January Current Affairs 2014

Monthly Current Affairs Update January 2014 National IPI report on press freedom
International Press Institute(IPI) is one of the oldest press freedom organisation in the world has the mandate of securing press freedom and supporting freedom of opinion and expression along with free flow of information. According to its recent report on number of journalists killed all over the world withing every country, India stood 3rd with 11 journalists got killed in 2013. Syria stood first with 16 journalists followed by Philippines.
Agusta Westland deal stands cancelled

The deal for 12 VVIP helicopters from a Italy based company Agusta Westland was cancelled owing to allegations of corruption. The middlemen involved in the offense have indicated a wide scale corruption even before two years of signing the deal. According to the government, the deal stands cancelled mainly due to pre-contract integrity pact violation.
All India synchronous national grid

The southern grid is connected synchronously with rest of the power grid in the country through Raichur-Solapur 756 Kv single circuit transmission line. Previously the northern, western, eastern and north-esatern regions were synchronously connected and southern grid was connected through HVDC links to them. The objective of One Nation-One Grid- One Frequency has been achieved and it will help transfer of bulk power across regional boundaries.
Need for new local time- Assam

Assam CM has proposed for a local time in the State to utilise the day light. The proposal to adjust the clock by 1 hour ahead of IST will increase the working hours utilising the daylight. During the colonial rule, a similar practice by the name Garden time was prevalent.This too involves adjusting the clock by one hour ahead of IST.
India-Maldives-Visit of Yameen

India and Maldives expressed plans for improving their bilateral trade which stands tilted towards India. They have also mooted the idea of expanding the trilateral security cooperation among India, Maldives and Srilanka to other south Asian neighbors to strengthen the security of Indian Ocean region. India granted a stand by credit facility of $25 million to enable Maldives to import from India. Maldives supports India for a permanent seat in U.N Security Council. Maldives also requested India to help in supply of fuels such as diesel, petrol.
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Three agreements on health, man power requirements and allotment of land for Maldives high Commission was signed between both the countries. Proposal for Joint Consultative Committee was also agreed upon.
Power System Development Fund The fund will be utilized for developing transmission system of strategic importance reducing congestion in intra- state and inter -state transmission system; installation of shunt capacitors, series compensators to improve the voltage profile of the grid; Renovation and modernization of transmission systems; introduction of protection schemes , new and innovative projects in regions where power auditing was done. National Vehicle Security and Tracking System and City Command and Control Centre

Cabinet Committee has given its nod to set up a national level NVSTS and state level CCCC for GPS tracking of public transport vehicles in 32 cities with one million populations and above. The public transport vehicles will be provided with GPS/CCTV/panic button facilities. All public transport vehicles will be tracked, CCTV cameras will be provided to vehicles with large seating capacity, video recording (kept for 7 seven days) to serve as a evidence against accused in case of any incident. This involves mapping of routes of public transport vehicles; tracking of vehicles using GPS; highlighting of violations through visual and text signals; panic button alert to transport and police officials during emergency; permit, registration and license cancellation based law enforcement; helping women, distressed children in minimum response time.
RoshiniAct-J&k

It aims at providing lands to the landless occupants of government lands with or without their lease in operation, operating through any authorised person on the land. Each person will be eligible for 10 kanals of land. They have to pay around Rs.100 per kanal (1/8th of an acre)to get the land registered in their name. It is applicable to the State subjects only. The land use in case of agricultural land must not be changed after the ownership transfer. It will help the farmers and landholders to initiate new economic activities in the land. It will also help in streamlining the land resources. The act was enacted in 2007 and the State government has received more than 20,000 applications for registering the land till date.
India- Saudi Arabia sign Labour pact

There are more than 25lakh Indian workers in Saudi Arabia. The agreement on Labour Cooperation for Domestic Service Workers Recruitment will provide for a proper contractual relationship between employer and employee. It deals with framing a contract stating the minimum wage, hours of work, holidays entitled to the worker. There is also a provision for initiating legal proceedings against the employer if he has deviated from the agreed terms in contract. The employer must open a bank account in the name of employee and also must facilitate easy exit of the employee in case of emergency.
Centre shares 50:50 with states for TPDS transportation.

Centre has agreed to share fifty percent of transportation cost in targeted public distribution system for implementing National food Security Act.(90 % with North eastern and hilly states). It has increased the earnings of ration shop owners to Rs.10, 000 do avoid the diversion of grains into open markets. Centre has also decided to provide food grains other than for TPDS at minimum support price than the earlier economic cost price.
RWSSP-LIS

Government of India has given approval for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low Income States (RWSSP-LIS) with World Bank aid. The project aims to cover 33 districts of Low Income Sates such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Assam. The over all project cost will be shared in the ration of Central government(33%), State Government(16%), Beneficiary(1%) and World Bank(50%) India will repay the $500 million aid from World bank over a period of 25 years at an interest rate of 1.25 % The key aspects of the project are, strengthening and empowering PRIs with involvement of beneficiaries in project implementation; including sanitation aspect along with providing 24/7;intensive capacity building programme for beneficiaries;universal provision of drinking water supply and bulk provision of meters;phased approach for recovering the operation and maintenance costs through nominal user fees.
Criteria to select persons for Arjuna Awards

Arjuna awards were instituted in 1961, to recognize the outstanding achievements of persons in sports field. 90% weightage is given to medals won in Olympic games, Asian Games and Common wealth games; 10% weightage given is given to the suggestion of Selection committee based on the standard of sports event, leadership, sportsmanship and fair play displayed by the Sports person. Accomplishments of Sportsperson in the past four years will be taken into consideration. Normally 15 awards will be provided each year except for exceptional circumstances demanding more awards like occurrence of Olympic , Asian and Common wealth games. For Cricket and other indigenous games Selection Committee will recommend not more than two awards based on leadership, sportsmanship and discipline of sports person.
First phase of GAGAN received certification

DGCA has given approval to first phase of GAGAN implementation. GPS based Geo Augmentation and Navigation System offers Satellite based augmentation system for better Air Traffic Management of Indian air space and Satellite based navigation services with better accuracy and integrity. ISRO and Airport Authority of India implements the project together.
India enters elite league with a bang

India successfully launched its GSLV-D5 with indigenous Cryogenic engine and joined few countries who mastered this technology. using Cryogenic Upper Stage helps in providing more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt. The Cryogenic propellants used in this mission are liquid oxygen( liquifies in -183 deg Celsius) and liquid hydrogen(liquifies in -253 deg Celsius) GSLV-D5 mission put the GSAT-14 communication satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
India-Japan defence talks In the recent meeting between defence ministers of India and Japan, the following issues were discussed and agreed upon by both the countries.

Agreed to carry out high-level mutual visits on annual basis. To hold the third 2 plus 2 dialogue and the fourth Defence Policy Dialogue in Delhi in 2014. To promote exchanges on UN Peacekeeping Operations between Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Centre, Joint Staff College (JPC), Central Readiness Force of Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) and Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) of the Indian Army. To conduct bilateral exercises between Japan Maritime Self- Defence Force and Indian Navy on a regular basis. To conduct Expert exchanges in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief and Counter Terrorism between both Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). To Continue exchanges and discuss possibility of conducting staff talks between Japan Air Self-Defence Force and Indian Air Force and professional exchanges of test-pilots, professional exchanges in the field of flight safety and between their transport squadrons.
JeevanRakshaPadak Awards announced

JeevanRakshaPadak awards for the year 2013 has been announced by the government. JeevanRakshaPadak series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of humane nature in saving the life of a person. The award is given in three categories, namely, SarvottamJeevan RakshaPadak, UttamJeevanRakshaPadak, and JeevanRakshaPadak. Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards. The award can also be conferred posthumously.
PARAM Yuva- II Supercomputer

Green500 List amnnounced the PARAM yUVA II supercomputer to be the most power efficient in India and ranked it 9th in Asia and 4th world over. It was developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C-DAC) PARAM Yuva II uses hybrid technology to provide the peak compute power of 520.4 Teraflop/s using 210 kiloWatt power.
RashtriyaKishorSwasthyaKaryakram
Ministry of Health launched a new adolescent health care programme to focus on adolescents in a holistic way.
The main focus areas for this programme are sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, injuries and violence (including gender-based violence), non-communicable diseases, mental health and substance abuse. In this programme the government has developed a 5 by 5 RMNCH+A matrix which lists out the 5 high impact interventions under each of the 5 pillars, all of which need to be implemented together, at the same time, with high coverage and quality. This defines an adolescent as a person within 10-19 years of age, in urban and rural areas, includes both girls and boys, married and unmarried, poor and affluent, whether they are in school or out of school.
New National Youth Policy The new youth policy aims at

Developing the Youth into a productive work force, by providing them the right education and skills and promoting entrepreneurship. Developing a strong and healthy generation through effective healthcare and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and sports. Promoting social values and spirit of community service. Effectively engaging with the youth and facilitating their participation in governance process. Inclusive policies to take care of disadvantaged sections of youth and the youth with special needs.
Anti corruption helpline by Delhi government

Delhi CM announced new anti corruption helpline number 27357169 The new number will function from 8 a.m to 10 p.m.This is not a complaint number. Once the citizen calls this number he/she will be guided as how to perform the sting operation using mobile phone to record the conversation with the concerned official.
Smoking on decline in India

Smoking (cigarettes and beedis) is the third top risk for health loss in India, leading to nearly one million deaths every year. The study Smoking Prevalence and Cigarette Consumption in 187 Countries, 1980-2012 has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in a special issue on tobacco. It says Indians smoke 8.2 cigarettes per day on an average.
New guidelines for TV rating agencies

All rating agencies including the existing ones must be registered with Ministry of Broadcasting. Detailed registration procedure, eligibility norms, terms and conditions, cross-holding norms, period of registration, security conditions and other obligations have been delineated. Panel homes for audience measurement shall be drawn from the pool of households selected through an establishment survey. A minimum panel size of 20,000 to be implemented within six months of the guidelines coming into force. Thereafter the panel size shall be increased by 10,000 every year until it reaches the figure of 50,000. The rating agency shall set up an effective complaint redressal system with a toll free number. Ratings must capture view points from multiple viewing platforms.
New guidelines for Phone intervention
Only the Chief Nodal Officer of a telecom company can provide interception if the order is issued by the Secretary to the Government of India in the Home Ministry, in case of Government of India, or a Secretary to the State Government in charge of Home Department, in case of State Government. Interception is subject to eight checks before monitoring is allowed. Request received by telephone, SMS and fax, should not be accepted under any circumstances and the government concerned would have to produce an original copy of its request that bears the Union/State Secretarys order number with date. Records pertaining to such interception should be destroyed within 2 months of discontinuance of interception of such messages. Nine central investigating agencies along with State Directors-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Delhi, are authorised to request intercepts.
India-South Korea talks on nuclear reactor
South Korea expressed its desire to build a nuclear reactor in India but Indian government wants to focus on other aspects of nuclear energy as the already started projects havent made much headway due to various reasons. Much of the parts needed to construct nuclear reactor are imported from Japan.So it is necessary to establish a agreement dealing with import of nuclear material to a non-member of NPT. Korea would serve as an option for India if Japan fails to help India. South Korea ranks fifth in terms of electricity generation from nuclear power. It not only has technology, but most of it has been indigenous.
Drug for hypertension

Dr.Reddys laboratory has introduced the new drug to control hyper tension. Optidoz is a single pill combination of three drugs Amlodipine, Telmisartan and Hydrochrothiazide with optimal dose of individual drugs.
No ending for India-U.S tussle over visa issue

DevyaniKhobragade(Indian Foreign Service) was arrested few weeks back for alleged visa fraud committed in favor of her maid. The incident was followed by treating her like a offender charged with heinous crime. This has received strong opposition from India and Indian community followed by retaliatory moves by the Indian government. Once Devyani was allowed to move out of U.S, Indian government has asked a senior American diplomat to move out of India in less than 48 hours.
JanataDarbar
Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues would be attending an open public grievance meeting every Saturday outside Delhi Secretariat in order to redress grievances of the common man and take decisions over their complaints on the spot.
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On week days, one of the six Cabinet Ministers would take turns to hold a similar meeting outside the Secretariat every morning from 9-30 a.m. to 11 a.m. to address issues of the people on a day-to-day basis. This new initiative is expected to receive favorable response from huge influx of citizens in Delhi.
Hampi Utsav

Karnataka is ready for cultural feast as Hampi Utsav has begun. This time the cultural festival havent drawn much of crowd as new restrictions for common men were imposed to secure easy passage for VIPs. Later CM of Karnataka while participating in the Utsav asked the police officials to allow the people to come through all the gates.
Resolution for addressing violence against women
The resolution The role of health sector in addressing violence, particularly against women and girls will be moved by India, U.S, Zambia, Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico and Norway in United Nations. The resolution demands resource allocation aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence which can be done by achieving gender equality, empowering women and by increasing the focus on prevention, protection and accountability in laws, policies and programmes, and their implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The draft will bring about uniformity in medical examination, right of victims to unhindered access to medical treatment and for better recording of medical evidence , raising public awareness of women and girls rights,engaging men and boys, as well as families and communities, as agents of change in promoting gender equality, and preventing and condemning violence against women.
New nuclear power project in Haryana

Haryana will have its brand new nuclear power project in Gorakhpur village in Fatehbad district of Haryana. NPCIL will build two Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor of 700 MWe each. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor will use unenriched natural Uranium as its fuel and heavy water(Deuterium Oxide ) as its coolant and moderator.
India-Canada ties in steel sector

Letter of Intent was signed between India and Canada to strengthen cooperation in Iron and steel sector. It was agreed between both the countries for mutual exchange of knowledge and information in the fields of iron ore, coking coal and other steel making raw materials and encourage bilateral investment opportunities in iron and steel related business. Alliances with new entities and securing raw material was also considered essential by both the countries.
Finally a good bye to Polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis in a matter of hours.
India has reached a milestone with no reported cases of polio virus for last three years. Pakistan is the only Polio endemic nation with more cases.
India-Japan coast guard joint operations

The bilateral exercise between the coast guards of India and China named Sahayog-Kaijin 2014 was carried out offshore Kochi. The bilateral exercise saw both forces carry out cross-deck landings; anti-piracy operations with combat boarding teams from both vessels conducting search and arrest of pirates from a simulated hijacked vessel; search and rescue ops and fighting fire on a ship.
States not following RTE provisions

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. The Commissions Mandate is to ensure that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group. According to its recent review report on 23 states ,
1. major gaps in most of the State RTE rules regarding the provision of free education, documentation for age proof, composition and formation of School Management Committees, neighborhood schools and 25 per cent reservation in private schools. 2. Most of the Parents were asked to provide age proof for admission which is not mandatory according to RTE. 3. Many states have included only free education in their act but not the provision of free textbooks, writing materials and uniforms. 4. Provision of 25% reservation in private schools was also not followed to the letter and spirit of the RTE act. New initiatives for improving army

In the Army Day function,Army Chief General has said 17 contracts worth nearly Rs 11,777 crore have been signed, another 23 worth nearly Rs 12,000 crore were in the pipeline. He also said that there is overall improvement in the level of satisfaction among Army personnel as there is decrease in the number of suicides, fratricides and incidents of indiscipline. Personnel shortfall will go down from 20 per cent at present to around 10 per cent by 2018.
Quota for disabled persons-New bill on the anvil

Right of Persons with Disabilities Bill to replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunity Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995 was approved by the Cabinet. According to the proposed bill,
1. Every person with disability who fulfills eligibility requirements is entitled to be registered as a voter. 2. He/she should not be disqualified from exercising the voting right on the grounds of disability, irrespective of any stipulation to the contrary in any law for the time being in force.
3. Any person who is unable to vote in person due to disability or because of admission to hospital for treatment is entitled to opt for postal ballot. 4. It requires the Election Commission to ensure that all polling stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. 5. It allows mentally unsound women the right to fertility and prescribes punishment for forced abortion or hysterectomy on them. India-UK signed MoU

India and UK signed MoU to enhance the cooperation through UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI). According to the MoU, both the countries agreed for
1. Institutional capacity building of UK and Indian official and institutes handling skill development and employment services 2. Sharing of technical expertise, building linkages and identification of gaps in the areas of skill development and employment services, improvement in curriculum, benchmarking of assessment, certification and training methods. 3. Supporting development of employment services in India on the lines of National Careers Service, UK. 4. Other beneficial projects, in the area of skill development and employment services, mutually agreed. New land use policy for Ports

The new policy aims at linking value of land with prevailing market rates. Land can be allotted only through licensing in custom bond areas by inviting competitive bidding, while land outside custom bond areas can be leased through tender-cum-auction. It is also possible to license land outside custom bond areas, but it should be only for port related activities. The Boards of respective ports can approve leasing of land for a period up to 30 years. For leasing of land beyond 30 years and up to 99 years, approval of the Government has to be obtained through the mechanism of Empowered Committee. The 12 major ports in India are Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Managlore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata.
India-South Korea gave a fillip to boost bilateral relations

Both the countries agreed for Cyber Affairs Dialogue between the governments. Possibility of defence trade and joint production by further promoting collaboration between defence researches organizations have also agreed upon. The Agreement on Protection of Classified Military Information was also signed. Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Applied Research was also signed which will enable scientists to work together and develop technologies for common benefit of both the countries. Enhanced cooperation in utilising space science and technology was also agreed between India and South Korea.
India-China-Russia trilateral discussion on Afghan issue
India, China and Russia will hold a trilateral meet to discuss the emerging situation in Afghanistan in the backdrop of the US troops and NATO forces withdrawal that have sparked concern over the reemergence of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in the region. The three countries held similar consultations on the issue last year when they met in Moscow. China held a similar trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Russia last year to explore opportunities to coordinate their positions and discussed the cooperation under the aegis of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India and Pakistan are observer member of SCO.
Dalai lamas visit to Chhattisgarh

Dalai Lama visited Chhattisgarh and meditated in Chanda Dai Caves in Sirpur district. He had plans for renaming the caves in the name of Nagarjuna, a Buddhist philosopher. Due to opposition from the Gond community in the near by district who were also worshiping the caves. Gond tribes were concentrated in central India spread across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Germplasm award
ICRISATs head of genebankHari D Upadhyaya has been honoured with the 2013 Frank N Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources Award by the Crop Science Society of America at its annual meeting in Florida. The Frank N. Meyer Medal for Plant Genetic Resources is for distinctive service to the National Plant Germplasm System. The award is made as a tribute to Frank N. Meyer who served for 13 years as Agricultural Explorer of the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction and lost his life in the waters of the Yangtze River.
No MFN status for India

Pakistan has denied India to provide MFN status and suggested that it is possible for providing NonDiscriminatory Access. India rejected Pakistans Proposal and said that it is agreed if India was provided with NonDiscriminatory Access status. Three issues were preventing Pakistan to provide MFN status to India.They are Permission for use of containers, operationalization of 24X7-trade across the Wagah border and dismantling of the two negative lists still in use by Pakistan against India.
Organ Transplantation amendment act Following are the provisions of the act,

It aims at regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes and prevention of commercial dealings of human organs and tissues. It empowers the Union government to prescribe the composition of authorisation committees that grants approvals for donating organs. Near Relative To include grandparents and grandchildren, in addition to spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister.
It is mandatory for ICU doctor, in consultation with transplant coordinator to request relatives of brain dead patients for organ donation and it is mandatory t keep a record of all brain dead patients and that of the next of kin who are approached. Panel of experts will have in addition to neurosurgeon, neurologist, surgeon / physician and an anesthetist nominated from a panel already approved by the Appropriate Authority. Authorisation Committee to prohibit organ transplantation where recipient is a foreign national and donor is an Indian national. Approval of Authorisation Committee required if the Donor and / or recipient being near relatives are foreign nationals.
New ranking system for higher education institutions

Ministry of Human Resource Development has formed an 18 member committee to drive up the research performance of academic institutions in the country to improve ranking of Indian universities. Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology has been appointed its Chairman. India-generated ranking system would ensure that the large set of institutions across the country are properly ranked and placed in proper perspective, factoring in aspects that are peculiar to India. The committee has submitted its report to the government.
India- UAE to enhance cooperation in energy sector

India and UAE has agreed to promote cooperation in solar and wind energy sector. A MoU has been signed between both the countries. They have also agreed to form a Joint Working Group for better coordination through joint research on subjects of mutual interest, exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of available scientific and technologies information and data, organization of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of know-how, technology and equipment, on non-commercial basis.
India-Canada online resource centre

Indo- Canada Chamber of Commerce will set up a online resource centre in Toronto which will serve as the ultimate guide for Canadian business people to know about oppurtunities in India. In the Canada-Tamil Nadu Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference four main areas were dealt in specific, they are agri-food processing, infrastructure, renewable energy and education. The need for signing the CEPA was also stressed in the conference.
BharatiyaMahila Bank (BMB)

First of its kind in India,BMB will predominantly focus on women for lending loans but will accept deposits from both men and women. The main focus is to fund economic activity.It will lend to women or to businesses which are either managed by or make products for women. Most of the officers will be appointed on deputation basis and their service in this bank wont be considered for promotion. It will focus on centres where working women population is significant.
Two wheeler ambulance

Karnataka health minister unveiled the two wheeler ambulance in Bangalore. The ambulance will provide first aid to accident victims prior to their transfer to four wheeler ambulance. As if now the vehicle lacks oxygen mask without which the ambulance ant serve its purpose completely. Initially the two wheeler ambulance will be placed in high density traffic roads in Bangalore.
More additions to NDRF battalion

Two more battalions will be added to NDRF. The new battalions will be posted in Uttarakhand and Assam. National Disaster Response Force was created under Disaster Management Act, 2005. At present there are 10 battalions of NDRF with each battalion having 1149 personnel trained in various skills related to disaster mitigation.
Green city

Bhabua town in Bihar has painted in green with the initiative from Kaimur District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Singh. Just like the Pink city -Jaipur in Rajasthan, Bhabua will be the Green town in Bihar. The decision to colour the city in green was collectively taken by the people living in the town to match with the green forest cover surrounding the town.
Jains as minorities

At present there are five religious communities notified as minorities according to National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992 Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis,Christians and Buddhists are notified as minorities under NCM act. With the continuous demands from the Jain community, they have been declared as minorities under NCM, act.
Nalanda University

Government has decided to provide financial support of Rs. 2727.10 crore to Nalanda University over a period of 12 years from 2010-11 to 2021-22. The University has already received US$ 11.55 lakh as voluntary contribution from China, Thailand and Laos. Singapore has offered to build a library at a cost of US$ 5 million. Australia has committed Australian $ 1 million for a Chair in the School of Ecology and Environment Studies. Japan has pledged assistance for the renovation of highways leading to the University. Other participating countries will contribute as the University progresses. East Asia Summit Member States initiated the establishment of Nalanda University, atRajgir in Bihar, near the ancient Nalanda as a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution. The university came into existence in November, 2010 after notification of the Nalanda University Act, 2010.
Rail Tariff Authority
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The proposal to constitute a Rail Tariff regulatory Authority was made fro various quarters to have an independent fare revision without political interference. Rail Tariff Authority will comprise a Chairperson and four Members at the apex level . It will be vested with the function to develop an integrated, transparent and dynamic pricing mechanism for the passenger and freight segments of the Indian Railways business. It will also advise the Central Government on fixation of tariff, based on cost of operations and factors impinging it, to help generate requisite surpluses for healthy growth in the future.
Amristar-Kolkatta Industrial Corridor

20 cities in seven states Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal will be covered. Phase-1 will be in the nature of a pilot project, during which at least one Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) of 10 square km each, in each of the seven states would be set up, as identified by state governments. About 40 per cent of the land in each cluster will be permanently earmarked for manufacturing and agro-processing as agriculture is the main occupation in all the States except Jharkhand. Clusters would be entitled to all the benefits available under the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) 2011. Cabinet also approved setting up of AKIC Development Corporation (AKICDC).
Agni IV will be inducted into Army

Agni IV was test fired from wheeler island, Orissa to complete its third successful flight. It is a surface-to- surface missile which can deliver nuclear warhead of one tonne about 4000 km away. Personnel from Strategic Forces Command who handle Indias nuclear weapons delivery has participated in the mission.
National Urban Health Mission

NUHM will deal with the health care facilities for urban poor in specific, the urban slum dwellers. This will be achieved through setting up the Primary Health Centres and investing in high-caliber health professionals, appropriate technology through PPP, and health insurance for Urban poor. The mission provides for two-tier system of risk pooling: (i) womens MahilaArogyaSamiti to fulfil urgent hard-cash needs for treatments; (ii) a Health Insurance Scheme for enabling urban poor to meet medical treatment needs. NUHM would cover all cities with a population of more than 100000. It would cover slum dwellers; other marginalized urban dwellers like rickshaw pullers, street vendors, railway and bus station coolies, homeless people, street children, construction site workers, who may be in slums or on sites. At the State level, besides the State Health Mission and State Health Society and Directorate, there would be a State Urban Health Programme Committee. At the district level, similarly there would be a District Urban Health Committee and at the city level, a Health and Sanitation Planning Committee. At the ward slum level, there will be a Slum Cluster Health and Water and Sanitation Committee.
India-Japan cooperation in Tourism sector

India and Japan has signed a MoU to widen the cooperation in tourism sector. The main objectives of the Memorandum are: a) To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector; b) To exchange information & data and programmes for Human Resource development of tourism sector ; c) To encourage cooperation between Tour Operators and tourism stakeholders including Hotel owners; d) To exchange visits of Tour Operators,Media, Opinion Makers for promotion of two way tourism and experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management e) To participate in travel fairs,exhibitions in each others country; and f) To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism. Pardoning power is subjected to Judicial review
Considering Mercy petitions is part of the constitutional obligation of President and Governor which is subjected to Judicial review, according to the recent Supreme court judgement.
According to Article 72 of the Constitution, Power of President to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases (1) The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence (a) in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a court Martial; (b) in all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends; (c) in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death (2) Noting in sub clause (a) of Clause ( 1 ) shall affect the power to suspend, remit or commute a sentence of death exercisable by the Governor of a State under any law for the time being in force According to Article 161 of the constitution, Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases
The Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends. He cannot pardon a death sentence. He cannot alter the punishment or sentence by a court-martial.
LPG portability scheme launched
According to this scheme, customers can choose their supplier from a pool of suppliers present in the cluster.
It is also possible for the customer to change his/her supplier according to their need. Oil Marketing Companies have a minimum 4 distributors per cluster. A pilot scheme was launched in October last year covering 24 districts covering 13 States.
Climate Change Action Programme The main objective of the programme is

To establish a national institute for Climate Change studies and action Long time ecological observatory for Climate Change studies Conducting studies of strategic and economic implications of climate change and the science of black carbon The overall cost of the programme will be around Rs 200 crores.
FDI in farm land

A committee has been constituted for toanalyze the possibility of allowing FDI in farm land. At present FDI in farm land is not allowed in India. Even for Indian investors, banks are not allowed to lend loans for purchasing farm lands. Only exception is when the land is part of a large development project capable of generating revenue from it.
Multi Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP)

The programme aims to bring inter-sectoral convergence It also aims at achieving coherence in policy, planning and action with core focus on both direct interventions and indirect interventions for maternal and child under nutrition, thus providing a continuum of care and follow a life cycle approach. The programme will be implemented as a special intervention in 200 high burden districts spread over 19 States, beginning with 100 districts in the current financial year.
Nutrition Resource Platform

Nutrition Resource Platform (NRP) aims to collect, collate and make available resources and materials on nutrition and child development to various stakeholders. It will also be an interactive knowledge resource base which facilitates real time interaction, exchange of ideas and discussions. NRP is functional at National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) It is a virtual repository with the support of Food and Nutrition Board and NIC.
India-Japan extends cooperation in diverse sectors

India and Japan has signed nearly eight pacts to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between both the countries. Memorandum between Tourism Agency of both the countries aims at promoting tourism between the two countries. MoU was signed to implement bilateral S&T exchanges,harmonizing standards between the two countries,enhancing energy efficiency in telecom towers,exchange of Notes on ODA loan for
Uttarakhand Forest Resource Management Project, to grant aid under Japanese ODA and to provide soft loan for power generation in India. The two countries have also decided to make joint naval exercises a permanent feature and India. It is also decided to extend Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteer scheme to uncovered sectors while visa regimes are being relaxed by both sides.
Kudankulam nuclear power plantsets record

A unit of Kudankulam nuclear power plant, located in Tamilnadu achieves 570 mega watt power productions. According to its director, this is the first single nuclear power unit to achieve 570 mega watt power productions. Earlier, the record was held by Tarapur Atomic power plant units 3 and 4 which produced 540 mega watt each. The power generation in Kudankulam will be slowly increased to 750 MW, 900 MW and then finally to its full capacity of 1000 MW in stages.
China surpasses India in Nepal

FDI to Nepal from China has surpassed India for the first six months of the current fiscal year. India was the biggest source of FDI during the 2011-12 fiscal year but investment from China rose the following year to account for 31 per cent of total foreign investment. The Chinese government is actively encouraging Nepalese people to learn the language.China is also developing itself as an international educational hub, doubling the number of scholarships to attract Nepalese students. The more China gets into Nepal, the more cautious India will react.
World Economic Forum annual meet

World Economic Forum is a not-for-profit foundation founded in 1971, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.The Forum is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. Global Risks Report published by World Economic Forum (WEF) declared that the biggest global risk in terms of likelihood would be severe income disparity for the next 10 years and major systemic financial failure will be the top-most risk before the world in terms of impact. India is ranked ninth in terms of its ability to tackle global economic risks and tenth position for environmental risks. In the ongoing World Economic Forum annual meet, Commerce and Industry Minister has said that India aims to raise manufacturing sectors share of GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent and create 100 million skilled jobs. According to the Finance minister,Indian economy is stabilised and it is poised to return to high growth path and will acheive 8 per cent growth rate.He also said that India is better prepared for tackling tapering measures carried out by the U.S government. Outcome of upcoming polls and the advent of AamAadmi Party (AAP) were also major talking points in the annual meet.
Silicon valley of India gets WiFi hotspots
NammaWiFi initiative was launched in Bangalore covering initially 6 hotspots.

WiFi, is a technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. People will be able to utilise the network upto 50 Mb of data download or for upto three hours with 512 kb bandwidth. People will be provided with one Time Password once they get themselves registered for the service. The facility was initiated by the state IT department and the ICT (information and communications technologies) group.
National Waqf Development Corporation Limited

National Waqf Development Corporation Limited (NAWADCO) is a new Central Public Sector Enterprise under Ministry of Minority Affairs. Wakf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law. The total area under Wakf properties all over India is estimated at about 6 lakh acres and the book value at about Rs 6,000 crores. India has the largest number of Waqf properties in the world. NAWADCO will facilitate and mobilize financial resources for the development of Waqf properties for community development purposes in a joint venture with the State and Union Territory Waqf Boards and the Mutawallis. In order to make administration of waqf properties transparent and to provide an enabling environment for development and utilization of waqf lands for welfare of minorities, government recently enacted the Waqf (amendment) act, 2013.
MoU between NRLM and Digital Green

MoU was signed between NRLM and Digital Green , a Microsoft Research Project. Digital Green works to effectively exchange relevant livelihood practices among rural communities using locally produced videos and mediated dissemination. ICT based approach focuses on low cost and effective peer-to-peer learning processes. It strives to empower poor households to increase their productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner.
India- Srilanka strives to resolve the issues

In the recent meeting between Foreign ministers of India and Srilanka , India stressed for giving more powers to the Tamil-dominated Northern Province. It was not clear whether India supported the Northern Councils resolution for an international probe into human rights abuses during the final phase of internal war. Other issues such as proposals to eliminate maltreatment of fishermen and to operationalise a trilateral maritime security pact with Maldives as a third partner were also discussed. Fishermen from both the countries have also met to discuss the issues which prevents smooth fishing activities in Palk bay region.
SC says no to review its judgement
SC refused to review its judgement on Homosexuality causing concerns among the LGBT community across India.
Supporters of LGBT community expressed their worries as those suffering from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) would feel uncomfortable going to government hospitals for treatment as they have to disclose their sexuality. Section 377, Indian Penal Code, 1860 was enacted by the British colonial regime to criminalise carnal intercourse against the order of nature. In July , 2009 Delhi High Court struck down the provision of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised consensual sexual acts of adults in private, holding that it violated the fundamental right of life and liberty and the right to equality as guaranteed in the Constitution. In December 2013, SC has given its verdict that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is illegal and will continue to be an offence.
Education For All Global Monitoring Report (GMR)-India scores low According to the report,

India features among the countries likely to achieve the pre-primary enrollment target of at least 70 per cent by 2015. India is in high level of countries likely to achieve a primary enrollment target of at least 95 per cent by 2015. India among the 21 countries facing an extensive learning crisis. The current education system outpaces what pupils can realistically learn and achieve in the time given. Despite improvements, far too many children lack early childhood care and education. Universal primary education is likely to be missed by a wide margin. Many adolescents lack foundation skills gained through lower secondary education. The Education For All framework was adopted in 2000 and has got five goals dealing with it.
India gets its Monorail

Indias first monorail will run in Mumbai from central suburb of Wadala and the eastern suburb of Chembur. The monorail project covers a 19.17 km stretch in the Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle corridor, which will be the second longest corridor with 17 stations. The entire project costs Rs 3000 crore of which Phase I is completed.Phase II will take another year to get completed.
Hike in subsidized Cylinders is a retrograde step

Government has announced its decision to de-link Aadhar routed subsidy for LPG cylinders and to increase the number of subsidized cylinders to 12 from this April. Elevated crude prices and depreciation of rupee along with the burden of Subsidy for the Oil Marketing Companies will cost around Rs 5000 crores annually. This decision will also divert the subsidized cylinders to the commercial markets.
International SAFA
ShriSubodh Kumar Agarwalwas appointed as the President of SAFA.He has served in various committees under SAFA. South Asian Federation of Accountants(SAFA) is a apex body of SAARC and has got 10 accounting institutions from India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal as members.Bhutan and Afghanistan are observer countries. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is one of the founding members of SAFA.
New member of Eurozone -Latvia

Latvia became the 18th member of Eurozone. Eurozone consists of 18 members of EU who has accepted a Euro as the common currency. The monetary policy of the countries is the responsibility of European Central Bank. The Euro area countries must coordinate their economic and fiscal policies closely.
Bangladesh polls

The ruling party, Awami League contested in 147 constituencies in Bangladesh. The election commission has said that the election faced low voter turn out due to the boycott of election by the Awami League. The opposition demanded a caretaker government as a prerequisite for the elections to be conducted in the country.
Geneva II conference on Syria

India sent its official to look into the developments happening in Syria to contribute in an effective way to rebuild Syria. India has been selected as a participant by the U.N to attend Geneva II conference. India has already provided around $1million aid to Syria and made available competent workforce for destroying the Chemical weapons. Earlier India has participated as an observer in Friends of Syria grouping.
Bitcoin insurance

UK based company has introduced a new scheme to insure the bit open. Bitcoins are digital currencies which has to be mined using computer programmes. Elliptics launch comes as governments around the world are deciding how to legislate for the digital currency. Asian financial hub Singapore has become one of the first countries to issue guidance on taxation for Bit coin businesses, although it also said it was monitoring transactions to detect illicit financing by criminals and terrorists. In India, a number of Bit coin operators have suspended their business following the recent warning by the countrys central bank against use of such virtual currencies due to potential money laundering and cyber security risks.
A ray of hope for Iran
From January 20, Iran has agreed to open up its nuclear programme for inspection by international experts for six months.
During this six months Germany, Russia,U.S, France, China and Britain will continue negotiations with Iran to arrive at a permanent deal after six months. Iran has agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 5 per cent grade commonly used to power reactors. The deal also commits Iran to stop producing 20 per cent enriched uranium which is only a technical step away from weapons-grade material and to neutralize its 20 per cent stockpile over the six months. In return certain sanctions against Iran will be removed.
Indonesia imposed new regulations on ores

Indonesian President SusiloBambangYudhoyono has banned export of unprocessed mineral ore. The major attempt to impose the ban is to boost the domestic processing industries, by mandating that ores are processed locally before being exported. The move has been opposed by both domestic and foreign miners resulting in lay-offs, strikes in the mining sector and officials have also worried that a short-term cut in foreign revenue could widen the current account deficit. India will not be affected as thermal coal is exempt from the ban for import and export in Indonesia.
U.S returns stolen idols from India

U.S. handed over idols worth more than $1.5m stolen from temples in Rajasthan, and Bihar or West Bengal to India. Black sandstone sculpture of a Bodhisattava, a popular subject in Buddhist art, was also returned to the Indian government. Although several years have passed since the seizure of these idols Customs and Immigration Enforcement(ICE) follows a lengthy process for cataloguing seized items, including determining their true origin for repatriation.
Alcohol ban on Thai Poosam in Singapore
Thai poosam festival marks the event of Lord Murugan receiving Spear from Parvathi to vanquish a demon.It also marks the event of Lord Shiva performing ananthatandava in Chidambaram temple, Tamilnadu. Singapore has announced alcohol ban on Thai poosam festival in little India precinct. Already there is a weekend ban on alcohol consumption due to the recent riot in little India. This annual event will attract tourist crowds and it is celebrated by Tamils in Malaysia and Singapore.
New battle ground for China-Japan rivalry

Japan pledged loans worth $2 billion over five years as private sector assistance to Africa. China accords great strategic significance to Africa as a source of raw materials and a market for finished goods. Japanese government made several allusions to Chinas apparent strategy of aligning with African leaders. Both the countries is facing tough times with recent controversies over Senkaku islands and expansion of Air Defence zone by China.The recent economic package by Japanese government to Africa has created stir as China too wants to improve its bilateral relationship with the African country.
Vatican under U.N watch

The United Nations committee in Geneva was looking into the Vaticans failure to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which calls on signers to protect children from harm, including sexual and physical abuse. According to one of the committee member the Vatican has not established any mechanism to investigate those accused of perpetrating sexual abuse, nor to prosecute them. The committee will issue final observations and recommendations on Feb. 5, but it has no authority to issue sanctions, and its recommendations are nonbinding. Vatican representatives insisted that abuse cases were not primarily the responsibility of the Vatican, but of local dioceses and law enforcement officials with the authority to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators.
Ukraine passes anti-protest law

Opposition parties in Ukraine were protesting for the past 2 months over Ukraines decision to stay away from EU under the pressure of Russia. According to the new anti-protest law, blockade of public buildings was punishable by up to five years in prison. Protesters wearing masks or helmets will face a fine or an administrative arrest. Slander on the Internet was also banned and punishable with a fine or corrective labor of up to one year.
Uganda President blocks controversial bill

Uganda President blocks controversial bill on conferring life time imprisonment for persons indulged in homo sexual life. In the original bill, the offense will be punishable with death sentence but the watered down version provides for life time imprisonment. The President has said that the abnormality can be cured by other means.
Syria takes positive steps to attain peace

The Syrian government headed by Assad and the opposition powers has agreed for a direct peace talks dubbed Geneva -2. But President Bashar Assad,will not step down from power and will run for 2014 elections which are due. The western powers were trying to initiate peace talks as the violence in the country took over 1,30,000 lives in the past 3 years.
No room for Iran in Syria peace talks

U.N has cancelled the invitation to Iran to participate in the Syria peace conference. Syria, Iran and Lebanon forms the Shia axis of power in west Asia. Iran supports the Assad government in Syria as the downfall of Syria will alter the regional power balance and Saudi Arabia, rival of Iran might get an upper hand in the region. The move was taken as Iran was not supporting the formation of transitional government in Syria. U.N watch dog has confirmed partial freeze in Irans nuclear programme.
Talks begin for Syrias future

Under the aegis of U.N , representatives from 35 nations are participating in the Geneva 2 talks for Syrias future which begun in Montreux, Switzerland. Talks are on to implement a plan for a mutually agreed upon transitional government in Syria, called the Geneva Protocol, which was approved by the U.N. Security Council in 2012. As President Assad had declared that he wont be stepping down and will most probably run for the up coming election, opposition parties were holding discontent against Assad government. This is the first time that representatives of the Syrian government and members of the opposition will sit across from each other since the uprising started nearly three years ago. The main motive of Western powers is to help formulate a transitional government till elections are over. Russia and Syrian regime will try to shift the discussions on less contentious issues such as exchange of prisoners, peaceful transition of power after elections rather than transitional government formation.
Ceasefire agreement in South Sudan

South Sudan government and the rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting within 24 hours. In the past week, government forces recaptured the two main cities under rebel control. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people have been forced from their homes during the month-long conflict. There was a tussle between U.N and South Sudan government as the former prevented latter from entering into a U.N mission post.South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuel and his armed entourage were denied entry into a UNMISS camp in Bor after government forces reclaimed the town from rebel fighters. Fighting has coincided with attacks on certain oil companies, signalling that the brewing political struggle could mask a larger tussle for control over the countrys resources.
Ukraine turning into a political war zone

Russian government has accused the west of planning to overthrow a legitimate government in Ukraine. In the last month ambassadors and officials of several European countries and the United States visited the protest camp in Kiev to voice their support. The protests begun when Ukraine declined the offer made by EU for a Association Agreement(AA) which also includes a free trade agreement. Ukraine had completed the negotiations and initialed the deal. But its failure to comply with a series of EU demands, notably the freeing of former Prime MinisterYuliaTymoshenko, meant it could not be finalised. Amid rising awareness among Ukraines population about the issues at stake, Presidents announcement that he would not sign the AA provoked an eruption of pro-European feeling in Kyiv and western Ukraine.
Russia-China joint military drill

Russia and China have launched their first naval war exercise in Mediterranean sea. It involves Russias heavy nuclear missile cruiser Peter the Great and Chinese frigate Yancheng. The first practical interaction between both the navies started when Russian and Chinese warships escorted the first consignment of Syrian chemical weapons materials transferred on a Danish ship.
New hope for Constitution in Nepal

Leaders of Nepals political parties came to a consensus to draft a constitution within a year. Except for Kamal Thapa, Chairman of RPP (Nepal), other major and minor political parties have also decided to adopt the agreements reached during last session of the constituent assembly. Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala will become the next Prime Minister of Nepal. In the mean while Patients were forced to flee to Indian side as Nepali doctors are striking in order to press the authorities to address demands of leading orthopaedic surgeon Govinda K C, who is on the fast unto death since January 11.
Ukraine remains in a agitated mode
Ukraines President has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister and his Cabinet amid continuing anti-government protests to make a political compromise to help end the fueling protests and agitations all over the country. The President has also announced to scrap the harsh anti-protest laws which further worsened the situation in the country for the past few days. European leaders have curtailed their summit scheduled with President Vladimir Putin, removed few provisions of its agenda and cancelled a traditional dinner for the Russian leader.
UK lends its hands to Syrian refugees

UK government has agreed to let in some of the vulnerable people from Syria into its boundaries. Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme will help prioritise refugees with the help of UNHRC.The present scheme will work in addition to other similar programmes undertaken by UK. According to the government release, victims of sexual violence and torture, women and children at risk, and those in need of urgent medical care will be given priority.
Protests in Pakistan to stop cultural festival

Archeologists and activists urged the Pakistan government to stop the Sindh Cultural Festival that was about to be inaugurated in Mohenjodaro. The activists expressed their concern as there will be damage to the World Heritage site. Mohenjodaro, mound of the Dead is located in Sindh province of Pakistan.It is one of the oldest Urban settlements in the world.It was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1980.
Economy Indias external debt scenario

Indias external debt stood at $400.3 billion by September 2013. Share of external commercial borrowings stood the highest followed by non-resident Indian deposits and multilateral debt. Dollar denominated debt occupied majority of the debt followed by rupee denominated and other currency debts. The change in rupee value( decrease in rupee value) has reduced the external debt by $11.2 billion.
Gold import norms eased

RBI announced that refineries can import 15% of their gross annual requirement in the first two months and the balance as per export performance. The imported gold dore must be refined and released based on First In First Out principle in the ratio 80:20. Due to widening Current Account Deficit (CAD) and decrease in rupee value government has imposed curbs in gold imports.
Perpetual Non-cumulative preferential shares

RBI has advised government to allow banks such as Vijaya, UCO and Indian bank to convert their PNCPS into equity shares. Perpetual stocks dont have a maturity date. Non-Cumulative means their dividend if for any reason was not paid in the allotted time will not be available in next payment. Preferential stock means these shareholders will be paid first when the company/institution is dissolved. These shares cant be accounted for Tier-I capital according to the Basel III norms as they lack loss absorption capacity. By converting it into equity shares, more money will be available for fueling investments and to provide banking for unbanked and under banked semi rural and semi urban areas. BASEL III norms require 4.5% of common equity and 6% of Tier-I capital with banks.
Indian Leather Development Programme
The government has given approval for the continuation of six sub schemes of Indian Leather Development Programme(ILDP) such as Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS), Human Resource Development (HRD), Support to Artisan (STA), Leather Technology Innovation and Environmental Issues, Mega Leather Cluster and Establishment of Institutional Institutes in the 12th plan period amounting to Rs.990 crore. The implementation of these programmes will provide placement linked skill development training, infrastructure support in the form of mega leather clusters, skill development of artisans and assistance for modernization and upgradation of leather units.
New changes to Mega Power Policy
Inter state thermal projects of 1000 MW and above and inter State hydel power projects of 500 MW and above are eligible for the status of Mega Power Projects if they obtain a mega power project certificate from any scheduled bank which entitles them duty free import of capital equipments and deemed export benefits. In order to boost the economic growth and to make it available for the consumers affordable electricity, government has extended the maximum time period within which power discoms should submit their mega certificates to tax authorities from 36 months to 60 months. The developer must tie up his 65% of net capacity through competitive bidding and 35% through regulated tariff as per the host State policy.
More powers for RBI in financial benchmarks
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A committee head by RBI Executive Director P.VijayaBhaskar has submitted its report suggesting increased role for RBI in benchmark setting process. There are two main reasons for setting benchmarks in India: a) Pricing and Settlement of Foreign exchange and Rupee interest Rate Contracts ; b)periodic evaluation of various Foreign Exchange and Rupee Interest rate assets and liabilities. Few benchmarks currently in use are MIBID-MIBOR, MIFOR, INBMK, FEDAI Spot Fixing rate etc. 14-day MIBID-MIBOR may be phased out;banks may strive to develop the USD/INR basis swap market and USD/INR forwards (beyond 1 year) so as to obviate the need to use MIFOR Benchmark Administrators may take into account appropriate generic factors in designing a benchmark so that the benchmark accurately represents the economic realities of the interest that it intends to measure. Administrator may retain primary responsibility for all aspects of benchmark determination process. It may constitute a governing body to ensure quality and integrity of the benchmark determination process. The USD/INR Reference Rate of RBI may be based on volume weighted average of spot transactions obtained from defined source/s covering a sufficiently longer time window.
New exploration licensing policy

56 oil blocks will be provided to the bidders in the 10th round of NELP according to the new revenue sharing model as per the Rangarajan Committee report. Now the bidders cannot recover the cost initially(capital expenditure) without providing shares to the government. The new system will improve transparency and increase the revenue for government. Petrotech is a biennial platform for national and international experts in the oil and gas industry to exchange views and share knowledge, expertise and experiences.
BRICS development bank

Finance ministry has asked the Observer Research Foundation to prepare a draft for Indias position in the G20 on the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India China, South Africa) Development Bank. BRICS countries had decided to set up a Development Bank for funding infrastructure projects. The BRICS Development Bank will also create a Contingency Reserve Arrangement worth $100 billion that member countries will be able to tap in emergency. The Strategy paper with the finance ministry has proposed four options for the development bank including the participation of private entities.
MCX-SX
MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX),said that it got the approval of the market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to start trading in interest rate futures (IRF), which would go live from this month onwards. The regulatory approval to MCX-SX to launch the new segment follows the renewal of the exchanges recognition in September 2013
Soon ATMs will also be charged

SBI has plans to charge the customer for banking ,money withdrawal. At present banks have to pay Rs.15 for other bank transaction.
Home bank has to pay the other bank Rs 15 per transaction, even though the transaction may be for free to customers.
Aadhaar is enough to open bank account

RBI committee has informed that aadhaar card is enough to open a new bank account. This will help the government to provide banking services to all citizens by January 2016. The committee, while laying down its vision statement for financial inclusion and deepening, has suggested providing a universal bank account to all Indians above the age of 18 years by January 1, 20
Government hikes EPF interest rate

The government has announced 8.75 per cent interest on savings in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for 2013-14. It is 0.25 percent more than the interest paid in 2012-13. The hike will benefit over 6 crore subscribers of the EPF Organisation. Employment Provident Fund Organisation is a statutory body under Ministry of Labour and Employment dealing with Pension scheme, Insurance scheme in addition to Provident Fund scheme.
Government plans to hike old age pension

The government has decided to provide Rs.1000 as a minimum monthly pension for formal sector employees. Earlier, the ministry of labour had proposed that the government should increase its subsidy on the scheme from 1.16 per cent of the basic wages to 1.79 per cent to assure the minimum pension amount of Rs 1,000 per month. Labour Ministry has asked the Finance Ministry to provide for around Rs 1,300 crore additional amount every year for the purpose, and indicated that this amount can reduce over a period of time with more members subscribing to the EPS95. The government is also in the process of raising the basic wages ceiling under the Employees Provident Fund Scheme to Rs 15,000 from the existing ceiling of Rs 6,500.
Bitcoin operations resume in India

Bitcoin operators in India have resumed their operations on trial basis. Bitcoin operations came to a halt with RBI notification warning about the risks involved in performing bitcoin transactions. Income tax authorities have also visited few bitcoin entities in India to devise rules and regulations to prevent money laundering and other kind of financial frauds utilisingbitcoins. BitQuick.in claims to help connect Bitcoin buyers and sellers in India directly to their own banks. buysellbitco.in and inrbtc.com continue to remain suspended for want of a clearer framework. It is estimated that there are around 30,000 bitcoin holders in the country, currently in possession of 1 per cent of around 12 million bitcoins in global circulation.
Need for multiple bank accounts
Iran requested India, in specific RBI to allow for multiple bank accounts for transaction as UCO bank is the only bank through which transactions are done now.
India had paid in Euros to clear 55 per cent of its purchases of Iranian oil through Ankara-based Halkbank. The remaining 45 per cent due amount was remitted in rupees in accounts Iranian Oil Company opened in Kolkata-based UCO Bank. Iran also stressed that it would be economically cheaper for India to import crude from Iran due to proximity between the two nations.
State Bank of Hyderabad to have branches outside Andhra Pradesh

State Bank of Hyderabad has plans to expand its presence in States such as Tamil Nadu and plans to add 80 branches outside Andhra Pradesh. The bank had projected 20 per cent growth in deposits and 18 per cent growth in advances in the current year. The bank is focusing on the micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in this year.
Smart grid system is the need of the hour

Sam Pitroda,advisor to Prime Minister on Infrastructure and Innovation has said power industry should work for developing distributed power from micro grids. Smart grid refers to a class of technology which are used by the people to bring utility electricity delivery systems into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control and automation. The grid amounts to the networks that carry electricity from the plants where it is generated to consumers. Key feature of the smart grid is automation technology that lets the utility adjust and control each individual device or millions of devices from a central location.
Overseas borrowings can be converted into equity

Companies could convert their overseas borrowings through the ECB route into equity shares at the foreign exchange rate applicable on the date of the swap agreement. RBI will have no objection if the borrower company wishes to issue equity shares for a rupee amount less than that arrived at as mentioned above by a mutual agreement with the ECB lender.
Renewable energy target missed

Indian government to miss the target for green energy addition second year in a row. As against the annual target of 4,325 MW, only 1,922 MW has been achieved. Indias total grid-interactive renewable energy capacity addition stood at 29,989 MW as on December 31, 2013.
Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Business and Low Income Households-RBI report According to the recent RBI report on Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Business and Low Income Households, Four design principles were proposed for financial inclusion.
Systemic Stability
Balance-sheet Transparency Institutional Neutrality Responsibility towards the Customer.
The six visions as proposed by the report are given as follows 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Universal Electronic Bank Account Ubiquitous Access to Payment Services and Deposit Products at Reasonable Charge. Sufficient Access to Affordable Formal Credit Universal Access to a Range of Deposit and Investment Products at Reasonable Charges Universal Access to a Range of Insurance and Risk Management Products at Reasonable Charges Right to Suitability
Suggestions of the committee:
It has recommended Adjusted Priority Sector Lending Target of 50 per cent against the current requirement of 40 per cent with sectoral and regional weightages based on the level of difficulty in lending. It has recommended only two categories of NBFCs one for core investment companies and another category for all other NBFCs. It has advocated regulatory convergence between banks and NBFCs based on the principle of neutrality with regard to classification of non-performing assets and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 eligibility. It has desired that the Reserve Bank should issue regulations on suitability, applicable specifically for individuals and small businesses, to all regulated entities within its purview so that the violation of such regulations would result in penal action for the institution as contemplated under the relevant statutes through a variety of measures, including fines, cease-and-desist orders, and modification and cancellation of licences.
Low production in tea will hike prices

According to the recent CRISIL report tea production in North India will be moving uptrend by 1- 1,5 % due to increase in yield with re-plantation of old bushes with new ones. Consumption of tea will be increased by 2-2.k5 % with increase in population and steady increase in per capita tea consumption. Even though tea prices were moving up, profits to tea planters will be marginal due to increase in labour , power and fuel costs. Exports of Orthodox tea products will hit an increasing note as its consumption in India is insignificant while exports of CTC tea products ( Crush, Tear and Curl-CTC used in Tea bags) will decline as the markets such as Egypt and Middle east are facing political uncertainties.
Expert committee to review governance of Boards of Banks The committee was chaired by P. J. Nayak, former Chairman and CEO of Axis Bank.The mandates of the committee are as follows

to review the regulatory compliance requirements of banks boards in India. to judge what can be rationalised and where requirements need to be enhanced.
to examine the working of banks boards including whether adequate time is devoted to issues of strategy, growth, governance and risk management; to review central bank regulatory guidelines on bank ownership, ownership concentration and representation in the board. to analyse the representation on banks boards to see whether the boards have the appropriate mix of capabilities and the necessary independence to govern the institution to investigate possible conflicts of interest in board representation, including among owner representatives and regulators. to examine board compensation guidelines, and any other issue relevant to the functioning of banks boards and the governance they exercise.
Bank notes prior to 2005 will be withdrawn

RBI will completely withdraw from circulation all banknotes issued prior to 2005. From April 1, 2014, the public will be required to approach banks for exchanging these notes. Banks will provide exchange facility for these notes until further communication. The public can easily identify the notes to be withdrawn as the notes issued before 2005 do not have on them the year of printing on the reverse side. The notes issued before 2005 will continue to be legal tender. From July 01, 2014, however, to exchange more than 10 pieces of `500 and `1000 notes, non-customers will have to furnish proof of identity and residence to the bank branch in which she/he wants to exchange the notes.
Urjit Panel report has mixed responses RBI has appointed a Expert committee to revise and strengthen the monetary policy framework . The key recommendations of the committee are as follows

The committee recommends that ination should be the nominal anchor for the monetary policy framework. This nominal anchor should be set by the RBI as its predominant objective of monetary policy in its policy statements. Subject to the establishment and achievement of the nominal anchor, monetary policy conduct should be consistent with a sustainable growth trajectory and nancial stability. The Committee recommends that the RBI should adopt the new CPI (combined) as the measure of the nominal anchor for policy communication. The nominal anchor should be defined in terms of headline CPI ination, which closely reects the cost of living and inuences ination expectations relative to other available metrics. The Committee recommends that the nominal anchor or target should be set at 4 per cent with a band of +/- 2 per cent around it. Central Government needs to ensure that its scal decit as a ratio to GDP is brought down to 3.0 per cent by 2016-17. Administered setting of prices, wages and interest rates are signicant impediments to monetary policy transmission and achievement of the price stability objective, requiring a commitment from the Government towards their elimination.
With the report being submitted, several experts have raised questions about the practical implications of the recommendations.
Targeting inflation and setting up targets for inflation by elected representatives is really a difficult task. The current practice of the governor having the final say on deciding monetary policy may also change if the recommendations of the report are accepted. Under the current system, a technical advisory committee makes suggestions to the governor who may choose to follow them or not. Recommendation for adopting monetary policy, which is centered on inflation, will be a shift from traditional policy making, and will also bring RBI policy calibration closer to the international practices. If the RBI accepts the recommendations of the committee, interest rates are unlikely to come down in 2014-15.
Depositor Education and Awareness Fund The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2012, Section 26A has been inserted in the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 which empowers the Reserve Bank to establish a fund called Depositor Education and Awareness Fund.The following are the key provisions of the fund proposed by RBI.
Money will be credited to the Fund the amount to the credit of any account in India with a banking company which has not been operated upon for a period of ten years or any deposit or any amount remaining unclaimed for more than ten years, within a period of three months from the expiry of the said period of ten years The depositor can claim his deposit or unclaimed amount or operate his account or deposit account from or with the banking company after the expiry of said period of ten years. The banking company is liable to repay such deposit or amount at such rate of interest as may be specified by the Reserve Bank. The banking company may apply for refund of such amount in such manner as may be specified by the authority or committee. The Fund shall be utilised for promotion of depositors interests. The Reserve Bank specify an authority or committee, with such members as the Reserve Bank may appoint, to administer the Fund, and to maintain separate accounts and other relevant records in relation to the Fund.
Fiscal deficit within the redline

Finance minister will report the achieved fiscal deficit at 4.65 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product for the current fiscal when he presents the Vote-on-Account. Fiscal deficit is the difference between the governments expenditures and its revenues excluding the money its borrowed.Government spending, inflation and lower revenue are some of the main factors that cause Fiscal deficit.A high fiscal deficit could pose an inflation risk, minimize the growth of the economy, doubt the governments abilities and can also affect the countrys sovereign rating. Lowering of expenditure on flagship social schemes and a slight improvement in tax collection has helped to contain fiscal deficit within 4.8% line. The fiscal deficit hit 94 per cent of the governments target by November last year.
Emerging market economies feel the pinch
Emerging market economies feel the pinch of global financial instability and uncertainty along with the U.S measures to reduce stimulus package.
US central bank runs a stimulus programme, known as quantitative easing, aimed at boosting its economy following the global financial crisis.Under the programme, the US Federal Reserve had been buying bonds worth $85bn per month to keep interest rates low and boosting economic activity in the country. Some of the increased liquidity has flowed into emerging markets including those in Asia over the years, lifting stock and asset prices in those economies. Last December US announced that it will scale down the programme by $10bn per month.This will lead to investors opting out of emerging markets, resulting in a further fall in stocks and currencies in those economies. The recent sell off is also triggered by a report from HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit Economics which indicated that Chinas manufacturing may contract for the first time in six months. Yields on 10-year German bonds slipped to an 11-week low,South Africas rand fell to a level weaker than 11 per dollar for the first time since 2008, Argentine devalued the peso by reducing support in the foreign-exchange market,Venezuela devalued its currency for airline tickets and incoming foreign direct investment. Stock indices in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea also tumbled.Indian rupee too fell to nine week low due to turmoil in other emerging economies and slowdown in China.
Changes in accounting norms

ICAI is in the process of bringing Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) norms in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). According to its recent amendments ,
1. An entity has to provide a third balance sheet or opening balance sheet only when it changes its accounting policies, makes retrospective restatements or makes reclassifications as well in cases where the changes have had a material effect on the balance sheet. 2. It has also suggested changes with respect to disclosure of total assets and liabilities for a particular reportable segment under the norms for interim financial reporting. 3. It is also stressed that major spare parts and servicing equipment meet the definition of property, plant and equipment and not to be included in inventory. New initiative to promote renewable energy
Green Power Market Development Group (GPMDG) a joint initiative of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and World Resources Institute (WRI) and supported by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation was launched nation wide. Its primary objective is to create a demand for renewable energy among corporate and help companies in meeting their renewable energy purchase obligations and also make them sustainable in the long term.
RBI hikes repo rate

Repo rate is the rate at which banks borrow short term funds from RBI. In order to control inflation, RBI hiked repo rate by 0.25 basis points and now it stands at 8 percent. Cash reserve ratio kept unchanged at 4% Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate stands at 9% The recent hike in repo rate was driven by an expectation that consumer price index (CPI) inflation will remain high and also that RBI is to base its policy rate decisions on a CPI target.
Rationalizing tax regime for FPI

Foreign Portfolio Investors include Foreign Institutional Investors, their Sub accounts and Qualified Foreign Investors. With the recent notification from the government,all the entities under FPI will have a uniform tax regime. Previously QFIs were charged higher tax rates compared to FIIs and FPIs. FPIs, will be treated as FIIs under the Income Tax Act, 1961. FPIs have been divided into three categories as per their risk profile and the KYC requirements. Category I FPIs- Entities with lowest risk includes foreign governments and government related foreign investors. Category II FPIs- Will cover appropriately regulated broad based funds, appropriately regulated entities, broad-based funds whose investment manager is appropriately regulated, university funds and pension funds. Category III FPIs- Entities which are not covered in the above two categories will be included.
Round Tripping via Mauritius -a reason for concern
In July, 2013 Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) rejected three foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals routed through the island nation stressing the fact that quality of money is as important as the quantity no matter how hard the country strives to raise capital for domestic industries. Round-tripping typically occurs where tax incentives are restricted to foreign investors or to investments with a prescribed minimum percentage of foreign ownership. Mauritian government has said that it is difficult to monitor the trail of investments made by Indian entities through a chain of countries, including tax havens, to determine whether round tripping has happened. Mauritius also argued that India should intercept black money when it exits the country in the first place, since targeting the re-entry point could deter genuine investments.
Pact for information exchange signed between RBI and Srilanka

RBI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Central Bank of Sri Lanka for cooperation and exchange of information. The MoU deals with Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information. RBI has also signed similar MoUs with other countries to facilitate exchange of information.
Sports Basket Ball Player, Khushi Ram passed away.He has won the most valuable player award in Asian Championship held in Manila in 1970.He was also a recipient of Arjuna Award. Corey Anderson , New Zealand cricket player has scored the fastest ODI century in 36 deliveries. Womens Squash Association ranked JhosnaChinappa , her career best 20th rank. Lleyton Hewitt won the Brisbane International Tennis Trophy beating Roger Federer. StanislasWawrinka won the singles Chennai Open Tennis Title. Black Panther Eusebio, football legend and top scorer in 1966 World Cup passed away.
VishuBondre, a right-arm medium-pacer who played eight Ranji Trophy matches for Bombay between 1965-66 and 1969-70, passed away following a cardiac arrest. Indian Motorcycle League will be held in three rounds in the lines of IPL matches.The initiative was made by famous motorcyclists, Rajini, Sarathkumar, Jagan, Harry Sylvester. GarbineMuguruza of Spain won her first WTA title. SanilShetty and Ankita Das has bagged Mens and Womens National Table Tennis Championship. AnirbanLahiri stood third in Kings Cup golf tournament, which took place in Thailand. Li Na won her First Australian Open title and became the oldest women to win the championship. Lukasz Kubot and Robert Lindstedt won the Australian Open mens doubles title. StanislasWawrinka has lifted the Australian Open mens singles title. SainaNehwal won the womens singles Grand Prix Badminton title beating P.V.Sindhu. Womens table tennis team comprising NehaAgarwal, Rithwika, DivyaDeshpande and K. Spoorthy won the Al-Fajr Cup, an official tournament of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Mens Team won the Silver Medal.
Election notification by IOA

IOA has issued new election notification. Candidates can file nominations for various posts, including those of president, secretary-general and treasurer, starting 15 days before the election date while they can withdraw their names till seven days prior to the polls. Previously IOC has gone to verge of de-recognising IOA for election irregularities. IOA has recently amended its mandate to bar-charged, framed officials from contesting election.
Padma Shri for Paralympic Sports person

Boniface Prabhu, a wheel chair tennis player was chosen for the Padma Shri award this year. He is the first Indian wheelchair tennis player to reach the semifinals and finals of the major grand slam wheelchair tennis championships including Australian Open, British Open, French Open and US Open. He has yet to get clearance from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to compete in the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Tax exemption for Medal winners

Sports persons who win medals at Olympics, Commonwealth and Asian Games will be exempted from paying Income Tax on cash or other rewards given by the government. Earlier winners of National Film Awards and Ramon Magsaysay awardees are exempted from paying any income tax. Awards
Family of late Justice Verma refused to receive the Padma Bhushan award. Three Australians of Indian Origin were selected for Australias prestigious award.They are Dr. Nambiar (Officer of Order of Australia- distinguished service to science;Mr. Gupta (Order of Australia services to the arts through classical Indian music); Dr. Bandopadhayay (community service to the Australian Bengali and Nepali communities).
Padma awards President of India will confer the prestigious Padma awards to 127 persons by March/April this year.

Padma Vibhushan is the second highest highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna instituted in 1954 to recognize exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in any field, including government service. Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award instituted in 1954 to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation, in any field. Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian awards to recognize their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports,Medicine, Social Service and Public Affairs.
Names of few awardees are given below. Padma Vibhushan Dr.RaghunathAMashelkar- Science and Technology Shri.B.K.S.Iyengar- Yoga Padma Bhushan Shri Kamal Hassan- Actor(Art) Prof GulamMohanned Sheikh- Painting (Art) Justice DalveerBhandari- Public Affairs ShriVijayendranathKaul- Civil Service Shri Leander Paes- Sports (Tennis) ShriPullelaGopichand- Sports( Badminton) Dr.NeelamKler- Neonanotology (Medicine) Padma Shri Ms.GeetaMahalik- Odisha dance Shri Vijay Ghate- Instrumental music (Tabla) Shri Ashok Kumar Mago Oncology MsParveenTalha- Civil service Shri Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu- Mountaineering
Dr. WaikhomGojenMeeitei-Literature and eductaion Shri Rajesh Saraiya-Trade and Industry BangaMoni award conferred

BindeshwarPathak, a Social reformer was conferred with BangaMoni award instituted by Michael Mathusudan academy. He spear headed the Sulabh Sanitation movement. He works for the upliftment of downtrodden sections of society and pays attention to the improvement of condition of the widows from Bengal.
National Communal Harmony Award
The National Communal Harmony Awards were instituted by the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, an autonomous organisation under the Union Home Ministry in 1996.The award carries a citation and a cash award of Rs.5 lakh for individuals and Rs.10 lakh for organisations. Organisation Category-Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai Individual Category-Mohinder Singh of Delhi and N Radhakrishnan of Kerala
Highest peacetime gallantry award conferred

Ashok Chakra is the peace time equivalent of the ParamVir Chakra, and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice away from the battle field. Sub Inspector K Prasad Babu was posthumously conferred the highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra. K. Prasad Babu was a Greyhounds Inspector who laid down his life combating Maoists in the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border region April, last year.
Personalities
Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, from the DawoodiBohras passed away. Bohras are a sub group within the Mustaali, Ismaili Shia branch of Islam.
NamdeoDhasal passed away

Noted Marathi poet NamdeoDhasal passed away. He was the recipient of Padma Shri and founded Dalit Panther movement in 1972 along with his friends. His first volume of poetry is Golpitha.
SuchitraSen

Bengali actress Suchitrasen passed away. She was the first Indian actress to receive award at international film festival during Moscow International Film festival. she has been conferred with Padma Shri in 1972 for outstanding contribution in arts.
SyednaBurhanuddin

Dr.SyednaBurhanuddin, spiritual leader of the DawoodiBohra community passed away. He was born in Surat, Gujarat. DawoodiBohras are a sub group within the Mustaali, Ismaili Shia branch of Islam. He has been conferred with highest civilian awards like Star of Jordan and Order of the Nile by the respective governments of Jordan and Egypt.
ShulamitAloni

ShulamitAloni is Israeli politician and civil rights activist. She was the founder of Ratz party and served as the education minister. she received the Israel Prize, for her lifetime achievements and special contribution to society and the State of Israel
36

January Current Affairs 2014

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Monthly Current Affairs Update January 2014 National IPI report on press freedom

Agusta Westland deal stands cancelled

All India synchronous national grid

Need for new local time- Assam

India- Saudi Arabia sign Labour pact

Centre shares 50:50 with states for TPDS transportation.

Criteria to select persons for Arjuna Awards

First phase of GAGAN received certification

India enters elite league with a bang

JeevanRakshaPadak Awards announced

PARAM Yuva- II Supercomputer

New National Youth Policy The new youth policy aims at

Anti corruption helpline by Delhi government

Smoking on decline in India

New guidelines for TV rating agencies

New guidelines for Phone intervention

India-South Korea talks on nuclear reactor

Drug for hypertension

No ending for India-U.S tussle over visa issue

For More Bank Job Updates & Current Affairs http://www.ibpsexamguru.in/

Resolution for addressing violence against women

New nuclear power project in Haryana

India-Canada ties in steel sector

Finally a good bye to Polio

India-Japan coast guard joint operations

States not following RTE provisions

Quota for disabled persons-New bill on the anvil

India-South Korea gave a fillip to boost bilateral relations

India-China-Russia trilateral discussion on Afghan issue

For More Bank Job Updates & Current Affairs http://www.ibpsexamguru.in/

Dalai lamas visit to Chhattisgarh

No MFN status for India

New ranking system for higher education institutions

India- UAE to enhance cooperation in energy sector

India-Canada online resource centre

BharatiyaMahila Bank (BMB)

Two wheeler ambulance

More additions to NDRF battalion

Rail Tariff Authority

For More Bank Job Updates & Current Affairs http://www.ibpsexamguru.in/

Amristar-Kolkatta Industrial Corridor

Agni IV will be inducted into Army

National Urban Health Mission

India-Japan cooperation in Tourism sector

LPG portability scheme launched

Climate Change Action Programme The main objective of the programme is

FDI in farm land

Multi Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP)

Nutrition Resource Platform

India-Japan extends cooperation in diverse sectors

Kudankulam nuclear power plantsets record

China surpasses India in Nepal

World Economic Forum annual meet

Silicon valley of India gets WiFi hotspots

NammaWiFi initiative was launched in Bangalore covering initially 6 hotspots.

National Waqf Development Corporation Limited

MoU between NRLM and Digital Green

India- Srilanka strives to resolve the issues

SC says no to review its judgement

India gets its Monorail

Hike in subsidized Cylinders is a retrograde step

New member of Eurozone -Latvia

Geneva II conference on Syria