had certain duties imposed by law: They were obligated to evaluate the degree of risk given all factors, and they did not. Indeed, two members of the scientists group had a press conference (along with the city mayor) and said that the seismic situation was normal and posed no damage. Herein is the crux of the law suit. Rather than admit that seismic predictions are uncertain, they claimed no danger.
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ECONOMY ISSUES
Exports up by 52 % in First Half Even as exports continued to maintain a robust growth, registering a 36.3 per cent growth at $24.80 billion in September despite downturn in the U.S. and eurozone, signs of deceleration have already started to set in. Total exports for the current fiscal might reach $290-300 billion, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said. Exports slowed down in September when compared to the 44.2 per cent growth recorded in August. The U.S. and Europe are the two biggest markets for Indian merchandise, accounting for about 30 per cent of total shipments. Imports in September grew 17.2 per cent at $34.60 billion vis-a-vis the same period last year, leaving a trade deficit of $9.80 billion. During April-September, exports expanded by 52.1 per cent to $160 billion and imports by 32.4 per cent to $233.50 billion, leaving a trade gap of $73.50 billion. During the first half of this fiscal, the sectors that registered healthy growth in exports include engineering (103 per cent), petroleum and oil lubricants (53 per cent), gems and jewellery (23 per cent), ready-made garments (32 per cent), marine products (48 per cent) and drugs (33 per cent). Exports were growing in new markets such as Africa, Latin America and Asia, which had helped India maintain the export growth momentum. The Federation of Indian Exporters Association said the trade deficit was huge and might touch $150 billion by the end of 201112 which was a matter of concern. During April-September 2011-12, PoL imports grew by 42 per cent to $70.4 billion year-on-year. The sectors that reported a steep increase in imports include gold and silver (80 per cent), vegetable oil (60 per cent) and electronics (33 per cent). RBI Eased FDI Procedures The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) a nn ou n ced that transfer of shares between Indians and non-resident Indians (NRIs) would not require its permission in several key areas such as financial services. RBI initiated measures to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) procedures with an objective to woo global investors. The central bank Amended the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations. It mentioned that prior permission would not be necessary where the company whose shares were being transferred was engaged in any financial service. The RBI permission had also been done away with for transfer of shares between residents and non-residents in cases where the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) had already given its clearances and the SEBI guidelines were met. The steps had been taken as a measure to further liberalise and rationalise the procedures and policies governing foreign direct investment in India.FDI inflows shot up by 95 per cent to $17.37 billion between April and August 2011. The government and the RBI want to maintain robust foreign exchange reserves as volatility in the stock market has led to outflows. Direct Tax Collection Rs 284081 Crore The gross direct tax collection jumped 20.28 per cent during the AprilOctober period of 2011-12 to Rs 284081 crore due to an increase in corporate tax mop-up, according to the Finance Ministrys statement. The figure was Rs 236176 crore in the same period in 2010-11. The gross tax collection in the first seven months of 2011-12 fiscal is only about 48.5 per cent of the Rs 5.85 lakh crore target for the entire fiscal.Net direct tax collection for the seven-month period(April-October) of the fiscal 2011-12 stood at Rs.218850 crore and it marked an increase of a mere 7.1 per cent as compared to the previous fiscal 2010-11 owing to the huge outgo
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on refunds. Although the direct revenue garnered during the AprilOctober 2011 was higher than the Rs.236176 crore collected during the same period of 2010-11, the percentage-wise shortfall in collection has been attributed to the ongoing economic slowdown. However, the gross corporate tax collection was a robust 20.35 per cent higher at Rs.189872 crore during April-October 2011-12 as against Rs.157767 crore mopped up in the same period in 2010. Gross personal income tax collection was up by 20.17 per cent at Rs.93769 crore. The mopup by way of wealth tax grew by 10.6 per cent to Rs.418 crore from Rs.378 crore in the same period last fiscal. However, owing to the absence of boom in the stock market during the current fiscal year, collection through securities transaction tax (STT) declined by 17.9 per cent to Rs.2958 crore during April-October period in 2011 as against a mop-up of Rs.3602 crore in the same period in 2010. Industrial Growth Slows Down to 4.1 % Confirming the onset of a slowdown in the wake of a dismal global scenario and direct impact of high inflation and interest rates at home, industrial growth remained tepid at 4.1 per cent in August, 2011, as compared to 4.5 per cent in the same month last year. The IIP (Index of Industrial Production) data released here on Wednesday revealed a continued deceleration in output growth even as the August performance was a wee bit better than in July which stands revised upwards to 3.8 per cent from 3.3 per cent estimated earlier. In particular, it was the manufacturing sector with a weight of over 75 per cent in the index which pulled down the overall IIP growth in August. Factory output during the month rose by a mere 4.5 per cent this year as
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compared to 4.7 per cent last year. As a result, manufacturing growth during April-August 2011 stood at 5.6 per cent, way lower than the 8.7 per cent expansion posted during the same period last year. The IIP data disappointed Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as the low industrial growth may impact the overall economic growth during the second quarter (July-September).India Inc., on its part, has been making out a case for pause in rate hike by the Reserve Bank of India. However, with food and headline inflation hovering near 10 per cent with no signs of relenting, that seems a remote possibility. FICCI noted that investment demand had been impacted during the last few months by RBIs monetary tightening measures. As per the IIP data, the mining sector was the worst performer in August with output declining by 3.4 per cent as compared to a growth of 5.9 per cent in the corresponding month of the previous year. Electricity generation, however, showed a smart turnaround, growing by 9.5 per cent as against a mere one per cent growth in August last year. Growth in capital goods output also slowed to 3.9 per cent during the month from 4.7 per cent in the same month of 2010. Contributing to the slide was the consumer durables segment, which grew by a mere 4.6 per cent in August this year as compared to an expansion of 8.1 per cent in the previous year. As a result, overall growth in consumer goods output slowed down to 3.7 per cent during the month as compared to 4.6 per cent in August 2010. OVL Signs Pact with PetroVietnam Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Videsh Ltd. (OVL), the overseas arm of ONGC, inked an
agreement with Vietnams national oil company PetroVietnam to jointly explore for oil and gas in South China sea in Vietnam, India and third countries. OVL and Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) signed an agreement of cooperation in the presence of visiting President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, ONGC said in an official statement here. The agreement is intended for developing long-term cooperation in the oil and gas industry and shall be in force for three years. Under the agreement the two entities will cooperate on oil and gas exploration, refining, transportation and supply projects in Vietnam, India and third countries. Now, FDI in Beekeeping The government allowed 100 per cent FDI in beekeeping, also known as apiculture, to attract foreign investment in the agriculture sector.Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been allowed up to 100 per cent under the automatic route in apiculture under controlled conditions, according to the revised Consolidated FDI Policy of 2011, released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).However, certain conditions will apply. The companies can undertake production of honey by beekeeping, except in forest/wild, in designated spaces with control of temperatures and climatic factors like humidity and artificial feeding during lean seasons, the policy paper said. The government is bringing more farm areas under the 100 per cent FDI route to encourage investment in the sector. It has already permitted 100 per cent FDI in agricultural areas such as plantation, horticulture, seeds and cultivation of vegetables and mushrooms. The FDI has been allowed in animal husbandry,
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pisciculture and aquaculture along with in agro and allied sectors. Disclosure of Names of Distributors of All Mutual Funds mandatory SEBI ordered all mutual funds to disclose names of distributors, who receive commission in excess of Rs 1 crore annually, on their respective websites, in order to improve transparency. Fund houses, according to a Sebi circular, will have to disclose names of distributors who have their presence in more than 20 locations or those who have received over Rs 1 crore commission in a year. They would also have to disclose the amount of commission paid to distributors. The disclosure, which would also be uploaded on the MF industry body AMFIs website, was made mandatory from 10 November 2011. Experts are of the opinion that the move is aimed at tracking the payouts to big distributors like global and domestic banks and large independent financial advisors.. E-payment System Launched Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 31 October 2011 inaugurated a fully secure government e-payment system that will enable the Central government to directly credit dues into the accounts of beneficiaries. Developed by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) the GePG is a portal which enables successful delivery of payment services from Pay & Accounts Offices (PAOs) for online payment into beneficiaries accounts in a seamless manner under a secure environment. The Government e-Payment Gateway (GePG) will use digitally signed electronic advice (e-advice). The GePG has been designed to serve as middleware between COMPACT
(computerised payment and accounts) application at PAOs and the core banking solution (CBS) of the agency banks/Reserve Bank of India, to facilitate paperless transaction. It will thus reduce the overall transaction cost and promoting green banking. The system will usher in transparency and expedite direct payments from Central paying units with respect to subsidies to users and consumers of fertiliser, kerosene and cooking gas. Its efficiency and ease-of-use for all Ministries and departments will lead to an increased adoption of other eservices for online payment transactions. The e-payment system will save both time and effort in effecting payments and also facilitate the elimination of physical cheques and their manual processing. Under the traditional system of government transactions, payments to employees and vendors are made through cheque, cash and demand draft or by Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) in a few Ministries. Ministries in the past few years used the RBIs facilities of Real Time Gross Settlement and National Electronic Funds Transfer to make payments through the banking channel. Besides revolutionizing payments to individual beneficiaries, the governments epayment gateway (GePG) - linking 1.3 lakh agencies down to the level of panchayats - has been developed to capture all data on receipt, payments, borrowings and deficit real time. It will also help the Centre in more effectively channelizing plan expenditure on development schemes. The government spends nearly Rs 4 lakh crore every year on 140 centrally sponsored plan schemes and over 800 central sector schemes along with state schemes and additional central assistance. The new payment gateway will help monitor the entire disbursement.
8 Core Infrastructure Industries Growth Slowed Down Data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed that the 8 core infrastructure industries growth slowed down to 2.3 per cent for September 2011 as against 3.3 per cent in September 2010. The slowdown was attributed to rising cost of credit and inputs and weak demand. The core sector spanning coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilisers, steel, registered growth slower than the 3.7% growth in August. During the first half of the current fiscal (AprilSeptember 2011), key industries expanded by 4.9 per cent as against 5.6 per cent during the corresponding period in 2010-11 fiscal. Growth in the countrys eight key infrastructure sectors slowed in September, dragged down by decline in coal, natural gas and fertiliser output, raising fresh concerns about the state of the industrial segment, which was hit by rising interest rates and input costs. The index of eight core sector industries having a combined weight of 37.90 per cent in the index of industrial production (IIP) stood at 131.50 in September 2011, showing a growth rate of 2.3 per cent year-onyear. Inflation measured on the consumer price index for industrial workers (CPI-IW) touched the doubledigit mark at 10.06% for September 2011. Indias Exports Grew by Over 36 % Indias exports grew by over 36 per cent on an annual basis to 24.8 billion dollars in September, 2011, demonstrating impressive year-onyear expansion despite a slowdown in the US and Europe. In September 2010, the countrys outbound shipments were valued at 18.2 billion
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dollars. Indias imports also registered growth in September, rising by 17.2 per cent in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year leaving a trade deficit of 9.7 billion dollars. 21 New Textiles Parks approved Union Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Textiles sanctioned 21 new Textiles Parks under the Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks with a project cost of 2100 crores rupees to be implemented over a period of 36 months. The approval came in the 4th week of October 2011. Among these 21 new Textiles Parks, 6 were sanctioned in Maharashtra, 4 in Rajasthan, 2 each in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, 1 each in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal. Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma as Chairman of the Project Approval Committee under the Scheme accorded approval. Earlier, Inter Ministerial Project Scrutiny Committee which examined 55 proposals for new Textiles Parks in the country gave its recommendations for the setting-up new textiles parks. Proposals received were scrutinised by an inter ministerial Project Scrutiny Committee on the basis of project cost, land size, net worth of investors, employment generation and value chain to be developed by the industry. Government also sought to ensure balanced regional development, promote textiles industry in North Eastern States and in States where the industry is in a nascent stage of development and promote textiles parks in cooperative & handloom sectors. Textiles Parks are to be set up under the Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks for development of common infrastructure and the Technology
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Upgradation Funds Scheme (TUFS).Government enhanced the allocation under TUFS from Rs. 8000 crores to 15404 crores rupees under the 11th Five Year Plan. The new Textiles Parks would leverage an investment of over 9000 crores rupees and provide employment to 4 lac textiles workers. Government would finance common infrastructure with a subsidy upto Rs. 40 crores per Textiles park. Textiles Ministry would be seeking a higher allocation under the 12th Five Year Plan. Of the 40 textiles parks sanctioned under the 11th Five Year Plan, 24 Textiles Parks have started operations and have attracted investments of 18880 crores rupees, with a Government subsidy of 1420 crores rupees. About Textiles Parks The product mix in these parks would include apparels and garments parks, hosiery parks, silk parks, processing parks, technical textiles including medical textiles, carpet parks, powerloom parks. The focus of Government has been to ensure value addition through aggregation to best utilize Indias raw material surplus in cotton and cotton yarn for enhanced labor employment and export earnings. The Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks seeks green field investments in textiles sector on a public private partnership basis with the objective of setting up world class infrastructure for Textiles industry. Agriculture Ministry Proposed a Hike of Rs 115 Per Quintal in MSP of Wheat The Agriculture Ministry on 20 October 2011 proposed a hike of Rs 115 per quintal in the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat to Rs 1285 per quintal to cover rising farm input cost and encourage farmers to increase acreage. The ministry circulated a
CCEA note among various ministries recommending Rs 1285 per quintal as MSP for wheat for the 2012-13 marketing year begining 1 April 2012. Wheats support price for 2011-12 was Rs 1170 per quintal, including a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal. The government announced the support price for more than 20 crops just before the sowing season. The government buys wheat and paddy from farmers at the MSP to ensure assured returns to growers. The MSP also acts as benchmark price for the market. The Ministry recommended a significant hike in wheat MSP in view of rising input cost of labour, electricity, diesel and fertilisers. Since the UPA government came into power in 2004, the MSP of wheat has been raised from Rs 630 per quintal to Rs 1170 per quintal. Countrys wheat production touched an all-time of 85.93 million tonnes in the 2010-11 crop year. According to experts, higher support price played a big role in the record wheat output. RBI Eased Property Transaction Norms for NRIs The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted Indians who have nonresident accounts in the country to hold them in any currency which is fully convertible. The move is expected to help NRIs/Persons of Indian Origin as it will give them more options in the holding of accounts, and lessen the risk from fluctuations in major currencies. The RBI specified that any citizen who was earlier residing in a foreign country can own or transfer property or other assets in that nation if it was acquired during the time of his residence there, in another relaxation. Telcos Violated Licence Conditions A probe by telecom regulator TRAI established that 3G roaming
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agreements between telcos violated licence conditions. Mobile phone companies had earlier explained to the regulator that the telecom department, prior to the 3G auctions, had clearly specified that roaming policy is applicable to licences and not specific to spectrum bands. In their defence, telcos had also provided copies of the clarifications provided by the department on this issue before the 3G auctions. The clarifications quote the DoTs response to operators queries on this issue as stating that roaming will be permitted. The GSM operators had informed TRAI that 3G roaming agreements would augment the customer experience by allowing users to access high-speed data services on a pan-India basis, while also ensuring better utilisation of national resources and increased revenues to the government. Besides, they also added that these deals would help improve broadband internet coverage. If the government acts on the recommendations of the TERM Cell of the DoT, these mobile phone companies will have to shell out fines to the tune of 50 crore for every circle where they have entered into 3G roaming agreements. SEBI Approved Share Sale Guidelines for Insurance Firms SEBI approved share sale guidelines for insurance firms. The norms once cleared by the government will ensure the entry of the insurance industry to revive the dormant primary market as the novelty value of the sector could attract more investors. IRDA had earlier specified that insurers that have completed 10 years of operations are eligible to go for share sale. Prior to filing of the draft
document for making public offer with SEBI, the insurer is required to take a formal approval from IRDA.SEBI withdrew a major irritant for life insurance companies waiting to hit the capital market with initial public offers. While clearing IPO guidelines of life insurance companies, the regulator removed the three-year profitability clause that is applicable for all companies as a precondition for tapping the capital markets. However, insurance companies will have to go for additional disclosures as required by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) over and above the disclosure norms set by SEBI. The move to remove the three-year profitability clause is expected to bring some relief to the majority of life insurance companies, as most of them are yet to underwrite any profits. According to the draft guidelines, insurance companies, which have completed 10 years of operations, will be allowed to tap the capital market and the valuation would have to be based on the embedded value to be calculated by a method designed by the Institute of Actuaries of India. Insurers planning IPOs will have to disclose their economic capital as well as the embedded value to the regulator. Coromandel Fertilisers Plans Greenfield Plant Coromandel Fertilisers, part of the Rs.17,000-crore Murugappa Group, has announced plans for setting up a greenfield single super phosphate plant in Punjab with an estimated investment of Rs.116 crore.The plant has been finalised in the light of the ballooning prices of phosphate fertilisers and the 800 tonne per day (tpd) plant, including 400 tpd granulator plant is expected to be ready within two years, Coromandel Fertilisers Chairman A. Vellayan said.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Vellayan said plans were under way to invest another Rs.350 crore to develop third train of production line at the companys Kakinada plant with an aim to enhancing production from 32 lakh tonnes to 40 lakh tonnes by the end of 2013-14. The board had approved rewarding its shareholders with an issue of unsecured redeemable bonus debentures of the face value of Rs.15 to mark its golden jubilee. Coromandel, which provides advisory and products services to farmers through its retail chain, planned to expand the business by providing farm mechanisation solutions. There is a big market for mechanisation owing to acute problems faced on account of labour, Mr. Vellayan said. Accordingly, the company had embarked on a pilot project for import of products and providing mechanisation solutions to farmers, charging a fee of between Rs.4,500 and Rs.5,000 per acre. Fresh Capital to be Infused in SBI Union Finance Minister P r a n a b Mukher jee voiced the F ina nc e M i n i s t r y s decision to to recapitalise State Bank of India (SBI). Funds would be provided to the PSU lender to enable it to achieve compliance with capital adequacy ratio (CAR) norms. Fresh capital is to be infused in SBI. The government will inject Rs 3,000-4000 crore into SBI during the current fiscal 2011-12 to help it achieve an 8 per cent capital adequacy ratio (CAR). Recapitalisation of banks is a continuing process and the
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government will continue to provide funds to PSU lenders through the Budget to ensure that they can meet solvency requirements. According to estimates, SBI needs about Rs 20000 crore of fresh capital to maintain the pace of growth without sacrificing solvency margin norms. The government holds a 59 per cent stake in the countrys largest bank, SBI. Niryat Bandhu Scheme The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced introduction of a new Niryat Bandhu scheme for international business mentoring for young turks in international business enterprises. The officer (Niryat Bandhu) would function in the mentoring arena and would be a handholding experiment for the young turks in international business enterprises. Under the scheme, officers of DGFT will be investing time and knowledge to mentor the interested individuals who want to conduct the business in a legal way. The DGFT also announced that it became Indias first digital signature enabled department. According to the new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) unveiled, a higher level of encrypted 2048 bit Digital Signature has been introduced. Digital certificate provides a high level of security for online communication such that only intended recipient can read it. It provides authentication, privacy, non-repudiation and integrity in the virtual world. Also, import of radioimmunoassay kits was classified in the restricted category as per ITC HS-Import Schedule. Since the import item is intended for the diagnosis of disease/disorders in humans and animals, the import policy regime for this item was liberalised to free subject to prior permission of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The procedure for transfer or sale of
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imported firearms was also simplified. For sale/transfer of imported firearms prior permission from DGFT is not required after 10 years of import. Further, this condition of 10 years would not apply if importer attains 60 years of age. Local police licensing authorities or District Magistrates can give permission of sale/ transfer directly. Even for Shooters category, sale/transfer of imported weapons would not require approval from DGFT. For the first time in the history of foreign trade formulation, the draft text for amendment of HBP v1 was uploaded on the website of DGFT seeking suggestions on the draft. New Policy for Acquisition of Overseas Raw Material All central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) were elegated with more powers for acquisition of raw material assets abroad. The Union Cabinet approved a new policy for acquisition of overseas raw material assets which would be applicable to CPSEs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and power sectors with a three year track record of making net profits. With an intention to address the issue of acquisition of raw materials before global raw material assets were no longer available or were available at exorbitant prices, the government vested the CPSEs with the responsibility to acquire raw material assets abroad. Maharatna and Navratna entities were vested with enhanced power to acquire raw material assets worth Rs.5000 crore and Rs.3000 crore respectively from Rs.1000 crore without having to consult the government. The government also set up a Coordinating Committee of Secretaries (CCoS) under the Cabinet Secretary to expedite proposals which require approval of various ministries and involve government funds. The government maintained that it would
consider constituting a dedicated Sovereign Wealth Fund to go with the new policy to protect the long-term economic interests of the country. 100 % FDI for New Ventures in the Pharmaceutical Sector India decided to continue with 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for new ventures in the pharmaceutical sector. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the FDI policy in drugs and pharmaceutical sector held in New Delhi. The move will facilitate addition of manufacturing capacities, technology acquisition and development of the pharmaceutical sector in the country. However, in case of existing ventures in the pharmaceutical sector, FDI will be allowed for a period of six months after approval from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). It was also decided that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) will be strengthened for effective oversight on mergers and acquisitions to ensure that there is a balance between public health concerns and attracting FDI in the pharmaceutical sector. Global Ratings firm Moodys Downgraded SBIs Credit Rating The credit rating of the State Bank of India was downgraded by the Global ratings firm Moodys. The ratings agency took SBIs grading to D+ from C-.SBI had a shortage of capital to cushion bad loans or contingencies and thus started weakening asset quality. High interest rates in a slowing economy results in shorthand for loans that do not yield interest. This led Moodys to adopt a negative view on SBIs
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creditworthiness. As a result, the borrowing companies suffer. Rating downgrades usually are caution signals to bond investors. The Banking customers do not have encounter risk. After the downgrade, SBI shares slipped 4% to Rs 1,787 on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Sensex dropped 1.77% or 302 points to 15,685.As of June 2011, the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of the SBI stood at 11.6 %. CAR is a measure of the back-up money a bank has to withstand loan uncertainties. Tier-I capital stood at 7.6 % which was a little below the 8 % desired by the government. Tier-I capital broadly refers to shareholder equity. Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011 Approved The Union Cabinet of India approved the introduction of the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011 in the winter session of Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act and Recovery of Debts due to Banks & Financial Institutions (RDBF) Act so as to strengthen the regulatory and institutional framework related to recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions through the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011.The proposed amendments would enable banks to improve their operational efficiency, deploy more funds for credit disbursement to retail investors, home loan borrowers, etc. without fearing for recovery, thus bringing about equity. Further, mandatory registration of subsisting security interest (equitable mortgages) would promote innovation in credit information.
The suggested amendments would strengthen the ability of banks to recover debts due from the borrowers, enhance the ability of the banks to extend credit to both corporate and retail borrowers, reduce the cost of funds for banks and their customers and reduce the level of nonperforming assets. The banks and financial institutions (FIs) were facing numerous problems in recovery of defaulted loans on account of delays in disposal of recovery proceedings. The Government, therefore, enacted the RDBF Act in 1993 and SARFAESI Act in 2002 for the purpose of expeditious recovery of non-performing assets (NPAs) of the banks and FIs. Although these two acts have helped in reducing the NPAs, banks have sent certain suggestions for further strengthening of the secured creditor rights. Deccline in Services Sector and Employment Levels Survey showed that activity in the services sector shrank and overall economic activity was found to be stagnating. Employment levels fell for the second successive month in September 2011. HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives showed that the seasonally adjusted Service Sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August 2011. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy slipped into negative terrain. The decline in services sector activity was attributed to lower demand for off shoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economies are grappling with debt problems.
The decline in this sector impacted financial services as banking activity slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets. Due to the sharper-thanexpected global slowdown and the impact of high interest rates on the domestic economy, the overall growth was observed to be slowing down at a faster clip than anticipated earlier. The overall trend is in line with expectations that the Indian economy will grow at less than 8% during 2011-12. The economy expanded 8.5% in 2010 prompting the government to predict 9% growth in 2011. However, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the growth momentum the government lowered its forecasts. MFINs Initiative in Reviving Microfinance Sector The micro finance sector has started witnessing some positive developments after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed the continuance of priority sector lending (PSL) status for bank loans to micro finance institutions in May this year providing a clear sense of direction to the sector. The regulatory framework outlined in the draft micro finance bill released to the public in July, which is likely to be introduced during the winter session of Parliament, would help faster recovery of the sector, according to Alok Prasad, Chief Executive, Micro Finance Institutions Network (MFIN).Only in Andhra Pradesh there was no activity in lending and repayment and in other States there was significant recovery, following a number of measures announced by the Malegam Committee. There would be consolidation in the industry through mergers as smaller
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microfinance institutions were finding it difficult to go alone due to regulatory caps on margins and the prevailing high interest rates. MFIN has formulated and implemented a welldefined code of conduct for its members numbering 49 through an intensive process of consultation with them and other stake holders. New Electronics Policy Aims to Create 2.8 Crore Jobs Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal unveiled the draft National Policy on Electronics, 2011, aimed at achieving a turnover of $400 billion for the sector by 2020, which involved investment of about $100 billion, besides creating employment for 2.8 crore people. The final policy is likely to come by December this year.At the current rate of growth, the domestic production can cater to a demand of only $100 billion in 2020 as against demand of $400 billion and the rest would have to be met by importsa demand-supply gap of nearly $300 billion. Unless the situation is corrected, it is likely that by 2020 the electronics import may far exceed oil imports, Mr. Sibal said after unveiling the draft.The National Policy of Electronics-2011 envisions creating a globally competitive electronics systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry, including nanoelectronics, to meet the countrys needs and serve the international market. This is a quantum jump from production level of about $20 billion in 2009. This inter alia, includes achieving a turnover of $55 billion of chip design and embedded software industry, and $80 billion of exports, he pointed out. Mr. Sibal also said the policy was also aimed at making India the hub of
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electronic manufacturing. The policy proposes setting up of over 200 electronic manufacturing clusters (EMCs) and providing assistance for setting up of greenfield EMCs and upgradation of brownfield EMCsI have talked to chief ministers and ministers regarding finding a place for setting up such clusters, he added. The Minister further said another important objective of the policy was to augment post-graduate education and produce about 2,500 PhDs annually by 2020. For this, we need tie-ups with universities and educational institutions like IITs and IIScs to promote such kind of thing, Mr. Sibal added. Rs. 2,000 Crore in Carbon Credits for RPower Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Power said it would earn Rs.2,000 crore by trading carbon credits from its Tilaiya ultra mega power project (UMPP) in Jharkhand in the first ten years of its operations .In a statement issued here, it said the Tilaiya project had got approval for carbon credits from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board (CDMEB) of the UNFCCC allows the Tilaiya project to be commissioned during the XII Plan to earn Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). The CERs can be traded and sold and translate into direct revenues for companies such as Reliance Power. The Tilaiya project will generate 21.3 million carbon credits during the initial ten years and they are valued at over Rs.2,000 crore, the statement says. Jharkhand Integrated Power Ltd., the special purpose vehicle for the Tilaiya project, has
entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with off-takers for its entire capacity. The project would supply power to 18 off-takers in ten States. RPower has an installed capacity of 1,200 MW at its Rosa thermal power project in Uttar Pradesh. The company is also executing two more UMPPs at Sasan (Madhya Pradesh) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Cairn Lanka Strikes gas in Mannar Basin Cairn Lanka has stuck gas in the first well in the Mannar basin in Sri Lanka. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cairn India, has notified the Sri Lankan government of a gas discovery in the Mannar basin. Cairn had spud the well in early August and this is the first hydrocarbon find in Sri Lanka .The CLPL-Dorado-91H/1z well is located in the block SL 200701-001, Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka. Cairn Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. is the operator and has a 100 per cent participating interest in the block.A gross 25m hydrocarbon column in a sandstone between the depths of 3043.83068.7m MD has been interpreted from log and MDT data to be predominantly gas bearing with some additional liquid hydrocarbon potential. Further drilling will be required to establish the commerciality of the discovery, Cairn India said. Role of Fiscal Policy in Economic Recovery The United States recovery from the ongoing economic crisis was much less robust than what the Federal Reserve had hoped it would be and recent revisions of government economic data showed the recession as having been even deeper, and the
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recovery weaker, than previously estimated, according to Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Fed. In a speech that sought to shift more responsibility for driving the recovery to fiscal policy rather than retain the focus on monetary policy under the Fed Mr. Bernanke added that recent bouts of elevated volatility and risk aversion in financial markets were
partly in reaction to fiscal concerns in the U.S. and abroad. By way of policy response the Fed Chairman noted that four key steps in terms of fiscal reform were needed. First, he said, it was necessary to achieve long-run fiscal sustainability; second, the federal government ought to avoid fiscal actions that could impede the ongoing economic
recovery; third, fiscal policy should aim to promote long-term growth and economic opportunity; and finally, there was a need to improve the process for making long-term budget decisions so as to create greater predictability and clarity, while avoiding disruptions to the financial markets and the economy.
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INDIA & THE WORLD

India-USA India said there was no need to get its domestic nuclear liability law vetted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure it complied with the Convention on Supplemental Compensation (CSC). At the U.S. State Department briefing, the spokesperson said intention behind suggesting that the Indian law be vetted by IAEA was to make sure that we do comply with international standards on nuclear energy.The issue of Convention on Supplemental Compensation again came to life two months after United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had introduced it during the second strategic dialogue with her counterpart S.M. Krishna here in mid-July. The issue was learnt to have been again broached when the two leaders met at New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The U.S. State Department said: There continues to be serious concern that Indias nuclear liability law [Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill] is not consistent with the CSC. The IAEA is an appropriate venue for clarification on issues related to the CSC, which deals with international nuclear liability. The Agency can be helpful in assisting countries in evaluating their compliance with the CSC. The American insistence comes months before the expiry of Indias self-imposed deadline of ratifying the CSC before the end of the year. American and French dissatisfaction with the Indian Nuclear Liability Law is one of the reasons for the slow pace at which their civil nuclear projects are progressing in India .Indian officials maintained that the nuclear liability law was in complete conformity with the CSC and that any pressure to adjust this law on the basis of the IAEAs opinion was not acceptable. They reasoned that the IAEAs role was different. It can act as a depository of the CSC or a clearing house for countries filing their ratification of the treaty. But it can have no role whatsoever in panning a sovereign law. Sources said during closed door talks, the U.S. had specifically objected to Section 17(b) of the Indian law. This expands the scope of the operator s right to compensation from nuclear suppliers in case of an accident due to faulty equipment. Washington is also unhappy with Section 46, which implicitly allows accident victims to file tort claims. In this respect, officials point out that while the CSC can have the provision to bar tort claims, it was not practical because only the Supreme Court could decide regarding the compatibility or otherwise with the CSC. India and US Agreement for Educational Institutions India and United States agreed to explore new models for educational institutions to take knowledge partnership to a higher level. This will also help in further deepening the bilateral strategic co-operation. In a Joint Statement issued at the end of the India-US Higher Education Summit in Washington, the goals of the partnership were outlined. India is keen to strengthen teacher exchange programmes to promote development of human resources. India intends to sponsor initially up to 1500 faculty and junior scholars to leading universities and research institutes in the United States. USA issued a Travel Alert to its Citizens in India The USA issued a travel alert to its citizens in India, warning them of possible terror attacks in the country during the holiday season. The State department in its statement urged the US citizens to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile and to be careful while visiting public places. The places, such as markets, trains, buses, religious sites, hotels and restaurants were defined
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as public places. The travel alert will expire on 20 January, 2012. India - Pakistan Pakistan decided to grant India M o s t Fa vo u re d N a t i o n (MFN) trade status. The Pakistani cabinet voted unanimously to grant most-favored-nation status to India, which in effect gives Indian businesses lower tariffs and fewer trade barriers. It will allow Pakistan to start removing formidable barriers to sales of Indian goods. India had granted Pakistan most favoured nation (MFN) status in 1996. However, Pakistan had shown reluctance to reciprocate until the dispute over Kashmir was resolved. India and Pakistan to Double Bilateral Trade India and Pakistan have agreed to normalise their economic relations and jointly work to double bilateral trade to six billion US dollars by 2014. This was agreed during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Pakistan Commerce Minister Makdhoom Mohammad Amin Fahmin in New Delhi. At present, their bilateral trade is 2.7 billion US dollars. Pakistan has also agreed to implement all the obligations under the South Asian Free Trade Area, SAFTA Agreement meeting a long pending demand from India. A joint statement was issued after the meeting. The statement said that both Ministers will work together to enhance bilateral trade. It also said that fully normalised commercial link between both countries would strengthen the bilateral relationship and build the bridges of friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit of their people and promotion
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of prosperity in South Asia. The Ministers noted that in the past few months, India and Pakistan have constructively engaged towards a liberalized business visa regime. The new business visa regime would allow multiple entries and could be for a period up to one year. India - Vietnam India and Vietnam signed six agreements during the visit of Vie t na mes e President Truong Tan Sang to India. This is the first visit by the Vietnamese President outside the Asean region and shows the importance attached by both sides to the relationship. Developing close relations with Vietnam is an important component of Indias Look East Policy. The Chinese claim on the South China Sea was rejected by both India and Vietnam, saying as per the UN, the blocks belong to Vietnam.The agreements are as following: @ Oil exploration agreement in South China Sea @ Both signed an extradition treaty @ Friendship pact to celebrate the 40th anniver sary of the diplomatic relations in 2012 @ Agreement in the field of agriculture and fisheries @ Cooperation in sports and tourism @ Agreement on Cultural Exchanges India and Vietnam also decided to launch a biennial Security Dialogue between their home ministries. The two nations also decided to increase the trade target to 7 billion US dollars by 2015 from the present mark of 2.7 billion US dollars. Both nations also agreed to work towards early finalisation of the India-Asean Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment.
India - Sri Lanka India signed a deal with a Sri Lankan firm worth over 300 crore rupees to procure 80 Fast-Interception Craft (FIC). These FICs will equip Navys Sagar Prahari Bal, SPB, which is being raised after the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. The boats are to be delivered in the next three years. FICs are small boats, with a crew of five to seven sailors at top speeds of 40 to 50 knots, and are equipped with light machine guns. These 80 FICs will be in addition to the 15 similar boats being acquired from French shipyard Chantier Naval Couach, three of which have already been inducted at Mumbai .After 26/11, several steps have been taken to boost coordination in intelligence-sharing and operational matters, with fully-networked joint operation centres being set up in different locations. With 1,000 wellarmed personnel, the SPB will be tasked with the protection of naval and other assets, bases and harbours on both west and east coasts. India - Myanmar President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, HEU Thein Sein visited India from 12 to 15 October 2011. This was the first State visit of any political head from Myanmar to India following the swearing in of a new government in Myanmar in March 2011. During this visit, India and Myanmar agreed to step up cooperation in oil and natural gas with discussions touching on new gas pipelines. India also offered an additional 5oo million US dollars line of credit. India agreed to resolve border issues and step up energy and
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trade links. India and Myanmar agreed to increase the effectiveness of coordinated operations on either side of the border through better intelligence sharing, in security. Both nations will jointly work out a schedule for repairing boundary pillars in a timebound manner. India also agreed to increase training slots for Myanmar students and establish more I.T. training centres. India and Myanmar discussed the Moreh-Mae Sot road that would connect India and Thailand via Myanmar. This will open a direct road link between India and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This direct road link will also accelerate the plans of ASEAN for the Mekong-Ganga corridor. India welcomed Myanmars progress towards an open and democratic framework. The visit of Myanmars President takes place in a context when Myanmar is no longer a pure military regime. Following elections in November 2010, a civilian government took charge, with an elected Parliament. Myanmar is important for India, because it is a gateway to the ASEAN, it holds the key for the successful implementation of Indias look east policy. India stood as Myanmar s fourth largest trading partner after Thailand, Singapore and China with bilateral trade valued at 1.071 billion US dollars in the year 2010-11. Myanmars total export to India valued at 876.91 million US dollars, while its import from India was amounted to 194.92 million US dollars. Agricultural produce and forestry products are leading in Myanmars export to India whereas medicine and pharmaceutical products are the major import items from India. India is a major buyer of Myanmar s beans importing 70 percent of the latters agricultural produce.
India - UK India and UK agreed to work towards a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at London. The MoU would aim at enhancing cooperation and deepen the engagement between India and UK in the areas of capacity building, land economics, heritage management, sustainable master planning, transport planning etc. Another area of cooperation would be the sharing of knowledge in the formulation of Public Private Partnership Models. Kamal Nath was in London to participate in the UK India Business Forum organised by the UKIBC, UK Trade & Investment and Indian Chamber of Commerce. India - Japan India and Japan agreed to cooperate in the field of tourism and infrastructure. India and Japan also discussed opportunities for investment in tourism infrastructure in India. The Japanese government showed desire to invest in Buddhist and Medical Tourism in India.Indian cultural troupe will participate in the festival of India in Japan. It will be organised to celebrate the 60th year of diplomatic relations with Japan and India. A Taj Mahal made of ice also replicated in this festival. India - Bangladesh A 14-day long India-Bangladesh joint military exercise started on 9 October 2011 at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet division, some 240 km northeast of capital Dhaka. The military exercise between the two nations was code named Op Sampriti. Under the joint military exercise, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations will be
practiced as per the UN mandate. India fielded around 40 troops of its elite 21 Para (Special Forces) battalion for the exercise while the Bangladesh Army deployed one of its Para Commando battalions. Around 40 to 50 troops took part in the exercise. India - South Africa India and South Africa signed a pact to facilitate exchange of Knowledge and experience in the field of election management and administration in New Delhi. It was signed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India, SY Quraishi and the Chairperson of the Electoral Coommission of South Africa, Brigalia Bam.The MoU also paves the way for promotion and implementation of educational research and training programmes. The Election Commission of India has so far signed eleven MoUs with Election Management Bodies across the world including Brazil, Russia Indonesia, Bhutan and Nepal. India - EU European Union launched a Visa Infor mation System (VIS) for Indians and other non-EU citizens applying for a Schengen visa. It will help prevent fraud and process visa applications faster due to the use of biometrics (fingerprints and a digital facial image).The system will also help in quick and effective exchange of data on short-stay visas among Schengen countries. In addition, the new system will make the verification process of visas a more efficient and secure. It should be noted that Indian citizens need the Schengen visa to visit
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the 25 countries in the Schengen area in European Union. At present, approximately 13 million Schengen visas are issued every year by the 25 countries of the Schengen area. The EU said that it was not always easy to prevent frauds and abuses and the application process was burdensome for those who seek legitimately a short stay visa for travel within the EU. The Schengen Area comprises the territories of twenty-five European countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement signed in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, in 1985. India - Czech Republic India and the Czech Repu blic u p g r a ded their economic coop er a t ion and fixed a target of bilateral trade volume of two billion US Dollars by 2012. The current volume is 1.3 billion US Dollars. The decision was taken on 10 October 2011 in New Delhi between the visiting Czech Minister for Industry & Trade, Martin Kocourek and Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma. During the discussions, Anand Sharma stressed the need for a liberal visa regime for business people and suggested that a system of issue of long-term business visas on the recommendations of the apex business chambers should be put in place. The Czech Minister agreed that the VISA regime needs to be addressed more forcefully and informed the Indian side that next week their government will discuss Investment Incentive Act for the Czech Republic and corresponding resolution of VISA related issues will form part of the discussion.
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India - Bhutan The relationship between India and Bhutan has moved from one of donorbeneficiary to that of mutual cooperation, said Bhutans Prime Minister Jigmy Y. Thinley. He also said that the relationship between the two countries was an example for all countries with a common border. Talking to reporters at a press conference after addressing the annual general meeting of the Mahabodhi Society of India, he said: In the beginning it was a relationship as between a donor and a beneficiary, but with Bhutan reaching a good level of development, the nature of relation has moved to one of mutual benefits. Citing an example, he said that India needed electricity badly and Bhutan was generating hydel-power .Pointing out that Bhutan now aims to become a green and sustainable service economy, he said that his country invites Indian investment in the areas of education, health, tourism and IT sector. India and Bhutan Renewed MoU on Electoral Cooperation India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a period of five years to facilitate exchange of knowledge and experience, information, material, expertise and technical knowhow, training of personnel and development of human resources in electoral matters and also for taking up joint initiatives and providing assistance to others. The MoU was signed during the visit of Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi to Bhutan. The Chief Election Commissioner of India offered to create a SAARC Resource Centre at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management for preserving and nurturing election
related documentation in relation to SAARC countries. The Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan welcomed the idea and presented the first set of documents for this Resource Centre. The Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan asked for training of their newly inducted officers through the IIDEM platform in India. Quraishi agreed to that and offered to train Bhutanese election officials during the process of forthcoming State elections. India - Iran India and Iran agreed to set up a mechanism for payment of crude oil and ensure bilateral trade. Both sides agreed that the mechanism will cover the payment to Indian exporters and some other areas. The two countries have decided to continue their dialogue on the issue. Earlier, Iran had threatened to stop crude oil supplies to India if a mechanism to pay for imports is not found quickly. India has to pay Iran 9 billion dollars, which is now seven months in arrears. Iran is second only to Saudi Arabia as an oil supplier to India, while India is Irans secondbiggest crude buyer after China, accounting for about 20 per cent of its exports. India imports 40000 barrels of oil from Iran on daily basis. Nearly 12 percent of Indias oil demand is met by oil supply from Iran. Indian firms are finding it difficult to pay Iran because of international sanctions imposed over Irans controversial nuclear programme. The sanctions include banking restrictions. The problem over payment to Iran happened after the Reserve Bank of India on 23 December 2010 scrapped the Asian Clearing Union (ACU). As an alternative to Asian Clearing Union, India tried to make payments
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through countries like the UAE, Turkey and Russia. However, these nations had objections to routing big amount of 13 billion dollars which India pays for Iranian oil annually. They wanted to route small payment upto 6-7 million dollars. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals-a susidiary of ONGC- is the biggest consumer of Iranian crude in India. India - Turkey Vice-President Hamid Ansari outlined the broad contours of Indias Look West policy, which included an endorsement of Palestinian aspirations in the United Nations, visualising a greater role for India and Turkey in the region shared by the two countries.We do not share physical borders, but we do have a vast common extended neighbourhood in Central Asia, West Asia and the Persian Gulf. Enhanced engagement between India and Turkey is in the interests of peoples and regions, global peace and cooperation, and tolerance and peaceful co-existence among nations. Joint efforts between India and Turkey can result in a more balanced, inclusive and sustainable development for the benefit of vast sections of humanity. Vice-President Hamid Ansari was conferred with an honorary Doctorate degree for International Relations and honorary citizenship of the city, which is known to be the resting place of 13th Century Persian poet and theologian Jalaal adDin Muhammad Rumi, also known as the Mevlana, or Rumi. Tracing the changing matrix of international order since the collapse of the Cold War in 1962, Mr. Ansari gave an overview of Indian foreign policy and stressed that world bodies, such as the United Nations and Bretton Woods Institutions, should reflect contemporary realties and not perpetuate historical contexts and divides. Stating that the turmoil in
some countries of West Asia and North Africa was a matter of concern for India, he said that while the wishes of the people in the region to shape their own future should be allowed to prevail, violence should be abjured by all sides. He reiterated New Delhis stand that conflicts be resolved through political negotiations and diplomatic means rather than through the use of force. India - Afghanistan India signed three agreements with Afghanistan for both the countries greater strategic partnership. The agreements were singed between Afghanistan President, Hamid Karzai and Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in new Delhi when President Karzai was on a two day visit to India. The Three Agreements signed were to create an institutional framework for our future cooperation in the fields of political and security cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, capacity building and education, and social, cultural, civil society and people- to-people relations. These are some agreements:@ Agreement on Strategic Partnership between India and Afghanistan @ MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Development of Hydrocarbons @ MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Mineral Resources Development Both the countries agreed for Afghanistans economic integration with the Indian economy and South Asia as a whole to be in the national interest of the people of Afghanistan. One of the ways to achieve this was agreed to be to promote closer trade, investment and transit links. The two
countries discussed the recent spurt in violence in Afghanistan and Pakistans role in fomenting terror in Afghanistan. India and Afghanistan took into account a proposed exit by international forces in 2014 while signing the agreement. India committed to stand by the people of Afghanistan as they prepare to assume the responsibility for their governance and security after the withdrawal of international forces in 2014.The strategic agreement also comprised joint initiatives on key international issues and support for UN reforms, including permanent seat for India in the UN Security Council. India to Train Afghan Forces India has agreed to mentor the Afghan security forces as they gear up to deal with the drawdown of foreign forces by 2014 in a major development. The proposal to train the Afghan National Security Forces was included in the first-ever Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) signed by Mr. Karzai and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their third extensive meeting this year. India has started stepping up its exposure to the security scenario in Afghanistan by operationalising an airbase in Tajikistan, which has since been used to strike at the top leadership of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. It has also sought permission to reopen a hospital at Farkhor on the Afghan border. The two sides would also cooperate more closely at the United Nations, one of the objectives being to help India gain a permanent seat on the Security Council. The SPA spells out trade and economic cooperation in much greater detail, covering aspects ranging from assisting Afghanistan in developing trading routes to exploring for hydrocarbons and mineral ores the country is abundantly endowed with, in addition to dealing with political and security cooperation aspects.
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This means both countries will try to operationalise their trilateral MoU signed with Iran to end Afghanistans landlocked isolation and dependence on Pakistan to reach the sea. It brightens Indias chances of bagging a lucrative mining contract for Hajigak, said to be the regions largest
untapped reserve of iron ore, and provides an opportunity to hunt for oil in northern Afghanistan. Two MoUs one in the field of mineral exploration and the other for the development of hydrocarbons reflected the interest of both sides in these areas. Releasing the SPA in four
languages Hindi, Pashto, Dari and English the two sides also resolved to create a favourable trading and investment environment by simplifying customs and other procedures, starting air cargo operations and improving credit and insurance facilities.
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Megavirus Chilensis A virus found in the sea off Chile is the biggest in the world, harbouring more than 1,000 genes, surprised scientists. The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 percent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003.Viruses differ from bacteria in that they are usually far smaller and cannot reproduce on their own, needing to penetrate a host cell in which to replicate. But M. chilensis is such a giant that it surpasses many bacteria in size and is genetically the most complex DNA virus ever described. It was taken from sea water sample closed to the shore of Las Cruces, Chile. Its host organism is unknown.DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis doesnt seem to be harmful for humans, said Jean-Michel Claverie, of Frances National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Fat being the Fuel Reserve of the Body Nearly 15-20 per cent of the body weight in humans is constituted by lipids. Among the lipids the most abundant are triglycerides (neutral fats), which form 85-90 per cent of the total body lipids. They are stored in the adipose tissue made of lipocytes (fat storing cells) and serve as most predominant energy reserve of the body. The fat cells store the lipid as small droplets of fat molecules. These fat molecules are formed as the concentrations of fatty acids in the blood rises, such as after a big meal. An increase in concentrations within the blood triggers lipase enzymes located in fat tissue, to grab the fatty acids and convert them into a fat molecule (triacylglycerols) for storage. There are two main reasons for fat being the fuel reserve of the body; (1) Triacylglycerols (TG) are highly concentrated form of energy, yielding 9 kilocalories (9 Cal/g), in contrast to carbohydrates and proteins that produce only 4 Cal/g. This is because fatty acids found in TG are in the reduced form. (2) The TGs are nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature, hence stored in pure form without any association with water (anhydrous form). On the other hand, glycogen (a polysaccharide called human starch) and proteins are polar molecules. One gram of glycogen combines with two grams of water for storage. For the two reasons stated above, one gram of anhydrous fat stored in the body yields, nearly six times as much energy as one gram of glycogen (hydrated). In a healthy adult about 10-11 kg of fat is stored in adipose tissue, which corresponds to a fuel reserve of 100, 000 Cals. If this much of energy were to be stored as glycogen (instead of fat), then the weight of the person would increase by at least 55kg! This clearly explains why fat has been chosen as a fuel reserve during evolution.Fats can also support the bodys energy needs for long periods of food deprivation Causes of Tears Tear is a salty fluid, fully filled with protein, water, mucus and oil, released from the lacrimal gland found in the upper, outer region of our eyes. Usually humans produce excessive tears in emotional contexts than other animals. In fact, three types of tears exist, all with different purposes. Basal tears are omnipresent in our eyes. These constant tears are what keep our eyes from drying out completely. The human body produces an average of 5 to 10 ounces of basal tears each day. The second type is reflex tears, which serve to protect the human eye from harsh irritants such as smoke, onions or even a very strong, dusty wind. The third type of tears is emotional tears. It all starts in the cerebrum where sadness is registered. The endocrine system is then triggered
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to release hormones to the ocular area, which then causes tears to form. Human emotions induce a physiological stress that does not exist in other mammals and requires tears to cope with it. Human emotional tears are a byproduct of the unique evolution of a substantial cranial reduction in subnasal prognathism, and increased encephalization. Hypothetically, these developments may have constrained and sensitized the human tear ducts and sinuses when certain emotions are high. When scientists analyzed the content of the tears, they found each type was very different. Reflex tears are generally found to be about 98 per cent water, whereas several chemicals such as a protein called prolactin (precursor of breast milk), adrenocorticotropic hormones (indicator of high stress level) and an endorphin that reduces pain and works to improve mood are commonly present in emotional tears.
The Planet with Water Ice Discovered

A mysterious little dwarf planet was discovered by the Astronomers, which is believed to be covered in ice. The planet was nicknamed Snow White. It orbits the Sun as part of the Kuiper belt( the ring of the icy body that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune). The planet is located outside Neptune. Officially known as 2007 OR10, it is actually red, half of its surface is covered by water ice that probably emitted from ancient cryovolcanoes.The official name of the planet is 2007 OR 10. It is red in colour and half of its surface is covered by water ice. The planet is red because of the thin layer of the methane. Snow White had broken off long ago from another dwarf planet, called Haumea. Agni-II Launched Successfully The launch of Agni-II was a big success, with the missile traversing
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2000 km across the sky in nine minutes of flawless mission. The missile rose from a launcher on a railway track at 9.30 a.m. from the Wheeler Island on the Orissa coast, raced to a height of 220 km, cut an arc of 2000 km, re-entered the earths atmosphere and impacted on the targeted area in the Bay of Bengal with an accuracy of some metres.The missile, which can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead, performed a manoeuvre as it plunged into the atmosphere amidst a searing temperature of 3,000 degrees Celsius. The two-stages of the surface-tosurface missile worked with precision. . The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the armed forces, which handles nuclear-weapons delivery systems, conducted the launch. The missile weighs 17 tonnes and is 20 metres long This was the third successful missile launch in seven days for the DRDO. The Agni-II triumph caps the successful missions of Shourya and Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Orissa, on September 24 and 26.This success has boosted the confidence of the DRDO missile technologists in the Agni system because two earlier flights of Agni-II and another of AgniII Prime had failed. The failures were attributed to problems in the control system in the missiles first stage.All the milestones in the Agni-II mission such as the lift-off, the vehicle gaining velocity, the flights terminal events, the trajectory profile and the detonation of the warhead [chemical explosives in this case] took place in a copybook fashion, said Dr. Saraswat, who himself is a missile technologist.The missiles control systems, global positioning system and advanced navigation system, guided by a novel scheme of earth command and control system, performed with precision, guiding the missile to the
impact point in the sea. Our ground systems, the rail-mobile launcher, the Launch Control Centre and the computerised control software worked beautifully, the DRDO Director-General said. Robot with Gecko Power Climbs Walls Scientists have developed a tanklike robot, inspired by the gecko, that can scale vertical walls and crawl over ledges without using suction cups, glue or other liquid bonds to adhere to the surface. The 240-gramme beast has tracks that are covered with dry microfibres modelled on the toe hairs of the gecko, which can famously zip up windows and along walls almost without effort.The lizard does the trick thanks to millions of ultra-fine hairs called setae, which interact with the climbing surface to create a molecular attraction known as the van der Waals force. Described in the British research journal Smart Materials and Structure, the robots tracks are studded with mushroomshaped caps of polymer microfibres just 0.017 millimetres (0.00067 inches) wide and 0.01mm (0.0004 inches) high.By comparison, the human hair is around 0.1 mm (0.004 inches) thick. The adhesive pads on geckos follow this same principle by utilising a large number of fibres, each with a very small tip. The more fibres a gecko has in contact, the greater attachment force it has on a surface.The gadget weighs 240g but tests show that it could take an additional load of 110 g. Still a small experimental design, the robot is attached to an umbilical cord providing power and control signals, but eventually will be kitted out with a battery and a computer brain to give it more autonomy, says the
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team.Wall-climbing robots could be used to clean windows, inspect buildings, crawl up pipes and help in search-and-rescue operations. Collective Farming by Women in Kerala Kerala womens collective farming initiative, billed as the largest livelihood venture of the kind in the country by transforming women labourers into master cultivators, is all set to emerge as a role model for the entire country under the 12th Five Year Plan. After group farming, another revolutionary initiative by Kudumbashree, an innovative community based womenoriented initiative, Government of Kerala to fight poverty caught the attention of many .A team of the working group on disadvantaged farmer including women, under the Planning Commission, was in Kerala to get a first-hand experience of it before finalizing its report for the next Plan period. This is the first project sanctioned by the Mahila Kisan Sasahthikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) by the Centre and was launched to ensure food security both at household and community levels. This is basically a livelihood initiative to enhance the quality of life in the society, especially among the weaker sections. It could bring about an all-round improvement in the lives of women who were merely workers and now they are successful cultivators .The women are into cultivation of paddy, tuber crops, food crops, vegetables, spreading a silent revolution in State by earning extra to help themselves and families. Some of the groups have literally turned barren tracts of lands into highly fertile fields. At Perambra in Kozhikode district, the members cultivated at a place which was fallow land for 30 years. A canal, infected with snakes and water hyacinths and
waste materials was cleaned by 1004 workers including 879 women to irrigate this land where 59 groups cultivated 107 acres for paddy, while four groups went for banana cultivation in five acres. Asteroids Clues about Earths Formation A halfkm wide aster oid which strea ks past the Earth next week could provide clues about how the planet was formed. The space rock, known as 2005 YU55, will pass earth within 320,000 km on Nov 8.The asteroid, in orbit around the Sun, has not been this close to the Earth in 200 years and will come closer to the planet than any other asteroid of its size in the past 35 years. The last time a similarly large rock passed by at such a short distance was in 1976, and went largely unnoticed. It will not be visible to the naked eye but amateur astronomers stand a good chance of catching a glimpse of it provided they have a telescope at least six inches in diameter. NASA scientists, who have officially classified the asteroid as a near-earth object, will use a radar telescope to analyse exactly what it is made of and get a better idea where it comes from. A spokesman said: We hope to obtain images that should reveal a wealth of detail about the asteroids surface features, shape, dimensions and other physical properties. PSLV Puts 4 Satellites in Orbit Indias Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLVC18) demonstrated its reliability and
consistency yet again when it put four satellites in orbit with aplomb. The satellites were: Megha-Tropiques, an Indo-French mission to study the weather and climate in the tropical regions of the world; SRMSat, built by students of SRM University, near Chennai; Jugnu, put together by Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur students; and VesselSat from Luxembourg. The fourth stage fired the four in orbit after 21 minutes of a flawless flight, the 19th consecutive success of the PSLV, prompting P.S. Veeraraghavan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, to brand it a Perfect Satellite Launch Vehicle. K. Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) called the flight a grand success and said the information received from the Megha-Tropiques satellite would be useful to the global community for measuring the precipitation in the tropical regions of the world. Twentyone scientific teams from several countries would use the information for doing research on weather in the tropical countries. The vehicle lifting majestically quickly disappeared into a bank of clouds. As it knifed out, it looked spectacular, riding on bright yellow flames and climbing nonchalantly into the sky. Clouds blanketed it again but it emerged, gathering velocity. The engines worked with clock-work precision, erupting into life on the dot and jettisoning into the Bay of Bengal after spending themselves out. After the third stage burn-out, the fourth stage coasted on its own, without any power, that is, without firing. The vehicle was gaining altitude all the time Then, the two engines in the fourth stage started up, and 21 minutes after lift-off, the four satellites were shot into orbit one after the other, at a velocity of 26,000 km an hour. Megha-Tropiques went into orbit
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at an altitude of 865 km against the targeted 867 km. Megha-Tropiques will Study the Global Tropical Weather Megha-Tropiques will provide simultaneous data on humidity, rainfall, water vapour, temperature. The Megha-Tropiques satellite is designed to study clouds in the tropical regions of the world that play a major role in climate change .The MeghaTropiques is meant for studying the weather in the short-term and climate in the long-term in the tropical regions of the world. The tropical region was a place where the skill in predicting the convective systems, humidity, water vapour and precipitation was of importance. Predicting the monsoons was a major problem in India, he said. Tropics radiated surplus energy received from the sun and this excess energy was transferred from the tropics to higher latitudes. This was the second satellite to study the global tropical weather after a satellite built jointly by the U.S. and Japan in 1997. The MADRAS (Microwave Imager for Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures) payload on board the Megha-Tropiques as a livewire instrument. ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said Megha-Tropiques had four scientific instruments. They were: the MADRAS developed jointly by the ISRO and the French national space agency, Centre National dEtudes Spatiales (CNES), which would provide an estimation of rainfall, water vapour, ice and surface wind; the Sounder for probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity (SAPHIR) from the CNES; the Scanner for Radiation budget, also from the CNES; and the Radio Occultation Sensor for Vertical Profiling of Temperature and humidity, procured from Italy.While the PSLVC18 cost Rs.90 crore to build, the
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Megha-Tropiques was made possible with Rs.85 crore each from India and France. That is, the satellite totally cost Rs.170 crore. Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin resembles sterols in structure and functions like a hor mone. Ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol, both sterols are the precursor substances for the synthesis of vitamin D and are referred to as provitamins. Ergocalciferol is designated as vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol also as vitamin D3. Ergocalciferol is the provitamin found in plants and cholecalciferol is the provitamin present in animals. In man the provitamin cholecalciferol (also called calciol) is synthesized from 7-dehyrocholesterol an intermediate product of cholesterol biosynthesis. The conversion of 7dehyrocholesterol into provitamin cholecalciferol takes place in the skin (dermis and epidermis) on exposure to sunlight. The active vitamin D is calcitriol. Conversion of provitamins into active calcitriol takes place in two steps. The first step occurs in the liver where the provitamin is converted into hydroxycholecalciferol and in the second step, which occurs in the adrenal cortex of our kidney, the hydroxycholecalciferol is converted into active vitamin called calcitriol. Few foods naturally contain or are fortified with supplemental vitamin D. It is just 10 per cent of what the most we need daily. In contrast, sun exposure to the skin makes thousands of units of vitamin D naturally in a relatively short period of time. Therefore Vitamin D is regarded as Sun Shine Vitamin.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Cure Liver Cirrhosis
Treating human diseases using adult cells taken from a patient and genetically reprogramming them so that they behave like embryonic stem cells has come a step closer. In a paper published in Nature, scientists report the sequence of events for successfully correcting a gene mutation responsible for both cirrhotic liver disease and lung emphysema. They first took adult skin cells and corrected the gene mutation. Having done that, they next reprogrammed the adult cells to make them behave like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).After completing the genetic correction in the cell line, the researchers introduced the iPSCs into a mouse. The mouse had a mutation that resembled the condition seen in humans. The successfully corrected gene was active in the liver cells was proved by the presence of normal alpha1antitrypsin protein in both test tube and mouse experiments. The iPSCs were able to function in the same way as their in vivo counterparts including glycogen storage, LDL-cholestrol uptake, albumin secretion etc. The authors also confirmed by two methods that the alphal-antitrypsin (A1AT) assay produced by the iPSCs cells in the liver showed complete absence of the mutant polymeric A1AT. Also, the iPSCs were engrafted into the animal model for liver injury without causing tumour formation.
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Synapses Scientists for the first time discovered that neuronal connections grow excessively under stressful conditions as the brain ages.The finding could help scientists better understand neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer s and Parkinsons. The scientists studied responses to stress in synapses in fruit flies. Synapses is a structure that allows a neuron to pass signal to another cell in the brain. The scientists discovered that under stressful conditions, like neurodegeneration, which results in highenergy forms of damaging oxygen. This causes synapses to grow excessively and potentially contributing to dysfunction. The scientists made notes using a model of lysosomal storage disease, an inherited incurable childhood neurodegeneration where enlarged synapses were observed. However, the role that growth has in disease progression and brain function is not yet clear. Humanoid Nao Robots Humanoid robots are making an entry into classrooms in academic and research institutions in the Middle East, promising to revolutionise the teaching process especially in the fields of science and mathematics. French company Aldebaran Robotics, in partnership with Intel, has showcased the power of humanoid Nao robots in the teaching process in the classrooms of Middle East educational institutions. Powered by Intel Atom technology, Nao is the first versatile and programmable humanoid robot to be used as a standard research platform and an educational tool for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students, it was announced here recently. China Launched Shenzhou-8 China launched its unmanned spacecraft, Shenzhou-8. Long March-
2F rocket propelled the unmanned spacecraft into orbit in the next step towards Chinas ambitious plans for a manned space station by 2020. Shenzhou-8 carried an experimental facility developed by German and Chinese scientists. It is to join with the Tiangong-1 or Heavenly Palace experimental module. Once it is done it would be Chinas first space docking. Shenzhou 8 was launched from North Gobi desert in China which entered into the orbit successfully. Once China masters technology of rendezvous and docking China will possess the basic technology and capacity to build a space station which further will open up possibilities for even larger activities in space. The mission was considered Chinas most important since its first manned space flight in 2003. In September 2008, the Shenzhou 7, piloted by three astronauts, carried out Chinas first spacewalk. Kynurenine Scientists identified a new b iochemi ca l mechanism, which allows brain tumours to survive and grow. This finding will pave the way for new and effective treatments for some of the most aggressive tumours. An international team, led by the University Hospital of Heidelberg made the discovery. Scientists identified the major role played by kynurenine, in favouring the brain tumour growth and at the same time suppressing anti-tumour immune response.Kynurenine is a by-product of metabolism of essential amino acid tryptophan. Yersinia Pestis Scientists claimed to have reconstructed the genome of the bug
that caused the bubonic plague (often referred as black death) in Europe. The bug was discovered to be an ancient strain of a bacterium called Yersinia pestis and not so much different from todays. The discovery was made by scientists at McMaster University in Canada, the University of Tubingen in Germany.The Scientists collected the ancient Y.pestis DNA from 46 teeth and 53 bones excavated from the East Smithfield burial grounds in London. Researchers reconstructed the bacteriums genome and made comparisons to the genomes of existing strains of Y.pestis. They determined that the bug hadnt changed much in the more than 600 years since the plague swept Europe. The study will help researchers track bugs evolution. It could improve scientists understanding of modern diseases as well.Bubonic plague still strikes somewhere between 1000 and 3000 people each year, according to the World Health Organization. It wiped out 30 million people in Europe (30 to 50 Percent of the population in Europe) between 1347 and 1351.Bubonic plague is a zoonotic disease, circulating mainly among small rodents and their fleas, and is one of three types of infections caused by Yersinia pestis (formerly known as Pasteurella pestis), which belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Genes, Increases a Persons Risk of Getting Dengue identified S cient is t s i dent if ied two genes, w h i c h increase a p er s o ns risk of getting dengue. Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne infection after malaria. It causes 100 million
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infections worldwide annually. For their research, the scientists conducted the first ever genome-wide association study to compare genomes of children with severe dengue against population controls. Scientists found changes in the DNA code located in two genes; MICB on chromosome 6 and PLCE1 on chromosome10. This increases a persons susceptibility to dengue shock syndrome. MICB plays a role in the human bodys immune system and any variation in this gene can affect the activation of natural killer cells or CD8T cells. These cells play a key role in combating viral infection. PLCE1 contribute to the normal functioning of the vascular endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines interior surface of blood vessels with some variants of PLCE1 predisposing an individual to leakage from the blood vessels, the hallmark clinical feature of dengue shock syndrome. 5D Virtual Rides A new ride 5D Virtual Ride having 3D special effects with three degrees of movements has been launched in GRS Fantasy Park, the premier ISO 9001-2008 certified Amusement cum Water Park located in the outskirts of Mysore the cultural capital of Karnataka, on the well traveled route to Brindavan gardens. The latest attraction at this major tourist attraction is a must for all age groups who come to Mysore and enjoy a day of holidaying. Spread on an area of 30 acres of landscaped gardens, the new ride gives the visitors a whole new experience of excitement, thrill and sensations. The ride called 5D Virtual Ride boasts of hi-tech advanced features with 3D viewing Technology & State-of-the-Art special effects such as Aroma, Bubbles, Strobe lighting, Water Effects, Air Blast, Neck Blast, Rattling & Leg Ticklers along with Motion Chairs with three degrees of movements.
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Hwang Woo-Suk Clones Coyotes Disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-Suk unveiled eight cloned coyotes in a project sponsored by a provincial government. Hwang delivered the clones to a wild animal shelter at Pyeongtaek, 50 kilometres south of Seoul, in a ceremony chaired by Gyeonggi province governor Kim Moon-Soo, Kims office said. Hwang was a national hero until some of his research into creating human stem cells from a cloned embryo was found to be faked. But his work in creating Snuppy, the worlds first cloned dog, in 2005 has been verified by experts and authorities. Under a joint project with the province to clone wild animals, Hwang took cells from the skin of a coyote, Kims office said in a statement. He transplanted their nuclei into a dogs eggs from which the canine nucleus had been removed, it said, adding the first clone was born on June 17. The governor praised Hwang for what he called the worlds first use of such a technique. The cloning of an African wild dog is under way, and we will attempt to clone a mammoth in the future, Kim said. Transplanting Redgram under Rainfed Farming Redgram or pigeon pea (cajanus cajan) is one of the important pulse crops of Tamil Nadu, the productivity of which is very low. The main reason for this is difficulty in maintaining the plant population. Transplanting is a new tool by which healthy and vigorous seedlings can be raised in nursery, screened and transplanted in the main field so that optimum plant population could be maintained in rainfed situation which leads to higher productivity. In this method seedlings were transplanted and pits were filled with well composted coirpith formed
by the augur hole digger. In this technology, main field duration of the crop is reduced to 90 days coupled with land management technique for effective moisture conservation and foliar nutrition during peak flowering stage can sustain the yield in rainfed conditions. The early stage weed competition is avoided by transplanting. Hence, plant growth and yield parameters are favourable for higher assured average yield of 870 kg/ha.The same technology of transplanting redgram under irrigated condition is in progress at Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai in which early maturity variety APK1 of 110 days duration were raised in protrays nursery and 21 old seedling were transplanted in the main field. Genes of the Arhar Dal decoded Indian scientists succeeded in decoding the genome of the arhar dal, which is also known as pigeon pea. This will help not only in developing new varieties but also in increasing the productivity. Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) carried out the research. The scientists discovered 152 genes, which can tolerate drought and over 1200 disease resistant genes that can make the pulse crop resilient. Professor Nagendra Kumar Singh spearheaded the project .In fact, 85 per cent of the worlds arhar dal is produced and consumed in India. Therefore, this discovery will help decrease the inflated cost of pulses in India. BrahMos Aerospace Plans Expansion Chief Minister O o m m e n Chandy has said that the BrahMos Aerospace here
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proposes to take up major expansion programmes soon. Mr. Chandy said it had been decided to transfer land belonging to the Air Force in Thiruvananthapuram to the company and provide the Air Force with alternative land at Muttathara in the city .He said allegations about privatisation of the company had no basis. The Union government held 50.5 per cent of the shares and the Russian government held 49.5 per cent of the equity. The registration of a new company was only intended to bypass certain difficulties arising from treatment of the company as a public sector company. The company faced no labour problems. European Court Outlaws Embryonic Stem Cell Techniques European Court ruled that procedures that use embryonic stem cells cannot be patented, and after that research into new therapies for incurable and life-threatening diseases has suffered a blow. Senior scientists were dismayed by the judgment, which outlaws patents on stem cell techniques that involve the destruction of embryos. They fear it will hamper research and stifle commercial investment. Medical researchers around the world use stem cells from stores created from surplus IVF embryos. These embryos are donated by couples who have completed their fertility treatment and would otherwise be routinely destroyed by clinics. The unique ability of embryonic stem cells to grow into almost any tissue in the body has led scientists to investigate whether they can regenerate damaged and diseased organs, and treat serious conditions ranging from blindness and dementia to paralysis. The judgment effectively supports the Greenpeace view and imposes a ban on patenting work that uses embryonic stem cells on the grounds
that it represents an immoral industrial use of human embryos. @ Worlds First Drug to Prevent Blindness from Cataracts Australian Scientists created the worlds first drug which can prevent blindness from cataracts. At present, the only treatment available to prevent the blindness from cataracts is to remove surgically the affected eye lens and replace it with a synthetic lens. Cataracts are formed when a protein, known as calpain, clouds the eye lens and impairs vision.This is for the first time that a non-surgical cure for the debilitating condition was discovered. @ Organ Transplants Increase Cancer Risk Patients who have received a solid organ transplant have an overall cancer risk that is double that of the general population. @ Navy Orders 8 Amphibious Vessels Working on its plan to sharpen its a mphibious operations capabilities, the Navy signed a Rs. 2,100 crore contract with the defence public sector undertaking Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata for construction of 8 Landing Craft Utilities (LCUs).The government had recently cleared the plan for construction of these vessels and the Navy signed the contract on Thursday under a plan that envisages delivery of the first ship in 35 months, Navy spokesperson Cdr. P.V.S. Satish said here. @ Lake Ellsworth A team of British scientists and engineers planned to drill three
kilometers through the ice in Antarctica to explore signs of life in a lake called Ellsworth, which is buried under the glacial surface. The buried lake has been isolated from the outside world for at least 1 lakh 25,000 years. Scientists believe such lakes could give important clues to development on earth and the pattern of climate change in the region. The mission will use hot water to melt its way through the 3-kilometer thickness of ice to reach Lake Ellsworth. @ Leeches Use Water Disturbances to Find Meals Medicinal leeches use water disturbances to help them find a meal. Juvenile leeches eat the blood of fish, while adults opt for the more nutritious mammals. @ Peroxiredoxin Caloric restriction slows down aging by preventing an enzyme, peroxiredoxin, from being inactivated. This enzyme is also important in counteracting damage to our genetic material, delaying age-related diseases. @ Ovarian Cancer Spreads Due to Abdominal Fat A large pad of fat cells, extending from the stomach and covering the intestines, provides nutrients that promote the spread of ovarian cancer. The fatty tissue, rich in energy-dense lipids, is an energy source for the cancer. @ Flexible Organic LEDs Created on Plastic The worlds most efficient organic light-emitting diodes on plastic have been developed, enabling a flexible form factor and a cheaper alternative to traditional OLEDs which currently rely on glass. @ Savannahs and Forests in a Battle of Biomes Climate change and other humandriven factors could pit savannahs and forests against each other by altering
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the elements that stabilise the two. The habitats, or biomes, could increasingly encroach on each other. @ One Step Closer to Dark Matter in Universe As dark matter is invisible, we can only see traces of it by looking at light with extremely high energy gamma radiation. Using the Fermi Large Area Telescope, scientists can now study gamma radiation and look for traces of dark matter. @ Chinese Spacecraft Docks with Lab Two Chinese spacecraft accomplished the countrys first docking early on Thursday, coupling in space more than 343 km above the Earths surface. Nearly two days after it was launched, the unmanned Shenzhou-8 docked with space lab Tiangong-1 @ Liquid Turns Solid Under High Electric Field Under the influence of sufficiently high electric fields, liquid droplets of certain materials will undergo solidification, simulations show. @ Evidence of Black Holes Destroying Stars Astrophysicists have found evidence of black holes destroying stars, a longsought phenomenon that provides a new window into general relativity. @ Graphene Spurs Next Generation Chips Graphene, the worlds thinnest and toughest material, could spur the development of next generation computer chips, besides revolutionising materials science. Its amazing properties open the way to bendable touch screen phones and computers, lighter aircraft, paper thin HD TV sets and lightning-quick net connections, and more. @ Arctic Ice Retreat Researchers argue that climate models underestimate the rate of Arctic ice thinning, which is actually about four times faster than
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calculations. This is due to the poor representation of the sea ice southward drift. @ Baltic Sea Emits More CO {2} than it Can Bind The Baltic Sea emits more carbon dioxide than it can bind. Local variations have increased the exposure of the Bay of Bothnia. These are the results of a study of how CO {-2} flows between the Baltic Sea water and the atmosphere. @ Exercise Beneficial in Preventing Migraine Although exercise is often prescribed as a treatment for migraine, there has not been sufficient evidence that it really works. Now, new research shows that exercise is just as good as drugs at preventing migraines. @ Monkey Study Leads to Vaccine for Trachoma An attenuated, or weakened, strain of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can be used as a vaccine to prevent or reduce the severity of trachoma, a cause of blindness, suggests a study on monkeys. @ Lighter, Tougher Blade for Greater Efficiency Efforts to build larger wind turbines able to capture more energy are stymied by blade weight. Now, a blade that is much lighter and eight times tougher and more durable than currently used ones has been developed. @ Computing Building Blocks from Bacteria, DNA Scientists have successfully demonstrated that they can build some of the basic components for digital devices out of bacteria and DNA. @ New Signature of First Star Birth Researchers have revealed for the first time the existence of a new signature of the birth of the first stars in our galaxy, the Milky Way.
@ Deep-reef Coral Hates Light, Prefers Shade While normally corals depend on light for their energy requirements, the deep corals, in a study, appeared to have adapted to low light conditions by having an increased capacity to exploit nutrients and plankton. @ Drought has hit species in desert ecosystems A study says that increasingly frequent and severe drought, dropping water tables and dried-up springs have pushed some aquatic desert ecosystems into a state from which many species will not recover. @ Self-cleaning dough machine developed A dough machine that cleans itself after each batch of dough theres no longer any need to disassemble the system to clean it has been developed, making a bakers life more relaxing. @ Clustered hurricanes lower impact on reefs For a given long term rate of hurricanes (e.g., once per decade), clustered events are less damaging than random ones as they give reefs time to recover. Considering this helps predict the future of coral reefs accurately. @ Sea levels to continue to rise for 500 years Though long-term calculations are subject to uncertainties, the sea will continue to rise in the coming centuries and it will most likely rise by 75 cm by the year 2100. By 2500 the sea will have risen by 2 metres. @ Bioengineering to generate healthy skin The potential for auto regeneration of stem cells from skin may lead to the creation of a patients entire cutaneous surface in the lab. This prospect is under study by using a combination of biological and tissue engineering.
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SPORTS
CRICKET India beat England India won 5 matches one-day series by 5-0 by defeating England in 5th and final match played in Kolkata on 26 October 2011. India scored a challenging 271 for eight and stopped England at 176 in 37 overs in the day-night match at the Eden Gardens. Ravindra Jadeja grabbed 4-33 and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 3-28. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja of team India was declared Man of the Match, while Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was awarded with Man of the Series. India achieved a 5-0 verdict in a bilateral One Day International series only 3 times. The two earlier instances were against England (2008-09) and New Zealand (2010-11).: @ India won 1st ODI by 126-run in Hyderabad on 15 October 2011. @ India beat England by eight wickets in 2nd ODI. The match was played at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, Delhi on 17 October 2011. @ India defeated England to won 3rd ODI of 5 matches series by 5 wickets (with 4 balls remaining). Match was played at Mohali stadium, Chandigarh on 20 October 2011. @ India won 4th ODI by 6 wickets (with 59 balls remaining). 4th ODI between India and England was played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 23 October 2011. Cricketers Imprisoned for Spotfixing Scandals Three Pakistan cricketers and an agent were sentenced imprisonment in Britain for their involvement in one of the biggest fixing scandals. Former captain Salman Butt received two and a half years, the longest term of the three players and was called the orchastrator of the entire event. Mohammad Asif was sentenced to 1 year, while 19-year-old Mohammad Amir will serve six months. Agent Mazhar Majeed was sentenced to 2 years, 8 months. All four may be released for good behavior after serving half their terms.Butt, Asif and Majeed are expected to begin their sentences at Wandsworth prison in south London, Amir is due to be sent to Feltham young offenders institute in west London. The players were found guilty of conspiring with Majeed to bowl deliberate no-balls as part of a betting scam during the test match against England at Lords in August 2010. The conspiracy was exposed following a sting by undercover reporters working for the News of the World, who filmed Majeed accepting 150000.The scandal is being described as the biggest fixing scandal in cricket since South Africa captain Hansie Cronje was banned for life in 2000 for taking bribes from bookmakers. Bedis Biography Released Divinity ordained that he be blessed with a nice, clean bowling action. Divinity that coincided with Tiger Pataudis leadership ensured that Bishan Singh Bedi would play for India and end up as one of its finest spin bowlers of all time.That was how the man himself described his classic bowling action and his Test baptism in Calcutta, under Pataudi, back in 196667against the West Indies, as he released his biography, written by journalist Suresh Menon, at the Kovalam Literary Festival at the India International Centre here on Thursday.In Bishan, Portrait of a Cricketer, Menon brings to life one of the most colourful personalities of Indian cricket, but Bedi described the attempt as bringing out an Egyptian mummy alive.
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Some Changes in the Rules Two of International Cricket Councils (ICC) important amendments to the playing conditions pertaining to ODI cricket, which have come into effect from October 1, have the potential to change the dynamics of the game. The use of two white balls, to be employed in alternate overs of an innings, for the ODIs will impact a contest differently in different parts of the cricketing world.In countries such as Australia and South Africa, the batsmen might have to cope with greater seam movement and bounce for a considerable part of the innings. In England, the ball would swing conventionally for longer periods. Venkatagiri Cup Central Zone lifted the Venkatagiri Cup for the ACA inter-zonal (Ranji selection) tournament by garnering eight points at Ongole. North and South took the second and third slots with five points and one point respectively. The final league match between Central and South ended in a draw.Chasing 131 for victory, Central made 118 for two in 21 oves when bad light stopped play.
Japan and finally the Shanghai Masters in China. He won 25 of his last 26 matches showing remarkable consistency. Roger Federer dropped out of the top three in the ATP rankings for the first time since June 2003. Roger Federer had won the first of his 16 Grand Slam titles in July 2003. Stockholm Open Indias Rohan Bopanna and Pakistans Aisamul-Haq Qureshi won the Stockholm Open mens doubles title by defeating Brazilians Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares 6-1, 6-3 on 23 October 2011. the Stockholm Open was topseeded India-Pakistan pairs second ATP World Tour title of 2011. They had earlier won on grass at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle in June 2011. The victory got them their third title as a team. They had also sealed victory as a team in Johannesburg in 2010.Bopanna and Qureshi who are ranked seventh in the ATP doubles team rankings, added 250 points after their win. WTA Championships in Istanbul Czech tennis player Petra Kvitova defeated Victoria Azarenka 7-5 4-6 6-3 to win the WTA Championships on 30 October 2011 in Istanbul. Kvitova took home $1.75 million and Azarenka collected $775000.The 21-year-old Czech had shot to fame by winning Wimbledon 2011. She remained undefeated at the year-ending event that featured the worlds top eight players. Victory also confirmed Kvitova at a career-high second in the
WTA rankings after ending 2010 in 34th spot.She is the first Czech to win the WTA Championships since Jana Novotna in 1997. Kvitova had also defeated Azarenka in the Wimbledon semifinals on her way to winning her first Grand Slam title in 2011.Kvitova has won six titles in 2011, the same number as No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and twice as many as Azarenka. Austrian Open Jo-Wilfried Tsonga became the first Frenchman to win the Austrian Open with a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Juan Martin del Petro. It was the seventh career title for Tsonga. Juan del Potro had won all three of the pair s previous meetings.Tsongas victory sent him past American Mardy Fish into provisional seventh place for the ATP World Tour Finals in London scheduled to take place on 20-27 November 2011.
FOOTBALL
FIFA Rankings France dropped three places in the latest FIFA r a nkings published on Wednesday despite qualifying for Euro 2012, while Spain continues to top the list ahead of the Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay. Sweden rose to 14th spot from 25th after qualifying for the Euros while fellow qualifier Denmark is up seven places in the standings based on results over the last four years. Leading FIFA rankings: 1. Spain, 2. the Netherlands, 3. Germany, 4. Uruguay, 5. Brazil, 6. Italy, 7. England, 8. Greece and Portugal, 10. Argentina and Denmark, 12. Croatia, 13. Russia, 14. Sweden, 15. France.
TENNIS
Shanghai Masters Andy Murray retained his Shanghai Masters title by defeating David Ferrer 7-5 6-4 in the final. His victory moved him to number three in the ATP rankings. He moved to the top three for the first time since March 2010. Murray who was as high as No 2 in August 2009.The win in China was Murrays third title in as many weeks, following victories in Bangkok and Tokyo, where he beat Rafael Nadal in the final. He claimed the biggest tournaments in Thailand,
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Euro 2012 Qualifier Denmark, France and Russia booked their places at Euro 2012, while Portugal was consigned to the playoffs after a tense conclusion to qualifying on Tuesday. Denmark, European champion in 1992, stunned the Portuguese with a 2-1 win in Copenhagen to leapfrog the visitor and top Group H, consigning the Euro 2004 finalist to the play-offs. Durand Cup 2011 The 2011 Durand Cup, the 124th edition of the Durand Cup which is the third oldest association football competition in the world was won by the Churchill Brothers. Churchill Brothers won the 2011 Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium with a 5-4 tiebreak win over Prayag United. Churchill Brothers won the Durand Cup 2011 defeating Prayag United in the finals 5-4 on Penalties after the both team failed to score after full time. In the tie-breaker, Churchill Brothers scored through Lalrindika Ralte, M.P. Zakeer, Bineesh Balan, Matthew Kouacic and Denzil Franco. Kayne Vincent, Mohammad Rafique, Belo Razaq and Maksawn Tluanga scored for Prayag.
announcement here on Wednesday, Subrata Roy and Vijay Mallya hoped the new partnership would be good for the sport in the country.Sahara decided to invest $100million in Force India after visiting its factory. Roy and Mallya will have stakes worth 42.5 per cent each with the Michiel Mol family holding the remaining 15 per cent. Roy takes over as Chairman of the Board of Directors, while will Mallya continue as the Managing Director and Team Principal. Welcoming the move, Mallya said, F1 is taking root in India. It is a sport next to Olympics and FIFA World Cup with a viewership in millions. I was a proud Indian to have a team. I am prouder today at having an Indian partner. Indian Grand Prix The Indian Grand Prix, sometimes referred to as the Grand Prix of India) is a race in the calendar of the FIA Formula One World Championship. It is currently held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The first event took place on 30 October 2011 as the 17th race of the 2011 Formula One season, The new race track was officially homologated on 1 September 2011 by Charlie Whiting. Season-2011: 28-30 October 2011: On 30 October 2011, the first F1 Grand Prix was held at the circuit. Sebastian Vettel won the event, his 11th of the season. He also had the fastest lap of the race on his last lap although his team was telling him to just bring it home. Sachin Tendulkar waved the chequered flag to welcome Sebastian Vettel. Redbull won the Constructors Trophy. The only Indian F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan of HRT F1 finished 17th position.The only Indian F1 Team Sahara Force India driver Adrian Sutil finished at 9th position. Some important facts of the event:-
Race Date Circuit Name Number of Laps Circuit Length Race Distance Winner Winner Team Lap Record
30 Oct 2011 Buddh International Circuit 60 5.125 km 307.249 km Sebastian Vettel Redbull 1:27.249 (S. Vettel)
Korean Grand Prix Red Bull sealed the constructors title at the Korean Grand Prix. Red Bull sealed the 2011 season with 558 points. McLaren with 418 points was second and ferrari with 310 points was third. Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull who won the world championship at the Suzuka in Japan notched up his 10th victory of the 2011 season. McLarens Lewis Hamilton was second while another Red Bull driver Mark Webber finished third. Vettel, who started from second on the grid, passed pole-sitter Hamilton on the first lap and dominated the 55-lap race before crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 38 minutes, 01.994 seconds, 12 seconds ahead of the McLaren driver.McLarens Jenson Button and Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Japanese Grand Prix McLarens Jenson Button won the Japanese Grand Prix in his adopted homeland, Japan on 9 October 2011. Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel who stood third in the Formula 1 race became the youngest double world champion with four races to spare. In seven years as a Honda driver, Button had only once managed to win the race at the Honda-owned circuit. In winning, Button denied Vettel his third successive Japanese Grand Prix win. Buttons victory cut Vettels overall lead over the Briton to 114 points, an insurmountable advantage with a total of 100 left to be won.
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MOTOR RACING/FORMULA ONE

Force India-Sahara Deal
Force India will now be known as Sahara Force India. Making the
Fernando Alonso stood second. Mark Webber was fourth for Red Bull ahead of McLarens Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes Michael Schumacher, who was sixth. Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel made his way to the record books as Formula Ones youngest double world champion after finishing third in a Japanese Grand Prix. Vettel had needed only a point at Suzuka to clinch his second successive crown. He was only the ninth driver to take back-to-back championships and on the podium for the 14th time in 15 races in 2011.Ferraris Fernando Alons had become the previous youngest double world champion when he had won for Renault aged 25 in 2006. Himalaya Motor Rally Austrian Helmut Frauwallner and Indias Suresh Rana won the extreme two-wheeler and extreme-four wheeler categories in the 13th Raid de Himalaya motor rally which concluded.Rana and his navigator Ashwin Naik driving a Maruti Gypsy were followed by Harpreet Bawa with navigator Virender Kashyap in second place, while Shakti Bajaj and navigator Prakash finished third. Of the 42 cars and 32 motorbikes which set out from Shimla in the extreme category, only 26 cars and 16 bikes made it to the finishing line, while others withdrew or had vehicle breakdown. The adventure trial had begun from Shimla via Dalhousie, Srinagar and Zanskar before finishing at Srinagar.The annual rally which is an off-road racing spectacle in the rugged, inhospitable Himalayan terrain had begun on 9 October 2011 from Shimla before ending at the Royal Springs Golf Course on the banks of the Dal lake. The rallyists went via Manali-LehRangdum (Zanskar), which comprises of one of the worlds most dangerous roads. The results are subject to change if any motorist or biker lodges a protest and is proven right in the scrutiny.
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SHOOTING
Asian Airgun
She shot 50.4, while the other two from Chinese Taipei and Singapore came up with 51.0 and 51.3 respectively. Iran sprang a surprise with Narjes Emamgholinejad Andvari
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra won the air rifle silver behind Asian Games champion Zhu Qinan of China in the fourth Asian airgun shooting championship in Kuwait.Bindra, who had reduced Zhu Qinan to tears in the Beijing Olympic Games by grabbing the gold, shot 594 in qualification and 103.6 in the final. He was 2.6 points behind the Chinese who shot 598 in qualification.While Satyendra Singh jumped up to grab the bronze, following 593 in qualification and the best score in the final (103.7), Gagan Narang took the seventh spot at 694.5 following a preliminary score of 592. In womens air rifle, Indian shooters were below par, as none of them made the final. Anjali Bhagwat missed out on a berth in the final following a shoot-off for two places among three.
coming up with a strong fare in the final an imposing 104.2 to pip the reigning World champion Yi Siling of China by 0.1 point for the gold, despite a 2-point deficit before the final.The results: Air rifle: Men: 1. Zhu Qinan (Chn) 700.2 (598); 2. Abhinav Bindra 697.6 (594); 3. Satyendra Singh 696.7 (593); 7. Gagan Narang 694.5 (592). Women: Narjes Emamgholinejad Andvari (IRI) 51.2 (397); 2. Yi Siling (Chn) 501.1 (399); Wan Xiangyan (Chn) 501.0 (398); 9. Anjali Bhagwat 396; 12. Priya Agarwal 395; 20; Suma Shirur 392 . World Cup Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi wound up the season in style as he defended the double trap gold
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medal in the World Cup Finals in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday.Going into the final two points behind the Beijing Olympic bronze medallist, Hu Binyuan of China, the 31-year-old Indian asserted his class by not only faring better than the Chinese but also eventually winning the shoot-off for the gold 2-1 after the two tied at 187.Ronjan shot 45 in the final after 142 in the qualification series following a sequence of 48, 49 and 45. The Chinese had followed his 144 with a 43 in the final. Quite interestingly, it was the sixth silver in the World Cup Finals for Hu Binyuan who had never won a gold in the competition for the top-10 shooters of the season. The former world champion and World Cup Finals gold medallist Vitaly Fokeev of Russia was reduced to the bronze medal, two points behind at 185. The Russian shot the best in the final with a score of 47, but had made only 138 in the qualification. It was the fifth successive appearance in the World Cup Finals for Ronjan and second successive gold for him following the one won in Izrmir, Turkey, last year. The results: Double trap: 1. Ronjan Sodhi 187 (2) 142; 2. Hu Binyuan (Chn) 187 (1) 144; 3. Vitaly Fokeev (Rus) 185 (138) .
of dropping from the top 50 when Louis Oosthuizen finished in a threeway tie for fifth in the Dunhill Links Championship. That ends a streak of 778 consecutive weeks inside the top 50, dating to when Woods was No. 61 on Oct. 13, 1996.Woods, who has not played since missing the cut at the PGA Championship, returns to competition this week at the Frys.com Open at CordeValle in northern California. BILT Open Golf Championship Anirban Lahiri became the first Indian golfer to shoot a spectacular round of 12-under 60 on home soil when he took a three-stroke lead on the second day of the Rs. one-crore BILT Open golf championship at the Jaypee Greens golf course.The defending champion, Lahiri has a two-round aggregate of 13-under 131 that saw him jump to the top of the leaderboard. Lahiri smashed Jyoti Randhawas previous course record of 64, recorded in the 2008 edition of the championship. Lahiri also matched the score recorded in the country by Chinas Liang Wen-Chong during the 2008 Indian Open in New Delhi .Lahiri is the 2009 Rolex Rankings champion. DLF Masters Himmat Singh Rai gave a patient and steady performance to walk away as the winner in the fifth edition of the DLF Masters at the DLF Golf and Country Club.When tough course conditions made life difficult for almost everyone, Rai, who recently won his maiden Asian Tour title, showed a lot of maturity to seal victory by one stroke. He carded an even-par final round for a tally of four-under 284 the highest ever winning score in the tournament. The 24-year-old pocketed a cheque of Rs. 15,35,675 for his second win on the Professional Golf
Tour of India (PGTI).Even as windy conditions continued to wreak havoc, rookie Rashid Khan emerged unscathed and carded the lone underpar score (68) of the day. The Delhibased golfer jumped from the 13th spot to finish second with an aggregate of 285.Sanjay Kumar (third, 286) and Gaurav Pratap Singh (fourth, 287) were the other players who returned sub-par totals for the tournament.
CHESS
JCI Rapid Chess Tournament
GOLF
Woods Falls Out of Top 50
P.V.V. Seshu with 4.5 points from five rounds won the JCI rapid chess tournament, organised by Junior Chamber International (Secunderabad Chapter).In the final round, Seshu drew with P. Satyanarayana (3.5). For second position, there was a two-way tie between P. Praveen Prasad and R. Sri Ram, with both scoring four points each. However, with better progressive score (tie break) Sri Ram took the second spot.Final placings (top five): Open Category: 1. P.V.V. Seshu, 2. R. Sri Ram, 3. P. Praveen Prasad, 4. P. Satyanayana, 5. Krishna Bhushan. Final Masters Chess Championship After a mixed outing in the Brazil leg of the fourth Final Masters chess championship, World champion Viswanathan Anand would be hoping for an improved finish in the Spain phase which re-commences at Bilbao.Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine
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Tiger Woods is out of the top 50 in the world rankings for the first time in nearly 15 years. Woods, who hasnt won in nearly two years, was assured
won it while Hikaru Nakamura of USA finished second. Anand, who started the event as a firm favourite along with Norwegian World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, began with a couple of draws but then a shattering loss to Ivanchuk left the Indian with a lot of ground to cover in this category-22 super tournament being played under the soccer scoring system.Anand recovered fast enough to beat Francisco Vallejo Pons of Spain in the fourth game but another draw has now left him with a shared third place in the six-player double round-robin tournament.Standings after fifth round: 1. V. Ivanchuk (Ukr, 10); 2. H. Nakamura (USA, 7); 3-5. V. Anand (Ind), M. Carlsen (Nor), L. Aronian (Arm) 6 each; 6. F. Vallejo Pons (Esp, 3) .
Asia Pacific Merdeka Cup Indians won two silver medals and a bronze in the sixth Asia Pacific Merdeka Cup lawn bowls championship held in Kuala Lumpur. Altogether 12 teams, including top sides like Australia and New Zealand, participated in the championship. The medal winners: Silver: Sunil Bahadur (mens singles); Krishna Xalxo and Lovely Choubey (mixed pairs); Bronze: Sunil Bahadur, Krishna Xalxo and Lovely Choubey (mixed triples) . Asian Canoe Sprint Championship Betty Joseph and Bincymol Babychan combined to win the Canoe (C-2) 500m gold in the 14th Asian Canoe Sprint Championship in Tehran.In addition, the Indians won two silver and two bronze medals in the championship that saw teams from 20 countries participate.The athletes were trained at Bhopal by the Sports Authority of India. National Wrestling Championships Vinod Kumar of RSPB (Railway Sports Promotion Board) won the 55 kg freestyle gold medal in the 56th Senior National wrestling championships at Nandininagar, Uttar Pradesh. Anil won the gold medal in 60 kg Greco Roman category. Pradeep Kumar captured RSPBs second gold in 66kg freestyle division. 7th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship Indian swimmers won eight gold medals on the first day (10 October 2011) of the 7th Asian age group swimming championship at Jakarta Indonesia. Olympian Sandeep Sejwal and Arjuna awardee Virdhaval Khade opened with a gold each in the 7th
VARIOUS
Halloween Throws Meet Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Krishna Poonia produced an impressive seasons best effort of 62.25m to win gold at Halloween Throws Meet at Portland, United States on 17 October 2011. In the process, she also crossed the A qualifying standard for the London Olympics (62m). Poonia had already qualified for the 2012 Games by attaining the B qualification standard of 59.50m when she won gold at the Fling Throw Meet at Portland with a throw of 61.12m. Poonia has been training at the Throws Centre at Concordia University at Oregon, Portland since July 2011 and went all out and crossed the magical mark of 62m in her last attempt. She had two fouls and two other 60 plus efforts in the process. Her last effort was though below her personal best of 63.69m recorded in April in 2010 at Chula Vista in California, United States.
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Asian Age Group Swimming Championship in Indonesia. Sejwal who had won a silver in the last edition of the championship, clinched the gold in 50m breaststroke with a timing of 28.36 secs. Khade swept 100m butterfly with a timing of 54.86. Khade later combined with Aaron D Souza, Anshul Kothari and Rehan Poncha to fetch another gold in 4x100 free style relay.Karnatakas Rehan Poncha won the bronze in the 200m backstroke with a timing of 02:07:76secs. Saurabh Sangvekar, too, bagged the bronze in the 200m freestyle boys group with 01:52:77 secs. Saurabh also won a silver medal in 800m free style, clocking 08.18.40.Surabhi Tipre was the only Indian women with a podium finish. Tipre won a bronze in 400m Free Style with a timing of 04:26.07 secs. Tipre bagged another bronze after she along with Talasha Prabhu, Kshipra Mahajan and Richa Mishra won the 4x100 free style relay with a timing of 04.01:18. 12th Senior Womens National Boxing Championships
Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom won gold in the 51kg category by defeating Pinki Jangra in the summit clash on the final day of the 12th Senior Womens National Boxing Championships in Bhopal.In the feather weight division, bronze medallist at the Womens Youth World Championship, Pwilao Basumatary of Assam settled settle for a silver medal after losing to Mandakini Chann of AIP who won gold.In the light weight
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category, Neetu Chahal of Haryana clinched gold after beating Preeti Beniwal of the IABF team. Neetu won 12-5. Kavita Goyat of Delhi defended her title taking the gold in the middle weight division. She defeated Pooja of Haryana 16:11.Haryana bagged the overall title with three gold medals, two silver and two bronze. Manipur came second with two gold medals, a silver and a bronze while Railways
finished third with two gold and three bronze medals. Come and Play Scheme Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 9 October 2011 launched the nationwide Come and Play scheme in New Delhi. Through this scheme, the ministry aims at opening SAIs sporting infrastructure for the youth across India. The scheme is targeted at the 8-17 age group. The main objective of
the scheme is to provide coaching primarily to sportspersons of young age. Under the Come and Play Scheme, competitions related to various age categories would be conducted twice a year and the top three position holders in the relevant age group would be permitted for admission to boarding scheme in SAI (Sports Authority of India) training centres.
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SSC GRADUATE LEVEL EXAMINATION SOLVED & PRACTICE PAPERS

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AWARDS & PRIZES

2011 Nobel Prize in Physics The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe through observations of distant supernovae. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics for 2011 with one half to Saul Perlmutter, The Supernova Cosmology Project(Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of California),and the other half jointly to Brian P. Schmidt, The High-z Supernova Search Team (Australian National University), and Adam G. Riess, The High-z Supernova Search Team (Johns Hopkins University and Space Telescope Science Institute. 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry The 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded for the discovery of quasicrystals. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2011 to Dan Shechtman Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was divided, one half jointly to Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann for their discoveries concerning the activation of innate immunity and the other half to Ralph M. Steinman for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity. 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature The Nobel Prize in Literature 2011 is awarded to Tomas Transtrmer because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality. The Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 is to be divided in three equal parts between Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for womens rights to full participation in peace-building work. We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society. In October 2000, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325. The resolution for the first time made violence against women in armed conflict an international security issue. It underlined the need for women to become participants on an equal footing with men in peace processes and in peace work in general. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is Africas first democratically elected female president. Since her inauguration in 2006, she has contributed to securing peace in Liberia, to promoting economic and social development, and to strengthening the position of women. Leymah Gbowee mobilized and organized women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the long war in Liberia, and to ensure womens participation in elections. She has since worked to enhance the influence of women in West Africa during and after war. In the most trying circumstances, both before and during the Arab spring, Tawakkul Karman has played a leading part in the struggle for womens rights and for democracy and peace in Yemen. Man Booker One of the most acrimonious run-ups to the Man Booker Prize in recent years had a happy ending as British novelist Julian Barnes was declared the unanimous winner of this years 50,000 prize for his novella, The Sense of an Ending, hailed as an
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exquisite meditation on growing old, the nature of memory and relationships. The choice was applauded across the literary divide though the judges still appeared to be smarting from the attacks they had endured in recent weeks as their selection for the shortlist had drawn accusations of dumbing down. Mr. Barnes, who had been shortlisted three times before without ever winning the prize. One of Britains most admired novelists, Mr. Barnes had been the favourite of bookies and critics alike. At 150 pages, The Sense of an Ending, is his shortest novel but the record for the shortest book ever to win a Booker remains Penelope Fitzgeralds Offshore which won in 1979. The judges said The Sense of an Ending was exquisitely written, subtly plotted and reveals new depths with each reading.The other contenders were: Carol Birch (Jamrachs Menagerie); Patrick deWitt (The Sisters Brothers), Esi Edugyan (Half Blood Blues); and debut authors Stephen Kelman (Pigeon English) and AD Miller (Snowdrops). ICRC Award The Hindu s Chhattisgarh correspondent, Aman Sethi, has won the International Committee of the Red Cross award for the best Indian print media article on humanitarian issues. His article on three Chhattisgarh villages ruthlessly torched by police commandos in March 2011 was selected as the best of nearly 80 entries from across the country. About 300 homes and granaries were burnt in the five-day police operation which left three men dead, and three women sexually assaulted. Based on interviews with eyewitnesses and police sources, Mr. Sethis coverage spurred the local
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administration to probe the incident and send aid to the affected villages. Tehelka s Umar Baba took the second place, while the third prize went to Reji Joseph of Rashtra Deepika and the consolation prize to Anup Sharma of The Times of India. . STPI Award Infosys has bagged the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Award for the Highest Exporter in the IT sector, while multinational bank Goldman Sachs Services got the Highest Exporter Award in the ITenabled services (ITeS) sector.Infosys was also named the highest employer, while Hewlett Packard Globalsoft was recognised for creating the highest number of new jobs. Meanwhile, the highest growth in IT exports was recorded by Intel Technology, even as Goldman Sachs retained the title for ITeS in this category too. Qualcomm India and Goldman Sachs bagged the awards for the highest exports per employee in the IT and ITeS category. Schlingel International Film Festival Actor/director Amol Guptes son Partho Gupte, who delivered an excellent performance as the quickwitted Stanley in his fathers Stanley Ka Dabba won the best actor award at the Schlingel International Film Festival that concluded in Chmnitz, Germany. Partho won the best actor award, beating 130 young contenders from all across the world. Stanley Ka Dabba has beenso far screened at four festivals, including Mumbai Film Festival. Schlingel is the only film festival in the world devoted to films for and about children. Its a very evolved film festival. The quality of films and principal performances are
at par with some of the most complex films for adult audiences. There were over 130 films in the competition. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Award Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Birthday Commemoration Award for 2011 was presented to noted vocalist Sudha Raghunathan. The award carried a citation, a plaque and a cash purse of Rs.1 lakh.Speaking after distributing the award Doraiswamy Raju, former Judge, Supreme Court, said Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar was known for his philanthropy. Even on the logo of the Chettinad it has been inscribed Strive Save Serve. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar served for both social and religious causes. In her acceptance speech Sudha Raghunathan said the presentation of award had inspired her to sing more songs in Tamil, she said. IIPC Honour The international honours panel and the honours committee of the India International Photographic Council has admitted city-based photo journalist T. Srinivasa Reddy to the fellowship of the council. He is the first man in the fellowship in journalism section, said a statement from the IIPC. IPI-India Award The International Press Institute(IPI) India award for excellence in journalism, 2011, has been awarded jointly to Tehelka and The Week for their outstanding journalistic work in 2010. In a release here, the IPI India chapter announced that Tehelka was selected for its expose of the rent a riot tactics of the Sree Rama Sene in Karnataka, which admitted taking money to organise attacks on innocent persons and institutions. An investigation by Pushp Sharma exposed the leadership of Sree Rama
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Sene, who readily agreed to launch a mob attack and incite a riot in favour of payment. The Week was selected for an investigation by Gunjan Sharma into sham medical and dental colleges that had no doctors, no patients and no facilities and yet were permitted to award medical and dental degrees to thousands of students, the release said. The awardees were selected by a distinguished jury of editors and publishers headed by the former Chief Justice of India, A. S. Anand. Obama Honours IndianAmerican Activist U.S. President Barack Obama has honoured Indian-American activist Vijaya Lakshmi Emani p os t hu mou s ly with the Presidential Citizens Medal for her courage in overcoming and speaking out against domestic abuse in the Indian-American community. Breaking long-held taboos, Vijaya Emani lent her voice to protect IndianAmerican women from domestic violence, Mr. Obama said while presenting the nations second-highest civilian honour to Emanis daughters Sujata and Nirmala in the East Room of the White House on Thursday. She was a trailblazer who shared her personal story to help other battered women overcome abusive relationships, Mr. Obama said of Emani, who was killed on January 15, 2009 at the age of 51 when she was hit by a truck in Ohio. Dhanvantari Award M.K. Mani, pioneer in nephrology in the country and Chief Nephrologist at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, has been honoured with the 40th Dhanvantari
Award. Dr. Mani pioneered innovative techniques and a new regimen in the management of kidney disorders. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Padma Bhushan and the Rabindranath Tagore Award and has more than 125 publications to his credit. He has been awarded the honorary Doctorate of Science by several universities. Dr. Mani became well-known after he gave a fresh lease of life to Jayaprakash Narayan, who was suffering from a kidney ailment and had a cardiac arrest at the Jaslok Hospital. The prestigious award, which recognises contribution in medical science, is awarded annually since 1972. The recipients include Denton A Cooley of Houston and pioneer heart transplant surgeon Christiaan Neethling Barnard of South Africa. Swiss Award Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata has been honoured with Swiss Ambassadors Award for Exceptional Leadership, which recognises individuals who have contributed to the promotion of Indo-Swiss bilateral relations or have stood out for their exceptional role in the society and industry.After conferring the award on Mr. Tata on Sunday, Swiss Ambassador Philippe Welti acknowledged Mr. Tatas contribution to not just Indian but global business world. World Food Prize Former Pr es ident of Ghana, J o h n Agyeku m Kufuor, right, and Former President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, dual recipients of the 2011 World Food Prize
Laureate, congratulate each other during the World Food Prize ceremony at the Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa. Even as the worlds poor continue to suffer daily under added pressure from the global economic downturn, this week two former Presidents were awarded the 2011 World Food Prize for their success in tackling chronic hunger in their countries.The award, which was instituted in 1987 by Nobel Peace Prize winner and father of the Green Revolution Norman Borlaug, has in the past been given to agricultural scientists such as M.S. Swaminathan of India the winner of the first ever WFP award. It has also sometimes gone to social entrepreneurs such as Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank, Bangladesh. Governance Prize A $5-million prize for good African governance was awarded to the former President of Cape Verde, cited for turning his small island nation into a model of democracy, stability and prosperity. In an announcement made in London and broadcast across Africa, the Mo Ibrahim prize committee said during his 10 years in power, Pedro Verona Pires helped lead the nation of 200,000 off West Africas coast out of poverty and won recognition for his human rights record. In citing Pires, the committee that included Nobel peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei of Egypt and former Ibrahim prize winner Festus Mogae of Botswana said the Cape Verde leader, at the end of his second term, dismissed suggestions the constitution be changed to allow him to run again. Mr. Pires (77) retired from political life last month so he could write his memoirs, according to Lusa.
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Indira Gandhi Award Environmentalist, lawyer and former Union Minister, Mohan Dharia, has been selected as the winner of the 26th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. The 86-year-old Padma Vibhushan awardee, who currently runs the Vanrai NGO in Pune, was selected for the 2010 award, which carries a citation and cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh. It will be presented by award committee chair and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on October 31, the anniversary of Indira Gandhis death. Akshaya Mohanty Samman Playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose melodies have enchanted several generations of music lovers in the country, has been selected for the prestigious Akshaya Mohanty Samman for 2011 in recognition of her outstanding contribution in the field of music. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh and a letter of appreciation, would be presented at a function here on October 12, the birth anniversary of legendary Oriya singer and musician Akshaya Mohanty. This was announced by Akashya Mohanty Foundation, which gives the award. Earlier recipients of the honour included Manna Dey, Gulzar and Ilayaraja. Ramineni Award United States- based Ramineni Foundation presented the 11th Annual Ramineni Ayyanna Chowdary memorial puraskarams to four eminent persons.The foundation Chairman Ramineni Dharmap-racharak, comedian A.V. Subrahma-nyam and Guntur Zilla Parishad former Chairman Pathuri Nagabhush-anam at a joint press conference said that they had moved out the awards presentation function from Hyderabad and would organise it in Vijayawada
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for the first time since its inception 11 years ago. B.M. Birla Science Prizes
Sunday. Madras Metallurgical Services and KPMG won the second and third prizes respectively. 2011 Sveriges Riksbank Prize
The B.M. Birla Science Centre, Hyderabad, announced B.M. Birla science prizes in Physics and Biology for the year 2010. While Mandar Deshmukh of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, and Sanjib Sabhapandit of Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, won the prize in Physics category, Patrick Raymond De Silva of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Inderjeet Kaur of L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, bagged it for Biology, a press release said. Dr. Deshmukh has been selected for his research in Mesoscopic structures to probe their charge transport, spin transport, mechanical and thermal properties. Dr. Sabhapandit was chosen for his work in the area of No equilibrium Statistical Physics. Dr. De Silva is being awarded for his work in investigating the changes in mitochondria related protein homeostasis that are responsible in aging and other complications, and Dr. Kaur was selected for her accomplishments in the area of eye disease, the release said. Air India Tourism Quiz Prize The Cognizant Technologies team, Rahul Bhaskar and Shrikant Kolli, holds the trophy after winning first prize in the Air India Tourism Quiz programme, in Chennai, on Sunday. Photo: Special arrangement The Cognizant Technologies (CTS) team has won the first prize in the 8th Air India Tourism Quiz for Corporates, organised by Asia Pacific Tours in connection with World Tourism Day celebrations. Teams representing companies from Chennai, Mumbai and other cities participated in the event held at the Aloft Hotel in Chennai on
The 2011 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was awarded jointly to Thomas J. Sargent and Christopher A. Sims for their empirical research on cause and effect in the macroeconomy The Hindu Literary Prize R a h u l B ha t t a c ha r y a bagged the The Hindu Literary Prize for Best Fiction 2011 for his The Sly Company of People Who Care on 30 October 2011. According to The Hindu, The Sly Company of People Who Care won the prize for its consummate artistry, its refusal to exoticise India. The award was presented by author, writer, politician and a Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor.A debut novel won The Hindus Literature Prize in the Lit for Life literary festival for the second successive year. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Manak Alankaran Awards Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot gave away the Manak Alankaran Awards for investigative and creative journalism for 2009 and 2010 in Jodhpur, calling upon the media persons to act with a sense of responsibility in view of their vast influence and power to mould public opinion.Mr. Gehlot also affirmed his governments commitment to getting Constitutional status for the Rajasthani language and pointed out that the State
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Assembly had adopted a unanimous resolution, cutting across party lines, taking up the issue with the Centre during the previous Congress regime.The Manak Alankaran Award, instituted by Jodhpur-based Hindi daily Jaltey Deep , for 2009 went to Rajkumar Jain, Sriganganagar correspondent of Rajasthan Patrika .The award for 2010 was given to Jaipur-based freelance journalist Kalyan Singh Kothari. Both Mr. Jain and Mr. Kothari were given Rs.21,000 in cash as part of the award. Mr. Kothari, who has completed 30 years in journalism, is attached as a consultant with the U.N. bodies as well as a number of civil
society organisations and public service institutions here.The special prizes comprising Rs.7,100 each for 2009 were given to Jodhpur-based Central Arid Zone Research Institute Public Relations Officer Bahadur Singh Sankhla, cartoonist Abhijeet and journalist Vinod Sharma.For 2010, the special prizes were awarded to Dungarpur Information and Public Relations Officer Kamlesh Sharma, cartoonist Sudhakar Soni and journalist Ravi Tailor. Dilip Bose Award Coach Kawaljeet Singh who had trained the 16-year-old Sunil Kumar to
win the National mens tennis title in 1999 was presented the Dilip Bose lifetime achievement award by the All India Tennis Association during the sixth National coaches workshop in Goa, on Saturday. Coach Rama Rao of Mumbai was also selected for the award. He has been training juniors at his Practennis Academy for many years, and Karan Rastogi was one of the notable trainees. Dilip Bose award was instituted by AITA in 2002. Akhtar Ali, Nandan Bal, Krishna Bhupathi, T. Chandrasekaran, Enrico Piperno and Aditya Sachdeva, were the awardees till the last edition of the coaches workshop.
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CSAT PAPER2
Comprehensive Guide
(English & Hindi Medium)
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IN THE NEWS
APPOINTED Nabam Tuki Nabam Tuki was sworn in as the seventh Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He replaced Jarbon Gamlin. Arunachal Pradesh Governor JJ Singh administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar.Gamlin had taken over as chief minister on 5 May 2011 following the death of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash. Arunachal Pradesh went through political instability since July 2011 after a group of Congress legislators led by Tuki revolted against Gamlins leadership. Prem Khandu Thungan (Indian National Congress) was the first chief minister of Aruncahla Pradesh. Gurbachan Singh D. Shivakumar Union Agriculture Commissioner Gurbachan Singh was appointed Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board for a seven-year term until further orders or till he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The Board is crucial to recruitment of farm researchers and policy formulation.During the tenure of
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Dr. Singh as Agriculture Commissioner, India achieved its highest foodgrain production including a record as pulses output, has assumed charge of his new post. Pulok Chatterjee Senior IAS officer Pulok Chatterjee, took charge as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.A 1974 Uttar Pradesh cadre officer, Mr. Chatterjee replaces T.K.A. Nair, who has been associated with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh since 2004. Mr. Nair, a retired IAS officer of the 1963 batch, will hold the office of Adviser with the rank and status of Minister of State in the Prime Minister s Office.Mr. Chatterjee returns to the PMO after a stint in the World Bank as Executive Director. The PMO is a familiar terrain to Mr. Chatterjee as he was a Joint Secretary from 2004 to 2009. Mr. Chatterjees term will be co-terminus with that of the Prime Minister or till further orders.
the Head for India, the Middle East and Africa (IMEA), one of the four newly formed global sales regions comprising around 90 nations.As Senior Vice-President, Mr. Shivakumar will relocate to Dubai, which has been chosen as the hub for the region, in January next year. Sudhir Vasudeva Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cleared the appointment of Sudhir Vasudeva as the Chairman and Managing Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Mr. Vasudeva, 57, is now Director (Offshore) in ONGC. The formal orders for appointment of Mr. Vasudeva, who was selected by government appointed Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) in interviews on October 19 last year, were issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, officials in the Ministry said. Mr. Vasudeva will head ONGC till his retirement on January 31, 2014. The Prime Minister gave his approval to Mr. Vasudevas appointment after the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) gave final clearance on all complaints received against him. S. V. Arumugam S. V. Arumugam, Managing Director of Bannari Amman Spinning Mills and
F i n l a n d - b a s ed mobile phone major Nokia announced the appointment of Nokia India VicePresident and Managing Director D. Shivakumar as
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Director of Bannari Amman Sugars, has been elected chairman of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) for 2011-12. The other office-bearers are: Prem Malik, management consultant for textiles (Deputy Chairman), and Mukund Choundhary, functional Director of CLC Group (Vice-Chairman), says a release. Markandey Katju Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju was appointed as the new chairman of media regulator Press Council of India (PCI). The appointment of Justice Katju, who retired from the apex court on 19 September 2011 was cleared by a committee headed by Vice President Hamid Ansari and included Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. In exercise of the powers conferred by the subsection (2) of section 5 of the Press Council Act, 1978 (37 of 1978), the Central Government notified notified his appointment as the Chairman of the Press Council of India.He succeeded Justice G N Ray. Justice Katju was first appointed a judge of the Allahabad high court in 1981. He was appointed as the Judge of the Supreme Court in April 2006 and he retired on 19 September 2011. Katju has written several books which include publications such as Law in the Scientific Era and Interpretation of Taxing Statutes, among others. The Press Council of India (PCI) is the apex media regulator of the country. The Press Council of India is a statutory, quasi judicial body which acts as a watchdog of the media. Its chairman by convention is a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
Leszek Kucharski The Table Tennis Federation of India appointed Polands Leszek Kucharski as the Indian TT coach on a oneyear contract. Kucharski is to take over in December 2011 at a salary of $6,000 per month including free accommodation and internal travel expenses. Kucharski had reached No 11 in rankings as a player and has had a successful career as coach in his country. Those in the running were Kucharski, Michael Hajek of the Czech Republic and 1988 Seoul Olympics bronze medallist Erik Lindh of Sweden. Italian Massimo Constantini was Indias TT coach before Kucharski and his contract expired after the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010. Dutchman Robert Baan The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Dutchman Robert Baan as the Technical Director (TD) for a period of two years.Baan has a 46-year experience in football management and was involved in a similar capacity with the Australia Football Federation. Baan is one of the most high profile coaches to have worked in India having been an assistant coach at PSV Eindhoven from 1995-98 and also the TD at Feynoord Rotterdam from 19982004.He has also served as the TD of the Netherlands youth team. He was briefly appointed a caretaker manager of the senior Dutch team for a match against Cyprus back in 1981. He performed a similar duty during Socceroos 1-0 win over Nigeria in 2007.
Bobby Jindal Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, won re-election on 22 October 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. Jindal won 66% of the vote with his nearest challenger, Tara Hollis of the Democratic party, got 18%. On 20 October, 2007, Jindal was elected governor of Louisiana for the first time. Bobby Jindal is the first IndianAmerican to occupy the post of a governor. His real name was Piyush Jindal. He started calling himself Bobby from an early age and converted from Hinduism to Catholicism as a teenager. He was born in Baton Rouge, the capital of the southern state of Louisiana, to Indian parents who had immigrated from the Punjab. He is 37 years old. Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge. Gustavo Petro Gustavo Petro was elected mayor of the Colombian capital, Bogota as Colombians voted in local elections. Petro won 32 percent of the votes. His main opponent Enrique Penalosa was the favoured candidate of former President Alvaro Uribe. He could manage only 25 percent of the votes. Petro was a former guerrilla with the defunct M-19 Movement. The 19th of April Movement or M-19, was a Colombian guerrilla movement. After its demobilization it became a political party, the M-19 Democratic Alliance (Alianza Democrtica M-19), or AD/ M-19. The M-19 traced its origins to the allegedly fraudulent presidential elections of 19 April 1970. Mittal & Jindal The World Steel Association (WSA), a premier global steel industry body, on Wednesday elected Arcelor Mittal Chairman Lakshmi Mittal and JSW
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Steel Vice-Chairman Sajjan Jindal to its 15-member Executive Committee, WSA said in a communiqu, reports PTI from New Delhi. Rubin DCruz Rubin DCruz, who was recently removed as Director of the State Institute of C hildr ens Literature, has rejoined the National Book Trust (NBT) from where his services were secured by the State government. Mr. DCruz rejoined as Assistant Editor at the NBT in New. Although the UDF government had dispensed with his services, it had informed the NBT authorities that he may be reinstated in his old post since the State government had to dispense with his services because of some technical irregularities in his appointment. The NBT has decided to reinstate him treating his stint with the State Institute of Childrens Literature as deputation. Ashish Bagga Ashish Bagga of India Today was on Friday elected president of The Indian Newspaper Society for the year 201112 at its 72nd annual general meeting here.He succeeds Kundan R Vyas of the Janmabhoomi Group.K.N. Tilak Kumar ( Prajavani ) was elected deputy president, Ravindra Kumar ( The Statesman ) vice-president and Rakesh Sharma (Aaj Samaj ) honorary treasurer.V. Shankaran is the secretary-general of the Society. Kamalesh Sharma Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma was re-appointed to the coveted post. The Commonwealth Leaders agreed to reappoint him at the 21st
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Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in Australia. Sharma who served as a veteran Indian diplomat was reappointed for a four-year term beginning in April 2012. Sarvjit Singh Dhillon Bharti Enterprises on Wednesday announced the appointment of Sarvjit Singh Dhillon as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with effect from January 1, 2012.
DEATH
Jagjit Singh Veteran ghazal singer Jagjit Singh passed away on 10 October 2011 in Mumbai. He was 70. He was admitted in Lilavati Hospital for more than two weeks. The singer had undergone an emergency surgery for brain hemorrhage at the Hospital. The veteran singer, popularly known as the Ghazal King had gained acclaim together with his wife Chitra Singh in 1970s and 1980s. He had sung in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Sindhi and Nepali languages. Moreover, Jagjit Singh is the only singer and composer to have composed and recorded songs written by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, in two albums, Samvedna in the year 2002 and Nayi Disha in the year 1999. Jagjit Singh was awarded Padmabhushan, Indias third highest civilian honour, in 2003. Jagjit Singh was born to Sikh parents in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan on 8 February, 1941. Steve Jobs Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. died at age 56 from pancreatic cancer on 6 October 2011. Steve Jobs had stepped down as
Apples chief executive. Steve Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 along with Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak. Steve also co-founded and was the CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, which created animated films. He became a member of the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company in 2006, following the acquisition of Pixar by Disney. After leaving Apple, Jobs founded NeXT Computer in 1985. Steve Jobs was from California, USA. Steve Jobs helped create the Macintosh, one of the worlds most influential computers. He also reinvented the portable music player with the iPod, launched the first successful legal method of selling Bhupen Hazarika Legendary singercomposer and Padma Bhushan awardee Bhupen Hazarika died in Mumbai on 5 November 2011. Bhupen Hazarika was born on 8 September 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. Hazarika studied at Cotton College and then moved to the Banaras Hindu University to complete his Bachelor in Arts in 1944. He completed his MA in Political Science and was honoured with a doctorate by the Columbia University in New York in the 1952. He also received the Lisle Fellowship from Chicago University, US to study the use of educational project development through cinema.He was the chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi from 1999-2004. He was chosen as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from 1967-72. At the age of 12, Hazarika sang his first song Biswa Bijoy No Jowan for an Assamese film Indramalati. He was involved with the Assamese film industry ever since its inception. He worked to bring tradition of Assamese music to a platform where the world
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could listen.Era Batar Sur, Shakuntala, Loti ghoti, Pratidhwani, Chick Mick Bijul, Swikarokti and Siraj are some of the Assamese films that were directed by him. He lent his voice and composed songs for the film.His soulful compositions for Hindi films Rudali, Chingaari, Daman introduced a new dimension in Bollywood music. His song Dil Hoom Hoom Kare from Rudali is a legend. Legendary black singer Pual Robenson inspired him to compose his magnum opus O Ganga behti ho kyon. Hazarika was a multitalented personality. He was a poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author and filmmaker.He had moved to Mumbai to work as an artist with Indian Peoples Theatre Movement (IPTA) with music composer Salil Chowdhury, actor Balraj Sahni and a few others. He was awarded the National Award in 1975 for Chameli Memsaab. He also won the Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992. The legendary composer was conferred the Indian Music Director award for best music Internationally for the film Rudaali at the Asia Pacific International Film Festival 1993 held in Japan.He won Presidents medal for his films Shakuntala (1960), Pratidhwani (1964) and Lotighoti (1967). He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987. Srilal Shukla Renowned litterateur Srilal Shukla died at a hospital in Lucknow on 28 October 2011 following prolonged illness. He was 86. Srilal Shukla wrote Sooni Ghaati Ka Sooraj (1957), Agyaatvaas (1962), Rag Darbari (1968), Aadmi Ka Zahar (1972), Bisrampur Ka Sant (1998), Raag Viraag (2001) and many other novels. His detective novel entitled Aadmi Ka Zahar was serialised in the weekly
magazine Hindustan. His works throw light on the falling moral values of society in post-independence era. Raag Darbaari portrayed a feudal, crumbling Shivpalganj- the archetypal village of the Hindi heartland with its politico-cultural tensions and administrative neglect. Shukla delved upon almost everything that was decadent in the system, but stopped short of making a moral statement. English translation of his novel Rag Darbari was published under the same title in 1993 by Penguin Books. The novel was also translated and published by National Book Trust, India in 15 Indian languages. A television serial based on this novel continued for several months on the DD National in the 1980s. He wrote many satires like Angad Ka Paanv, Yahaan Se Vahaan, Meri Shreshtha Vyangya Rachnayein (1979), Kuchh Zameen Mein Kuchh Hava Mein (1990), Jahaalat Ke Pachaas Saal (2003), Khabron Ki Jugaali (2005) and many more. Yeh Ghar Mera Nahin, Suraksha Tatha Anya Kahaaniyan, Iss Umra Mein, Dus Pratinidhi Kahaaniyan are his short story collections. Mere Saakshaatkaar (2002) and Kuchh Saahitya Charcha Bhi (2008) are his memoirs. Noted Hindi writer, Shrilal Shukla was born in Atrauli village of Lucknow district on 31 December 1925. He had graduated from Allahabad University. He began his career as a state civil servant (UPPCS) in 1949. Later on, he was inducted into the IAS but in 1983 he left the services and continued to pursue his literary dreams. Shrilal Shukla was presented the Indias highest literary honour Jnanpith award on his hospital bed by Uttar Pradesh Governor B L Joshi on 18 October 2011. He was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award for novel Raag Darbari for the year 1969. He was also a recipient of Vyas Samman
(1999), Lohia Sammaan (1994) of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthaan, Sharad Joshi and Maithili Sharan Gupta Sammaan of Madhya Pradesh Government. He was awarded with national civilian honour Padma Bhushan in 2008. Varghese Kakkanadan Malayalam writer with George Varghese Kakkanadan died in Kollam. He battled cancer for over two years, and was 76.Known simply as Kakkanadan (pronounced Kaakkanaadan), he was one of the harbingers of modernism in the genres of Malayalam novel and short story. He leaves behind a rich oeuvre, several of his works landmarks in the history of literary modernism in Malayalam. Moving with ease from apocalyptic visions to tantric imagery, he made his works representative of an important strand in the larger modernist trends in arts, literature and culture in India.Kakkanadan was a rebel, both in life and literature. His rebellion extended from his selection of themes and use of subversive language to his careful crafting of the philosophy of angst into the writing. His was a world of dark tones and darker people, many of them social rejects. He often spoke of the seamy side, the world of puss and blood. Each of his works was an act of rebellion against accepted elitist social mores and codes. Sex, like violence, was a leitmotif in many of his works; at times as a resonant chant, at others as an explosive outpouring of raw human power that transcends both the demonic and the divine. He won the Central Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and other awards. Bhagwat Jha Azad Former Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad died. He was a six-time member of the Lok Sabha from
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Bhagalpur, Bihar. He was a veteran Congressman who served as the Chief Minister of Bihar from February 14, 1988 and March 10, 1989. However, a little before his death he joined the BJP.Azad superceded the boards of three apex cooperative institutions namely Bihar State Cooperative Bank, Bihar State Cooperative Marketing Union and Bihar State Co-operative Land Development Bank. Ramdayal Munda Ramdayal Munda, Rajya Sabha member, died of cancer at the Apollo Hospital.He was 72. Born in 1939 at Diuri village, Mr. Munda completed his education from Ranchi University in 1957. He was also a Padma Shri recipient. Mr. Munda took his Ph.D from the University of Chicago.He wrote a number of books on tribals issues. His political life started when he joined Jharkhand Vikas Dal as president.He later joined the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and moved to the Congress and became a member of its Working Committee. Vishnudutt Nagar Noted economist Vishnudutt Nagar passed away after suffering a heart attack at the ager of 82. Nagar was born on December 16, 1930 at Chanchoda in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district. He played a prominent role in the establishment of an economics department at the Vikram University at Ujjain. Nagars analytic columns on the general budget in national dailies were well received. K H Ranganath Veteran Congress leader and former Karnataka minister K H Ranganath who was suffering from kidney disorder died in Bangalore on 18 october 2011. Ranganath, a six term
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MLA from Hiriyura assembly constituency in Chitradurga district, was also a Lok Sabha member from Chitradurga during 1984-89. He had served in the ministries of late D Devaraj Urs, Bangarappa and S M Krishna.Ranganath was also the speaker of the Karnataka state assembly.
spectrum controversy involved officials in the government of India illegally undercharging mobile telephony companies for frequency allocation licenses, which they would use to create 2G subscriptions for cell phones. Sanjeev Bhatt The suspended IPS officer, Sanjeev Bhatt, who had implicated Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 post-Godhra riots, was arrested here on Friday after a constable filed an FIR against him.However,later court granted him bail and he released from the jail. Yulia Tymoshenko The legal team of the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, will next week file an appeal against her seven-year jail sentence, said one of her lawyers on Wednesday. The opposition leader has claimed the decision to jail her for exceeding her powers in a gas deal with Russia in 2009 was ordered by President Viktor Yanukovych and the conviction sparked international outrage. A judge found Ms. Tymoshenko guilty of exceeding her authority in 2009 by making the state energy company sign a 10-year gas import deal with Russia that was overly advantageous to Moscow.The court rules that Y.V. Tymoshenko intentionally used her powers to criminal ends, he said. The court finds her guilty and sentences her to seven years in prison. Jack Warner A video showing former FIFA vicepresident Jack Warner telling Caribbean officials how to deal with cash gifts from Mohamed bin Hammam was published by a British newspaper on Wednesday. The Daily
ACCUSED
Julian Assange WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange lost his appeal in the High Court here against attempts to extradite him to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault brought by two women.The court upheld a magistrates ruling in February this year that he be extradited.The verdict was greeted with outrage by rights activists, who had gathered outside the court in large numbers to demand his freedom. They had fixed to the courts iron railings banners reading: Free Assange! Free Manning! End the wars.Mr. Assange, who denies the allegations and believes that the case is politically motivated, said he was considering his next steps. He would remain on bail under the same highly restrictive conditions that were imposed when he was arrested in November last year on a Europeanwide Swedish warrant. Niira Radia Niira Radia,Corporate lobbyist and provider of public relations services for the Tata group and Reliance Industries announced her exit from the business of communication consultancy. She cited her personal priorities of family and health behind taking the decision after much consideration.Niira Radia had been in news related to the 2G controversy in the recent past when leaked tapes of her conversations appeared in the media. The 2G
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Telegraph posted footage of a May 11 meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) on its website, which shows Warner advising delegates how to handle cash offered by bin Hammam ahead of his ill-fated FIFA election bid. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) chief Bin Hammam was later banned for life amid claims Caribbean officials had been paid $40,000 each at the meeting. In the video, Warner can be heard telling CFU delegates he had not been in favour of bin Hammam offering money at the meeting. Mahipal Maderna Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Mahipal Maderna was dropped from the Cabinet on 16 October 2011 after an official recommendation sent to the Raj Bhavan for his dismissal. He was dismissed in the wake of allegations about his involvement in a case of mysterious disappearance of an auxiliary nurse midwife, Bhanwari Devi.Maderna, son of powerful Jat leader and Congress veteran Parasram Maderna could not be persuaded to put in his papers, following which Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot decided to recommend his sacking to the Governor. The State government announced his removal a day before a habeas corpus writ petition filed by Bhanwari Devis husband comes up for the next hearing in the Rajasthan High Court.Maderna figures as an accused in the first information report registered for rape, kidnap and murder of Bhanwari Devi, 36, who has been missing from Jaliwada village in Jodhpur district since 1 September 2011. Maderna faces charges under Sections 376 (rape), 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.Later he was arrested and sent to jail.
Arunkumar The Kerala High Court upheld the government decisions to order a Vigilance investigation into various allegations levelled against V.A. Arunkumar, son of Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan, and withdraw an earlier order referring to the Lok Ayukta a complaint against him..Mr. Arunkumar, who was the Additional Director of the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD), pointed out that the allegations were raised by then Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy on the eve of the Assembly elections. Yasin Malik Violence broke out in Maisuma here after the police detained JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik for taking out a rally against the death sentence awarded to Afzal Guru. Hasan Ali The Supreme Court quashed the bail granted to Pune stud-farm owner Hasan Ali Khan by the Bombay High Court in a money laundering case on August 12.
and Rabindra Sangeets. Apart from Hindi, she has sung in over 20 Indian and foreign languages.The World Records Academy, an international organization which certifies world records, recognised her as the Most Recorded Artist in the world, in September 2009.The Government of India honoured her with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Oxford Scholarship A Delhi University graduate, Hem Borker, has become the 50th Indian student to win the prestigious Clarendon Fund scholarship to study at Oxford.Ms. Borker, whose research will examine Muslim identity, gender and madrassa education, said it had always been her dream to study at Oxford.
VARIOUS
Namma Metro Bangaloreans long wait for a date with Namma Metro is finally over with Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath launched the commercial services on Reach 1 between Byappanahalli and M.G. Road on October 20.Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) got the green signal from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety. As per the original schedule, Reach 1 should have been ready by March 2010. However, the dates were postponed to December 2010, March 2011 and April 2011, by which time both BMRCL as well as the Government stopped announcing fresh deadlines. Panel Moots Helipads in Sabarimala Justice M.R. Hariharan Nair Commission, which inquired into the
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HONOUR
Asha Bhosle Legendary Bollywood playback singer Asha Bhosle on 20 October 2011 entered the Guinness World Records for the most number of single studio recordings. Asha recorded up to 11000 solo, duets and chorus backed songs and several others in over 20 Indian languages since 1947.The 78-year-old was conferred with the Guinness honour at the Asian awards function held in London. Bhosles work includes film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis,
Pulmedu stampede in Sabarimala, has recommended that the government regulate traffic through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, prohibit sale of food and construct helipads at Sabarimala. The stampede, which occurred on January 14, 2011, while pilgrims were ascending the hillock, claimed 102 lives. Herald Cable Network HCN [Herald Cable Network] caught offering to publish scripted political interview as news for Rs. 86,400. In the conversations, the marketing manager appears to confirm that Raymond DSa [an aspiring candidate from Cortalim in south Goa] paid Rs. 2 lakh to get his interview carried in the Herald of October 20, the morning of the conversation. Paid news is no stranger to Goa, only this time its drawing unfriendly attention. Those are excerpts from recorded conversations between Tulshidas Desai, marketing manager of OHeraldO (the Herald) and Goabased journalist Mayabhushan Nagvenkar.The journalist was pulling off a sting posing as Bernard Costa, a would-be candidate in the States Assembly polls to be held early next year. Tawakkul Karman Tawakkul Karman is known among Yemenis as the iron woman and the mother of the revolution, a mother of three who has long been an activist for human rights and whose arrest in January helped detonate a mass uprising against the authoritarian regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. For the past eight months, the 32-year-old has been at the forefront of the daily protests by hundreds of thousands in the streets of Sanaa and other Yemeni cities, demanding Salehs ouster and the creation of a democratic government.
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Dr. B. G. Sidharth This year s Nobel Prize in physics went to three astronomers for their work demonstrating that dark energy was propelling expansion of the universe at ever-increasing speeds. An Indian physicist claims that he had proposed a similar theory a year before the three astronomers first announced their results in 1998.Dr B. G. Sidharth, director general of B. M. Birla Science Centre, had proposed the dark energy model at the seventh Marcel Grossman Conference in Jerusalem in June 1997, and at another conference on quantum physics in Singapore a year later. His research paper titled The Universe of Fluctuations was published in International Journal of Modern Physics in 1998.Sidharth asserts that it was only after his paper was published that the other researchers got their findings published. My theory was based on physics and mathematical calculations. The mathematical model that I followed is called fluctuational cosmology. On the other hand, the model proposed by the Nobel winners was based on observational findings while studying a supernova, he said. Prashant Bhushan Senior lawyer and Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan was violently attacked by activists of the Shri Ram Sena and a previously unknown outfit, Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena, in his chamber located opposite the heavily guarded Supreme Court premises on Bhagwan Dass Road here on Wednesday. The organisations claimed that the assault was in retaliation for his recent statement on Jammu and Kashmir, purportedly supporting the demand for withdrawal of security forces and a referendum to gauge public opinion.
Inder Verma & Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga Attackers on Prashant Bhushan were identified as Inder Verma, president of Shri Ram Senas Delhi unit. He purportedly revealed the name of another assailant as Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, president of the Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena.Tajinder had earlier disrupted Arundhati Roys book release, climbed on the bonnet of a car in which Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had arrived at the Foreign Correspondents Club recently, and had once tried to disrupt Syed Ali Shah Geelanis speech at a seminar in the Capital, said a police officer. Bhanwari Devi The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case in the alleged abduction of Bhanwari Devi, a resident of Berunda in Rajasthans Jodhpur district.The case, registered on Tuesday at the request of the State government, has sparked a controversy, with allegations having been levelled against a State Minister. The case relates to the alleged abduction of Bhanwari Devi, a folk singer, who left for Bilada on September 1 by bus for collecting the payment for her car sold to a person of Tilbasni. Her husband tried to locate her by making repeated calls on her cellphone, but she was untraceable. Irom Sharmila Irom Sharmila Chanu known as the Iron Lady of Manipur or Menghoubi (the fair one) is a civil rights activist, political activist, and poet from the Indian state of Manipur. Since 2 November 2000, she has been on hunger strike to demand that the Indian government repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), which she blames for violence in
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Manipur and other parts of Indias northeast.She was awarded the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, which is given for an outstanding person or group, active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights. She shared the award with Lenin Raghuvanshi of Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, a northeastern Indian human rights organization. In Addition the largest monetary prize the first Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize was given to her in 2010 by the New Delhi IIPM. She was awarded the Sarva Gunah Sampannah Award for Peace and Harmony aka the 12th Signature Women of Substance award (Assam) also in 2010. she is the recipient of the first Mayillama Award (Kerala). in 2010 she was awarded in absentia a lifetime achievement award in Bangalore. Worlds Cheapest Computer Cum Access Device, Aakash The Worlds cheapest computer cum access device, Aakash was launched. Aakash is a part of the Indian Governments National Mission on Educations Sakshat Project. It is one of the main agendas of the Mission which aimed to link all higher education institutions in India. Aakash has three fold purpose of access, equity and quality. It is designed to revolutionize the education system in the country. Open source materials from IITs are to be created by Aakash. The governments endeavour is to ensure that every student in any part India has access to technology and they can access lectures. The software for the tablet was developed indigenously by the Indian Institute of Technology, Rajasthan. The device is seven inch touch screen, equipped with wi-fi Internet, media player, 3 hours battery power and several other
multimedia applications. This device is to be sold only through colleges and universities. Shanti Tigga Another barrier has been broken in the Army with a mother of two becoming the first woman jawan.Outperforming her male counterparts in the physical tests, 35year-old Sapper Shanti Tigga joined the 969 Railway Engineer Regiment of Territorial Army (TA).Employed with the Railways as a points-man and posted at Chalsa station in West Bengals Jalpaiguri district, Tigga volunteered for the TA last year. Arjun Vajpayee After an ascent of Mount Everest, 18year-old Arjun Vajpayee, on Tuesday scaled the 8,163-m-high Mount Manaslu in the western Himalayas. He is the youngest person to have climbed three 8,000-m peaks. Fauza Singh Fauja Singh, a 100-year-old runner of Indian-origin, has set a Guinness record of being the oldest person to complete a full-distance marathon here. It took Mr. Singh over eight hours to cross the finish line, more than six hours after Kenyas Kenneth Mungara won the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday for the fourth straight year. Mr. Singh was the last competitor to complete the course but entered the Guinness Book of World Records. He accomplished the amazing feat, becoming the oldest person ever to complete a full-distance 42-kilometre marathon. Mr. Singh, who only speaks Punjabi, also surprised himself. He said he had set a goal of finishing the race in about nine hours.
Tagore in Lausanne President Pratibha Patil with her Swiss counterpart, Micheline Calmy-Rey, after unveiling a bronze bust of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland on Tuesday. Ms. Patil described Tagore as a goodwill ambassador of modern India. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University to establish Rabindranath Tagore Chair on Indian Studies that will begin with the teaching of Hindi. Timothy Walsh Timothy Walsh, author of the controversial superbug study published last year in British medical journal The Lancet said he was unapologetic about his work but surprised at the reaction it had provoked from the Indian government and media.Professor Walsh, who presented a paper on the NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1), the drug-resistant gene which he named after New Delhi after tracing it to hospitals in India, at the 1st Global Forum on Bacterial Infections, said: I was chiefly responsible for naming the gene as NDM-1 and I am profoundly unapologetic about it.
BOOKS
Looking Back Into the Future: Identity & Insurgency in Northeast India Looking Back Into the Future: Identity & Insurgency in Northeast India, by M.S. Prabhakara, veteran journalist and former Special Correspondent of The Hindu and Frontline in South Africa and northeast India was released.The book, simultaneously published in the United Kingdom by Routledge, an imprint of
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the Taylor & Francis Group, is an initiative of the think tank OKDISCD. It consists of a selection of essays, edit page articles and reports by Dr. Prabhakara written in The Hindu , Frontline , Economic and Political Weekly on questions of identity, ethnicity, sovereignty and insurgency in the northeast over the past three and a half decades. Pages from the Past A Journalist Looks Back Pages from the Past A journalist looks back, a compilation of articles by veteran journalist K. P. Srivastava written over past five decades, was released here on Wednesday.Mr. Srivastava, who retired as Chief Editor from the Press Trust of India (PTI) in 1987, had also served as Information Adviser to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. Releasing the book at Press Club of India here, veteran journalist and columnist Inder Malhotra said Mr. Srivastavas keen observations as a political analyst provide a deep insight into the politics of the Nehru era. Mr. Srivastava, now in his mid-80s, has recollected his days as a journalist covering political developments from the time of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru till the advent of coalition era in Indian politics. Rival Prize For more than 30 years, the Booker Prize (renamed Man Booker after its takeover by the Man Group) has enjoyed near cult status in much of the English-speaking world but on Thursday a group of prominent British
writers, literary agents and critics announced a rival prize, The Literature Prize, amid a growing and ill-tempered row over the quality of this years Booker shortlist which has been criticised for favouring readability over literary merit.The prize, to be launched next year, promises to recognise the best novel written in the English language and published in the U.K. in a given year regardless of the nationality of the writer unlike the Booker which is restricted to writers from the Commonwealth countries. Of a Certain Age: Twenty Life Sketches A fresh offering on the lives of 20 great personalities titled Of a Certain Age: Twenty Life Sketches penned by former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi was released by Penguin Books India in New Delhi. Social activist and National Advisory Council member Aruna Roy unveiled the first copy of the book and presented it to National Commission for Minorities chairperson Wajahat Habibullah.The book carved out the lives of prominent personalities ranging from Jayaprakash Narayan to Jyoti Basu, K. R. Narayanan to R. Venkataraman to Pupul Jayakar, Mahatma Gandhi to the Dalai Lama. M. S. Subbulakshmi was another character who found mention in the book. Controversially Yours Former Pakistani Cricketer Shoaib Akhtars autobiography, Controversially Yours was launched.In the book,
the temparamental Pakistan speedster questioned the abilities of some of the Indias batting stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar and rahul Dravid. He accused Tendulkar of being scared to face his scorching pace on a slow Faisalabad track. He claimed that Tendulkar and Dravid were not match-winners nor did they know the art of finishing games.Akhtar also spoke at length about politics in Pakistan Cricket Board. He took a dig at two former captains Wasim Akram and Shoaib Malik.The 36-year-old Akhtar, who had scalped 178 wickets in 46 Test and 247 I wickets in 163 ODIs, said that Tendulkar and Dravid who have together conjured over 56,000 international runs (over 33,000 by Tendulkar and over 23,000 by Dravid) are not match winners. Julian Assanges Unauthorised Autobiography The WikiLeaks founder founder Julian Assanges unauthorised autobiography was released by publishers Canongate. Copies of the unauthorised autobiography of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange are placed on display for sale in a bookstore in Edinburgh, Scotland on 22 September 2011. The unauthorised autobiography was released amid heavy secrecy to stop the author from seeking an injunction to block publication.The book is based on an early 70000-word draft of the manuscript written by Assange with the novelist Andrew OHagan and was shown to the publishers in March 2011.
72
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SOLVED PAPER
SSC GRADUATE LEVEL TIER-II EXAM

PAPER-I: ARITHMETICAL ABILITY Held on: 04-09-2011
1. In division sum, the divisor is 4 times the quotient and twice the remainder. If a and b are respectively the divisor and the divided, then (A)
4a - a 2 =3 a
(B) (c) (D)
4b - 2a a2 (a + 1)2 = 4b
8. A can do a piece of work in 24 days, B in 52 days and C in 64 days. All being to do it together, but A leaves after 6 days and B leaves 6 days before the completion of the work. How many days did the work last? (A) 15 (B) 20 (C) 18 (D) 30 9. The square root of
(0.75) 3 + [0.75 + (0.75) 2 + 1] 1 - 0.75
of 30%. If it is sold at the marked price, profit percent will be (A) 10% (B) 20%
1 (D) 16 % 3 A cistern has 3 pipes A, B and C. A and B call fill it in 3 and hours respectively, and C can empty it in 1 hour. If the pipes are opened at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively on the same day, the cistern will be empty at (A) 7 : 12 p.m. (B) 7 : 15 p.m. (C) 7 : 10 p.m. (D) 7 : 18 p.m. If A works alone, he would take 4 days more to complete the job than if both A and B worked together. If B worked alone, he would take 16 days more to complete the job than if A and B work together. How many days would they take to complete the work if both of them worked together? (A) 10 days (B) 12 days (C) 6 days (D) 8 days 250 men can finish a work in 20 days working 5 hours a day. To finish the work within 10 days working 8 hours a day, the minimum number of men required is (A) 310 (B) 300 (C) 313 (D) 312 2 men and 5 women can be a work in 12 days. 5 men and 2 women can do that work in 9 days. Only 3 women can finish the same work in (A) 36 days (B) 21 days (C) 30 days (D) 42 days
(C)
16
2 % 3
14.
a (a + 2) =4 b 2. If 738A6A is divisible by 11, then the value of A is (A) 6 (B) 3 (C) 9 (D) 1 3. The product of two numbers is 1575 and their quotient is 9/7. Then the sum of the number is (A) 74 (B) 78 (C) 80 (D) 90 4. The value of (A) (C) 5. 3 9
(81)3.6 (9) 2.7 is (81) 4.2 (3)
is (A) 1 (C) 3 10. Given that
(B) 2 (D) 4
15.
(B) 6 (D) 8.2
6 + 6 + 6 + .... is equal to
4096+ 40.96+ 0.004096 is (A) 70.4 (B) 70.464 (C) 71.104 (D) 71.4 11. The least positive integer that should be subtracted from 3011 3012 so that the different is a perfect square is (A) 3009 (B) 2010 (C) 3011 (D) 3012 12. P, Q, R are employed to do a work for Rs. 5750. P and Q together finished 19 of work AND Q and 23
16.
(A) 2 (B) 5 (C) 4 (D) 3 6. The sum of the squares to two natural consecutive odd numbers is 394. The sum of the numbers is (A) 24 (B) 32 (C) 40 (D) 28 7. When (67th + 67) is divided by 68, the remainder is (A) 1 (B) 63 (C) 66 (D) 67
74
8 of work. 23 Wage of Q, in rupees, is (A) 2850 (B) 3750 (C) 2750 (D) 1000 13. While selling, a businessman allows 40% discount on the marked price and there is a loss R togethr finished
17.
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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs 18. By selling an article at

3 th of the 4
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
marked price, there is a gain of 25%. The ratio of the marked price and the cost price is (A) 5 : 3 (B) 3 : 5 (C) 3 : 4 (D) 4 : 3 A and B earn in the ratio 2 : 1. They spend in the ratio 5 : 3 and save in the ratio 4 : 1. If the total monthly savings of both A and B are Rs. 5,000, the monthly income of B is (A) Rs. 7,000 (B) Rs. 14,000 (C) Rs. 5,000 (D) Rs. 10,000 The ratio of the sum of two numbers and their difference is 5 : 1. The ratio of the greater number to the smaller number is (A) 2 : 3 (B) 3 : 2 (C) 5 : 1 (D) 1 : 5 Successive discounts of 10%, 20% will be equivalent to a single discount is (A) 36% (B) 64% (C) 80% (D) 56% A retailer offers the following discount scheme for buyers on an article. I. Two successive discounts of 10%. II. A discount of 12% follows by a discount of 8%. III. Successive discounts of 15% and 5%. IV A discount of 20%. . The selling price will be minimum under the scheme. (A) I (B) II (C) III (D) IV A mixture contains 80% acid and rest water. Part of the mixture that should be removed and replaced by the same amount of water to make the ratio of acid and water 4 : 3 is (A) (C)
1 rd 3
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
(B)
3 th 7
2 2 rd (D) th 3 7 24. An employer reduces the number of his employees in the ration 9 :
30.
8 and increases their wages in the ration 14 : 15. If the original wage was Rs, 18,900, find the ratio in which the wage bill is decreased. (A) 20 : 21 (B) 21 : 20 (C) 20 : 19 (D) 19 : 21 The batting average for 40 innings of a cricketer is 50 runs. His highest score by 172 runs. If these two innings are excluded, the average of the remaining 38 innings is 48 runs. The highest score of the player is (A) 165 (B) 170 (C) 172 (D) 174 A and B are two alloys of gold and copper prepared by mixing metals in the ratio 7 : 2 and 7 : 11 respectively. If equal quantities of the alloys are melted to form a third alloy C, the ratio of gold and copper in C will be (A) 5 : 7 (B) .5 : 9 (C) 7 : 5 (D) 9 : 5 In a laboratory, two bottles contain mixture of acid and water in the ratio 2 : 5 in the first bottle and 7 : 3 in the second. The ratio in which the contents of these two bottles be mixed such that the new mixture has acid and water in the ratio 2 : 3 is (A) 4 : 15 (B) 9 : 8 (C) 21 : 8 (D) 1 : 2 The average the three numbers is 154. The first number is twice the second and the second number is twice the third. The first number is (A) 264 (B) 132 (C) 88 (D) 66 The average salary of all the staff in an office of a corporate house is Rs. 5,000. The average salary of the officers is Rs. 14,000 and that of the rest is Rs. 4,000. If the total number of staff is 500, the number of officers is (A) 10 (B) 15 (C) 25 (D) 50 The average marks of 40 students in an English exam is 72. Later it is found that three marks 64, 62 and 84 were wrongly entered as
68, 65 and 73. The average after mistakes were rectified is (A) 70 (B) 72 (C) 71.9 (D) 72.1 31. Of three numbers, the second is thrice the first and the third number is three-fourth of the first. If the average of the three numbers is 114, the largest number is (A) 72 (B) 216 (C) 354 (D) 726 1 32. A car covers of the distance 5 from A to B at the speed at 8 km/ 1 of the distance at 25 km 10 per hour and the remaining at the speed of 20 km per hour. Find the average speed of the whole journey. (A) 12.625 km/hr (B) 13.625 km/hr (C) 14.625 km/hr (D) 15.625 km/hr A jar contains 10 red marbles and 30 green ones. How many red marbles must be added to the jar so that 60% of the marbles will be red? (A) 25 (B) 30 (C) 35 (D) 40 If a number multiplied by 25% of itself gives a number which is 200% more than the number, then the number is (A) 12 (B) 16 (C) 20 (D) 24 The value on an article depreciates every year at the rate of 10% of its value. If the present value of the article is Rs. 729, then its worth 3 years ago was (A) Rs. 1250 (B) Rs. 1000 (C) Rs. 1125 (D) Rs. 1200 The price of onions has been increased by 50%. In order to keep the expenditure on onions the same the percentage of reduction in consumption has to be 1 (A) 50% (B) 33 % 3 (C) 33% (D) 30% hr,
75
33.
34.
35.
36.
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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs 37. Walking at 3 km per hour, Pintu reaches his school 5 minutes late. If he walks at 4 km per hour he will be 5 minutes late. If he walks at 4 km per hour he will be 5 minutes early. The distance of Pintus school from his house is (A) 1 1 km 2
1 2 km 2
43. A fruit-seller buys x guava for Rs. y and sells y guavas for Rs. x. If x > y, the he made (A) (B)
x 2 - y2 % loss xy x 2 - y2 % gain xy x 2 - y2 % loss y2 x 2 - y2 % gain y2
(B) 2 km (C)
(A) 2 : 9 : 2 (B) 4 : 9 : 1 (C) 4 : 27 : 2 (D) 2 : 3 : 1 49. A motor-boat can travel at 10 km/ hour in still water. It travelled 91 km downstream in a river and then returned to the same place, taking altogether 20 hours. Find the rate of flow of river. (A) 3 km/hour (B) 4 km/hour (C) 2 km/hour (D) 5 km/hour 50. A man driving at
3 th of his 4
(C)
(D) 5 km (D)
38. Nitin bought some organs at Rs. 40 a dozen and an equal number at Rs. 30 a dozen. He sold them at Rs. 45 a dozen and made a profit of Rs. 480. The number of organs, he bought, was (A) 48 (B) 60 (C) 72 (D) 84 39. A man buys two chairs for a total cost of Rs. 900. By selling one for 4 4 of its cost and the other for 5 5 or its cost, he makes a profit of Rs. 90 on the whole transaction. The cost of the lower priced chair is (A) Rs. 360 (B) Rs. 400 (C) Rs. 420 (D) Rs. 300 40. By selling 100 oranges, a vendor gains the selling price of 20 oranges. His gain percent is (A) 20 (B) 25 (C) 30 (D) 32 41. 60% of the cost price of an article is equal to 50% of its selling price. Then the percentage of profit or loss on the cost price is 2 % 3 (C) 20% profit (D) 10% loss 42. Maninder bought two horses at Rs. 40,000 each. He sold one horse at 15% gain, but had to sell the second horse at a loss. If he had suffered a loss of Rs. 3,600 on the whole transaction, then the selling price of the second horse is (A) Rs. 30,000 (B) Rs. 30,200 (C) Rs. 30,300 (D) Rs. 30,400 (A) 20% loss (B) 16
76
44. If the simple interest on Rs. x at a rate of a% for m years is same as that on Rs y at a rate of a2% for m2 years, then x : y is equal to (A) m : a (B) am : 1 1 1 1 : :1 (D) m a am 45. A took two loans altogether for Rs. 1200 from B an C. B claimed 14% simple interest per annum, while C claimed 15% per annum. The total interest paid by A in one year was Rs. 172. Then, A borrowed (A) Rs. 800 from C (B) Rs. 625 from C (C) Rs. 400 from B (D) Rs. 800 from B 46. If a regular polygon has each of (C) its angles equal to
3 times of 5
51.
52.
two right angles, then the number of sides is (A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 8 47. A square is of area 200 sq. m. A new square is formed in such a way that the length of its diagonal of the given square. Then the area of the new square formed is (A)
200 2 sq.m.(B)
53.
400 2 sq.m. (C) 400 sq.m. (D) 800 sq.m. 48. The heights of a cone, cylinder and hemisphere and equal. If their radii are in the ratio 2:3:1, then the ratio of the their volumes is
54.
55.
original speed reaches his destination 20 minutes later than the usual time. Then the usual time is (A) 45 minutes (B) 60 minutes (C) 48 minutes (D) 120 minutes A motor boat, travelling at the same speed, can cover 25 km in 8 hours. At the same speed, it can travel 35 km upstream and 52 km downstream in 11 hours. The speed of the steam is (A) 2 km/hr (B) 2 km/hr (C) 4 km/hr (D) 5 km/hr If a sum of money placed at compound interest, compound annually, doubles itself in 5 years, then the same amount of money will be 8 times of itself in (A) 25 years (B) 20 years (C) 15 years (D) 10 years A person has left an amount of Rs. 1,20,000 to be divided between his two songs ages 14 years and 12 years such that they get equal amounts when each attains 18 years of age. If the amount gets a simple interest of 5% per annum, the younger sons share at percent is (A) Rs. 48,800 (B) Rs. 57,600 (C) Rs. 62,400 (D) Rs. 84,400 If a2 + b2 + c2 = 2(a b c) 3, then the value of (a b + c) is (A) -1 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) -2 If x2 + 3x + 1 = 0, then the value of 1 x 3 + 3 is x
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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs (A) -18 (B) 18 (C) 36 (D) -36 56. If xa.xb.xc = 1 then the value of a3 + b3 + c3 is (A) 9 (B) abc (C) a + b + c (D) 3abc 57. Base of a right pyramid is a square, length of diagonal of the base is 24 2 m. If the volume of the pyramid is 1728 cu.m. its height is (A) 7 m (B) 8 m (C) 9 m (D) 10 m 58. The height of a right circular cone and the radius of its circular base are respectively 9 cm and 3 cm. The cone is cut by a plane parallel to its base so as to divide it into two parts. The volume of the frustum (i.e., the lover part) of the cone is 44 cubic cm. The radius of the upper circular surface of the frustum (taking = (A) (C)
3
surface areas of the two parts are equal, then the ratio of radius and height of its conical part is (A) 1 : 3 (B) 1 : 1 (C) 3 :1 (D) 1: 3
(A) (C)
3 0
(B) 2 (D) 1
70. If a 4 + a 2 b2 + b4 =8 and a2 + ab 2 + b2 = 4, then the value of ab is (A) -1 (B) 0 (C) 2 (D) 1 71. If a = 25, b = 15, c = 10, then the value of
a 3 +b3 +c3 -3abc is (a-b) 2 +(b-c) 2 +(c-a) 2
63. Base of a right prism is an equilateral triangle of side 6 cm. If the volume of the prism is
108 3 cc. its height is (A) 9 cm (B) 10 cm (C) 11 cm (D) 12 cm
64. If a +
1 + 2 = 0, then the value a
37 of a -
1 a100
(A) 30 (B) 15 (C) -30 (D) 15 72. A, B, C are three points on a circle. The tangent at A meets BC produced at T, BTA = 40 o, CAT = 44 o . The angle subtended by BC at the centre of the circle is (A) 84o (B) 92o o (C) 96 (D) 104o 73. If the length of a chord of a circle at a distance of 12 cm from the centre is 10 cm, then the diameter of the circle is (A) 13 cm (B) 15 cm (C) 26 cm (D) 30 cm 74. In ABC, P and Q are the middle points of the sides AB and AC respectively. R is a point on the segment PQ such that PR : RQ = 1 : 2. If PR = 2cm. then BC = (A) 4 cm (B) 2 cm (C) 12 cm (D) 6 cm 75. If O is the circumventer of ABC OBC = 35 o, BAC is equal to (A) 55o (B) (C) 70o (D) 76. If I is the incentre of and 135o, then then the 110o 35o ABC and ABC is
is
(A) 0 (B) -2 (C) 1 (D) 2 65. The value of k for which the graph of (k 1) x + y 2 = 0 and (2 k) x 3y + 1) = 0 are parallel is 1 1 (B) 2 2 (C) 2 (D) -2 66. The length of a shadow of a (A) vertical tower is 1 times its 3
22 ) is 7
13 cm
12 cm
(B)
(D) 3 20 cm 6 cm 59. The ratio of radii of two right circular cylinders is 2 : 3 and their heights are in the ratio 5 : 4. The ratio of their curved surface area is (A) 5 : 6 (B) 3 : 4 (C) 4 : 5 (D) 2 : 3 60. A solid cylinder has total surface area of 462 sq. cm. Curved surface
3
height. The angle of elevation of the Sun is (A) 30o (B) 45o o (C) 60 (D) 90o 67. The graph of x + 2y = 3 and 3x 2y = 1 meet the Y-axis at two points having distance (A) (C)
8 units 3 4 (B) units 3
1 area is red of its the cylinder 3
is (A) 530 cm3 (B) 536 cm3 (C) 539 cm3 (D) 545 cm3 61. A cylinder and a cone have equal radii of their bases and equal heights. If their curved surface areas are in the ratio 8 : 5, the ratio of their radius and height is (A) 1 : 2 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 2 : 3 (D) 3 : 4 62. A solid is hemispherical at the bottom and conical above. If the
1 unit
(D) 2 units
68. If x +
1 = 1 , then the value 16x 1 is 64x 3
3 of 64x +
(A) 4 (B) 52 (C) 64 (D) 76 69. If a, b, c are three non-zero real numbers such that a + b + c = 0, and b2 ca, then the value of
a 2 + b 2 + c2 is b 2 - ca
BIC = (A) acute angled (B) equilateral (C) right angled (D) obtuse angled 77. If sin2 + sin2 , then the value of cos (A) (C) 1 0 + is 2 (B) -1 (D) 0.5
77
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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs 78. The value of cot

3 cot cot 20 20
5 7 9 cot cot is 20 20 20
(A) (C)
-1 0
1 2 (D) 1 (B) 17 ,0< < 13
82. The ratio of sales in 2002 to that in 2007 is (A) 2 : 3 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 1 : 1 (D) 3 : 2 83. Average sale (in crore of Rs.) of the company during the period 2003 2007 is (A) 5.8 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 5.5
84. The percentage increase in sales in the year 2005 with respect to the previous year is (A) 80 (B) 100 (C) 120 (D) 150 85. Total sales (in crore of Rs.) from 2005 to 2008 is (A) 17 (B) 27 (C) 22 (D) 31
79. If sin + cos =
90o, then the value of sin cos is (A)

5 17
Directions (86-90: The following table shows the number of students of 7 college participating in extra curricular activities:
(B)
3 19
(C)
7 10
(D)
7 13
80. If tan .tan2 = 1, then the value of sin22 + tan22 is equal to (A)
3 4
Read the table and answer question 96 to 90.

86. The different of the range of number of students in activity IV and the average of number of students in activity III per college is (A) 111 (B) 153 (C) 104 (D) 217 87. Percentage of the number of students in activity II to that of IV is (A) 37 (B) 42 (C) 48 (D) 50 88. The college in which minimum number of students particular in extra curricular activities is (A) 540 (B) 229 (C) 153 (D) 75 89. The college in which minimum number of students participate in extra curricular activities is (A) D (B) G (C) F (D) A 90. The ratio of total number of students in II and I is (A) 1 : 2 (B) 9 : 20 (C) 19 : 7 (D) 21 : 10
Study the pie-chart carefully and answer the questions from 91 to 95.
(B)
10 3 3 3 4 (D) 3
Wheat
Barley Jowar Bajra
72o 72
o
Rice
(C)
Directions (81-85): The following line diagram represents the yearly sales figure of a company in the years 2001 1010. Examine the diagram and answer the question 81 to 85.
10 9
36o 18o 18o 45o

Maize
99o
Others
Sales in crores of rupees
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20092010
Yeras
81. By what percent did the sales in 2008 decrease in comparison to the sales in 2006? (A) 20 (B) 18 2 2 (C) 16 (D) 15 3 3
78
Directions (91 95): The pie-chart provided below gives the distribution of land (in a village) under various food crops.
91. If the total area under bajra was three hundred acres, then the total area (in hundred acres) under rice and barley together is (A) 18 (B) 12 (C) 15 (D) 20 92. The combination of three crops which contribute to more than 50% of the total area under the food crops is (A) Wheat, rice and maize (B) wheat, rice and jowar (C) wheat, rice and bajra (D) rice, barley and maize 93. The ratio of the land used for rice and barley is (A) 3 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 2 : 1 (D) 3 : 2
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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs 94. If 10% of the land reserved for rice be distributed to wheat and barley in the ratio 2 : 1, then the angle corresponding to wheat in the new pie-chart will be (A) 38.4o (B) 76.8o o (C) 75.6 (D) 45.5o 95. If the production of rice is 5 times that of jowar and the production of jowar is 2 times that of bazra, then the ratio between the yield per acre of rice and bazra is (A) 5 : 1 (B) 3 : 1 (C) 4 : 1 (D) 6 : 1 Directions (96 100): The bar graph provided below represents the production of rice and wheat in different states of a country in the certain year. Answer questions 96 to 100 based on the bar graph.
16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Rice Wheat
C
States
96. The total production of rice and wheat in all the mentioned states in minimum in the state (A) B (B) C (C) D (D) E 97. The ratio of total production of rice in the mentioned states to that of wheat in those states, is
(A) 15 : 16 (B) 12 : 13 (C) 13 : 14 (D) 14 : 15 98. The difference between the production in rice and wheat is maximum in (A) A only (B) All of A, B and E (C) B and E both (D) A and B both 99. The state which is the largest producer of rice is (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D 100. The average of production of rice in the mentioned states (in lakh tonnes) is (A) 5 : 5 (B) 5 : 6 (C) 5 : 7 (D) 5 : 8
P ro du ctio n (in lakh to nn e s)
ANSWERS
1. (D) 11. (C) 21. (B) 31. (B) 41. (C) 51. (C) 61. (D) 71. (D) 81. (C) 91. (A) 2. (C) 12. (D) 22. (D) 32. (D) 42. (D) 52. (C) 62. (D) 72. (D) 82. (C) 92. (A) 3. (C) 13. (C) 23. (D) 33. (C) 43. (D) 53. (B) 63. (D) 73. (C) 83. (A) 93. (C) 4. (C) 14. (A) 24. (B) 34. (A) 44. (B) 54. (C) 64. (B) 74. (C) 84. (D) 94. (B) 5. (D) 15. (D) 25. (D) 35. (B) 45. (D) 55. (A) 65. (A) 75. (A) 85. (B) 95. (*) 6. (D) 16. (C) 26. (C) 36. (B) 46. (B) 56. (D) 66. (C) 76. (C) 86. (C) 96. (C) 7. (C) 17. (A) 27. (C) 37. (B) 47. (C) 57. (C) 67. (D) 77. (C) 87. (D) 97. (D) 8. (*) 18. (A) 28. (A) 38. (A) 48. (C) 58. (B) 68. (B) 78. (D) 88. (C) 98. (D) 9. (B) 19. (A) 29. (D) 39. (D) 49. (A) 59. (A) 69. (B) 79. (D) 89. (A) 99. (B) 10. (B) 20. (B) 30. (D) 40. (B) 50. (B) 60. (C) 70. (D) 80. (C) 90. (B) 100.(B)
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79
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Civil Services Mentor November 2011 WWW - Upscportal

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UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs Vol. - Price : Rs.

UPSCPORTAL Current Affairs : http://upscportal.com/civilservices/current-affairs