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Current Affairs Week: 07 May 2012 to 13 May 2012

Indian Athletes bagged Four Gold, One Silver and Four Bronze Medals at Asian Grand Prix - Indian athletes bagged four gold, one silver and four bronze medals, in the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix in Bangkok on 8 May 2012 Competition Commission of India constituteded Eminent Persons Advisory Group - The Competition Commission of India (CCI) formed an Eminent Persons Advisory Group (EPAG) on 7 May 2012 Qualcomm received the Broadband Wireless Access Spectrum Qualcomm, the US chipmaker, received the broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum 8 May 2012 by the department of telecommunications (DoT) Supreme Court directed Union Government of India to do away with the Haj Subsidy The Supreme Court of India on 8 May 2012 directed the Union Government to eliminate the Haj subsidy completely by reducing it gradually Krishna Poonia created New National Record, claimed Silver at Altius Track Crew Throwdown Meet Indias leading discus thrower Krishna Poonia on 7 May 2012 created a new national record by winning the silver medal at the Altius Track Crew Report placed India on Fifth Position in the List of Countries affected from Cyber Crime India, according to a report published by the Security and Defence Agenda (SDA)

and McAfee on 6 May 2012, ranked fifth in the list of countries affected of cyber crime Sriram Balaji defeated Swiss Joss Espasandin to win ITF Futures Men's Tennis Title Fifth ranked Sriram Balaji defeated Swiss Joss Espasandin in the summit clash of the MCC-SR Subramaniam Memorial ITF Vladimir Putin sworn in as the President of Russia Vladimir Putin the former Russian Prime Minister and the president of the United Russia Party took the oath as the President of Russia on 7 May 2012 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took the Oath as the Member of Bihar legislative council Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, former Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi sworn in as members of the Bihar legislative council Former Left Front Minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya died Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former Left Front Minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya died in Kolkata on 6 May 2012 Miss India World Vinya Mishra awarded with Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award Yesteryear actress Sushma Seth and Miss India World Vinya Mishra were awarded with Kalpana Chawla excellence award on 6 May 2012 Francois Hollande defeated Nicholas Sarkozy to become 24th French President The Socialist Party leader Francois Hollande defeated the Union for a Popular Movement leader
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and incumbent president Nicholas Sarkozy to become the 24th French President

Current Affairs Week: 30 Apr 2012 to 06 May 2012


Indian Women Squash Team won its Maiden Asian Squash Championship Indian women squash team won its maiden gold at the 16th Asian Squash Championship in Kuwait on 5 May 2012 UTI Mutual Fund's Chief Marketing Officer Jaideep Bhattacharya resigned UTI Mutual Fund's Chief Marketing Officer Jaideep Bhattacharya stepped down from his post on 4 May 2012 Vice President Hamid Ansari conferred the 59th National Film Awards Vice President of India Hamid Ansari conferred the 59th National Film Awards across various categories upon the winners at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 4 May 2012

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was elected as Chair of ADB's Board of Governors Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 4 May 2012 was elected as Chair of the Asian Development Banks Board of Governors Electronic Equipments Giant Samsung unveiled New Smartphone Galaxy S III Electronic equipments major
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Samsung Electronics launched the new smartphone GALAXY S III in India on 5 May 2012 RBI raised Interest Rate Ceiling on NRI Deposits in Foreign Currencies by up to 3% Interest rate ceiling on Foreign Currency Non-Resident FCNR (B) deposits of banks was raised from 125 basis points above corresponding LIBOR Tamil writer Ashokamitran declared Recipient of the 6 NTR National Literary Award Noted Tamil writer Ashokamitran, known for his novel Thanneer and other works was declared the recipient of the 6 NTR National Literary Award Vidya Balan appointed the Brand Ambassador of National Sanitation Campaign Union Rural development Ministry of India roped in National award winning actor Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador for improving the state of sanitation in the country 24 people killed and scores injured in the Suicide Blast in Pakistan A teenage suicide bomber blew himself up in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of Bajaur Sukma District Magistrate Alex Paul Menon released by Maoists Sukma District Magistrate Alex Paul Menon who was abducted by Maoists on 21 April 2012 at gunpoint while he was addressing tribal villagers in Majhipara was released Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) drafted Policy on Exploitation of Shale Gas Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) drafted a safe as well as encouraging policy on exploitation of shale gas
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Audi launched New Version of Its Largest Selling sedan A4 in India German luxury car maker Audi launched a new version of its largest selling sedan A4 in Indian market Nepal Cabinet tendered Resignation to form New Government Nepal cabinet tendered its resignation on 3 May 2012. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai will also resigned by the end of the month Seven-time World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry announced his Retirement- Seven-time World snooker champion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement 1 May 2012 after losing in the quarterfinals at the World Championships India recorded the Highest Number of Deaths Due to Premature Births A new report by Save the Children, titled Born Too Soon: The Global Action Report on Pre-term Birth revealed, India has the highest number of deaths due to premature births Indian-American Vikram Singh appointed to the Senior Executive Service of Pentagon Indian-American Vikram Singh, an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan and a close aide of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke, was appointed to an important Pentagon position Mithun Chakravarti received the PC Chandra Lifetime Achievement Award Bollywood actor Mithun Chakravarti received the PC Chandra lifetime achievement award in Kolkata on 29 April 2102

Union Government constituted Inter-Ministerial Group to maximise Coal, Shale Gas exploitation Union government constituted IMG for developing a coordinated approach for optimal exploitation of coal bed methane, coal gasification & shale gas Supreme Court of India held Farmers entitled to the Highest Market Value as Compensation The Supreme Court of India on 27 April 2012 held that Farmers whose land is acquired for a public purpose are entitled to the highest market value as compensation RBI directed Indian Banks to maintain Tier I Capital of at least 7% of their Risk Weighted Assets RBI on 2 May 2012 published guidelines for implementation of the new global capital adequacy norms, called Basel III, by March 2018 Spanish Football Club Real Madrid clinched Its 32nd Spanish League Title Spanish Football club Real Madrid clinched its 32nd Spanish league title and first in four years on 2 May 2012 BV Vanchoo appointed as the New Governor of Goa BV Vanchoo was appointed the Governor of Goa on 28 April 2012. A 1976-batch IPS officer from West Bengal cadre E-Challan and Receipt (ECR) facility launched by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) EChallan and Receipt facility launched by EPFO to facilitate deposition of monthly Employees Provident Fund or EPF contributions of workers by the employees

Sushil Kumar won the World Wrestling Qualifying Tournament, secured a Berth for London Olympics Ace Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar won the 66kg freestyle title at the World Qualifying Tournament in Taiyuan Debashree Mukherjee appointed the New Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi Jal Board Debashree Mukherjee, a 1991 batch IAS officer, was appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi Jal Board Union Government decided to include Chit Funds under the Chit Fund Act of 1982 in Six States Union government decided to include Chit funds under the Chit Fund Act of 1982 in six states including Gujarat and Kerala Aditya Mehta defeated Pankaj Advani to clinch the 28th Asian snooker title India's top-seeded snooker player Aditya Mehta defeated compatriot and seven-time world champion Pankaj Advani to win 28th Asian snooker title Twenty People died in Church Attack in Nigerian City of Kano 20 people died and several others left injured in an attack on a Christian church in Nigeria on 29 April 2012 Goa topped the List of States with Highest Per Capita Income Goa topped the list of the states with highest per capita income in the country with a per capita income of 192652 rupees Aung San Suu Kyi sworn in As the Leader of Opposition in Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi took the oath of office to become an official member of Myanmars parliament on 2 May 2012
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President Pratibha Patil re-appointed Goolam E. Vahanvati Attorney-General for Two Year Term President Pratibha Patil on 30 April 2012 re-appointed Goolam E. Vahanvati Attorney-General for two more years with effect from 8 June 2012 Nokia launched New Web Enabled Phone Asha 202 in India Leading mobile manufacturer Nokia on 30 April 2012 launched its new web-enabled mobile Asha 202 priced at 4149 rupees Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India issued Tariff Order for TV Channels The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in its much-awaited tariff order issued on 30 April 2012 Information and Broadcasting Ministry notified Cable Television Networks Rules, 2012 The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry of India on 28 April 2012 notified the much awaited Cable Television Networks Rules, 2012 Uttar Pradesh Government scrapped the Post of Cabinet Secretary The Uttar Pradesh government on 27 April 2012 decided to scrap the post of cabinet secretary of the state State-owned Oil Companies reduced Jet Fuel Prices by Rs 312 per kilolitre State-owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices by a marginal Rs 312 per kilolitre or kl Indian Navy inducted Newly Built INS Teg Frigate in Its Fleet The Indian navy inducted newly-built INS Teg in its
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fleet at the Yantar shipyard in Russia's Kaliningrad on 27 April 2012 India to Export 2.1 million tonnes (mt) of Iron Ore to Steel Mills of Japan & South Korea India on 30 April 2012 decided to export 2.1 million tonnes of iron ore to steel mills of Japan & South Korea under a long-term agreement Following Revised Production Estimates Cotton Advisory Board, Centre allowed further Cotton Export Union government on 30 April 2012 decided to allow further cotton exports in the 2011-12 marketing year ending September 2012 Two Boats capsized in Brahmputra River in Assam, More than Hundred People died Two boats carrying nearly 350 people capsized in the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dhubri and Jaleswar district on 30 April 2012 Union Cabinet of India approved Proposal by Oman to hike the Gas Price The Union Cabinet on 28 April 2012 approved the proposal by Oman to hike the gas price for an Indian fertilizer plant in the Gulf nation Yesteryear Bollywood Actress Achla Sachdev died in Pune Yesteryear Bollywood actress Achla Sachdev was part of the legendary song Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen died in Pune on 29 April 2012
Shon Wan Ho defeated Lee Chong Wei to win India Open Badminton - Shon Wan Ho of Korea defeated Chinese defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the final clash and clinch his maiden Super Series title

Justice Dalveer Bhandari elected to the International Court of Justice Justice Dalveer Bhandari, the judge of the Indian Supreme Court, was elected to the position of Judge of the International Court of Justice Rajya Sabha passed amendments to the Central Educational Institutions Act The Rajya Sabha on 27 April 2012 passed amendments to the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act, 2006 Rafael Nadal defeated David Ferrer to clinch Barcelona Open Title Worlds second ranked tennis player Rafael Nadal defeated sixth seeded David Ferrer to clinch Barcelona Open Title on 29 April 2012 Signing of a New Liberal Visa Regime with Pakistan approved by the Indian Cabinet Union Cabinet on 26 April 2012 in a meeting headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the signing of a new liberal visa regime with Pakistan

Current Affairs Week: 23 Apr 2012 to 29 Apr 2012


United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India from 26 April to 29 April 2012 Study found the Impact of Climate Change on Rainfall Cycle and Food Security An Australian study published in the journal Science on 27 April 2012 revealed that climate change has accelerated the rainfall cycle

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International Monetary Fund lowered Indias Growth Projection for 2012 to 6.9 Per Cent The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 27 April 2012 lowered Indias growth projection to 6.9 per cent for 2012 Supreme Court of Pakistan convicted Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani for Contempt of Court The Supreme Court of Pakistan convicted Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani for contempt of court for refusing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari Electronic Gadgets Giant Apple Officially launched New IPad in Indian Market The electronic equipments major Apple on 27 April 2012 officially launched new iPad in Indian market with prices starting at 30500 rupees India Successfully launched Its First Radar Imaging Satellite India on 26 April 2012 launched Indias first indigenous allweather Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1) Airport Economic Regulatory Authority approved Hike for Delhi Airport Charges The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) on 24 April 2012 permitted GMR promoted DIAL (Delhi International Airport Limited) Maoists released Orissa MLA Jhina Hikaka from Captive Maoists released Orissa MLA Jhina Hikaka on 26 April 2012, after keeping him in captivity for more than 30 days Pakistan Successfully test-fired Upgraded Version of Shaheen-1 Missile Pakistan, on 25 April 2012, successfully test-fired an upgraded version of Shaheen-1 missile
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Fifty Leaders from Different Political Parties sworn in as The Member of Rajya Sabha 50 leaders from different political parties took the oath as the Rajya Sabha member on 24 April 2012 Standard & Poor's cut Indias Credit Rating Outlook to Negative Standard & Poor's downgraded credit rating outlook for India to negative from stable on 25 April 2012 India accounted for 47 Per Cent of Measles Deaths in 2010 As per a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) study, Published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, on 23 April 2012 Delhi Government increased the Minimum Wages of Workers The Delhi Government on 24 April 2012 increased the minimum wages of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers in Delhi Rajyasabha passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill 2010 The Rajaya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament, on 24 April 2012, passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill 2010 Sikkim won the Best State Award for Strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions Sikkim, on 24 April 2012, won the best state award for strengthening its panchayati raj institutions Supreme Court extended the Timeline for 2G Spectrum Auction Till 31 August 2012 The Supreme Court of India on
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24 April 2012 turned down the union governments plea to grant 400 days to complete fresh auction Study found Arctic Ocean As A Significant Contributor of Methane in The Atmosphere According to a study report published in the journal Nature Geoscience on 22 April 2012, the Arctic Ocean could be a significant contributor of methane Diversity helped Mammals to Survive During Climate Change A study published in the journal Public Library of Science One on 23 April 2012, described that the diversity is the mammal's best defense Chinas Chen Jin defeated Du Pengyu to clinch the Asian Badminton Championship Mens Singles Title The third seeded Chinas Chen Jin defeated fellow countryman and fifth seeded Du Pengyu in the mens finals of Asian Badminton Championship Supreme Court stayed Karnataka High Courts Order quashing the Appointment of Shankar Bidari As DGP The Supreme Court on 24 April 2012 stayed the Karnataka High Courts ruling to quash the appointment of Shankar Bidari Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Cabinet resigned Following The Failure of Austerity Talks The Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his Cabinet resigned on 23 April 2012 after failing to reach agreement Abhishek Manu Singhvi resigned as Congress Spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the spokesperson of the ruling Congress Party, tendered his resignation on 23 April 2012
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Vodafone acquired Cable & Wireless Worldwide in a 1 Billion Pound Deal Vodafone on 23 April 2012 acquired communications provider Cable & Wireless Worldwide (CWW) in a deal just over 1billion pound Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic to clinch His Eighth Consecutive Monte Carlo Masters Ace tennis player Rafael Nadal on 22 April 2012 clinched his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters European Union suspended Its Sanctions Against Myanmar The European Union suspended its sanctions against Myanmar on 23 April 2012 for a year Supreme Court dismissed Petition against Army ChiefDesignate Lieutenant General Bikram Singh The Supreme Court of India on 23 April 2012 dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Lieutenant General Bikram Singh as the next Army Chief

Current Affairs Week: 16 Apr 2012 to 22 Apr 2012


USAfghanistan inked Strategic Pact setting Guidelines for US Involvement in Afghanistan US and Afghanistan inked a long-awaited strategic pact on 22 April 2012 Planning Commission approved 48935 Crore Rupees for Andhra Pradesh for the Year 2012-13 The Planning Commission on 18 April 2012 approved a total plan outlayof 48935 crore rupees for Andhra Pradesh for the year 2012-13
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Reserve Bank of India directed Banks to Print MICR and IFSE code on the passbook Apex Indian bank, the Reserve Bank of India on 21 April 2012 directed all commercial banks to print the MICR and IFSE code on the passbook China's Xiao Jia Chen defeated Saina Nehwal in the Asian Badminton Championship Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal was defeated by the China's Xiao Jia Chen, in the second round of the Asian Badminton Championship 22 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Proposals worth Rs.586.137 crore approved by the Government Union government approved 22 FDI proposals, amounting to Rs.586.137 crore ($112.5 million following recommendations made by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) A Powerful 6.6-Magnitude Earthquake jolted Eastern Indonesia A strong earthquake of 6.6 magnitude hit waters off eastern Indonesia on 21 April 2012 TRAI made it mandatory for Telecom Operators to offer per second Billing Option to Customers TRAI issued a directive to all mobile phone operators in India making it mandatory for the operators to offer a per second billing option to customers Planning Commission approved the 14010 Crore Rupees Annual Plan Outlay for Kerala The Planning Commission on 20 April 2012 approved the 14010 crore rupees annual plan outlay for Kerala

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More Than 120 People killed in the Plane Crash in Pakistan A passenger aero plane crash near Islamabad in Pakistan on 20 April 2012, left more than 100 people dead Punjab National Bank slashed Lending Rates by 25 Basis Points Punjab National Bank (PNB) the second largest public sector bank on 19 April 2012 reduced lending rates Korean City of Changwon slated as the Venue for Shooting World Championship 2018 The shooting World Championship of 2018 was awarded to Korean city of Changwon on 17 April 2012 South Korean Lender Woori Bank opened its Maiden Indian Branch in Chennai South Korean lender Woori Bank on 18 April 2012 opened its maiden Indian branch in Chennai Maruti Suzuki India unveiled Multi Purpose Vehicle Ertiga Maruti Suzuki India, countrys largest car manufacturer on 12 April 2012 launched its compact multi purpose vehicle Ertiga Karnataka signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mizuho Corporate Bank of Japan Karnataka government on 19 April 2012 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mizuho Corporate Bank of Japan TRAI approved Increase in Processing Fee for Mobile Recharge Coupons priced above Rs 20 Telecom regulator TRAI on 19 April 2012 approved increase in processing fee for all mobile recharge coupons (top-up vouchers) priced above Rs 20
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India registered Highest Ever Trade Deficit of $184.9 billion in 2011-12 Exports increased by 21 per cent to $303.7 billion in 2011-12. However surging imports caused trade deficit to register a whooping $184.9 billion Union Government decided on 1 million Cap on External Commercial Borrowing for Aviation Sector Union government permitted companies engaged in aviation sector to raise working capital resources through ECBs route to the tune of $1 billion Rajasthan State Assembly passed Resolution to set up Legislative Council in the State Rajasthan State Assembly on 18 April 2012 passed a resolution to establish an upper house in the state ICICI Bank slashed Lending and Deposit Rates by 25 Basis Points Largest private sector lender ICICI Bank on 19 April 2012 slashed its lending rates by 25 basis points. On 18 April 2012 Trafigura picked up 24 Percent Equity in Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd. Trafigura Pvt. Ltd. picked up 24 percent equity in Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd (NOCL) by investing around 650 crore rupees India Successfully test-fired Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile Agni-V India on 19 April 2012 successfully test-fired its maiden nuclear-tipped inter-continental ballistic missile ( ICBM) Agni-V NTCA:337 Tigers lost their lives in India in the Last Decade NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) said in a
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reply to the RTI Query that 337 Tigers lost their lives in India in the last decade Scientists used Supercomputer to fight Alzheimers and other Brain Diseases Scientists are building a human brain. For that they are using the worlds most powerful supercomputer Higher Prices of Milk, Vegetables etc led Retail inflation to shoot up to 9.47% in March 2012 Retail inflation shot up to 9.47% in March 2012 because of higher prices of milk, vegetables, protein-based items and edible oil products Croatias Ivan Ljubicic announced Retirement from Tennis Croatias Ivan Ljubicic announced retirement from tennis on 15 April 2012 after he suffered a 6-0,6-3 defeat to Ivan Dodig Commemorative Postage Stamp released to Mark the Birth Centenary of President R. Venkataraman President Pratibha Patil released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the birth centenary of President R. Venkataraman at Rashtrapati Bhavan Union Government to liberalise External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Norms for the Power Sector Power sector companies following the liberalisation of ECB norm,s for the power sector will be able to use up to 40% of ECB loans to refinance their rupee debt International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered Indias Economic Growth Forecast to 6.9% in 2012 IMF in its
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World Economic Outlook (WEO) marginally lowered Indias economic growth forecast to 6.9% in 2012 Adarsh Judicial Commission: Land belonged to Government not the Army The Judicial Commission set up by the Maharashtra government to probe into the Adarsh Housing Society scam, held that the land on which the Adarsh building was constructed, belonged to the state government and not the Army IDBI Bank slashed its Deposit and Lending Rates IDBI Bank, the public sector lender, on 18 April 2012 cut its deposit rates by 10-50 basis points across various maturities Veteran Litterateur, Freedom Fighter and Former Minister Nityananda Mohapatra died Veteran litterateur & winner of Kendriya Sahitya Academy, freedom fighter and former Minister Nityananda Mohapatra died on 17 April 2012 at the age of 100 Defence Ministry to set up 3 Committees to accelerate Border Infrastructure Projects Defence Ministry in its meeting chaired by Defence Minister A K Antony decided to set up three new committees to accelerate procurements & border infrastructure projects BJP won All Three Municipal Corporation Elections in Delhi The BJP on 17 April 2012 claimed all the three new civic bodies carved out of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) RBI instructed Commercial Banks to Reduce their Exposure to Gold Loan Companies to 7.5% RBI instructed
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commercial banks to reduce their exposure to gold loan companies to 7.5% of their capital funds from the existing 10%

RBI barred Banks from charging Prepayment Penalty on Floating Rate Home Loans -Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 17 April 2012 banned banks from charging a prepayment penalty on floating rate home loans Audi signs up Indian Motorsport Driver Aditya Patel for Three Years - German luxury car manufacturer Audi on 13 April 2012 signed a 3 year contract with promising young motorsport driver Aditya Patel. The Fourth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit was held in New Delhi, India - The Fourth BRICS summit was held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012. The theme of the summit was BRICS partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity Serco launched its New Global Business Process Outsourcing Division - Serco, the international service company, on 12 April 2012, announced the launch of its new global business process outsourcing MoEF banned the Use of Live Animals in Dissection and other Experiments - The Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) banned the use of live animals in dissection and other experiments in educational and research institutions
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New York Times won Two 2012 Pulitzer Prizes for Explanatory and International Reporting - 2012 Pulitzer Prize was announced on 16 April 2012. The Associated Press won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting for documenting the New York Police Department's spying on Muslims Zee TV became the First Indian Channel to get Landing Right in China - Zee TV on 27 March 2012 became the first Indian channel to get a landing right in China Star Group ended its Joint Venture with Indian Television Rupert Murdoch led Star Group on 16 april 2012 decided to put an end over its joint venture with its Indian television news channel partner Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga elected New Chairman of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) - Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga succeeded ucceeded Terry McGraw III as the next chairman of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) Himachal Pradesh celebrated 65 Years of its Foundation Himachal Pradesh, the northern hilly state, completed 65 years of its foundation on 15 April 2012 India and the UAE signed an agreement to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty - India and the UAE on 16 April 2012 signed an agreement in Abu Dhabi to amend the double taxation avoidance treaty, paving the way for greater sharing of tax related information Rajasthan Government decided to provide Electricity Connections in Desert Areas - The Rajasthan Government
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decided to provide electricity connections in remote desert areas through solar power plants Scientists discovered a Combination of Proteins involved in Prostate Disorders - Scientists recently discovered a combination of proteins involved in prostate disorders. This could pave the way for effective and better treatments Korean-born American Health Expert Jim Yong Kim selected to head the World Bank - Korean-born American health expert Jim Yong Kim chosen to succeed Robert Zoellick as the chief of World Bank Pakistani Scientist Mohammed Khalil Chishty released on Bail from Ajmer Jail - Pakistani scientist Mohammed Khalil Chishty was released on bail from Ajmer jail on 11 April 2012 World Trade Organisation (WTO) pegged World Trade Growth at 3.7 per cent for 2012 - World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 11 April 2012 pegged world trade growth at 3.7 per cent for 2012 thereby projecting a further slowdown in world trade Union Cabinet approved Bill seeking Amendment in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 - The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its approval to the introduction of a Bill seeking an amendment in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 Union Cabinet gave its approval to the Public Procurement Bill - Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its nod to the
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Public Procurement Bill. The bill is aimed at bringing transparency in the bidding process for public procurement Taliban attacked Kabul and Three Other Provinces of Afghanistan -Taliban militants on 15 April 2012, unleashed a string of attack in the high profile diplomatic pockets, NATO bases and Parliament of Kabul capital city of Afghanistan Study found Himalayan Glaciers defying Global Melting Trend -A new study revealed that contrary to the global trend of melting glaciers a few glaciers in the Himalayas mountain range have gained a small amount of mass Food Corporation of India (FCI) notified 10 Sites in States for Construction of Modern Silos/Mandis - FCI notified 10 sites in States for construction of modern silos for storing food-grains for the public distribution system FDI Inflows into Indias Services Sector in India went up by 62% during April-January period 2011-12 -Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the services sector in India went up by 62% during April-January period 2011-12 DoTs Power to impose Penalty on Operators for not completing Customer Verification upheld by TDSAT -DoT's power to impose penalty on operators for not completing formalities of customer verification for security purposes upheld by tribunal TDSAT

Current Affairs Week: 09 Apr 2012 to 15 Apr 2012

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SP MLA, Mata Prasad Pandey unanimously elected Speaker of the 16th Uttar Pradesh Assembly - Samajwadi Party MLA Mata Prasad Pandey was unanimously elected Speaker of the 16th Uttar Pradesh Assembly on 13 April 2012 Adarsh Judicial Commission set up by Maharashtra Government submitted Interim Report - Two-member Adarsh Judicial Commission set up to probe into the scam-tainted Adarsh Housing Society submitted its interim report on 13 April 2012 Scientists found Diarrhoea Bug called Dientamoeba Fragilis in Pigs Italian Scientists in the second week of April 2012 found an intestinal parasite in pigs called Dientamoeba Fragilis Factory Output measured by Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.1% in February 2012 - Factory output grew by a mere 4.1 per cent in February on account of contraction in segments such as consumer durables Supreme Court upheld the Constitutional Validity of the RTE Act, 2009 - The Supreme Court of India on 12 April 2012 upheld the constitutional validity of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which mandates 25 per cent free seats to the poor in government and private unaided schools Credit Rating Agency Moody's downgraded the Local Currency Rating of ONGC and GAIL - Credit rating agency Moody's downgraded the local currency rating of ONGC to Baa1 from A2 and that of GAIL to Baa2 from A3 Union Cabinet approved a Proposal to set up SPV for Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) - Union Cabinet approved a proposal to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) Union Cabinet approved Extension of Funding for Swavalamban Scheme - Union Cabinet approved the extension of funding support for
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implementing the Swavalamban Scheme under NPS from three years to five years Cabinet approved Public Procurement Bill & Ad-valorem Regime for Calculating Royalty for Coal - Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 12 April 2012 also approved an ad-valorem regime for calculating royalty for coal & lignite Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Rs 30000 crore Bailout for Air India - Union government approved Rs 30000 crore bailout for Air India. Rs 6750 crore would be infused immediately to meet the airline's working capital requirement

Union Cabinet approved Indias National Communication to UNFCCC on Climate Change - The Union Cabinet of India on 12 April 2012 approved India`s Second National Communication to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Shiva Thapa became the Youngest Indian Boxer to qualify for Olympics -Sports Current Affairs 2012. The 18-year-old Shiva Thapa (56kg category) on 11 April 2012 became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics Earthquake of 8.7 Magnitude that hit Aceh Province of Indonesia sparked Tsunami Alert - Powerful earthquake of 8.7 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Aceh province of Indonesia on 11 April 2012 Syrian Government announced Ceasefire against Rebels The Syrian government announced ceasefire against rebels on 12 April 2012. There would be no military operations against rebels E-filing of Returns compulsory for Individuals with Income above Rs 10 lakh - Union government made it mandatory for individuals with income above Rs 10 lakh to file their tax returns 2011-12 onwards electronically
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Supreme Court: Furnish Details of Mercy Petitions filed by Death Row Convicts - The Supreme Court of India on 11 April 2012 directed seven states to furnish within 48 hours, details of mercy petitions filed by death row convicts The Seventh Meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi- The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on 11 April 2012

-Former Tamil Nadu State secretary of the CPI(M) and three-time MLA, N. Varadarajan, died in Chennai on 10 April 2012

-The President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure resigned on 8 April 2012 following the
agreement signed with the mediators

-FIIs permitted to invest 23% in Indian Commodity

Exchanges without Government Approval on 10th april -TTK Prestige signed a business collaboration arrangement with Vestergaard Frandsen of Switzerland on 10 April 2012
-ADB in its flagship annual publication ADO projected moderate increase in growth rate for India to 7 percent in 2012-13. -India and Germany on 10 April 2012 decided to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development. -The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court directed the Union government of India and the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that there is no reporting on movement of troops by the print or electronic media on 10th april -India and Qatar signed six agreements, including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration. The agreements were signed in New Delhi during the visit of Qatars Emir -Scientists identified two genes called OLFM4 and HOXB5 that increase the risk of common childhood obesity

-Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal won the $120000 El Gouna International Open
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-NABARD to double Concessional Lending towards building Warehouses in Punjab - NABARD declared its intent to double its concessional
lending towards building new warehouses for food grain storage to Rs. 500 crore in Punjab

Assam registered a 14 Percent Increase in the Rhinos Population in Last Three Years -Assam registered a 14 per cent increase in
the Rhinos population in last three years. The number of Rhinos in the state is now over 2 thousand five hundred in the latest census

Aung San Suu Kyi won a Parliamentary Seat in a Historic By-Election - Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi won a parliamentary
seat in a historic by-election. It set the stage for her to take public office

Chinas Best-known Dissidents and Astrophysicist, Fang Lizhi died in exile in the US - Chinas best-known dissidents, Fang Lizhi who
became a prominent figure during the 1989 pro-democracy movement died in exile in US on 6 April 2012

India recorded 25% of Deliveries by Untrained Hands in 2010 as per Indias Sample Registration Data - According to the
registrar general of Indias latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2010 data, two in 10 women in India received medical attention by a qualified professional in 2010 while delivering at home

India appointed Amarendra Khatua as its Special Envoy to South Sudan and Sudan - India appointed Amarendra Khatua as its special envoy
to South Sudan and Sudan to broker peace between the two countries

Sub-committee suggested Creation of a National fund for Urban Transport Projects - Sub-Committee on Financing Urban Infrastructure
recommended creation of a national fund for urban transport projects in the 12th Plan, resource for which can be generated through taxes on vehicles & petrol consumption

Pottery and Iron age Megaliths belonging to the preMegalithic Period discovered in Tamil Nadu - Pottery and iron age
megaliths dated to the pre-Megalithic/Iron Age period in T.N. 1,800 BC-1,500 BC found at Mandapam village in Tamil Nadu

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Current Affairs Week: 02 Apr 2012 to 08 Apr 2012


Indian Boxer Vijender Singh qualified for the London Olympics - In Boxing, India's Vijender Singh on 8 April 2012 qualified for the London
Olympics in the 75-kilogram category

USA and Afghanistan signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Night Raids - United States of America and
Afghanistan on 8 April 2012 signed MoU on the controversial issue of conduct of night raids on Afghan homes

BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) won British Safety Award - BSES Yamuna Power limited (BPYL) won the prestigious 54th British
International Safety Award

Arab League Summit was held in Baghdad, Capital of Iraq


The Arab league summit was held in Baghdad from 27 March 2012 to 29 March 2012. The three-day summit was hosted by Iraq for the first time since 1990

Scientists unearthed Fossilized Bones of a Foot in Ethiopia


Scientists in the first week of April 2012 unearthed fossilized bones of a foot in Ethiopia which they believe could be of a new species of human

PHF called off Three-nation International Hockey Tournament - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on 4 April 2012 called off its planned
three-nation international hockey tournament after India pulled out of the event

ONGC signed MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with US Oil Major ConocoPhillips - State-owned ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation) on 5 April 2012 signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US oil major ConocoPhillips to conduct a joint study of shale gas potential in all domestic basins

Indias Atomic Energy Regulatory Board became the 11th Member of MEDP - Indias Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was admitted as the
11th member of MEDP (Multinational Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012

28

Kerala imposed 10 Per Cent Power Cut on Industrial Consumers - The Kerala government on 4 April 2012 decided to impose a 10 per cent
power cut on industrial consumers

India and Britain held the Fifth Ministerial level India-UK Economic Financial Dialogue - India and Britain held the fifth ministerial level
India-UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2 April 2012

India and UAE signed an agreement to ease the entry of Indian Contract Workers in the Emirates - India and UAE signed an
agreement on 4 April 2012 to ease the entry of Indian contract workers in the Emirates

USA eased Travel and Financial Sanctions against Myanmar


The USA eased some sanctions against Myanmar which includes travel and financial sanctions

Indian Navy inducted Russian-Origin Nuclear Submarine INS Chakra - The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian-origin nuclear
submarine, INS Chakra, into its flotilla

Odisha Government decided to release 15 Members of Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh - The Odisha government on 4 April 2012 decided to release
eight Left wing extremists and 15 members of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangh

Scientists identified a New Hormone that can Lower a Persons Blood Sugar Level - Scientists identified a new hormone that can
lower a persons blood sugar level. It could pave the way for more effective diabetes treatment

Supreme Court dismissed the Review Petitions filed by Seven Telecom Companies - The Supreme Court of India on 4 April 2012
quashed the review petitions filed by seven telecom companies, whose license was cancelled by the Supreme Court

Qatar rejected Iraqs request to hand over Tareq Al Hashemi to Face Terror Charges in Baghdad - Qatar rejected Iraq's
request to hand over the nation's fugitive Tareq Al Hashemi to face terror charges in Baghdad

29

James Murdoch stepped down as the Chairman of British Sky Broadcasting - James Murdoch on 3 April 2012 resigned as the Chairman of
satellite broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting, BSkyB. Murdoch was forced to step down

Supreme Court quashed the Cap on Rickshaws plying in Delhi - The Supreme Court of India on 3 April 2012, upheld the Delhi High Court ruling of
quashing a cap on number of rickshaws plying in Delhi

Reserve Bank of India tightened the Reporting Requirements of the Banks to Monitor Gold Import - As per
RBI's directions, banks will have to submit a monthly statement informing the central bank about the quantity of gold imported & mode of payment adopted

Japan extended the Sanctions against North Korea for One Year - The Japanese government on 2 April 2012 decided to extend the sanctions against
North Korea for one year. The sanctions, expiring 13th of April, ban all imports from and exports to North Korea

Tamil Nadu Government announced to Subsidize Power Tariff Increase - Tamil Nadu government on 3 April 2012 announced to subsidise part
of power tariff increase for domestic consumers

Geeta Kumari made a History, became the First Indian Woman Wrestler to Qualify for Olympics - Geeta Kumari, the woman
wrestler, won a gold in 55kg category at the ongoing Asian qualifying tournament in Astana

Supreme Court sought Details of 18 Mercy Plea Pending Before the President India's Exports grew by an Annual 4.2% in February 2012 on account of Difficult Global Conditions - India's exports grew by an
annual 4.2% in February 2012 to USD 24.6 billion

S Narsing Rao appointed as the New CMD of Coal India Limited - Coal India Limited ( CIL) on 3 April 2012 appointed S Narsing Rao as its full
time Chairman and Managing Director

30

Jammu & Kashmir High Court Chief Justice F. M. Ibrahim Kalifulla sworn in as Supreme Court Judge - J&K HC Chief Justice F.
M. Ibrahim Kalifulla was sworn in as Supreme Court judge on 2 April 2012. CJI S. H. Kapadia administered the oath of office to him

Cyrus Mistry and OP Bhatt joined the Board of Directors of Tata Consultancy Services - Tata Sons deputy chairman Cyrus Mistry and
former SBI group chairman OP Bhatt joined the board of directors of Tata Consultancy Services

Lieutenant-General Gautam Ravindranath appointed as Director General Medical Services (Army) - Lieutenant-General
Gautam Ravindranath on 31 March 2012 took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army)

Priti Mohanty took over as Controller General of Defence Accounts - 1977 batch Indian Defence Accounts Service Officer, Priti Mohanty took over
as Controller General of Defence Accounts

RBI released September 2011 Quarterly Statistics on Deposits & Credit of Scheduled Commercial Bank - RBI released
data related to deposits & credit of scheduled commercial banks including regional rural banks as on 30 September 2011

Union Bank of India appointed D Sarkar as Chairman and Managing Director - Public Sector Lender, Union Bank of India, on 1 April 2012
appointed D. Sarkar as its Chairman and Managing Director

ADB approved 43.84 Million Dollar Loan to promote Tourism in Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand - The Union Government of
India, Asian Development Bank, and State Governments of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand

Jagran Prakashan Limited acquired Hindi National Daily Nai Dunia in a 150 Crore Rupees Deal - Jagran Prakashan Limited (JPL),
the publisher of the Indias largest read daily Dainik Jagran, on 2 April 2012 bought Suvi Info Management

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Star TV won the Broadcasting Rights of Indian Cricket Team in a 3851 Crore Rupees Bid - Star TV on 2 April 2012 won the rights
to broadcast Indian cricket for next six years in a bid to the tune of 3851 crore rupees

Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Maria Sharapova to clinch Miami Masters Title - Fourth seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, on 31 March 2012,
defeated Russian Tennis star Maria Sharapova to clinch Miami Masters women singles Title

Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek claimed the Doubles Title of Miami Masters - Seventh seeded, Indo-Czeck pair of Leander Paes and
Radek Stepanek claimed the doubles title of Miami Masters

31 people killed as ATR-72 Passenger Plane Crashed in Siberia - At least 31 people killed and several left injured in passenger plane crash in
Siberia on 2 April 2012

Former BCCI President and Union Minister NKP Salve passed away in New Delhi - Former Union Minister NKP Salve who had
succeeded Barrister S.K. Wankhede as BCCI president in 1982 died on 1 April 2012 in New Delhi

Top Seeded Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray to lift Miami Masters Trophy - World number one Novak Djokovic won the Miami
Masters title on 1 April 2012. Djokovic defeated fourth seeded Andy Murray

SEBI decided to Enforce Broad Guidelines for Algorithmic Trading in the Securities Market - SEBI issued broad guidelines on
Algorithmic Trading based on recommendations of technical advisory committee (TAC) & secondary market advisory committee (SMAC)

Current Affairs Week: 26 Mar 2012 to 01 Apr 2012


Former Haryana Chief Secretary Urvashi Gulati sworn in as State Information Commissioner - Former Haryana chief secretary Urvashi
Gulati was sworn in as Haryana state information commissioner (SIC) on 1 April 2012

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Tuareg Rebels consolidated their hold on Northern Mali


Tuareg rebels on 1 April 2012 tightened their grip on northern Mali. It seized control of a key city called Gao

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar tabled the State Budget for 2012-13 - Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who also holds the
Finance portfolio, presented the state budget on 26 March 2012

DRS Chaudhary appointed as the New Secretary for Ministry of Steel - DRS Chaudhary on 30 march 2012 was appointed as the new
Secretary of Ministry of Steel. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee

Governments Fiscal Deficit in the April-February Period of 2011-12 stood at Rs 4.93 lakh crore - As per CGA data, union
governments fiscal deficit during the April-February period of 2011-12 stood at Rs 4.93 lakh crore, or 95% of the revised estimates

India hosted the BRICS Summit for the First Time on 29 March 2012 - India hosted the BRICS summit for the first time on 29 March 2012. It was
the fourth BRICS summit

Unitech approached Court against Estranged Joint Venture Partner Telenor- Indian real state firm Unitech Limited on 30 March 2012 moved a
local court, seeking to prevent partner Telenor

US Senate confirmed Career Diplomat Nancy Powell as Ambassador to India - US Senate on 30 March 2012 confirmed career diplomat
Nancy Powell as ambassador to India

Karnataka High Court quashed the Appointment of Shankar Bidari as the State DGP- Karnataka high court on 31 March 2012
quashed the appointment of Shankar Bidari as state DGP and IG

Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh visited South Korea - The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh visited South Korea on 25 March
2012
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Vanya Mishra crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2012 at the 49th Edition of the Pageant - Chandigarh girl
Vanya Mishra crowned as the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2012 in the grand finale of the 49th edition of the beauty pageant on 30 March 2012 in Mumbai

NTPC Board approved 17000 Crore Rupees Investment in Two Power Projects in Maharashtra - The National Thermal Power
Corporation Limited (NTPC) board on 30 March 2012 approved an investment of over 17000 crore rupees

Food Ministry increased Interest Rate on Loans provided from Sugar Development Fund to 7.5% - Food Ministry increased the
interest rate on loans provided to sugar factories from Sugar Development Fund (SDF) to 7.5% from the earlier 4% from 14 February 2012

National Green Tribunal suspended the Environment Clearance Granted to Posco's Steel Project - The National Green
Tribunal on 30 March 2012 suspended the environment clearance granted to Posco's mega steel project in Orissa in January 2011

Hinduja Energy formed Joint Venture with Steag Energy Services of Germany - Hinduja Energy India, a subsidiary of Hinduja Group, on 29
March 2012, formed a joint venture with Steag Energy Services

Chhattisgadh Chief Minister Raman Singh presented the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13 - Chhattisgadh Chief Minister
Raman Singh, who holds the additional portfolio of finance department, presented the state budget 2012-13

CVC reconstituted the Advisory Board on Bank, Commercial and Financial Frauds - The Central Vigilance Commission
(CVC) on 29 March 2012, reconstituted the advisory board on bank, commercial and financial frauds

Astronomers in Europe discovered an Ancient Planetary System - Astronomers discovered an ancient planetary system, which belonged to one of the
earliest cosmic eras, 13 billion years ago
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Supreme Court refused to Pass Order on Clemency Petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana - The Supreme Court of India on 30 March 2012
refused to pass any order on a mercy petition in the death sentence to Balwant Singh Rajoana

IRDA notified Upward Revision of Premium Rates for Motor Third Party Liability Only Cover - IRDA notified in March 2012
that premium rates for motor third party liability only cover will undergo an upward revision beginning 1 April 2012

Tata Motors increased the Prices of Commercial Vehicles by 5000 rupees to 60000 rupees - Tata Motors on 29 March 2012 increased the
prices of its commercial vehicles (CV) by 5000 rupees to 60000 rupees

West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra tabled the budget for 2012-13 - The West Bengal government on 23 March 2012 presented a higher plan
outlay of 23371.44 crore in the budget for 2012-13

The Dalai Lama declared Winner of One of World's Leading Religion Prizes, Templeton Prize for 2012 - John
Templeton Foundation to honour Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama with the Templeton Prize for 2012 in recognition of his work on science and religion

Planning Commission approved Plan Outlay of 2250 Crore Rupees for Tripura - The Planning Commission of India on 29 March 2012
approved 2250 crore rupees plan allocation for Tripura for financial year 2012-13

Eight Core Infrastructure Industries registered a robust 6.8% Growth in Output in February 2012 - As per the data on the core
industries released on 29 March 2012, eight core infrastructure industries registered a robust 6.8 per cent growth in output in February 2012

Scientists discovered the Human Gene IFTIM3 that turned Flu into a Killer - Scientists discovered the genetic flaw that explains the reason why
flu makes some people seriously ill. They in fact found a human gene called IFTIM3 that influences how people respond to flu infections

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Shyamala Gopinath appointed as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board on Financial Frauds - Central Vigilance Commission
(CVC) on 29 March 2012 appointed Shyamala Gopinath as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board on Bank, Commercial and Financial Frauds

Fourth BRICS (BRAZIL, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit was held in New Delhi - The Fourth BRICS Summit was
held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012. The theme of the Summit was BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity

Infosys co-founder Narain Murthy named in the Fortunes List of 12 Greatest Entrepreneurs - Infosys co-founder Narain Murthy, on
28 March 2012, got his name figured in the list of 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time

Seoul Nuclear Security Summit was held on 26-27 March 2012 - Seoul nuclear security summit was held on 26-27 March 2012 in South Korea. The
next Nuclear Security Summit will be held in 2014 in the Netherlands

Syria accepted the UN Peace Plan to end Violence in Country - Syria on 27 March 2012 accepted the 19-point UN peace plan to end violence in
country

Hyundai Motor India launched iGen i20 with price up to 7.67 lakh rupees - Hyundai Motor India on 28 March 2012 launched a new version of
its car i20 priced up to 7.67 lakh rupees

Air India Board approved the Direct Import of Jet Fuel


Corporate Current Affairs 2012. Air India's board of directors on 27 March 2012 approved the direct import of jet fuel

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Panneerselvam presented Revenue Surplus Budget - Tamil Nadu finance minister O Panneerselvam on 26
March 2012 presented a revenue surplus Budget for the state

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile test-fired successfully


BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile, was successfully test-fired on 28 March 2012 by BrahMos Aerospace, off the coast of Odisha

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Second Nuclear Security Summit was held in Seoul, Capital of South Korea - The second nuclear security summit was held in Seoul, capital of
South Korea on 26-27 March 2012

World Bank approved 109-million Dollar Grant for Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project - The World Bank
on 28 March 2012 approved a 109-million dollar grant to fund Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project

NASA Spacecraft found Evidence of Water Ice at Mercury's Poles - A NASA spacecraft called Messenger discovered further evidence for the existence of
water ice at Mercury's poles

State Bank of India hiked Interest Rates on Retail Term Deposits to 8 Per Cent - Indias largest public sector Lender, State Bank of India,
on 27 March 2012, increased interest rates on retail term deposits

Israel snapped Working Relations with the United Nations Human Rights Council - Israel on 25 March 2012 snapped working relations with
the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

Reserve Bank of India released the Fair Practices Code for NBFCs - RBI on 26 March 2012 restructured the fair practices code (FPC) to be adopted by
non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) while doing lending business

Union Government approved 7 Per Cent Hike in DA for its Employees and Pensioners - The union government on 23 March 2012 gave its
consent to a seven percentage increase in the rate of dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners

Naxalites killed Eleven CRPF Personals in Maharashtra Naxalites killed eleven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men and left several others injured in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra on 27 March 2012

Interest Rates on Post Office-operated Small Savings raised by 0.5 per cent - Union government raised interest rates on post office-operated small
savings like Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) by up to 0.5%
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Coup in Mali Ousted its President Amadou Toumani Toure


Rebel troops in Mali ousted its President Amadou Toumani Toure on 22 March 2012. They blamed the government for faling to curb Tuareg insurgency

Marathi Poet and Sahitya Akademi Award Winner, Manik Godghate passed away in Pune - Marathi poet and Sahitya Akademi
awardwinner, Manik Godghate popularly known as Grace passed away in Pune on 26 March 2012

Union Government reduced the Import Tariff Value of Gold to USD 530 per 10 grams - Union government on 23 March 2012 reduced the
import tariff value of gold from USD 573 per 10 grams to USD 530 per 10 grams

Union Cabinet approved setting up of a Urban Poor Housing Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust - Union Cabinet approved the setting
up of a credit risk guarantee fund trust with an initial corpus of Rs. 1200 crore to with an objective to encourage housing for low-income groups

Union Power Ministry did not approve of Gas Price Pooling Mechanism within the Power Sector - Union Power Ministry did not
approve of the gas price pooling mechanism within the power terming it as non-workable

2200-Year-Old Tamil-Brahmi Inscription found at Samanamalai in Madurai District - A 2200-year old Tamil-Brahmi inscription
belonging to the second century BC, discovered at Samanamalai in Madurai district

Current Affairs Week: 19 Mar 2012 to 25 Mar 2012


Bangladesh Government decided to honour 47 Indians who helped in the Countrys Liberation War - The Bangladesh government
decided to honour 132 foreign leaders, intellectuals, cultural personalities and organisations who helped in the country's Liberation war of 1971

Goa Tourism Minister Matanhy Saldanha died of Heart Attack - Tourism Minister of Goa Matanhy Saldanha, died of a heart attack on 21 March
2012.Saldanha 64, also held the portfolios of Science and Environment
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India and the World Bank signed an IDA Credit of 152 Million US Dollars - India and the World Bank on 21 March 2012 signed an IDA
credit of 152 million US dollars to finance the Indian governments efforts to help improve the efficiency, quality and accountability of health services in Uttar Pradesh

ICICI launched New Card Product named Sapphiro for the Super Rich - ICICI Bank on 20 March 2012, launched a new card product for the super
rich class and the banks Wealth Management customers

Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda presented a Revenue Surplus Budget for 2012-13 - Karnataka Chief Minister DV
Sadananda Gowda tabled a revenue surplus budget on 21 March 2012 in the Karnataka Assembly

China raised the Price of Petrol by 6 Percent and Diesel by 7 Percent - China increased the price of petrol by 6 percent and diesel by 7 percent for the
second time in 2012

National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel backdated the Commencement of One-Year Suspension of Four Athletes
The National Anti-Doping Appeal Panel (NADAP) on 20 March 2012 ruled that the sample collection dates were being chosen as commencement date of suspension

Finance Ministry set up a Committee to Address the Steep Rise in Bad Loans Finance ministry set up a committee to address rise of bad loans
after Moodys downgraded UBI one notch due to its high level of troubled assets and low provisions for coverage

Delhi topped in the Per Capita Deposits in year 2011-12 - Delhi


topped Goa, the smallest Indian state by area and fourth smallest by population, secured a nationwide third rank in per capita deposits

Delhi Cabinet approved Transfer of 621 Crores Rupees for KMP Expressway - The Delhi Cabinet on 19 March 2012 approved transfer of 621
crore rupees to the National Highway Authority of India for constructing Kundli-ManesarPalwal (KMP Expressway)
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West Bengal appointed Shahrukh Khan as its Brand Ambassador - West Bengal government on 13 February 2012, appointed Sharukh Khan
as the brand ambassador for the state

CCEA approved exploration of 16 blocks under the 9th Round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy - The Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), on 23 March 2012, granted the exploration of 16 blocks under the Ninth Round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy

Number of People living Below Poverty Line in Sikkim came down to 80000 - As per the estimates released by the Planning Commission for year
2009-10, the number of people living below poverty line in North-Eastern State Sikkim

Union Cabinet approved the Marriage laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 - The Union Cabinet of India on 23 March 2012 approved the redrafted
Marriage laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010. The bill seeks to give a woman share in her husbands property

Haryana Finance Minister presented a Deficit Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13 - Haryana Finance Minister H S Chatha on 5 March 2012
presented a 610.46 crore rupees deficit budget for fiscal year 2012-13

M.C. Mary Kom and Sarita won Gold Medals in the Asian Women's Boxing Championship - Indian women boxers M.C. Mary Kom
and Sarita on 25 March 2012, clinched two gold medals in the Asian women's boxing championship at Ulaanbaatar

Harsh Pati Singhania took over as the President of International Chamber of Commerce India - Harsh Pati Singhania,
Managing Director, JK Paper Ltd, on 23 March 2012 took over as the President of International Chamber of Commerce

SC permitted Union Health Ministry to go ahead with Online Counselling to fill up PG Medical Seats - Union Health
Ministry was permitted by the Supreme Court on 23 March 2012 to adopt the online counseling for filling postgraduate medical seats

40

Ferrari Driver Fernando Alonso won the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix - Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso on 25 March 2012, won
the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix

Abd-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi became the President of Yemen


Abd-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi became the President of Yemen, a West-Asian country, on 27 February 2012

Bank of Baroda opened 1001 Ultra Small Branches Across India - Bank of Baroda, the public sector lender, on 22 March 2012 launched 1001 ultra
small branches to provide banking services to the people of villages

Tamilnadu Literacy Rate reached an All New High, touched 80 Per Cent Mark - Tamilnadu over the lat one decade witnessed a hike of 7 per cent
in its overall literacy rate. The state touched an all new high literacy rate of 80.33 per cent

UNHRC resolution against Sri Lankas Human rights was adopted in Geneva - UN human rights council in Geneva adopted a resolution
against Sri Lanka's Human rights record. 24 countries including India voted for the resolution

UN Human Rights Council passed a Resolution calling for a Probe into Israeli Settlements - UN Human Rights Council on 21 March 2012
passed a resolution in Geneva calling for a probe into Israeli settlements in occupied territories

Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy rolled back the Railway Fare Hike as proposed by Dinesh Trivedi - Union Rail Minister Mukul
Roy withdrew the hike for second class suburban & non-suburban & sleeper class travel fare by 2 paise, 3 paise & 5 paise per km

The Union Government of India notified NCTC (National Counter Terrorism Centre) - The Union Government of India on 3 February
2012 notified the setting up of the anti-terror body called National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)

Supreme Court:Caretakers cant Claim Ownership of Property - The Supreme Court of India ruled that one cannot acquire title to a property
only because he or she had been allowed to stay in the premises for long
41

Tamil Writer A A Manavalan to be Awarded Saraswati Samman 2011 for his Book on Ramayana - Tamil writer A A
Manavalan was selected for Saraswati Samman for 2011 for his book on Ramayana, Irama Kathaiyum Iramayakalum

Microsoft adopted Five Girls School in Bihar for Computer Training - Microsoft, worlds leading IT company on 23 March 2012 took up five girl
schools in Bihar under Digital Literacy Programme

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh to lift Asia Cup Trophy 2012


Pakistan defeated host Bangladesh to lift Asia Cup Cricket Trophy on 22 March 2012

Scientists discovered the Biological Clue to Male Baldness


Scientists discovered the biological clue to male baldness. It increased the chances of a treatment to stop or even reverse hair-loss

Skoda Auto India increased the Price of All Cars by 2.2 to 5.1 Per Cent - Skoda Auto India on 23 March 2012 hiked the price of its cars by 2.2
5.1 per cent

NABARD sanctioned 423 Crore Rupees Loan Assistance for Narmada Link Projects in Gujarat - The National Bank for Agriculture
and Rural Development (Nabard) on 22 February 2012 sanctioned a 423 crore rupees loan assistance to the Gujarat

World Water Day observed Worldwide, Main Event Held in Rome - International World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March with an objective
to focus attention on the importance of freshwater

UN Security Council supported Kofi Annans Plan to end Syria Unrest - The United Nations Security Council on 20 March 2012 adopted a
statement supporting U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's plan to try to end Syria's year-long unrest

CP Gurnani appointed as the CEO of Mahindra SatyamTech Mahindra - Mahindra Satyam-Tech Mahindra, the 2.4-billion dollar
conglomerate appointed C.P. Gurnani, as the CEO of the company

42

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal presented the budget for 2012-13 - Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem
Kumar Dhumal on 19 March 2012 presented his fifth budget in the State Assembly

Pakistan switched over to a Negative List Regime for Trade with India - The Pakistan government on 20 March 2012 issued the Statutory Regulatory
Order (SRO) for switching over to a negative list regime for trade with India. As per SRO, the import of 1209 Indian products will be included in the negative list

By Not Auctioning Coal Blocks between 2004 & 2009 Government incurred a Loss of Rs 10.67 lakh crore - Draft report
titled Performance Audit Of Coal Block Allocations by CAG stated that the government lost Rs 10.67 lakh crore by not auctioning coal blocks between 2004 and 2009

Legendary Bengali Actor Soumitra Chatterjee selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2012 - Versatile Bengali actor Soumitra
Chatterjee who portrayed a versatile range of lead characters in films by Satyajit Ray was named for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2012

Tata Consultancy Services opened Centre of Excellence for Oracle - Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the IT services, consulting, and business
solutions giant on 20 March 2012 opened its Centre of Excellence for Oracle

Hackett Group's Report stated Offshoring of Jobs to India is likely to End in Eight Years Time - According to Nasscom, captive
offshoring units of large banks, insurance companies and retailers contribute $14 billion to Indias $100-billion IT-BPO industry

A Gas-filled Aspirin was invented by the Scientist to fight Cancer - A scientist from Iran developed a gas-filled aspirin that can enhance the cancerfighting ability of the drug. The new Aspirin was dubbed NOSH

Supreme Court of India dismissed Union Governments Petition in Vodafone Tax Case - The Supreme Court of India on 20 March
2012 rejected the plea of the union government in which it had sought a review of supreme court 20 January 2012 ruling

43

Union Minister Mukul Roy replaced Dinesh Trivedi as the Union Railway Minister - Union Minister Mukul Roy was on 20 March 2012
sworn in as the Union Railway Minister by President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi

Prices of Protein Items, Edible Oil Products pushed Retail Inflation to 8.83% in February 2012 - Retail inflation stood at 8.83% in
February 2012 as a result of higher prices of protein based items, edible oil products and manufactured goods

Tamil Nadu Government agreed for Commissioning of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project -The Tamil Nadu Government
agreed for commissioning of the 1000 MW Kudankulam nuclear power project on 19 March 2012

Indian Ace Badminton Player Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Trophy - World no five Saina Nehwal retained the
Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold trophy by defeating China's Shixian Wang in Switzerland on 18 March 2012

SIPRL Report: India emerged as the Largest Importer of Arms in the World - As per the report released by Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRL) on 19 March 2012, India emerged as the worlds largest importer of arms in 2007-2011

A New Frog Species called Fejervarya Sengupti was found in Meghalaya - A new frog species was found by researchers in the second week of March
2012 at Mawphlang, about 25 kilometre from Shilong, capital of Meghalaya

Pro-democracy Activist Joachim Gauck elected as Germany's New President - Former East German pro-democracy activist
Joachim Gauck succeeded Christian Wulff as Germany's new president

Tata Motors hiked Prices of Passenger Vehicles by up to 35000 rupees - Auto giant Tata Motors on 19 March 2012 increased prices of its
passenger vehicles, including the Nano, by up to 35000 rupees

44

Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and Lakshadweep Signed MoU Under the ISSP - Four States namely Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and
Lakshadweep on 16 March 2012 signed MoU with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation under the Indian Statistical Strengthening Project (ISSP)

Assam Government earmarked 24199 lakh Rupees on Implementation of NRLM - Assam government on 17 March 2012 earmarked
24199 lakh rupees on implementation of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), for 201213

Current Affairs Week: 12 Mar 2012 to 18 Mar 2012


Niger declared the Termit Massif and Tin Toumma Desert as a National Nature and Cultural Reserve - The Government of
Niger, in the first week of March 2012, declared the whole area-the Termit Massif and Tin Toumma desert- to be a national nature and culture reserve

Union Rail Minister Dinesh Trivadi tendered his Resignation - Union Rail Minister Dinesh Trivedi, tendered his resignation on 18 March
2012 to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Akhilesh Yadav sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh - Akhilesh Yadav,38, of Samajwadi Party, was sworn in as the 33 rd Chief
Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 15 March 2012

Union Budget 2012-13: Tax Proposals- The tax proposals in the Union
budget 2012-13 were guided by the need to move towards the Direct Tax Code(DTC) in the case of direct taxes and Goods & Services Tax (GST) in the case of indirect taxes

Union Budget 2012-13: Highlights


Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 16 March 2012, tabled the union budget in the parliament for the financial year 2012-13. Mukharjee, who presented the fourth annual budget after he took over as the finance minister in 2008, seemed to focus on the recovery of the domestic economy.

The budget 2012-13 aims at achieving the rapid growth for the economy which remained on a downward spiral all through the fiscal year 2011-12. Finance Minister in the budget paid due attention on developing the conditions for economic growth. The budget estimated the Indian economy to grow at 7.6% in the fiscal year 2012-13.
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Given below are the highlights of the budget 2012-13: Total expenditure in 2012-13 seen at 14.9 trillion rupees, up 29 percent Plan expenditure budgeted at 521.25 billion rupees in 2012-13, up 18 percent Economy expected to grow at 7.6 percent in 2012-13, plus or minus 0.25 percent Income-tax exemption limit raised to 2 lakh rupees from 180000 rupees Fiscal deficit seen at 5.1 percent of GDP in 2012-13 Net market borrowing seen at 4.8 trillion rupees in 2012-13 Proposes to raise service tax rate to 12 percent from 10 percent Gross tax receipts seen at 10.8 trillion rupees in 2012-13 Non-tax revenue seen at 1.64 trillion rupees in 2012-13 Proposes to levy tax on all services except 17 items in the negative list from 2012-13 No change in corporate tax rates Allow external commercial borrowing of up to 1 billion dollar to raise working capital for airlines industry for 1 year To allow qualified foreign investors in Indian corporate debt markets To allow external commercial borrowing to part finance rupee debt in power projects Allocates 1.94 trillion rupees for defence in 2012-13, up from 1.64 trillion rupees in previous year To award contracts to build 8800 km of roads in 2012-13 15888 crore rupees to be provided for capitalization of public sector banks and financial institutions Investment in 12th Plan in infrastructure to go upto 5000000 crore rupees; half of this is expected from private sector Allocation of Road Transport and Highways Ministry enhanced by 14 per cent to 25360 crore rupees 5000 crore rupees India Opportunities Venture Fund to help small enterprises Allocation to agriculture enhanced; RKVY gets 9217 crore rupees; BGREI gets 1000 crore rupees;.2242 crore rupees project to improve dairy productivity; 500 crore rupees for coastal aquaculture Target for agricultural credit raised to 575000 crore rupees 200 crore rupees for awards to incentivise agricultural research National Mission on Food Processing to be started in cooperation with State Governments Rural drinking water and sanitation gets 27 per cent rise in allocation to 14000 crore rupees; PMGSY gets 20 per cent rise to 24000 crore rupees Right To Education-Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan gets 25555 crore rupees allocation, showing an increase of 21 per cent; 6000 schools to be set up at block level as model schools in the 12th Plan; Credit Guarantee Fund to be set up for better flow of credit to students National Urban Health Mission is being launched 34 per cent increase in allocation to National Rural Livelihood Mission, to 3915 crore rupees 1000 crore rupees allocated for National Skill Development Fund Widow pension and disability pension raised from Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per month Grant on death of primary breadwinner of a BPL family in the age group 18-64 years doubled to 20000 rupees 4000 residential quarters to be constructed for Central Armed Police Forces Government doubles allocation for tax-free bonds to 600 billion rupees for financing
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Disinvestment target in 2012-13 of 300 billion rupees Expects country to become self-sufficient in urea production in five years Proposes to raise agricultural credit target in 2012-13 to 5.75 trillion rupees To keep 2012-13 subsidies under 2 percent of GDP Current account deficit seen at 3.6 percent of GDP in 2011-12

Economic Survey 2011-12: The Economic Survey was tabled by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 15 March 2012. Indian economy was estimated to grow by 6.9% in 2011-12 mainly due to weakening industrial growth. The Survey stated that despite dip in the economic growth India remains among the fastest growing economies of the world. Countrys sovereign credit rating was stated to have risen by a substantial 2.98 percent in 2007-12.
The Survey highlighted the slowing down of the global economy as a prime reason for the dip in Indian economic growth. The global economy became adverse in September 2011, owing to the turmoil in the euro-zone countries. The slowdown was reflected in sharp ratings downgrades of sovereign debt in most major advanced countries. While a large part of the reason for the slowing of the Indian economy was attributed to global factors, domestic factors also played role. Analysis-The slowdown in Indian economy was attributed largely to weakening industrial growth. The industrial sector has performed poorly, retreating to a 27% share of the GDP. The services sector however continued to be a star performer as its share in GDP climbed from 58% in 2010-11 to 59% in 2011-12 with a growth rate of 9.4%. Agriculture and allied sectors were estimated to achieve a growth rate of 2.5% in 2011-12. Agriculture & allied sectors were are estimated to achieve a growth rate of 2.5% in 2011-12 with foodgrains production likely to cross 250.42 million tones as a result of increase in the production of rice in a number of states. Overall growth during April-December 2011 reached 3.6% compared to 8.3% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The fiscal 2011-12 was marked by a sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee. In the current fiscal 2011-12, on month-to-month basis the rupee depreciated by 12.4 per cent from 44.97 per US dollar in March 2011 to 51.34 per US dollar in January 2012. Rupee reached a peak of 43.94 on 27 July 27 2011 and lowest at 54.23 per US dollar on 15 December 2011 indicating a depreciation of 19 per cent. The RBI was required to sell dollars twice in the fiscal to help raise the value of the rupee.

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Also in 2011-12 Indias external debt stock increased by US $ 20.2 billion (6.6 per cent) to US $ 326.6 billion at end-September 2011 vis--vis US $ 306.4 billion at end-March 2011, primarily due to higher commercial borrowings and short-term debt. Inflation as measured by the wholesale price index (WPI) remained high during greater part of 2011-12 fiscal, though by year end a noticeable slowdown in price rise was registered. Food inflation, in particular came down significantly. RBI adopted stringent monetary policies to control inflation as well as curb inflationary pressures. The high rate of interest established by the central bank lowered growth rate of investment in the economy as the sharp increase in interest rates resulted in higher costs of borrowings and other rising costs affecting profitability. Economic Survey 2011-12 stated that Indias foreign trade performance will remain a key driver of growth in the coming fiscal 2012-13. During the first half of 2011-12, Indias export growth was 40.5%, but it failed to remain high for the entire fiscal. Imports grew rapidly, by 30.4% during 2011-12 (April-December). Indias Balance of Payments widened to $ 32.8 billion in the first half of 2011-12, compared to $29.6 billion during the corresponding period of the earlier fiscal 2010-11. The foreign exchange reserves increased from US $ 279 billion at end March 2010 to US $ 305 billion at end March 2011. Reserves were found to vary from an all-time peak of US$ 322.2 billion at end August 2011 and a low of US $ 292.8 billion at end-January 2012. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) which remained persistently high throughout 2011 due to increasing global commodity prices and high crude prices began to moderate and it is expected to touch 6.5 to 7 percent by March 2012. Economic Survey 2011-12 observed that in 2011-12 the gap between WPI and CPI inflation narrowed due to sharp fall in food inflation. CPI-IW inflation, after remaining in single digit from August 2010 to August 2011, briefly touched double digits at 10.1 percent in September 2011. It however came down to 6.5 percent in December 2011. The banking sector- public and private showed impressive increase in priority sector lending. The Economic Survey 2011-12 underlined the fact that flow of agricultural credit was highly impressive. The Indian banking system disbursed credit of Rs 446779 crore to the agricultural sector as against a target of Rs 375000 crore in-2010-11. The Labour Bureau conducted twelve quarterly quick employment surveys to assess the impact of the economic slowdown on the employment sector. The surveys indicated an upward trend in employment since July 2009 was maintained. Overall employment in September 2011 over September 2010 increased by 9.11 lakh, with the highest increase recorded in IT/BPO (7.96 lakh) sector. The coverage under the MGNREGA consistently increased from 4.51 crore households during 2008-09 to 5.49 crore households during 2010-11 with averaged employment of 47 persondays per household. Average wage increased from Rs 65 in 2006-07 to Rs. 100 in 2010-11. The Survey stated that to strengthen transparency and accountability in the implementation of the MGNREGA, the Government initiated a service delivery project for Information and

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Communication Technology (ICT) and biometrics related works of the MGNREGA on PPP basis. The performance of broad sectors and sub sectors in key infrastructure areas in 2011-12 was both good and bad. Whereas there was improvement in growth in power, petroleum refinery, cement, railway freight traffic, passenger handled at domestic terminals and upgradation of NHAI, coal, natural gas, fertilizers, handling of export cargo at airports and number of cell phone connections show negative growth. Steel sector witnessed moderation in growth. Forecasts-The real GDP growth is expected to pick up to 7.6% in 2012-13 and 8.6% in 2013-14 as per the survey. Pranab Mukherjee predicted 7.6% GDP growth in 2012-13. As per the survey, given that fiscal consolidation is back on track, savings and capital formation should is likely to start rising. Also the RBI policy rates are expected to be reduced in the back of easing of inflationary pressures. The lowered interest rates will encourage investment activity and have a positive impact on growth. These projections were all made on the basis of assumptions regarding factors like normal monsoons, reasonably stable international prices, particularly oil prices, and global growth. The progressive deregulation of interest rates on savings accounts is expected to raise financial savings and thus improve transmission of monetary policy. Survey Suggestions-Sustainable development and climate change were recognized by the survey as central areas of global concern. The Survey suggested need to examine the linkages and trade-offs between policy rate changes and inflation in the Indian context, for better calibration of monetary policy. The Economic Survey 2011-12 stated that it was essential to make lower carbon sustainable growth a central element of our Twelfth Five Year Plan commencing in April 2012. In Conclusion-The Economic Survey in conclusion mentioned that India is more closely integrated with the world economy as its share of trade to GDP of goods and services tripled between 1990-2010. The extent of financial integration, measured by flows of capital as a share of GDP also increased leading to an expansion of Indias role in the world economy.

Budget Estimates 2012-13


Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee presented the union budget 2012-13 in the parliament on 16 March 2012. The minister in his budget speech, projected the economic growth for 201213 to be 7.6%. While the total tax receipts for fiscal year 2012-13 is estimated to be 1077612 crore rupees, the total budgetary expenditure is projected to be 1490925 crore rupees. Budgetary allocations for various sectors including education, health, agriculture, defence also received a reasonable hike. The highlights of Budget Estimates 2012-13 are presented below:

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Gross Tax Receipts estimated at 1077612 crore rupees. Net Tax to Centre estimated at 771071 crore rupees. Non-tax Revenue Receipts estimated at 164614 crore rupees. Non-debt Capital Receipts estimated at 41650 crore rupees. Temporary arrangement to use disinvestment proceeds for capital expenditure in social sector schemes extended for one more year. Total expenditure for 2012-13 budgeted at 1490925 crore rupees. Plan expenditure for 2012-13 at 521025 crore rupees is 18 per cent higher than Budget Estimate of 2011-12. 99 per cent of the total plan outlay met in the Eleventh Plan. Non-plan expenditure estimated at 969900 crore rupees. 365216 crore rupees estimated to be transferred to States. Fiscal deficit at 5.1 per cent of GDP in Budget Estimate 2012-13. Net market borrowing required to finance the deficit to be 4.79 lakh crore rupees in 2012-13. Central Government debt at 45.5 per cent of GDP in 2012-13 as compared to Thirteenth Finance Commission target of 50.5 per cent. Effective Revenue Deficit to be 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2012-13.

Highlights of Union Rail Budget 2012-13 presented by Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi presented the Union Rail Budget 2012-13 in the parliament on 14 March 2012. The toatl budget outlay for 2012-13 stood at 60100 crore Rupees, which is the highest figure ever. Trivedi, who presented his first railway budget laid special emphasis on safety and modernisation of railway. In a bold move aimed at rescuing the financially troubled Indian Railways, the minister for the first time in the past 9 years announced to increase the rail fares. Freight rates were also hiked in the budget.

Budget, which was prepared in the line of the recommendations made by two different committees headed by Sam Pitroda and Anil Kakodkar, tried to address the safety and modernisation issues at length. Highlights of the Railway Budget 2012-13 are following: Moderate hike in passenger fares;

Propsed hikes are as follows: For second class- 2 paise per km on suburban trains and 3 paise per km on mail and express trains; For sleeper class- 5 paise per km 10 paise per km For a/c III tier and first class- 10 paise per km For a/c II tier- 15 paise per km For a/c I- 30 paise per km Total Outlay for 2012-13 is 60100 crore Rupees, the highest ever.
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Targeting freight carriage of 1025 million tonnes to bring in 89339 crore Rupees Gross passenger earnings estimated at 36073 crore Rupees Gross receipts estimated at 1.32 lakh crore Rupees Railways will require 14 lakh crore Rupees in the next 10 years for modernisation.

7.35 lakh crore Rupees investment during 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-17), a quantum jump from the previous figure of 1.92 lakh crore Rupees 75 new express trains; 21 new passenger trains, 75 new services in Mumbai suburban system 39 trains routes extended 23 trains frequency increased Guru Parikrama trains to be run to Amritsar, Patna and Nanded. Free travel by Rajdhani express for Arjuna awardees. Green toilets to be installed in 2500 coaches in the next one year 1112 crore Rupees allocated to improve the passenger amenities 2100 specially designed coaches manufactured to meet needs of the differently abled

Focus during next five years on five areas: tracks, bridges, signalling, rolling stock and stations. Signalling to be improved over 19000 km. 1.70 lakh crore Rupees on rolling stock in next five years. Stress on strengthening safety. Independent railway safety authority to be set up as statutory safety body. 5.60 lakh crore Rupees required for modernization of Railways. 4410 crore Rupees for capacity augmentation in 2012-13. 85 new line projects to be taken up during 2012-13. 114new line surveys to be undertaken during 2012-13.

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6870 crore Rupees for new line projects in 2012-13. Gauge conversion to be undertaken over 800 km with an allocation of Rs.1,950 crore.

Dedicated railway design wing at National Institute of Design with a contribution of Rs.10 crore.

Vijay Bahuguna took the Oath as the Seventh Chief Minister of Uttarakhand - Vijay Bahuguna of Congress, on 13 March 2012,sworn in as the
chief minister of Uttarakhand

Parkash Singh Badal took the oath as 31st Chief Minister of Punjab - Parkash Singh Badal of Shiromani Akali Dal, sworn in as the 31st chief minister
of Punjab on 14 March 2012

Arunachal Pradesh received a Special Package of 130 crore Rupees from the Centre - The Union government of India on 1 March 2012
sanctioned a special package of 130 crore Rupees for Arunachal Pradesh for the modernisation of the police forces in troubled Tirap and Changlang districts of the state

Advisory Group on Asset Reconstruction Firms favoured $20 billion Limit for Investments by FIIs - Advisory group on asset
reconstruction firms favoured $20 billion limit for investments by foreign institutional investors in SRs issued by securitisation firms

Assam presented a Deficit Budget for Financial Year 201213 - Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a
deficit budget for the state on 12 March 2012

Tata Steel topped the List of Most Admired Indian Brand A


survey compiled by Fortune India and global management consultancy Hay Group which was released on 13 March 2012

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad set 7 May 2012 as the date for Elections - In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad set 7 May 2012 as the date for
parliamentary elections. This would be the third election for parliament since President Bashar Al Assad became the President of Syria

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News Corp sold its stake in Hathway Cable & Datacom for 358 crore Rupees - Rupert Murdoch-led News Corp on 12 March 2012, sold its entire
17.3 per cent stake in Hathway Cable & Datacom for 358 crore Rupees

Communications Ministry cleared Proposal enabling TRAI to act like a Civil Court - The apex decision-making body of the communications
ministry cleared the proposal to enable the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to act like a civil court

I-T Department Report of the Probe against ex-CJI Balakrishnan submitted to the SC - Report of the probe by the income-tax
department into the allegations labeled against justice KG Balakrishnan was submitted to the Supreme Court

Poor Overseas Demand resulted in mere 4.3% growth in India's Merchandise Exports in February 2012 - As per data
released by the Commerce Ministry, India's merchandise exports in February grew only by 4.3 per cent to $24.6 billion

CEAT appointed Anant Goenka as its New Managing Director - Indias leading tyre manufacturer CEAT, on 12 March 2012, appointed Anant
Goenka as its new Managing Director

National Award for Sanitation & Water in name of Maharashtrian Saint, Sant Gadge Baba initiated - Union Rural
Development Minister Jairam Ramesh announced national award for sanitation & water in name of Maharashtrian saint Sant Gadge Baba

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered Growth of 6.8 Per Cent in January 2012 As per the data released by the ministry of
statistics and programme implementation on 12 March 2012, Indian industrial sector registered a growth of 6.8 per cent

India and Colombia Signed Cultural Exchange Programme for the Years 2012-2016 - India and Colombia on 12 March 2012 signed a
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) in New Delhi for the Years 2012-2016

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Reserve Bank of India cut the CRR by 75 basis points to 4.75% of the Net Demand & Time Liabilities - RBI reduced the CRR
from 5.50 per cent to 4.75 per cent of deposits to ease the liquidity crunch being faced by banks

Foreign Direct Investment in India increased by 31% to 27.5 billion US Dollars in 2011 - Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India went up by
31 per cent to 27.5 billion US Dollars in 2011 despite uncertain global economic slowdown

Task Force set by Steel Ministry recommended Underground Mining in the Western Ghats - Task force, appointed by
the steel ministry to provide the basis for the new steel policy recommended underground mining in the Western Ghats

Reliance Communications launched Countrys first CDMA Tablets - Reliance Communications on 12 March 2012 unveiled Indias first CDMA
network technology driven tablet computers

Assam Government inked Agreement with the Asian Development Bank - The Assam government inked an agreement with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) on 9 March 2012

Nagaland government inked Pact with NABARD Consultancy Services - The Nagaland government on 9 March 2012 signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with NABARD

Saina Nehwal suffered a Crushing Defeat at All England Championship - Indias ace Badminton player Saina Nehwal suffered a straight-game
defeat in the women's singles quarterfinals of the All England Championship

BJP-MGP Alliance won Goa assembly elections 2012, claimed 26 Seats - BJP-MGP combine emerged victorious in the Goa assembly
elections 2012 the alliance pocketed 26 seats

L&T elevated Shailendra Roy as a Whole-Time Director of the Company - Engineering and construction giant Larsen & Toubro(L&T) on 9 March
2012 elevated Shailendra Roy as a whole-time director of the company

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L&T appointed K. Venkataramanan as New CEO of the Company - Indias largest engineering and construction company Larsen and Toubro Ltd
(L&T) on 9 March 2012 appointed director and board member K.Venkataramanan

Hindustan Motors-Mitsubishi launched Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV in India - Kolkata based Hindustan Motors on 11 March 2012 launched
the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV in India

Current Affairs Week: 05 Mar 2012 to 11 Mar 2012


Rahul Dravid announced Retirement from International Cricket - Indian batting maestro and former captain Rahul Dravid, on 9 March 2012,
announced his retirement from international cricket

Congress emerged as the Single Largest Party in Uttarakhand Assembly Election 2012 - The Congress party emerged as
the single largest party in Uttarakhand Assembly Election 2012

Scientists claimed to find the Treatment for Glaucoma in Rats - Scientists claimed to find the treatment for Glaucoma in rats, which could lead to an
effective treatment for blindness in humans

Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya Janata Party Alliance won Punjab Assembly Election 2012 - The alliance of Shiromani Akali Dal and
Bhartiya Janata Party emerged victorious in Punjab Assembly Polls 2012

Mamoni Scheme introduced by the Assam State government


The Assam government introduced the Mamoni scheme in the state under the National Rural Health Mission. The aim of the scheme is to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio

PE Investors in February 2012 encashed Investments worth $826 million in almost 16 Deals - PE investors in February 2012 offloaded
stakes worth $751.45 million across eight open market transactions

Samajwadi Party won the UP Assembly Elections 2012, claimed 224 seats - Mulayam Singh Yadav led Samajwadi Party recorded a landslide
victory in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls 2012
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Bollywood Actress Vidya Balan named Best Actress at the 59th National Film Awards - The Prestigious 59th National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on 7 March 2012 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd resumed Oil Supplies to Kingfisher Airlines - State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) on 8 March 2012 resumed oil supplies to Kingfisher Airlines after the airline agreed to pay for daily fuel off-take Vladimir Putin won the Russian Presidential Election with 63.75 Percent of Votes -The incumbent Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won the Russian Presidential Election with 63.75 percent of votes as per the result declared by the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) on 5 March 2012 Tata Power and Exxaro formed Joint Venture to explore South African Electricity Generation Market - Indian Power giant Tata Power on 5 March 2012, joined hand with South African firm Exxaro to explore opportunities in South African electricity generation market Hyundai Motor India appointed Bo Shin Seo as New Managing Director - Hyundai Motor India on 5 March 2012 appointed Bo Shin Seo as the new managing director of company Anjum Chopra to lead the Indian women's cricket team in Home Series against Australia - Veteran Anjum Chopra was slated to captain the Indian women's cricket team in the limited-over series against Australia
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Selling Price of CNG in Delhi hiked by 1.70 Rupees per kg Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) on 5 March 2012 hiked the selling price of CNG by 1.70 Rupees per kg in Delhi ICICI with Three Others launched India's First Infrastructure Debt Fund - Indias largest private sector lender ICICI Bank along with Bank of Baroda, Citicorp Finance India Ltd, Life Insurance Corporation launched India's first infrastructure debt fund NCPCR released Guidelines to Eliminate Physical Punishment in Schools - The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on 4 March 2012 released guidelines to eliminate physical punishment and to discipline schools. The NCPCR survey disclosed that the use of physical punishments is common in Indian schools UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa recorded the Highest ever Voting Percentage in their History - UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa recorded the highest ever voting percentage in their history in the recently concluded Assembly elections Indian National Women Kabaddi Team won first edition of World Cup Kabaddi Title - Indian national women Kabaddi team clinched maiden women World Cup Kabaddi championship title on 4 March 2012 Pakistan appointed Dav Whatmore as its National Team Coach - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Dav Whatmore as its national team coach on 4 March 2012

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South Africa recorded 3-0 Victory against New Zealand South Africa made a 3-0 clean sweep against New Zealand

Current Affairs Week: 27 Feb 2012 to 04 Mar 2012


Indian Tennis Duo Mahesh Bhupati and Rohan Bopanna clinched Dubai Doubles Title - Indian Tennis pair of Mahesh Bhupati and Rohan Bopanna won the doubles title of Dubai Open on 3 March 2012 Roger Federar defeated Andy Murray to win Dubai Open Singles Title - World no. 2 Roger Federar defeated third seeded Andy Murray in the singles final of Dubai Open on 4 March 2012 Uninor and Sistema Shyam filed Review Petition in Supreme Court's 2G Verdict - Uninor and Sistema Shyam filed a petition on 2 March 2012 seeking review of Supreme Court's order to cancel their 2G licences Union Government sanctioned 130 crore Rupees Package for Arunachal Pradesh - The Union government on 1 March 2012 sanctioned a special package of 130 crore Rupees for the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh Uttarakhand became the Ninth Indian State to introduce Estamping - Uttarakhand government on 2 March 2012 introduced e-stamping in the state, which would ensure a secure way of paying non-judicial stamp duty to the government Supreme Court Bench recused from taking up PIL in CairnVedanta Deal - A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices
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justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad on 2 March 2012 recused itself from hearing a Public Interest Litigation RK Tyagi took Charge as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - RK Tyagi took charge as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the defence enterprise of the government of India Company Law Board returned the Petitions of Telenor and Unitech - The Company Law Board (CLB) on 1 March 2012 returned the petitions of Telenor and Unitech for technical errors Delhi High Court quashed Petitions challenging Reservation for Woman and SC candidates- The Delhi high court on 1 March 2012 quashed petitions filed by 12 Delhi councillors in which they had challenged the notification issued by state election commission Court: States and UTs to get approval from Environment Ministry for Mining Activities - The Supreme Court of India ruled that the states and Union Territories could now grant leases for mining minor minerals in less than 5 hectares and to renew them they needs prior approval from the Union Environment Ministry Sesa Goa Limited acquired Goa Energy Private Limited from Videocon Industries - Sesa Goa Limited, a majorityowned subsidiary of Vedanta Resources on 1 March 2012 acquired Goa Energy Private Limited from Videocon India and China decided to have Maritime Cooperation to Build Confidence - India and China decided to have
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maritime cooperation to build confidence. This was decided during the talks between the External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi in New Delhi Supreme Court appointed Justice HS Bedi as Panel head to Investigate Encounter Killings in Gujarat - The Supreme Court of India on 2 March 2012 appointed its former judge, Justice H S Bedi as the chairman of the monitoring authority. He will investigate the case of 22 alleged fake encounter killings in Gujarat between 2002 and 2006 Komli Media acquired South East Asia's Largest Digital Media Network Admax - Asia Pacific's leading media technology company, Komli Media acquired South East Asia's largest digital media network Admax Network on 29 February US Court dismissed a Lawsuit filed against the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa - A US (United States) federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The lawsuit alleged that the human rights abuses occurred during the civil war in Sri Lanka Buyback of Government Equity in Eight CPSEs permitted by Disinvestment Department - Department of Disinvestment listed eight CPSEs whose cash surpluses amount to more than Rs 55580 crore for the purpose of buy back under disinvestment norms

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India handed over 20 Million Dollars Standby Loan to Maldives - India handed over 20 million Dollars standby loan to Maldives in view of the difficult financial situation Mindtree Limited appointed Subroto Bagchi as its Chairman - MindTree Limited on 29 February 2012 appointed Subroto Bagchi as its chairman. Bagchi who is also the co-founder of Mindtree Union Cabinet of India approved the Proposed Changes in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 - The Union cabinet of India approved the proposed changes in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, which includes longer jail terms and higher fines for repeat traffic violations Indias Economic Growth Rate dipped to 6.1% in the October-December Quarter of 2011-12 - As per the data released by CSO, Indias economic growth rate dipped to 6.1% in the third quarter (October-December) of 2011-12 Union Government approved 650 Crore Rupees Flood Control Project for Bengal - Union government on 29 February 2012 gave its approval to the long-pending drainage basin flood control project Varun Berry stepped down as the CEO of PepsiCo India Food - Varun Berry, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo India Food resigned from the company on 29 February 2012 The National Tourism Award 2010-11 presented in New Delhi - The National Tourism Awards 2010-11 were conferred by the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil on 29 February 2012 in New Delhi
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Unicef Report noted 18% of those below 15 years and 47% of those below 18 years are Married in India - As per Unicefs State of the Worlds Children Report 2012, 18% of those below 15 years and 47% of those below 18 years are married in India James Murdoch resigned as Executive Chairman of News International - James Murdoch on 29 February 2012 stepped down as Executive Chairman of News International, UK news paper arm of News Corporation Madhya Pradesh topped the National Tourism Awards 2010-11 - In National Tourism Awards 2010-11, which was conferred on 29 February 2012, Madhya Pradesh emerged victorious by bagging maximum number of awards Union Government decided to Boost Public Spending in the Health Sector to 2.5 per cent of GDP union government decided to boost public spending in the health sector to 2.5 per cent of GDP from the current 1.4 per cent over five years North Korea agreed to suspend its Nuclear Programme in Return for US Food Aid - North Korea agreed to suspend its nuclear and uranium enrichment programme in return for US food aid. USA had promised North Korea 240000 tonnes of nutritional assistance and food aid Fiscal Deficit stood at Rs 4.34 lakh crore, or 105% of the Total Annual Target in April-January 2011 - As per the data released by CAG, fiscal deficit stood at Rs 4.34 lakh crore, or

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105% of the total annual target in April-January period of 2011-12 Syndicate Bank appointed Madhukant Girdharlal Sanghvi as its New Chairman - Public sector lender Syndicate Bank on 29 February 2012 appointed Madhukant Girdharlal Sanghvi as its new Chairman India and ADB signed Loan Agreement to Support Electricity Transmission Capacity in Assam - India and ADB Signed the third and last tranche of loan agreement to support electricity transmission and distribution capacity in Assam HRD Ministry Launched Portal for Implementation of NSIGSE - Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry on 28 February 2012 launched a web portal for implementation of the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) in New Delhi India took over the Chair of Assembly and Governing Board of ASOSAI - India on 29 February 2012 took over the chair of assembly and governing board of Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Tata Consultancy Services formed Alliance with Infor Global Solutions - Indian IT major Tata Consultancy Services on 28 February 2012 joined hand with US based business application software services firm Infor Fujitsu unveiled its New Notebook Series for Indian Market Fujitsu India, Indian subsidiary of Japanese IT equipment
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and services company Fujitsu, launched its new notebook series on 28 February 2012 Sushil Kumar Modi presented a Revenue Surplus Budget for Bihar - Sushil Kumar Modi, the deputy chief minister and the finance minister of Bihar, on 23 February 2012, presented the budget of state for the year 2012-13 Kotak Securities launched Ready to Trade Kit Named My Box - Kotak Securities, the stock broking and distribution body of the Kotak Mahindra Group, on 28 February 2012 unveiled a ready to trade kit Tamil Nadu Panel submitted its Findings on Kudankulam Power Plant - A four member expert panel on Kudankulam nuclear plant project headed by S. Iniyan submitted its report on 28 February 2012 Tata Capital launched Travel Card in Association with Axis Bank - Tata Capital on 28 February 2012 joined hand with private sector lender Axis Bank to launch a travel card Output of Eight Core Segments which have 37.9% weight in IIP dipped to 0.5% in January 2012 - According to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry, output of eight core segments of manufacturing sector dipped to 0.5% in January 2012 UN Human Rights Council asked Syria to halt the Attacks on Civilians - The UN Human Rights Council asked Syria to immediately stop the attacks on civilians by the security forces
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Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) CK Mathew named the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan - 1977 batch IAS officer and additional chief secretary (finance) CK Mathew was named be the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan on 28 February 2012 USA Refused to Change its Afghanistan Strategy USA refused to change its Afghanistan strategy in view of the recent violence Marines of Italian Ship Enrica Lexie to be Prosecuted under Indian Law - The marines of Italian ship Enrica Lexie Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone on 15 February 2012 allegedly killed two Kerala fishermen Online Retail Company Flipkart.com launched its Digital Music Store Flyte - Online shopping major Flipkart on 27 February 2012 unveiled its digital music store Flyte Power Grid Corporation of India appointed R.P. Singh as Director - Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, a Navratna company owned by the government, on 28 February 2012 appointed R.P. Singh as the Director NourishCo Beverages appointed Pratik Pota as its New Chief Executive Officer -NourishCo Beverages, a joint venture between Pepsi co and Tata Global Beverages appointed Pratik Pota as its new CEO on 27 February 2012 State Bank of India reduced Interest Rate on Education Loan upto 1 Percent - Indias largest bank, State Bank of India on 27 February 2012, announced to reduce its interest rate on education loan by 1 percent
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Delhi Government increased OBC Reservation Quota in Higher Institutions to 27 Percent - Delhi government on 28 February 2012 hiked the reservation for OBC [Other Backward Classes] in higher education institutions from 21 percent to 27 percent Telenor, Unitech moved to Company Law Board to protect Interest in Uninor - Norwegian Telecom company Telenor and its Indian joint
venture partner Unitech on 27 February 2012 moved a fresh petition before Company Law Board

Airtel selected Infosys Limited for its Mobile Wallet service


Indias leading telecom company Airtel on 28 February 2012 joined hand with IT major Infosys for its Mobile Wallet service across the country

The Artist & Hugo emerged Winners at 84th Academy Awards ceremony winning 5 Oscars Each - The 84th Academy Awards
ceremony/Oscars was hosted by the AMPAS at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood on 26 February 2012

Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik charged under POTA - JKLF chief Yasin Malik was charged by a local
court under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) for allegedly raising funds to strengthen armed activity

Indian Soccer Legend Padma Shri Sailendra Nath Manna died in Kolkata - Indian soccer legend Sailendra Nath Manna, popularly known as
Sailen Manna, died in Kolkata on 27 February 2012

Trade Unions rejected Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Appeal to call off All-India Strike - Trade unions rejected Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh's appeal to call off the all-India strike called on 28 February 2012

United Nations appointed Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Special Envoy to Syria - United Nations (UN) on 23 February
2012, appointed former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan as the joint United Nations-Arab League envoy to Syria

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Bird flu was less Deadly to Humans than Previously Thought - A new research into bird flu suggests that the disease may be far less deadly to
humans than previously thought

US Banking Major Citi Group sold Stake in HDFC for 1.9 Billion Dollars - US banking major Citi group on 25 February 2012 sold its 9.85 percent
stake in HDFC, Indias biggest mortgage lender, for around 1.9 billion dollar

South Africa defeated Indian Women Hockey team in the Final of Olympics Qualifier - South African Women Hockey team on 25
February 2012, defeated Indian Women Hockey Team to qualify for the London Olympics 2012

Current Affairs Week: 20 Feb 2012 to 26 Feb 2012


Vedanta announced Merger of Sterlite Industries into Sesa Goa - The mining giant Vedanta on 25 February 2012 merged its Indian subsidiaries, Sterlite
Industries into sister concern and iron ore miner Sesa Goa

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina won Marseille Open Title - Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina clinched Marseille Open final by beating Michael
Llodra on 26 February 2012

River Diversion and Soil Erosion threaten Turtle Nesting


Erosion and diversion of Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha's Ganjam district are posing a serious threat to the annual mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles

Two Genes linked to Parkinson's identified by the Scientists


Scientists identified at least two genes, NACP and MAPT linked to Parkinson's disease, a finding which may pave the way for better treatments for the second most prevalent neurological condition after dementia

Supreme Court directed Government to implement the Interlinking of Rivers Project - The Supreme Court of India directed the union
government of India to implement the ambitious interlinking of rivers project in a time-bound manner
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Odisha imposed Restriction on Foreign Tourists visiting Primitive Tribes - The Odisha Government imposed restriction on the visit of foreign
tourists and researchers to the areas inhabited by primitive vulnerable tribals groups like Bondas, Dongaria Kandha

Argyle Pink Jubilee discovered in West Australia is the Largest Pink Diamond ever found in Australia - Largest rough pink
diamond ever found in Australia was discovered in a West Australian mine owned by Rio Tinto

Union Home Minister inaugurated the Fourth & Final Regional Hub of the NSG in Mumbai - Union Home Minister P.
Chidambaram inaugurated the the fourth and final regional hub of the National Security Guard in Marol, Mumbai on 23 February 2012

Centres Plea challenging TDSATs Authority to Stop DoT from enforcing 3G Ban dismissed - Delhi HC dismissed a plea from the
Centre challenging TDSAT's authority to stop the DoT from enforcing a ban on 3G roaming pacts between telcos

TDSAT directed the Union Government to issue Broadband Licence to Qualcomm - The Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal on 23
February 2012 directed the Union Government to issue broadband licence to Qualcomm within a week

Rahul Bhatia awarded with Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2011 - Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of InterGlobe
Enterprises group on 23 February 2012 was chosen for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011

Report by Independent Evaluation Group on World Banks Crisis Response released - Report, titled The World Banks Response to the
Global Economic Crisis: Phase II was released on 23 February 2012

Union External Affairs Minister SM Krishna inaugurated 50th Passport Seva Kendra in Delhi - Union External Affairs Minister SM
Krishna on 23 February 2012 inaugurated 50th Passport Seva Kendra at Herald House near ITO in central Delhi

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Etisalat commenced Legal Proceeding Against the Promoters of Swan Telecom - Etisalat on 23 February 2012 commenced legal
proceeding against the promoters of Swan Telecom

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari released a Book entiltled Sufism and Indian Mysticism in New Delhi - Vice President of India
M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled Sufism and Indian Mysticism edited by Prof. Akhtarul Wasey and Farhat Ehsas

Samsung Electronics launched Series 5Ultra Notebook in India - South Korean electronics equipment giant Samsung electronics on 24 February 2012
launched Series 5Ultra Notebook in Indian market

Government nominated DK Mittal on the Central Board of Reserve Bank of India - Union government on 23 February 2012 nominated DK
Mittal on the central board of Reserve Bank of India

India asked Somalia to bring in a National Anti-Piracy Legislation - India asked Somalia to bring in a national anti-piracy legislation for
investigation and prosecution of suspected pirates

West Bengal Government shortlisted Two Companies for Setting Up the E-waste Dismantling Facilities - The West Bengal
government on 23 February 2012 shortlisted two companies for setting up the e-waste dismantling facilities in the State on a public private partnership basis

India and USA held 12th Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi - Strengthening their military ties further, India and the USA discussed ways of
expanding their growing strategic partnership and cooperation at the 12th Defence Policy Group meeting held in New Delhi

The New Version of MGNREGA included more than 25 Agriculture and Allied Activities - More than 25 agriculture and allied
activities were included in the new version of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

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RBI Panel increased Priority Sector Target for Foreign Banks to 40% of Net Bank Credit - RBI panel on priority sector lending
proposed increment in the target (priority sector) for foreign banks to 40% of net bank credit from current level of 32%

National Australia Bank opened its Maiden Branch in India


National Australia Bank on 22 February 2012 opened its maiden branch in India

Abudhabi Based Etisalat announced to close down its India Operation - Abudhabi based Etisalat on 22 February 2012 announced to close down its
India operation

Dunlop India Limited closed down its Operation at Ambattur Factory - Tyre manufacturer Dunlop India Limited suspended its operation
at Ambattur factory in Tamilnadu

India and Pakistan extended agreement on Reducing the Risk from Nuclear Accidents - India and Pakistan on 21 February 2012 agreed
to extend the agreement to reduce the risk from accidents related to nuclear weapons for another five years

Hero MotoCorp inked Pact with Erik Buell Racing of USA


Worlds largest two wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp on 22 February 2012 inked a pact with US-based Erik Buell Racing

Maharashtra Government issued Licences to 60 Fire Protection Companies for Safety Audits - The Maharashtra government
on 22 February 2012 issued licences to 60 fire protection companies to conduct safety audits

Haryana announced to raise the Minimum Wages for its Labourers - Haryana government on 22 February 2012 announced to increase minimum
wages of skilled and unskilled labourers

Government allowed Domestic Air Carriers to Directly import Aviation Turbine Fuel - Director General of Foreign Trade on 22 February 2012 issued a formal notification
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allowing the domestic airlines to directly import Aviation Turbine Fuel India and Saudi Arabia Discussed Enhancing Cooperation in Oil Sector - India and Saudi Arabia discussed the World Oil Outlook in New Delhi on 23 February 2012, especially the growing demand for hydrocarbons in Asia and India NASA discovered Water on the Planet called GJ1214b Researchers at the Harvard Smithsonian centre for Astrophysics discovered that the planet GJ1214b was largely covered in water The Talks between IAEA and Iran over its disputed Nuclear Programme Failed - The second round of talks between the five-member IAEA team led by its Chief weapons inspector, Herman Naeckarts and Iranian government failed Ricky Ponting announced Retirement from One Day Cricket Former Australian Cricket Captain Ricky Ponting on 21 February 2012 announced his retirement from the One day cricket Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel projected 7.5 - 8 % Growth Rate for 2012-13 Fiscal - Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel (PMEAC) on 22 February 2012 projected 7.5 - 8 per cent growth rate for the fiscal 2012-13 Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit launched a Major Statewide De-worming Campaign - Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on 20 February 2012 launched a major State-wide de-worming campaign as a part of Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojna (CNSY)
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Manas Wildlife Sanctuary received Four Rhinos from Kajiranga - The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Manas National Park on 20 February 2012 got four rhinos from Kaziranga Jharkhand Government and the Airport Authority of India signed MoU to establish Airports - Jharkhand Government and the Airport Authority of India on 21 February 2012 signed a memorandum of understanding Toshiba JSW bagged Rs. 2300 Crore Order for Kudgi Project of NTPC - Japanese power equipment giant Toshiba JSW Turbine and Generator on 20 February 2012 bagged an order of Rs. 2300 crore from the NTPC Gujarat Government sold 2736 Hectares Land in Dholera Special Investment Region - Gujarat government on 20 February 2012 sold 2736 hectares land in Dholera special investment region to three different companies Competition Commission of India approved the Merger of Reliance Infratel and Netizen Rajsthan - Competition Commission of India on 20 February 2012 gave its nod to the proposed merger of Netizen Rajsthan with Reliance Infratel First Nationwide Annual India Consumer Price Index released by the Centre of Statistical Office - The annual CPI data released for the first time on 21 February 2012 measures retail prices in major food groups- fuel, clothing, housing & education across rural and urban India Facebook integrated Music Site from Indiatimes, Gaana.com into its Timeline - Facebook the world largest social
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networking site on 19 February 2012 integrated the music site from Indiatimes Gaana.com as an application into its new Timeline 6 killed and 30 injured in a Stampede at Junagadh in Gujarat - A stampede occured at Junagadh during the Mahashivratri fair on 19 February 2012 RBI changed the Bank Rate to Realign it with the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate - RBI changed the bank rate, a medium-term signal rate to 9.5% from 6% to realign it with the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate South African Jbe Kruger clinched his Maiden European Tour title - South African Golfer Jbe Kruger won Avantha Masters in New Delhi on 19 February 2012 Income Tax Department Stated BCCI owes Rs.371crore to it in Year 2009-10 The Income Tax department of India in a Right to Information reply on 19 February 2012 disclosed the tax amount pending with the BCCI

Current Affairs Week: 13 Feb 2012 to 19 Feb 2012


Union Government filed Review Petition in Supreme Court in the Vodafone Tax Case - The Union government on 17 February 2012 filed a review petition before the Supreme Court in the highest courts landmark verdict NY Times Foreign Correspondent & Pulitzer Prize Winner Anthony Shadid suffered Sudden Death - New York Times forign correspondent and a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Shadid died in eastern Syria on 16 February 2012
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Shivsena BJP Alliance Emerged Victorious in MumbaiThane Civic Polls - Shivsena-BJP alliance won the civic polls of Mumbai and Thane on 17 February 2012 Reliance Industries Limited Wrote to DoT Seeking Extention of Broadband Spectrum Tenure - Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited on 17 February 2012 urged the Department of Telecom to give extension to tenure of its broadband spectrum Former Indian Tennis Player presented with Top International Olympic Committee Award - Former Indian tennis player Manisha Malhotra on 16 February 2012 was conferred upon a top International Olympic Committee Award Dow Chemicals Remain to be the Sponsor of London Olympics - The International Olympic Committee on 16 February 2012 announced that Dow Chemicals will remain a sponsor of the London Olympics Sahara Reversed Its Decision to Withdraw Sponsorship of Indian Cricket Team - Sahara Group on 17 February 2012 agreed to reverse its decision of quashing all the commercial ties with BCCI Reliance Communications Received RBI Approval for FCCB Redemption - Telecom major Reliance Communications on 16 February 2012 got the approval of the RBI for the redemption of its outstanding foreign currency convertible bonds

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Haryana suspended Scheme of Distribution of Social Benefits under Electronic Benefit Transfer - Haryana government suspended distribution of social benefits scheme under EBT till the infrastructure of banks is stabilized in the rural areas Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Conferred Highest Serbian Award - Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic was awarded with the highest Serbian award, the Gold Star of Karadjordje on 15 February 2012 Marico Bought Paras Pharma Personal Care Brands from Reckitt Benckiser - Indian FMCG major Marico on 15 February 2012 bought the Paras Pharmaceuticals personal care arm EGoM approved the Auction Route for selling 5 per cent Stake in State-run Oil Major ONGC - EGoM headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee approved the auction route for selling 5 per cent stake in state-run oil major ONGC Communications Minister Kapil Sibal announced New Telecom Policy - Union government also decided to allow sharing of bandwidth and eased rules for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the telecom sector Supreme Court directed Closure of all Unauthorized Sandalwood Oil Factories in India - The Supreme Court of India on 15 February 2012 directed closure of all unauthorised sandalwood oil factories in the country and

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asked the Centre to formulate a suitable policy for conservation of sandalwood Iran launched Three Nuclear Projects including a Fourth Generation Ultra Centrifuge - Iran on 15 February 2012 launched three nuclear projects including a fourth generation Ultra Centrifuge, which is capable of enriching the Uranium faster than its earlier models Assam contributed more than 50 Percent of Indias Total Tea Production in 2011 - Assam contributed more than 50 percent of the countrys total tea production in 2011. Assam produced around 509 million kg tea which also led the Indias total tea output to 988.32 million kg in this period Coordinated Mock Drills were carried out in New Delhi, Capital of India - In New Delhi, the biggest coordinated mock drills were carried out on 15 February 2012, to check the alertness and preparedness of various public agencies A New Scientific Study claimed that Life began on Land, not Sea - A new study claimed that the theory proposed by Charles Darwin on life was right. Darwin proposed that the life originated on land in a pond and not in the oceans RBI issued Circular for Deployment of White Label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs) from Non-banksReserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Draft Circular for Deployment of White Label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs) from non-bank entities 44th Session of Indian Labour Conference deliberated on Wages, Social Security & Employment - 44th Session of
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Indian Labour Conference held under the chairmanship of Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labour & Employment Headline Inflation eased to a 26-month Low at 6.55% in January 2012 from 7.47% in December 2011 - Headline inflation eased to a 26-month low at 6.55 per cent in January 2012 on the back of further fall in vegetable prices Asian Honeybees shake their Abdomen to Guard the Entrance to their Hive - An international team of scientists on 13 February 2012 found that how the bees shook their abdomens when bee-eating hornets approached Tiny Lizard called Brookesia mirca was found in Madagascar - One of the worlds tiniest lizards called Brookesia micra was found by German researchers in Madagascar British Singer Adele won Six Awards including Album of the Year at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards - British songstress, Adele swept the 54th Annual Grammy Awards winning a staggering six golden gramophones for her Album, 21 India and Saudi Arabia agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Defence Co-Operation - India and Saudi Arabia on 13 February 2012 agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on Defence Co-operation during the visit of Defence Minister A.K Antony Gati - Kintetsu World Express Entered into a Supply Chain Joint Venture - Gati, the Supply-chain solutions provider
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company entered into a Joint venture with Japanese company Kintetsu World Express on 13 February 2012 In Gujarat, Indias First Vessel Traffic Service was Dedicated to the Nation - In Gujarat, Indias first highly sophisticated vessel traffic service was dedicated to the nation in Kandla India Replaced Bowling Coach Eric Simons after Poor Show in Australia - BCCI decided to sack Indian Teams bowling coach Eric Simons on 13 February 2012 Analjeet Singh Appointed the Chairman of Vodafone India Vodafone India, countrys third largest telecom company, on 10 February 2012 appointed Analjeet Singh as its non executive Chairman Syria rejected the Arab League proposal for deployment of a Joint UN-Arab Peacekeeping Mission - Syria on 12 February 2012 rejected the Arab League proposal for deployment of a Joint UN-Arab Peacekeeping mission by the UN Security Council to monitor the situation in the country Gujarat Ranked Top in Investment Proposal in Year 2011 Gujarat topped the list of most preferred business destination in India in year 2011 Cognizant Technology Solutions Inked 5-Year Deal with Future Group - Cognizant Technology Solutions inked a five-year deal with Future Group on 13 February 2011 Noted Writer Ramdarash Mishra selected for the 21st Vyas Samman for Aam Ke Patte - Noted Hindi writer Professor
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Ramdarash Mishra was selected for the 21st Vyas Samman for his poetry collection Aam Ke Patte Delhi Government announced Higher Compensation Packages for Workers - Delhi government announced medical benefits, financial support and higher compensation packages for various other categories of workers Renowned Urdu Poet & Noted Lyricist of Umrao Jaan, Akhlaq Mohammad Khan passed away - Renowned Urdu poet and noted lyricist of Umrao Jaan, Akhlaq Mohammad Khan passed away in Aligarh on 13 February 2012 Assam Government prepared a Draft Proposal to Revise Minimum Wages for Workers - Assam Government prepared a draft proposal to revise minimum wages for workers and employees engaged under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Multi Commodity Exchange of India Got SEBIs Nod for Listing of Shares - Share Market Regulator, SEBI [Security and Exchange Board of India] on 10 February 2012 gave its approval to the listing of 64.27 lakh shares of MCX

Numeric Power sold UPS business to Legrand in a Rs. 829 cr. deal - Numeric Power Systems Limited, the Indian power electronics major sold its UPS
[Uninterrupted Power Supply] business to Legrand

Poll conducted by Global Research Company Ipsos showed Indians to be the Happiest in the World - According to a poll conducted by global research company Ipsos, the happiest people of the world reside in Indonesia, India and Mexico Winner of Six Grammy Awards, Singer & Actor Whitney Houston died in California - Whitney Houston, one of the
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world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles & videos worldwide died on 11 February 2012 India's Nobel Prize-winning Economist Amartya Sen named for the 2011 US National Humanities Medal - India's Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen named for the 2011 US National Humanities Medal by the White House Number of Foreigners Availing Visa on Arrival Scheme registered 72 % Increase in January 2012 - Number of foreigners availing Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme registered 72 per cent increase in January 2012 as against January 2011 Veteran Music Composer Rajesh Roshan honoured with Lata Manageshkar Award - Veteran Hindi film music composer Rajesh Roshan was honoured with the Lata Manageshkar award by the Madhya Pradesh government Pakistani Archaeologists discovered Rare Indus Valley Civilization-era Seal in Steatite - Pakistani archaeologists discovered a rare Indus Valley civilization-era seal in steatite dating back to 2,500-2,000 BC from Punjab province India's Indigenously developed Micro-light Aircraft Lakshya-1 Successfully Test Flown - India's indigenously developed micro-light pilot-less target aircraft Lakshya-1 was successfully test flown from Chandipur India and Thailand signed Six agreements and Issued a Joint Statement - India signed six agreements with Thailand
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during the visit of latters Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 24-26 January 2012

Current Affairs Week: 06 Feb 2012 to 12 Feb 2012


National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) was approved by Union Cabinet - National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) was approved by Union Cabinet of India on 9 February 2012 to facilitate access to central government owned shareable data and information Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra visited India - Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra visited India on 24-26 January 2012. She was the chief guest for the 63rd Republic Day Ceremony Al-Quedas Chief in Pakistan, Badar Mansoor was killed in US Drone Attack - Al-Qaeda's Chief in Pakistan Badar mansoor is among four terrorists killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan tribal region The 12th India-EU Summit was held in New Delhi The 12th India-EU Summit was held in New Delhi on 10 February 2012 DRDO Conducted Test of Interceptor Missile Successfully DRDO conducted test launch of the interceptor missile successfully. DRDOs Air Defence Missile AAD-05 has successfully hit the ballistic missile and destroyed it at a height of 15 kms off the Coast of Orissa near the Wheelers Island

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Haryana Government announced launch of Haryana Urban Health Mission - Haryana Government on Feb 9 2012, announced that it would launch State Urban Health Mission. Union Cabinet approved Defence Ministry Guidelines for its PSUs to establish Joint Ventures - The Union Cabinet of India approved Defence Ministry guidelines for its public sector units (PSUs) to establish joint ventures with private firms to increase opportunities to obtain advanced technologies from foreign sources The Arab League asked the UN to send a Joint UN-Arab league Monitoring Team to Syria - The Arab League asked the UN to send a Joint UN-Arab league monitoring team to Syria. The League sought the nomination of a special envoy to head the Joint monitoring mission Union Cabinet approved the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP-2012) - Union cabinet of India on 9 February 2012 approved the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP-2012) to facilitate access to central government owned shareable data and information Special Commemorative Stamp was Released to mark the IIC Golden Jubilee - President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on 9 February 2012 released a special commemorative stamp to mark the Golden Jubilee of the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi President of Maldives Mohammed Nasheed resigned after Police Mutiny -International Current Affairs 2012. President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed resigned on 7
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February 2012 after weeks of protest. The protest was against his decision to sack a judge Union Government approved Setting up of a National Centre for Cold Chain Development - The government of India on 9 February 2012 approved setting up of a national centre for cold chain development and allocated a one-time grant of 25 crore rupees for its corpus fund Gujarat High Court ordered Compensation for the Religious Structures destroyed during Godhra Riots - Gujarat High Court pulled up the Narendra Modi government for inaction and negligence on its part during the 2002 post-Godhra riots Thomas Cook announced to sell Indian subsidiary Thomas Cook India Limited - Thomas cook, the travel company in its announcement made on 8 February 2012 said it will sell its stake in its Indian subsidiary Thomas Cook India Baharain Telecom announced exit from Indian joint venture S Tel - Bahrain Telecommunications Co (Batelco) on 8 February 2012 announced to sell its 43 percent stake in Indian joint venture S Tel for $175 million Indonesia became the 157th Country to adopt the CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) - Indonesia became the 157th country to adopt the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Indonesia formalised ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty at the United Nations Railways extended the Period for Advance Reservation of Berths from 90 days to 120 days - Railway Ministry on 7
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February 2012 extended the time period for the advance booking of Railway tickets from 90 days to 120 days Union Government to Operationalise the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) from 1 March 2012 - Union government decided to operationalise the ambitious National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) from 1 March 2012 Delhi became the First State in India to issue e-stamp Papers in all Denominations - Delhi became the first State to issue estamp papers in all denominations after the Cabinet decided to bring non-judicial stamp papers of Rs.500 denomination & below Noted Urban Historian & Author of Books on History of Mumbai Heritage passed away - Renowned historian and author of several books on the history and culture of Mumbai Sharada Dwivedi passed away on 5 February 2012 6.8-magnitude Earthquake struck Heavily Populated Islands of Negros in Central Philippines - 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the heavily populated islands of Negros & Cebu in Central Phillipines on 6 February 201 Russia and China vetoed the UN Security Council Resolution - Russia and China vetoed the UN Security Council resolution for the second time in four months. The resolution condemns the Syrian regimes crackdown on public uprising and calls upon President Bashar Al Assad to abide by the Arab League time-frame Dhaka-based Author Anisul Hoque's Book on Bangladesh War- Freedom's Mother launched - Dhaka-based author
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Anisul Hoque's latest book, Freedom's Mother in New Delhi on 4 February 2012 Egypt defeated India 2-1 in the final of the SDAT-WSF Under-21 Squash World Cup - Egypt defeated India 2-1 in the final of the SDAT-WSF Under-21 Squash World Cup on 5 February 2012 Central Empowered Committee set up by SC to investigate Illegal Mining Submitted Final Report - Committee et up by SC to investigate illegal mining in Karnataka submitted its final report recommending cancellation of leases of 49 mines Lost Sanskrit Grammar Manuscript, Grammatica Grandonica found in an Italian Monastery - Sanskrit grammar manuscript, Grammatica Grandonica of grammarian & lexicographer Arnos Padre found in an Italian monastery Baltic Dry Index, Measure of Shipping Costs for Dry Bulk Goods plunged to 647 Points - Baltic Dry Index, a measure of shipping costs for dry bulk goods plunged to its lowest level after it touched 647 points on 3 February 2012 Reserve Bank of India partially lifted Curbs on Banks Foreign Exchange Transactions - Several banks & some public sector institutions allowed to run higher net overnight open positions in foreign exchange after RBI lifted curb

Current Affairs Week: 30 Jan 2012 to 05 Feb 2012


IRCON and RLDA inked Memorandum of Understanding to develop Railway Stations - IRCON International & Rail
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Land Development Authority inked MoU to set up the Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited for development of stations Astronomers found the Fourth Habitable Planet outside our Solar System called GJ667Cc - Astronomers found the fourth habitable planet outside our solar system called GJ667Cc. The planet is 22 light years from Earth India and USA signed a MoU on Labour and Employment Issues - India and the United States of America signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington to co-operate on Labour and employment issues V. Shantaram Life Time Achievement Award for Veteran Environmental Filmmaker Mike Pandey - Veteran environmental filmmaker Mike Pandey was honoured with the prestigious V. Shantaram Life Time Achievement Award Iran Successfully launched an Observation Satellite into Orbit above Earth - Iran on 3 February 2012 successfully launched an observation satellite called navid satellite into orbit above Earth
Bollywood Producer-director Raj Kanwar passed away in Singapore - Bollywood producerdirector Raj Kanwar passed away in Singapore on 3 February 2012

India signed TIEA (Tax Information Exchange Agreement) with Guernsey - India signed TIEA with Guernsey in the third week of December 2011. This is the 13th bilateral TIEA for Guernsey

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SHADE:A New Pact signed by India, Japan and China India, Japan and China signed a pact called SHADE to secure the Indian Ocean region Review conducted by Lord Woolf recommended the Restructuring of ICC's Executive Board - International Cricket Council's independent review, conducted by Lord Woolf called for sweeping changes in the administration of cricket SC observed- Allocation of 2G Spectrum under A. Raja was Arbitrary & Contrary to Public Interest - The Supreme Court cancelled all the 122 2G licenses mentioning that allocation of 2G spectrum under A. Raja was arbitrary, capricious & contrary to public interest Supreme Court directed CBI to File Status Report on 2G Scam to Central Vigilance Commission - Supreme Court directed the CBI to file status report on its probe into the 2G spectrum allocation case to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Scientists transformed Skin Cells directly into Brain Cells Science & Technology Current Affairs 2012. Scientists recently transformed skin cells directly into brain cells. This scientific finding could bypass the need for stem cells
The Fifth Edition of the World Future Energy Summit held in UAE Capital Abu Dhabi - The fifth edition of the World Future Energy Summit was held in Abu Dhabi, capital of UAE

Scientists developed a Vaccine to Treat Breast Cancer Scientists developed a vaccine to treat breast cancer, using a patients own cells. To achieve this, Scientists enrolled 27
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patients and separated specialised white cells using standard techniques


ED filed a Complaint against Kalmadi for Financial Irregularities in the Queens Baton Relay Enforcement Directorate filed a complaint against former CWG OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi for alleged financial irregularities in the conduct of the Queens Baton Relay

National Infant Mortality Rate Reduced Further to FortySeven Infant Deaths per 1000 Live Births - As per the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin, it is noted that Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropped further by 3 points from 50 to 47 infants deaths per 1000 live births during 2010 Union Minister for Labour & Empployment Mallikarjun Kharge presented Pride of India Award - Union minister for labor and employment Mallikarjun Kharge was presented with Pride of India award by the Indian-American community in Washington
India and Sri Lanka held Inaugural Defence Dialogue- The inaugural defence dialogue between the Defence Secretaries of India and Sri Lanka was held in New Delhi on 31 January 2012

Economic Survey 2011-12 -Economic Survey 2011-12 will be presented soon in the Parliament.
Rail Budget 2012-13 -Rail Budget 2012-13 is likely to be presented between March 9th and March 15th in the Parliament by Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi

Haryanas Ajay Mittal won Gold Medal at the 55th National Shooting Championships for Shotgun - Ajay Mittal won the gold medal at the 55th National Shooting Championships for shotgun by defeating stalwarts like Sodhi & Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
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Indias Manufacturing Sector Expanded at its Fastest Pace in Eight Months in January 2012 -Economy Current Affairs 2012. Indias manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in eight months in January on the back of a sharp increase in new orders
Committee of Secretaries recommended provision of 80% Coal to Power Plants by CIL Committee of secretaries recommended that state-run Coal India should face penalties if it fails to provide 80% of coal allocated to a power plant

State-run Coal India (CIL) signed Agreement with Trade Unions to increase Wages by 25% Agreement was signed between trade unions & CIL management for increase in the wages under which minimum guaranteed benefit would be 25% of gross

Union Government set up a National Council for Senior Citizens - The Union Government of India on 1 February 2012 gave the approval for setting up a National Council for Senior Citizens. It will be headed by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment India, Japan and China entered into a Pact called SHADE India, Japan and China entered into a pact to share data to achieve the most efficient use of Naval Forces present in the Indian Ocean Region
Sample Registration System Bulletin mentioned 3 Points dropm in Indias Infant Mortality Rate - As per the latest SRS bulletin released by the Registrar General of India Indias IMR dropped by 3 points from 50 to 47 infants deaths per 1000 live births during 2010 Bollywood Actor Abhishek Bachchan received a Green Globe Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan received a Green Globe Award at the fourth edition of the Panasonic Green Globe Foundation Awards

Supreme Court set aside the Delhi High Court Order on sanction of Prosecution in 2G Case The Supreme Court on
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31 January 2012 set aside the Delhi High Court order refusing to pass any direction to the Prime Minister for taking a decision on sanction of prosecution in 2G case Committee headed by Justice Dharmadhikari submitted Report on Air India Merger - Four-member committee headed by Justice D. M. Dharmadhikari submitted report on Air India and Indian Airlines merger to Civil Aviation Minister
Union Government revised Economic Growth Rate for 2010-2011 Financial Year to 8.4 percent Union government revised economic growth rate for 2010-2011 to 8.4 percent in comparison to the previous estimate of 8.5 percent

Sheela Gowda of India shortlisted for UKs Biggest Contemporary Art Prize, Artes Mundi - Bangalore artist Sheela Gowda, who uses unconventional materials to make sculptures was shortlisted for UKs contemporary art prize, Artes Mundi Committed Nehruvite & One of the Doyens of Indian Diplomacy, Ambassador A K Damodaran died - Freedom fighter and one of the doyens of Indian diplomacy, Ambassador A K Damodaran passed away in New Delhi on 31 January 2012 UN-DESA Data revealed Higher Female Infant Mortality Rate in India - UN-DESA data showed that India & China are the only two countries in the world where female infant mortality is higher than male infant mortality Union Governments Deficit In April-Dec Period of 2011 stood at At 92% of FY12 Estimate - The deficit between
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April and December 2011 at Rs 3.81 lakh crore reached 92.3% of the 2011-12 estimate India and Mali signed Three Agreements and issued a Joint Statement - The President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure visited India on 11-12 January 2012. India and Mali signed three agreements during this visit Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar visited India - Kamla Persad Bissessar visited India from 5 January 2012 to 14 January 2012. Kamla Persad-Bissessar is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago January 2012 emerged as the Best Month in Terms of Foreign Fund flows since November 2010 - Net FII buying crossed the $2-billion mark in January 2012 making January the best month in terms of foreign fund flows since November 2010 India signed Five Agreements with Trinidad and Tobago India and Trinidad & Tobago on 6 January 2012 signed five agreements during the visit of Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar Telecom Commission decided to Allow Mobile Phone Companies to Share 2G spectrum Only - Telecom Commission decided to allow mobile phone companies to share spectrum. The Commission has however limited this facility to 2G airwaves alone Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion to Design FDI Policy for Power Exchanges - Union finance ministry urged
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the department of industrial policy and promotion to design FDI policy for power exchanges on lines of commodity exchanges Growth Rate of Eight Core Industries fell to 3.1% in December 2011 from 6.3% in December 2010 - Growth of these eight sectors during April-December 2011 was 4.4 per cent against 5.7 per cent during the corresponding period in 2010 Review Committee on the Delhi School Education Act and Rules 1973 (DSEAR73) submitted its Rport - Review Committee on the Delhi School Education Act and Rules 1973 chaired by former Delhi Chief Secretary Shailja Chandra submitted its report to CM Sheila Dikshit Indians constituted about 20 per cent of the Tourists to Sri Lanka in 2011 - In the period from January to November 2011, Sri Lanka received just over 7.5 lakh tourists. Of this, over 1.5 lakh were Indians Indias NTPC signed an Agreement with BPDP to set up Thermal Power Plant in Bangladesh - India's National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) signed an agreement with Bangladesh Power Development Board( BPDP), for setting up a joint venture 1320 MW thermal power plant Amalraj won Maiden National Title at the 73rd Senior National and Inter-State TT Championships - A Amalraj won his maiden national title by defeating A Sharath Kamal in the final of the 73rd Senior National and Inter-State Table Tennis Championships
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SEBI to enhance Minimum Investment Amount Per Client managed by Portfolio Managers to Rs.25 lakh - SEBI decided to enhance the minimum investment amount per client managed by portfolio managers to Rs.25 lakh from Rs.5 lakh Pakistans Court granted Two More Months to the Judicial Commission Investigating Memo Issue - Pakistan's Supreme Court on 30 January 2012 granted two more months to the judicial commission probing the memo issue to complete its investigation Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal to win the 100th Edition of the Australian Open at Melbourne - Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in the mens single category while Victoria Azarenka lifted the trophy in the women category of the 2012 Australian Open

Current Affairs Week: 23 Jan 2012 to 29 Jan 2012


Freedom and Justice Party of Muslim Brotherhood won the Egypt Parliamentary Elections - Muslim brotherhoods the Freedom and Justice Party won 235 seats in the Egypt Parliamentary elections Rajasthan Government decided to Constitute Jaisalmer Fort Development Authority - Rajasthan government decided to form Jaisalmer Fort Development Authority to resolve the vexed and inter-connected problems relating to constructions and encroachments within the Jaisalmer Fort

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India and Pakistan agreed to Transit Fee Formula for Tapi Gas Pipeline Project - India and Pakistan agreed in New Delhi to transit fee formula for Tapi gas pipeline project. On the Transit Fee, both nations agreed that the negotiations would be conducted in a transparent manner President Pratibha Patil conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh on 63rd Republic Day - President conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (posthumous) on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day Parade 2012 Mahesh Rangarajan appointed as Director of Nehru Memorial Museum & Library - Environmental historian and political commentator Mahesh Rangarajan was selected and appointed as director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Kerala Governor and Former Puducherry Chief Minister, M O H Farook passed away in Chennai - Kerala governor and three-time Puducherry chief minister and MP, M O H Farook died in Chennai on 26 January 2012 Padma Awards for the Year 2012 announced on the Eve of Indias 63rd Republic Day - The Padma awards for the year 2012 were announced on the eve of Indias 63rd Republic Day. Padma Awards 2012 comprise 13 Padma Vibhushan, 31 Padma Bhushan and 84 Padma Shri Awards Australian Batsman Ricky Ponting was honoured with Austrlias Highest Civil Honour - Ricky Ponting appointed

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an officer in the general division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to cricket & the community C R Sundaramurti Committee recommended Overhaul of Government Accounting Norms - C R Sundaramurti Committee report to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee suggested a complete overhaul of government accounting norms Pension Regulator PFRDA changed the Incentive Structure to boost National Pension System - PFRDA changed the incentive structure for the distributors from a fixed sum to a percentage of the investment amount Private Life Insurance Company HDFC Life from India launched its First International Operations - HDFC Life, private life insurance company from India launched its first international operations with the opening of its representative office in Dubai The Military Rulers declared Partial Lifting of Emergency in Egypt - In Egypt, the military rulers declared partial lifting of emergency in the country Supreme Court criticized the Union Government for Delay in Release of Foreign Prisoners - The Supreme Court of India on 24 January 2012 criticized the Union government for total inaction in dealing with the prolonged imprisonment of several foreign nationals in Indian jails RBI cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent - RBI cut the cash reserve
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ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent with effect from 28 January 2012 Award-winning Malayalam Writer & Ardent Gandhian Sukumar Azhikode passed away - Sukumar Azhikode, award-winning Malayalam writer, scholar and one of the most influential Gandhian intellectual in Kerala, died on 24 January 2012 CCEA gave Final Approval to Vedanta's Acquisition of Majority Stake in Cairn India - CCEA gave final approval to Vedanta Resources's acquisition of a majority stake in Cairn India Ltd for $8.48 billion Union Cabinet renamed the Mana Airport at Raipur as the Swami Vivekananda Airport - The Union Cabinet of India on 24 January 2012 approved renaming of the Mana Airport at Raipur in Chattisgarh as the Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur Salcaded Duck arrived for the First Time at Pong Dam Lake In Himachal Pradesh, more than 1.20 lakh migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asian countries descended on Maharana Pratap Sagar, popularly known as Pong Dam Lake, in Kangra district Rajasthan defeated Tamil Nadu to win the 78th Ranji Trophy - Rajasthan won the 78th Ranji Trophy by defeating Tamil Nadu on 23 January 2012 at the MA Chidambaram stadium Syria rejected New Arab league Plan to end Crisis International Current Affairs 2012. Syria on 23 January
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2012 rejected the Arab League plan for President Bashar alAssad to hand over the power to the Vice President ILOs Global Employment Trends 2012 highlighted Challenge of Creating 600 million Productive Jobs International Labour Organization issued the annual report on global employment titled Global Employment Trends 2012: Preventing a deeper jobs crisis on 24 January 2012 Former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh C. Jagannatha Rao died -India Current Affairs 2012. Senior congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh C. Jagannatha Rao died on 23 January 2012 Shehan Karunatilaka awarded DSC Prize for South Asia Literature 2012 for his Novel, Chinaman - Singapore-based Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka was awarded the DSC Prize for South Asia Literature 2012, at the Jaipur Literature Festival Gems & Jewellery Exports dipped 15% year-on-year to $3 billion in December 2011 - GJEPC reported 15%dip in gems and jewellery exports which went down to $3 billion in December 2011 Corporate Indias Sales to Grow 21.6% in 2011-12, as per Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Review - Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) estimated Corporate Indias sales to grow 21.6% in 2011-12 Laura Dekker became the Youngest Sailor to Complete a Solo Circumnavigation of the World - Dutch teeager Laura
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Dekker on 21 January 2012 became the youngest sailor to complete a solo circumnavigation of the world Pakistani Film Actress Salma Mumtaz died in Lahore on 22 January 2012 - Pakistani film actress Salma Mumtaz died in Lahore on22 January 2012 Election Commission banned Exit Polls during Elections to the Five State Assemblies - The Election Commission of India banned exit polls during the entire period when elections to the five state assemblies would be held CAG indicted UP Government of Anomalies in Spending under NRHM- The Controller and Auditor General, CAG indicted the Uttar Pradesh Government of anomalies in spending around 5000 crore rupees under the National Rural Health Mission(NRHM)

Current Affairs Week: 16 Jan 2012 to 22 Jan 2012


The Fifth Edition of the World Future Energy Summit held in Abu Dhabi - The fifth edition of the World Future Energy Summit was held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The fourday long summit brought together more than 60 top leaders from 50 countries India signed agreements with France and Germany to check Tax Evasion - India signed a multi-lateral agreement with economic powers like France and Germany to check both tax evasion and avoidance India signed agreements with France and Germany to check Tax Evasion - India signed a multi-lateral agreement with
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economic powers like France and Germany to check both tax evasion and avoidance The Protests in Guatemala (Central American Country) against Domestic Violence - The activists formed the world's longest human chain all the way to the peak of the 12,352 feet Volcano de Agua known as Water Volcano in a protest against domestic violence Union Home Ministry launched RICs (Resident Identity Cards) at Porthrapur Village -India Current Affairs 2012. The home ministry of India launched the first batch of RICs (Resident Identity Cards) at Porthrapur village in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad Bissessar visited India - Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Kamla Persad Bissessar visited India from 5 January 2012 to 14 January 2012 New Maze Gene called Meg1 discovered by the UK Scientists - A new gene, called Meg-1 was discovered in maize plants by the UK scientists. It could increase the crop yields Scientists found the Extinct Monkey, the Millers Grizzled Langur in Indonesia - Scientists rediscovered a large grey monkey-the Millers grizzled langur- in the dense jungles of Indonesia Influential 1950s Rhythm-and-blues Singer, Etta James of At Last Repute died in Los Angeles - Three time Grammy winner influential 1950s rhythm-and-blues singer, Etta
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James, best known for her show-stopping hit At Last, died on 20 January 2012 Tourism Sector Committee to Extend Visa-on-Arrival Facility double Foreign Tourist Arrivals - Inter-ministerial committee for tourism sector decided to extend Visa-onArrival facility to Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi & Bangaluru airports to help double the foreign tourist arrivals Supreme Court dismissed the PIL asking for Restoration of Army Chiefs Date of Birth - The Supreme Court of India on 20 January 2012 dismissed a PIL seeking a direction to the government to restore the Army Chief Gen V K Singh's date of birth as 10 May 1951 Noted Film Critic, Nikhat Kazmi who reviewed Films for Times of India died - Noted Times of India film critic, Nikhat Kazmi who had been suffering from s breast cancer died on 20 January 2012 Telecom Regulator ordered Telecom Companies to Block Bulk International SMS - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on 20 January 2012 asked telecom companies to block bulk international SMS Hindustan Unilever appointed Hemant Bakshi as Executive Director-Home & Personal Care - HUL appointed Hemant Bakshi, Executive Director of Sales and Customer Development as Executive Director-Home & Personal Care The Bangladesh Army foiled a Planned Coup to topple the Government - The Bangladesh army foiled a planned coup
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attempt to topple the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Scientists found Cells that can help prevent Spread of Cancer - A team of scientists in the second week of January 2012 identified a group of cancer cells that play a main role in preventing the development of the disease India was ranked Sixth most Innovative Country in GE's Second Annual Global Innovation Barometer - January 2012. India was ranked the sixth most innovative country in the world in GE's Annual Global Innovation Barometer published on 18 January 2012 ADB approved Loan to boost Investment in Maharashtra Agribusiness Infrastructure - ADB(Asian Development Bank) on 18 January 2012 signed an agreement with Union government of India to give a loan of 24.3 million US dollars to boost investment in Maharashtra Agribusiness Infrastructure Planning Commission of India approved Rudrasagar Development Scheme - Planning commission od India approved investment clearance for the scheme, Rudrasagar Drainage Development Scheme, Tripura Union Government and World Bank signed an agreement to improve Livelihoods in North East - The Government of India and the World Bank on 20 January 2012 signed an IDA credit of 130 million US dollars to finance the project called NERLP (North East Rural Livelihoods Project)

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Photography Pioneer Eastman Kodak Company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection - 132-year-old Photography Pioneer Eastman Kodak Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 19 January 2012 Senior Television Journalist Pankaj Pachauri appointed as Communication Advisor in the PMO - Senior television journalist Pankaj Pachauri as was appointed as Communication Advisor in the Prime Ministers Office on 19 January 2012 The Law Commission: Anti-Dowry Law should be less Stringent - The Law Commission of India on 18 January 2012 recommended the dilution of Anti-Dowry law to make it less stringent Harish Khare resigned as Media Advisor to PM Manmohan Singh - Harish Khare resigned as media advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after Pankaj Pachauri was appointed as Communication Advisor in the PMO India announced a Substantial Increase in Educational Assistance to Sri Lanka - India on 18 January 2012 announced a substantial increase in educational assistance, being given to Sri Lanka RBI permitted Banks to allow Hedging in Commodities in International Exchanges - RBI allowed banks to grant permission to listed and unlisted companies to hedge price risk in commodities other than precious metals Indian Rupee rose by 6.6% on 18 January 2012 from its Life Low of 54.30 touched on 15 December 2011 - Indian rupee
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rose to a two-month high and shares climbed on 18 January 2012 as a result of revival of US dollar flows Coca Cola placed at No.1 in Interbrand's List of the top 100 Global Brands in 2011 - US beverage maker Coca Cola retained its top position in Interbrand's list of the top 100 global brands in 2011 Scientists: the Meteorite which fell in Morocco was from Mars - Scientists claimed that a meteorite, which fell in Morocco in July 2011 was from Mars. This event happened for the first time in 50 years Cheaper Food Items got the Consumer Price Index down by 0.44 % Month-on-month in December 2011 - Cheaper food items, including fruit and vegetables, pulled down the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by 0.44 per cent month-onmonth in December 2011 Siddharth Varadarajan succeeded N. Ram as the Editor of The Hindu - N. Ram stepped down as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Hindu , Business Line , Frontline , and Sportstar India's First Music Arranger, Anthony Prabhu Gonsalves died - Anthony Prabhu Gonsalves, India's first music arranger died on 18 January 2012 Himachal Tourism Department signed Pact with IRCTC for Managing its Establishments - Himachal Tourism Department signed a pact with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation for managing its establishments in the hill State
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India and China agreed to set up a Working Mechanism on Border Affairs - India and China on 17 January 2012 agreed to establish a working mechanism on consultation and coordination on border affairs between the two countries HRD Ministry announced Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Higher Educational Institutions - Union Ministry for Human Resource Development announced that there would be a Grievance Redressal mechanisms in higher educational institutions Memogate Scandal in Pakistan - The memogate scandal is related to a memo delivered by Pakistani-American businessman, Mansoor Ijaz to the Pentagon asking for U.S. help to thwart a feared coup UK Scientists identified New Maze Gene, called Meg1 The UK scientists discovered a new gene in maize plants, called Meg 1 5th Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2012 presented - Pioneers J Gopikrishnan & CNBC-TV18s Udayan Mukherjee were adjudged Journalist of the Year at the 5th Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism TRAI proposed a Fee of Rs.20 crore for a National-level Unified Licence - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India roposed a fee of Rs.20 crore for a national-level unified licence under the new regime The Descendants bagged the Best Picture Award at the 69th Annual Golden Globes Awards - The Artist, the French104

made black-and-white silent movie directed by Michel Hazanavicius won three awards at the 69th annual Golden Globes Awards Government doubled Import Duty on Gold & Silver by changing Customs & Excise Duty Structure - Union government nearly doubled the import duty on gold and silver by changing the customs and excise duty structure on precious metals India's Exports recorded a Growth of 6.7 per cent year-onyear in December 2011 - India's exports recorded a subdued growth of 6.7 per cent year-on-year in December 2011 on account of poor demand in Europe and the US Dip in Food Prices caused Inflation to dip to a year low at 7.47% in December 2011 - As per the WPI published by the government , reduced food prices caused the inflation to dip to a year low at 7.47% in December 2011 Tamil Nadu Government decided to start Integrated Urban Development Scheme - Tamil Nadu government decided to start an integrated Urban Development Scheme at a cost of 6653 crore rupees with the objective of improving basic infrastructure facilities in cities and urban areas in the state Pakistans Supreme Court issued a Contempt of Court Notice to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani - Pakistan's Supreme Court on 16 January 2012 issued a contempt of court notice to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for failing to re-open graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari
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India extended for Five Years Anti-dumping Duty on Import of Four Chinese Products - India extended for five years anti-dumping duty on import of four Chinese products in the face of widening trade gap with China SEBI unveiled Rules governing Direct Investment in Stocks by Foreign Investors - Market regulator SEBI unveiled rules for direct investment in stocks by foreign investors, including individuals Foreign Exchange Reserves dipped $3.2 billion to $293.5 billion as on 6 January 2012 - Foreign exchange reserves fell to a 15-month low. Reserves dipped $3.2 billion to $293.5 billion as on 6 January 2012 RBI issued Guidelines on Compensation of Wholetime Directors, CEOs in Private & Foreign Banks - RBI issued guidelines on compensation of wholetime directors, chief executive officers and other risk takers in private and foreign banks Fast Food Chain McDonald's extended Sponsorship Agreement with International Olympic Committee - US fast food chain McDonald's in January 2012 extended its global sponsorship agreement with the International Olympic Committee until 2020 Indias First Woman Photo-journalist Homai Vyarawala died in Vadodara - Indias first woman photo-journalist Homai Vyarawala popularly known as Dalda 13died on 15 January 2012 in Vadodara, Gujarat

Current Affairs Week: 09 Jan 2012 to 15 Jan 2012


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10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas - The 10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in the pink city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event is held annually between 7th to 9th January States were directed to Tighten Norms in Granting Licenses to New Medical Institutes - The Union government of India on 14 January 2012 directed all the states to tighten norms in granting licences to open new medical institutes Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) installed Doppler Radar System in New Delhi - Indian Meteorological Department installed C-Band Polarimetric Doppler Radar system at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi Industrial Production bounced back with a Growth of 5.9 per cent in November 2011 - Industrial production bounced back with a growth of 5.9 per cent in November 2011, marking a five-month high Total Number of Family Planning Acceptors in India increased by 3.5% between 2010 & 2011 - Total number of family planning acceptors in India increased by 3.5 per cent between 2010 and 2011 Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee launched the Signature Tune of the Indian Customs - Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 11 January 2012 launched the signature tune of the Indian Customs, Pragati ki Dhadkan in New Delhi Union Government appointed B K Batra as Deputy Managing Director of IDBI Bank - B K Batra appointed as Deputy Managing Director of IDBI Bank
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India and Japan agreed to enhance their Cooperation in the Infrastructure Sector - India and Japan agreed to enhance their cooperation in the infrastructure sector. The decision was taken at a meeting between Road Transport and Highways Minister CP Joshi and his Japnese counterpart Takeshi Maeda in New Delhi The Ministry of Rural Development Sanctioned 3 Road Projects in Chhattisgarh - The Ministry of Rural Development sanctioned 3 road projects using latest Polymer-based technologies, under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Chhattisgarh Diplomat Pavan K. Varma's New Book, When Loss is Gain launched by Queen Mother of Bhutan - Diplomat Pavan K. Varma's new book, When Loss is Gain launched in the New Delhi by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan Daniel Ortega inaugurated as Nicaraguan President for Second Consecutive Term - Daniel Ortega was on 10 January 2012 inaugurated as Nicaraguan president for a second consecutive term Shiva Temple supposed to have been built in the 5th Century A.D. during the Gupta Period discovered Archaeologist discovered remains of Shiva temple supposed to have been built during the Gupta period near Bundi district town in Rajasthan

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India Signed MoU( Memorandum of Understanding) on Tourism with ASEAN - India signed MoU with ASEAN at Manado, Indonesia on 12 January 2012 The Union Cabinet of India approved National Policy on NDPS - The Union Cabinet of India on 12 January 2012 approved the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) policy IAEA:Uranium Enrichment in Iran reached to the Level of 20 Percent - The UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA on 12 January 2012 confirmed that Iran started enriching uranium to 20 percent The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the setting up of NCTC - The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to counter terrorism effectively 15th World Sanskrit Conference jointly organised by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan & IASS in New Delhi Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan & IASS jointly organised 15th World Sanskrit conference from 5 to 10 January 2012 in New Delhi The Odisha Government was directed to Kill all the Birds to Prevent Bird Flu - The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry directed the Odisha Government to kill all the birds in order to prevent the spread of bird flu to other areas Researchers discovered a New Species of Earthworm called Moniligaster Ivaniosi - The researchers identified a new species of earthworm in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman
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and Nicobar islands. The species was named Moniligaster ivaniosi Commerce Ministry lowered Minimum Export Price of Onions to $150 a tonne to Boost Export- Commerce Ministry lowered the minimum export price of onions by $100 a tonne to $150 a tonne to boost exports Kerala Men emerged Winners at the the 60th Senior National Volleyball Championship in Raipur - Kerala men defeated Uttarakhand to win the National title for the fourth time, in the 60th senior National volleyball championship The Election Commission asked the Government to withhold Sub quota for Minorities - The Election Commission of India asked the government to with hold 4.5 per cent sub-quota for minorities in five poll bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur for now PMO directed Cash-rich PSUs to Invest around Rs.1.76 lakh crore for Stimulus - PMO directed cash-rich PSUs to invest around Rs.1.76 lakh crore, including Rs.1.41 lakh crore domestically to act as a stimulus Report titled Impact of Growth on Childhood Poverty in AP conducted by Young Lives released - Report of survey titled Impact of Growth on Childhood Poverty in Andhra Pradesh conducted by NGO-Young Lives since 2002 released on 11 January 2012 Award to be Instituted in Memory of G.V. Raja, Founderpresident of Kerala Sports Council - Special life-time
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achievement award, in memory of G.V. Raja, the founderpresident of the Kerala State Sports Council to be instituted Delhi HC directed FSSAI to Frame Guidelines to make Healthy Food Available in School Canteens - Delhi HC directed FSSAI to hold deliberations with the experts and frame necessary guidelines to make healthy food available in school canteens Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot inaugurated a 5-MW Solar Energy Plant at Phlodi - Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 11 January 2012 inaugurated a 5-MW solar energy plant by SunEdison by Phalodi TiE Chennai launched a book- Dream to destiny to motivate Entrepreneurs - TiE Chennai, dedicated to promote entrepreneurship launched a book Dream to destiny the driving spirit of Chennai's entrepreneurs Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion notified 100% FDI in Single-brand Retail - DIPP notified the rules allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in singlebrand retail Argentinas Lionel Messi voted World's Outstanding Footballer for Third Consecutive Year - Argentinas Lionel Messi awarded the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or on 9 january 2012 in Zurich. He won the award for the third consecutive year for the world's outstanding footballer Indirect Tax Collections increased 16.1 per cent to Rs 285787 crore during April-December 2011 - Indirect tax
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collections increased 16.1 per cent to Rs 285787 crore during April-December 2011 driven by an increase in service tax Hunger and Malnutrition Survey stated 42% of Children in India Younger than 5 are Underweight -India Current Affairs 2012. Hunger and Malnutrition Survey monitored over 100000 children showed forty-two percent of children in India younger than 5 are underweight Moodys upgraded Short-term Country Ceiling on Foreign Currency Bank Deposit from NP to Prime - Moodys Investor Services upgrade the short-term country ceiling on foreign currency bank deposit increasing from NP (not prime) to Prime (P-3) Researchers discovered Worlds First Hybrid Sharks in Australian Waters - Researchers discovered worlds first hybrid sharks in Australian waters. It suggests that the species is adapting to climate change for survival Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India went up by 56% to $2.53 billion in November 2011- Foreign direct investment into India went up by 56% to $2.53 billion in November 2011, indicating an improvement in investor sentiment Madhya Pradesh Government launched Panch Parmeshwar Scheme - Madhya Pradesh government launched its Panch Parmeshwar scheme on 9 January 2012. The objective of the scheme is to further empower village Panchayats Scientists developed a New Wireless Device to detect the Presence of Termites - Scientists developed a new wireless
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device to detect the presence of termites by hearing them chew through timber Former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presented the Infosys Prize-2011 to 6 Researchers - Six researchers from five science streams were honoured with the Infosys Prize2011 by the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Only 1 per cent of the Education Budget is spent on Improving the Quality of Education - Survey of elementary education funds of seven States for 2009-2010 showed that only 1% of the education fund is spent on improving quality of education Union Government to incentivise Unlisted PSUs to Help them come up with Initial Share Offerings - Union government decided to incentivise the unlisted PSUs to help them come up with initial share offerings in the stock market in 2012-13 Turnover of 21 Commodity Exchanges in India rose 66% to Rs 137.22 lakh crore till December 2011 - The turnover of the 21 commodity exchanges in India increased by 66% to Rs 137.22 lakh crore till December 2011 NCPCR asked the State Governments to Propose a System called Shiksha Samvad - National Commission for Protection of Child Right (NCPCR) on 9 January 2012 directed the state governments to propose a system called Shiksha Samvad Australia announced that it would Scale Back Sanctions against Myanmar - Australia on 9 January 2012 announced
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that it would scale back sanctions against Myanmar. Australia took this decision in recognition of steps taken by Myanmars military regime towards democracy

Current Affairs Week: 02 Jan 2012 to 08 Jan 2012


State-run Northern Coalfields to surrender land to Reliance Power for Mining Purpose - State-run Northern Coalfields (NCL) agreed to surrender land required to mine two blocks attached to the Sasan ultra mega power plant to Reliance Power thereby giving the Anil Ambani Group company the benefit of over Rs 6000 crore over the life of the venture Draft Policy of Ministry of Railways sought increased Private Participation to Expand Network - Ministry of Railways prepared draft policy which seeks increased private participation and opens the doors for foreign direct investors for expanding its network Canadian Milos Raonic won the ATP Chennai Open by defeating Janko Tipsarevic - Canadian Milos Raonic won the ATP Chennai Open by defeating world number nine Janko Tipsarevic 6-7 7-6 7-6 in the final on 8 January 2012 D Bala Venkatesh Verma received the First S K Singh Award for excellence in Indian Foreign Service -D Bala Venkatesh Verma, Joint Secretary Disarmament in the Ministry of External Affairs was conferred with the first S K Singh Award for excellence in the Indian Foreign Service on 6 January 2012 India and South Africa agreed to Speed up Talks to conclude BIPA - India and South Africa on 8 January 2012
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agreed to speed up talks to conclude a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement(BIPA) The Union Government Sanctioned Seven More Tourism Projects in Jammu and Kashmir - The Union government of India on 6 January 2012 sanctioned seven more tourism projects worth 36.22 crore rupees to Jammu and Kashmir for up gradation of tourist infrastructure in the state Katra-Quazigund Railway Line Project in Jammu and Kashmir was Approved - The Union government of India on 4 January 2012 approved an additional fund of 19 thousand crore rupees for completion of Katra - Quazigund Railway line project in Jammu and Kashmir UK Scientists found the Hoff Crab on the Southern Ocean Floor - UK scientists discovered new crab species on the Southern Ocean floor. The new crab species was named the Hoff because of its hairy chest Madhya Pradesh Cabinet sanctioned Construction of Health Centres using Pre-Fabricated Techniques - In Madhya Pradesh, the state Cabinet sanctioned construction of buildings of 650 sub-health centres using pre-fabricated technique. The buildings are erected at a rapid pace by this technique
Indian Diamond Traders detained in China for 2 Years, Returned Home - Twelve of the 22 Indian diamond traders, detained in China for nearly 2 years on charges of smuggling, reached India on 5 January 2012 after they were let off following deportation orders by a Chinese court

Vice Admiral M.P. Muralidharan took charge as the 19th Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard - Vice Admiral
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M.P. Muralidharan took charge as the 19th DirectorGeneral of the Indian Coast Guard in January 2012 Foreign Exchange Reserves slipped below $300-billion for the Week ended 30 December 2011 - Foreign exchange reserves fell by over $4.18 billion slipping below the longheld $300-billion mark in te week ended 30 December 2011 Turkey's Former Army Chief Ilker Basbug Arrested for Attempting to Overthrow Islamist Government- Turkey's former Army chief Ilker Basbug arrested over an alleged attempt on part of the chief to topple the Islamist-rooted government Union Government cleared ADB Loan to Finance Road Projects in Naxal-hit Areas- Union government cleared ADB loan to finance programme launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in left wing extremism-affected villages SIDBI entered into MoU with Indian Overseas Bank to extend assistance to MSMEs - SIDBI entered into MoU with IOB to extend assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) customers of IOB National Capitals Crime Graph registered an Upward Trend for the Third Consecutive Year- As per Delhi Polices annual statistics on crime, New Delhi's crime graph registered an upward trend for the third consecutive year Food Inflation turned Negetive Registering -3.36 % for the Week ended 24 December 2011 Inflation as measured by the wholesale price index, fell by (-)3.36% for the week ended 24 December 2011, as per Commerce & Indistry Ministry data
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Ratnakar Baral replaced Y Joykumar Singh as Manipur State Police Chief - Governor Gurbachan Singh Jagat following EC directive replaced DGP Y Joykumar Singh with Ratnakar Baral as Manipur State Police Chief Scientists for the First Time Produced Mixed Embryo Monkeys - Scientists for the first time produced monkeys composed of cells taken from separate embryos CIS: All Information Possessed by the Office of CJI not Completely Exempt from Disclosure -The Central Information Commission(CIS) held that all information in possession of the office of the Chief Justice of India is not completely exempt from disclosure under the Right to Information( RTI) act. Scientists produced Artificial Human Semen to help Infertile Men - Scientists claimed to find a way to produce artificial human semen that could help infertile men father their own children The Union Government approved Katra-Quazigund Railway Line Project in Jammu and Kashmir - The Union government of India approved an additional fund of 19 thousand crore rupees for completion of Katra - Quazigund Railway line project in Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court: A Person cannot be detained under NSA without Valid Reasons - The Supreme Court of India ruled that a person cannot be detained under the preventive detention law like National Security Act (NSA) without justifiable reasons
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United Nations (UN) Resource Centre was Set up in Assam United Nations Resource Centre for the North-East was set up in Assam on 2 January 2012 Former Delhi State Footballer Mohd Akram passed away in New Delhi - Former Delhi state footballer Mohd Akram passed away in New Delhi on 3 January 2012 Scientists discovered Unknown Species off the coast of Antarctica - British scientists discovered a lost world of unknown species 8000 feet deep on sea floor off the coast of Antarctica Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan presented with the Mallikarjun Mansur Award - Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was presented the Mallikarjun Mansur award in recognition of his achievements on 3 January 2012 ONGC Board approved Interim Dividend of Rs.6.25 per share of Rs.5 each for 2011-12 - The board of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) declared on 4 January 2012 that it approved Rs.352.50-crore investment for producing oil from a marginal field off the Mumbai coast Insurance Regulator IRDA introduced Uniform Assetliability Management Norms for Insurers - Insurance regulator IRDA on 4 January 2012 introduced uniform asset-liability management norms for market players to ensure their solvency Finance Ministry clarified: No Floating Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes - The Finace Ministry on 4 January 2012 clarified that the rates applicable on small savings
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instruments schemes would be announced on April 1 each year and the rate would remain valid till the maturity of the scheme Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama presented the Mahatma Gandhi International Award - Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama was presented the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation on 4 January 2011 Report of the DoT emphasised on Capacity Constraint of the current Indian Communication System - The report of the Department of Telecommunications, prepared by the working group on Telecom for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Proposal to develop Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve - The Rajasthan state cabinet on 4 January 2012 approved the proposal to develop the Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve European Union agreed in Principle to ban Import of Iranian Crude Oil - The member states of European Union(EU) on 4 January 2012, agreed in principle to ban import of Iranian crude oil to put pressure on Iran for its nuclear programme India declared itself Free from Bird Flu, H5N1 - India became free from bird flu, H5N1. The government made a declaration to this effect Genetically Modified Silkworms can Spin Stronger Silk than Spiders - Scientists in America claimed to have genetically
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modified silkworms to spin the much stronger silk that spiders produce India approved Acquisition of French advanced Missile Systems - India on 4 January 2012 approved 6600 crore rupees acquisition of 490 French advanced missile systems to arm the Mirage-2000 fighter jets Maldives lifted Ban on Spas in the Upmarket Tourist Destination - Maldives lifted ban on spas in the upmarket tourist destination..It is located in Indian Ocean United Nations Resource Centre for the North-East was set up at Guwahati - In Assam, a United Nations Resource Centre for the North-East was set up at Guwahati on 2 January 2012 The Israel-Palestine talks ended without any Breakthrough The Israel-Palestine talks with the international mediators from Quartet and Jordan ended without any breakthrough Pro-Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, Prof. Parvin Sinclair was appointed Director of NCERT- Noted mathematician & ProVice Chancellor, IGNOU Prof. Parvin Sinclair was appointed the Director of NCERT RBI decided to ease Liquidity by Buying Back Gilts for an Amount of Rs 10000 crore - Reserve Bank of India on 3 January 2011 decided to conduct an open market operation (OMO) to inject more liquidity into the system Market Regulator SEBI allowed Auctioning of Securities through Stock Exchanges - SEBI allowed auctioning of
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securities through stock exchanges and introduced a new method for institutional placement of stocks Former Textiles Secretary, Rita Menon took over as CMD of the India Trade Promotion Organisation - Former Textiles Secretary, Rita Menon took over as Chairman-cumManaging Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation Report on Bill to Amend Forward Contracts Regulation Act 1952 submitted to the Parliament - Parliamentary Standing Committee in its report recommended doubling of the maximum penalty for trading rule violations to Rs 50 lakh Implementation of Levy on Railway Freight Service deferred - Implementation of levy on railway freight service was put off once again in the backdrop of high inflation RIL entered Media & Entertainment Sector by investing in Raghav Bahl-controlled Network18 Group- RIL entered the media & entertainment sector by investing in one of Indias largest broadcast companies, Network18 Group India cautioned its Businessmen in dealing with Traders in Yiwu -India cautioned its businessmen in dealing with traders in Yiwu, a major hub for commodities trading in Zhejiang province in China Government approved RILs $1.529 billion Investment Plan for Satellite Fields in KG-D6 Block - Union government approved RIL's $1.529 billion investment plan for developing four satellite fields in the flagging KG-D6 block
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President Pratibha Patil inaugurated the New Mission Control Centre at SHAR - President Pratibha Patil visited the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota and inaugurated the new Mission Control Centre Kiro Gligorov, the First Democratically Elected president of Macedonia died - Kiro Gligorov, the first democratically elected president of Macedonia died in Skopje on 1 January 2012 Health Authorities in Australia detected Deadly Disease, Murray Valley Encephalitis - Health authorities in Australia are bracing against a possible outbreak of a potentially deadly disease, Murray Valley Encephalitis A Massive Forest Fire broke out in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile - A massive forest fire broke out in Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile on 2 January 2012 Union Governemnt raised Export Duty on Iron Ore Exports to 30 per cent from 20 per cent - The Union government raised the ad valorem duty (export duty) on iron ore exports to 30 per cent from 20 per cent CIL approved the Switching Over to Gross Caloric Valuebased Pricing Mechanism - State-owned Coal India (CIL) announced on 2 January 2012 that its board approved in a meeting held on 30 December 2011 the switching over to internationally-accepted Gross Caloric Value-based pricing mechanism

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RBI Study sought Cap on Borrowings by Non-banking Finance Companies from Banks - Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised red flags over the high dependability of nonbanking finance companies (NBFCs) PMI Designed to Measure Performance of the Manufacturing Sector released by HSBC - The HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index ( PMI) - a headline index designed to measure the overall performance of the manufacturing sector - registered 54.2 in December, up from 51.0 in November Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Ban Act was approved by the President - Madhya Pradesh Gau- Vansh Vadh Pratishedh (Sansodhan) Vidheyak(Madhya Pradesh prohibition of slaughter of cow-progeny (amendment) Bill was approved by the President RBI allowed NRIs to hedge their Currency Risk in respect of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) - Reserve Bank of India allowed non-residents to hedge their currency risk in respect of external commercial borrowings (ECB) denominated in rupees

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