Current Affairs December 2013 5386d11413bf9

Current Affairs December 2013
RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
2013 www.gktoday.in
Price: Rs. 50/Published by: GKToday (www.gktoday.in )

Disclaimer
While all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no responsibility is accepted by the author(s)
for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. The material provided in this resource has been prepared to provide
general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon or be a substitute for legal or other professional
advice. No responsibility can be accepted by the author for any known or unknown consequences that may result
from reliance on any information provided in this publication
Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Contents
No capital gains tax or stamp duty on foreign banks converting to WoS ......................................... 6
Medium enterprises to be included under priority sector: RBI ........................................................... 7
Cyber Coalition 2013: NATOs largest-ever cyber-security exercise held in Estonia .................. 7
Direct cash transfer better option than other anti-poverty schemes: Planning Commission .. 8
P.V. Sindhu clinches Macau Grand Prix .......................................................................................................... 8
Suwannapura bags India Open golf tournament........................................................................................ 9
Rory McIlroy clinches Emirates Australian Open Golf Tournament .................................................. 9
Raheel Sharif becomes chief of Pakistan Army ........................................................................................... 9
Panipat gets Indias first Synthetic Rubber Plant....................................................................................... 9
Satyananda Mishra is the new chairman of Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)........................... 9
Another Tiger Reserve to come up in Maharashtra ................................................................................ 10
MOM enters Mars trajectory: ISRO ................................................................................................................ 11
India among countries exempted from Iranian oil sanctions by the US ......................................... 11
Change-3: Chinas lunar probe carrying Jade Rabbit moon buggy lifts off ................................. 12
RBI permits banks to pay interest at shorter intervals ......................................................................... 12
RBI makes punching PIN mandatory for debit card transactions done every time ................... 13
President inaugurates Hornbill
Festival of Nagaland ............................................................................ 13
India at 94th spot on Corruption Perception Index: Transparency International ..................... 13

India successfully test-fired nuke-capable Prithvi II missile ............................................................... 14
India Post offers Express Parcel and Business Parcel services .......................................................... 14
Indias CAD improves to $ 5.2 billion in second quarter ....................................................................... 15

Dabhol Bangalore gas pipeline launched ................................................................................................. 15
Indian diplomat Abhay Kumar writes anthem for SAARC ................................................................... 16
Government disinvest Power Grid Corp further with $1.1 billion FPO........................................... 16
India to be hub of oil demand growth after 2020: IEA .......................................................................... 16
Karnataka Assembly passes rigorous ESMA Bill ...................................................................................... 17
NASA discovers signs of water in atmosphere five distant planets .................................................. 17
RBI relaxes ECB norms for infrastructure firms ...................................................................................... 18
Ms Sushma Singh will be the next Chief Information Commissioner of India .............................. 19
India ranked 98th in Forbes doing business list 2013......................................................................... 19

Gross NPAs touched Rs. 2.9 lakh crore by March: ICRA ........................................................................ 20
Microsoft mulls stronger encryption of Internet traffic ........................................................................ 20
Bill for creation of Telangana gets assent of Union Cabinet ................................................................ 20
Oxford researchers develop new malaria vaccine................................................................................... 21
India to host 2017 under-17 FIFA World Cup ........................................................................................... 21

Brazuca : The new FIFA World Cup ball unveiled ................................................................................. 22
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Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela passed away................................................................................. 22
Chinas air defense zone unacceptable by White House ....................................................................... 23

Malala wins UN Human Rights Prize 2013 ................................................................................................. 23
Bali Ministerial of the World Trade Organisation 2013 ........................................................................ 24
RBI proposes new capital rules for D-SIBs (banks too-big-to-fail) ................................................... 25
Ministerial panel recommends bail out package to the sugar industry including financial
assistance to sugar cane farmers.................................................................................................................... 25
India contributes $1 million to UN womens body .................................................................................. 26
Stamps of India National Exhibition 2013 (SINE) ................................................................................... 26
Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu re-appointed as OPCW Director General............................................................. 27

Employing manual scavengers made an offence...................................................................................... 27
Union Government denies introduction of ILP in Meghalaya ............................................................. 28
Tejas test-fires missile successfully............................................................................................................... 29
Jordan gets UNSC seat as its non-permanent member .......................................................................... 29
All unfilled chemical munitions of Syria destructed: OPCW ................................................................ 30
Pad kid poured curd pulled cold Psychologists reveal the worlds most frustrating tongue
twister ....................................................................................................................................................................... 30
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email
address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
LOB Clause agreed between
India and
Mauritius
................................................................................ 30
South Korea to expand its ADIZ ...................................................................................................................... 31
Assembly polls verdict: BJP bags MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, AAP makes stunning debut
..................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
December 10 observed as Human Rights Day across the globe ........................................................ 32

EC declares AAP a state party .......................................................................................................................... 32
Investments by FIIs in stock market cross Rs 1 lakh crore mark in 2013 .................................... 33
Telugu film industry suffered 300 crores losses in 2013 ..................................................................... 33
Investment corpus of pensions sector to reach above $1 trillion by 2025: Report ................... 34
Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich crowned Miss Earth 2013 ..................................................................... 34
Star India is now the official sponsor of Indian cricket team .............................................................. 35
Miss Earth Venezuela Alyz Henrich wins the Miss Earth beauty pageant 2013 ...................... 35
India to Host 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup ................................................................................................... 36

PepsiCo appointed D Shivakumar as head of Indian region ................................................................ 36
Congress victorious in Mizoram Assembly polls 2013 .......................................................................... 37

India permits unlisted companies to directly raise capital abroad .................................................. 37
Oldest known human DNA decoded ............................................................................................................. 38
Uruguay becomes first country to legalize sale and production of marijuana ............................. 38
Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel join hands for sharing telecom infrastructure ...................................... 39
IOC ranked No.1 on Indias Fortune 500 list .............................................................................................. 39
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Raman Singh takes oath as Chhattisgarh CM ............................................................................................. 39
RBI grants license to Doha Bank to start banking operations in India ............................................ 40
PFBTA: Newly discovered greenhouse gas 7,000 times more potent than CO2 .............................. 40
Supreme Court restricts the use of red beacon light on vehicles ...................................................... 40
US and UK spying on virtual world, online games ................................................................................... 42
Mr. Ranjan Mathai appointed Indias High Commissioner to the UK ............................................... 42
The coldest place on Earth is in East Antarctica....................................................................................... 43

Israel, Jordan, Palestinians signed Water sharing Deal ......................................................................... 43
Retired Justice DP Buch: Gujarats fourth Lokayukta ............................................................................. 44
GSP Plus: EU grants duty-free market access to Pakistani goods ...................................................... 44
Sergio Perez joined Sahara Force India with multi-year deal for 2014 F1 season ..................... 44
NGT banned burning of plastic, rubber across the country ................................................................. 45
Indias trade deficit with China nears record $30 b ................................................................................ 45
Indias Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade held in US on visa fraud charges ........... 46
Unbreakable: The autobiography of Mary Kom unveiled ................................................................. 46
Indian Govt pulls up Army chief for accepting U.S. military honor Legion of Merit without its
permission............................................................................................................................................................... 47
India clinched Womens Kabaddi
World
Cupaddress:
............................................................................................
47
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email
rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
India defeats Pak to lift Mens Kabaddi World Cup ................................................................................. 47

Mens Hockey Champions Trophy 2014 to be held in Bhubaneswar............................................... 48
Australia regains Ashes Test Series............................................................................................................... 48
Germany defeats France to lift Junior Mens Hockey World Cup....................................................... 49
India sticks to top position in ICC ODI rankings ....................................................................................... 49
Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung recommended imposition of Presidents rule in Delhi49
Union Cabinet Okays fresh amendments to Code of Conduct for ministers.................................. 50
Chinas Jade Rabbit makes soft landing on Moon .................................................................................... 50
Centre appoints Harsh Bhanwala as new NABARD Chairman ........................................................... 51
C.V.R Rajendran is new CMD of Andhra Bank ........................................................................................... 51

Mobile makers should install SoS button for women safety: Finance Minister ....................... 51
DRDO develops heavy drop system improving Armys para-dropping capacity ........................ 52
Supreme Court: No sanction required for prosecution in court-monitored cases ..................... 52
Indian Idol 2 winner Sandeep Acharya passed away ......................................................................................... 53
Angela Merkel sworn in as German chancellor for 3rd time ............................................................... 53

RBI mid quarter monetary policy review: All rates remain unchanged ......................................... 53
South Indias 1st high altitude cricket stadium inaugurated in Wayanad district, Kerala ...... 54
Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill passed .............................................................................................. 54
Peter OToole of Lawrence of Arabia fame passed away .................................................................... 55

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Iran space mission sends monkey to space for second time ............................................................... 55
West Bengal adopts Bill to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds ...................................................... 56
EU bestows GSP-Plus status on Pakistan ................................................................................................. 56
Deterrence Stability and Escalation Control in South Asia A study cautions nuclear
instability in South Asia ..................................................................................................................................... 57
RBI outlines action plan to tackle NPAs; discussion paper open for public comments ............ 58
Devyani Khobragade case: Government transfered diplomat to Indian permanent mission to UN

..................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Sebi exempts govt from making open offer to IOB shareholders ...................................................... 60
UTIP Study: Kolkata ranked top in public transport among Indian cities ..................................... 60
UN lowered Indias growth forecast to 4.8% for 2013 .......................................................................... 60
Indian scientists discovered insulin pills for diabetics .......................................................................... 61
India rolls out its First indigenous LCA Tejas ........................................................................................ 61
Western Ghats: Nod for farming activities by Ministry of Environment & Forests.................... 62
Russia frees former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.......................................................................... 62
RBI: Inflation linked bonds for sale from December 23, 2013 ........................................................... 63
Kirobo: Worlds first robot astronaut ........................................................................................................... 63
RATHNAKUMAR R.
Email address:
First human artificial heart transplant
executed
inrathnakumar3108@gmail.com
France ................................................................. 64
Ms. Usha Sangwan: The first woman managing director of LIC ......................................................... 64
CCEA approved Rs 6,600 cr interest-free loans for sugar mills ......................................................... 64
SEBI sets out deposit norms for members in debt segment ................................................................ 65
Canara Bank got license to open a branch in New York ........................................................................ 65
India-Venezuela: Signed Cultural Exchange Programme ..................................................................... 65
CCEA allowed RIL Higher Gas Prices in Lieu of Bank Guarantee ....................................................... 66
Govt allowed CIL to pump gas from CBM mines ...................................................................................... 66
Cabinet approved FTA in trade and services with ASEAN ................................................................... 66
First Ministerial Level Talk held for BCIM Trade Corridor .................................................................. 67
Mr. Mikhail Kalashnikov: Designer of AK-47 ( Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) passed away67
e-Pramaan would make SMSs a valid documentary proof ................................................................... 68
Michiaki Takahasi: Developer of chickenpox vaccine passed away ................................................. 68

Defense Ministry clears procurement proposals worth over Rs 16000 cr .................................... 68
e-Inclusion: IT Training for Rural Sc/St/Women Beneficiaries Project Launched ................... 69

Mr. Sidharth Birla took charge as President of FICCI ............................................................................. 69
Mr. Vinod Kumar Duggal appointed as the Governor of Manipur ..................................................... 69

Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: Ambassador of USA............................................................................. 70
Andhra Pradesh High Court directs 2 Telugu actors to return Padma Shri .................................. 70
Government sanctioned Quadricycle as a new vehicle.......................................................................... 71
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SEBI: Foreign portfolio investors will be treated on par with FIIs on tax issues ........................ 71
SEBI made fund-raising easier for corporate India and tightened noose on fraudsters .......... 72
Year 2014 to bring 8.5 lakh new jobs: Report ........................................................................................... 72
Fiscal deficit to be around 5.2% in FY14: CRISIL ..................................................................................... 73
M. Veerappa Moily is the new Environment and Forests Minister ................................................... 73

Service Tax revenue grew over 300 times in past two decades ........................................................ 73
Indians consume double the recommended salt intake: Study .......................................................... 74
SBI to act as lead bank for four newly-formed Meghalaya districts ................................................. 75
State civil services officers to face UPSC test for promotion to AIS .................................................. 75
Australian school introduces worlds first standing classroom to combat childhood obesity75
59.4% of Indian rural households have no latrines: NSSO survey .................................................... 76
CCEA nod to continuation of National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen during 12th Plan .. 77
Cabinet approves raising foreign investment to 62% in Axis Bank ................................................. 77
Deepika Kumari clinches 34th National Archery Championship ...................................................... 78
Legal wing of CBI brought under agency director ................................................................................... 78
China offers its Beidou Navigation System free of cost to neighbours ............................................ 78
US President signs budget bill into law to prevent government shutdown .................................. 79
R. Email address:
Arvind Kejriwal takes oath asRATHNAKUMAR
Chief Minister
of Delhi
........................................................................... 79
India, US sign $1billion contract for six Super Hercules aircrafts.................................................. 80
Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh passed away................................................................................................. 81

Guardian Microsoft launched new app for womens safety ........................................................... 81
PNB opens first hi-tech branch of Punjab in Kharar ............................................................................... 82

J.N. Chaudhary appointed as new chief of NSG ......................................................................................... 82
Cabinet approves constitutional status for JAC ........................................................................................ 82
No capital gains tax or stamp duty on foreign banks converting to WoS
December 1, 2013
As per a notification by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the conversion of existing foreign bank
branches into Wholly-owned Subsidiaries (WoS) in India will not be liable to capital gains tax or
stamp duty.
The central bank clarified that Government of India has inserted, by the Finance Act, 2012, a new
Chapter XII-BB titled Special Provisions relating to Conversion of Indian Branch of a foreign bank
into a subsidiary company in Income Tax Act, 1961, inter alia, exempting capital gains arising from
such conversion from capital gains tax, with effect from April 1, 2013.
It further added that a new section 8E had been inserted in Indian Stamp Act, 1899
vide Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2012, exempting from stamp duty on any conversion of a
branch of a foreign bank into wholly-owned subsidiary or transfer of shareholding of a bank to a
holding company in terms of the scheme or guidelines of RBI.
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As per RBI, foreign banks with complex structures and which did not provide adequate disclosures
would have to operate in India only through WoS in order to regulate and avoid 2008-type crisis.
Although RBI has allowed foreign banks to list their subsidiaries in the local stock exchanges, it has
also prescribed that the minimum paid-up equity capital or net worth for a WoS would be Rs. 500
crore. However, foreign banks functioning in India before August 2010 have been given the option
to continue their operations in branch model.
Some Facts:
rd
State-run banks in the country control about 2/3 of the aggregate assets of the
Indian banking system, whereas, foreign banks manage around 4.3% of total
deposits.
Citibank is the largest foreign bank operating in India in terms of asset base. Other
key foreign banks are StanChart, which has 100 branches, HSBC 50, Deutsche Bank
17 and DBS 12 branches.
As of March 2013, there were 43 foreign banks in India with 333 branches.
Medium enterprises to be included under priority sector: RBI
December 1, 2013
As per the Reserve Bank of India, the incremental bank loans to medium service enterprises (as
defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006) provided after
November 13, 2013, up to the credit limit of Rs 10 crore, would qualify as priority sector advances.
This dispensation would remain in force up to March 31, 2013.
How would RBIs step to treat medium
enterprises
under
priority
sector help?
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email
address:
The medium-sized units across various sectors are feeling the heat of ongoing slowdown, as
payments from large companies are not being made timely. These enterprises have limited
bargaining power and cant endure dues for long. With lending to medium-sized units set to be
treated as priority sector lending, banks would look to give loans to viable units which will in turn
help banks in meeting priority sector lending targets.
Status of Priority Sector Credit
As per a recent report by RBI, priority sector credit had increased in 2012-13, against a decline in
overall growth. However, growth in priority sector credit was lower than the growth in overall
credit. In 2012-13, credit to priority sectors by public and private sector banks was at 36.3% and
37.5% respectively, against the overall target of 40%.
For micro and small industries, dues were at Rs 2.84 lakh crore, as of March 2013, growth of 20.3%
compared to 2012.
Cyber Coalition 2013: NATOs largest-ever cyber-security exercise held in Estonia
December 1, 2013
NATO held Cyber Coalition 2013: Largest-ever cyber-exercises to practise

averting large-scale, simultaneous cyber attacks on member states and their
allies. The drill was hosted by National Defence College training center in
Tartu, Estonia.
Objective: Cyber Coalition an exercise with technical components to give its
participants a good learning about NATOs Cyber Defence capabilities, identify areas for
improvement within the NATO-wide Cyber Defence community. It also aims to better the capability,
cooperation and information sharing between NATO and NATO nations and partners in cyber
defence via mode ofeducation, research and development, lessons learnt.
Who all participated in Cyber Coalition 2013?
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Representatives
of
27
nations
and
NATO
partners
from Switzerland, Austria,Sweden, Ireland and Finland participated in the drill. New Zealand and
the European Union took part as observers. A total of 400 people participated, including
government, legal and IT experts. Participants put their skills to the test to show how they would
respond to a cyber attack.
About Cyber Defence Exercises
Objective: Cyber defence exercises allows its participants to learn and test the skills
needed to fend off a real attack.
First exercise: 2008, a joint between Swedish and Estonian universities.
Second Exercise: Baltic Cyber Shield (2010), organised by Swedish National
Defence College (SNDC), various Swedish institutions and the Estonian Cyber
Defence League.
Since 2012, the exercise series is called Locked Shields.
Locked Shields 2013
Took place in the end on April 2013

Blue Teams were part of an international coalition forces in unstable country
called Boolea.
Locked Shields (CDx) is a real-time network defence exercise
CDx has a game-based approach which means that no organisation will play their real-life
role and the scenario is fictional.
Exercise organised by NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence together with
its partners.
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email
Technical support by Cisco,
Clarified
Networks,
Clarified Security and Bytelife.
Direct cash transfer better option than other anti-poverty schemes: Planning Commission
December 1, 2013
According to a study by the Planning Commission, the cost of bringing all households above the
poverty line would have been Rs. 55,744 crore during 2011-12 if cash transfers were used instead
of anti-poverty schemes. This would have been sufficient to plug the poverty gap and would be just
a fraction of annual anti-poverty budget instead of initiating new anti-poverty schemes.
As per the analysis by the Planning Commission:
Of Rs. 55,744, Rs 42,932 crore would have had to be transferred to the below poverty line
households in rural areas and the rest Rs 12,812 crore to those in urban areas.
In 2011-12, the UPA government had spent Rs 72,822.07 crore on food subsidy. The
expenditure in the same year on the UPAs seven flagship schemes was Rs. 1,09,379 crore.
This cost is likely to increase as the annual cost of implementing the Food Security Law alone
is estimated at Rs 1.2 lakh crore.
The anti-poverty programmes in our country have leakages and is inefficient.
What is Poverty Gap?
Poverty gap is the amount of cash required for a household to lift it above the poverty line. It is the
difference in the level of consumption of the households below the poverty line and those on the
line.
As per the Tendulkar Committee report, a household of five people in Indiasubsists with a monthly
consumption of Rs. 874.50which is the Poverty Line. This poverty line is in proximity to the World
Bank Poverty Line of an income of$1.25 a day (on a Purchasing Power Parity basis).
P.V. Sindhu clinches Macau Grand Prix
December 1, 2013
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Indias rising badminton star P.V. Sindhu achieved another feat as she lifted theMacau Open Grand
Prix Gold title by defeating Canadas Michelle Li in the final clash, in Macau.
This is her second Grand Prix Gold title after the Malaysia Open in May 2013. Sindhu was recently
conferred with the Arjuna award this year for her remarkable performances in badminton.
Suwannapura bags India Open golf tournament
December 1, 2013
Thailands Thidapa Suwannapura won the Womens Indian Open golf tournament played at
the Delhi Golf Club. The win also made Suwannapura the second Thai to win the title, after threetime winner and defending champion Phatlum Pornanong.
Indias Gauri Monga was tied fifth the best show by an Indian in the tournament.
Rory McIlroy clinches Emirates Australian Open Golf Tournament
December 1, 2013
Irish golfer Rory McIlroy defeated his contender Adam Scott at the Emirates Australian
Open Golf Tournament , winning for the first time in 2013. He snatched the title from Scott who
was trying to be only the second player after compatriot Robert Allenby in 2005 to win Australias
triple crown by claiming the Australian Open, Masters and PGA titles in the same season.
Raheel Sharif becomes chief of Pakistan Army
December 1, 2013
Lt General Raheel Sharif promoted and appointed as the new chief

of Pakistan army.
As per official RATHNAKUMAR
announcement,
President
Mamnoon Hussainon the advice of Prime
R. Email address:
Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif named General Sharif as chief of army staff and General
Rashad Mehmood as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee(CJCSC). The retiring
chief of army staff General Ashfaque Parvez Kayani handed over the charge to the
new chief on November 29, 2013.
Panipat gets Indias first Synthetic Rubber Plant

December 2, 2013
Indias first Synthetic Rubber Plant was unveiled at Panipat in Haryana.

The plant has been set up by Indian Synthetic Rubber Ltd (ISRL) which is a joint venture promoted
by Indian Oil, TSRC Corporation, Taiwan, and Marubeni Corporation, Japan.
The plant will be the countrys first unit to produce e-SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) whose
output will be 120 kilo tonnes synthetic rubber annually. The rubber produced would be used in
industrial units for manufacturing automobile and daily need products. The project, which is
estimated to cost Rs.958 crore, has been financed through debt raised from Japan Bank
forInternational Cooperation and Mizuho Corporation Bank.
What is SBR (Styrene-butadiene or Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)?
Styrene-butadiene or Styrene-Butadiene
Rubber (SBR) describes
families
of synthetic
rubbers derived from styrene and butadiene. These materials have good abrasion resistance and
good aging stability when protected by additives. About 50% of car tires are made from various
types of SBR.
Satyananda Mishra is the new chairman of Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
December 2, 2013
Ex- Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Satyananda Mishra has been appointed as the chairman
of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) board.
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The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) also approved the appointment of Satyananda Mishra
as the independent Director of MCXs board.
The position of the chairman was vacant since previous chairman, Venkat Chary, resigned in August
2013 on account of the new guidelines of Forward Markets Commission (FMC) which stated that
the age limit of people on the board should not be more than 70 years.
About Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
The MCX is countrys first listed commodity futures exchange that facilitates online trading, and
clearing and settlement of commodity futures transactions, thereby roviding a platform for risk
management. It began functioning in November 2003 and operates within the regulatory
framework of the Forward Contracts Regulation Act, 1952 (FCRA, 1952).
Another Tiger Reserve to come up in Maharashtra
December 2, 2013
Maharashtra will have its fifth tiger reserve in Nagzira as the National Tiger Conservation
Authority has given nod to the development of the conservation zone. The tiger reserve will be set
up between Bhandara and Gondia districts.
The Nagzira-Navegaon tiger reserve will be established to conserve tigers wandering outside the
Tadoba reserve territory. The Nagzira sanctuary, which was of 150 square kilometer and the
Navegaon National Park, was of 130 square kilometer, which has been increased to 700 square
kilometer to form a new tiger reserve.
Where are the other four tiger reserves in Maharashtra?
The other four tiger reserves in Maharashtra are in:
Melghat
Tadoba
Pench
Sahyadri
About National Tiger Conservation Authority:
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme Project Tiger was launched in April, 1973 with the objective to
ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers inIndia for scientific, economic, aesthetic,
cultural and ecological values, and to preserve for all times, areas of biological importance as a
national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people.
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended keeping in view the needs of the Project Tiger
for providing enabling provisions for constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and
the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.
So, the National Tiger Conservation Authority was constituted from September 4, 2006 to
strengthen tiger conservation. The functions are as follows:
Ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management
Preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan
Lay down annual/ audit report before Parliament
Instituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister
and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation.
According approval for declaring new Tiger Reserves.
The NTCA has constituted a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control
Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007. The WCCB comprises the
officers from Police, Forest, Customs and other enforcement agencies to effectively control illegal
trade in wildlife.
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Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)
The announcement for creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) was announced by the
Finance Minister in Budget speech of 2008. A onetime grant of Rs. 50 Crore was provided to the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger
Protection Force for 13 tiger reserves. The rest of the reserves were taken up later.
MOM enters Mars trajectory: ISRO
December 2, 2013
In a historic development, Indias first Mars mission- the Mars Orbiter Missions
(MOM) spacecrafts was propelled into the Mars Transfer Trajectory freeing it from the influence of
Earths gravity. ISRO successfully conducted the Trans Mars Injection (TMI) operations to put MOM
on course to the Red Planet with the help of spacecrafts 440 Newton liquid engine which was fired
for about 22 minutes providing a velocity increment of 648 metres/second to the spacecraft. With
this, the Earth orbiting phase of the spacecraft ended and is now on path to Mars.
The spacecraft is being continuously monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at ISRO
Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bangalore with support from Indian
Deep Space Network (IDSN) antennae at Byalalu.
About Indias Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Mangalyan:
The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has been named Mangalyan

Launched onboard PSLV C25 on November 5, 2013 at 14:38 hours from the first
launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre atSriharikota.
Indias first interplanetary mission to planet Mars with an orbiter craft designed to orbit
Mars in an elliptical orbit.
It will reach Martian transfer trajectory in September 2014. Subsequently, it is planned to
enter into a 372 km by 80000 km elliptical orbit around Mars.
Objectives of Indias Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Mangalyan:
To showcase Indias technological prowess to send a satellite to orbit around Mars

and conduct important experiments such as looking for signs of life, take pictures of
the red planet and study Martian environment.
To develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an
interplanetary mission.
Design and realisation of a Mars orbiter with a capability to survive and perform Earth
bound manoeuvres, cruise phase of 300 days, Mars orbit insertion or capture.
Deep space communication, navigation, mission planning and management.
Incorporate autonomous features to handle contingency situations.
Exploration of Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and Martian atmosphere by
indigenous scientific instruments.
Key Payloads on PSLV C25:
1. Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)
2. Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM)
3. Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA)
4. Mars Colour Camera (MCC)
5. Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometre (TIS)
India among countries exempted from Iranian oil sanctions by the US

December 2, 2013
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As stated by the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, India is once again among a small list of
countries that qualifies for an exemption from unilateral sanctions imposed by the US on countries
importing oil from Iran.
Under Section 1245 of the U.S. 2012 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), the exception
granted to India, along with China, South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan, was based on Indias additional significant reductions in the volume of
their purchases of Iranian crude oil. It is the fourth time when India has qualified for a NDAA
exception.
Though, a major breakthrough interim deal was struck during the recent talks
between P5+1 and Iran on limiting Irans nuclear programme but the US has cautioned that this
would not offer relief from sanctions with respect to any increases in Iranian crude oil purchases by
existing customers or any purchases by new customers, and the sanctions will continue to be
enforced over the next six months.
Change-3: Chinas lunar probe carrying Jade Rabbit moon buggy lifts off
December 2, 2013
In an attempt to carry out its first ever soft landing on moon, China launched its lunar missionChange-3 which is carrying countrys first moon rover marking a major milestone for Chinas
space programme.
Soft Landing: A landing by a spacecraft on the moon or a planet at a sufficiently low velocity for the
equipment or occupants to remain unharmed.
About Change-3 lunar probe
Chinas first lunar rover

mission
aimed
atrathnakumar3108@gmail.com
exploring the Moons surface and
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email
address:
looking for natural resources such as rare metals.
Launching
Site: Xichang Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Chinas
southwestern Sichuan province
Launched on: December 2, 2013
Carrier: Long March-3B
Key Payload: Six-wheeled robotic rover called Yutu (or Jade Rabbit)and a landing
module.
Expected landing: In the Moons northern hemisphere in mid-December.
Note: If the lunar mission is successful, China will become the third country, after the United
States and the former Soviet Union, to soft-land on the moon.
RBI permits banks to pay interest at shorter intervals

December 2, 2013
RBI has decided allow banks decide on the periodicity of interest payment on rupee savings and
term deposits keeping in view that the banks are functioning on core banking platform.
Banks are now allowed to pay interest on rupee savings and term deposits at intervals shorter
than quarterly intervals. The step may trigger intense competition among banks to attract
deposits.
The central bank has also extended the period for banks to exercise freedom to offer interest rates
on incremental NRE (Non-Resident External) deposits with maturity of 3 years and above without
any ceiling in order to pass on the benefit of exemption provided on such deposits from CRR (Cash
Reserve Ratio) and SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) requirements. The banks could have this
freedom till January 31, 2014.
2013 www.gktoday.in
12 | P a g e

RBI makes punching PIN mandatory for debit card transactions done every time
December 2, 2013
With an aim to minimize frauds, RBI has made it mandatory for debit card holders to punch in
their PIN numbers every time they use the card. In June 2013, the central bank had extended the
deadline for implementation of mandatory PIN punching at Point-of-Sales (PoS) and merchant
outlets till November 30, 2013 following representation of banks.
Why this step by the RBI to make punching PIN mandatory for debit card transactions done every time?
The PIN functions as another layer of security for the debit card which reduces the chances of fraud.
While using it at PoS, merchants will first swipe the cards at a PIN enabled PoS terminal and punch
in the transaction amount. That will be followed by customers punching their PINs to complete the
transaction.
President inaugurates Hornbill Festival of Nagaland
December 5, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Nagalands famous Hornbill Festival. Hornbill (name of a
bird) Festival, considered one of the biggest events in the state, puts on display the rich tradition
and cultural heritage of the Naga people. Nagaland is also observing the golden jubilee (50 years) of
its formation as a state.
Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival is a festival celebrated in Nagaland every year in the first week of December. The
festival showcases rich culture of Naga tribes which includes shows of music and dance. The festival
is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, at Naga Heritage
Village, Kisama which is aboutRATHNAKUMAR
12 km from
Kohima
the state capital.
R. Email
The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades,
games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival both exposes the culture and
tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagalands identity as a unique state in Indias federal
union.
India at 94th spot on Corruption Perception Index: Transparency International
December 5, 2013
According to a survey by corruption watchdog Transparency International,India is positioned

at 94th place on
corruption
index
which
ranked 177
countries. Afghanistan,
North Korea and Somalia are
viewed
as
the
worlds
most
corrupt
countries
while Denmark and New Zealand have scored the best.
As per Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2013:
India, with a score of 36 out of 100, ranked 94 on the index, abovePakistan at rank
127 but below China which stood at the 80thposition.
Globally, almost 70% of countries are found to have a serious problem with public servants
on the take, and none of the 177 countries surveyed this year achieved a perfect score.
Performance of countries like Syria, Libya and Mali which are ridden with war and
conflicts deteriorated the most on the index.
st
Bhutan ranked 31 , Sri Lanka 91, Nepal 116, Pakistan 127 andBangladesh 136.
rd
In 2012, Bhutan was ranked 33 , Sri Lanka at 79, Nepal 139, Pakistan 139 and
Bangladesh 144.
th
India remained stagnant at the same 94 spot both in 2013 and 2012.
th
nd
Among BRICS group, India is behind China (80 ), South Africa andBrazil (both 72 ).
It is, however, better than Russia (127th).
Denmark and New Zealand have scored the best on the index.
2013 www.gktoday.in
13 | P a g e
Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia are categorized as the worlds most
corrupt.
Top 10 least corrupt countries in the world, according to the CPI 2013:
1. Denmark
2. New Zealand (tied with Denmark for No. 1)
3. Finland
4. Sweden (tied with Finland for No. 3)
5. Norway
6. Singapore (tied with Norway for No. 5)
7. Switzerland
8. Netherlands
9. Australia
10. Canada (tied with Australia for No. 9)
India successfully test-fired nuke-capable Prithvi II missile

December 5, 2013
Indias Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully test-fired nuclear capable Prithvi II missile
as part of a regular training exercise. The indigenously developed ballistic missile with a maximum
range of 350 km was fired fromIntegrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district, about
230 km from Bhubaneswar.
Prithvi-II
First missile developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile

Development ProgramRATHNAKUMAR
(IGMDP)R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
Medium: Surface-to-surface
Fuel Type: Single-stage liquid fuelled
Payload capacity: 500 to 1000 kg
Range: 350km
Variants: Prithvi I for Army, Prithvi II for Air Force and; Dhanushfor the Navy
Inducted into the SFC in 2003
India Post offers Express Parcel and Business Parcel services

December 5, 2013
Indias Department of Post (DoP) has launched two new parcel services namely Express
Parcel and Business Parcel. India Post aims to generate revenue of Rs 100 crore from these
services.
1. Express Parcel: It is an air mail service for retail and bulk customers under which parcel
will be shipped through airlines. India Post has fixed service charge for Express Parcels in
the range of Rs.30 (local service) to Rs.80 (for delivery in other state) for items weighing
up to Rs.500 gram. It will charge Rs. 8 to Rs.20 for additional 500 gram up to 5 kg
and Rs.10 to Rs.22 for every additional 500 gm thereafter. This service will be initially
available
between 20
identified
citiesAgra,
Bangalore,
Bhubaneshwar,
Chennai, Delhi NCR, Patna, Guwahati,Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata,
Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Parwanoo, Shillong, Surat and Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Business Parcel: It is a contractual service, designed to suit requirement of business
customers for an economical and reliable distribution solution. It will provide an
economical distribution solution to its customers using surface transmission
modes.Customers will have to pay in the range of Rs.45 to Rs.115 for items weighing up
2013 www.gktoday.in
14 | P a g e

to 2 kg, Rs.12 to Rs.30 for additional 1 kg up to 5 kg and Rs.14 to Rs.32 thereafter for
every 1 kg. This service will have nationwide coverage.
Parcels booked under both the services will be delivered at most in 72 hours.
Indias CAD improves to $ 5.2 billion in second quarter
December 5, 2013
Indias Current Account Deficit (CAD) has improved significantly to $ 5.2 billion (1.2% of
GDP) in the second quarter (July-September) of this fiscal mainly due to decrease in gold imports
and increase in exports.
As per the RBI, the (CAD), the difference between outflow and inflow of foreign exchange, stood at $
21 billion, or 5% of the GDP, in the second quarter of last fiscal. On a Balance of Payment (BoP)
basis, there was a narrowing of foreign exchange reserves of $10.4 billion in second quarter as
compared to that of USD 0.2 billion in the same period of last fiscal.
Improvement in trade deficit combined with a surge in net invisibles receipts resulted in a
reduction of the CAD to $26.9 billion (3.1% of GDP) in H1 of 2013-14 from $37.9 billion (4.5% of
GDP) in H1 of 2012-13.
The government has set a target to contain the CAD at $70 billion or 3.7% of GDP and the fiscal
deficit at 4.8% of the GDP this fiscal (2013-14). At present, both the government and RBI are
expecting the CAD to be below $56 billion in the current fiscal compared to the record high of USD
88.2 billion, or 4.8% of the GDP last fiscal.
In addition to rise in exports, a number of steps taken by the RBI paid off in improving the CAD. The
central bank reduced the import of gold by hiking the import duty to 10% and restricting import of
gold bars and medallions. During the period when rupee was depreciating, it took measures to
boost exports.
As a result, gold imports have declined from 142 tonnes in April and 162 tonnes in May to 23.5
tonnes in October, 11.16 tonnes in September, 3.38 tonnes in August and 47.75 tonnes in July. In
2012-13, India imported an estimated 835 tonnes of gold, a key reason for the record CAD of $88.2
billion, or 4.8% of GDP.
Dabhol Bangalore gas pipeline launched
December 5, 2013
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dedicated to the Nation GAIL India Ltds 1,000 km long natural gas
pipeline from Dabhol to Bangalore during the inaugural ceremony of the 8th Asia Gas Partnership
Summit (AGPS).
About Dabhol-Banglore Gas Pipeline:
Constructed in a period of 19 months

Investment of 4500 crore (US$690 million)
Design capacity of 16 MMSCMD of natural gas which can produce 3,000 MW of clean energy
Starts at Dabhol in Maharashtra and passes through Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag,
Bellary, Devanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Bangalore Rural and
Bangalore Urban districts.
Connects South India to the national gas grid for the first time.
Traverses via 18 National Highways, 382 roads, 20 railway tracks, 11 major rivers and 276
water bodies, including Asias largest river crossing in the rocky terrain at Ghatprabha.
Construction involved pipeline laying in some of the worlds steepest slopes of 60 to 70
degrees and sharp elevations of upto 700 meters in a 3.5 km stretch.
2013 www.gktoday.in
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Indian diplomat Abhay Kumar writes anthem for SAARC
December 5, 2013
In a bid to foster regional consciousness and bring member states closer, Kathmandu-based Indian
diplomat Abhay Kumar composed an anthem for the South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC). SAARC Anthem by Kumar will be translated in Hindi, English, Nepali, Bengali,
Pashto, Urdu, Sinhala, Dzongkha and Dhivehi, languages spoken in the South Asian region.
Who is Abhay Kumar ?
Indian poet, artist and diplomat.

First secretary, Press, Information and Communication, Indian Embassy.
The Earth Anthem written, produced and directed by him in eight languages.
Wrote first ever South Asian Anthem
Honoured with the SAARC Literary Award for his contribution to contemporary South Asian
Poetry and nominated for the Pushcart Prize 2013.
2011: Gov2. award on behalf of the Public Diplomacy Division,Ministry of External
Affairs.
Note - ASEAN Way is ASEANs anthem , the European Union useBeethovens Symphony No 9
(Ode to Joy) and Lets All Unite and Celebrate Together is the anthem of the African Union.
Government disinvest Power Grid Corp further with $1.1 billion FPO
December 5, 2013
Following its plan to achieve the Rs.40, 000 crore disinvestment target for this fiscal, the
government issued Follow-on-Public Offer (FPO) of Power Grid Corporation which was fully
subscribed.
The sale of 78.70 crore shares valuing $ 1.1 billion, or 17% stake, could fetch around Rs 7,083 crore
at the upper end of the price band. .
With this offer, the government holding in the company will come down to57.89% from the
current level of 69.42%.
This is the second FPO from Power Grid, which sold a 10% stake along with a similar stake divested
by the government in November 2010. The company hit the capital market with IPO in October
2007. So far in the current fiscal, the government has raised over Rs 1,300 crore through minority
stake sale in PSUs. It has aims to fetch Rs 40,000 crore from disinvestment in the current fiscal.
India to be hub of oil demand growth after 2020: IEA
December 5, 2013
As per Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), India will become the largest single source of
global oil demand growth after 2020.
Key predictions of IEA published in its World Energy Outlook:
The global oil demand is projected to touch 101 million barrels per day (mbpd) by year 2035
from todays around 87 mbpd.
The centre of energy demand is shifting decisively in favour of emerging economies,
particularly China, India and the Middle East, which drive global energy use 33% higher.
Indias oil consumption will exceed 8 mbpd by 2035, which is more than current
consumption of Japan, Korea and Australia put together.
Currently, within Asia, China dominates the region, before India replaces it from 2020 as the
principal engine of oil demand growth.
Indias energy demand are estimated to double by 2035 on back of economic growth and
population increase.
2013 www.gktoday.in
16 | P a g e
By 2035, India is likely to be the largest importer of coal and will be second largest importer
of oil next to China and will be number four in importing gas after European Union, China
and Japan.
Although the energy demand will be two-fold, the consumption per capita in India
will still be 1/4th of the OECD average.
China is predicted to become the largest oil-importing country by replacing US and India will
become the largest importer of coal by the early 2020s.
Indias coal imports will surge primarily because India uses the fossil fuel for generation of
electricity and 68% of electricity in India is generated from coal.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
The International Energy Agency was established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) as a response to the oil shock of 1973-74. IEA advises its 24 member
countries on issues related to energy security.
Karnataka Assembly passes rigorous ESMA Bill
December 5, 2013
The Legislative Assembly of Karnataka passed a stringent Essential Services Maintenance Bill
(ESMA), 2013 which will render striking work a non-bailable offence and empowers the police to
arrest a striking employee without warrant.
Why Essential Services Maintenance Bill (ESMA), 2013?
The Essential Services Maintenance Bill (ESMA), 2013 aims to restrain employees working in water,
power, health, transport and service sectors from going on strikes, inconveniencing people. The bill
defines Essential Services as
any service connected with the production, generation, storage,
transmission, supply or distribution of water or electricity and any transportation service for the
carriage of passengers or goods by motor vehicles. It empowers the government to declare even
those services that the State has powers to make laws for under List II of the 7th Schedule of
the Constitution, as essential services.
As per the bill, upon conviction, those who commence a strike or continue to go on strike or take
part in any strike will be penalized with a sentence up to 1 year or with fine up to Rs 5,000 or both.
Those inciting or funding strikes also face the same punishment. Those giving financial aid to illegal
strike also will be booked under law.
The order will come into force for a period of 1 year from the date the government publishes the
order. However, it can be extended up to 6 months.
NASA discovers signs of water in atmosphere five distant planets
December 5, 2013
NASA scientists have found signs of water in the atmospheres of five distant planets.
Though some previous studies have also reported the presence of atmospheric water on a
few exoplanets orbiting stars beyond the solar system, but this is the first study to conclusively
measure and compare the profiles and intensities of these signatures on multiple worlds.
Which are the five planets where NASA has found signs of water?
The five planets are:

1.
2.
3.
4.
WASP-17b
HD209458b
WASP-12b
WASP-19b
2013 www.gktoday.in
17 | P a g e

5. XO-1b e
RBI relaxes ECB norms for infrastructure firms

December 5, 2013
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms for
companies raising foreign funds for infrastructure projects. As per the relaxation given by the
central bank, firms can now raise funds through the ECB route for their infrastructure projects
through their holding companies or core investment firms, which will facilitate them to arrange
finances for these projects expeditiously.
As per RBI, such funds should be used in Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for a specific project.
Currently, SPVs are permitted to raise ECB funds for infrastructure projects, while there were
restrictions for parent firms in doing so.
However, the central bank has stipulated a number of conditions to avail this facility. For example,
infrastructure projects are required to be executed by the SPV set up exclusively for the project. The
SPV should give an undertaking that no other method of funding, such as trade credit, will be used
for that portion of fresh capital expenditure funded through ECB proceeds.
What is External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)?
Any money that has been borrowed from foreign sources for financing the commercial
activities in India are called External Commercial Borrowings.
The Government of India permits ECBs as a source of finance for Indian Corporates for
expansion of existing capacity as well as for fresh investment
The ECBs are defined as money borrowed from foreign resources including the following:
Commercial bank loans

Buyers credit and suppliers credit
Securitised instruments such as Floating Rate Notes and Fixed Rate Bonds etc.
Credit from official export credit agencies and commercial borrowings from the
private sector window of Multilateral Financial Institutions such
as International Finance Corporation (Washington), ADB, AFIC, CDC, etc.
Objective of External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)
Government permits the ECBs as an additional source of financing for expanding the
existing capacity as well as for fresh investments. The ECB policy of the Government
seeks to emphasize the priority of investing in the infrastructure and core sectors
such as Power, telecom, Railways, Roads, Urban infrastructure etc.
There is also emphasis on the need of capital for Small and Medium scale enterprises.
How ECB is different from FDI?
It must be noted that ECB means any kind of funding other than Equity. If the foreign money is used to
finance the Equity Capital, it would be termed as Foreign Direct Investment.
The ECB should satisfy the ECB regulations stipulated by the Government or its agencies such as
RBI. The Bonds, Credit notes, Asset Backed Securities, Mortgage Backed Securities or anything of
that nature are included in ECB.
The following are not included in the ECBs
Any Investment made towards core capital of an organization such as equity shares,
convertible preference shares or convertible debentures. We should note here that those
instruments which can be converted into equity are called convertible. The convertible
instruments are covered under the FDI Policy.
Any other direct capital is not allowed in ECB.
2013 www.gktoday.in
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Ms Sushma Singh will be the next Chief Information Commissioner of India
December 6, 2013
The senior most Information Commissioner Ms Sushma Singh will be the next Chief Information
Commissioner of India (CIC), she will succeed Ms Deepak Sandhu. The decision to appoint Sushma
Singh, a former IAS officer, as the next CIC was taken unanimously by a panel consisting of Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and Law
Minister Kapil Sibal. She will be the second woman to become CIC after Ms Deepak Sandhu whose
term comes to an end later this month.
Sushma Singh
Former Secretary to the Government of India
She joined the IAS in 1972, Jharkhand cadre
Offices held earlier: Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and also in
the Ministry for the Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER).
Central Information Commission
The RTI act 2005 provides for establishment of Central and State information commissioner
as a designated authority to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person.
26 October 2005: Mr. Wajahat Habibullah became Indias first Chief Information
Commissioner.
Under the CIC, the Chief Information Commissioner enjoys complete financial and
administrative powers of a Department of the Government of India except in matters
relating to the creation of
posts, re-appropriation and writing-off losses for which it needs
the specific concurrence of the Ministry of Finance.
The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be appointed
by the President on the recommendation of a committee comprising Prime Minister as
Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha; a Union Cabinet Minister to be
nominated by the Prime Minister.
According to the RTI Act 2005, Chief Information Commissioner / Information
Commissioner shall hold office for a term of 5 years or till he attains the age of 65 years.
The Chief Information Commissioner shall not be eligible forreappointment.
The general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs of the
Commission are vested in the Chief Information Commissioner, who is assisted by the
Information Commissioners.
India ranked 98th in Forbes doing business list 2013

December 6, 2013
India ranked 98th in the Forbes list of worlds best countries for doing businessthat has cited
poverty, corruption and discrimination against girls among the challenges facing the country. The
rating of 145 nations was done on the several factors viz. property rights, innovation, taxes,
technology, corruption, freedom (personal, trade and monetary), red tape, investor protection,
stock market performance, etc.
Ireland topped the Forbes doing business list, as it maintains an extremely probusiness environment which attracts investments from worlds biggest companies. Ireland was
followed by New Zealand and Hong Kong.
2013 www.gktoday.in
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The data for the report was collected from reports of various organizations viz. Freedom House,
Heritage Foundation, Property Rights Alliance, TransparencyInternational, World Bank and World
Economic Forum, etc.
Gross NPAs touched Rs. 2.9 lakh crore by March: ICRA
December 6, 2013
Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA) warned the bankingindustry that it may
suffer more shocks due to the pile up of its gross bad assets which is set to touch 4.4 %, or Rs 2.9
trillion of total assets by this fiscal end.
Gross bad assets were 4 % of total assets at the end of the July-September quarter. Net NPAs stood
at 2 % or Rs 0.9 trillion in March and 2.7 per cent or in Q2 or Rs 1.25 trillion.
As per ICRA estimates, unamortized losses worth Rs. 6,000-7,000 crore would impact banks
profitability in the second half of FY14. It also said that the banking system require Rs. 4.1-5.7 lakh
crore by FY18 to meet the Basel III norms. It expects net profit of state-run banks this fiscal year to
be 30-40 % lower than FY13, which will pull down their return on equity to 6-8% from 9.7% in H1.
ICRA analyzed 26 public sector banks and 15 private sector banks. These 41 banks collectively
account for around 90 % of the total credit portfolio and deposits as of the September quarter this
fiscal year.
ICRA Limited, an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit
rating agency credit rating agency was set up in 1991. Its headquarters are at Gurgaon.
Microsoft mulls stronger encryption

RATHNAKUMAR
of Internet
R. Email address:
trafficrathnakumar3108@gmail.com
December 6, 2013
In the face of NSA syping, software giant Microsoft is eyeing a stronger encryption and it is taking
steps to protect the privacy of online communications.
Why a need for encryption of Internet traffic ?
The move by Microsoft is in the wake of revelations of vast online surveillance programs led by the
US National Security Agency. Comparing US government surveillance to sophisticated malware and
cyber attacks, the software giant will encrypt Internet traffic traveling through its data centers. It is
taking steps to ensure that any government surveillance of the Internet is conducted legally rather
than by a technological subterfuge.
Technique used by Microsoft
Microsoft plans to switch over to stronger 2,048-bit encryption keys by the end of next year a
technology that reportedly takes ten years to crack in real time because of computing power
constraints.
Bill for creation of Telangana gets assent of Union Cabinet
December 7, 2013
The Union Cabinet has approved for the creation of Telangana with 10 districts and sketched the
draft for carving out the Indias 29th state from the currentAndhra Pradesh.
The Cabinet chaired by PM Manmohan Singh gave its nod to a draft reorganization bill based on the
recommendations of Group of Ministers (GoM) and dropped a debatable move to add two districts
of Rayalaseema to Telangana.
What next?
Now, the bill will be sent to the President with a request to make a reference to Andhra Pradesh
assembly to obtain its views. The government intends to bring the bill in the winter session of
parliament but it depends on when the President returns the bill after signing it.
2013 www.gktoday.in
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Highlights of the Telangana Bill:
Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts.
Both the states will have Hyderabad as their capital for a period not exceeding 10
years.
Governor of Telangana will have to bear a special responsibility for security of life, liberty
and property of all those who reside in the common capital area. The Governor may be
assisted by two advisors to be appointed by the Government of India (GoI).
Financial and other assistance to the creation of a new capital for the successor state of
Andhra Pradesh will be provided by the Government of India. The capital will be
recommended by an expert panel.
For proper management of water resources and projects on Krishna and Godavari rivers,
institutional mechanism with full involvement and participation of government of India will
be set up.
Polavaram will be declared as a national project and will be executed by the union
government following all environmental and R&R norms.
There are detailed provisions in the bill on matters relating to coal, power, oil and gas,
division of assets and liabilities and allocation of government employees.
Article 371 D will continue for the both states to ensure equitable opportunities
for education and public employment.
Current admission quotas in higher technical and medical institutions will remain for a period not
exceeding 5 years.
Oxford researchers develop new

malaria vaccine
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
December 7, 2013
In a major scientific development, scientists at Oxford University have developed a

new malaria vaccine which can guard against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.
The vaccine has shown promising results in the first clinical trial in which some of the adult
volunteers were completely protected against malaria.
Its the first time that a vaccine has been shown to have a protective effect through a sufficiently
high immune response involving cells called CD8 T cells. It is CD8 immune cells that are seen to
vanguard a protective response against malaria in similar studies in mice.
How this vaccine is different from existing vaccines?
At present, every vaccine in use generates antibodies. But there are two divisions to the bodys
immune system for combating infection: antibodiesand T cells. The latest vaccine is different in a
way that it aims to induce an immune response involving T cells particularly CD8+ T cells. CD8 T
cells are vital because they are the main killer cells in the immune system. They can attack nearly all
types of infected cells in this case liver cells infected with the malaria parasite.
India to host 2017 under-17 FIFA World Cup
December 7, 2013
The Under-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 tournament will be hosted by India. India bagged the
landmark rights by beating other bidders like South Africa,Ireland and Uzbekistan.
As a host nation India will get the opportunity to participate in the 24-nation biennial mega
event for the first time. This will be the biggest everfootball tournament India will be hosting and
the first FIFA event in the countrys history. Previously, India has hosted Asian Football Co
federations Youth Championships (Under-20) in 2006 and then the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 but
never any FIFA tournament.
2013 www.gktoday.in
21 | P a g e

This years (2013) tournament was hosted by the United Arab Emirates whileChile will be the host
country for the 2015 edition.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter supported India hosting the event and wants India to build the
required infrastructure and facilities.
Brazuca : The new FIFA World Cup ball unveiled
December 7, 2013
Sports goods manufacturer Adidas unveiled the new ball for 2014 World Cup called
the Brazuca, in honor of Brazil at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Adidas has been following the
tradition of providing the official ball for every World Cup tournament since 1970.
What does Brazuca mean?
The word Brazuca has a dual meaning, used as a term for Brazilians living overseas including its
many footballers but also as slang used to describe national pride or
anything Brazilianish. The ball is decorated with a ribbon design in shades of blue, gold and
green, which the manufacturer says represents the traditional wish bracelets worn in Brazil.
The ball will be introduced in the inaugural game of FIFA World Cup 2014 on June 12, 2014 in Sao
Paulo, and will be played with until the final on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Previously, Adidas manufactured a ball named Jabulani for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in held in
South Africa.
Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela passed away
December 7, 2013
RATHNAKUMAR (95),
R. Email address:
Nelson Mandela
Southrathnakumar3108@gmail.com
African anti-apartheid icon passed away at his
residence at Johannesburg. The death of the great statesman is being mourned
by his nation and the world with tributes flooding in from the leaders and
people all over the globe.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela:
Born: July 18, 1918 to the Thembu royal family belonging to Xhosa
clan.Sobriquet:The Father of the Nation(South Africa), Madiba, or
as Tata (Father). He studied law at Fort Hare University and the University
of Witwatersrand. Joined anti-colonial politics and the African National
Congress (ANC) and became a founding member of its Youth League.
Politically he was a nationalist and democratic socialist.
In 1948, when the South African National Party came to power, he rose to
prominence in the ANCs 1952 Defiance Campaign, was appointed superintendent of
the organisations Transvaal chapterand headed the 1955 Congress of the People.
Repeatedly arrested on the charges of sedition and, with the ANC leadership, was
unsuccessfully prosecuted in the Treason Trial from 1956 to 1961.
Arrested in 1962 and convicted of conspiracy to subvert the government, and sentenced to
life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial.
Spent 27 years in prison, initially on Robben Island, and later in Pollsmoor
Prison and Victor Verster Prison.
In
1990,
he
was
released
following
escalating
pressure
from
aninternational campaign for his release and growing civil tension.
Initiated talks with President F.W. de Klerk to abolish apartheid and establish multiracial
elections in 1994, in which he led the ANC to victory.
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In 1994, he became South Africas first black president and formed a Government
of National Unity in an attempt to defuse racial tension.
He also promulgated a new constitution and created the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission to investigate past human rights abuses.
His government took initiatives with liberal economic policy and took steps to
promote land reforms, combat poverty, and expandhealthcare services.
Served as the President of the ANC from 1991 to 1997.
Served Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.
Acted as mediator between Libya and the United Kingdom in the Pan Am Flight
103 bombing trial, and supervised military intervention in Lesotho.
He didnt contest for a second term, and subsequently became an elder statesman,
focusing on charitable work in fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS through the Nelson
Mandela Foundation.
Awards and Honors:
Mandela was showered with several national and international honors from countries and
organizations across the globe. He received more than 250 honours, including the
1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin, and
the Bharat Ratna.
Chinas air defense zone unacceptable by White House
December 7, 2013
Chinas new air defense zone over the East China Sea
RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address:
was rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
not recognized by the United States. From this
move of China, tensions will create in one of the
worlds most geo-politically sensitive areas.
Whats the issue?
China had set up an air defence zone that covered

the international airspace over parts of the disputed
East China Sea and required all non-commercial aircrafts to notify its authorities of their flight plans to
avoid triggering a response from air defence
forces. The ADIZ is a predefined area over
international airspace within which the Chinese
military will monitor and track aircraft.
The zone extends into international airspace east of Chinas territorial airspace into the East China
Sea, and up to 130 km from Japans territorial airspace. The Chinese ADIZ overlaps with the ADIZ
that Japan has already established in the region, with both zones covering the disputed Diaoyu or
Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The move is likely to fuel tensions with Japan, coming at a
time when both countries have sparred over the disputed Senkaku or Diaoyu islands in the East
China Sea.
Malala wins UN Human Rights Prize 2013
December 7, 2013
Pakistani teen activist Malala Yousafzai, who survived bullet-injury inflicted by the Taliban for
championing girls education has won the UN Human Rights Prize 2013.
The winners of the prestigious United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights for 2013
are Ms. Malala Yousafzai (student activist), Pakistan
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Mr. Biram Dah Abeid (campaigner against slavery) from Mauritania
Ms. Hiljmnijeta Apuk (human rights activist and campaigner for rights of people with
disproportional restricted growth short stature) from Kosovo
Ms. Liisa Kauppinen of Finland President emeritus of the World Federation of the
Deaf
Ms. Khadija Ryadi - former President of the Morocco Association for Human Rights
Mexicos Supreme Court of Justice the Constitutional Court
The twentieth anniversary of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and
the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action are also organized with the Award Ceremony
which would take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Human Rights Day
(December 10).
What is the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights?
An honorary award given to individuals and organizations in recognition of
outstanding achievement in human rights in every five years.
The Laureates who won this award later are Amnesty International, Jimmy Carter,
Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Prize not only gives public recognition to the achievements of the recipients themselves,
but also sends a clear message to human rights defenders the world over that the
international community is grateful for, and supports, their tireless efforts to promote all
human rights for all.
Bali Ministerial of the World Trade Organisation 2013

December 7, 2013
What is WTO Ministerial Conference?
The WTO Ministerial Conference is the topmost decision-making body of the World Trade
Organization which regularly convenes every two years. It brings together all members of the WTO,
all of which are countries or customs unions. The Ministerial Conference can take decisions on all
matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.
The conference has key issues to discuss viz. Trade facilitation, Agriculturenegotiations, Cotton
Least-developed countries Monitoring mechanism, Small and vulnerable economies, Yemens
accession, E-commerce Non-violation in intellectual property, etc.
What was Indias stand at the Bali Ministerial of the World Trade Organisation 2013 ?
India decided not to agree to the Peace Clause for agriculture subsidies that the World Trade
Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevedo has proposed for Bali talks.
Here, India stands to seek safeguards for subsidies given to the farmers for food security
purposes by poor countries. Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said that for India,
food security is non-negotiable, it is an integral part of the millennium development goals and the
need for public stockholding of food grains to ensure food security must be respected, and for this
WTO rules must be updated.
For this valuable cause, India got support from many WTO members like
SouthAfrica, Nepal, Egypt, Uganda, Namibia, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Ecuador,Venezuela, Mauritius an
d Nicaragua, etc.
What is the Peace Clause under current context and why an issue over this Peace Clause?
Under this Peace Clause, developing countries can provide WTO-prohibited subsidies to farmers
without inviting any dispute under the Agreement on Agriculture, developed countries will have
the right to drag these countries to the WTO Disputes Settlement Body, under the Agreement on
Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. This would render the peace clause null-and-void.
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Note : Developed countries pressurizing India to accept a peace clause, which offers four years of
immunity against penalties imposed for breaching the farm subsidy cap of 10 per cent under the
WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA).
Outcome of the 9th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Because of Indias concern of Food security, WTOs Bali Ministerial Conference revised draft
decisions on a package of issues designed to streamline trade, allow developing countries more
options for providing food security, boost least developed countries trade and help development
more generally.
Other Related Article(s):
India declines WTO Peace Clause proposal
RBI proposes new capital rules for D-SIBs (banks too-big-to-fail)

December 7, 2013
To safeguard the financial system from any possible crisis situation where large financial
institutions faltered due to loss of confidence in the financial system, the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) released the draft report to introduce increased capital requirements by 2016 for
banks regarded as too big to fail and make them subject to greater regulatory oversight.
Key Elements of the RBI Report on D-SIBs (banks too-big-to-fail)
It outlines the methodology to be adopted for identifying the D-SIBs and regulatory policies
for them.
The sample of banks for D-SIBs will be selected when its size is more than 2 % of GDP .
Banks classified as systemically important will be required to hold additional capital in the
R. Email address:
range of 0.2 % to 1 % of RATHNAKUMAR
their risk weighted
assets.
The banks designated as D-SIBs will be subjected to more intense supervision in the form of
higher frequency and higher intensity of off- and on-site monitoring.
A D-SIB in lower bucket will attract lower capital charge and a D-SIB in higher bucket will
attract higher capital charge.
Large banks such as the State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank,Canara
Bank and Punjab National Bank were likely to fall under this category of systemically
important banks (D-SIBs) or too large to fail.
Domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs)
These are large and highly interconnected financial institutionswhose failures failure might
trigger a financial crisis or can impact the orderly functioning of the financial system and harm
the economy.
Ministerial panel recommends bail out package to the sugar industry including financial assistance to
sugar cane farmers
December 8, 2013
An informal group of ministers, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar recommended a

number of incentives to cash-starved sugar mills including financial package to pay cane farmers.
Why the need for a financial package for sugar mills ?
Owing to an increase in prices of fuel and fertilizer, farmers are insisting that mills pay Rs.280Rs.300 per quintal for sugarcane. But millers hold that they can afford to pay only Rs.225 per
quintal.
At present, sugar industry is facing a financial crisis due to higher cost of production and decline in
the prices of sugar. This has led to 3400 crore rupees cane arrears from 2012-13 during the
marketing year that ended in September 2013. Thus, owing to liquidity crunch, the sugar mills
demanded interest-free loans for working capital requirement, hike in import duty, export
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subsidies among others. This financial package will allow millers to pay money they owe to the
farmers.
Recommendations of the Panel headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar:
To ensure timely payments to cane growers, the PM-constituted panel recommended loan recasting
for mills as per the RBI norms, incentives for production for raw sugar of up to 4 million tonnes and
setting up of buffer stock besides doubling ethanol-blending in petrol to 10%.
The bailout includes 7200 crore rupees at 12 percent interest rate to sugar
mills by the banks to pay off the arrears of the sugarcane growers.
The 12% interest on the financial support on the loan will be paid by Government
of India (GoI) and Sugar Development Fund (SDF).The GoI will pay 5% of the loan,
while the 7% will be paid by the SDF. This makes the loan amount free of interest for
the sugar mills.
The mills will have to repay loans in 5 years, but can get a moratorium on
repayment in the first two years.
To increase import duty on sugar (but at present there is no hike in import duty).
An inter-departmental panel will be set up to coordinate with oil marketing companies and
sugar mills for ethanol blending.
Note:India is the second biggest sugar producer in the world after Brazil.Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh are the top sugar producing state of India.
India contributes $1 million to UN womens body

December 8, 2013

To help global efforts to ensure
gender equality and empowerment of women,India contributed $1
million to the UN as the fourth installment of Indias multi-year pledge to provide USD 5 Mn to UN
Women (United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women).
Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Asoke K Mukerji urged UN
Women to focus on increasing the use of information and communication technology
for empowerment of women.
About UN Women
UN Women is a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women and girls.
Became operational in January 2011

Member of the United Nations Development Group
Headquarters at New York, USA
UN
Womens
Office
based
in
New Delhi covers
four
countries:
India,Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. In these countries, the organization strengthen
womens rights by working with women, men, feminists, womens networks,
governments, local authorities and civil society.
It stands behind womens equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on many
priority areas such as Ending violence against women, Promoting Leadership and
Participation, Economic Empowerment, national planning and budgeting for women,
etc.
Stamps of India National Exhibition 2013 (SINE)

December 8, 2013
The 4th Edition of Stamps of IndiaNational Exhibition 2013

(SINE)organized by Bharatiya Daktikit Sangstha, Kolkata at
NDMC Convention Centre, Parliament Street, New Delhi.
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To celebrate 100 years of cinema in India, SINE acknowledges the contribution of legendary
yesteryear actors like Durga Khote, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Smita Patil and queen of melody,
Suraiya, It features a range of stamps and postcards on these iconic personalities.
Year 2013 is being celebrated as a centenary milestone to showcase the cinematic heritage
of the Indian film industry in the last 100 years.
Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu re-appointed as OPCW Director General
December 8, 2013
At the 18th Session of the Conference of State Parties, Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu was re-appointed as the
OPCW Director General.
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
An independent, international body established in 1997.

Objective: To implement the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Has a working relationship with the UN.
Headquarters: The Hague, the Netherlands.
Conducts inspections of destruction procedures, as well as evaluating members own
declarations, in order to examine that the convention is being followed.
About Ambassador Ahmet Uzumcu
Turkish career diplomat
Director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW) since 2010
RepresentedRATHNAKUMAR
Turkey atR. Email
theaddress:
United
Nations Office in 2006 and Conference on
Disarmament in Geneva and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Council between 2002 and 2004
2013: Nobel Peace Prize went to OPCW headed by Ahmet Uzumcu.
OPCW is currently working in destroying Syrias chemical weapons stockpiles which marks as the
first time the OPCW is working in a war zone.
Employing manual scavengers made an offence
December 8, 2013
Employing or engaging a person has become an offence now as Prohibition of Employment as

Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013comes into force across India except J&K.
The law forbids the employment of manual scavengers, the manual cleaning of sewers and septic
tanks without protective equipment and the construction of insanitary latrines.
The law also has provisions for rehabilitation of manual scavengers and providing them alternative
employment. With the enactment of this law, the construction and maintenance of the insanitary
latrines has become an offence.
Key points of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013:
1.) Prohibition of Insanitary and Employment or engagement as Manual Scavengers

It will be an offence to:
Construct or maintain an insanitary latrine
Engage or employ a person to work as the Manual Scavenger
Penalty against offenders:
First contravention is punishable with imprisonment up to 1 year or with the fine up to Rs
50,000 or both.
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Any subsequent contravention is punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years or with the
fine up to Rs 5 lakh or both.
2.) Prohibition of person from engagement or employment for hazardous cleaning of a
sewer or a septic tank
Penalty:
First contravention is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or with a fine up to two
lakh rupees or with both
Any subsequent contravention is punishable with imprisonment up to five years or with fine
up to five lakh rupees or with both
3.) Under this Act, offences are cognizable and non-bail able
4.) Time bound survey of Manual Scavengers in Urban and rural areas
5.) Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Manual Scavengers within a time bound
framework
Manual Scavengers will be issued Photo Identity card
Government will provide initial cash aid
Children of the Manual Scavengers will be provided scholarship
Residential plot with financial aid will be allocated for the construction of the house or a
ready built house
Imparting Manual Scavengers livelihood skill
Providing concessional loan with subsidy for assuming alternative occupation
Extending any other legal or programmatic help
6.) Vigilance/ Monitoring Mechanism
The implementation of the Act will be under the following Vigilance/Monitoring panels at various
levels of State and Centre.
Vigilance Committees
District level committees will be headed by District Magistrate

Sub-Division level committees will be headed by Sub Divisional Magistrate
Monitoring Committees
State level committees will be headed by Chief Minister

Centre level committees will be headed by Minister of Social Justice and Employment
Union Government denies introduction of ILP in Meghalaya

December 8, 2013
The demand to create Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya has been rejected by the
Union Government on grounds that the Constitution does not provide for extending the special
provision to new areas.
The Government clarified that it was bound by Article 19 (D) of the Constitution which allows
any Indian citizen to move freely throughout the territory of the country.
What is Inner Line Permit (ILP)?
ILP is an official travel document issued by an empowered State governmentto permit inward
travel of an Indian citizen into a protected or restricted area for a limited period. It is mandatory for
Indian citizens from outside those specific States to get permit for entering the protected State.
Why Inner Line Permit (ILP) is issued?
The ILP system empowers the government to regulate movement to certain areas located near
the international borders. It is issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. At
present, ILP is active in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram.
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In context of Meghalaya, various organizations in the state have been demanding ILP system
claiming the demography of the State is changing due to the intense inflow of people.
Tejas test-fires missile successfully
December 8, 2013
Indias first indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas successfully
launched an infrared seeking air-to-air missile that hit its target with precision.
With the success achieved in the test, the plan to induct the aircraft in the Indian Air Force has
moved further.
About LCA Tejas
The LCA was christened Tejas (Radiance) by Prime Minister AB Vajpayee in June 2004. The
Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA sometimes called Last Chance Aircraft) is the worlds
smallest, light weight, multi-role combat aircraft.
The aircraft is designed to meet the requirements of Indian Air Force as its frontline multi-mission
single-seat tactical aircraft to replace the MiG-21 series of aircraft. The delta wing configuration,
with no tailplanes or foreplanes, features a single vertical fin. The LCA is constructed of aluminiumlithium alloys, carbon-fibre composites, and titanium and it integrates modern design concepts and
the state-of-art technologies such as relaxed static stability, flyby-wire Flight Control System,
Advanced Digital Cockpit, Multi-Mode Radar, Integrated Digital Avionics System, Advanced
Composite Material Structures and a Flat Rated Engine.
The LCA program was launched in 1985. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the Principal
Partner in the design and fabrication
of LCA and its integration leading to flight testing.
Jordan gets UNSC seat as its non-permanent member
December 8, 2013
Jordan has been elected as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council
(UNSC). Jordan has replaced Saudi Arabia which was recently elected for the position but rejected
the seat in protest at the UN councils failure to end the war in Syria and act on other Middle East
issues.
Which are the new members on UNSC?
Jordan is the latest entrant on the UNSC as its non-permanent member.

Besides, Lithuania, Chile, Nigeria and Chad will also join as new members of the council,
replacing Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Pakistan, Morocco and Togo. The other five temporary council
members
that
will
remain
next
year
areArgentina, Australia, Luxembourg,
South Korea and Rwanda.
Some key points about UNSC
The UNSC was established in 1946 as per Article 23 of Chapter V of United Nations Charter. The
council has 15 members which are further categorized into 5 permanent and 10 non permanent
members of the Council. The non-permanent members have term of 2 years.
Permanent Members:
1. China
2. France
3. Russian Federation
4. The United Kingdom
5. The United States of America
What are the key responsibilities of the UNSC?
The UNSC is one of the six key organs of the United Nations and is entrusted with the maintenance
of international peace
and
security.
Its
powers
include
the
establishment
of
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peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization
of military action through Security Council resolutions; it is the only UN body with the authority to
issue binding resolutions to member states.
All unfilled chemical munitions of Syria destructed: OPCW
December 8, 2013
As per Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), all of Syrias unfilled
munitions have been destroyed.
The United Nations and OPCW teams are working in tandem in Syria with an aim to remove the
most toxic chemicals from Syria by the end of the year for destruction at sea and destroy the entire
program by mid-2014. The OPCW, which won the Nobel Peace Prize 2013, has been instructed by
the United Nations to supervise the destruction of the Syrian governments chemical weapons
stockpile.
Why destruction of Chemical weapons is going on in Syria?
The Syrian government under Bashar-al Assad was accused by the US and its Western allies of
using Chemical weapons (mainly Sarin gas) to crush the rebellion in the country. Syria rejected the
allegations and blamed the rebels for its use. The matter went to the extent that the US started
contemplating military action against the country which was opposed by Russia. Later, on Russias
intervention, Syria joined Chemical Weapons Convention which requires all parties to declare
and destroy all of the chemical weapons they possess. Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW)has the job is to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention. Syria
joined the OPCW and agreed to dismantle its chemical arsenal to avoid possible U.S. military strikes.
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email address:
Pad kid poured curd pulled cold
Psychologists
reveal
the worlds most frustrating tongue twister
December 9, 2013
To shed light on the brains speech-planning processes, a tongue twister study conducted by
researchers at the annual meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in San Francisco.
Psychologists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology asked the volunteers to say the
sentence 10 times in a row, at a fast lick.
The volunteers recorded different combinations of words (like the top cop saw a cop top)
but the most challenging one was the phrase Pad kid poured curd pulled cold, while saying
it, many of them clammed up and stopped talking altogether.
The jumble of words Pad kid poured curd pulled cold sound nonsensical but it is
the most tricky tongue twister ever, leaving tongue-tangling classics like Peter
piper and his peck of pickled pepper and She sells seashells by the
seashore in the dust.
Why scientists study tongue twisters?
Scientists study speech errors such as tongue twisters to understand how the brain
processes and plans speech.
They study the two categories of tongue twisters: i) Simple lists of paired words. ii) Whole
sentences.
This operation would assist in understanding that when things go wrong, how a typical, error-free
operation would go and when certain combinations of sounds are spoken too quickly, people seem
to lose control of their mouths.
LOB Clause agreed between India and Mauritius

December 9, 2013
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Mauritius and India agreed on the principle of including a Limitation Of Benefit (LOB) or antitreaty shopping law clause in the revised tax treaty to ring-fence its jurisdiction from any attempts
of round-tripping and money laundering activities.
The LOB clause limits treaty benefits to those who meet certain conditions including those related
to business, residency and investment commitments of the entity seeking benefit of a Double
Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
What is Limitation Of Benefit (LOB) provision ?
An anti-abuse provision that sets out where residents of the Contracting States are
entitled to the treatys benefits
Purpose : Aimed at preventing treaty shopping or inappropriate use of tax pacts by

third-country investors.
To limit the ability of third country residents to obtain benefits under the said treaty.
Indias desire is to discourage Treaty shopping by the LOB policy.
What is Treaty shopping ?
The practice of structuring a multinational business in order to take advantage of more favorable
tax treaties available in certain jurisdictions. A business that resides in a home country and not
having a tax treaty with the source country (from which it receives income), can establish an
operation in a second source country having a favorable tax treaty, in order to minimize its tax
liability with the home country.
South Korea to expand its ADIZ
December 10, 2013
The latest move in a regional struggle over airspace above the East China Sea marks the
South Koreas decision to expand its ADIZ.
Chinas new air defense zone over the East China Sea is creating tensions in the worlds most geopolitically sensitive areas that includes the disputed Diaoyu or Senkaku islands in the East China
Sea, which are controlled by Japan and but claimed by China, and the submerged Leodo reef, which
is under South Koreas control.
Why Chinas ADIZ is fueling tensions with Japan & S.Korea ?
The new aerial zone extends into international airspace east of Chinas territorial
airspace into the East China Sea, and up to 130 km from Japans territorial airspace.
The Chinese ADIZ overlaps with the ADIZ that Japan has already established in the
region, with both zones covering the disputed Diaoyu or SenkakuIslands in the East
China Sea.
The zone includes a rock 15 feet below the waters surface known internationally as Socotra.
The formation lies within the economic zones of both China and South Korea, and it has long
been a point of modest contention between the neighbors. The rock is controlled by South
Korea, where it is known as Ieodo. Seoul uses the site as an oceanic research center, having
constructed an orange tower of beams and a helipad atop the rock in 2003. The research
center has solar panels, wind monitors, barometric sensors and a solar radiation
measurement system, and the monitoring data are displayed in real time on a government
Web site.
South Korea to expand its ADIZ:
The latest move in a regional struggle over airspace above the East China Sea marks the South
Koreas decision to expand its ADIZ, its new zone includes two small islands and a submerged rock
that is the subject of a long-running dispute with China. Koreas latest declaration is viewed as an
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attempt fortify its control over parts of the East China Sea surrounding the Leodo reef, which,
earlier, lay beyond the southern edge of its zone. The eastern and western limits of its ADIZ have
not been expanded.
Note: Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) are not territorial claims, but they mark
airspace that countries think it important to monitor.
Related Article(s)
Chinas air defense zone unacceptable by White House
Assembly polls verdict: BJP bags MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, AAP makes stunning debut
December 10, 2013
The BJP clinched majority of seats in the Assembly Elections in Rajasthan,Madhya

Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made remarkable debut in Delhi where it
clinched 28 of 70 seats. In Delhi, though the BJP secured highest number of seats (31) but it fell
short of 5 seats for attaining the majority.
A glance at 2013 State Assembly Poll Results:
Party
BJP
Congress
AAP
BSP
Others
Independent
Seats Won
DELHI
31
8
28
0
2
1
in
Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan
Chhattisgarh
165
58
4
3
162
21
3
6
-
49
39
1
1
December 10 observed as Human Rights Day across the globe

December 10, 2013
December 10 was observed as Human Rights Day across the globe marking the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The theme chosen for the year 2013 is20 Years Working for Your
Rights.
What is the significance of Human Rights Day?
December 10 holds significance as it was on this day in 1948 when the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) adopted and proclaimed, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the
first global declaration of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United
Nations. Theformal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of
the General Assembly on December 4, 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution
423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate
the December 10 as they saw fit.
In 1993, the UNGA adopted Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) at the World
Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria which led to the creation of the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights for the promotion and protection of all human rights. Year 2013,
the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights marks 20 years since its establishment.
In addition, it is traditionally on December 10 that the five-yearly United Nations Prize in the Field
of Human Rights and Nobel Peace Prize are awarded.
EC declares AAP a state party
December 10, 2013
In the 2013 Delhi state assembly elections, AAP emerged as the second largest party in Delhi
winning 28 seats in the assembly. After a remarkable performance in the Delhi state assembly
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election Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is all set to be recognized as a state party by the Election
Commission.
About Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
Mr. Arvind Kejriwal launched AAP on November 26, 2012, who was the former
member of India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, founded by Anna Hazare.
Election symbol Broom Stick
Central manifesto to implement the Jan Lokapal Bill within 15 days of coming to power.
The AAP led several protests like a campaign against an alleged nexus between government
and private corporations relating to price rises for electricity and water in Delhi, etc.
How does EC recognizes a state party?
As per the criteria of election commission, a party can be called as a state party if all its candidates
get minimum of 8 percent votes or secure minimum of 6% of the total votes polled and one
assembly seat for every 25 seats in the state. After the announcement, the party will have the
option of retaining its original symbol or it may design an alternative symbol for its party.
Note: If a political party is recognized as a State Party in four or more States then it will
automatically become a national party.
How much does recognition matter for any party? How does recognition of a Party as a State Party helps that
party ?
EC recognition of any party as a State Party will entail the party to participate in the all-party
meetings convened by the EC/State/Central Government, get a permanent common symbol for all
their contestants, privilege to address the voters through the All India Radio and Doordarshan
during poll.
Investments by FIIs in stock market cross Rs 1 lakh crore mark in 2013

December 10, 2013
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) equity investments in the Indian stock market have crossed
Rs 1 lakh crore so far in 2013, while inflows are likely to boost up further after state assembly poll
results have improved the probability of a BJP-led government at the Centre.
As per SEBI information, FIIs, key investors in the Indian stock market, were gross buyers of shares
worth Rs 7,46,334 crore and sellers of equities worth Rs 6,45,757 crore till December 6, 2013.
This translates into a net inflow of Rs1,00,577 crore ($18 billion).
Since FIIs entry into the countrys capital markets in 1992-93, net inflows have exceeded Rs 1 lakh
crore only in 2010 and 2012. The overseas investors had net invested Rs 1,28,360 crore in 2012,
while in 2010, they made a record net inflow of Rs 1,33,266 crore.
As per experts, fund inflow by FIIs will step up further in the coming months as a major win
for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in assembly elections has improved the likelihood of the party
coming to power at the Centre in 2014.
Noticeably, of the total net inflow, around Rs 37,000 crore flowed in during the last 3 months,
following the steps taken by the RBI to resurrect the weakening rupee and revive economic growth.
Telugu film industry suffered 300 crores losses in 2013
December 10, 2013
Year 2013 proved ominous for Telugu film industry as among 170-odd films released till December
7, 2013, only 12 to 14 films were either blockbusters, hits and average grossers, while more than
140-odd films were disasters and left more than 70-odd producers battling for existence. The
downslide caused the Telugu cinema industry hefty losses of around Rs 300 crore.
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While films like Atharintiki Daredi bagged the spot of being most successful this year with 85crore plus, other films that touched 40 crore mark were-Mirchi, Badshah, Nayak, Seethamma
Vakitlo, whereas Gundejari Gallanthaiyinde and Balupu crossed 22 crores, while Prema Katha
Chitram, grossed 15 crores and films like Tadaka, touched 10 crore mark and even small movies
like Swamy Ra Ra ( 7 crores) Anthakamundhu Aa Tharvatha and Adda ( 3 to 4 crores) but
industry sank deeply under the heap of 100-odd flops.
However, dreary performance of few star films jolted the industry since their films could not even
fetch their production cost by a big margin- Ramayya Vasthavayya ( 19 crores out of 35 crores),
Shadow ( 12 crores out of 30 crores), Greekuveerudu (10 out of 22 crores), Iddarammayilitho (22
out of 33 crores), Toofan (10 out of 60 crores), Masala (10 out of 24 crores), Bhai (12 cores out of
25 crores) Sahasam (5 out of 11 crores) and the list goes on.
Major factors behind the debacle:

The failure of films and heavy losses can in 2013 can be attributed to certain factors like poor
scripts, surging salaries of stars, technicians and rampant piracy and most significantly Telugu
audience are not willing to digest crap in the name of star movies and rejected new-age small
movies, if they lacked novelty and even the 60-days bandh in Seemandhra added to producers
woes as it hampered collections of many films.
Investment corpus of pensions sector to reach above $1 trillion by 2025: Report
December 10, 2013
As per the report jointly prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and global
professional services firm Ernst
& Young (EY), after the passage of the Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority (PFRDA) Act 2013, investment corpus in the Indian pensions sector
is likely to cross $1 trillion by 2025 as the sector moves forward to realize its full growth potential.
As per CII-CY report:
Pensions business offers a promising opportunity because of Indias changing
demographics, an insufficient government-funded pensions system and the presence
of a vivacious insurance and funds management sector.
By 2030, 180 million Indians or 12% of the population will be in the age bracket of 60-plus.
Pensions systems play a major role for the infrastructure sector, providing stability
in capital markets.
The government has set a funding target of $1 trillion for the infrastructure sector for the
12th Plan (2012-16) period, while it expects the private sector to contribute 45% of the
targeted investment.
Private pension funds are likely to provide 24% of the total corpus by 2025, while pensions
and annuity products offered by life insurance companies are expected to contribute around
16%.
Current Status:
At present, the retirement funds corpus is in range of Rs.12-15 trillion, of which the Employees
Provident Fund (EPF) holds one-third of the total, while the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and NPS
account for about 2.5% each.
Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich crowned Miss Earth 2013
December 10, 2013
Miss Venezuela, Alyz Henrich was crowned Miss Earth 2013 title at a pageant organized
at Versailles Palace, Philippines. It is the second beauty pageant title for Venezuela this year. In
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November 2013, Gabriela Isler, of the same nation was crowned Miss Universe 2013. Indias
contestant Shobita Dhulipala couldnt make it to the top 16 of the event.
The Top 3 runners-up:
1. Miss Earth Fire 2013 Catharina Choi of Korea
2. Miss Earth water 2013 Punika Kulsoontornrut of Thailand
3. Miss Earth Air 2013 is Katia Wagner of Austria
About Miss Earth:
Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness. The
contest held its maiden edition in 2001 to promote the preservation of the environment. Nicole
Faria, who won in 2010, is the first Indian contestant to have won the title.
Star India is now the official sponsor of Indian cricket team
December 12, 2013
Star India Pvt. Ltd., the television network, bags sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team
covering BCCI events, International Cricket Council (ICC) events and Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
events, from January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2017. This brings to an end a 12-year partnership with
Sahara, the existing team sponsor, whose contract expires on December 31,2013.
The BCCI fixed the base price for Indias international matches at Rs. 1.5 crores per match.
Star India bid Rs.1.92 crore per match for bilateral series, and Rs. 61 lakh per match for ICCsponsored tournaments.
Sahara bid Rs. 2.35 crore per BCCI match and Rs. 91 lakh for ICC games. The total amount bid
by them stood at Rs. 252 crore in contrast to Rs. 203 crore bid by Star. ( Saharas bid rejected
on technical grounds) RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
The team sponsorship rights include the right to be called the official team sponsor, and to
display a commercial logo on the mens, womens, Under-19 and A teams kits.
Star now holds all three important rights: broadcasting, series title and team
sponsorship.
Star is also the title sponsor for BCCIs international and domestic matches till March 31,
2014, and holds the broadcast, internet and mobile rights to Indian cricket until March 2018.
Why Sahara India was disqualified, albeit its bid was higher ?
The reasons are not known, but there was a bone of contention among the Sahara Group and the
BCCI on the Indian Premier League Pune franchise. In October 2013, the board terminated Saharasponsored IPL team Pune Warriors over franchise fees.
Miss Earth Venezuela Alyz Henrich wins the Miss Earth beauty pageant 2013
December 13, 2013
Miss Earth Venezuela Alyz Henrich won the 13th edition of the Miss Earth
Pageant held at the Versailles Palace in Alabang, Muntilupa
City, Philippines. Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant
promoting environmental awareness.
Eighty-eight contestants from all over the world competed and the winner was.
Alyz Henrichs cause for the pageant is to ensure water preservation.
The Venezuelan beauty chosen to keep waters of an island cleans as her
environmental advocacy.
Other winners are:
Miss Earth Fire:
Miss Korea Catharina Choi
Miss Earth Water: Miss Thailand Punika Kulsoontornrut
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Miss Earth Air:
Miss Austria Katia Wagner
Indias participant for the pageant was Sobhita Dhulipala, who failed to make it in the list of top 16.
She won the Miss Photogenic and the Miss Eco Beauty Title contests.
About Miss Earth beauty pageant
Established in 2001 to uphold the advocacy to preserve and restore
the environment.
Headquarters are at Manila, Philippines
The title-holder serves as the ambassador for environmental protection campaigns
worldwide.
Nicole Faria is the first Indian contestant to have won the title in 2010.
India to Host 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup

December 13, 2013
India will host the 2017 Under-17 World Cup Football. This will be the first time India will host
an international football competition at world level.
The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be the 17th tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. It is the
world championship of association football for male players under the age of 17 organized by
Fdration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
After the meeting in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, FIFA executive committeeunveiled that By virtue of
being the host country, India will take part in the 24-nation tournament for the first time in its
history.
India hosted Asian Football CoRATHNAKUMAR
federations
Youth Championships (Under-20) in 2006 and then the
AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 but never any FIFA tournament.
Tournament will be held in 6 venues which are to be selected from eight cities New Delhi, Margao,
Banglore, Pune , Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi and Guwahati.
Note: The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates and won
by Nigeria after defeating Mexico. Chile will be the host country for the 2015 edition.
FIFA awarded South Korea to host Under-20 World Cup in 2017,Jordan to host
Womens Under-17 World Cup in 2016 and SouthAfrica to host 2016 FIFA Under 20
Womens World Cup.
PepsiCo appointed D Shivakumar as head of Indian region
December 13, 2013
Beverages and food giant PepsiCo India appointed former Nokia senior executive D. Shivakumar as
the companys new chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) for the Indian region.
What type of responsibilities will D.Shivakumar look after?
Oversee all aspects in India, including the Pepsi-Cola, Lays, Slice, Kurkure, Tropicana,
Quaker and NourishCo (a joint venture with Tata Global Beverages) brands.
Responsible for deploying the Rs. 33,000 crore investments in India that PepsiCo
announced last month.
Also look after the franchise businesses in Bangladesh, Nepal,Bhutan, Sri Lanka and
the Maldives.
Note: He will succeed Gautham Mukkavilli, current General Manager for PepsiCo India
Beverages( who has been named the senior Vice-President , Business Transformation AMEA
at PepsiCo).
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Congress victorious in Mizoram Assembly polls 2013
December 13, 2013
Mizoram Assembly poll results are out and Congress has defeated its main rivalMizo National
Front (MNF) by a huge margin. Although Congress faced debacle in the assembly elections
in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, it has managed to save face in Mizoram by
registering a second consecutive win in the small Christian-dominated state that MNF once wanted
to take out of the Indian Union.
It is Congress fourth electoral win after Mizoram attained statehood in 1987, following the signing
of the historic 1986 Mizo Accord between the Centre and MNF led by the legendary Laldenga.
Results:
Of the total 40 seats Congress clinched 33 seats limiting its opponent MNF to a just 5 seats. Many
give the credit of Congress triumph to Lal Thanhawlas popular Congress New Land Use Policy
(NLUP), which was evolved to tacklejhum or shifting cultivation. Four-time chief minister Lal
Thanhawla (71) has won from 2 seats Serchhip and Hrangturzo. It is his 9th electoral win since
Mizoram became a Union territory in 1972 and a full-fledged state in 1987.
India permits unlisted companies to directly raise capital abroad
December 13, 2013
As per the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Indias FDI policy has been
modified to allow unlisted firms to directly list on stock exchanges abroad to raise capital for
acquisitions or retiring overseas debts.This step may help India in controlling high Current
Account Deficit (CAD).
Unlisted companies are heretofore not allowed to directly list in overseas markets without prior or
subsequent listing in Indian markets. But following the changes made in the Consolidated FDI
Policy in this regard, they would be allowed to do so.
As per revised FDI Policy:
Unlisted firms are allowed to directly list abroad only on exchanges
inInternational Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)/ Financial
Action Task Force (FATF) compliant jurisdictions or those jurisdictions with which
SEBI has signed bilateral agreements.
The companies will be allowed to raise capital abroad and use the same for retiring
outstanding overseas debt or for operations abroad including for acquisitions.
If the funds raised are not utilised abroad, the company should repatriate the funds to India
within 15 days and park it with a scheduled bank and may be used domestically.
The listing companies raising funds overseas would have to be fully compliant with the FDI
policy.
The listing firms would also have to abide by the guidelines on downstream investment and
the criteria of eligibility of who can raise funds through ADRs/GDRs would be as prescribed
by the government.
The scheme will be implemented on a pilot basis for a period of 2 years.
Why has the government allowed unlisted firms to raise capital abroad?
The government has set a target to slash the CAD to below $56 billion this fiscal (2013-14), as
against $88.2 billion in the last financial year. The value of Rupee versus US dollar has declined
drastically because of high CAD and other global factors. The governments step to allow the
unlisted companies to raise capital abroad would help in easing the pressure on CAD as the firms
would not have to buy or borrow the foreign currency (mainly dollars) from domestic markets
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which puts strain on CAD. Besides, the step may also improve CAD if the unused capital is sent back
home to a scheduled bank or utilized domestically.
Oldest known human DNA decoded
December 13, 2013
The researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in

Leipzig, Germany have decoded the oldest DNA ever found. They have almost completely decoded
the mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) taken fromfour-lakh year old thigh bone of human family
representative of the genus Homo.
The thigh bone was discovered at a burial site Sima de los Huesos (Bone Pit) that was preserved
in Spains northern Sierra de Atapuerca highlands. The scientists have found that the mitochondrial
genome of Denisovans belongs to the extinct relatives of Neanderthals in Asia.
What did the researchers find after decoding the oldest DNA?
This research has enhanced the knowledge of the human genetics by 300000 years and also tells
about the journey of humans evolution. After comparing the code with the modern humans, apes,
Neanderthals and their sister group, Denisovans, researchers found that the Spanish
hominins were more closely related to the geographically more distant Denisovans than
toNeanderthals.
Uruguay becomes first country to legalize sale and production of marijuana
December 13, 2013
Uruguay has become the first nation in the world to make it legal to grow, sell and consume
marijuana. The countrys parliament has passed the government-sponsored bill which allows
registered Uruguayans over 18 to buy up to 40g (1,4oz) of the drug a month.
Though possession of the drug is not a crime in the country, but with this legislation coming into
effect in April 2014, the price of marijuana will be set at 1 dollar per gram, aiming to undercut the
current price of $1.40 in the illegal market. A specialized body would be set up by the government
to regulate the sale and production of the drug and it will administer a database of adult citizens
registered to consume marijuana. The law would permit registered Uruguayans over the age of 18
to buy up to 40 grams of marijuana from pharmacies every month and cultivate a maximum of 6
plants on their property a year. The legislation will also permit for the creation of so-called
cannabis clubs, composed of up to 45 members who will be able to grow a maximum of 99 plants a
year.
Why Uruguay is legalizing marijuana trade?
The government of Uruguay intends to curb the market of illegal marijuana this new legislation as
its previous attempts and policies have failed. The law is an experiment programme under which
the government will sell the drug at a price lower than that in the illegal markets to defeat them and
push them out of this business. It will also be able to tax the revenue generated from it. The whole
programme will be regulated and administered by the government.
Criticism:
The project has drawn national and international criticism. The International Narcotics Control
Board (INCB) has warned that the law would be in complete contravention to the provisions of the
international drug treaties to which Uruguay is signatory. As per health experts, this move would
encourage the drug market and would cause social damage as marijuana is highly addictive and is
15 times more carcinogenic than tobacco. It produces psychological disorders like depression,
anxiety and for heavy consumers schizophrenia.
What is International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)?
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The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent body of experts established
by the United Nations to monitor countries compliance with international drug treaties.
Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel join hands for sharing telecom infrastructure
December 13, 2013
Bharti Airtel, has inked an infrastructure-sharing agreement with the telecom subsidiary
of Reliance Industries.
The deal will allow the telecom unit, Reliance Jio, to access Bhartis nationwide infrastructure
while Bharti will have in return access to the optic fibre capacity established by Jio in future. As a
result, RIL might be able to kick off telecom and broadband services in the near future by utilizing
Bhartis infrastructure, much earlier than if it had to create its own infrastructure. It has slashed
Reliance Jios time to market by several years.
Airtel will also benefit from the deal as its cash flows will be boosted by lease rentals from Jio.
The deal is also extended to jointly laying optic fibre and starting other forms of infrastructure
services.
This is the second infrastructure-sharing deal between the two companies. In April 2013, both had
entered into an agreement under which Bharti has provided capacity on its i2i submarine cable to
Reliance Jio.
IOC ranked No.1 on Indias Fortune 500 list
December 13, 2013
According to the latest annual list of Fortune 500 companies in India published
by business magazine Fortune,
state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC) is countrys biggest company in
terms of annual revenue, followed by Mukesh Ambani-led private sector giant Reliance
Industries at the second place.
Indian Oil Corp (IOC) was the biggest with annual revenue of Rs 4,75,867 crore, followed by
Reliance Industries (RIL) with a full-year revenue of Rs 4,09,883 crore. This is followed by Bharat
Petroleum (Rs 2,44,822 crore) at the third place and Hindustan Petroleum (Rs 2,17,771 crore) at
fourth.
As per Fortune 500, India Top 10 Companies are:
Rank
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Company
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
Bharat Petroleum
Hindustan Petroleum
State Bank of India
Tata Motors
ONGC
Tata Steel
Essar Oil
Coal India
Raman Singh takes oath as Chhattisgarh CM

December 13, 2013
Raman Singh (61) of BJP was sworn in as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh for the 3rd term in row.
Governor Shekhar Dutt administered Singh the oath of office and secrecy during a grand swearingin ceremony.
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Raman Singh has retained the CM post as the BJP registered victory by winning 49 of the 90 seats.
Congress could manage 39 seats in the 90-member Assembly while the rest of the 2 seats were
bagged by BSP and an Independent each.
With this, Singh has now joined the elite club of BJP chief ministers who have scored three
consecutive terms in their respective states.
RBI grants license to Doha Bank to start banking operations in India
December 13, 2013
The Reserve Bank of India has granted license to Doha Bank to

start bankingoperations in India and has allowed it to open a
branch in Mumbai to provide full-scale banking services.
Doha Bank which is the largest commercial bank in the
state of Qatarintends to expand its operations at the local,
regional and international levels. The bank will soon start operations as a foreign bank branch in
Mumbai and will offer wholesale banking, retail banking, treasury and trade finance services to all
customers in India.
This licence will further boost the niche role Doha Bank is playing and facilitating the movement of
trade between Qatar and India. Qatar-India bilateral annual trade is about $16 billion and there are
huge opportunities of growth available in infrastructure and other sectors in India.
There is a large diaspora of Indian population in Qatar and various Indian companies are active in
infrastructure projects. As per Doha Bank, the licence will pave the way for the bank to support all
expatriates with its solutions especially
remittance
solutions.
RATHNAKUMAR R.
Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
PFBTA: Newly discovered greenhouse gas 7,000 times more potent than CO2
December 13, 2013
Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered a new greenhouse gas that is 7,000 times
more powerful than carbon dioxide to cause greenhouse effect which causes warming of the Earth.
As per the scientists, the newly discovered gas, PerFluoroTriButylAmine (PFTBA), has been in
use by the electrical industry since the mid-20th century.
The discoverers have claimed that PFTBA which does not occur naturally has the highest radiative
efficiency of any molecule detected in the atmosphere up to now.
The study showed that PFTBA was 7,100 times more powerful at warming the Earth over a 100year time period than CO2. This gas remains in the atmosphere for about 500 years, and unlike
CO2 which is absorbed by forests and oceans, there are no known natural sinks on Earth to absorb
it.
Do we need to worry about PFTBA?
Not at current levels. The current concentration of PFTBA in the atmosphere is very low as
compared to CO2 so it does not displace the focus of our concerns from the burning of fossil fuels
such as oil and coal as the main drivers of climate change. However, higher concentration of the gas
would contribute to a serious global warming. So we need to ponder over using such compounds in
large quantity without first understanding their impact on climate change.
Supreme Court restricts the use of red beacon light on vehicles
December 13, 2013
The Supreme Court has banned the use of red beacon light with flashers on all vehicles except those
used by high dignitaries holding constitutional post; also banned pressure horns, multiple sound
emitting horns and musical horns in vehicles.
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The court passed the order on a PIL filed by Uttar Pradesh resident Abhay Singh on misuse of red
beacon.
Why the Supreme Court restricted the use of red beacons?
The apex court stated that the red lights represent power and create an arrant difference among
those who are allowed to use it and the ones who are not. But a large number of those using
vehicles with red lights have neither respect for the laws of the country, nor they treat the ordinary
citizens with respect. Even criminals were getting away using red lights because the police were too
scared to stop a car with a beacon. So, to avoid such practices, the court decided to restrict them.
As per the directions of Supreme Court:
The term high dignitaries used in proviso (iii) to Rule 108(1) of the 1989 Rules takes
within its fold the holders of various posts, positions and offices specified in the Constitution.
The motor vehicles carrying high dignitaries specified by the Central Government and their
counterparts specified by the State Government may be fitted with red lights but the red
lights with or without flasher can be used only while the specified high dignitary is on duty
and not otherwise.
The State Governments and Administration of Union Territories cannot enlarge the scope of
the term high
dignitaries beyond what is prescribed in clauses c and d of
Notifications dated 11.1.2002 and 28.7.2005 issued by the Central Government. Therefore,
they shall amend
the relevant rules and notifications to bring them in tune with the
1989 Rules and notifications dated 11.1.2002 and 28.7.2002 issued by the Central
Government. This exercise must be completed within a period of three months.
The men in uniform; operational agencies which require un-hindered access to the roads for
performance of
their duty; those engaged in emergency duties such as ambulance
services, fire services, emergency maintenance etc, and police vehicles used as escorts or
pilots or for law and order duties shall not be entitled to have red lights but lights of other
colours, e.g., blue, white, multicoloured etc
No motor vehicles except those specified in Rule 119(3) of the 1989 Rules or similar
provisions contained in the rules framed by the State Governments or the Administration of
Union Territories shall be fitted with multi-toned horns giving a succession of different notes
or with any other sound
producing device giving
an unduly harsh, shrill, loud or
alarming noise.
The police officers and other authorities entrusted with the task of enforcing the provisions
of the 1988 Act and the Rules framed thereunder must discharge their duties without any
fear or favour and should impose appropriate penalty on those who violate the prohibition
contained in Rule 108(1) and Rule 119 and similar rules framed
by the
State
Governments and the Administration of Union Territories. The owners/users of the vehicles
fitted with multi- toned horns other than those allowed to use such horns under Rule 119(3)
of the 1989 Rules or corresponding rules framed by the State Governments and the
Administration of the Union Territories shall, within a period of one month from today,
remove the multi toned horns. The officers authorised to enforce the provisions of the 1988
Act and the rules framed there under by the Central Government, the State Governments and
the Administration of Union Territories shall also ensure that multi-toned horns are
removed from all the vehicles except those specified in rule 119(3) of the 1989 Rules or
corresponding rules framed by the State Governments and the Administration of Union
Territories.
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The Chief Secretaries of all the States and the Administrators of Union Territories shall cause
a notice published in the newspapers having wide circulation in their respective States and
the Union Territories incorporating the directions contained in this order.
VIPs who can use Red beacons while on duty:
LIST A: (With Flasher)
President; Vice President; Prime Minister; ex-Presidents; ex-PMs; deputy PM; CJI and SC Judges; LS
Speaker; Union Cabinet Ministers; plan panel deputy chairperson; leaders of opposition in LS and
RS.
LIST B: (Without Flasher)
CEC; CAG; Union Mos & dy ministers; LS deputy speaker; RS dy chairman; plan panel members; AG;
Cabinet secy; services chiefs & officiating chiefs of staff; heads of CAT, UPSC, minorities commission,
SC & ST commission.
US and UK spying on virtual world, online games
December 13, 2013
As per the secret documents disclosed by whistle-blower Edward Snowden, in an effort to identify
terrorist threats, US and British spies have reportedly penetrated the massive communities playing
video games such as World of War craft, etc.
Why are US and UK intelligence agencies fearing from online gaming platform?
US and British intelligence fear that the terrorists could use the hugely popular platform to plot
attacks, as online gaming is a big business attracting tens of millions of users worldwide who
inhabit their digital worlds as make-believe characters, living and competing with the avatars of
other players.
Why there are concerns on the spying of online games?
The US and UK spying agencies conducted operations illegally; not taking permission from the
authorized owner of the online games. This has raised concerns over the privacy of the onlinegamers. It is however, unclear that how these agencies accessed the data, or how many
communications were collected. It is also not clear how the NSA ensured that it was not monitoring
innocent Americans whose identity and nationality may have been concealed and compromised
behind their virtual avatar.
Mr. Ranjan Mathai appointed Indias High Commissioner to the UK
December 13, 2013
The External Affairs Ministry appointed former Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai as Indias High
Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He succeeded Jaimini Bhagwati, who retired recently.
About Mr. Ranjan Mathai
An IFS officer of 1974 batch, who retired as Foreign Secretary this year.
Played a critical role in the Indo-Bangla Ganges Water Sharing accord during Sheikh Hasinas
first stint as the Prime Minister.
Apart from serving as Indias Ambassador to France, he also had postings
in Israel and Qatar among other places.
Note: The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organization of 53 member states
that were mostly territories of the former British Empire. In them, a High Commissioner is the
senior diplomat (ranking as ambassador) in charge of the diplomatic mission of one
Commonwealth government to another. There are a few technical differences, like Ambassadors
present their diplomatic credentials to the host countrys head of state; High Commissioners are
recognized to the head of government, etc.
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The coldest place on Earth is in East Antarctica
December 13, 2013
NASA satellites discovered a desolate and remote ice plateau in East Antarctica, the coldest place
on earth. The remote region plunged as low as minus 94.7oC (minus 135.8oF). This beat the
previous record of -89.2 degrees Celsius measured at the Russian Vostok Research Station in East
Antarctica on July 21, 1983.
The Scientists made the discovery while examining 32 years of global surface temperatures
recorded by viz. remote sensing satellites, the new Landsat 8, a joint project of NASA and the
US Geological Survey (USGS), etc.
The super-cold temperatures are due to, air being caught and held for a while. If the skies are
clear for a few days, the ground radiates remaining heat into space, creating a layer of super-chilled
air above the snow.
Here, Antarctica air is dry, ground chilly, and the skies cloudless. The cold air swoops down off a
dome and gets trapped in a chilly lower spot. Thats why, by causing the air to be stationary for
extended periods, while continuing to radiate more heat away into space, one can get the absolute
lowest temperatures.
Can humans exist at minus 94.7oC?
The number of human activities becomes extremely difficult at such low temperatures.
The human skin does not keep the body warm at such temperatures. In the winters, the thick
snow and long hours of darkness considerably affect vision. In summers, the strong
ultraviolet radiation from the hole in the ozone layer can cause great damage to the eyes
unless special protectionRATHNAKUMAR
is used. R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
It would become extremely difficult to pass urine in East Antarctica if the temperature was
recorded 26 degrees Celsius lower, because the freezing point of urine is minus 120 degrees
Celsius. This should make it obvious why there is little to no habitation of the region.
Note: Antarctica is Earths southernmost continent, containing the geographic South Pole. It is the
coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents.
Israel, Jordan, Palestinians signed Water sharing Deal

December 16, 2013
Mid-East governments (Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians) signed a historic trilateral agreement at
the World Bank in Washington, which outlines regional water-sharing initiatives from the Red Sea
to Dead Sea to relieve shortages in the waterless lands.
The Dead Sea has unique water properties like humans can float naturally on the surface, etc.
Owing to human intervention, the sea is depleting 1m (3.3ft) a year. Thus, in order to save the
Dead Sea, a pipeline will built on the Jordanian side of the Aqaba Gulf to carry sea water from a
desalination plant at the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, while providing drinking water to the region.
The plan attributes the development of a desalination plant in Aqaba that will produce water to be
shared with Israel, increased water quotas to Jordan from Israels Sea of Galilee and the sale of
waters made potable and salt-free from Israel to the Palestinians.
The deal is an outcome of the cooperation since 2005 among Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian
Authority on the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program. Expected cost of the
project is $250m-$400m.
The Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Study Program will help to save the Dead Sea; supply
water and develop hydro-electricity; and bring out strategic, political and economic cooperation.
2013 www.gktoday.in
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Retired Justice DP Buch: Gujarats fourth Lokayukta
December 16, 2013
Retired High Court Judge DP Buch was sworn as the fourth Lokayukta of the Gujarat by Governor
Kamla Beniwal, on the post that was lying vacant for a decade and over which Chief Minister
Narendra Modi and Governor Kamla Beniwal were on a collision course for three years.
What was the dispute between CM Narendra Modi and Governor, over the issue of appointment of Lokayukta?
The issue triggered a major controversy when the Governor appointed Justice (retd) R.A. Mehta as
Lokayukta on August 25, 2011, without consulting the state government. This led to a longdrawn legal battle that reached the Supreme Court, which later on preserved the Governors
decision. But after wining the legal battle over the appointment, Mr. Justice Mehta rejected to take
charge of Lokayukta in August, 2013 because the government didnt accept his objectivity and
credibility.
About Lokayukta
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption investigator organization in the Indian states. The institution of

Lokayukta has been set up to inquire into the allegations against Public Functionaries in the State
and for matters connected therewith.
Note: The anti-corruption investigator post of Gujarat was lying vacant since the last officer, Justice
R M Sonis term expired in December 2003.
GSP Plus: EU grants duty-free market access to Pakistani goods
December 16, 2013
European Parliament approved the Single Delegated Act under which ten countries
including Pakistan are privileged
to Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) Scheme.
The Act will come into force fromJanuary 1, 2014.
The European Union being Pakistans most important trading partner supports the integration of
Pakistan with the global economy by granting Pakistans exports to the EU reduced tariffs under the
EUs Generalized Scheme of Preferences.
How do Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) status helpful for Pakistan?
The status provides Pakistan duty-free or preferential duty rate access for a total of
3,500 products. It means there will be zero duties on over 90% of all products
that Islamabad exports to the bloc of 27 nations.
EU trade concessions will benefit the countrys largest manufacturer and exporter,
the textile and clothing industry, the most by allowing its products to compete with
those of regional rivals like Bangladeshand Sri Lanka, which already have duty free
access to the blocs market.
About Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) Status
The EUs Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) allows developing country

exporters to pay lower duties on their exports to the EU. This gives them vital access
to EU markets and contributes to their economic growth.
The GSP+ enhanced preference means full removal of tariffs on essentially the
same product categories as those covered by the general arrangement.
These are granted to countries which ratify and implementinternational conventions
relating to human and labor rights,environment and good governance.
Sergio Perez joined Sahara Force India with multi-year deal for 2014 F1 season
December 16, 2013
Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez signed a multi-year contract with the
British-based team Sahara ForceIndia. The 23-year-old Mexican completes
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Sahara Force Indias 2014 line-up alongside Nico Hlkenberg and helps to create one of the most
exciting pairing on the grid.
The 2014 Formula 1 grid line up of many teams are taking shape, such as:
Red Bull: Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo,
Ferrari: Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen,
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg,
McLaren: Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen,
Force India: Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez, etc.
About Sergio Perez
Member of the FerrariDriverAcademy till 2012 and took his first Formula One podium at the
2012 Malaysian Grand Prix
Previous teams: McLaren, Sauber
In December 2013, Force India signed Perez in a 15million Euro deal.
Note: Sahara Force India Formula One Team is a Formula One racing team based in Silverstone,
United Kingdom which currently holds an Indian license. The team was formed in October 2007
when a consortium led by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Michiel Mol, bought the Spyker F1
team for 90 million.
NGT banned burning of plastic, rubber across the country

December 17, 2013
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned unregulated open burning of plastic, rubber or
such other articles across the country. NGT directed all the municipal authorities to set up,
operationalise and coordinateRATHNAKUMAR
the wasteR.management
systems within their limits
All the plastic waste/scrap dealers and/or recyclers including the members of the PVC and Plastic
Waste Dealers Association, respondent herein, shall be bounded from carrying on their business of
separatism of plastic waste and its eventual transfer to recyclers or disposal contrary to and
without registration under the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
The NGTs judgment came on a plea alleging illegal burning of plastic, rubber and related waste in
various villages in North and North West Delhi.
About National Green Tribunal
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT) is a federal legislation enacted by the Parliament of India,
under Indias constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the right to a
healthy environment. The tribunal itself is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious
disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues.
Indias trade deficit with China nears record $30 b
December 17, 2013
As per the data released by the Chinas General Administration of Customs,Indias trade deficit with
China after 11 months of this year has reached a record $29.5 billion, exceeding 2012s annual
figure. Towards the end of 2013, Indias exports to China reached only $14.87 billion out of total
bilateral trade of $59.24 billion.
The numbers underline the sharp decline in once-burgeoning trade, which reached $74
billion in 2011 when China became Indias biggest trading partner.
In 2012, Indias the trade deficit with China registered a 10% decline to reach 66.50 billion dollar,
even as both the countries announced an ambitious 100 billion trade target to be achieved by 2015.
The decline was partly the result of 20% slump in Indias exports, largely on account of iron ore
mining bans by China and partly on account of global slowdown.
What is Trade deficit?
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An economic measure of a negative balance of trade in which a countrys imports exceeds its
exports. A trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.
Indias Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade held in US on visa fraud charges
December 17, 2013
Indias Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragadearrested in New York for

an alleged case of visa fraud and making false statements in connection with
the visa application for an Indian national employee who was domestic
helper in her home. Later on, she released on a $250000 bond after she
pleaded not guilty in a court.
The U.S. State Department clarified that Indian diplomat does not enjoy
immunity from US laws. It is firm about its policies in support of the domestic workers. Under
the Vienna Convention on ConsularRelations(VCCR), the Indian Deputy Consul General enjoys
immunity from the jurisdiction of US courts only with respect to acts performed in the exercise of
consular functions.
Ms. Devyani is currently employed as the Deputy Consul General for Political, Economic,
Commercial and Womens Affairs at the Consulate General of India in New York.
Why was Ms. Devyani Khobragade arrested?
Indian diplomat Ms. Devyani was accused of paying her domestic assistant just a few dollars an
hour and lying on a visa application. The minimum wage paid to the employee in USA is $4,500 a
month, but she was paying only $530 a month.
What is the reaction of Indian Embassy
over theR.arrest
of Indian
Diplomat?
RATHNAKUMAR
Email address:
The Indian embassy pointed to Article 41 (section 3) of VCCR (Personal Inviolability of Consular
Officers) which clearly says that proceedings against a consular officer shall be conducted with the
respect due to him by reason of his official position. The Indian Government has taken this issue
forcefully withthe US saying that the action by law authorities was in complete violation of this
Article and least expected from a friendly country.
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963:
The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 is an internationaltreaty that defines a

framework for consular relations between independent countries. A consul normally operates out
of an embassy in another country, and performs two functions:
protecting in the host country the interests of their countrymen, and
furthering the commercial and economic relations between the two countries.
While a consul is not a diplomat, they work out of the same premises, and under this treaty they are
afforded most of the same privileges, including a variation of diplomatic immunity called consular
immunity. The treaty has been ratified by 176 countries.
Unbreakable: The autobiography of Mary Kom unveiled
December 17, 2013
Mary Kom, the legendary boxer from North East wrote her autobiography
titled Unbreakable. The book was inaugurated by Bollywood Megastar
Amitabh Bachchan at Mumbai. Mary decided to pen down her lifes battles,
so that she could inspire and motivate others to never loose hope and fight
for their dream. The autobiography details her rise to the top from a modest
background; the book beautifully brings out her long lasting spirit and is an
inspirational story for everyone, especially for women.
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About Mary Kom
Five-time World Boxing champion, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal
in each one of the six world championships.
First Indian women boxer to qualify and win a bronze medal at the London Olympics in the
flyweight (51 kg) category.
Won lots of awards like Padma Bhushan (2013), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award
(2009), Padma Shree (2006), Arjuna Award (2003), etc.
Appointed the International Boxing Associations Ambassador for Womens Boxing
in 2009.
Indian Govt pulls up Army chief for accepting U.S. military honor Legion of Merit without its permission
December 17, 2013
What is Legion of Merit?
The Indian government pulled up the countrys Army chief General

Bikram Singh for accepting a Legion of Merit ,the sixth highest
American
military
honor,
without
its
approval. The
Indian Defense Ministry questioned that the bestowment of the
honor was not the part of General Singhs itinerary during his visit to
the U. S., then why he accepted the Legion of Merit, without prior
clearance from the government.
General Bikram Singh is the fifth Indian armed forces officer, to have
received the award after Field Marshal Kariappa and first Indian
Chief of Army Staff Gen Rajendra Singhji.
It is the sixth highest American U.S. Military award which is awarded to both US military personnel
as well as to military and political figures of other nations for exceptionally meritorious conduct
and services.
Note: As per the norms, any Indian defense forces official has to seek permission from the
government to accept foreign honors.
India clinched Womens Kabaddi World Cup
December 18, 2013
Indian won womens Kabaddi World Cup 2013 championship for a third consecutive time,
vanquishing debutant New Zealand in the final match played at Guru Gobind Singh sports complex
in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Womens World Cup Kabaddi 2013:
Organizer: Government of Punjab, India
Final Match: Guru Gobind Singh sports complex in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Teams Played: 8 Teams viz. India, Pakistan, Denmark, England, Kenya,Mexico, New Zealand, and
United States
Winner: India defeated New Zealand
Key Players: Indias Anu Rani declared Best Stopper and Ram Bateri was announced Best
Raider.
India defeats Pak to lift Mens Kabaddi World Cup
December 18, 2013
India clinched mens Kabaddi World Cup for the fourth time in row, defeating its arch
rival Pakistan in the neck and neck final clash played at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in
Ludhiana, Punjab.
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Mens World Cup Kabaddi 2013:
Organizer: Government of Punjab, India
Final Match: Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana, Punjab.
Teams Played: 11 Teams played representing their respective nations. The teams were
from Argentina, Canada, England, Denmark, Pakistan, India,Kenya, Scotland, Sierra Leone, Spain,
and the US
Winner: India defeated Pakistan
Key Players: Indias Haravinder Singh Dulla was voted Best Raider andBalbir Singh Best
Stopper of the tournament.
Mens Hockey Champions Trophy 2014 to be held in Bhubaneswar
December 18, 2013
As per the announcement of International Hockey Federation (FIH),Bhubaneswar, capital

of Odisha will host the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy mens hockey tournament to be
held from December 13-21 in 2014.
The event will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar which is currently undergoing
renovation. The event will be hosted by Hockey India in collaboration with Orissa state
government.
Hockey Champions Trophy
The Hockey Champions Trophy is an international field hockey tournament

organized by the International Hockey Federation (since 1978).
Founder: Pakistans Air Marshal Nur Khan in 1978
Initiator: Pakistan Hockey
Federation
a mens
tournament in 1978
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Emailas
address:
Teams: 8 elite hockey teams compete in a round robin format of hockey.
Period: Initially, it was an annual event from 1980 for men and 1987 for women.
Later changed into a biennial event from the 2014 editions onward due to the
introduction of the Hockey World League.
Achievers: Australia stands on top in mens event by winning the trophy 13 times
followed by the Germans (9), and the Dutch (8). Pakistan is the only Asian
champion,
with
3
titles. In
the
womens
event
both
the Netherlands and Australia have won the trophy 6 times, while Argentina won 5
titles.
India has never won Hockey Champions Trophy
Winners of 2012: Mens Australia, Womens- Argentina
Australia regains Ashes Test Series

December 18, 2013
Australia reclaimed the Ashes test series just four months after the last series defeat
in England with a 3rd Test victory on home soil.
The Ashes:
The Ashes is a conceptional prize in a Test cricket series played betweenAustralia and England.
The Ashes are regarded as being held by the team that won the last Test series between those sides
or, if that series was drawn, by the team that last won such a series. Traditionally, Ashes series
consists of 5 Testsplayed biennially with England and Australia taking turns as host.
Why is it called the Ashes?
The association of the term the Ashes with England v/s Australia test series has a story behind. In
1882, Australia defeated England for the first time in Test on Englands soil. Following this, a British
newspaper, The Sporting Times, published a satirical obituary stating that the English cricket had
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died, and the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia. The mythical ashes
instantly became associated with the 188283 series played in Australia, before which the English
skipper Ivo Bligh had vowed to regain those ashes. The English media therefore called the
tour the quest to regain the Ashes.
After England had won two of the three Tests of the series, a group of Melbourne women presented
a small urn to Bligh. Among those women was Florence Morphy, whom Bligh married within a year.
The contents of the urn are reputed to be the ashes of a wooden bail, and were amusingly
described as the ashes of Australian cricket. There is ambiguity whether that tiny silver urn is
the same as the small terracotta urn given to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) by Blighs widow
after his demise in 1927.
The urn has never been the official trophy of the Ashes series, having been a personal gift to Bligh.
However, replicas of the urn are often held aloft by winning teams as a symbol of their victory in an
Ashes series.
Germany defeats France to lift Junior Mens Hockey World Cup
December 18, 2013
Germany registered a record sixth title win defeating France in the title clash of the
Hero Junior Mens Hockey World Cup held at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Delhi, India.
Germanys Niklas Wellen stunned the opponent with a brilliant hat-trick to guide defending
champions to victory.
India sticks to top position in ICC ODI rankings
December 18, 2013
Despite the dingy performance against South Africa, the Indian cricket teamhas retained its top
position in the latest ICC ODI rankings. India topped the rankings chart with 120 points, which is
followed by Australia with 114 points.
Other latest ICC rankings:
A.B. Devilliers of South Africa replaced Virat Kohli as the Worlds number one
Batsman.
Indian skipper, M.S. Dhoni was placed at number 6 and Shikhar Dhawan was placed at 10
spot in the rankings table.
In the bowlers rankings, Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal, was ranked no. 1.
In the category of All Rounders, Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladeshretained his
number one position.
South Africa is no.1 Test team on the ICC test rankings chart
Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung recommended imposition of Presidents rule in Delhi
December 18, 2013
Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung has recommended imposition ofPresidents rule
in Delhi among other options as the impasse continued over formation of a new government in
Delhi after a suspended verdict with no party ready to assume power.
In his report submitted to the President, Jung listed Central rule with the Assembly being kept in
suspended animation as one of the options. As per the report, none of the party is in a position to
form the government and so far there is no clarity on government formation. It also noted that AAP
leader Arvind Kejriwal sought more time for further consultations.
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Hence, Jung has suggested that the Presidents rule should be imposed in Delhi by keeping the
Assembly under suspended animation till any government is formed. If no party comes forward to
stake claim to form the government, the Presidents rule can be imposed in the next two days.
What has happened so far?

In the recently held Assembly Elections in Delhi for 70 seats, no party could secure clear mandate of
36 seats. As per the results, BJP won 31 seats along with its ally Akali Dal got 32 seats, AAP clinched
28 seats followed by Congress 8 seats. BJP has already refused to form the government citing lack
of clear mandate. At this point AAP has become a key player as its support to BJP or Congress can
facilitate in government formation. Though AAP is ready to support any of these two parties but has
some conditions. As a condition for its support, AAPs chief Arvind Kejriwal made 18 suggestions to
be implemented by the government forming party in Delhi. Of 18 suggestions the Congress is ready
to implement 16 but is opposed to two of it. Hence, the stalemate persists.
Union Cabinet Okays fresh amendments to Code of Conduct for ministers
December 18, 2013
In a bid to curb the misuse of bureaucrats by ministers for political motives, both at the Centre and
in the states, the government approved fresh amendments to a 50-year-old Code of Conduct for
Ministers.
What are the approved amendments to the Code of Conduct for Ministers?
As a fresh amendment to the Code of Conduct for Ministers (CCM), a new clause aimed at checking
the political executive from misusing bureaucrats for political purposes will be added to the CCM.
As per Cabinets proposal, it RATHNAKUMAR
will also help
civil servants from cultivating political backing.
R. Emailcheck
The newParagraph 2 (f) will now read as: After taking office, and so long as he remains in
office, the minister shall:- uphold the political impartiality of the civil services and not ask
the civil servants to act in any way which would conflict with the duties and responsibilities
of the civil servants.
Does Code of Conduct for Ministers have legal backing?
No. The CCM for Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers of the respective state governments
has no legal backing. However, the current proposal expects all the ministers to adhere to the
instructions mentioned in the document scrupulously. ,
When will the fresh CCM come into effect?
While the new clause will come into effect at the Centre immediately, it will be sent to the state
governments for their adoption.
Chinas Jade Rabbit makes soft landing on Moon
December 18, 2013
Chinas Change-3 lunar spacecraft which is carrying its first moon rover Yutuor Jade
Rabbit rover made a soft landing on the moon since 1976. With this accomplishment China has
joined the elite club of the US and Russia to achieve this feat. The probe touched down on an ancient
400-kilometre (250-mile) wide plain known in Latin as Sinus Iridum, or The Bay of Rainbows.
What is Soft Landing?
Soft Landing is a landing by a spacecraft on the moon or a planet at a sufficiently low velocity for
the equipment or occupants to remain unharmed.
About Change-3 lunar probe
Chinas first lunar rover mission aimed at exploring the Moons surface and
looking for natural resources such as rare metals.
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Launching Site: Xichang Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Chinas

southwestern Sichuan province
Launched on: December 2, 2013
Carrier: Long March-3B
Key Payload: Six-wheeled robotic rover called Yutu (or Jade Rabbit) and a
landing module.
Landing Site: Sinus Iridum, or The Bay of Rainbows in the Moons northern
hemisphere.
Centre appoints Harsh Bhanwala as new NABARD Chairman

December 18, 2013
Harsh Kumar Bhanwala has been appointed as Chairman of the National Bank
for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) by the Centre. Bhanwala, succeeds Prakash
Bakshi, who retired as NABARD Chairman. Previously, Bhanwala was an Executive Director
at India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), a state-owned infrastructure lender.
C.V.R Rajendran is new CMD of Andhra Bank
December 18, 2013
The Union Ministry of Finance, Government of India appointed C. V. R. Rajendran as Andhra

Bank Chairman and Managing Director. Previously, he was Executive Director of Bank
of Maharashtra. As CMD of Andhra Bank, Rajendran will have a 5-year term or until
superannuation, whichever is earlier.
Mobile makers should install SoS
button for women safety: Finance Minister
December 18, 2013
On the first anniversary of December 16 brutal act that jolted the country, the Centre approved
several proposals for improving womens safety under theNirbhaya Fund.
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram announced that mobile handset makers will have to introduce
an SoS alert button to ensure that women in distress can be reached by the police in the minimum
possible time.
Proposal from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Information Technology:
The police administration will be integrated with the mobile phone network to rapidly respond to
distress calls. The scheme will be launched in 157 cities in two phases (55 in phase I and 102 in
phase II).
Proposal from the Road Transport Ministry:
A programme Security of women in road transport in the country will be launched in 32 towns,
each with a population of over 1 million. The expected cost is about Rs. 1,700 crore. Under this
scheme, public transport vehicles will have GPS for easy tracking, CCTVs and more women drivers
and conductors, among others measures.
Proposal from the Railway Ministry:
It proposes to start a public scheme for establishing an SoS alert system in trains in select zones.
The facility will cover all service providers from all telecom circles. It will have a call recording
facility and a call centre.
What is Nirbhaya Fund?
Nirbhaya Fund is a Rs. 1000 crore fund was announced by Finance Minister P Chidambaram
in Budget 2013-14. The fund is aimed at enhancing the safety and for empowerment of women. It
was named after Nirbhaya- the pseudonym given to the victim of the incident to hide her identity.
What is SoS?
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SOS is the widely used description for the International Morse Code distress signal ( ).
Earlier, SOS was used as the maritime radio distress signal but from 1999 it was replaced by the
Global Maritime Distress Safety System. SOS is still recognized as a visual distress signal.
What is the composition of SOS?
The SOS distress signal is a continuous sequence of three dits, three dahs, and three dits, all run
together without letter spacing. The three dits form the letter S, and three dahs make the letter O, so
SOS became an easy way to remember the order of the dits and dahs. SOS is the only 9-element
signal in Morse code, making it more easily identifiable, as no other symbol uses more than 8
elements.
What is the full form of SOS?
It must be noted that SOS is not an abbreviation and there it does not stand for anything. Although
some phrases like save our ship, save our souls and send out succour were popularly associated
with SOS, these may be regarded as mnemonics.
DRDO develops heavy drop system improving Armys para-dropping capacity
December 18, 2013
DRDO has developed a 16 ton capacity Heavy Drop System (HDS) to improve Armys paradropping capacity. The system (HDS) consists of a platform and a highly advanced system of
parachutes to drop loads consisting of military stores such as vehicles including BMP class, supplies
and ammunition from IL-76 heavy lift aircraft.
Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), an Agra-based laboratory
of the DRDO designed and developed the three prototypes of the system. These systems are reusable type to provide drop practice to the troops during their regular military training during
peace time.
The bulk production of 146 numbers is being initiated at L&T for the mechanical platform and OPF
Kanpur for the parachute systems.
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Formed in 1958, works under the Department of Defence Research and

Development of Ministry of Defense.
Headquarters: New Delhi
Aim: To make India prosperous by establishing world-class science and
technology base and provide our Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them
with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
Note: The system is extension of technology developed by DRDO for P-7 HDS, the 7-tonne capacity
Heavy Drop System developed earlier and already accepted by Indian Army for induction
Supreme Court: No sanction required for prosecution in court-monitored cases

December 19, 2013
The Supreme Court held that no approval from the Central Government is required by the Central
Bureau
of
Investigation
(CBI) to
prosecute
senior
bureaucrats
in
courtmonitored corruption cases. The court cleared that the sanction is not necessary under section 6A
of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act when the case under the Prevention of
Corruption Act is monitored by court.
The court gave this ruling over the petition filed in coal blocks allocation scam to seek its direction
to do away with the provisions of prior sanction of the Centre in cases monitored by court.
What is Coal allocation scam?
Coal allocation scam or Coalgate is a political scandal concerning the Indian Governments
allocation of the nations coal deposits to Public Sector Entities (PSEs) and private companies by
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. As per the audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor
General (CAG) of India, allocation of coal blocks without bidding has caused a huge loss of
1.86 lakh crore to the Indias exchequer.
What is the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act?
DSPE Act, 1946 is a legislation which provides for the constitution of a special police force in
Delhi for the investigation of certain offences in the Union territories, for the superintendence and
administration of the said force and for the extension to other areas of the power and jurisdiction of
the members of the said force in regards to the investigation of specific offences as mentioned in
this law.
Indian Idol 2 winner Sandeep Acharya passed away
December 19, 2013
Sandeep Acharya, who won the second season of Indian Idol in 2006, passed away
at Gurgaon. He was suffering from jaundice and is survived by his wife and a onemonth-old daughter. The playback singer belonged to Bikaner, Rajasthan.
About Sandeep Acharya
Runner up in the Golden Voice of Rajasthan.
Winner of India Idol Season 2 on April 22, 2006. After winning the singing reality
show, he released his first album Mere Saath Saara Jahaan.
Winner of the best new Bollywood talent in New Jersey, USA.
Bagged the Sur Aradhna award for the best upcoming male singer category.
The upcoming album and songs of Playback singer are such as, O Sanam Tere Bina, Kuyn Ni Aayo
re, etc.
Angela Merkel sworn in as German chancellor for 3rd time
December 19, 2013
German Chancellor Angela Merkel sworn in for a third term after being
reelected in a vote in the lower house of parliament. The event marks the
beginning of the third so-called grand coalition in the Germanys post-war
history.
Merkels conservative Union bloc The Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
and Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) won 41.5% of vote. To gain
absolute majority they formed coalition with their rivals Social Democrats
(SPD). By this coalition, for the next four years, Europes biggesteconomy will be ruled by the
Germanys two biggest parties.
The new government faces a host of challenges, from bedding down European reforms aimed at
shielding the bloc from future crises, to seeing through Merkels costly switch from nuclear to
renewable energy, etc.
Note: Angela Merkel is a former research scientist who has been the Chancellor of Germany since
2005, and the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since 2000. She is the first woman to
hold either office.
RBI mid quarter monetary policy review: All rates remain unchanged
December 19, 2013
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review kept the interest rates
unchanged. By this move, the central bank gave the indication that solely monetary policy cant deal
with the inflation; the government must take initiatives on supply-side reforms and put in place
better storage facilities to hold food prices.
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This has come as a welcome relief for the industry which is facing depressing
economic environment as indicated 1.8% growth in industrial output in November 2013.
What are Key policy rates?
The Key Policy Rates or signally rates are decided by RBI. These are Bank Rate, Repo Rate, Reverse
Repo Rate, Marginal Standing Facility, Cash Reserve Ratio and Statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
On the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, the RBI
decided to:
Keep the policy Repo Rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) unchanged at
7.75%, and
Keep the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0% of the Net
Demand and Time Liability (NDTL).
Wait for more data before taking policy action, as current inflation is high but its trajectory is
uncertain.
Thus, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 6.75%, and the Marginal
Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 8.75%.
South Indias 1st high altitude cricket stadium inaugurated in Wayanad district, Kerala
December 19, 2013
South Indias first high altitude cricket stadium built in Krishnagiri in the hilly Wayanad district
by Kerala Cricket Association, inaugurated by state Governor Nikhil Kumar.
The stadium spreads over 4.4 hectares area and is situated at about 2800 feet above the sea
level. The Kerala Cricket Association had invested 6.5 crore rupees for construction of the stadium.
The stadium has all amenities
on par with international standards and can accommodate about
10,000 spectators.
HPCA Stadium Stadium (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium) in
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh is situated at an altitude of 1,457 m (4,780 ft
2 in) above sea level.
Historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill passed
December 19, 2013
The parliament passed the historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, paving the way for establishment of
an ombudsman to fight against corruption in public offices and ensure accountability on the part of
public officials, including the Prime Minister, but with some safeguards. Welcoming the Bills
passage, 76-year-old social activist Anna Hazare broke his fast, into its ninth day, in Ralegaon
Siddhi,Maharashtra.
What is Lokpal Bill 2011?
The Lokpal Bill, 2011, also referred to as The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, is an anticorruption law in India which seeks to provide for the establishment of the institution of Lokpal to
inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for matters
connecting them. The bill was introduced in parliament following massive public protests led by
anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his associates.
Highlights of Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill 2011
The bill provides for the setting up of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the States.
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eight members of which
50% shall be judicial members.The Chairperson may be either a serving or retired
Chief Justice of India, or a Judge of the Supreme Court or an eminent person. Fifty per
cent of the total members shall be from the higher judiciary.
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The Chairperson and the members of the Lokpal shall be appointed by the President
on the recommendation of the Selection Committeeconsists of the Prime
Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice
of India or a Supreme Court judge nominated by him. One eminent person
recommended by the Selection committee and nominated by the President will be its
fifth member.
Lokpal will have the power of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency
including CBI for cases referred to them by Lokpal.
A high powered Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will recommend selection of the
Director, CBI. Directorate of Prosecution headed by a Director of Prosecution under the
overall control of Director.
The appointment of the Director of Prosecution, CBI will be made on the recommendation of
the Central Vigilance Commission.
Transfer of officers of CBI investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of Lokpal.
The Bill also mandates setting up of Lokayuktas through enactment of a law by the State Legislature
within 365 days from the date of commencement of the Act.
Peter OToole of Lawrence of Arabia fame passed away

December 19, 2013
Legendary actor Peter OToole (81), applauded for his role in the classic 1962
film Lawrence of Arabia, passed away in London.
Peter OToole
R. Email
address:
He was anRATHNAKUMAR
Irish actor
who
made
his film debut in 1959. He rose to stardom
playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) for which he was
nominated for Academy Award for the first time. He received seven further
Oscar nominations for Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr.
Chips (1969), The Ruling Class (1972), The Stunt Man (1980), My Favorite
Year (1982) and Venus (2006) and holds the record for the most Academy Award acting
nominations without a win. He bagged four Golden Globes, a BAFTA and an Emmy, and was the
recipient of an Honorary Academy Award in 2003. He bid adieu to his 50-year acting career in
2012.
Iran space mission sends monkey to space for second time

December 19, 2013
Iran has revealed that it has successfully sent a monkey into space for the second time in
2013 as part of a space mission aimed at manned space flight.
As per Irans President Hassan Rouhani, the monkey named Fargam, or Auspicious came back
from space in perfect health. For this programme, Iran used a liquid fuel rocket technology for the
first time. In January 2013, Iran had claimed to have sent a monkey to an altitude of about 120km
(75 miles) in a Pishgam rocket for a sub-orbital flight before returning successfully to
Earth. However, the success of the first monkey flight was debated when a different animal was
shown in images released after the touchdown. But Iran rebuffed those debates explaining that the
picture of another monkey was mistakenly which was undergoing suitability tests.
Why the West apprehends Irans space programme?
The Western nations have raised concerns over Irans space programme as they fear the technology
could be used in ballistic missiles. Iran is already underinternational pressure to give up its alleged
nuclear programme and is also under the US imposed crude oil trade embargo for the same reason.
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West Bengal adopts Bill to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds
December 19, 2013
With a view to tackle illegal activities of Chit Funds, the West Bengal Assembly adopted a fresh
Bill West Bengal Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Bill, 2013.
The bill has arrived close on the heels of Sardha Chit Fund Scam which swindled the investors of
their money.
Under the provisions of the new Bill personal properties of a person, who has borrowed money
from defaulting Chit Fund Company will be attached besides, the properties of the owner, partners,
directors and employees of the Financial Institutions will also be impounded.
As per State Finance Minister, the Government has returned money to 2 lakhs 87 thousand people
thus far, who have been cheated by the Sardha Group. The Government has spent 165 crore rupees
for this purpose till now.
There are vociferous demands for CBI investigations into the case and recompense the duped
investors by selling of the properties of those who were involved in the scam.
What happened in Sardha Chit Fund Scam?
The Saradha Chit Fund Scam is a financial scam that was caused by the collapse of a Ponzi
scheme run by Saradha Group, a syndicate of Indian firms that was thought to be operating a wide
range of collective investment schemes in Eastern India. The group crumbled in April 2013,
inflicting an estimated loss of Rs. 200300 billion (US$46 billion)to over 1.7 million
depositors.The state government of West Bengal set up an inquiry commission to investigate the
collapseand also set up a fundRATHNAKUMAR
of Rs. 5 billion
($92 million) to ensure that low-income investors are
not bankrupted. The Union Government through the Income Tax Department also launched a multiagency investigation along with the CBI to probe the Saradha scam, as well as other similar Ponzi
schemes.
EU bestows GSP-Plus status on Pakistan
December 19, 2013
The European Union (EU) has given GSP-Plus status to Pakistan, a move that is likely to
encourage the textile and other industries as it grants exporters duty-free access to 28
member nations of the EU group. Pakistan was in talks with several EU member countries to get
the status.
Under this, 75 Pakistani products would have duty-free access to European markets.
The status will facilitate Pakistan to export products worth over $ 1 billion tointernational markets
and the textile industry alone is expected to earn profits of more than Rs 1 trillion a year.
Experts are of the view that the EU trade concessions will benefit Pakistans textile and clothing
industry, mainly by enabling its products to compete with those of regional competitors
like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which already have duty-free access to the blocs markets. Currently,
of Pakistans total exports to the EU, textile and clothing makes over 50% which is worth $ 9.5
billion.
What is EUs GSP system?
The EUs Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) allows developing country exporters
to pay lower duties on their exports to the EU. This gives them vital access to EU markets and
contributes to their economic growth. The GSP+ enhanced preferences means full removal
of tariffs on essentially the same product categories as those covered by the general
arrangement. These are granted to countries which ratify and implement international
conventions relating to human and labour rights, environment and good governance.
There are 3 key arrangements GSP scheme:
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The standard GSP scheme, which offers generous tariff cuts to developing nations. Practically,
this means partial or entire removal of tariffs on 2/3rd of all product categories.
The GSP+ enhanced preferences means full removal of tariffs on essentially the same
product categories as those covered by the general arrangement. These are granted to nations
which ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labour rights,
environment and good governance.
Everything but Arms (EBA) scheme for Least Developed Nations (LDCs), which grants
duty-free quota-free access to all products, except for arms and ammunitions.
Note: The EU has modified its GSP system which will come into effect from January 1, 2014.
Deterrence Stability and Escalation Control in South Asia A study cautions nuclear instability in South
Asia
December 19, 2013
As per a study entitled Deterrence Stability and Escalation Control in South Asia released by a
major think-tank in Washington has warned that in the fifteen years since India and Pakistan tested
nuclear devices in 1998, both have introduced 17 new nuclear weapon-capable delivery systems
and this has produced conditions that could lead to uncontrolled escalation.
According to the experts contributing to the study, although India andPakistan were of the view
after the 1998 tests that acquisition of nuclear capabilities would be stabilizing and that it would
facilitate more normal relations, it has not worked out that way.
Key developments contributing to nuclear risk:
Pakistans introduction of short-range, tactical delivery vehicles, or theatre nukes whose
utility depends on their propinquity
to battlefields.
RATHNAKUMAR R. Email
Indias Cold Start conventional military strategy as a risk factor that could prompt a
nuclear response and may have already driven Pakistans interest in battlefield nuclear
arms.
Sub-conventional actions of violent groups can also trigger nuclear action. For instance,
Lashkar-e-Taibas 26/11/2008 terror attack on Mumbai, and this unique situation in terms
of nuclear deterrence implies that the escalatory danger posed by these groups is more
likely than the threat of nuclear terrorism.
The progress in diplomatic efforts to cut nuclear risks has so far been insufficient in
comparison to nuclear weapon-related developments and doctrinal change. Thus far, only
four military-related Confidence-Building and Nuclear Risk Reduction Measures have been
negotiated between India and Pakistan since 1998, and no new measures have been agreed
since 2007.
What is Cold Start Doctrine?
Cold Start is a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces. It involves the various
branches of Indias military conducting offensive operations as part of unified battle groups. The
Cold Start doctrine is intended to allow Indias conventional forces to perform holding attacks in
order to prevent a nuclear retaliation from Pakistan in case of a conflict. High levels of
preparedness and rapid mobilization are the main aims of this doctrine.
Operation Parakram
Post December 13, 2001 Parliament attack, it took over 3 weeks for Indias strike corps to mobilize
to border by Operation Parakram. In this backdrop, Indian army announced a new limited war
doctrine in 2004 that would allow it to mobilize quickly and undertake retaliatory attacks in
response to specific challenges posed by Pakistans proxy war in Kashmir. This doctrine aims to
establish the capacity to launch a retaliatory conventional strike against Pakistan that would inflict
significant harm on the Pakistan Army before the international community could intercede, and at
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the same time, pursue narrow enough aims to deny Islamabad a justification to escalate the clash to
the nuclear level. This was further strengthened to fight with hidden war like 26/11 Mumbai terror
attacks.
The Cold Start Doctrine emphasises on 3 main problems with Indias erstwhile doctrine as
identified to handle sudden tides across border of Pakistan quick deployment and manoeuvre,
lack of strategic surprise, holding corps lacks offensive power. Though India has denied having a
cold start treaty, yet in January 2011, while speaking to the media in the run-up to Army Day, the
then Army chief, General V K Singh, came closer than any other government official, while
describing the widely speculated Indian war fighting doctrine popularly referred to as Cold Start.
On the same goals and interest, On May 12, 2011, India launched Operation Vijayee
Bhava defence exercise involving 50,000 troops in Bikaner and Suratgarh near the Pakistan border
in order to boost the synergy between the defence forces.
The main objective of the operation was to cut down mobilization time of military, which
took 27 days to mobilize during Operation Parakram.
The Indian Army confirmed that exercise was successful and it has reduced
mobilization time drastically to 48 hours.
In July 2011, a new solid fuelled tactical ballistic missile Prahaar, of 150 km range,
was tested. Prahaar is designed to provide the Indian armys invading battle groups
with lethal fire support.
During Oct-Dec, 2011 Indian army conducted its largest war game in the last two
decades, titled Operation Sudarshan Shakti under the Southern Command
Headquarters, to revalidate
its cold start doctrine.
The entire doctrine has been built keeping in mind two factors, Rapid, Unpredictable
Response, Not crossing the nuclear threshold.
Analysis:
This Cold Start doctrine represents advancement in Indias conventional capabilities. The persistent
disengagement of Indias political leadership from security issues is a cause for concern, for they
may turn to a limited war strategy during the next crisis without having evaluated the potential
consequences. At present, Cold Start remains more of a concept than a reality. However, with
favourable political and diplomatic atmosphere of trade and talks, Indias will to use it is under the
cloud as it was not
put into use after the 26/11 attacks but its contemplated that Indias traditionally risk averse
political leadership has been unwilling to use it unless guaranteed of sure results and of late seem
to be a culmination of Indias military capability to do so which has taken a long while to bring into
effect the changes required to give effect to this plan and this has raised questions if Indias political
leadership will be firmer in possibly authorizing its use in the future. Military operations of the type
envisaged in Indian Armys new war doctrine incorporates swift, fluid and relentless offensive
operations, without the luxury of pauses and time duration spans of defensive operations to which
Indian Armys higher echelons are so conditioned to today.
Hence, cold start doctrine is one of the punitive options short of war available to India to raise
Pakistans cost in waging a proxy war and designed to avoid crossing Pakistans nuclear red lines
through large-scale offensive operations with Strike Corps deep into Pakistan.
RBI outlines action plan to tackle NPAs; discussion paper open for public comments
December 19, 2013
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) outlined a corrective action plan to minimize rising Nonperforming assets (NPAs). The plan include three steps:1. To motivate early identification of problem cases.
2. To restructure the accounts timely , which are considered to be viable, and
3. Banks must take prompt actions for recovery or sale of unviable accounts.
As per the RBI discussion paper, Early recognition of Financial Distress, Prompt Steps for
Resolution and Fair Recovery for Lenders: Framework for Revitalizing Distressed Assets in the
Economy, which is open for public comments till January 1, 2014, it would set up a Central
Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) to collect, store, and disseminate credit data
to lenders. The credit information will include all types of exposures as defined under RBI Circular
on exposure norms, and will also include data on lenders investments in bonds/debentures issued
by the borrower/obligor.
Banks will have to furnish credit information to CRILC on all their borrowers having aggregate
fund-based and non-fund based exposure of Rs.5 crore and above .
On the asset sales front, the RBI has shown readiness in allowing a lender to spread any loss over
two years provided the loss is fully disclosed and allowing leverage buyouts by specialized entities.
It also suggests takeout financing/refinancing possible over a longer period and not construing it as
restructuring. RBI also proposed more expensive future borrowings for borrowers who do not
cooperate with lenders in resolution.
What are Non performing Assets (NPA)?
Any asset, including a leasePDFd asset, becomes a non performing when it ceases to generate
income for the bank are called Non Performing Assets or Bad loans.
Note: RBI proposed these rules to help banks to recover bad debts in an effort to ease the financial
stress on banks as the economy slows. This discussion comes as there is fear of bad loans to gain a
record high of around Rs. 2.9 trillion by the end of the fiscal or 4.5 per cent of the
total banking assets.
Link for Paper:
Early recognition of Financial Distress, Prompt Steps for Resolution and Fair Recovery for Lenders:
Framework for Revitalizing Distressed Assets in the Economy
Devyani Khobragade case: Government transfered diplomat to Indian permanent mission to UN

December 21, 2013
The Ministry of External Affairs transferred diplomat Ms Devyani Khobragade to Indias Permanent
Mission in the United Nations, giving her full diplomatic immunity.
Why Ms Devyani Khobragade has been transferred to Indias Permanent Mission in the United Nations?
Ms. Devyani Khobragade, Indias deputy consul general in New York, arrested in the 2nd week of
December 2013 for an alleged case of visa fraud and to make false statements in connection with
the visa application for an Indian national employee who was domestic helper in her home.
Later on, she was released on a $250000 bond after she pleaded not guilty in a court. She
will have to face a maximum of 15 years in jail if convicted on both matters.
The U.S. State Department clarified that Indian diplomat does not enjoy immunity from US
laws. It is firm about its policies in support of the domestic workers.
Under the Vienna convention on consular relations (VCCR), the Indian Deputy
Consul General enjoys immunity from the jurisdiction of US courts only with respect
to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions.
Due to the fear that Ms. Khobragade may be detained again, posted to UN. Here,
she will enjoy full diplomatic immunity and US cant arrest her.
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Sebi exempts govt from making open offer to IOB shareholders
December 21, 2013
Capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) exempted the government
from making an open offer to public shareholders for acquiring shares of Indian Overseas
Bank (IOB). The order was issued after the Government planned to raise its stake in IOB by 5% to
79 % by infusion of Rs 1,200 Crore. After the purchase governments stake in IOB will raise by little
over 5% to 79.01%.
SEBI in its order has said that the minimum public shareholder level in IOB, which is 10% for public
sector units, would be maintained even after the proposed hike in Government hike in the bank.
There will be no change in the management control of the bank.
Note: As per the rules, when entities holding 25% or more stake in a company acquire an
additional 5% or more stake in the firm, they are required to make an open offer so as to
provide an exit opportunity to the public shareholders.
UTIP Study: Kolkata ranked top in public transport among Indian cities
December 21, 2013
As per a study conducted by the International Association of Public Transport

(UTIP), Kolkata (31) ranked top in the public transport among Indian cities. The
other cities studied by the UTIP are Mumbai (41), Chennai (54), Hyderabad (55),
Bangalore (65) and Delhi (79).
About the UTIP study
Study entitled Future of Urban Mobility 2.0

Data collected from 84 cities across the world
Released by Arthur D Little, a management consultant based in Boston and International
Association of Public Transport (UITP).
The best cities are Hong Kong, Stockholm and Amsterdam, while the worst are
Baghdad, Hanoi and Atlanta.
Parameters taken into account: share of trips made in public transport, smart card
penetration, road density, frequency of public transport and initiatives taken in the
public sector.
About International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
International organization for public transport authorities and operators, policy decisionmakers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry.
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Formation: 17 August 1885
It is a platform for worldwide cooperation, business development and the sharing of
know-how between its 3,400 members from 92 countries.
It is the global advocate of public transport and sustainable mobility, and the promoter of
innovations in the sector.
UN lowered Indias growth forecast to 4.8% for 2013

December 21, 2013
United Nations lowered Indias economic growth forecast for 2013 to 4.8% and warned emerging
market economies of the possible negative impact of a tapering of the US Federal Reserves
quantitative easing program.
The UNs World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014 report lowered Indias economic
growth forecast by 1.3 % for 2013, while it pegged Indias growth rate down 1.2 % at 5.3 per cent in
2014. It projects Indias economic growth at by 5.7 % in 2015.
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As per the UN report:
Chinas growth was expected to maintain a pace of about 7.5 % over the next few
years, though Indias economy was forecast to grow by more than 5 %.
Global economy is expected to expand by 3.0 % in 2014 and by 3.3 % in 2015, compared
with estimated growth of 2.1 per cent for 2013.
The predictions are based on an end to the euros protracted recession and somewhat
stronger growth in the United States.
Indian scientists discovered insulin pills for diabetics
December 21, 2013
Indian scientists have discovered a pill form of insulin treatment, so nowdiabetes patients would
be spared from the pain of jabbing themselves with a needle every day.
The process to transform delivery of this therapy from a shot to a pill was a challenge
because bodys digestive enzymes that are so good at breaking down food also break down insulin
before it can get to work. Besides, insulin doesnt get easily absorbed through the intestine into the
bloodstream.
To overcome these hurdles, scientists combined two approaches to shield insulin from the digestive
enzymes and then get it into the blood.
They packaged insulin in tiny sacs made of lipids, or fats, called liposomes, which are already
used in some treatments. Then, they wrapped the liposomes in layers of protective
molecules called polyelectrolytes.
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email address:
To help these layersomes
get absorbed
into
the bloodstream, they attached folic acid, a
kind of vitamin B that has been shown to help transport liposomes across the intestinal wall
into the blood.
About Diabetes
Diabetes suppresses the production or use of insulin, which is a hormone that helps blood
glucose or blood sugar become absorbed into cells and gives them energy.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesnt make enough insulin, and type 2 diabetes
occurs when the body doesnt make or use insulin very well, causing glucose to remain in the
blood, which can lead to serious problems.
India rolls out its First indigenous LCA Tejas

December 21, 2013
Tejas, Indias first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft

(LCA), which is all set to replace the MiG-21 series,
developed by the Defense Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) with Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) as its principal partner.
Tejas is the smallest, light weight, single engine,
single seat, supersonic, multirole, combat aircraft,
and best in its class in the world. It has many features of stealth fighter aircraft. It will be used by
both the Indian Air Force(IAF) and the Navy.
This fourth generation combat aircraft has Carbon Composites, light weight/high strength material
for primary structures, quadruplex Digital Flight Control System; glass Cockpit and digital Avionics
to give multirole capabilities with carefree maneuvering. These capabilities are further raised by
several on-board Sensors, Communication and Navigation Systems that are supported by powerful
Mission Computers and Cockpit Display System.
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This is for the first time an indigenously designed and developed military fighter aircraft has
certified for Indian Air Force
Features of stealth fighter aircraft
The aircraft has a totally digital fly-by-wire control system; the wings are made entirely of
composite structures.
Built by unstable configuration technique. It has open architecture software for avionics.
DRDO can update it as and when required.
It integrates a glass cockpit in which information is displayed real-time to the pilot.
What is the future planning of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)?
Plans to test fire the indigenous Astra missile and guns from the Tejas.
Working on MARK-II type Tejas aircraft, which has a better thrust and improved radar
system than Mark-I type Tejas LCA (i.e. inducting in the Indian Air Force)
Working on the Combat variant, Trainer variant and Naval variants of Tejas.
DRDO developed a special facility in Goa, to notice the conditions for a Tejas for Navy
landing, take-off and maneuver from an aircraft carrier.
Note: Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection using a variety of advanced
technologies that reduce reflection/emission of radar, infrared, visible light, RadioFrequency (RF) spectrum, and audio, collectively known as stealth technology.
Western Ghats: Nod for farming activities by Ministry of Environment & Forests
December 22, 2013
The Environment Ministry, following the in principle acceptance of theKasturirangan panel

RATHNAKUMAR
address:norms
report, issued a fresh order
on R. Email
easing
on activities related to plantations
and agriculture in Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).
The Ministry elucidated that the recommendations made by the Kasturirangan panel,
neither put any fresh restrictions on land use in the ESA nor do they in any way impact the
continued occupation of land in possession of the local people and affect their day to day
activities or normal livelihood.
The new order cleared that the boundary of the ESA and the regulatory regime an
emotive issue in some of the affected states would be finalized after the draft
notification for the same is placed in the public domain and comments on it from all
stakeholders including state governments are received.
What are the recommendations made by the Kasturirangan panel?
The key suggestions made by the K. Kasturirangan panel:
Promotion of Ecotourism; economically empower the local population, Incentives green

growth in the Western Ghats, etc.
Ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal power plants, building and construction
projects on areas that are 20,000 sq m or more, township and area development projects
with an area of 50ha and above and red category of industries in ESA.
Defined 37% of the Western Ghats landscape as ecologically sensitive.
Russia frees former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky

December 22, 2013
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an oil tycoon and political opponent of Vladimir

Putin, released from prison after being pardoned by the Russian President.
He left forGermany where his mother is being treated for cancer He spent
ten years in jail for tax fraud, embezzlements and money laundering.
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President Putin signed a decree pardoning his former political opponent on humanitarian grounds.
Who is Mikhail Khodorkovsky?
He is a Russian businessman, an oligarch, a philanthropist, a public figure and an author. He was

once Russias richest man as head of oil giant Yukos, spent 10 years in custody for tax evasion and
theft after funding opposition parties.
RBI: Inflation linked bonds for sale from December 23, 2013
December 22, 2013
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will issue Inflation Indexed National Savings Securities
Cumulative (IINSS-C) bonds (or inflation linked bonds) for retail investors by opening the
subscription on December 23, 2013 and close it on December 31, 2013.
Objective: The move will help to protect retail investors from price rise.
The IINSS-C bonds will offer investors a return i.e. 1.5% more than inflation based on the
consumer price index. Interest will be compounded half yearly, enhancing effective yield on
investments.
Inflation linked bonds
The limit for investment per applicant per annum: Rs 5,000 Rs 5 lakh.
Eligibility for subscription: Individuals, Hindu Undivided Family, charitable
institutions and universities.
The interest rate on these bonds would be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The interest rate would comprise two parts a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum and inflation
rate based on CPI with a lag of three months. It would be compounded on the principal on
half-yearly basis and paid
at the time of maturity.
For senior citizens (65 years and above of age), early repurchase will be allowed after one
year from date of issue and other investors can redeem them after three years but with
penalty of 50 per cent of the last coupon paid.
RBI will act as a central depository, as these securities will be issued in the form
of Bonds Ledger Account (BLA) and held with RBI.
Distribution or sale of bonds would be through banks: SBI, nationalized banks
and three private banks HDFC Bank, ICICI Bankand Axis Bank and Stock Holding
Corporation of India.
Kirobo: Worlds first robot astronaut
December 22, 2013
Kirobo, the worlds first robot astronaut talks about Christmas in its first chat
with the Japanese commander of the International Space Station.
About the worlds first robot astronaut Kirobo
Kirobo is Japans first humanoid robot astronaut, developed by Tomotaka

Takahashi, to accompany Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese commander of the
International Space Station.
Objective: To see how well robots and humans can interact.
A pint-sized android equipped with artificial intelligence and capable of learning
how to respond appropriately to humans.
Created jointly by advertising firm Dentsu, the University of Tokyo, robot

developer Robo Garage and Toyota.
The robots capabilities include voice and speech recognition, natural language processing, speech
synthesis and telecommunications, as well as facial recognition and video recording. Kirobo is
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specially designed to navigate zero-gravity environments and will assist Commander Wakata in
various experiments.
First human artificial heart transplant executed in France
December 24, 2013
An artificial heart that can give patients up to five years of extra life has been successfully implanted
for the first time, at Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris,France. The equipment designed to
overcome the worldwide shortage of transplant donors was produce by French Biomedical firm
Carmat, a start-up funded by the Dutch-based European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company
(EADS).
About Artificial Heart
Powered by external, wearable Lithium-ion batteries.

Inside the heart, surfaces that come into contact with human blood are made partly from
bovine tissue instead of synthetic materials such as plastic that can cause blood clots.
Uses a range of biomaterials, including bovine tissue, to reduce the likelihood of the body
rejecting it.
Weighs about 900g (around 2 lb) nearly three times more than an average healthy
human heart. It is expected to cost 140,000 to 180,000 euros in Europe.
It mimics heart muscle contractions and contains sensors that adapt the blood flow to the
patients moves.
Intended to replace a real heart for as many as five years, unlike previous artificial hearts
that were created mainly for temporary use.

Ms. Usha Sangwan: The first woman
managing director of LIC
December 24, 2013
The Government of India appointed Ms Usha Sangwan as the first woman managing director of
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Vijay Kumar Sharma as an MD and chief executive
officer of LIC Housing Finance. With these appointments, LIC is set to function at its full strength of
four MDs. These are S B Mainak, Sushobhan Sarkar, Usha Sangwan and V K Sharma.
As per the norms, LIC can have four MDs, and a chairman, as part of its top management.
About Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Indian state-owned insurance group and Investment Company.

Headquarters: Mumbai.
Founded: 1 September 1956.
Current Chairman: SK Roy
Offers a variety of insurance products to its customers such as insurance
plans, pension plans, unit-linked plans, special plans and group schemes.
CCEA approved Rs 6,600 cr interest-free loans for sugar mills

December 24, 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Rs 6,600 Crore interest-free loans to
cash-starved sugar mills in order to make payments to cane farmers. The interest subvention will
be 12%, which will be borne by the Sugar Development Fund.
The loans provided by banks to sugar mills are solely for making payments to sugarcane farmers,
including arrears. The loans are equivalent to the excise duty paid by the mills in the past three
years. Mills will have to repay the loans in five years and can avail of a moratorium on repayment
for the first two years.
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The PM-constituted panel headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar recommended for interestfree loans, to help millers to clear dues and make timely payment in the current crushing season
2013-14 to cane growers.
Currently, sugar industry is facing a financial crisis due to higher cost of production and decline in
the prices of sugar. This has led to Rs. 3400 crore cane arrears from 2012-13 during the marketing
year that ended in September 2013. Thus, owing to liquidity crunch, the sugar mills demanded
interest-free loans for working capital requirement, hike in import duty, and export subsidies
among others. This financial package will allow millers to pay money they owe to the farmers.
SEBI sets out deposit norms for members in debt segment
December 24, 2013
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) sets out minimum deposit requirements for
members in the debt segment of the stock exchanges.
As per the circular issued by SEBI
As per the norms for stock brokers and proprietary trading members, the base minimum
capital requirements will be applicable for the debt segment as well.
As per the profile of the members, the base minimum deposit requirements range from Rs
10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for members of stock exchanges having nation-wide trading terminals.
For Clearing Members (CM) and Self Clearing Members (SCM) the deposit shall be Rs 10
lakh. No exposure shall be granted against such deposit requirement of the CM/SCM.
No deposit will required from members seeking registration in the debt segment if they are
already members of another segment on the stock exchange.
No deposits would be applicable
case,
the rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
clearing members clears and settles trades only
RATHNAKUMARin
R. Email
address:
on gross basis for both securities and funds, and where no settlement guarantee is provided
by the clearing corporation.
Canara Bank got license to open a branch in New York

December 24, 2013
To expand its global presence, the Canara Bankreceived a license

from the US regulators to open a branch in New York. As stated by the Chairman and Managing
Director of Canara Bank, R. K. Dubey, the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve approved
the proposal of the bank to open a branch in New York. This is the first time that anIndian bank has
secured an approval of the US regulators.
About Canara Bank
An Indian state-owned bank.

Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka.
Founded: 1906
Operates in four segments: treasury operations, retail banking operations, wholesale banking
operations and other banking operations.
India-Venezuela: Signed Cultural Exchange Programme

December 24, 2013
India and Venezuela signed a programme on cultural exchanges in the fields

of publication, film and media, image and space arts, stage and music arts.
The programme will last for three years and will be renewed automatically
thereafter.
Excerpts of the Programme of Cultural Exchange
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To promote the exchange of bilingual publications (traditional and contemporary stories).

To make an issue of the magazine Actualidades (a CELARG publication) on the Republic of
India or on Indian writers.
On a reciprocal basis, participation of India in the VenezuelasInternational Book
Fair.
To encourage the participation of Venezuelan and Indian poets and writers in the literature
festivals organized by both countries.
To encourage the participation of India in the Venezuelas World Festival of Poetry.
To boost the exchange of knowledge with specialists in the field of drawing techniques with
natural pigments, specialists in dying with natural inks, as well as the use of enzymes.
Participation of a Venezuelan theatre company in the New Delhis Festival to diffuse
the Venezuelan theatre in the Republic of India.
Encourage the acquisition of Distribution Rights of Indian film works by the film distributor
Amazonia Films.
Encourage the institutional links between the Autonomous National Center of Film Making
of the BolivarianRepublic of Venezuela and the Institute of Cinema and Television of the
Republic of India.
Participation of one dancer or couple of dancers from India at the International Dance
Festivals Solos y Duetos (Solos & Duets).
CCEA allowed RIL Higher Gas Prices in Lieu of Bank Guarantee

December 25, 2013
RATHNAKUMAR
R. Email address:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs
(CCEA)
allowed Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to sell
natural gas at the revised doubled price from April, 2014 provided the firm gave a bank guarantee.
The contractor would be allowed to sell D1 and D3 (fields) gas at revised prices from April 1, 2014.
The sale would be permitted on the basis of a bank guarantee by RIL in favor of the government.
The bank guarantee (around $9 billion )will be encashed if it is proved that the company stored gas
or deliberately put down production at the main Dhirubhai-1 and 3 (D1 and D3) fields in the
eastern offshore KG-D6 block.
Note: The new gas pricing formula will be applicable to all producers and all forms of gas
including Coal-Bed Methane (CBM) and shale gas.
Govt allowed CIL to pump gas from CBM mines
December 25, 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) allowed state-owned CoalIndia Ltd (CIL) to
pump methane gas trapped in coal beds of its existing mines. This move will open a new revenue
stream for the worlds largest coal miner and help unlock several mines that have remained out of
bounds because of the presence of the explosive gas that make mining unsafe.
Presently, rules and regulations prohibit mining firms from extracting Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
during mining as the policy does not allow for simultaneous extraction of methane (CBM) and coal.
Only those companies that successfully bid for mines with CBM are allowed to explore and produce
such gas. The government auctioned 33 CBM blocks since 2001.
CIL holds at least 20% of the estimated 60 billion tones of coal resources in India. It has many coal
mines in eight States that are estimated to have CBM reserves of 3.5-4 trillion cubic feet.
Cabinet approved FTA in trade and services with ASEAN
December 25, 2013
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The Cabinet approved a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in trade and services with the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Objective: To promote the movement of Indian professionals in the 10-nation ASEAN. The
Agreement on Investment would protect, promote and increase foreign investment flows into the
country and also removes and barriers.
Note: The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (CECA) between India and ASEAN was signed in
2003. The Cabinet approved the Agreement on Trade Goods under the CECA with the ASEAN in July
2009.
First Ministerial Level Talk held for BCIM Trade Corridor
December 25, 2013
India, China, Bangladesh and Myanmar held

the
first ever official-level discussions on the ambitious
BCIM economic corridor to link India and China
with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The economic advantages of the BCIM trade
corridor are:Approach to numerous markets in Southeast Asia,
Improvement of transportation infrastructure and
Creation of industrial zones

Currently, the four nations raised an ambitious proposal that included developing multi-modal
transport,
such
as
road,
rail,
waterways
and
airways,
joint
power
projects, telecommunication networks, etc. As a first step, they will identify realistic and achievable
infrastructure projects to boost physical connectivity.
Over the next six months, each country will come up with a joint study report proposing concrete
projects and financing modalities, before the next meeting of the four nations in June 2014, hosted
by Bangladesh.
The linking of all four countries by road has strengthen the belief that this corridor would
subsequently open up the whole of the northeastern region of India to Southeast Asia and China
and turn it into a significant channel of trade.
BCIM Trade Corridor

The Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor is a test case for cooperation
between India and China in regional development as well as addressing common challenges. It aims
to connect Kolkata with Chinas Kunming city with a highway running through Bangladesh and
Myanmar.
Mr. Mikhail Kalashnikov: Designer of AK-47 ( Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) passed away
December 26, 2013
Mikhail Kalashnikov (94), the Russian gun designer whose AK-47 rifle
became the weapon of choice for many national armies and guerrillas
around the world, passed away.
About AK- 47 ( Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947)
Officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947.

47 from the year (1947) it went into production.
It is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.6239mm assault rifle and
has a rate of fire of 600 rounds-a-minute. The AK-47 has only eight
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moving parts can be broken down and reassembled in 30 seconds and will work in conditions that
would render many other small arms inoperable. Invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov, who received
numerous honors including the Hero of Socialist Labor and Order of Lenin and Stalin Prize.
e-Pramaan would make SMSs a valid documentary proof
December 26, 2013
Soon, SMSs will be acceptable as documentary proof for a variety of citizen-services

ranging from making payments to registrations.
The Department of electronics and information technologY (DeitY), a part of the ministry of
Communication and Information Technology, is all set to flag off a new online authentication
project.
The Central Government launched a platform with about 241 applications for the public
after completing pilot project of mobile governance with about 100 departments and testing
proof of concepts.
SMS authentication is part of the e-Pramaan project which has an overall outlay of
Rs 23 crore; it will become reality by June 2014.
The online authentication project of the Union government would enable SMSs to be used as
documentary proof for various registrations and payments.
The applications relate to services will cover areas viz. Right to Information (RTI), health,
Aadhaar, education, directory services, etc.
Michiaki Takahasi: Developer of chickenpox vaccine passed away
December 27, 2013
Dr. Michiaki Takahashi (85), a Japanese virologist, who developed a vaccine for
the chicken pox virus passed away. Dr. Takahashi developed his vaccine by
growing live but weakened versions of the virus in animal and human cells.
The disease was not sourced by the vaccine, but the vaccine encouraged
immune system to create antibodies. Thus, it fools the immune system into
thinking that it has seen this disease before.
About Chicken Pox
Caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) which is a form of herpes.
Highly contagious disease that is spread via contact with infected person.
Symptoms: rashes in the body, fever, loss of appetite, headache and tiredness.
Its most common in kids under age 12, but anyone can get chickenpox.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a form of herpes. If a person contracts the virus,
has an active infection and then recovers, the virus is not actually gone from the body. It can hide in
nerve cells for years or decades, then emerge again to cause shingles, a painful condition that
causes a skin rash and occurs mostly in adults.
Defense Ministry clears procurement proposals worth over Rs 16000 cr
December 27, 2013
The Defense Ministry cleared procurement proposals worth over Rs.16, 000 crore including that of
Israeli Barak missiles. The Ministry had put on hold procurement of Barak-I missiles because of a
CBI probe in the case since 2006. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defense
minister AK Antony approved the proposal. The proposal is for
Acquiring two deep submarine rescue vessels for the Navy while approving the indigenous
construction of the 16 anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft at the cost of Rs.13,000
crore.
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262 Barak-I missiles worth Rs.880 crore, which are expected to be put on the aircraft carrier
INS Virat and picked out air defense system for the new aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
Aquiring 41 indigenously-built Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruvs, for the Army.
In the Rs.300 crore procurement, one of the choppers would be provided to the Navy.
e-Inclusion: IT Training for Rural Sc/St/Women Beneficiaries Project Launched

December 27, 2013
The Government of India launched e-inclusion project to make people e-literate. On this
occasion, Minister of Communication & IT, Mr. Kabil Sibal released the handbook titled e-Literacy:
Towards Empowering Rural Indiabearing profiles of 50 beneficiaries who have successfully
undertaken the basic IT training programme under the E-Inclusion project.
About e-Inclusion project
Its the initiative under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) for creating a transparent and
accountable governance model for enabling service delivery at the doorstep of citizens.
Initially around 45 thousand people will be trained under the program.
Beneath the project, economically weaker sections of the society including rural SC, ST and
women will receive IT training.
It will make at least one individual in every household e-literate.
The project will improve the quality of life of people, especially those living in rural India and will
allow them to actively participate in knowledge based activities and also access financial, social and
government services by using Internet.
Mr. Sidharth Birla took charge as President of FICCI
December 27, 2013
Mr. Sidharth Birla, Chairman of Xpro India Limited took the charge as
the President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI) on December 21, 2013. He succeeded the HSBC India
Country Head Naina Lal Kidwai.
Chairperson and MD of Bharat Hotels, Jyotsna Suri elected as Senior
Vice-President.
Chairman of Ambuja Neotia group, Harshavardhan Neotia
elected as Vice-President of FICCI.
About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organization in India. ( a nongovernment, not-for-profit organization)
Establish:1927
Headquarters:New Delhi
Mission: To enhance efficiency and global competitiveness of Indian industryand to expand
business opportunities both in domestic and foreign markets through a range of specialized
services and global linkages.
Mr. Vinod Kumar Duggal appointed as the Governor of Manipur

December 27, 2013
Mr. Vinod Kumar Duggal, the former Home Secretary has been appointed the new
Governor of Manipur.
About Vinod Kumar Duggal
An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1968 batch, retired as union
home secretary in March 2007.
He will replace the present Governor of the state, Ashwani Kumar, who was given
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an additional charge of Manipur, while being a Governor of Nagaland.
Previously, he was a member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the apex
body for disaster management in India, which is headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He also worked as municipal commissioner of Delhi from 1996 to 2000.
Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: Ambassador of USA
December 28, 2013
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar became the Ambassador of United States of

America (USA) in December 2013. He succeeded Ms. Nirupama Rao and his
position in Beijing was taken by Ashok K. Kantha.
About Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the1977 batch.

Apart from serving as Indias Ambassador to China, he also had postings
in Singapore and CzechRepublic.
Played a key role in negotiation of US-India nuclear agreement.
Andhra Pradesh High Court directs 2 Telugu actors to return Padma Shri
December 28, 2013
The Andhra Pradesh High Court directed to Telugu actors Mohan Babu
and Brahmanandam Kanneganti to surrender Padam Shri to the
President of India, as they allegedly misused it. The HC gave its decision
on the petition filed by the BJP senior leader N Indraseena Reddy.
Why High Court directed Telgu actors to return Padam Shri?
Tollywood actor-producer Mohan Babu bestowed the award in

2007 and comedian Brahmanandam in 2009, in acknowledgment of their services to
the Telugu film industry.
They both used the title Padma Shri before their names for promoting the Telugu
feature film Denikaina Ready (Ready for Anything, produced by Mr. Mohan Babu
and starring his son Vishnu).
The petitioner argued that as per the Article 18(1) of the Constitution, the
national awards does not amount to a title and cannot be used as suffixes or prefixes.
Aftermath, the Court took the serious note of the actors for prefixing the name of the award
to their names in the credits of the Telugu movie that was released in 2012.
And raised objection for using Padma Shri in title cards in a wrong way (as if it was
their surname) and delivered judgment in the petitioners favour. This will be a
lesson for the actors who misuse the honorary award.
About Padma Awards
Padma Awards, the countrys highest civilian awards, are conferred in three Categories viz. Padma
Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in all disciplines/ fields of
activities, viz. art, social work, Public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine,
literature And education, sports, civil service, etc.
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service;
Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and
Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. The Awards are
conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan sometime around
March/ April.
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Government sanctioned Quadricycle as a new vehicle
December 28, 2013
The road transport and highways ministry sanctioned Quadricycle as a

new category of vehicle on Indian roads. These vehicles are safer than threewheelers as they have four wheels with fully enclosed body structure with
hard top and doors. After integrating suggestions and objections, transport
minister Oscar Fernandes approved the proposal that under this category,
battery-powered or electric four-wheelers will also be considered.
About Quadricycle Vehicle
It is a four-wheel vehicle with a small engine to be positioned between a three-wheeler and a
passenger car which does not meet the same safety and emission norms of regular passenger cars
and have their own set of regulations.
The vehicle will be of two types passenger carriers and goods carriers with different
maximum kerb weights and length.
It will be allowed to ply only on city roads as transport vehicles and not as personal vehicles.
Passenger carriers will have a maximum weight of 450kg and a max length of 3 metres,
while goods carriers will have a maximum weight of 500kg and a length of 3.7 metres.
It will be permitted to carry a maximum of four passengers or a maximum weight of up to
500kg.
Note: Kerb (Curb) weight is the total weight of an automobile with standard equipment, all
necessary operating consumables (e.g., motor oil and coolant), and a full tank of fuel, while not
loaded with either passengersRATHNAKUMAR
or cargo. R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
SEBI: Foreign portfolio investors will be treated on par with FIIs on tax issues
December 28, 2013
In consultation with the Finance Ministry, Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia (SEBI) decided to
treat the three categories of Financial Portfolio Investors (FPIs) uniformly for tax purposes. In other
words, the new rule aims to bring all foreign investors under a common framework called the SEBI
(Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2013.
The Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), their sub-accounts and Qualified Foreign Investors
(QFIs) will soon be merged into a single and new investor class, called FPIs. As per their risk
profiles, FPIs are divided into three categories.
These are as follows:Category I- the lowest risk entities comprises foreign government and government-related
foreign investors.
Category II regulated entities such as university funds, university-related endowments and
pension funds, etc.
Category III other entities viz. Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs), etc.
Stock market regulator SEBI received a clear note from the Department of Economic Affairs in the
Finance Ministry to consider the FPIs similar to Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) on tax
purposes. The proposal was made by the K M Chandrashekhar panel that reviewed various
classes of foreign investors and suggested to unify foreign investment norms met for the first time.
The clarity on tax treatment of FPIs is aimed at encouraging inflows into the domestic equity and
debt markets.
Other than uniform tax zone for FPIs, the SEBI
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Made grading of Initial Public Offering( IPO) voluntary to boost the dormant primary
market.
Allowed companies to issue debt through a shelf filing, along with regulations empowered it
to monitor investors call records and conduct searches at companies suspected of
wrongdoing.
Note: Under the former system, tax treatment for FIIs was different from that for sub-accounts and
QFIs. Beneath the new FPI norms, all categories of FPIs would be given similar tax treatment as
currently available to FIIs.
SEBI made fund-raising easier for corporate India and tightened noose on fraudsters
December 28, 2013
In order to raise funds easier for companies through genuine equity or debt offers, the market
regulator SEBI approved new norms for its search and seizure operations, settlement proceedings,
refund to investors and crackdown on illicit money-pooling schemes.
The measures of new norms:-
To consider the Financial Portfolio Investors (FPIs) similar toForeign

Institutional Investors (FIIs) on tax purposes.
To raise funds through Initial Public Offer (IPO) of equity shares and allowed
companies to file shelf prospectus for debt offers that would be valid for multiple
offers within a year.
To ensure faster refund of money to investors, essential checks are put in place to avoid any
misuse of its newly granted powers with regard to conduct of search and seizure of
fraudsters and market manipulators.
And detailed regulations have also been put in place for settlement of administrative
and civil proceedings in a transparent manner, while ensuring that serious offences
like insider trading are kept out of settlement window.
These decisions are related to the promulgation of an ordinance by the government for grant of
greater powers to SEBI to check mushrooming of illegal money-pooling schemes across the country
and to take strict actions against fraudsters and market manipulators.
Year 2014 to bring 8.5 lakh new jobs: Report

December 28, 2013
As per a survey by recruitment platform year 2014 MyHiringClub.com augurs well for job seekers
as more than 8.5 lakh new jobs are expected across various sectors, including FMCG
and healthcare. According to the survey based on a study conducted among more than 5,600 firms
across 12 industry sectors, the forecasted number of new jobs in 2014 is higher than the estimated
7.9 lakh employment opportunities created in 2013.
All the employments have been projected in for the organised sector. Apart from FMCG, more jobs
are expected in healthcare, IT, retail and hospitality sectors.
Sectror-wise expected number of jobs:
FMCG: 1.5 lakh
Healthcare: 1.33 lakh
IT and ITeS: 1.21 lakh
Retail: 86,700
Hospitality: 83,400
Banking and Financial services: 61,400
Manufacturing and Engineering: 51,500
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Education, Training and Consultancy: 42,900

Media and Entertainment: 42,800
Real estate: 38,700
Fiscal deficit to be around 5.2% in FY14: CRISIL

December 28, 2013
As per ratings agency CRISIL, government will miss its 4.8% fiscal deficit target by 0.40% this fiscal
2013-14 and suggested Public Sector Units (PSUs) should dip into their cash reserves to reduce the
gap by paying extra dividends.
As per the rating agency, taking into account the current scenario, wherein the front loading of
expenditure has resulted in 84.4% of the budgeted fiscal deficit target being hit by November 2013,
the fiscal deficit is expected to touch 5.2%. As per CRISIL, the government can narrow down its
fiscal deficit by as much as Rs 20,000 crore this fiscal by using cash reserves of PSUs. The agency
says that top 20 PSUs will have a cash reserve of Rs 1,60,000 crore by March 2014 and are
comfortably placed to pay a special dividend of 40% of the corpus (Rs 64,000 crore) without
impacting growth plans. This amount will be Rs 27,000 crore more than the dividend paid by the
companies in 2012 and after calculating the stake of the government in the firms, will lead to excess
revenue of Rs 20,000 crore. This Rs 20,000 crore extra income would make around 20 basis points
of the fiscal deficit, which can help the government reach nearer to its stated fiscal deficit target of
4.8%. The agency expressed concerns over the revenue collections from the taxation and also about
the Government not being able to reach its Rs 40,000 crore divestment target.
M. Veerappa Moily is the new Environment and Forests Minister
December 28, 2013
The current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Marpadi Veerappa Moily, has
been assigned an additional charge of theEnvironment and Forests Ministry after
the exit of Jayanthi Natarajan.
Ministry of Environment & Forests ( MoEF)
The MoEF is the chief agency in the administrative framework of the Central
Government accountable for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the
implementation of Indias environmental and forestry policies and programmes.
The main concerns of MoEF are implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to
conservation of the countrys natural resources including its lakes and rivers, its biodiversity,
forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and the prevention and abatement of
pollution.
Service Tax revenue grew over 300 times in past two decades
December 29, 2013
Finance Ministry is focusing on service tax revenue which has grown significantly by over 300
times in past about two decades. As per official data, the finance ministry has earned revenue of
about Rs 1.32 lakh crore in 2012-13 (provisional figures) compared to Rs 407 crore in 1994-95.
The ministry had set a target for 2012-13 to collect Rs 1,32,697 crore but the actual realization was
Rs 1,32,518 crore. The number of assessees have also increased by over 400 times since 1994-95.
Revenue from service tax has witnessed such a tremendous growth on account of surge in number
of services being covered which led to increase in number of assessees under service taxation.
During 2012-13, there were about 17.12 lakh registered assessees for the levy compared to only
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3,943 in 1994-95 when service tax was brought in. The total number of taxable services has also
increased from 3 in 1994 to 119 in 2012.
It is worth recalling that on July 1, 2012, the finance ministry had introduced the concept
of taxation of service tax based on the negative list which authorized government to tax almost all
the services mentioned in Section 66D of the Finance Act.
Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme (VCES)
The Finance Ministry is implementing VCES which allows a service tax defaulter to pay dues
without any penalty or late payment charges. Under VCES, an individual may make a declaration to
the designated authority on or before December 31, 2013.
Why Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme (VCES)?
It has come to the notice of the government that of the 17 lakh people who voluntarily registered
themselves as service tax providers only 7 lakh actually paid service tax, the remaining 10 lakh did
not. Though these people have charged the service tax from their customers but have not These
non-payers are classified as no-filers or stop-filers. No-filers are those who have never filed service
tax whereas stop- filers are those who have paid for a year or two but later stopped filing service
tax. In order to make these evaders pay the due service tax the government has chosen VCES path
rather than forcing them through punitive action.
The ministry has set an indirect tax collection target of Rs 5.65 lakh crore for 2013-14, through
customs, excise and service tax. That figure is up from the Rs 4.73 lakh crore collected in the fiscal
2012-13.
Indians consume double the recommended salt intake: Study

December 29, 2013
As per a study, the intake of salt by Indians is nearly twice the amount recommended by the
World Health Organisation (WHO). Indians consume about 3.7 grams of sodium, corresponding to
about 9.3 grams of salt per day. The positive thing is that salt (or sodium) intake has decreased
slightly in Indiabetween 1990 and 2010.
As per the research by the University of Cambridge and Harvard School of Public Health:
The global average salt consumption in 2010 was around 10 grams per person per day,
corresponding to 4 grams per day of sodium.
In 181 of 187 nations studied, national intakes exceeded the WHO recommended intake of 2
grams per day of sodium (about 5 grams per day of salt).
In 119 countries (88.3% of the worlds adult population), the national intake exceeded this
recommended amount by more than 1 gram per day of sodium.
There are also major regional variations around this global average. Highest intakes
are found in regions lying along the old Silk Road from East Asia, through Central
Asia to Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Is excess consumption of Common Salt (NaCl) harmful?
Yes. Earlier sudies have found that high or low salt diets are both harmful. The risk of heart
attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, and death from heartdisease, increases considerably when
people consume more than 7 grams or less than 3 grams of sodium a day. A recent study by the
US based Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) had found that there is no benefit of
reducing salt intake to below 2.3 g per day. The study could not find any consistent evidence to
support a link between sodium intake and either a beneficial or adverse effect on health.
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SBI to act as lead bank for four newly-formed Meghalaya districts
December 29, 2013
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) designated SBI to act as the lead bank in four newly constructed
districts in Meghalaya. The central bank also assigned StateBank of India (SBI), the district working
codes for the purpose of Basic Statistical Returns (BSR) reporting. The four new districts of
Meghalaya are North Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills and South West Garo Hills.
What is a Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)?
The RBI introduced Lead Bank Scheme in 1969, based on the recommendations of
the Gadgil Study Group.
The basic idea was to have an area approach for targeted and focused banking.
Under the Scheme, each district had been assigned to different banks (public and private) to
act as a consortium leader to coordinate the efforts of banks in the district particularly in
matters like branch expansion and credit planning.
The Lead Bank was to act as a consortium leader for coordinating the efforts of all
credit institutions in each of the allotted districts for expansion of branch banking
facilities and for meeting the credit needs of the rural economy.
State civil services officers to face UPSC test for promotion to AIS
December 29, 2013
State civil services officers will have to face a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) test and
interview for their promotion to the three AllIndia Services (AIS). The Ministry of Personnel
recently changed the rules for promotion from state services. The move was opposed by some
states including Tamil Nadu. RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com
The selection to IAS, IPS and IFoS from states services will be made through a 1000 marks fourstage process including a written exam and interview.
The new norms are
A state civil services officer will have to face the written examination comprising two papers
on aptitude test; and general studies in addition to state-specific questions.
There will be a third written paper on essay, comprehension and precis type only for nonstate civil services officers in addition to two papers.
Successful candidates will face an interview and their Annual Confidential Report
(ACR) will be assessed by a board.
The final merit list will be based on the marks obtained in four components written exam,
length of service, assessment of ACR and interview.
No cap on the number of attempts.
The scheme might be reviewed after its implementation for 3 years.
Note: So far, the selection of state services officers into the three All-India Services Indian
Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS)and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) was
done on the basis of review of their seniority and ACRs.
Australian school introduces worlds first standing classroom to combat childhood obesity
December 29, 2013
As part of a novel experiment, Mont Albert Primary School in Australia has launched the worlds
first standing classroom which aims to combat the menace of childhood obesity. In this experiment
being conducted by the researchers of Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, a grade six class at
this school has been fitted with height-adjustable desks to allow the student to sit or stand.
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The researchers will monitor the standing students with an objective to know if being upright can
improve their health, fitness, learning and memory. Pupils will also be fitted with devices to
measure how long they spend sitting, with lesson plans revised to reduce the time students are idle.
Why this experiment?
As per scientists, prolonged sitting during the school hours poses health risk by contributing to
obesity in students as during these hours children perform less physical activity. Earlier studies
have shown students spent two-thirds of a school day sitting, and long hours of childhood sitting
can contribute to the onset of such diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and
obesity.
In this experiment in which students are required to attend school hours standing they will engage
more muscles that are likely to be of great benefit for keeping the blood flowing throughout their
body and reducing the level of fatigue. If researchers find this exercise beneficial for the
cardiovascular health, learning and memory of the standing students compared to a traditional
class, this pilot study would be expanded to a much larger trial to find if it can make an impact on
lessons across Australia.
59.4% of Indian rural households have no latrines: NSSO survey
December 29, 2013
As per a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 59.4% of rural Indian
households lack latrine facility. The survey throws light on key indicators of living conditions like
drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing condition in India.
The survey was done from July 2012 to December 2012 by National Sample Survey Office
(NSSO) under the Ministry of RATHNAKUMAR
Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Key finding of the NSSO Survey:
Access to Drinking Water:
Around 88.5% rural households and 95.3% urban households improved source of drinking
water.
Condition in Kerala is poor where 29.5% of rural households have access to safe
drinking water whereas in Tamil Nadu it was 94%.
Access to safe drinking water in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthanare above
national average.
In Bihar, 97.6% (rural) and 99.7% (urban) households improved source of drinking water
and in Uttar Pradesh with 96.6% and 99.2% of rural and urban households respectively.
85.8% of rural households and 89.6% of urban households had adequate drinking water.
In Nagaland only 16% rural households have sufficient drinking water throughout
year.
Sanitation & Housing Condition:
Around 62.3% of rural household and 16.7% of urban households lacked bathroom facility.
59.4% and 8.8% households in rural India and urban India respectively lacked
latrine facilities.
Only 31.9% and 63.9% households in rural India and urban India respectively had
access to latrine facility for its exclusive use.
38.8% and 89.6% households in rural and urban India respectively were found to
have access to improved type of latrine.
80% of rural households and 97.9 percent of urban households had electricity for
domestic use.
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65.8% of rural households and 93.6% of urban households lived in a house with pucca
structure whereas 24.6% of rural households and 5% of urban households lived in a house
with semi-pucca structure during 2012.
Only 26.3% and 47.1% households in rural India and urban India respectively had good
ventilation in their houses.
31.7% and 82.5% of rural and urban household respectively had improved drainage
facility in the environment of their dwelling units.
Around 32% of rural households and 75.8% of urban households areas had some garbage
disposal arrangement
Only 10.8% of urban dwelling units were situated in slum.
CCEA nod to continuation of National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen during 12th Plan
December 29, 2013
The National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen will continue during the 12thPlan Period as the
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for the same.
National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen (NSWF):
Devised by: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry
of Agriculture.
Objectives: Provision of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation in fishing
villages, better living standards for fishermen and their families. It also envisages
social security for active fishermen and their dependants, and strives to ensure their
economic security.
th
Key benefits to be provided under this scheme in 12
Plan Period:
Outlay: Rs 640 crore

Construction of additional 4,600 houses per year
Coverage of 3.5 lakh fishermen under saving-cum-relief every year
Additional coverage of 3 lakh fishermen under group accidentinsurance
Amount of assistance and compensation to fishermen for the cost of construction of a house
has been enhanced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
Cost of the construction of a tubewell has been increased to Rs 40,000 from Rs 30,000 for all
states and Union territories, and Rs 45,000 from Rs 35,000 for North Eastern states.
Cabinet approves raising foreign investment to 62% in Axis Bank

December 29, 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given nod to the proposal of Axis
Bank for hiking foreign investment from 49% to 62% entailing an inflow of about Rs 7,250 crore. It
will be subject to the aggregate foreign institutional investors holding not exceeding 49% of the
paid up equity share capital of the bank.
What would be the effect of the hike in foreign investment in Axis Bank?
As a result of the inflow and increase in stake by foreign investors, the bank will turn into foreignowned, whereby every future investment in seven subsidiaries will be governed by the FDI
(Foreign Direct Investment). According to the FDI policy, downstream investment by an Indian
company, which is not owned and/or controlled by a resident entity/ies into another Indian
company would be in accordance or compliance with the relevant sectoral conditions on entry
route. The banks seven subsidiaries are Axis Capitals, Axis Finance Pvt Ltd, Axis Private Equity ltd,
Axis Trustee Services Ltd, Axis Asset Management Company, Axis Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd and Axis
UK Ltd.
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Deepika Kumari clinches 34th National Archery Championship
December 29, 2013
Ace archer Deepika Kumari created history by clinching her sixth consecutive
title at the 34th National ArcheryChampionships held at JRD Tata Stadium,
Jamshedpur. With this achievement, Deepika now holds more individual
titles at the national meet than Dola Banerjee, who won 5 national titles.
However, the record of winning most individual titles is still held by Bengal
archer Krishna Ghatak, with seven consecutive titles between 1975 and 1982.
Top Achievers at the National Meet:
1. Jharkhand (Gold-10, Silver-2, Bronze-5. Total: 17)
2. SSCB (Gold-3, Silver-3, Bronze-4. Total: 9)
3. Punjab (Gold-1, Silver-3, Bronze-4. Total: 8)
Legal wing of CBI brought under agency director
December 29, 2013
In a bid to provide more autonomy to CBI, government has brought the agencys directorate of
prosecution or the legal wing, which used to report to Law Ministry, under the command of the CBI
director, making his orders final in probes.
With this change, the agency director will not only oversee the promotions and postings but also
write the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), as done earlier by law ministry.
What is the responsibility of Directorate of Prosecution (DoP) in CBI?
The DoP in CBI is responsible for conducting and supervising cases pending trial, appeal and
revision in courts. It oversees and monitors the conduct of prosecution in courts and gives advice to
CBI officers on all legal matters of general or specific importance and on issues coming up during
probe or trial.
The DoP was the chief functionary of CBIs prosecution wing and was vested with powers of
direction and control over prosecuting officers. Those powers have now been transferred to the CBI
director.
How would placing the legal wing of CBI under the command of CBI director change things?
It was observed that in a number of cases, the investigation by the CBI was overturned by the DoP;
but under the new structure the CBI director will have the authority to take a final view on probes
and, subsequently, the charge sheets.
The Lokpal Bill, which has been passed by both Houses of Parliament, also provides for the DoP
chaired by the DoP to be placed under the CBI director. As per the Lokpal Bill, the DoP will be
appointed in consultation with the Lokpal and CVC.
China offers its Beidou Navigation System free of cost to neighbours
December 30, 2013
In a strategic move, China is ready to offer its neighbouring nations use of its indigenously
developed Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) free of charge. The offer has generated
interest from a number of nations includingPakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand.
As per the Chinese government, the country wants to expand the use of the BDS, which already has
16 satellites operating for the Asia-Pacific and is being promoted as an alternative to the US Global
Positioning System (GPS). China intends to offer BDS to nations in the Asia-Pacific region, and
particularly in South and Southeast Asia, where the satellites can provide the highest accuracy.
Countries interested in Beidou Navigation System:
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China has already reached agreement with Pakistan and Thailand on use of the Beidou network. It
is in talks with Sri Lanka, for which it has already launched a satellite, and Bangladesh, over
cooperation on satellite use. In early2014, Thailand will become the first country to set up a
satellite station based on Beidou, with both nations signing a $ 319 million deal.
What is Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BDS)?
Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) is a Chinese satellite navigation system. It consists of
two separate satellite constellations:
Beidou-1: A limited test system that has been operating since 2000
Beidou-2 : A full-scale global navigation system which is also known asCOMPASS and is currently
under construction as of January 2013 . Beidou-2 will have 35 satellites in its network.
Objective of Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BDS):
Initially, when the BDS was launched in 2011, it was serving only the government and military.
However, over the past year the navigation system is being widely used for civilian purposes
domestically. In China, around 80% of passenger buses and trucks use the BDS. Now China intends
to expand its satellite navigation services to Asia-Pacific and to South and South-East Asia regions.
US President signs budget bill into law to prevent government shutdown
December 30, 2013
US President Barack Obama has inked a two-party federal budget bill, preventing the risk of a
government shutdown for two years in the country.
The legislation was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives after a prolonged
stand-off between the Democrats and the Republicans. The bill had been drafted by a cross-party
budget panel set up after Octobers 16-day government shutdown.
The Defence Bill, among others, provides $527 billion in base defence spending and $80 billion for
the war in Afghanistan, in addition to a crackdown on assault* in military and relaxes restrictions
on transferring detainees from the federal prison at Guantanamo Bay.
Why did the US government shutdown happen?
The US Congress failed to pass the government budget due to disagreement between the
Republicans, who have majority in the lower house the House of Representatives and the
Democrats, who control the upper house, the Senate.
Since President Barack Obamas election, the parties have never come to a resolution on a US
budget that extends further than a few months. Theyve just negotiated around the margins and
come up with short-term fixes.
Now, the Republicans are using budget deadlines to gain political leverage over contentious
policies.
This time the issue was Mr. Obamas healthcare reform programme- the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) which continues to be very controversial for a range of
reasons. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives though approved budgets but
eliminated funding of this programme or wanted it delayed by one year. The Senate rejected these
demands. It led to a deadlock situation and no budget bill could be agreed by both houses, resulting
into the shut down.
Arvind Kejriwal takes oath as Chief Minister of Delhi
December 30, 2013
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The top-most leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind
Kejriwal, sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. He was
administered the oath by the Lieutenant Governor of the
capital Najeeb Jung.
Along with Kejriwal, six others: Manish Sisodia, Girish Soni,
Rakhi Birla, Satyendra Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Somnath
Bharti, took oath as ministers. The AAP has come to power
after winning 28 seats out of 70 in the recently held assembly
polls in Delhi. Although it didnt have the majority, the
Congress party extended its unconditional support to AAP for forming government. Now, Kejriwal
government has the task to deliver on the promises they have made which include cutting down
electricity tarriff and improve water supply to all parts of the national capital.
The new government has to prove majority in the assembly on January 2, 2014.
Arvind Kejriwal:
Born: August 16, 1968 in Siwani in Haryana

Education: Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur
Worked for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as a Joint Commissioner in
the Income Tax Department.
Instrumental in drafting a proposed Jan Lokpal Bill and his efforts to bring and
implement the Right to Information (RTI) Act at grassroots level.
2012: Launched Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which ousted the Shiela Dixits regime of Congress
after winning 2013 Assembly
polls.
In the assembly elections he defeated his rival Shiela Dixit by a huge margin of 25, 864 votes.
Became the second youngest Chief Minister of Delhi. Chaudhry Brahm Prakash was the
youngest Chief Minsiter at 34 when he took over in 1952.
India, US sign $1billion contract for six Super Hercules aircrafts

December 30, 2013
India and the US have signed another mega defence deal

worth $1.01 billion in which the US will supply six
additional C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The letter of
offer and acceptance for the six new four-engine C130Js, which will be delivered within 3 years, was inked
under the US governmentsForeign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
The Indian Air Force already has six C-130Js tactical airlift aircraft, which are based at
the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi. The upcoming six new C-130Js will be stationed
at Panagarh in West Bengal.
Indias first Mountain Strike Force: XVII Corps
Indias new mountain strike corps which has been named XVII Corps will also have its
headquarters in Panagarh. The XVII Corps with a total of over 80,000 soldiers, is being brought up
by the Army in a project worth around Rs 90,000 crore. This new corps will fill operational voids
along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) as well as add to the Indian Armys ground
offensive capabilities against China for the first time.
Factbox: C-130J Super Hercules
Manufactured by the United States.

Worlds most advanced and tactical aircraft.
Primarily designed to support Indias special operations requirement.
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Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft can perform
precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions.
Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft
survivability in hostile air defense environments. The aircraft also is equipped
with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.
Ideally suited to Indias mission environment, which often involves operating out
of austere, high-elevation airstrips in hot conditions.
Powered by four Rolls Royce AE2100 engines and Dowty six bladed props which
provide the aircraft with tremendous power.
The aircraft has already demonstrated its responsiveness during the
recent Uttarakhand flood disaster and 2012 Sikkim earthquake where it played a
major role in relief operations.
The rugged aircraft demonstrated its agility when IAF landed it at the worlds
highest airstrip in Daulat Beg Oldi, in J&K, the place where Indian and Chinese
troops had a stand-off recently. The aircraft showed that it can even land at a small
forward airbase on a semi-prepared runway.
Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh passed away

December 31, 2013
Noted veteran actor Farooq Sheikh (65) passed away inDubai.

Farooq Sheikh:
Born: March 25, 1948

He started his career in actingRATHNAKUMAR
in Bollywood
1973
with the film Garm Hava and gained accolades
R. Emailin
address:
for his roles in movies like Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Chashme Buddoor, Kissi Se Na Kehna,
Noorie.He played the role of a father in Ranbir Kapoor starring film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
released this year (2013).
Last Film: Club 60 which released in December 2013
Guardian Microsoft launched new app for womens safety
December 31, 2013
The
technology
giant
Microsoft
launched
a
new
application
(app) Guardian with safety features, exclusively for Windows phone users
in India. It builds up this app, chiefly to protect women from incidents such as
Nirbhaya.
About the app Guardian
Uses Microsoft Windows Azure cloud solution and the Bing Maps
API and allow anyone we wish to track our movements. This can be
done by switching on the track me feature.
Users will be able to place a call for help through an SOS alert button and also
connect to security agencies, police and hospitals easily via this app in times of
crisis.
Helps women in distress by alerting their friends, families, as well as it is available as an
integrated solution for Police or security agencies, which can monitor distress SOS calls and
provide help through a portal.
The app allows us to add multiple buddies who will be alerted in emergency situations. It
will let them opt out in case theyre not so willing to take our SOS call.
The SOS messages will continue to go out even if our phone is destroyed. The
best bit is that the SOS button can also send emails and post to private Facebook
2013 www.gktoday.in
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groups. The application is capable of one touch video recording that may be used as
evidence.
Note: The app developed by a group of Microsoft India employees in India inside the Microsoft
Garage. Microsoft Garage is a global employee innovation initiative that gives Microsoft
employees an outlet to explore ideas in their free time.
Related News:
Mobile makers should install SoS button for women safety: Finance Minister
PNB opens first hi-tech branch of Punjab in Kharar
December 31, 2013
Punjab National Bank (PNB) which is Indias second-largest bank opened its first hi-tech branch at
Kharar, Punjab.
Salient features of the first hi-tech branch
The self-services system of the branch would provide all services to all the customers from
7am to 11pm daily.
This would be done through automated machines for cash deposit, cheque deposit, cash
withdrawal and passbook updating machine.
To educate and aware the customers about the hi-tech systems and their usage, a special
counter has been established at the bank branch.
In order to ensure foolproof security of its ATMs, the bank has adopted these securities measure,
which are under e-surveillance system.
J.N. Chaudhary appointed as new

chief of R.
NSG
RATHNAKUMAR
December 31, 2013
Mr. Jayanta Narayan Chaudhary appointed as new chief of National Security Guard (NSG). Mr.
Chaudhary is the 1978 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre and is due to retire in May
2015. He succeeded Arvind Ranjan.
About National Security Guard (NSG)
Set up in 1984 as a Federal Contingency Deployment Force to tackle all facets of terrorism in
the country.
Operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headed by the
Director General of the Indian Police Service (IPS).
The NSG members are also known as Black Cats because of the black drill cotton coveralls and
balaclavas or helmets they wear.
Cabinet approves constitutional status for JAC

December 31, 2013
The Union Cabinet approved constitutional status to a proposed Judicial Appointments

Commission (JAC), for the appointment and transfer of judges to the higher judiciary. In other
words, the cabinet approved a constitution amendment bill to make the appointment /transfer of
judges more transparent. The status ensures that the composition of the commission cannot be
altered through an ordinary legislation and it would require an amendment in the Constitution to
do so.
Presently, the composition of the proposed panel is defined in the JAC Bill, 2013 which was
introduced along with a separate constitutional amendment bill inRajya Sabha during the monsoon
session. There were demands that the composition as well as the functions of the proposed JAC
must be mentioned in the Constitution as a precaution against future changes.
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The JAC Bill defines the establishment of the proposed body to recommend appointment and
transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts. Excerpts of the Judicial
Appointments Commission (JAC) Bill, 2013
The new Article 124 A of the Constitution will define the composition of the JAC and Article
124 B will define its functions.
The JAC will be headed by the CJI and have five other members, including the Law Minister
and two eminent persons.
To appoint the two eminent persons for the appointments commission would be
done by the collegium that will include the Prime Minister of India, the Leader of
Opposition and the Chief Justice of India.
Functions viz. recommending names for appointment as judges of the Supreme
Court, Chief Justices of High Courts and judges of High Courts; recommending
transfer of Chief Justices of High Courts and judges of High Courts, etc.
Note: A parliamentary standing committee which examined the Judicial Appointments Commission
(JAC) Bill, 2013 also made a similar recommendation.
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Current Affairs December 2013

RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com

Price: Rs. 50/Published by: GKToday (www.gktoday.in )

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

India at 94th spot on Corruption Perception Index: Transparency International ..................... 13

Indias CAD improves to $ 5.2 billion in second quarter ....................................................................... 15

India ranked 98th in Forbes doing business list 2013......................................................................... 19

India to host 2017 under-17 FIFA World Cup ........................................................................................... 21

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Chinas air defense zone unacceptable by White House ....................................................................... 23

Stamps of India National Exhibition 2013 (SINE) ................................................................................... 26

Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu re-appointed as OPCW Director General............................................................. 27

South Korea to expand its ADIZ ...................................................................................................................... 31

December 10 observed as Human Rights Day across the globe ........................................................ 32

India to Host 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup ................................................................................................... 36

Congress victorious in Mizoram Assembly polls 2013 .......................................................................... 37

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

The coldest place on Earth is in East Antarctica....................................................................................... 43

India defeats Pak to lift Mens Kabaddi World Cup ................................................................................. 47

C.V.R Rajendran is new CMD of Andhra Bank ........................................................................................... 51

Supreme Court: No sanction required for prosecution in court-monitored cases ..................... 52

Indian Idol 2 winner Sandeep Acharya passed away ......................................................................................... 53

Angela Merkel sworn in as German chancellor for 3rd time ............................................................... 53

Peter OToole of Lawrence of Arabia fame passed away .................................................................... 55

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Devyani Khobragade case: Government transfered diplomat to Indian permanent mission to UN

Michiaki Takahasi: Developer of chickenpox vaccine passed away ................................................. 68

e-Inclusion: IT Training for Rural Sc/St/Women Beneficiaries Project Launched ................... 69

Mr. Vinod Kumar Duggal appointed as the Governor of Manipur ..................................................... 69

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

M. Veerappa Moily is the new Environment and Forests Minister ................................................... 73

India, US sign $1billion contract for six Super Hercules aircrafts.................................................. 80

Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh passed away................................................................................................. 81

PNB opens first hi-tech branch of Punjab in Kharar ............................................................................... 82

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

NATO held Cyber Coalition 2013: Largest-ever cyber-exercises to practise

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Locked Shields 2013

Took place in the end on April 2013

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Lt General Raheel Sharif promoted and appointed as the new chief

Panipat gets Indias first Synthetic Rubber Plant

Indias first Synthetic Rubber Plant was unveiled at Panipat in Haryana.

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

The other four tiger reserves in Maharashtra are in:

RATHNAKUMAR R. Email address: rathnakumar3108@gmail.com

About National Tiger Conservation Authority:

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) has been named Mangalyan

Objectives of Indias Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Mangalyan:

To showcase Indias technological prowess to send a satellite to orbit around Mars

India among countries exempted from Iranian oil sanctions by the US

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Chinas first lunar rover

RBI permits banks to pay interest at shorter intervals

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

According to a survey by corruption watchdog Transparency International,India is positioned

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

India successfully test-fired nuke-capable Prithvi II missile

First missile developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile

India Post offers Express Parcel and Business Parcel services

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013

Constructed in a period of 19 months

Current Affairs Compendium December 2013