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PD-OCTOBER-2013

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NATION
INS Vikrant Launched: nations that can design and build 40,000 tonne aircraft carriers. The Indian Navy acquired its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant in 1961 and played a decisive role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It was decommissioned in January 1997. Prithvi-II Training Launch Successful: -capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile, Prithvi-II was successfully test fired for its full strike range of 350 km from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off Odisha coast.Inducted into the SFC in 2003, Prithvi-II , the first missile to be developed by defence research and development organisation (DRDO) under the prestigious integrated guided missile development programme(IGMDP), is now a proven technology. Nag Evaluation Trials Conducted Successfully in Pokhran: The evaluation trials of the third-generation anti-tank trial of the missile early next year. FDI Rules Eased for Multi-brand Retail: The Union Government sweetened the deal for foreign investment in multibrand retail besides liberalizing rules for overseas companies looking to invest in defence production or telecom. Foreign retailers will now be allowed to open stores in cities that have a population less than a million. Earlier, supermarkets could only come up in 53 cities. A relaxation was permitted only in case of states that did not have a single city with population of one million. The move will allow stores to come up in cities like Gurgaon and Aurangabad. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma revealed that retailers can now source goods from medium , small and micro enterprises , where the investment cap will be $ 2 million (around Rs 12 crore) , instead of the earlier ceiling of $ 1 million to comply with the requirement of sourcing at least 30% goods from small vendors. Raghuram Rajan is New RBI Governor: Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram G. Rajan has been appointed as the governor of the RBI . Rajan replaces D. Subbarao, who completes his five year term on September 4, 2013.Rajan will rd be the 23 governor of the central bank. In one of the worst naval disasters, Indian submarine Sindhurakshak met with an accident and got sunk following two blasts which sent the submarine burning. All 18 men on board were feared killed. The disaster is the worst to hit the navy since the sinking of INS Khukri in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. CAG Report on Agusta Westland Helicopters Deal: Comptroller and Auditor-general of India (CAG) has in his report slammed the defence ministry and air force procurement of VVIP choppers from Italian-owned Agusta Westland , which is under investigation for bribery. Italy and India are separately investigating charges that Agusta Westland paid bribes to win the deal for 12(AW101) helicopters. The CAG also questioned the decision of the air force chief in 2007, S.P. Tyagi to conduct the trials of the two contenders for the deal abroad. PM sets up committee to Assess Status of Tribals: On the pattern of Sachar committee for Muslims, PM has set up a panel to assess the status of scheduled tribes with an aim of ensuring their uplift, particularly in socio-economic , health and education fields.The seven-member committee , to be headed by National Advisory Council (NAC) member Virginius Xaxa, has be enough dues despite their special status in the constitution. As per press reports India will play a key role in -red telescope-The Thirty Meter Telescope(TMT), which is expected to be completed by 2022 at Mauna Kea in Hawai. Institutes from India, Canada, Japan , China, and the universities in the USA signed the -red telescope. Lok Sabha Passes Food Security Bill: The Lok Sabha passed the ambitious National Food Security Bill 2013, that , the flagship measure of the UPA government will give a legal entitlement to 67 % population (75% rural and 25% urban) for getting subsidised grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). A beneficiary will be entitled to 5 kg of rice, wheat or coarse cereals at Rs 3, Rs 3 and Rs 1 per Kg a month and will be identified by the States based on parameters prescribed by the Union government. Cultivable Land Continues to Shrink: Cultivable land in India continues to shrink. It may not pose an immediate ts long-term effect could be disastrous with the country needing more and more food grains to support its growing population. Latest data from the agriculture ministry shows that as many as 20 states reported decrease in cultivable land to the extent of 7,90,000 hectare in four years from 2007-08 to 2010-11. India sends off defence satellite (GSAT-7) using European launch pad: space-based -made for the Navy by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) , the advanced multi-band, state-of-the-art GSAT-7 was successfull spaceport , French Guiana, in South America.

WORLD
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Tunisia on the Boil Again: Major Projects-led gov tr tr e e ac ac ar ar k e r-s o ker ft w - s o ft w Ibrahim B. Keita Wins Mali Election: -elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita began the daunting task of planning the recovery from political crisis, a military coup and war after his rival conceded defeat at the polls. Mr. Keita was formerly the Premier of the country.
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to Tibet as part of a plan to develop infrastructure in the strategic Himalayan region. Michel Djotodia New President of Central African Republic: The rebel leader whose fighters toppled the government of central African republic earlier this year was officially sworn in President . Kirobo, the talking Robot Blasts into space on historic mission: Kirobo, a knee-high talking robot with red boots and a black and white body, blasted off from Japan for the international space station to test how machines can help astronauts with their work. Just before liftMugabe wins polls, opposition Mulls protest: President Robert Mugabe won landslide victory in July elections in

Ahmadinejad , after supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed him . Winnipeg City: th 67 Independence Day. Ireland : -saving pregnancy termination was successfully carried out on a woman in August 2013 in Ireland.

ACRONYMS
BAT : Border Action Team DBT: Direct Benefit Transfer LOC: Line of Control NIRRH: National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health OLEV: On Line Electric Vehicle SAIL: Science Applications International Corporation SMFIR: Shaped Magnetic Field in Resonance

PERSONS IN THE NEWS

Sujata Singh, New Foreign Secretary: secretary. She has taken the place of Ranjan Mathai of 1976 batch of IFS officers. She is the daughter of the former secretary of India after Chokila Ayyar and Nirupama Rao Menon. Chris Christie, Hillary Clinton Polled Hottest US Politicians: A new poll has declared New Jersey governor Chris Sandy Woodward: Sandy Woodward , who commanded the British navy task force that retook the Falkland islands in the 1982 war with Argentina died in London in the first week of August 2013.

AWRDS/HONOURS
Vijay Singh, an Indian-American Selected for Top US Environment Award: Vijay Singh, an Indian-American professor of biological and agricultural engineering has been selected for lifetime achievement award by a top US environment and water resources institute. Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation 2013: Former Cha election body Brigalia Bam was conferred the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation for the year 2013 at a ceremony at the Durban city Hall for her dedication to peace and human rights. National Sports Awards-2013: President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to ace shooter Ronjan Sodhi at a glittering award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. List of Arjun Awardees: Chekrovolu Swuro Archery Kavita Chahal boxing Rupesh Shah- Billiards and Snooker Virat Kohli Cricket Abijeet Gupta Chess Raj Kumari Rathore- Shooting Saba Anjum Hockey Gaganjeet Bhullar Golf Joshna Chinnappa- Squash Mouma Das Table Tennis Neha Rathi Wrestling Dharmender Dalal Wrestling Amit Kumar Saroha Athletics (Para) Dronacharya Award:

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Mahavir Singh Boxing K.P. Thomas Athletics tr e ac ar k e r-s o Raj Singh - Wrestling ft w Poornima Mahato Archery Narinder Singh Saini Hockey Dhyan Chand Awards
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Syed Ali Hockey Anil Mann Wrestling uza Sequeira Athletics Girraj singh Para Sports (Athletics) Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards, 2012: Basant Singh Roy Mountaineering Major Ranveer Singh Mountaineering Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy Sailing Naib Subedar Paramjeet Singh Siddhu Hang Gliding Prem Singh Mountaineering Hari Ram- Mountaineering Forbes Magazine released its list of top earning celebrities 13 as her MDNA tour boosted her estimated earnings to $ 125 million between June 2012 and June 2013. Yousafzai of Pakistan has been selected for a prest Franck Ribery Bags UEFA Best Player Award: Bayern Munich Winger Franck Ribery was honoured with prestigious UEFA Best Player in Europe award for the 2012-13 season in a award presenting ceremony in Monaco. Clifford Miranda Gets Dilip Sardesai Award: Dempo SC midfielder Clifford Rayes Miranda was honoured with the Dilip Sardesai Award for sports excellence for the year 2013-14.

SPORTS
England wins Ashes Series: Defending successfully its Ashes series title, England beat Australia 3-0 in a five match series of the prestigious Ashes series. India wins under-23 Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup: Maintaining its dominance in all spheres of -23 team thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets in the summit clash to wint he Asian cricket council emerging teams cup in Singapore. Ravindra Jadeja is the Top ICC ODI Bowler: Left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja become the first Indian bowler to top position way back in 1996. Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath immortalised in wax with his life-size statue becoming the newest addition to Madame Tussauds Museum in Sydney. Deco takes Retirement from Football: The brazil-born former Portuguese midfielder Deco announced his retirement from international football at the age of 35. Durand cup prize Purse hiked: hiked from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Barcelona wins Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona clichd the prestigious Spanish Super Cup on away goals after a 00 draw in the final with Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the cup . South Korea wins Asia Cup Hockey Tournament: India made a spirited fight back in the second half but failed to earn a direct berth in next -4 to defending champions South Korea in the Asia cup hockey tournament final in Ipoh, Malaysia. Nadal Clinches Cincinnati Masters, Azarenka also sweeps the title: American John Isner women singles title of the Cincinnati ma Milos Raonic to lift the Rogers cup. Parimarjan Negi wins politiken cup chess title: Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi of India regained the Politiken cup Sindu Claims Bronze in world badminton championship: medal at the world badminton championships after suffering a straight game defeat against world number three Ratchanok Intanon in the semiin Guangzhou(China). Vettel Wins Belgian Grand Prix: Formula one world champion Sebastian Vettel stamped his authority on a processional Belgian Grand Prix chalk up his fifth win in 11 races of this season and stretch his overall lead to 46 points.

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Indian women Archery Team wins Gold in World Cup: The Indian team of women archers comprising Rimil Buriuly, Deepika Kumari and Laishram Bombayla Devi upset Olympic champions South Korea to clinch Gold in the tr tr e re ac ac ar k e r-s o k e r- s o ft w a ft w fourth leg of the world cup(archery) in Wroclaw (Poland).
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ECONOMY
Raghuram Rajan replaces D.Subbarao as RBI Governor: Chief economic adviser Raghuram Rajan , a former international monetary fund (IMF) chief economist and Chicago university professor famed for his perceptive warnings about the global financial crisis of 2008, has taken over charge as the new RBI governor replacing D.Subbarao. Parliament passes Companies Bill: Rajya Sabha ratified the companies Bill 2012, as passed by the lok Sabha about eight months ago. As and when consented to by President Pranab Mukherjee, the new legislation will replace the 57 year old companies act, 1956. The objective of the bill is to help small one-person companies to access facilities and credit, besides ensuring one minimum woman director in certain prescribed class of companies. The effort would also be to encourage these companies to give employment to all sections of society. Customs Duty on Gold, Platinum and Silver Raised to 10%: The government increased customs duty on gold, platinum and silver to 10% , in a move aimed at curbing the imports of these precious metals to limit its current account deficit (CAD) for 2013-14 at the targeted level of 3.7 5 of gross domestic product. CRICIL Estimates 5.0% GDP Growth in Q1,2013-14: CRICIL has estimated 5.0% GDP growth for the first quarter of 2013-14 due to poor and negative industrial growth. Index of Industrial production (IIP) fell by 2.2 % in June 2013. National Council of applied economic research (NCAER) in its -14 at 5.9%. -14: RBI in its document Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments first Quarter review 2013-14 presented the overall view of the economy. Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14: The RBI says assessment of growth inflation dynamics limits score for further easing of policy rate. Key short term lending rate(repo) cut by 0.25 % to 7.25%. Cash Reserve Ratio kept unchanged at 4%. FY 2013-14 GDP grow Inflation to remain range-bound around 5.5 % in financial year 2013-14. Current account Deficit is the biggest risk to the economy. $ 62.448 bn Trade Deficit during April- July 2013: As per the data released by Ministry of commerce and Industry 25834. 46 million US dollars which was 11.64 % higher in Dollar terms than the level of 23140.43 million US dollars. Interest Subsidy increased to boost exports: Government has increased the interest subsidy to give a boost to export sector so as to come out from continuous two month contraction in May and June 2013. For engineering goods, textiles and related segments, the interest subsidy has been hiked from 2% to 3%. The expected cost of this hike is estimated at Rs 450 crore. 1) Resolving the judicial impasse on iron ore and coal mining is one of the 10 steps the government will undertake in the coming weeks to strengthen the economy. 2) To keep the fiscal deficit for the current fiscal at 4.8% of GDP. 3) Contain the current account deficit at $ 70 billion during 2013-14. 4) Capitalise public expenditure 5) Quicken the capital expenditure programme of public sector enterprises. 6) Take advantage of good monsoon by improving farm growth. 7) Encourage manufacturing in power tools, steel, metals, automobiles, electronic hardware and textiles. 8) Encourage exports and squeeze on imports of items such as power equipment and automobiles to narrow down CAD. 9) Increasing foreign exchange reserves 10) Speeding up stalled projects. Tax Administration Reform Commission, 2013 to review tax laws, implementation: The Union government has constituted a Tax administration reform commission (TARC) under the chairmanship of Parthsarathi Shome advisor tot eh Finance Minister. This commission will have tenure of 18 months.It will comprise two full time members-Y.G. Parande and Sunita Kaila and four part time members M.K. Zutshi, S.S. N. Moorthy, M.R. Diwakar and S. Mahalingam. To review the application of tax policies and laws and submit periodic reports that can be implemented to strengthen the tax system. To review the existing business processes of tax governance including the use of information and communication technology and recommend measures for tax governance best suited to Indian context. To review the existing mechanism of dispute resolution covering time and compliance cost and recommend measures for strengthening the same. This includes domestic and international taxation. To recommend measures for strengthening the and widening of tax base and taxpayer base. Lok Sabha passed land Acquisition bill: The path-breaking land acquisition bill, which seeks to provide just and fair compensation to farmers while ensuring that no land can be acquired forcibly, was passed by the Lok Sabha with overwhelming majority. The right to fair compensation and transparency in land acquisition, rehabilitation and th century. The salient features of the Bill are:

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This law is being enacted under the concurrent list and the states can bring their own law on the subject without derogating from the central law. tr tr e re ac ac ar k e r - s o fThe k e r- s o ft w a tw Wakf land will not be acquired under this law. No law can be acquired in scheduled areas without the consent of the Gram Sabhas and no one shall be disposed until and unless all payments are made and alternatives sites for the resettlement and rehabilitation have been prepared. The new law clearly stipulates the pre-condition for acquisition of the land, which are: (i) for a private entity or a PPP project, state has to conduct a Social Impact Assessment (EIA) , to identify the families who would be affected if land is acquired. (ii) the private entity seeking land must then get the consent of 80% of the affected families before it gets the government to acquire land for it. In the case of PPs, the entity has to secure consent of 70% of affected families. Rehabilitation and Resettlement package under the Bill is inbuilt and mandatory on the part of the government: The definition of affected family includes farm labourers, tenants, sharecroppers and workers in the area for three years prior to acquisition. National Food security scheme 2013: The national Food Security scheme has finally launched on birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, in NCR New Delhi, Haryana and Uttarakhand. Salient features of the NFS Bill:
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Priority households are entitled to 5 kgs of food grains per person per month, and Antyodaya households to 35 kgs

For children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years: an age-appropriate meal, free of charge, through the local anganwadi. For children aged 6-14 years , one free mid-day meal every day (except on school holidays) in all government and government aided schools, upto class VIII . Every pregnant and lactating mother is entitled to a free meal at the local anganwadi (during pregnancy and six months after child birth) s well as maternity benefits of Rs 6,000 in instalments. The bill does not specify criteria for the identification of households eligible for PDS entitlements. The central government is to determine the state-wise coverage of the PDS. The Bill provides for the creation of State Food Commissions. The main function of the State commission is to monitor the implementation of the Act, give advice to the states governments and their agencies , and inquire into violations of entitlements. The bill provides a two tier grievance redressal structure, involving the District grievance Redressal officer (DGRO) and state food commission. State governments must also put in place and internal grievance redressal mechanism which may include call centers, help lines, etc. Local authorities and Panchayati Raj institutions are responsible for proper implementation of the Bill in their respective areas, and may be given additional responsibilities by notification. Indian Rupee Falls to Record Low Against US Dollar: The Indian Rupee has dropped by nearly 4% to a new low y. The decline comes a day after India approved infrastructure projects worth $ 28.4 bn to try to revive the economy and prop up its currency. Indian Rupee slipped down to its lowest value but revived when rupee posted it highest single day gains in about need came to the rescue of the battered currency. RBI followed it UP with some aggressive dollar selling in the late trading helping the rupee snap its three day losing streak -14: down to 4.4% in the first quarter (Q1) of financial year 2013-14 over the corresponding quarter of the previous year, data r -13 , the lowest rate in a decade, as compared to 6.2% in 2011-13, ended on March 31,2013.

CURRENT AFFAIRS TEST PD- OCT- 2013

1. According to Forbes Magazine, which among the following is the highest earning celebrity: a. Oprah Winfrey b. Madona c. Rihanna 2. d. Jennifer Lopez 5. Durand Cup is associated with: a. Hockey b. football c. Cricket 3. d. tennis What is the name of talking robot which has been recently sent into space by Japan: a. Xava b. Shirobo c. Kirobo 4. d. Hakaido Who has won Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award recently: a. Vijay Kumar b. Ranjan Sodhi c. Gagan Narang d. Yogeshwar Du DBT stands for; a. Direct Bene t Transfer b. Dollar Bene t Transfer c. During Bill Transfer d. Double Bene t Transfer 10

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In which of the following country, a street has been named a er Mahatma Gandhi on the tr re ac k e r- s o ft w a th independence day: a. Canada b. South Africa
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Robert Mugabe has been recently elected as the president of : a. Iran b. Zimbabwe c. Kenya d. Sudan Line of control is boundary line between: a. India and Sri Lanka b. India and China c. India and Myanmar d. India and Pakistan Raghuram Rajan will be --------- governor of RBI: a. 21st b. 22nd c. 23rd d. 24th aircra carrier: a. INS Viraat c. INS Vikrant b. INS Sindurakshak d. INS Vikramaditya

e r- s o ft al tude airport: a. India b. China c. Nepal d. Russia 15. Who has been appointed as new foreign secretary : a. Sujatha Singh b. Chokila Ayyar
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16. Who has won Mahatma Gandhi Interna onal Award for Peace and Reconcilia on 2012: a. Brigalia Bam b. Jacob Juma c. Nelson Mandela d. Roberto Azevedo 17. Which of the Indian Player has won Bronze medal at the world badminton Championship: a. P.V.Sindhu b. Saina Nehwal c. Sania Mirza d. Purnima Singh 18. Who has been named as Top ICC ODI Bowler (Indian): a. Harbhajan Singh b. Ravindra Jadeja c. M.S.Dhoni d. Zaheer Khan 19. Malala Yousafazai , a educa onal ac vist belongs to : a. U.K b. Afghanistan c. Pakistan d. America 20. Which of the following Country has won Ashes Series: a. England b. Australia c. India d. West Indies

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11. a. Nag c. Akash b. Trishul d. Prithvi

12. Who has become new President of Mali: a. Hassan Rauhani b. Mamnoon Hussain c. Ibrahim B.Keita d. Hamid Karzai 13. DRDO stands for: a. Defence research development organisa on b. Defence research and development organisa on c. Defence research and delivery organisa on

CURRENT AFFAIRS FROM 4 th OCT- 17 th OCT 2013

4th October
EC announces poll schedule for five states : The polls to the Assemblies in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram will be held between November 11 and December 4, the Election Commission announced. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 8. The model code of conduct has already come into effect. Over 11.60 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise. The polls to the 90-member House in naxal-prone Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases on November 11 and 19. Madhya Pradesh (total membership 230) will go to the polls on November 25, Rajasthan (200) on December 1, and Delhi (70) and Mizoram (40) on December 4. Cabinet stamp on Telangana; Hyderabad to be joint capital: The Union Cabinet tonight cleared the formation of the new state of Telangana by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad, the former city of Nizams, will be the joint capital of the two states Telangana and Seemaandhra for 10 years Gen. Giap, Vietnam war hero, dies at 102 : Gen. Giap achieved his crowning moment as a commander in the battle

102, senior military officials and a relative said. India Re-elected in the New Council of ICAO : India was re-elected in the new Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as one of the states making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation. The 38th session of the Assembly of ICAO completed the election of the Council in Montreal on 1October 2013. The 36- member Council is the governing body of the Organization and is elected for a three-year term. A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly

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