January 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Obama signs bill to suspend $ 1.1 bn aid to Pak US President Barack Obama has signed into law a massive $1.1 billion defence spending bill that also seeks to suspend a big cut of $1.1 billion military aid to Pakistan, despite his serious reservations about provisions regulating custody and prosecution of suspected terrorists. Pakistan wins temporary UN Council Seat Pakistan has won a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term. Securing 129 out of 193 votes in the United Nations General Assembly exactly the two-thirds majority required to win the seat, Pakistan will now be a non-permanent member, replacing Lebanon, of the United Nations Security Council in a term that begins on January 2012 and will end in December 2013. Pakistan Court issues Contempt Notice against Prime Minister Gilani Pakistan top court began contempt proceedings on 16 January 2012 against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for failing to carry out its order to re-open a corruption case against the President, ramping up pressure on the beleaguered civilian government and pushing the country deeper into political crisis. Wikipedia shut for 24 hours to protest US anti-piracy act Wikipedia, the popular community-edited online encyclopaedia from 18 Jan. 2012 evening blacked out its English Language site for 24 hours to seek support against proposed US anti-piracy legislation that Wikipedia founder, Mr Jimmy Wales, said threatens the future of the Internet. White House locked down after smoke bomb attack The White House, Washington was locked down on 18 Jan. 2012 for more than an hour after a smoke bomb" landed inside the compound of the United States presidents residence, breaching the high security alert around the building. Once Again Bird Flu Deaths In China Once again bird flu deaths brings 2nd death in 30 days in china , over 28 number of people in china who have died from the diseases since 2003 . Younest Sailor to Complete Solo Circumnavigation of the World Dutch Leeager Laura Dekkar 16 yrs old, on 21 st Jan 2012 became the youngest sailor to complete a solo circumnavigation of the world. 25 EU Nations Sign Up For German All European Union Countries agreed to sign a new treaty called fiscal compact on 30 th Jan 2012 .When 25 out of 27 EU states agreed to sign only Britan and Czech republic refused to sign a fiscal compact, that will impose quasi automatic santions on countries that breach European union budget

deficit rules in national law .and crippling debts crises and to stimulate growth and development in economy . Romney wins first round battle for GOPs (Grand Old Party), (US Republican Plitical Party) US President nominations Front-runner Mitt Romney stood in course of a narrow win (by just 8 votes ) from a 120, 000 party flock in a state New Hampshire that is considered the heartland of America. Maldives lifts ban on spas The Maldives president on 4 January 2012 said he has lifted a ban on spas in the upmarket tourist destination after establishing they were not being used for prostitution as alleged by Islamist protesters.The Maldives on 31 December 2011 has ordered hundreds of luxury hotels to close their spas after protsts by an Islamist party which claimed they were a front for prostitution. Karzai gives go ahead to US Taliban peace talks The government of Afghanistan gave its blessing to talks between Taliban insurgents and the United States, and also to the opening of an office for the Islamists in Qatar on 4 January 2012 . Obama unveils New Defence Policy, shifts U S focus to the East U S President Barack Obama unveiled a defence strategy on 5 Jan. 2012 that calls for a greater U S military presence in Asia and envisions cutting troops in Europe as the Pentagon seeks to reduce spending by nearly half a trillion dollars after a decade of war. Myanmar Govt. approves Suu Kyis party on 5 January 2012, allows to contest by- elections in April Turkeys ex general arrested on coup allegations Turkeys former Army chief Ilker Basbug on 6 January 2012 was detained over an alleged bid to topple the Islamist rooted government in the latest confrontation likely to inflame tensions with the powerful military. Chinese media slams US look east policy Warns Washington against War Mongering , says move may fuel military tension Chinas state run news media warned Washington on 6 January 2012 not to recklessly practice or engage in war mongering, a day after the Obama administration outlined a new military strategy with an increased focus on China. Nea Zealand oil slick ship breaks up in storm A cargo ship, Reena, stranded on a New Zealand reef for the past three months has split into two in a severe storm on 8 January 2012, creating fears of a fresh oil spill. The two pieces of the Reena have been forced 20-30 metres apart after waves up to 6 metres hit the vessel according to Maritime New Zealand spokesman, Ross Henderson. Iran begins N activity underground Iran has begun uranium enrichment at a new underground site well protected from possible air strikes on 8 January 2012. Germany, France warn Greece it wont get more funds until it agrees on Bond Swap

Germany and France warned Greece on January 9, 2012 it will get no more bailout funds until it agrees with creditor banks on a bond swap and pressed for an early deal to avert a potential default in the euro zones most debt-stricken nation. Pak PM dismisses Defence Secretary Pakistans Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani dismissed Defence Secretary Lt Gen Khalid Naeem Lodhi, a retired general and a close aide of the Army Chief with immediate effect for gross misconduct and illegal action according to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers O ffice.

INDIA & WORLD

India, Pak exchange list of Nuclear Installations India and Pakistan on 1 Jan. 2012 exchanged lists of their nuclear installations and facilities under a two decade old pact prohibiting attacks on atomic assets, days after senior officials of the two sides held talks in Islamabad on nuclear and conventional CBMs. The Governments of the two countries are required to exchange lists of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year under the terms of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and facilities that was signed in December 1988. India, Pak set to start trade in power, petro goods Plan is to transfer 500MW via Punjab, surplus Diesel from Bhatinda Refinery India and Pakistan are strengthening business links in 2012, with the stage set for start of trading in electricity and petroleum products. Officials from the two countries have decided to trade in electricity through a specially built high voltage direct current link between Amritsar and Lahore. The plan is to transfer 500MW through the Punjab border with the tariff linked to the market rate. China denies visa to IAF officer, Indian defence team cancels the visit India on 6 Jan. 2012 cancelled the visit by a military delegation to China after one of its members hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, was denied Visa by China. 12 Indian diamond traders return after detention in China Twelve diamond traders returned to India from China on Jan. 6, 2012 after being released from a detention centre in Shenzhen, where they had been kept for nearly two years. India to give MFN status to Bangladesh India on Jan. 6, 2012 said that it was keen to give Bangladesh most preferred nation status for trade across the border and would try to ensure capital flows to that country for business. India to seek new waivers from US on new sanctions on Iran As new US sanctions of Irans oil sector take effect, India, which expects to be hit, will ask the US for waivers to minimise the effect of the curbs that may be given to Washingtons key allies like Japan, Turkey and South Korea, who, like New Delhi, are all importers of Iranian oil. India decides to send small tri service delegation to China

In an overnight U-turn India has decided on 7 January 2012 to go ahead with sending a military delegation to China next week but reduced it to 15 members to the original 30 after Beijing refused to issue a visa to an IAF officer from Arunchal Pradesh. India for labour treatises with Europe, Oz The government is negotiating human resource mobility partnership agreements with the Netherlands, France, Australia and the European Union in a move aimed at greater inroads for Indian professionals into such markets. India, South Africa for early conclusion of Customs union pact India and South Africa on Jan. 9, 2012 agreed to ensure an early conclusion of the India SACU ( Southern African Customs Union ) Preferential Trade Agreement and the Bilaterial Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. India, Singapore in talks for changes in trade agreement The India Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement ( CECA ) would require some amendments, particularly in the area of mutual recognition of professional qualification in order to make it relevant to the present business relations between the two countries.. Mali signs $100-m line of credit with Exim Bank of India The West African nation of Mali on January 11, 2012 signed a $100 million line of credit with the Exim Bank of India. This line of credit will be used for transmission of power from Cote dIvoire, Malis neighbour, to the capital city of Bamak. Indias push for UN veto to stall reforms: Berlin As the issue of expansion of UNSC permanent membership gathering momentum, Germany for the first time on 16 January 2012 has openly warned India that its insistence on veto rights for new permanent members will not just delay the reform process but also not help turning the UNSC into a more decisive body. India, China agree on a border peace mechanism India and China on 17 Jan.2012 agreed to set up a working mechanism on border management to deal with important affairs related to maintaining to peace and tranquility in the border areas. Mahindra Rajapaksa committed to settling Tamils issue Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajpaksa on 17 Jan. 2012 repeated his commitment to follow the 13th Amendment plus approach" to achieve a political solution to the Tamils issue even as the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna urged Sri Lanka to move towards an expeditious political settlement. Chinas Rail Network To Touch Indias Border China has announced it will aceelerate plans to expand a railway network in Tibet to reach the two towns near the border i,e from Lasha to Xigaze and the town of Nyingchi which lies in a prefecture bodering of Arunachal pradesh , under five years plans 2011 -2015. Indian Factories Fail To Move Up

Indias states as a competitive industrial production economy remained unchanged .India ranked 42nd in 2009 on a competitive industrial production index lower than much smaller economies like Thailand , Mexico ,accordingly to the latest report of (U N I D O ) . Safeguard Passwords From Phishing Satistics says India is among the top three countries targeted for phishing attacks .It is estimated that there are three crore victims of identity theft annually with losses of nearly Rs 10,00,000 crore to the companies . phishing is among the more popular security attacks on banks and personal information , the others being screen logger and key logger . India s Anti Subsidy Plan To Hit China The Indian government is ready with a plan to act against countries that provide subsidy to local producers and make exports more competitive , Although anti subsidy action is a trade defence measure,permitted by the World Trade Organisation (WHO) the move is expected to hit China . The government is setting up a Directorate General of Trade Remedies , which will deal with anti- subsidy ,anti dumping and countervailing actions . India Pakisthan Deal India has offered to export petroleum products, including petrol , to Pakisthan .by road , rail and sea assumes significance in the backdrop of the forthcoming Pakisthan visit of the Indian Trade Minister .The praposal will be worked out in next few weeks . India & Thailand Likely To Sign Free Trade India and Thailand are likely to sign the free trade agreement by the middle of the year, The Pm of Thailand Ms YingluckShina Watra addressing a bussiness conference pitched for opening trade in services and investment between India and Thailand. India s Ranks 131 In Press Freedom Indias ranking in a global press freedom index fallen singnificantly in the past years . India fell to 131 out of 179 on the press freedom indes compiled by reporters without borders . India Has the Most Toxic Air India has the Worlds most toxic air which infact , the entire South Asian regions fare badly in the analysis .India holds the very last rank among 132 nations in terms of air quality with regards to its effects on human health . India scored a miniscule 3.73 out of a possible 100 points. N T P C New Project In Bangladesh Bangladesh s state owned power development board had signed a $ 1.5 billion , 50 : 50 joint venture deal with public sector N T P C to build a 1,320 mw coal fired power plant in Bangladesh . India To Grant $1.5 Million To Chicago India will provide a grant of $ 1.5 million to the University of Chicago to establish a Vivekananda chair for Indian studies , as part of the initatives to mark the 150 th birth anniverssary of the 19 th century Swami Vivekananda and polymath Rabindranath Tagore . Indian Deal For France ,126 Fighters

India on 31 st Jan selected the French fighter Rafale over the Eurofighter Typhoon in a multibillion dollor contract for the supply of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft ( M M R C A ) the country s largest defence deal . The defence ministry said that the product was picked upon the basis of it being the lowest bidder , after complex calculations ,including the life cycle costs .The total deal is estimited to be worth of $ 10.2 billion ( 54,000 crore ).wich was the mojor supplier from French defence , Dassault Aviation who plyed a major role Kargil conflit in 1999 . Bangladesh To Buy 11 Broad Guage Locos From India The Bangladesh Railway on 31 st linked a major deal with India to Acquire 10 braod guage diesel electric locomotives, allowing the expansion of train services in the country .

NATIONAL
Anna suporters show PM black flags Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was shown black flags by supporters of anti graft crusader Anna hazare at the Golden Temple in Amritser on 1 January 2012, leading the congress to condemn the protests that it said should be directed against the BJP for blocking the Lokpal Bill. No evidence against Tata Group in 2G scam, says Ratan Tata Ratan Tata, the Chairman of the Tata Group, has expressed happiness that the Group has come out safely in the 2G Scam on 2 January 2012 which has involved politicians, bureaucrats and executives of various companies. Home Min rejects Mundra Ports bid to develop Vizhinjam Seaport Adani promoted co wanted to develop port which could become deepest one in India.The Union home ministry on 3 January 2012 has rejected Mundra Port and Special Economic Zones ( SEZ ) bids to develop Keralas Vizhinjam International Seaport ( VISL ) and a few other projects raising doubts about the companys expansion plans. Retire on May 31 : MoD to General Singh Ministry of Defence on 3 January 2012 said to Army Chief General V K Singh to retire by May 31 due to a controversy over his Date of Birth recorded differently in the Adjutant General ( AG ) branch, the keeper of official records, and the Military Secretary ( MS ) branch, which handles postings and promotions. It is May 10, 1950 in AG branch, and May 10, 1951 in MS branch. PM asks ministers to fill 50k quota backlogs Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 4 January 2012 instructed key ministers to seriously take up the task of filling backlog vacancies of the SCs, the STs and the OBCs after he was told that the pending seats stand at around 50, 000. NREGS : 9,000 personnel punished As many as 9, 000 personnel involved in implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ( NREGS ) for the past six years, have been punished on 6 January 2012 in connection with various irregularities, including simphoning of funds. NRIs can vote in Indian polls, says PM Notification on Registration of Overseas Voters

Reminding non resident Indians ( NRIs ) of the constitutional provision that allows them to vote in Indian elections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Jan. 8, 2012 told a gathering of the diasphora from 60 countries that the government has issued notificaton for registration of overseas voters. In other words, NRIs can vote in the upcoming elections in five states. 70% milk in country adulterated Goa, Puducherry safest places to buy milk; AP too fares well In the 33-state study, milk was found adulterated with detergent, fat and even urea, besides siluting it with water. Across the country, 68.4% of the samples were found contaminated.Only in Goa and Puducherry did 100% of the samples tested conformed to required standards. At the other end were West Bengal, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Mizoram, where not a single sample tested met the prescribed norms. Muslim quota: EC show-cause to Khursheed The Election Commission on January10, 2012 night issued a show-cause notice to Union Law Minister Salman Khursheed, asking him to explain why action should not be initiated against him for his statement 9% sub-quota for backward muslims in the course of an election rally in UP. 2G note isssued with PMOs approval FM officials tell JPC Word Perusal replaced Approval after Pranabs scrutiny The controversial 2G note that suggested P Chidambaram as finance minister could have seized the telecom scam, was issued with the approval of the Prime Ministers Office ( PMO ), top ministry officials told the Joint Parliamentry Committee ( JPC ) on 11 Januray 2012. The committee was also told that the word perusal had replaced approval in the context of finance minister Pranab Mukherjees scrutiny of the note in an internal noting just two days before the backgrounder was readied. Govt. nod for anti terror entity Government on Jan. 12, 2012 finally gave its approval to set up a specialized anti terror body, National Counter Terrorism Centre ( NCTC ), which will work as a single-window entity to pool together and collate terror related intellegence input, draw plans to nuetralize terror modules and coordinate action among different terror agencies to defuse threats. India asks BBC to apologize for Clarksons cheap show India on 12 January 2012 has demanded an apology from BBC over its presenter Jeremy Clarkson mocking Indian culture during a Christmas special while driving around the country, calling it a breach" of agreement. No polio in a year, India steps up Line of Control checks Success in controling spread of the virus hikes global demand for Indian Docs.India has not recorded a single case of polio in 12 months the longest ever. India has increased survelliance against polio along the Line of Control (LoC) bordering Pakistan. BPL health scheme to be extended to more unorganised workers The Government on Jan. 11, 2012 reviewed the implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), the scheme launched five years ago to ensure health insurance for families living below the poverty line, saying that it will be extended to several segments of unorganised workers. Infosys, HDFC Bank among HBRs elite 10 growth outliers

Two Indian companies, Infosys and HDFC Bank, along with the US-based company of Indian origin Cognizant, figure in an elite group of 10 companies identified by Harcard Business Review as the companies that have consistently performed better than others around the world over a ten year period. This elite group of 10 companies is called Growth Outlier". Court warns Facebook, Google The Delhi High Court on 12 January 2012 warned Facebook and Google that their websites could be blocked" as was done in China if they failed to devise a mechanism to remove objectionable materrials. Govt. nod to prosecute Facebook, Google, Yahoo The government on 13 January 2012 granted sanction to prosecute social networking websites, including Google, Facebook and Yahoo and 18 others, for allegedly promoting enmity between classes and causing prejudice to national integration, a trial court in New Delhi was informed. Govt. supports subsidising Rural Mobile Bills The Planning Commission has proposed that the government pay 20% of all mobile bills that are less than Rs 300 a month for customers in rural India by dipping into the funds set aside for providing subsided rural telephony. The Planning Commission had sent the proposal to the Prime Ministers Office, which in turn has asked the telecom department to study the feasibility of the proposal on 13 January 2012. Army Chief takes Govt to Court over Age row Army Chief General V K Singh on 16 January 2012 moved the Supreme Court against the governments rejection of his claim on his date of birth. In a writ petition, he is believed to have questioned the governments decision to treat his date of birth as May 10,1950, instead of May 10,1951,as claimed by him on the basis of his matriculation certificate and other documents. This is the first time that any Service Chief has dragged the government to the court of law. NTRO Scam: SC asks CAG report The Supreme on 16 January 2012 asked for a copy of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (CAG) report pointing out alleged irregularities in the purchase of intelligence equipment by National Technical Research Organisation (NRTO). NAC draws up plan for shelters for over 3L urban homeless The National Advisory Council (NAC) on 16 January 2012 has recommended a Rs. 4,250 crore programme to provide shelters and other amenities to homeless in Class 1 cities in the country.The council has suggested the National Programme for Shelters and other services for Urban homeless to set up 6,800 permanent shelters for around 3 lakh homeless.The Scheme to be run on a 75-25% cost sharing basis between the Centre and the states with the Union government bearing the entire capital costs. Centre files a caution against Army Chief The Centre on 17 Jan. 2012 filed a caveat (caution) in the Supreme Court to prevent Army Chief V.K. Singh from getting any ex parte order in the writ petition filed by him challenging the defence ministrys order fixing his date of birth on May 10, 1950, instead of treating it as May 10, 1951. NTPC to Set Up 5MV Solar Farms in Andaman

NTCP is taking decisive steps towords renewable energy projects. it is setting up a 5 mv photovoltaic power generation unit close to port blair airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands . India is on 6th Nation to Have a Nuclear Sub Indias long hunt for nuclear submarine is finally over. It will take another 10 12 months to get an operational nuclear weapon triad the capabillity to fire nukes from land, air and water. Renaming Of Mana Airport The Union cabinet of India on 24 th Jan 2012 approved renaming of Mana airport at Raipur in Chattisgarh as the Swami Viveka nanda airport. New Advisor to PM Senior Television Journalist Pankaj Pachuri was appointed as communication advisor in Prime Ministers office on 19th Jan 2012 .and Mr .Harish Khare resingned as Media advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan singh .The Union cabinet of India on 24th Jan 2012 approved renaming of Mana airport at Raipur in Chattisgarh as the Swami Viveka nanda airport. India First Life to Sell Life Cover Through Auto Dealers Indias first life insurance plans to sell life insurance policies through automobiles. Indian life insurer had tied up with Varun motors to sell the insurance cover including all vehicles. Eliminating N T D By 2020 Around 17 Neglected Tropical Diseases ( N T D ) many of which affect millions of Indians are all set to get the much needed attention .A phrama company Ceos , Billgates along with the W H O will loosen their purse string to annouce a range of measures to achieve a common goal . N T D elimination by 2020,over $ 2 billion is needed to prevent and treat all people at risk of contracting a common NTD by 2015, According to a document released on Jan 26 th by WHO .The programme aims to improve the lives of over 1.4 billion people world wide and help them to achieve self sufficiency .WHO identified 17 NTD in149 countries , and found that one -third of 2.7 billion people living in less than $ 2 a day were effected . Pushing Up Of Inland Waterways The Government has moved the process to fasttrack the development and use of inland waterways transport involving the private and state run companies. The move is expected to push the high potential of inland waterways in transporting bulk cargo, such as coal , food grains , fertilizers , project cargo , fly ash over dimensional cargo and container at competive cost for both public and private sectors . It is also expected to ease the burden on rail and road infrastructure .An agreement has been signed between the National Thermal Power Corporation and The Inland Waterways Authority of India and private developers for the Farakka power project. Farmer Army Vice Chief Booked The farmer vice chief of the army , Lt.Gen ,Nobel Thamburaj ,and two other were booked by the C B I on the charges of criminal conspiracy , cheating and misconduct in settlement of land dispute .

STATES

Madhu Koda has wealth worth about Rs. 3,300 crore Madhu Koda has amassed property worth about Rs. 3,300 crore during his tenure as the chief minister of the Jharkhand State by misusing his office, the income tax department has said on 1 January 2012. Jagan aide Vijay Sai arrested by CBI Sai is second accused in Jagan Assets Case Effecting the first arrest in the alleged illegal assets case pertaining to YSR Congress president in AP, Jaganmohan Reddy, the CBI on 2 January 2012 took into custody Vijay Sai Reddy, the financial advisor of Jagathi Publications and other companies owned by the son of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the former CM of AP. HIgh Court cancels Srilakshmis bail Justice NRL Nageswara Rao of the AP High Court on 2 Jan 2012 cancelled the bail granted to senior IAS Oficer Y Srilakshmi in the illegal mining case and directed her to surrender before the CBI court before Jan 6.President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil visited SHAAR Space Centre in Nellore District, AP on 2 January 2012. She dedicated PSLV Mark 3 Mission Control Centre to the Nation. Milk sold in AP safe, pure: Survey According to a survey conducted on adulteration of milk in various parts of the country, the milk sold in Andhra Pradesh has been found to be mostly safe but that is not the case with many parts of the country. According to National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011 report, out of the 1791 samples tested in states, 1226 samples were found to be adulterated and not conforming to Food Safety and Standards Authority specifications. The results were made public on January 2, 2012.The result for Andhhra Pradesh may be happy to feel about. Its not that there is no adulteration at all but out of the 75 samples tested, 70 samples conformed to the standards. Only 6.7 per cent did not conform to the standards. Kerala ready for joint control of New Dam Kerala is ready for a joint control of the Mullaperiyar Dam with Tamil Nadu and the Centre, if a new dam gets constructed, replacing the 116 year old existing structure, state Chief Minister Oommen Chandi said on 4 January 2012. Lokayukta rejects complaint against Maya The Lokayukta on 5 January 2012 has rejected a complaint against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and her trusted minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui alleging a scam of Rs 2.32 lakh crore in the excise department on the grounds of insufficient evidence. Poll process kicks off in Manipur The notification for the January 28 assembly polls was issued on Jan. 4, 2012 in New Delhi, setting up in motion the poll process in the five poll bound states including Uttar Pradesh. The elections in Uttar Pradesh will be held in 7 phases while in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, it will be held in a single phase. Counting of votes in all the states will be held on March 4. EC says all Mayawati statues to be covered Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi on 7 Jan. 2012 said all statues of chief minister Mayawati and Elephants, election symbol for Bahujan Samaj Party, will be covered ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls. UP polls to begin on Feb.8

The Election Commission on Jan.8, 2012 announced a change in the election date in Uttar Pradesh : instead of beginning on February 4 as previously announced, the polls will start on February 8. Karnataka for Gita in school syllabus Karnataka chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Jan. 8, 2012 announced that the government was considering introducing the Bhagvad Gita in primary and secondary schools after seeking public opinion. Mahindra Solar Rajasthan unit on stream Mahindra Solar One, a solar power developer, commissioned its first 5 MW solar power plant. A part of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission ( JNNSM ) policy, the project is located near Jodhpur in Rajastan and was first to achieve non recourse financing in the industry. Karnataka cuts VAT on cotton to 2% Karnataka government on 10 January 2012 has decided to reduce tax rate to two per cent from five per cent for value added tax (VAT ) on purchase and sale of cotton. Suzion to set up 3,000-mw Wind Power Capicity in AP Suzion Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a wind power capacity in the state totalling 3,000mw between 2012 and 2016, creating potential investments of up to Rs 18,000 crore on 16 January 2012. Setback to Modi: Appointment of Liokayukta is supported In a major set back to Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Gujarat High Court on 18 Jan. 2012, by a majority verdict, supported the appointment of Justice R.A. Mehta, a retired judge of the High Court, as Lokayukta. The Modi governments petition challenging Governor Kamala Beniwal appointing the Lokayukta bypassing the government was dismissed. US To Set Up LNG Terminal in AP IL & FS Maritime Infrastructure has teamed up with the US based VGS group to up a floating liquefied natural gas terminal at the Kakinada Anchorage port in Andhrapradesh in a bid to cater to the growing needs of independent power producers (I P P s) .This terminal will become the first such ( L N G ) import terminal on Indais east coast . Government Takes ECS Route to Check Black Money The Andhra pradesh government has decided to make all payments contractors and other through (ECS) Electronic Clearance Service. Introduction of ECS payments the money will directly deposited in their bank A/C and the tax on the same cannot be evaded as the entire process is recorded by the bank and the Finance department. NTPC Another Mega Project In South NTPC Ltd the countrys largest power company is planning to take up mega project in kudgi project in karnataka with 4000- mw. Revive Sakri Solar Project In Maharashtra The Maharashtra government is trying to revive the, Rs 2,000 crore sakri solar power project in Dhule, near Northern Maharashtra with 150 mw.

Bullet Train between Ahmadabad & Mumbai Terming the bullet train as a dream project of the C M Mr Narendra Modi demanded for new railway project and infrastructure for the financial year 2012-2013. This project will be annouced in the railway budget for 2012-2013. Maruthis New Diesel Plant at Gurgoan A new diesel engine plant is expected to entail an investment of Rs 1,000 crore for a capacity of 1 lakh engines under the Maruthi Suzuki banner .It will be the first own diesel engine plant at Manesar in Gurgoan . Longest Flag Unveiled In AP The Famous temple town of Bhadrachalam in AndhraPradesh , as students of Dr .Paul Raj Engineering College created a history by unveilling a 3.2km long natinal flag .On the occasion of 63 rd republic day on Jan 26 th 2012 . The flag weighed about 800 kg .The organisers claiming that they had suceessfully unveiled the Worlds longest Indain flag .Vedeo recording of this entire programe was sent to the authorities of Guinnes Book of Record . L N G Plans Terminal In A P Petronet L N G will set up its third terminal at Gannavaram in Andhra pradesh . The decision has taken by companeis board meeting with estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore . 500 MW Wind Energy Farms in A P Welspun Energy Ltd (W E L ) part of the diversified $ 3 billion Welspun group had made agreement with New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh to install 500 mw of wind energy capacity in the state . Polling In Punjab & Uttarakhand Assembly Elections has been held in the states Punjab & Uttarakhand on 30 th Jan 2012 .Elections for 117 contituencies in Punjab & 70 contituiencies in Uttarakhand . All major parties candiadates are participating in this elections .highest of 77 % voting poll has been polled Punjab and in Uttarakhand 70 % voting poll. U P Lokayukta Recommends C B I To Probe Against Kushwaha The former minister for family& welfare & mining Babu Singh Kushwaha , prima facie guilty of illegally awarding mining contracts and laudering money through his several registered socities , Uttarpradesh lokayukta N .V . Mehrotra sent a report to cheif minister Mayavathi on 30 th Jan 2012 registration of a case against Kushwaha with C B I and enforcement directors .

CONFERENCES
99th Science Congress Conferences were inaugarated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Bhuvaneswar, Odisha on 3 January 2012. PM announced the decade 2010-20 as Decade of Innovation, he also said that the government would allot 2% of GDP for scientific & Technological researches in the 12 th Five Year Plan.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated 15th Global Sanskrit Meetings in New Delhi on 4 January 2012. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Global Partnership Summit 2012 has been inaugurated by Union minister of industry and commerce and textiles Anand Sharma in Hyderabad, AP. AP gets 233 investment proposals worth around Rs.5.57 lakh crore with employment generation potential of 4.7 lakh on day one of the event. 10th Pravasi Bharathiya Divas in Jaipur The 10th Pravasi Bharathiya Divas was commenced on 7 Jan, 2012 in Jaipur, the pink city.The chief guest, Indian-origin Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad Bissessar, arrived in Jaipur for the 10th Pravasi Bharathiya Divas. The conference took place from 7 Jan 9 Jan. 2012.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Flair play Award for Dhoni Indian Cricket Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was awarded with International Sports Press Associations Fair Play Award on 30 December 2011 for showing sport -spirit by calling back Ian Bell even after the umpire declares him out during the Teams visit to England. This is the first time that this award is given to a cricketer. Gates Vaccine Innovation Award for Nitish Kumar The Bill Gates and Melinda Foundation has accepted the proposal for conferring the Gates Innovation Award to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the first Gates Vaccine Innovation Award for effectively strengthening the immunization programme.The Bihar Chief Minister will thus be the first recipient of the Vaccine Innovation Award, introduced globally by the Foundation having carried a cash of U.S. $ 250,000. Grand Master Honour International Chess Player Musunuri Lalith Babu received the honour of Grand Master on 2 January 2012. He is the 26th Chess Player from India to receive the Honour. S.K.Singh award for nuclear trouble shooter Venkatesh Varma Senior Indian diplomat D. Bala Venkatesh Varma a key member of the negotiating team that saw the Indo U.S. nuclear deal through from the first agreement of July 2005 down to Additional Protocol in 2010 was given the first S.K. Singh award" for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen Indias position in the Global nuclear order by UPA Chair person Sonia Gandhi at a high profile function in New Delhi on 6 January 2012. Bagged By AP Team Union Home Ministry Award Jeevan Raksha has been bagged by AP Team. The Union Home Ministry released Sarvotttam Jeevan Raksha, Uttam Jeevan Raksha and Jeevan Raksha Awards for the Year 2011. Rs. 30,000 will be given for Jeevan Raksha Award . British honour for culture secy

In a rare honour, the British Museum, the oldest in the world, has decided to give its maiden British medal to culture secretary Jawhar Sircar on 7 January 2012. The medal is being given as a tribute and recognition of the extraordinary contribution made by Sircar in piloting museum reforms in India". Award for Saluri Vasu Rao Noted cine music director, Saluri Vasu Rao, was conferred with the title, Sangeetha Siromani, by the Guntur District Music Artistes Association at the first anniversary celebrations held recently in Guntur, AP. Manjubhargavi presented Lifetime Achievement award Kuchipudi dancer Manjubhargavi was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award at the inauguaral session of the three day Bharat Nrityotsav of Nataraja Music and Dance Academi at Kalabharati Auditorium in Visakhapatnam, AP on 8 Jan. 2012. Gollapudi Maruthirao feted Renowned film actor and writer Gollapudi Maruhtirao was conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Appa Josyula Vishnubathala Kandalam Foundation and Srikakulam Rangasthala Kalakarula Samakhya on 8 Jan. 2012 in Srikakulam, AP. Ballon d Or" for Lionel Messi and Homare Sawa Lionel Messi was on Jan.10, 2012 awarded the 2011 FIFA Ballon dOr" at a star -studded ceremony in Zurich, the third consecutive year that he has won the prestigious award for the worlds outs tanding footballer.Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa claimed the womens equivalant. Clooney, Streep conquer Golden Globes The 69th Golden Globe Awards this year have been bagged by Clooney, the Best Actor in a Motion Picture The Descendants" and Meryl Streep for the Best Performance by an Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady" on 16 January 2012 in Los Angles. Cash award for Bindra Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken on 18 Jan. 2012 presented a cheque for Rs. 4.33 lakh to Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra for winning the Gold in air rifle in the ongoing Asian shooting championship in Doha. South Asia Literature Award For The Novel China man Srilankan author Shehan Karunatilaka was awarded the DSC Pril for south asia literature 2012 at the Jaipur literature festival in Rajsthan for the novel china man . Dr . C. Narayana Reddy s Award. Dr . C. Narayana Reddy sahitya puraskaram is been awarded to kanad poet Maskandapuram Srinivas . Ricky Ponting Was Honoured Senior Australian batsman Ricky Ponting was honoured with Australias highest civil honour along with a host of sports person of international repute .he was aslo appointed as officer in the general division of distinguished service to the sports criket. A P State Gets 3 Padma

Andhra Pradesh got a raw deal in the prestigious Padma Bhushan . G Maniratnam -Founder member of Trirupathi -based N G O Rashtriya seva samithi (RASS) .Ace Badminton coach Syed Mohamad Arif were honoured with Padma Shri .Dr , P. Chandrasekhar Rao -a judge at international tribund for the law of sea , Germany were honoured with Padma Bhushan. Padma Bhushan Awards Cine artist Dharmendra , cine artist Shabana Azmi , Director Mira Nair, An Painter Jatin Das , London based sculptor Anish Kapoor , carnatic musicians T. V .Gopalkrishnan , B. Muthuramam -mM D of Tta steel,eminent cardiologist -Dev Prasad Shetty ,Cancer Specialist -Suresh H.Advani ,N. Vital head of Central Vigilance Comission, M V. Subbaiah murugappa group . Padma Shri Awards Women Criketer Jhulan Goswami , Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist -Zafar Iqbal ,Skiing -Ajeet Bajaj ,Athletics -paralympics -Devendra Jhajriya , Archery -Limba Ram were awarded with Padma Shri . Assam Policman Creates World Record Assam police constable who is 22 years old Abhjeet Buruah created world record by running barefoot more than 150 km in 24 hours in Jorhat .and entered into Guinness Book Of World Record on 31 st Jan 2012. The Indian observer for the guinness world record B.K.Chandrasekar Tiwari opproach to the Tarjan bypass on the western outskirts of Jorhat town . Asha Bhosle , in Limca Book Of Records The luminaries from Indian Music including Asha Bhosle , Gulzar and Yesudas have been awarded people of the year at the unveiling of the 23 rd Limca Book Of Rcords on 31 st Jan 2012.

SPORTS & GAMES

Bartoli crushes Gajdosova Marion Bartoli of Italy left Australian Jarmila Gajdosova in tears after defeating her 6-0, 6-0 as France eased to a 3-0 Hopman Cup victory on 3 Jan. 2012. in Perth. Michael Clarke, Australian Batsman hits a grand Triple Century ( 329 ) in the 2nd Cricket Test match between India & Australia in Sydney on 5 Jan. 2012. Grand Master Honour AP Chess Player, M R Lalith Babu won Bronze Medal in the Hastings Masters International Chess Tournament where as Chinas Yuvang stood as winner on 6 Jan. 2012. SA wins the Test series against Sri Lanka South Africa wins the Test series against Sri Lanka 2-1 at Capetown. Kalis was declared Man of the Match for his Double Century. Australia wins the second Test match against India in Sydney and lead the four match series 2-0. Czech Republic wins Hopman Cup by defeating France

Thomas Berdych & Wimbledon Champion Petro kvitova defeated France and won the Hopman Tennis Cup in the final in Perth on 7 Jan. 2012. Kanepi wins Brisbane International Estonias Kaya Kanepi defeated Slovakias Daniela Hantuchova ans won Brisbane International Tennis Tourney in Brisbane on 7 Jan. 2012. Tsonga wins Qatar Open Jo-Wilfred Tsonga defeated French compatriot Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 on 7 Jan. 2012 and won the 20th edition of Qatar Open Tennis in Doha on 7 Jan. 2012. Canadian Tennis Player Raonic defeats Tipsarevic ( Serbia ) in the Aircel Chennai Open singles final and clinches the Chennai Open in Chennai on 8 Jan. 2012. Leander Paes ( India ) and Tipsarevic ( Serbia ) won the Aircel Chennai Open Tennis doubles final in Chennai on 8 Jan. 2012. Zheng wins crown Chinas Zheng Jie won the Auckland Classic Tennis Tournament on 8 Jan. 2012 in Auckland. This is Zhengs fourth WTA title. Lee, Wang triumphant World No.1 Lee Chong Wei stormed back to defeat arch rival and holder Lin Super Dan in the final of the Korea Open Badminton in the Mens Final on Jan. 8, 2012 in Seoul. In the Womens Final, world No.3 Wang Shixian from China easily beat her compatiot Jiang Yanjiao, who had defeated world No.1 Wang Yihan in the semifinals. Shixian ran out a comfortable 21-12, 21-17 winner. South Africa beats Sri Lanka in the first One-day International at Boland Park in Paarl ( South Africa ) on 11 Jan. 2012. South Africas Hashim Amla hits century ( 112 ). Kerala beat Uttarakhand and won the 60th senior National Volleyball championship at the Balbir Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur on 11 Jan. 2012.. Chinas Yu Ruiyuan won the Chennai Open international Grandmaster Chess tournament in Chennai on 12 January 2012. Dhoni hints at Test retirement by 2013 Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on 12 January 2012 made a surprise revelation that he may retire from Test cricket if he is to play in the 2015 World Cup. Bindra shoots Gold in Asian Championship Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in 10-meter air rifle event of the Asian Shooting Championship in Doha on 13 January 2012. Azarenka triumphs Victoria Azarenka ended Li Nas unbeaten two-year run at the Sydney Tennis International with a fighting three set victory in the final on 13 January 2012 in Sydney. Wagner wins Sony Open

American Johnson Wagner recorded his third victory on the USPGA Tour Sunday by shooting a final round three-under 67 for a two-stroke win at the $5.5 million Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii on 15 January 2012. South Africa clinched series victory South Africa clinched a series victory in the third one-day International against World cup finalist Sri Lanka at Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein on 17 Jan. 2012. South Africa lead the five match series 30. Beijing World Cup cancelled Shooters preparing for Olympics will have only three World Cups as the Beijing World Cup scheduled to be held from June 16 to 25 has been cancelled. India wins Hockey Second Test India recorded a 2-1 win over South Africa in the closely fought second hockey Test at the National Stadium in New Delhi on 17 Jan. 2012. Srilanka Wins Fifth odi One day International series which was between Srilanka and SouthAfrica at Jonnesburg was won by Srilanka by 3-2. Rajasthan Holds On Ranji Trophy Rajasthans hard work and commitment retained the 78 th Ranji Trophy with them and win the trophy against Tamilnadu at M A .Chidambram stadium . Robertson Wins Masters Australias 2010 world champion Neil Robertson won the master tittle on 21 st Jan 2012 with 10 -6 against England s Shaun Murphy at Alexandra palace . 1 st Women To Icy Adventure British adventure Felicity Aston completed her crossing of Antarctica on 22 nd Jan 2012 , becoming the first women to ski across the icy continent alone . she did it in 50 days pulling two sledges for 1,744 km from her starting point on the leverett glacier .she has set another record ,the first human to ski solo across Antarctica using only her own muscle power . Sixth National Tittle For Advani Pankaj Advani has won the sixth national billards tittle which was held at Pune . India Wins Mens s Doubles Indian players Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek pair , has won their first mens doubles A ustralian Open Grand Slam on 28 th Jan 2012 against Czech which was held in Melbourne park . First Balarusian To Win Grandslam Victoria Azarenka became the first Balarusian to win the grand slam single tittle in Australian Open Tittle ,crusing Russia s Maria Sharapova . She is only 22 yrs old to become the new world no . 1 according to W T A ranking .

Australia won By 4 0 Australia won the forth test series by 4 0 and wins the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India at Adelaide Oval . The captian of Australia Micheal Clarke has been given the man of the series ,who scored the highest 626 runs in the series .Peter Siddle the man of match for this series Sania Ranked No 7 In Double Indias Sania Mirza craked the top 10 of the individual doubles ranking , climbing ahead to no 7 rank in the world .According to the new W T A ranking and Sania slipped five places to 116 to 111 in singles . Rocks Wins Abu Dhabi Championships The worlds 117 th ranked golf player Robert Rock has won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships on 29 th Jan 2012 against his strongest opposition player Tiger Woods ,which held in dubai . Nadal Looses Grand Slam Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open 2012 mens Singles Champion ship .It was final in grand slam history which six hours to finish the match between Nadal and Djokovic held on 29 th Jan 2012 at Melbourne .Djokovic beeing ranked worlds no 1 after winning this grand slam .

ECONOMY
U S Economy Grows 2.8 %in Q Y The U S economy grew at its fastest pace in one and -a -half years in the fourth quarter , rebuilding of stocks by businesses and week spending on capital goods hinted for the shole of 2012,the economy grew 1.7 % after expanding 3 % the prior year . $ 5 Billion Loss : Goods Made in India, Faked in China Chinese manufacturers are increasingly faking popular Indian products of consumer goods giants such as Dabur and ITC, undermining the legitimacy of brands and causing losses worth as much as $ 5 billion annually, officials said. Govt readies Rs. 50k cr infra fund plan LIC, IIFCL, IDBI Bank, ADB & HSBC likely Parteners for New Finance Firm. The government has finalized the outlines of a $10 billion crore ( over Rs. 50, 000 crore ) infracture debt fund ( IDF ) with 50% participation from a foreign bank and a multilateral agency, while the rest of the corpus will be contributed by state owned financial institutions on 2 January 2012.Government officials and bankers said India Infracture Finance Company ( IIFC ), Life Insurance Corporation and IDBI Bank along with Asian Development Bank and HSBC are joining hands to set up a non banking finance company ( NBFC ). RBI governor hints at soft monetary policy Concerned over the declining growth Reserve Bank Governor D Subba Rao has indicated on 2 January 2012 that the central bank could reverse the tight monetary stance adopted by it since March 2010 to control inflation. The central bank is scheduled to announce the monetary policy review on

Jan 24. RBI has hiked key interest rate 13 times since March 2010 in its bid to check rising inflation, but it took a pause in its December monetary policy . ONGC to invest $2.9 bn in Krishna Godavari gas find State owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ( ONGC ) plans to invest $2.894 billion ( about Rs. 15, 340 crore ) in developing its ultra deepsea UD 1 gas discovery in the KGi basin by 2016 17. Andhra Bank hikes NRE deposit rates The state run Andhra Bank has hiked its interest rates on NRE term deposits to 9.40% per annum for one year, 9.25% pa from one to two years and 9% pa for 2 to 3 years with effect from December 30, 201. SBI achieves 100% Financial Inclusion in AP State Bank of India has achieved 100% coverage of its alloted unbanked villages in Andhra Pradesh under the Financial Inclusion Programme ( FIP ) of the Reserve Bank of India. PFCs Rs. 5,000 Cr Tax Free Bonds Power Finance Corporation ( PFC ) on 2 Jan. 2012 has come out with a Rs. 5,000 crore tax free bond issue. PFC is a Navratna Government of India undertaking with the government holding 73.72% stake in it. Government approves RILs $1.529 B Investment Plan for Satellite Fields in KG D6 Block. The Union government approved Reliance Industries (RIL) $1.529 billion investment plan for developing four satellite fields in the declining KG-D6 block on 3 January 2012. RILs investment plan will boost falling output in the Krishna-Godavari Basin KG-D6 block . Growth in Direct Tax collection down by 8.3%. Annual growth in net direct tax collection slowed to 8.3% during the first nine months of the fiscal year amounting to Rs. 3,23,955 crore, raising concerns about the centres ability to meet its revenue targets. ONGC declares 125% Interim Dividend State run Oil Natural Gas Corp ( ONGC ) declared a 125% interim dividend. The Board has approved an interim dividend of Rs.6.25 per equity share ( of Rs. 5 each ) for 2011 12 on 4 Jan. 2012. Sebi allows UTIMF to launch new schemes Reversing its earlier stand, market regulator Sebi on 4 Jan. 2012 has allowed UTI Mutual Fund ( UTIMF ) to launch new funds again even though the fund house continues to function without its top executive officer nearly a year now. SBI Loan to Kingfisher Airlines turns NPA State Bank of India, the countrys largest lender says its exposure to ailing priva te carrier Kingfisher Airlines has turned a bad loan or a non-performing asset ( NPA ) on 5 Jan. 2012. SIDBI inks pact with IOB Small Industries Development Bank of India ( SIDBI ) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Indian Overseas Bank ( IOB ) to extend assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises ( MSME ) to the customers of IOB on 6 January 2012.

State FMs agree in principle on GST ( Goods and Services Tax ) list The empowered committee of state finance ministers on GST on Jan. 9, 2012 agreed in principle on the concept of negative list and suggested the Centre could prepare such a list which would help widen tax base. The panel has agreed in principle to the concept of negative list and the Union Government should prepare it and can also implement it from April, 2012. The Committee suggested that all those items mentioned in the Constitutions Schedule II should be included in the negative list so that Union Government can not impose tax on them. Air India told to pay service tax dues The Central Board of Excise and Customs ( CBEC ) on 10 Jan. 2012 has warned the national carrier Air India to pay up a reasonable part of its service tax dues as early as possible or face having its accounts frozen. Govt. notifies 100% FDI in single-brand retail Retains rider of 30% sourcing from Indian small industries The Government, which has been facing flak for policy paralysis, on 10 Jan. 2012 notified 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment in single-brand retail trading, moving a step forward in opening up of the retail sector. The current FDI limit is 51 per cent. Investments will be through the Government approval route. IRDA plans to take up complaints on its own Customers may except better services from their insurers soon. The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority is planning to take insurance complaints on its own to ensure fair play by the insurers. Govt investing $20 b in creating information highway, says Pitroda The Government is investing $20 billion in projects related to creating information highway, according to Mr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Infrastructure, Information and Innovations. SEBI asks bankers to disclose due diligence records Stock market regulator SEBI ( Securities and Exchange Board of India ) on 10 Jan. 2012 has asked merchant bankers to disclose their track record of due diligence done during the last three financial years from the date of listing for each public issue managed by them. Rs. 1,935 crore worth FDI cleared The Government on 10 Jan. 2012 has approved 20 proposols of Foreign Direct Investment worth Rs. 1,935.24 crore according to an official statement. One among them include Rs. 1,150 crore by Sterlite Grid, to act as an investment company. RBI says no to CRR cut The Reserve Bank of India has ruled out the possibility of a cut in the cash reserve ratio or CRR, in its monetary policy review on January 24, according to bankers who took part in the customary prepolicy meeting held by the central bank on Jan.10, 2012. Rice procurement up 17.3%

The Government has so far procured 18.11 million tonnes rice from farmers across the country in the current marketing year that started October , the food ministry said on 10 Jan. 2012. Malaysia palm oil exports fall Malaysias palm oil exports fell 19 per cent in the first 10 days of January compared with the previous month. Indirect tax collections up 16.1 per cent Indirect tax collections went up by 16.1 per cent to Rs. 2.86 lakh crore in April-December this fiscal as compared to Rs. 2.46 lakh crore garnered during the same period of 2010-11. Moodys upgrades Indias Short Term Foreign Currency Bank Deposits Rating It will help Indian banks, other entities raise overseas deposits at finer rates.Global rating agency Moodys on Jan. 10, 2012 has upgraded the countrys rating of short term foreign currency bank deposits from speculative to investment grade. Since December 20 last year, this is the fourth upgrade by Moodys Investor Service, which is expected to help Indian banks and other entities in raising overseas deposits at finer rates. SBI cuts processing fee by half for bigger share of Home Loan Mkt The State Bank of India on 11 January 2012 cut processing fees on home loans by half, a move aimed at acquiring a larger business in the home loan market and giving competition to private banks and housing finance companies. SBI opens exclusive branch for women customers The branch, Vasundhara Jubilee Senortia Banking centre is opened by SBI in Hyderabad on Jan. 11, 2012. It is only the second of its kind in the country. It is aimed at tech-savvy, educated women customers including entreprenuers. "with play room for kid and other facilities women customers can handle their banking transactions in a safe and family atmosphere". Andhra Bank lauches Abhaya Wealth Pack Andhra Bank on 12 January 2012 launched Abhaya First Wealth Pack for the common man. The bank termed it as one wealth management for all financial needs. It will have a savings bank account, a recurring group deposit account, a group term insurance and a unit linked insurance plan. India to be Reckitt Benckisers New Regional Head Quarters Benckiser, one of the worlds largest consumer goods companies , has upgraded India to its regional head quarters for Sooutheast Asia, covering 12 nations representing a market of 1.8 billion people. S&P may strip France of AAA rating for first time Standard & Poors is stripping France of its AAA rating for the first time according to Agence France Press report. SEBI wants Fund Houses to Launch Pension Products Asset Management Companies ( AMCs ) need to launch pension products that will channel retirement savings into stock market, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman UK Sinha said on 13 January 2012. Indian Exports up 6.7% in December, may touch $300-b target

Indias exports rose for the first time in five months, encouraging the government to reaffirm that it would achieve its $300-billion target for the year. Exports in December grew 6.7% to $25 billion over the previous month according to the data released on 16 January 2012. At 7.47%, December Inflation takes major load off Govt Inflation rose at its slowest pace in two years in December 2011. Headline Inflation as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), dropped to 7.47% in December on lower food prices, as compared with 9.11% in November, government data released on 16 January 2012. S&P downgrades the Brussels bailout fund EFSF The Standard and Poors, the US credit ratings agency on January 16 downgraded the Brussels main bailout fund, European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) by one notch to AA+ but said it would restore the top AAA ranking if the fund obtains additional guarantees.The decision was the result of downgrades to Frances and Austrias ratings from AAA since they served as top -level guarantors of the European Financial Stability Facility, S&P said in a statement. Govt. set to allow FDI in domestic airlines In a major relief to financially distressed Indian airlines, the government on 17 Jan. 2012 said foreign airlines would soon be allowed to acquire up to 49% stake in them. Chinese Banks lend $1.18 bn to Reliance Communications Chinese state banks lend debt-laden Reliance Communications (Rcom) $1.18 billion to repay foreign currency convertible bonds worth Rs 6,125 crore ($1.18 billion) on 17 Jan. 2012. India ranked behind Pakistan, Bangladesh India has been ranked as 132 behind Pakistan and Bangladesh in 2012 in the World Banks latest Ease of Doing Business rankings. India has moved up seven points to 132 this year, from 139 last year. Rupee undervalued 61% : Big Mac Index The Indian rupee is the most undervalued currency, trading at around 61% below its actual price against the dollar according to The Economists Latest Big Max Index. The Index measures the effective purchasing power of different currencies by looking at how much Mc Donalds popular burger costs in various countries. Iran explores buying more goods from India Iran is considering stepping up its purchases from India to obtain a more balanced trade and reduce the payments problem faced by the two countries in setting payments for crude import by India in the wake of fresh sanctions from the US. Centre plans to boost up textiles sector The government is planning to give incentives to the textiles sector with retrospective effect as it seeks to revive Indias second largest manufacturing sector burdened with sickness, debt and declining demand. World Bank cuts Global GDP forecasts

The World Bank on 18 Jan. 2012 warned the developing countries of the upcoming recession danger. It cut its forecast for growth in developing economies to 5.4% for 2012 from its previous forecast of 6.2% saying expansion in Brazil and India and to a lesser extent Russia, South Africa and Turkey had slowed already. States want to hike professional tax In a Budget wish list presented to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, finance ministers of states on 18 Jan. 2012 demanded that the government should allow them to tax top professionals more and lift the ceiling from the current 2,500 a year. Centre urged to give funds directly to States Majority of States have favoured the Rangarajan Committees recommendations on doing away with the current system of classification of expenditure into Plan and Non-Plan categories on 18 Jan. 2012. They have also agreed that the BK Chaturvedi Group report on Centrally sponsored schemes should be implemented. Mr. Sushil Kumar Modi, Chairman of the empowered Committee of States Finance Ministers, asked the Centre to give funds to the states directly for various social sector schemes. Small And Medium Units Urged SMEs (small and medium enterprises ) in the country used to work more closely with special economic zones to gain from the facilities extended . Banks Want Tax Compliance Norms Banks have moved the finance ministry to ease the procedure relating to the compliance being faced by depositors to the senior citizen and economically weaker categories . saying that pan in forms 15G/15H should not be mandatary . Center Mulls Textiles Sops With Retrospective Effect The Government is planning to give incentives to the textiles sectors which are burdened with debts.No ,subsidy scheme was given for these campanies in 2010 11 .Companies which were deprived for benifit last year will be covered under the changed rule . LIC Crosses One Million Mark The Life Insurance Corporation of Indai has crossed the one million mark in cumulative lives under its health Insurance segment. LIC Launching Jeevan Ankur Life Insurance Corparation of India is launching a new plan . Lic s Jeevan ankur on 23 rd Jan 2012 to meet the educational and other needs of the child . China To Rescue UK Economy Chinas fastest growing economic presence in Britan to rescue the UK economy the china investment corporation (CIC) has bought a 8,6% stake in Thames water,which is Britanss largest water and sewerege company . The production target for worlds largest coal produce coal India ( C I L) is likely to be fixed at 46.4 million tones mt for the 2012-2013 financial year. 4 Pharma FDI Plans Okayed

For money inflow intact, the government has cleared forms foreign direct investment proposals in pharmaceutical space , dispelling fears that the recent change in rules will effectively kill foreign investments in the sector.The foreign investment promotion board ( F I P B ) examines proposals that are in approval route on merit . Tata Power In Talks To Buy 15 % Stake in MEC Coal The Tata group already owns 30 % in mines promoted by the Bakrie group one of the Indonesias biggest house.Tata company plans to secure coal supplies from Indonesia to reduce power generation costs .If the deal goes on it will be the second time buying a stake in Indonesia coal mines . R B I Cuts C R R Rates The Reserve Bank of India on 24 th Jan 2012 cut the cash ratio by 50 basis points from 6% to 5.5 % with effect from 28 th Jan 2012 , which would release Rs 32,000 crore in the financial system . keeping all other unchanged repo rate at 8.50 % . GDP growth from 7.6% to 7 % now .With the RBI holding back on cutting interest rates due to increased inflation risk from global crude , oil prices, the lingering impact of rupee depreciation .CRR cuts would bring liquidity and help in sensex up . India Srilanka Bilateral Trade Surges by 70 % Trade between India and Srilanka surged by more than 70 % in 2011over the past years touching all time high of $ 5 billion . Solar Powered A T M s In Rural Areas Innovation which makes a difference to peoples lives in the Indain context is very different .The company Vortex placed in Chennai helping the banks by solar powered A T Ms installed in rural places .Where as conventional ATMs requires 50 watts of power everyday while Vortexs machines require just 70 watts power to work . India Signs International Tax Treaty The government had made another move to get information about black money stashed away from the country .India had signed the multilateral convection on mutual administrative assistance regarding tax matters , that promotes international cooperation .India and other countries joined to ensure that individuals and multinational enterpries pay right amount of tax ,at the right place .Which is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of information . Samsung India To Exit From Window AC Market Indias largest consumer durable firm Samsung India Electronics had decided to exit from window air conditioners segment from the year 2012 .And completely focusing on fast growing split air conditioners market ,due to the window AC market is shrinking significantly . TCS Opens New Facililty In Silicon Valley The I T major ( T C S ) Tata Consultancy Services has opened a new facility in U S , It will serve as the world wide headquaters of the companys mobility solution units .And which aims to bring the benifits of emerging technologies such as big data , analyties and mobility to enterprises across all industries . C A G To Audit In States The Comptroller and Auditor General of India ( C A G ) has decided to audit the spending of all states under the National Rural Health Mission (N H R M ) Scheme .After hearing a Rs 5,754 , crore

NRHM scam in Uttarpradesh . The CAG will conduct independent audits of the scheme in 17 other states to ascertain losses to exchequer . The ministry has written letters to states, asking them to cooperate with their accounts generals. Excise Duty ,Service Tax May Be Hiked In The Upcoming Budget To revive Indian economy ,impacted by the global slowdown , the government had provided three fiscal stimulus packages starting from Dec 7,2008 the government had brought down excise duty from 14 % to 10 % to miligate the impact of the global financial crises .The duty was further cut to 8 % on Feb 24, 2009 . On Feb 26 2010 rolled back the cut partially . The excise duty and service tax may be hiked by 2% in the up coming budget . Government is thinking that entire cut be rolled back . When industry is down and demand is depressed , raising duties may further hurt growth .There will be fiscal deficit likely to be 5.6 % to 5.1 % .in 2011-2012 . Economic Growth Revised Down By 8.5% To 8.4 % The central Statistics office on 31 st Jan 2012 lowered its estimate for the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2010-2011 to 84 % from 8.5 % earlier , The gross national income grew 7.9 % in 2010-2011 .GDP growth in Agriculture sector is 7% .GDP growth in service sector grew up by 9.3 % . GDP growth in financial savings reduced from 12.9% to 10 % .GDP growth in private cooperate sector down by 8.2 % to 7.9 % .GDP growth in saving of public sectors increased from 0.2 % to 1.7 % .The gross demostic capital formatiom at current prices increases from Rs. 23.64 lakh crore to 26.92 lakh crore in 2010-2011.The rate of capital formation stood at 35.1 % in 2010-2011 low down than earlier against 36.6 % in 2009-2010 . These are the latest revisions ,part of quick estimates of of nationalincome ,cunsumtion expenditure ,saving and capital information released by central statistics office . RBI lowers Export Figures by $ 6 B, surprises Economists The Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) has revised its export numbers downwards by $6 billion in its balance of payments statement for the first quarter ( April June ) of the fiscal indicating massive over statement in the countrys export numbers.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Challenging Iran begins 12 with N fuel rod feat, missile test Iranian scientists have produced the nations first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West has doubted Tehran capable of, the countrys nuclear agency said on 1 January 2012. Nasa probe on track, reaches Moon orbit Grail, 110th Mission to Earths Satellite, will help understand Lunar enigma better .As planet Earth rang in the new year, a different counter sown was happening at the moon. After a 3 1/2 month journey, a Nasa spacecraft flew over the Moons South pole, fired its engine and dropped into orbit on 1 January 2012 in the first of two back to back arrivals over the new year weekend. A massive star called VFTS 102 is the fastest star that rotates at the rate of million milles per hour 100 times faster than our Sun was found to date. Iran tested successfully two missiles that can chase 200 kms target in the Strait of Hormutz on 2 January 2012. RE60, Bajajs 4-wheeled vehicle, launched

Indias Bajaj Auto Ltd launched its first-ever four-wheeled vehicle RE60 on 3 January 2012 saying the RE60 would target commercial users and three-wheeled vehicle owners in India.. Below Antarctic sea, a lost world of unknown species British Scientists have discovered what they claim is a lost world of unknown species nearly 8, 000 feet deep on sea floor off the coast of Antarctica - kept alive by undersea volcanoes. The stem cells that can produce different cells in an eye were identified by Nural stemcells Institute of Regenerative Research Foundation Scientist Sally Temple on 5 January 2012. AIDS vaccine for monkeys raises hopes for humans Scientists in Washington have developed a new vaccine that partially protects monkeys from an infection much similar to HIV, a breakthrough which they say could be a new weapon in the battle against AIDS. Hydrogen driven three wheelers. The world got its first fleet of hydrogen fuelled three wheelers on 9 Jan. 2012 when seven vehicles were unvieled at the ongoing Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. Called HyAlfa , the three wheeler is almost zero-emission vehicle while its fuel consumption is substantially lower as compared to 1kg of hydrogen giving 80 km mileage.The three-wheelers have been developed under a project DelHy 3W, of the United Nations Industrial Development organisation ( UNIDOs ) Internal Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies ( UNIDO-ICHET ) in association with Mahindra & Mahindra and IIT Delh, besides being supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ( MNRE ). Acer unveils worlds thinnest laptop. The Taiwan-based computer titan Acer unveiled the worlds thinnest laptop in Las Vegas on 9 January 2012. New earthworm species discovered in Port Blair Pointing to the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar islands , a team of researchers from Thiruvanthapuram has identified a new species of earthworm on 10 January 2012. The species has been named Moniligaster ivaniosi" . Two more planets orbiting binary stars discovered Kepler-34 b, Kepler-35 b binary star systems have low-density gas plannets orbiting them..More than 700 planets orbiting a star ( extrasolar planets ) have been discovered till date. But a planet orbiting two stars was more in the realms of fiction recently. Scientists on 11 January 2012 discovered two circumbinary planets Kepler 34 b and Kepler 35 b orbiting binary stars. Morocco Rocks Come From Mars Scientists have cliamed that chunks of a meteorit which fell in Moracco last Jully 2011 were from Mars .which happened once in every fifty years . World Smallest 3D Map Created . Scientists have created a miniature world map which has now been accepted by the Guinness World Record as the worlds smallest 3D map .A map which can only seen through a microscope . 11 Solar Systems . NASA s kepler telescope has discovered 26 new planets spread among 11 solar systems.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments A P K Reddy has been appointed as the new president of the AP Smallscale Industrial Societies Federation on 3 January 2012. Yahoo appoints Paypals Scott Thompson as new CEO 4 months after firing Carol Bartz on 4 January 2012. Muralidharan takes charge as Coast Guard Chief. Vice Admiral M P Muralidharan has taken charge as the 19th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard on 6 January 2012. Farida Group Chairman, Raffiq Ahmed was appointed as the new President of Federation of Indian Exports Organisation ( FIEO ) on 7 January 2012 T.G. Venkatesh elected chief of APBA Minister for Minor and Lift Irrigation T.G. Venkatesh has been elected the new president of Andhhra Pradesh Badminton Association ( APBA ) on 8 January 2012. B D Park is Samsung Indias new MD. Consumer Electronics and mobile phone major Samsung India Electronics on 9 Jan. 2012 announced the appointment of BD Park as its new managing director and the president and CEO of its South-West Asia operations. NGRI gets new Director Prof. Mrinal K. Sen has been appointed as the new Director of the National Geophysical Research Institute ( NGRI ), a part of the Council of the Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ) on 10 January 2012. UTIMF gets an interim chief Imtaiyazur Rahman has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer of UTI Mutual Fund, the fifth largest fund house in India by assets under management ( AUM ). B) Resigns VS Achuthanandan offers to resign as Opposition Leader Stung by the allegations of corruption and a vigilance FIR registered against him, former Kerala CM and CPM leader VS Achuthanandan has offered to quit the post of Opposition leader in the State Assembly on 13 January 2012. Pawar To Make Retirement . National Congress Party ( N C P ) Cheif and Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar has annouced that , he will not contest the next Loksabha election and make way for younger leadership . he will be copleting his 45 yrs in politics . C) Deaths Dancer who brought Bharatnatyam to Maos China dies Chinese dancer Zhang Jun, who brought Bharatnatyam and Kathak to Maos China in the 1950s and inspired thousands to follow her passion for classical Indian culture over a celebrated five decadelong teaching career , passed away in Beijing on 10 January 2012 after a long battle with cancer. She was 79.

Indias 1st woman photo journalist passes away . Homai Vyarawa lla, the countrys first woman photojournalist died in Vadodara on 15 January 2012. Indais Water man Passes Away Dr .C.H.Krishnamurthy Rao, chairman 7 managing director of Chemfab Alkalies Ltd passes away on 20 th Jan 2012 .he was known as water man. Deputy Cheif Minister Passes Away. Former Deputy cheif minister c.Jaganatharao passes away on 23 rd Jan 2012 . Intellectual Writer Died. Sukumar Azhikode , award winning writer , scholar and probaly the most influential gandhian died on 24th Jan 2012 . M . O . H Farook Passes Away . kerala Governor and three times Puducherry Cheif Minister and M P M. O .H Farook died in chennai on 26 th Jan2012. First Music Arranger Died . India s first music arranger Anthony Prabhu Gonsalves deid on 18 th Jan 2012 . D) Visitors Pak army Chief leaves for China pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani went to China on a five day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese leadership on 4 January 2012. Saudi Arabia Minister of Commerce, Taffic Bin Fazhan Al Rabia, who is on a visit to India met Union Minister of Commerce & In dustry, Anand Sharma. Trade between both the countries exceeded Rs. 2,500 crore dollars in the year 2010 11. Trinidad PM visit to India Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar visited India on 6 January 2012. Both the countries agreed for 5 Pacts. Bangladesh PM in Tripura Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina visited Tripura on Jan 11, 2012. She met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. She has been invited to receive an honourary doctorate from Tripura Univesity. This is the first visit by a Bangladesh Prime Minister to Tripura, which played an important role in Bangladeshs War of Liberation in 1971. She also addressed India-Bangladesh Business Meet, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII ) and the Federation of Bangladesh chambers of Commerce ( FBCCI ) in association with government of Tripura. Nepal Deputy PM on a 4-day visit to India Nepal Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has been on a 4-day visit to India to hold talks on security issues. During his stay in New Delhi, Mr Gachhadar, who is also the countrys Home Minister, will meet his Indian Counterpart Mr P Chidambaram, and Defence Minister, Mr A K Antony, among others. Visit Of InBer CEO CarlorBrito To India The worlds largest brewer AB InBER , Carlos Brito has been visited to India in the last weak of Jan 2012 .Brito now heads the joint exiting making him one of the top 30 global CEOs in the world .

Thailand P M Visits India Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shina Watra has visited India 25 th Jan 2012 . she will be our cheif guest for 63 rd Republic Day celebrations at red fort. 1.5 Lakh Indains Visited Srilanka In 2011 In the period from Jan to Nov in 2011, 1.5 lakh Indian people has been visited Srilanka out of the total of about 6.5 lakh tourists ,and the numbers from India are expected to reach an all time high due to the International Criket committie s Twenty-20 World Cup being held in Srilanka this year . E) Miscellaneous $376 m Stock Award for Cook. The one-time stock award worth for Apples CEO is the largest given by a company in a decade. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook received a one-time stock award worth nearly $400 million , the largest given by a company in a decade on 10 January 2012. Gilani not an honest man, says Pak SC. Pakistans Supreme Court on 10 Jan 2012 said PM Yousaf Raza Gilani wasnot an honest man and slammed hid government for wilful disobedience while warning him that he could be removed from office if he does not take action on corruption cases against president Zardari. Zardari flies to Dubai Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari flew out on a surprise trip to Dubai on 12 January 2012. Although it was described as a one-day private visit, his sudden disappearance at a time of government military stand off triggered by memogate fuel speculation that he may not return. British royal faces 22-yr jail in Turkey over TV documentary The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson is reportedly facing more than 20 years in jail, after Turkey authorities charged for breaching privacy" of orphans in the country by secretly filming them for a TV documentary. Suu Kyi launches bid for Parliament. Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi launched her historic bid for a seat in Parliament on 18 Jan. 2012. The Nobel Peace Prize winner is standing in April 1 by-elections.

PLACES IN NEWS
7.0 Magnitude Earthquake hits Japan A strong earthquake with a strong magnitude of 7.0 struck heavily eastern and northern Japan on 1 January 2012, but there were dno immediate reports of injuries or damages or no tsunami warning issued .

ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS

AFSPA Armed Forces Special Powers Act AMC Asset Management Company. CII Confederation of Indian Industry. CRR Cash Reserve Ratio. FIU Financial Intelligence Unit. . FDI Foreign Direct Investment. FIR First information Report. NCM National Commission for Minorities. NCTC National Counter Terrorism Centre . NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. NIA National Investigation Agency . NPA Non Performing Asset. NREGS National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. NTPC National Thermal Power Corporation. NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration. SEBI Securities and Exchange Board of India. SAIL Steel Authority of India Limited. FCCB Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds. WPI Wholesale Price Index. IPICOL Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd . UIDAI Unique Identification Authority of India . IAMAI -Internet And Mobile Association of India . FCCB Foreign Reliant Iregated Area Development .Currency Convertible Deberture . A P R P R P Andhra Pradesh Rural Powerty Reduction Project. T R I AD - Tank Reliant Iregated Area Development . I W A I Inland Waterways Authority Of India O E C D -Organisation For Economic Cooperation and Development . A I B E A All India Bank Employees Association .

N R E D C A P New and Renewable Enenrgy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh . J N N S M - Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission . T R R A I N Trust For Retailers and Retail Associates of India . F I E O The F ederation Of Indian Export Organisation . M M R C A - Meduim Multi Role Combat Aircraft . P H C G Publicis Healthcare Communications Group .

BOOKS IN NEWS
Visually challenged boy pens Novel Inspired by author J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and series , a visually challenged 18 year -old Viswanath Venkat Dasari from a formers family in Gokavaram of East Godavari District, has spent seven years of his life and wrote a book Pharaoh and the King, a story based on Indian and Egyptian mythology. The book was published by Author House, UK. Priced at $19.95, the book was released in the United States and the United Kingdom.

COMMITTEES IN NEWS
The Supreme Court appointed empowered committee heard the submission made by Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue on 2 Jan 2012. Kerala complained to the empowered committee headed by former Chief Justice of India, Justice A S Anand that a survey done by the expert panel last month was biased and the panel had supported Tamil Nadu during its inspection of the dam site. A two member export panel comprising C D Thatte and D K Mehta had visited the dam site after Kerala expressed fears in the wake of recent tremours in the area.

DAYS &DATES
March 02 Common Wealth Day . March 08 International Womens Day , International Literacy Day. March 13 World Kidney Day . March 15 Worlds Disabled Day , World Consumers Day. March 08 Ordnance Foctories Day.

March 21 World Sleep Day ,World Forestry Day , International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March 22 World Day For Water. March 23 World Meterological Day . March 24 World TB Day , Internation Day For Achievers . March 25 International Day Of Remembrance . March 26 Bangladesh Day . March 27 World Drama Day .

February 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
US To End Afgan Mission By 2013 The President of US Barrack Obama was facing a tough time of re-election campaign, as the strongest signal is that the White House wants to put an end to wars. The US troops completed their withdrawal from Iraq in Dec 2011. So the US Government plans to end combat operations in Afghanistan in 2013 and shift to training program. Face book Files For Historic IPO A social networking for huge Face book had filed an initial public offering (IPO),Which could raise as much $10 billion and raise the value of the company between $75billion and $10billion.It had more than 845million active users across the world . Russia &China Vetoed The UN Security Council Resolution Russia & China on 4 Feb 2012 vetoed the UN Security Council resolution for the second time in four months. The resolution condemns the Syria regimes on public uprising calls upon Present Basher Al Assad to abide by the Arab league time-fame for political reforms in the country. The frame for implementation of the resolution by Syria was increased from 15 days to 21 days EU Wants 3rd World To Double Its Renewable Energy By 2030 The European Union (EU) wants Countries meeting at a conference in the up coming June under the UNs Rio+2o mechanism to double their share of renewable energy by 2030 under an International obligation. EU wants countries like India to agree to double its energy efficiency levels under an International understanding. All world leaders are to gather in June for the United Nations Conference on sustainable development, known as Rio+20 in policy circles. Indonesia Became The 157th Country For Test-Ban Treaty Indonesia had formalized ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty on 6 Feb 2012 at the United Nation. The South-east Asia nuclear weapon free-zone treaty commits ASEANs 10 members stakes not to develop, manufacture or, otherwise acquire posses or has control over an atomic energy. Moodys Cut Rating Of Six Europ ean Countries

Moodys action follow those of standard & poors which downgraded rating of six European countries, Italy Malta,Portugal,Slovakia and Slovenia all had their rating cut by one notch with a negative outlook, while Spain was cut by two notches to A3, with a negative outlook. Britain, Australia and France could lose their triple A ratings as rating agency Moody placed the countries on negative watch. Pakistan To Grant MFN Status To India By 2012 Pakistan on 15 Feb 2012 agreed liberal trade with India and conceded to put in place a small negative list of goods by the end of the month where imports will be restricted. By the year end even this negative list expected to be phased out. A joint statement issued after bilateral talks between commerce minister Anand Sharma and Markhdosm .Pakistan will grant MFN status to India by October 2012. Three New Nuclear Projects By Iran Iran on 15 Feb 2012 launched three nuclear projects including a fourth generation ultra centrifuge, which is capable of enriching the uranium faster than its earlier models. The first one was at the Iranian Atomic Organisation Research Center in Tehran where Irans first home made nuclear fuel rods were loaded into a medical reactor. This would be used for production of two other projects in the Nathan plant in Central Iran. Enriched uranium is a critical compound for both civil nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons China to Be Top Gold Consumer In 2012 According to the World Gold Council ( WGC ) China had over taken India as the country with greatest appetite for gold in 2012. Its Jewellery investment demand reached 769.8 tonnes in 2011.Representing 82 % of Indians level of demand for gold which was at 933.4 tonnes. The Chines figure had only recently risen above the 50% mark in the gold market. EU-US In Trade Tie- up The US and European countries had entered into a historic trade arrangement that will pare way for organic products certified in the U.S or EU to be sold in either region from 1 June 2012 To bring the two largest organic producers and markets together to promote organic farming and is valued at around $60billion. Germany stands as its contribution to the organic market is $ 6billion. Dow Chemicals Remain To Be Sponsor For London Olympics The International Olympic Committee ( IOC) on 16 Feb 2012 announced that Dow Chemicals would remain a sponsor of the London Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association had appealed to the IOC London Games Organizing committee to withdraw the Dows sponsorship from the Londo n Olympics. The International Olympic Committee turned down the appeal of IOC maintaining that Dow chemicals, the parent company of Union Carbide had no role in the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984. It insisted Dow chemicals did not have any ownership stake in union carbide until 16 yrs after the disaster and 12yrs after the USD 470 million compensation agreements was approved by the supreme court of India. Independent Evaluation Group On World Banks Crisis A phase -two study of the World Banks crisis response, presented in a report, that the world Banks response to the global economic crisis. Phase II was released on 23 Feb 2012. The report noted during its responses to the worst financial economic crisis that hit the world economy in 2008, the World Bank failed to adequately modify its lending patterns as per the severity at the downturn across nations. Worlds Richest Country Qatar

Qatar had the worlds highest per capita GDP Rs. 43,06733 , while the economy grew by 19.40%, the fastest in the world . Qatar had been proven reserves of both oil and natural gas. Qatar tops the list of worlds richest countries by the Forbes magazine in 2012, with a small citizen population of less than 17 lakh people. The Forbes magazine had announced 182 countries ranking among these countries the world richest country is Qatar ,in second place is Luxembourg, in third place is Singapore, and Burundi, Liberia and Congo at the least places. Qatar is the place where the next World football world cup is going to be held in 2022. N.Korea, Agreed To n-Moratoriums United states officials confirmed that North Korea had agreed to halt nuclear tests and activities and implement a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile development in exchange for a US package of 240,000metric tonnes of food aid. The agreement also includes suspension of uranium enrichment activities at Yongbyon and also permission for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to return and conform the disablement of the 5-MW reactor and associated facilities. Long List Of Millionaires In Chinas Parliament The membership of the National Poeples Congress provides wealthy businessmen on powerful platform and secure their support for the communist party of China .The NPC, the chinese parliament and top legislative body convenes in Beijing on March 5 for its annual session, it will be bringing together not only Chinas most powerful political leaders but also some of the nations wealthiest individuals. The net worth o f the 70 richest delegates at the NP C, was $89.8billion, the countrys 3,000 Members legislative house.

INDIA & WORLD

NMDC Buys Coal, Iron Ore Mines From Overseas Indias largest iron ore producer NMDC, Which had acquired a 50% stake in the Australian iron ore firm Legacy Iron ore recently. To acquire more from overseas mines, one each in Russia, Brazil, Mozambique and Australia. India :Dont Want Change Of Rule In Syria India had taken decision to vote in favour of the UN Security Council resolution on Syria by stating that it does not want a regime change in the turmoil-ridden Arab country. The draft resolution was supported by 13 of the 15 members of the UN Security council when it was voted on 4 Feb 2012. Russia and China used their vote power to block the resolution. By Russia and China backing the security council, the syrian regime had stepped up armed attacks against protesters in the embattled city. $250m Credit For Mauritius India had announced an economic package which includes a line of credit of $250million and a grant of $ 20million to Mauritius with whom it had traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly ties. The two sides also signed a slew of agreements and MoUs. The two sides will provide a frame work for cooperation in the field of science and technology. India & China Call For New Flexible Ties Indian & Chinese leaders on 8 Feb 2012 had laid out a new roadmap for bilateral ties calling for a Flexible and imaginative approach in 2012 to minimise the effect of persisting political irritants, such as border disputes and Tibet. External Affairs minister S.M.Krishna who on 8 Feb inaugurated

Indias new $10million embassy, which he had described as turning a new page in ties and underscored Indias willingness to calm sources of tension. India & China Set Bilateral Trade Target $100b India & China had set up an ambitious bilateral trade target of $100billion by 2015 compared to last yrs record figure of $74billion, External Affairs Minister S.M,Krishna said Bilateral Economic & Trade Cooperation had witnessed a robust growth rate. India will continue to carry forward the positive momentum in ties. India & Saudi Agreed to Set Up Joint Working Group India & Saudi Arabia on 13 Feb 2012 agreed to set up a joint working group on defense cooperation during the visit of Defense Minister A.K.Antony. The two sides held wide range talks about combating terrorism and piracy and cooperation in regional affairs. Pakistan May Be Allowed To Invest In India India may allow investments from Pakistan into the country; Government Sources said the commerce ministry had proposed to the finance minister to exempt Pakistan from the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Regulations. This is being seen as a move to strengthen bilateral economic relation between the two countries. India Seeks Oil From Saudi-Arabia India had sought additional five million tonnes of crude oil from Saudi- Arabia as its second largest oil supplier Iran faces action from US & Israel over the Islamic nations nuclear programmed. SaudiArabia is the biggest supplier of crude oil to India followed by Iran, Iraq and Nigeria. India buys 27million tonnes of crude oil per annum from Saudi-Arabia while its annual import from Iran is about 17million tonnes. India & Pakistan Extended Agreement On Reducing Risk From Nuclear Accidents India & Pakistan on 21 Feb 2012 agreed to extend the agreement related to nuclear weapons for another five years, in accordance with article 8 of the agreement between the two countries. The agreement had come into force on 21 Feb 2007 for an initial duration of five years. India To Set Up Engagement With Arab World India will set up its mutilateral engagement with the Arab world in the up coming months with a series of events that will include a visit to Cairo by the External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna to confabulate with the Arab League and to re-engage Egypt, which is stepping out of the rigid policy confines of the Mubarak era. Canada, India For Nuclear Ties The civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Canada closes, the two countries could cooperate in looking at third markets requiring nuclear technology for energy purpose. The two nations realizing the importance and the value of strong bilateral relations. The best indicator of the improved ties was the civil nuclear cooperation agreement signed by the Prime ministers of both the countries in 2010.Canada would be able to sell uranium, nuclear supplies and equipment to India soon. NTPC To Supply 250MW Power To Bangladesh The countrys largest electricity producer NTPC is going to supply 250MW power to Bangladesh from the unallocated quota, a move that will help strengthen trade ties between the two nations.

NATIONAL
On 2G Spectrum, Supreme Court Cancels 122 Licenses The Supreme Court on Feb 2 2012 cancelled 122 2G licenses granted during the period of former communication minister A. Raja Jan 2008. The 2G spectrum scandal involved officials in the Government illegally undercharging mobiles telephony companies for frequency allocation licenses.The shortfall between the money collected and the money which the law mandated to be collected isEstimated to be Rs.176,645crore. As the grants of these licenses is illegal and blamed the Governmentfor its flawed first come first served policy, and imposes a fine of 5crore fo r each on 3 telecomcompanies which offloaded their shares after getting the licenses. 46,800 Indians Died Of Malaria Malaria deaths in India is more than 40 times higher than what is presently estimated.New research published in the Lancet shows that malaria kills 1.2million people worldwide each year-twice as high as the figure in the world malaria report -2011. In India, it is estimated that 4,800Malaria deaths in children younger than 5 yrs and 42,000 malaria deaths in those aged 5 yrs or older for th e year 2010 as against 19,000 malaria deaths in children younger than 5 yrs and 87,000malaria deaths in those aged 5yrs or older in 2002. Globally, 42% of all malaria deaths occur in older,children & adults. 20% deaths are in 15-49 age groups. Major NREGA Reforms To Be Done Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Feb 2 2012 said that their had been several complaints of corruption & irregularities regarding rural jobs schemes, MGNREGA. To make immediate reforms in the scheme, the rural development minister Jairam Ramesh told in the MGNREGA conference that the CAG would also look into the expenditure under the scheme and also the payments of wages in time for workers . In India, Record Of 14 lakh Cancer Cases India records high of 14 lakh new cases per annum. World Cancer Day, being observed on 4 Feb every year that over 12.7million people receive cancer diagnosis and 7.6million people die from these disease every year. Nowadays cancer had become lifestyle of the person that is to blame, much like in the case of diabetes and Hypertension. Yuvraj Singh Confirmed Cancer Yuvraj Singh, Who played a key role in Indias ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, had been confirmed with lung cancer had been diagnosed that the tumor was cancerous in his left lung. The Most Happiest People Reside In Three Countries According to a poll conducted by global research company IPCos, the happiest people of the world reside in Indonesia, India and Mexico. The survey measured comparative depth and intensity of happiness among country citizens and the world . As world was a happier place than in 2007 as 22% of global citizens were found to be happy in state of mind, Indians were among the happiest on the planet. On a national level, Indonesia had the highest proportion of happiest people with 51%, followed by India and Mexico with 43% each. Indias Lakshya-I Successfully Test Flown

Indias indigenously developed micro-light pilot less target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya-I was successfully test flown from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near Balasore on 8 Feb 2012. Lakshya, a subsonic, re-usable aerial target system is remote controlled from the ground and designed to import training to both air borne and air defense pilots. The (PTA) had been developed by Indias Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition. Approval Of The National Data Sharing & Accessibility Policy The Union cabinet of India on 9 Feb 2012 approved the national data sharing & accessibility policy (NDSAP 2012) to facilitate access to central Government owned shareable data & information and also national planning & development. Special Commemorative Stamp President Pratibha Patil on 9 Feb 2012 released a special commemorative stamp to mark the golden jubilee of the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. This centre plays a major role in promoting awareness and creating public opinion. The stamp priced at five rupees promoted the nation image and depicts the rich diverse culture of the country. Missile Interceptor Tested Successfully Indian Defense Scientist on 10 Feb 2012 successfully demonstrated an indigenous ballistic missile from the Odisha coast; an air defense missile successfully tracked, hit and destroyed an incoming ballistic missile at a height of 15km and range of 35km, according to the defense research and development organization. Indias First Vessel Traffic Service Dedicated To Nation In Gujarat, Indias first highly sophisticated vessel traffic service was dedicated to the nation in Kandla. Sixteen thousand square km of Gulf of Kutch are now under strict vigilance by this ultra modern radar system, which is the first and the largest radar surveillance system on Indian coast. Announcement Of New Telecom Policy The new telecom policy was announced by communication minister Kapil Sibal on 15 Feb 2012. The key policy measures are aimed at reassuring incumbent operations who had been seeking clarity in rules at a time when the Government is making every possible effort to put the cam-tainted telecom sector back on track. Telecom companies operating in the same region will be allowed to share 2g spectrum. All future allocation of airwaves will only be through auctions.Also, future licenses will be declined from spectrum and companies must buy bandwidth at market rates. Sahara Back As Sponsor The deadlock between the board of control for cricket in India and the Sahara group ended on 16 Feb with the board agreeing to most of the corporates demands. The Sahara owned franchise Pune warriors will continue to play in the Indian premier League, with the board reactivating its unspent auction purse of $16m. From both side a joint statement was given to extent the IPL trading windows till 29 Feb to give Pune warriors the opportunity to negotiate with other franchises. Tore- activate the auctionpurse of Pune warriors so that they can take more players. To start the arbitration proceedings subjectto the consent of others franchisers BCCI had agreed to allow Pune warriors to play five overseasplayers in non-availability of Yuvraj Singh. Indias success Had Inspired The World WHO An, announcement was made by the health & family planning minister Glulam Nabi Azad at the 12th Polio summit 2012, held in New Delhi, That the World Health Organisation (WHO) has removed India

from the list of polio-ridden countries. Suggesting that the wild polio virus had been totally eliminated from the environment. And India had successfully completed an entire year without an incidence of polio. However, India will have to remain polio free for two more years before it is declared polio-free by the WHO. There were only four countries in the WHO endemic list including Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. Government To Set Up National Internet Scanning Agency The Government is setting up an Internet Scanning agency which will seek to monitor all web traffic passing through internet service providers in the country. India To Set Up 20 N-Reactors To boost up the nuclear energy in the country, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd plans to set up 20 nuclear reactors in different states. They will be ready during the 12th five years plan and the new plants will come up, among other places, at Kovvada in Andhrapradesh. The nuclear energy production in the country has now touched 32,000 million units. Survey Of India To Bring New Set Of Maps The survey of India is all set to bring out a new set of maps with never before details like, open spaces, rocky areas, important buildings and landmarks, roads and even power lines passing through an area soon. One of the first such maps brought out by its as part of a pilot project was displayed during an exhibition.

STATES
Chennai-Based Heymath To SeMaths Face book In 2005, American writer Thomas Friedman was impressed with Chennai-based online Mathematics education platform Heymath. If Friedman were to describe its aspirations at present he could make, maths face book for ,Hey math, which had former IMFchief economist Raghuram Rajan and entrepreneur Jerry Rao on its advisory board, to launch a social net working site for mathematics the first of its kind ,within three months. Symbolically, it is happening in 2012 the National mathematics year in India. The maths social network to be called as Teaching Tomorrow will be separate non profit venture. Gujarat Ranked Top In Investment Proposal Gujarat topped the list of most preferred business destination in India in year 2011. According to associated chambers of commerce & industry of India report, released on 13 Feb 2012 Gujarat at the end of 2012 got the total investment proposal worth of Rs. 16.28lakh crore. Gujarat recorded 13.52% stake in the total line investment proposals worth Rs.1.20.34 lakh crore in the country in the yr 2011. High Level IT Security Policy In A.P A high level IT security policy had been proposed for the Government of Andhra pradesh . A committee had been formed to formulate the policy with members from the formationTechnology and communications department, Nasscom, National Informatics centre; Data centre Operator, The operator of the state data centre, and Wipro and Security specialists from Cyber security works. This draft will be made available by March 10 2012 and circulated to all stake holders. This decision was taken at a high level committee meeting for reviewing the issue of hacking of Government websites at the A.P State Data Centre recently

A.P Village Girl In World Cup Team International Kabaddi player, R.Nagalakshmi who hails from the remote Inkollu village in prakasam district, will hog the lime might in the womens world cup to be held in Patna in March. LPG Terminal Soon In Ennore The LPG terminal project of Indian oil Petronas Pvt Ltd in Ennore, about 30km from Chennai, will be completed in all respects by the first week of next month to receive the first consignment. Apart from the imbalance in LPG demand supply in T.M, the terminal would cater to industrial consumers and also help the company foray into auto LPG dispensing. Tirumala Museum To Showcase Lord Venkateswaras Jewels The Tirumala thirupathi Davasthanams TDD is exploring the possibility of putting the precious ornaments of Lord Venkateswaras on display at the S.V.museum . UP Elections In Seven Phases The Legislative Assembly elections were held in Uttarpradesh in seven phases for 403 seats. The first phase polling was held on 8 Feb for 55 seats. The second phase polling was held on 11Feb for 56 seats. The third phase polling was held on 15 Feb for 56 seats . The fourth phase was held on 19 for 56 seats . The fifth phase was held on 23 for 49 seats .The sixth phase was held on 28 for 68 seats and last phase will be held on3 march 2012. and the results will be announced on 6 March 2012. A.P State Budget For Yr 2012-13 Andhra Pradesh Finance minister A. Ramanarayan Reddy had presented Rs, 1.45Lakh crore budget for the financial year 2012-13 in the assembly on 16 Feb 2012.The Government estimates a revenue surplus of Rs. 4,444crorre the fiscal deficit of Rs. 20,000 crore, the latter at 2.5 % GSDP .The overall state debt is likely to go up to Rs. 1,60 191crore for 2012-13 against Rs 1,39,668 crore for 2011-12. And category wise distribution of the fund as follows . Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu - 150 crore , Indira Jala Prad 18,000crore , Electricity 5,937crore, Housing 2,302crore, Interest to farmer & women 1,075crore, IT Sector 150crore, Sports 120crore, Transportation 5,302crore,Home -4,832crore ,RTC 5,032crore,CM Fund- 600crore, Education 15,132crore,Irrigation 15,010crore , Agriculture- 3,175.

CONFERENCES
National Conference On Governance The national conference on Governance was held on 29 Jan 2012 at the NCUI auditorium in New Delhi, organized by the Foundation for peace, Harmony &Good Governance in association with global steel. IACTS 58th Conference The 58th annual meeting of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS) was held from 8 to 12 Feb 2012 in Kolkata had focused on rising incidence of heart diseases and remedies. The four day meet of the cardiac surgeons would be synchronized by the joint workshop with the European Association for cardiac thoracic surgery. For the first time in India, the original

research work on genetics causes of heart diseases and diabetic will be presented. And also the first even demonstration of the recent version of the Artificial Heart Heartmate II. International Diamond Conference The 10th International Kimberlite conference meeting was held from 6 to 11 Feb 2012 at Bangalore(GSI). It is the first time to conduct the conference in India . 15th National Conference On e- Governance In Odisha The 15th National conference on e-Governance conference had been inaugurated by the chief minister M.Naveen Patnaik on 8 Feb 2012 which will be held for two days. The conference aims at providing a platform for effective interaction of policy makers, practitioners and industry leaders to deliberate and identify priorities and recommend strategy for good governance. Luminescence Conference The 4th International Conference on Luminescence and its Applications (ICLA) 2012 conference had been organized by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies on 8 Feb2012 in Hyderabad. About 350 delegates from all over the country are participating to present their latest findings and discuss several crucial issues. Global Company Meets In Delhi The top corporate, ministry officials of international experts meeting had been held in New Delhi for two days 9,10 Feb 2012.To discus the issues related to responsibilities of company boards, stake holders expectations concern about corruption from all sectors of society etc. The 12th India EU Summit The 12th India EU summit was held in New Delhi on 10 Feb 2012. EU was represented by Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and Mr. Jose Manver Durau Barrow, president of European commission. India, Asean Summit For 2-Days The Association of South East Nations (Asean ) summit had held in New Delhi on 12 Feb 2012 with the theme of India and Asean partners for peace, progress and stability. The two days conference will also mark two decades of India-Asean cooperation and also to look areas where the relationship can be further consolidated. The 44th Session Of Indian Labour Conference The 44Th session of Indian Labour conference was held on 14 and 15 Feb 2012, under the chairmanship of Shri Mallikajun Kharge, Union minister of Labour and Employment. The conference was inaugurated by P.M Manmohan singh on 14 Feb in New Delhi . The conference was attended by senior representatives of workers & employers. Organisation and state labour ministers and senior officers from central ministers, departments and state government. The conference was deliberated upon very critical issues of minimum wages, social security and employability and employment. 9th Three -Day International Conference & Exhibition The 9th three day International conference & exhibition was hosted by the society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG),which was inaugurated on 16 feb 2012 in Hyderabad, to discus the major challenges that the oil and gas sectors facing .

AWARDS & HONOURS

Nayudamma Award For NASSCOM Chief National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSOM) chairman & NIIT group cofounder Rajendra Singh Pawar had been awarded with Dr.Y.Nayudamma Memorial Award 2011 in recognition of his outstanding performance to the Indian information technology. Typing A To Z in 3.43 Seconds A B.Tech. student Mohammed Khurheed Hussain, typed the entire English alphabet in 3.43 seconds along with spaces after each letter, he succeeded in typing the 50 characters in a record time of 3.43 seconds, to break the existing record of 3.52 seconds set by Sridhar Raju for The fastest time to type the alphabet and break the Guinness book of world record. National Integration Award For Razzak The all Indian National Integration Award had been presented to Abdul Razzak by the Tazeen ulemae-haq. This award had given to persons who strove hard for communal harmony and for spreading the spirit of national integration. Professor Chosen As UNESCO Chair Professor. Vinod Pavarala Dean, Sarojini Naidu School of Arts & Communication, University of Hyderabad had been chosen to be the first ever UNESCO Chair on community media. The chair being set up at the university for the period of four years. The prestigious chair, which is the first of its kind anywhere in the world comes in recongnition of Prof, Pavaralas work in the last decade on community radio, his research & writing, the struggle for community radio in India. World Record Heart Surgery On 17-HR-Old Baby A tiny figure from UK is recovering in hospital after becoming the youngest person to had open heart surgery. She was just 17 and half hours old when they operated her. Three IIT Scientists With Scopus Award Three IIT scientist are among the eight young scientist who had won the prestigious Scopus award from the Nation Academy of Science and Elsevier. Sanjib senapathi from IIT Madras. Sagnik Dey from IIT Delhi. Satyajit Banerjee from IIT Kanpur. Djokovic: Sportman Of The Year 2012 The tennis world no.1 Novack Djokovic had been awarded with the Sportman of the year award at the ceremony in London on 6 Feb for the year 2012.He was the fifth man to become to win three grand slam title in a row. Djo kovik had won the top individual prize at 2012 Laureus sports Awards. FC Barcelona Chosen Team Of The Year 2012 Barcelona footbal team had been recognised as the best team after its grand winning of the Spanish League and champion League. And it had captured the team Trophy at the 2012 Laureus Sports Awards held at London. Sportswomen Of The Year 2012 Vivan Cheruiyot

The Kenyan distance runner, Vivian Cheruiyot who had won the 5,00 and 10,000 titles at the world championships last year was awarded with sportswomen of the year award for the year 2012 Scot Sisters Named Oldest Living Twins Guinness World Records had recognised 102yrs old Scottish sisters as the worlds oldest living twins. Edith Ritchie and Evelyn Evie Middleton, Who hail from Aberdeenshine were born in 1909 neither of them had ever travelled outside of the UK. Rajesh Roshan Honoured With Lata Manageshkar Award The great Hindi film music composer Rajesh Roshan was honoured with the Lata Manageshkar award by the M.P.Government on 8 Feb 2012 for the year 2011. Worlds Shortest Man The 72 yrs old Nepali Chandra Bahadur Dangi, who is just 22 inches had been awarded as the Worlds shortest man and weighs just 12kilos. He would also be the worlds shortest human adult to be alive. Guinness world records experts had confirmed it and they are to travel to Dangis village. 54th Annual Grammy Awards The 54th Annual Grammy A wards were held on 12 Feb 2012 at the Staple center in Los Angeles. The British female singer, Adele won six golden gramophones for her Album, 21. The other winners are -Album of the year 22-Adele; Record of the year, Rolling in deep by Adele; song of the year; Adele; Best new artist; Bon Iver British Academy Film Awards The 65th Annual British Academy film awards, was held at the Royal Opera House in London on 12 Feb 2012.Black & White silent movie, The artist won six awards, including best film, best actor and best director. Best actress was awarded to Meryl Streep for her amazing acting as former British Prime minister, Margaret Thacher in the Iron Lady.Some of the other winners are best picture Writer Ramdarash Mishra Selected For Vyas Samman A noted Hindi writer Prof. Ramdarash Mishra was selected for the 21st Vyas Samman for his poetry collection Aam Ke Patte published in 2004. Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award For A.P Teacher A retired teacher from Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh Mr.Samala Sadasiva had awarded with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in NewDelhi on 14 Feb 2012, as he considered a pioneer in literature, music and philosophy. he got this award for his book Swaralayalu on Hindustan music. Jindal Prize For Kalam & Hedge The former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, and former Lokayukta of Karnataka Justice N.Santosh Hedge, had been selected for the S.R, Jindal prize for their contribution in their fields. Mr. Kalam got the award for his contribution in science and technology. Mr. Hedge for his exemplary service in social development. US Humanities Medal For Amartya Sen

Indias Nobel prize winning economist Amartya Sen was honoured with the prestigious US National Medal of Arts & Humanities award by U.S President Barrack Obama on 14 Feb 2012, for his efforts to increase the understandings of fighting hunger and poverty.At the glittering white house function. Highest Serbia Award For Djokovic Worlds no-1 Tennis star Novack Djokovic of Serbia was awarded with the highest serbian award,Gold Star Of Karadjordje on 15 Feb 2012 it was conffered upon him by the Serbian President Mr.Boris Attic IOC Award For Manisha Manisha Malhotra, a former Indian tennis player and Bussan Asian Games silver medalist on 16 Feb 2012 was chosen as winner of the IOC Women and Sports Awards World Trophy by the International Olympic Committee for promoting women in sports. 100 yrs Old Frenchman Sets Cycling Record Frenchman Robert Marchand had entered The Cycling Record Books in the one-hour event . three months after celebrating his 100th birthday Marchand rode 24.251km around an indoor track to establish the first ever hour performance in the 100yrs-plus category. 5 Oscar Awards For Film The Artist The 84th Academy Awards Ceremony/ Oscars was hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science ( AMPAS). The ceremony which took place at the Hollywood Highland center in Hollywood, California on 26 Feb 2012 honoured the best film and performances of 2011. The ceremony was hosted by Billy Cristal who hosted this ceremony for the ninth time. Best Motion Picture: The Artist, Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Best Actor : Jean Dujardin, The Artist Foreign Language Film : A separation Original Screenplay: Woody Allen Best Actress : Meryl Streep, Iron Lady Adapted screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and JimRash Best Supporting Actor :Christopher Plummer, Beginners, Cinematography : Hugo. Art direction: Hugo Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The Help . Original Score: The Artist. Visual Effects: Hugo

Film Editing: The girl with the dragon tattoo. Sound mixing:Hugo. Sound Editing: Hugo. Costume Design:The Artist Original Song: Man or Muppet, from Muppets. Make Up: The Iron Lady . Live Action Short Film:The Shore Animated Feature Film: Rango. Animated Short: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Documentary Features: Undefeated. Documentary Short: Saving Face. M.P,Sikkim Gets Tourism Awards The National Tourism Awards ceremony was inaugurated by the President Pratibha Patil in Newdelhi on 29 Feb 2012. Madhya pradesh state got best state for tourism infrastructure and best tourism film. Sikkim got the award for tourism infrastructure in the Northeast and best state for clean India campaign. Driverless Automated Train In Dubai The Dubai Metro had made its to be the Guinness Book Of World Records, as the longest driverless metro network in the world, spanning 74.695km, officials announced on 21 Feb 2012. Toilet Revolution Award For M.P Woman Madhya Pradesh woman named Anitha Narre was awarded for leading Toilet revolution on 16 Feb 2012 by the Sulab Sanitation , with cash worth of 5 Lakh. An Indian woman had been rewarded for her bold decision to leave her marital home within days of her wedding to protest the lack of toilets in the household.

SPORTS & GAMES

Ajay Mittal & Shreyas Double Grab Gold In Short Gun Ajay Mittal and Shreya Singh created a new national record won gold medal in womens double trap with a 12 points margin over Seema Tomer in the 55 th national short gun championship at the Kavni singh shooting range Tuglakabad on Feb 1 2012 . India won team Crown Golf Championship At Dhaka

Indias Manav Das and Khalin Joshi had won the Team Title Of Bangladesh Open Ameteur Golf Championships held at Kurmitola Golf club in Dhaka against Bangladesh team Sajib Ali and Dulal Hassain. Egypt Defeated India 2-1 In 21 Squash World Cup Egypt defeated India by 2-1 in the final of the SDAT-WSR under-21 Squash World Cup on 5 Feb 2012. Even after Ravi Dixits and Dipika Paliki fought hard to bring India back in contention but at last India lost the cup. National Snooker Champ Mehta Aditya Mehta had won the National Snooker Championship title held in Pune by defeating Kamal Chawla. Stanlley Is Champion In Phoenix Open Golf Kyle Stanley bounced back from a bitter defeat to won the Phoenix Open Golf Champion in Scottsdade, USA Pakistan Wins The Test Series Against England Pakistan had won the test match series against England by 3-0 on 6 Feb 2012held at Dubai. Sania Wons Womens Tennis Title Sania Mirza of India and Anastasia Rodinova of Australia won the Pattaya Open Womens tennis title held in Pattaya on 12 Feb 2012 Indian Archers Won 3 Gold Medals India had ended their campaign on a high in the individual sector of Asian Grand Prix Archery in Bangkok on 18 Feb 2012 by winning 3 gold, 3 silver, 1bronze medal. The Indian mixed recure team of Jayanta Talukdar and L.Bombayla Devi took gold beating the Japanese team in the final. Rajat Chauhan and Jhano Hanshad combined well to give India the mixed compound team gold by beating the Myanmar. Russias Isinbayevas New Olympic Record Russias Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva set a new indoor pole vault world record on 23 Feb 2012 with clearance of 5.01m. Isinbayevas latest world record comes just over two weeks out from the world indoor championships in Istanbul at 4.92m. Ranwanska Won Eighth Career Title Polands Agniezka Radwanska had won the Women Singles Dubai Tennis Championship held in Dubai on 25 Feb 2012 , beating Germanys Julia Goerges and becoming worlds top five for the time . Indian Hockey Team Qualified For London Olympic Indian hockey team was qualified for the 2012 London Olympics beating France by 8-1 in the final match for qualifing tournament in NewDelhi on 26 Feb 2012. The world no-5 David Ferrer claimed his 13th carrier title by winning the Buenos Aires Open title on 26 Feb 2012.

The worlds no-5 tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina had won Marseille open title final by defeating Michael Liodra on 26 Feb 2012.

ECONOMY
Per Capita Income Has Raised The per capital income in India has been raised up by 15.6% according to central statistical office at the current prices during 2011-12 is estimated to be 60,972/-.The per capita income at current prices is estimated at Rs. 53,331/-in 2010-11, as against Rs. 46,117/- for the previous year 2010. EU Carbon: Over-Flight Charges For India, Russia & China India, Russia and China may consider imposing over-flight charges on European airlines, if the European Union Continues with its plans of imposing a carbon tax on International airlines. The tax came into force from 1 January 2012.There is growing acceptance between various countries, including the US and Brazil, on imposing some restrictions on the EU if they continue with their plans to impose the tax. Food Grains Output To Hit Record High Indias food grains productions expected to reach Record High in second successive year in 20112012, and aided by the above normal monsoon & improved productivity in eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand. According to the Government estimates, output of food grains to touch 250.42million tonnes as against the previous years harvest of 244.78million tonnes. The cotton output to be at a record high of 34milllion bales of 170kg each as against previous years 3million bales.The rice output to be beat more at 102.75million tonnes, over last years 95.98million tonnes. The wheat output is higher at 88.3million tonnes, over last years 86.87million tonnes. Where as the pulses, oil seeds and coarse cereals are projected to dip. The production of pulses dip by 5.26%,17.28million tonnes over last years 18.24million tonnes. Output of turdal and red gram is lower at 2.72million tonnes last years 2.86million tonnes. The oil seeds dip by 30.58million tonnes against 32.48million tonnes in the previous years. GDP Growth To Hit Low Of 6.9% Indias economy is expected to grow low by 6.9% in 2011-12, the slowest pace of expansion in three years, dragged down by sluggish industrial growth and decline in the mining sector. According to central statistics office showed growth in 2011-12 is estimated below by 7% to 7.5%.The Indian economy, Asias third largest, had been hit by stubbornly high inflation, high interest rates, and a slowing global economy which emerged in last year. Set Up Of National Centre For Cold Chain Development The Government of India, on 9 Feb 2012 approved setting up of a National centre for cold chain development, NCCD, as a society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and allocation of one time grant of Rs. 25crore as corpus fund had been released. The NCCD will be having a governing council under the chairmanship of secretary with 22 members, covering Government officials, confederation of Indian Industry, federation of Indian Chambers of commerce & industries, FICCI and other stake holders. The move comes in the wake of post harvest losses to the tune of 50000crore rupees annually in absence of proper storage facilities. RBI Changed The Bank Rate To Rebuild It With (MSF) Rate

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 Feb 2012 changed the bank rate, a medium term signal rate after 9 yrs. The bank rate, a benchmark rate nine which RBI buys or re-discounts bills of exchange or other commercial papers eligible for purchase, was hiked with immediate effect to 9.5% from 6%. The rate was raised with the objective to realign it with the marginal standing facility MSF rate as a onetime technical adjustment to link it with the main policy repo rate RBI Issued Circular For Development Of WLAs The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 Feb 2012 issued the draft circular for development of White Label Automated Teller Machine (WLAs) from non-banks entities. The central bank also announced its plans. The central banks issuance of the draft reflected the banks intention to accelerate the growth and penetration of AT Ms in the country. ATMs rolled out by non-bank will provide ATM service to consumers of all banks. WLA means ATM owned, run and maintained by third parties on a contract basis from financial institutions. Mumbai Worlds Second Least Expensive City A global survey had named two Indian cities the financial hub Mumbai and the national capital New Delhi, among the four least expensive places across the world. As per the worldwide cost of living survey by economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU) Mumbai is the second least expensive city globally, while New Delhi is ranked fourth. Karachi in Pakistan has been named as the cheapest destination globally,which Zurich in Switzerland is the most expensive place across the world. PMs Economic advisory Panel Projected 7.5% To 8% Growth Rate The Prime Ministers economic advisory panel projected 7.5% to 8% growth rate for the next fiscal 2012-13 and the country is also expected to achieve a higher economic expansion if the global environment turns favorable. While releasing the review of economy 2011-12 that the growth rate in 2011-12 is likely to be 7.1%, marginally higher than 6.9%. projected by the central statistical organisation (CSO). RBI To Issue 5Rs Coin In Bhagat Singhs Name The Reserve Bank of Indias RBI had made an announcement to bring out 5Rs coin devoted to the legendary Martyr. A photograph of Bhagat singh and the words-Shaheed Bhagat singh birth centenary 1907-2007 will be inscribed on one side of the coin.The two horizontal lined on capital of Ashoka pillars and the value of denomination will be displayed. Figures 1907-2007 will be printed below the picture and the coin is made of iron and chromium will be of a 2.3mm diameter. First Nationwide Annual India Consumer Price Index Released As per the first Nationwide retail inflation data was released by the centre of Statistical Office on 21 Feb 2012, inflation based on the all India consumer price index stood at 7.65% in Jan 2012. The annual consumer price index CPI data released for the first time measured prices in major food groups, fuel, clothing , housing and education across the rural and urban India . Overall retail inflation in rural and urban areas stood at 7.38%.Consumer price inflation for rural India was recorded at 7.38%, for urban India stood at 8.25%.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

L G & Milagrow Enter Into Home Cleaning Robot

The two companies announced the launch of their domestic robotic cleaners. Signalling the creation of a new product niche within the vacuum cleaner segment .LG, the launch of its comb-out prized Rs. 43,990. US Engineers New Self-Guided Bullet US Sandier National Laboratories Engineers had invented a bullet that directs itself to a target like guided missile and can hit a target more than 1.6km away, it can move up to thirty corrections per seconds while in the air. The bullet can twist and turns to guide itself toward a laser-directed point. Drought-Hit Mars Too Dry For Life British scientists had concluded that Mars is too dry, a planet to host any form of life. An analysis of soil, collected during the year 2008 NASA Phoenix Mission to Mars, by Imperial college London had revealed that the red planet had experienced a super drought 600millions years ago. The scientists had decided that there had been water present during a warmer period lasting up to 5,000 years in past, but this would been too little time for life to establish itself on the surface. Two New Planets Found Researchers had discovered a new planet some 22 light years from the Earth is the most likely to hold water &possibly host life. It receives about 90% of the light that the Earth receives from the Sun the new two planets named Kepler 34, and Kepler 35 each of which circling around its own double Sun together with Kepler 16. Worlds Highest Resolution Lunar Images Chinas state administration of science, technology and industry for national defense on 6 Feb 2012, released a set of Worlds Highest Resolution lunar images taken by its second moon orbiter, Change-2, and at it braces to launch its next missile to land a rover to explore its surface. Google Launch Camera Equipped Glasses Google is going to launch a hi-tech glasses with in-built computer displays. Speculation is rife that developed at Googles secret Google X lab. The glasses will be armer with cameras, an android operating system and could be on sale soon. New Super continent In Arctic Geologists at the Yale University in the US predicted that in the coming 50 to 200million years, Australia may merge with India while all the countries may collide each other to form one massive supercontinent.The Americas and Asia will drift Northward, closing off the Arctic and Caribbean Oceans to merge around the North pole and form a super continent called Amesia. Life Originated On Land Not In Oceans Anew study claimed that the theory proposed by Charles Darwin on lifes origin was correct. Drawin proposed that the life originated on land in a pound and not in the oceans. The study held by the researchers at the Osnabruck university in Germany found that the first primitive cells might have originated in pools of condensed vapour. This was caused by underground hot water. The scientist discovered that the oceans did not contain the best balance of ingredients to support life on Earth. 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 . They used Hubble space telescope to discover the water on planet. GJ1214b was discovered in 2009 by the ground based MEarth. It is approximately 2.7 times, Earth

diameter and weighs almost 7 times as much as Earth. The presence of water on the planet was confirmed when it crossed in front of its host star. The light of the star glittered through the planets atmosphere, provided clues to the mix of gasses, supporting the water vapour theory. Tiny Lizard Called Brookesia Mirca Found In Madagascas, one of the worlds tinest Lizards called Brookesia Mirca was found by German researchers on 14 Feb 2012 It reaches a maximum length of 29mm. The researchers also found three new species in the North of the Island, during daytime, the lizards mostly live in the leaf litter in the day and at night climb up. The lizards were limited to very small ranges and they are at risk from habitat disturbance. Indian Black Eagle Was Spotted After 90 yrs The Indian Black Eagle was spotted in the Aravali Biodiversity Park after a gap of 90 yrs The bird was last seen in 1920-21 by Basin Edwardes. Space Bug A New Source Of Power Scientists have discovered a type of space bacteria in British river which they could be used as a new power source for the world. The Bacillus Strato sphericus, usually found more than 20 miles above the Earth, were spotted in the mouth of the river Wear in Sunderland. It is believed that the bugs may had been brought to the surface by atmospheric cycling, which causes evaporated water to rise into the stratosphere and then fall again.The organism is a particularly potent form of bacteria which can be used in a microbial fuel cell to convert river waste into power and clean water. China Launches 11th Satellite To Bolster GPS system China had successfully launched a satellite into space to bolster its indigenous global navigation and positioning network known as Beidou. The satellite, launched from the Xichang satellite launch centerin the southwestern Sichaun province,was boosted by a long march 3c carrier rocket into a geosynchronous orbit. It is Chinas 11th homemade navigation satellite. Arctic Sea Ice Decline Linked To Snowy Winter Further evidence had found of a relationship between melting Arctic sea ice and wide spread cold outbreaks in the Northern hemisphere could be used to improve seasonal forecasting of snow and temperature anomalies.

PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appiontments AP Dr.For Royal College Of Surgeons Of Edinburgh Dr.P.Raghuram had been appointed as the Honarary Secretary for the Royal Collage of Surgeons of Edinburgh from Andhrapradesh . New President For Maldives Mohammed Waheed Hassan had been appointed as the new president of Maldives. Abd- Rabbu Monsour Hadi had been appionted as the new president of Yemem on 25 Feb 2012.

b) Resigns President of Maldives;Resigns President of Maldives Mr.Mohamed Nasheed had resigned on 7 Feb 2012 against weeks of protest which was against his decision he had accused of favouring oppositions. Kuldip Nayar Quits Symbiosis The veteran journalist and former Member of Parliament Kuldip Nayar had resigned as professor emeritus at the symbiosis institute of media and communication. World Bank Chief to Step down World bank President Robert Zoellick had announced to step down from his position as his five years term closes by June this year. German President Quits Germans President Christian Wulff resigned on 16 Feb 2012 in a scandal over favors he allegedly received before becoming head of state. Space Scientist Narasimha Quits ISRO The top aerospace scientist Prof Roddan Narasimha, who was a member of the B.C Chathurvedi committee probing Antrix- Devas deal, had quitted from the space commission to protest against blacklisting of scientists, including former ISRO chief G.Madhavan nair. James Murdoch Quits News International James murdoch had resigned as executive chairman of News International, publisher of the times due to allegations that he attempted to cover up the scandal. c) Deaths Pop Music Legend Whitney Houston Passes Away Whitney Houston, who was pop music queen with her majestic voice and had won six Grammy awards in her glittery career had died on 11Feb 2012 in Los Angeles. Akhlaq Mohammad Khan Urdu Poet Passes Away A renowed urdu poet Akhlaq Mohammad Khan passes away in Aligarh on 13 Feb 2012 .He had received the Jnanpith award for the year 2008. Anthony Shahid Newyork Times Passes Away Anthony Shahid Newyork times foreign correspondent and two time Pulitzer prize winner died in Eastern Syria on 16 Feb 2012, after suffered from severe asthma attack. He had covered nearly two decades of middle east conflict and turmoil. A Diplomat M.A.Vellodi Passes Away M.A.Vellodi, who was an Indian foreign service officer witnessed up-close several momentous eventsin the 1960s and 1970s, died on 16 Feb 2012 in Chennai.

Football Legend Manna Passes Away Indian football former player who played bare footed, Sailendranath Manna. Indias first internationaloutgoing player at the London Olympics in 1948, had died on 27 Feb 2012 in Kolkata. Nair Service Society Chief Passes Away P.K.Narayana Panicker, president of the Nair Service Society died on 29 Feb 2012 in Kerala. d) Visitors The Prime minister of Mauritius Mr.Navinchandra Ramloolam had visited India on 7 Feb 2012 for his six days visit to sign slew agreements and for to provide frame work for cooperation. Defense Minister Antony To Visit Saudi In the first ever visit by an Indian defense ministry to Saudi Arabia, defense minister A.K.Antony had visited on 13 Feb 2012 to discus on bilateral military ties in areas ranging from training to jointexercises. e) Miscellaneous Face Book To Complete 8 yrs Face Book a social utility net working had completed its 8 yrs journey, which had almost 84.5crore people as members in facebook. Indian-American Appears On Time Cover An eminent Indian-American Preet Bharara had made to be the cover of the prestigious Time magazine for his crusade against wall street corruption and irregularities including inside trading.This man is busting wall street Bhararas picture appeared in the latest edition of Time magazine.

PLACES IN NEWS
The worlds Tallest communications tower and 2nd largest highest building 6343m, had been completed on 29 Feb 2012 , and named as Tokyo sky Tree in Tokyo of Japan. 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake In Philippine A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the central Philippines on 6 Feb 2012, killing 44 people and causing widespread panic. The powerful earthquake hit in a narrow strait between the heavily populated island provinces of Negros and Cebu, causing severe damage to property and lives.

ABBREVIATIONS
S A S T I N D State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry For National Defense

NCLP- National Child Labour Project. NADAP The National Anti Doping Appeal Panel.

BOOKS IN NEWS
Official Release Of Bangladesh Writers Book Release Was Cancelled The Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreens book releasing was cancelled at the 36 th Kolkata International Book Fair on Feb 1 2012 . There had been a controversy about the promotion of the book, regarding the release of the seventh volume of her autobiographical series ( NIRBASAN ) exile . The Amar Ekushey Book Fair had launched the 7th volume of Taslima Nasreens autobiographical series Nirbasan (Exile) on 2 Feb 2012 in Dhaka where as the release of this book was banned by the West Bengal recently. Anisul Hoques Book On Bangladesh War Launched Bangladesh High Commissioner T.Ahmad Karim & Dr.Karan Singh released Dhaka-based author Anisul Hoques latest book,Freedoms Mother in NewDelhi on 4 Feb 2012 Fidel Castros Time Guerrilla Book Released Cuban leader 85yrs old, Fidel Castro released his two volumes of his memoir entitled Time Guerrilla in ceremony. The memoirs trace his life from infancy until 1958 when he was Cuban leader in 2006. Pakistani Writers Book Released In Hyderabad Fatwar on Terrorism A book by Pakistan writer Muhammad Tahir ul Qudri, was launched in Hyderabad on 27 Feb 2012 by the former gudge.

DAYS & DATES

April 5 National Maritime Day April 7 World Health Day April 17 World Hemophilia Day April 18 World Heritage Day April 22 Earth Day April 23 World Books & Copyright Day April 25- World Malaria Day.

March 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Nepal Calls For Help to Settle Mt Everest Height Nepal is appealing to the international donors to help its finally settle, a long-running dispute over the height of Mount Everest, according to a Government official. The Worlds highest peak, Which straddles Nepal and China, is usually attributed a height of 8,848 meters following an Indian survey in 1954, but other an American team using GPS technology, recorded a height of 8,850 meters. Everest was first measured in 1856. In 2010, Nepal and China reached a compromise under which Nepal measured the height of Everests snow cap at 8,848 meters and China measured the rock peak at 8, 844 meters. US Court Dismissed a Lawsuit Against, Sri Lankan President A US federal Judge on 1 March 2012, dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Sri Lankan President Mahindra Rajapaksa. The lawsuit alleged that the president Rajapaksa is responsible for human right abuses occurred during the civil war in Sri Lanka. 25 EU States Sign Pact For Budget Discipline All but two European Union Countries signed a fiscal pact to tighten budget discipline on 3 March 2012, making a coup for Germany that pushed for the accord to prevent a repeat of the loose spending that led to economic crises. Only Britain and czech Republic did not sign the agreements , under which all other countries in the 27- nation blocks are to write a golden rule on balanced budget in national constitutions equivalent laws and automatic corrections mechanism, if the rule is breached. Britain Wont Be Christian By 2030 Britain may no longer be a Christian country by 2030 as the number of non-believers is set to overtake the number of Christians. Christianity is losing more than half a million believers per years, while the count of atheists and agnosties is going up by almost 7,50,000 annually. The number of Muslims has surged by 37%, Hindus by 43% and Buddhist by 74%. China Develops Systems To Predict Earthquakes Chines scientists claimed to have developed a system to m onitor the movement of the Earths crust and predict earthquakes. The new system will be based on satellite navigation involving a network of 260 constant observing stations and 2,000 part time observing stations with data processing technology. According to the officials of China Earthquake Administration, The new system will be used for weather forecasting and scientific research, among their purposes. US Sees Vatican As Hub For Hawalas The Obama Administration for the first time has identified Vatican City as a potential hub for money laundering along with 67 other countries. The state department Annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) identifies the 67 countries for money laundering or other financial crimes.It looks at the national laws to fight financial crime, their enforcement as well as the size of the banking sector. Major economics including the US, Britain and Japan are identified as countries of primary concern for money laundering. Forbes Rich List Of 2012

Maxican Tycoon Carlos Slim Helu retains his position as the Worlds richest person. An all time high 1,226billion worth a record $4.6trillion were counted this year. The second is Bill Gates with 61.0billion, Warren Buffett in the third place with 44.0billion, the last three in top 10 are Stefan Persson with 26.0billion Li Ka Shing with 25.5billion and Kari Albrecht with 25.4billion. Russia To Offer Air-Base To US A new deal allowing the United States and its NATO allies to use a Russian air base for transit of troops and military cargo to Afghanistan. It would help Russias own security, Russias Foreign Minister said that the plan to permit the US and other NATO nations to use their air base in the city of Ulyanousk on the Volga River will be considered by the Russian cabinet. China, Worlds Biggest Art, Antiques Marketer China had overtaken the US as the Worlds biggest market for art and antiques in 2011. According to the report, China share of the global art market rose from 23% to 30% last year pushing the US to second place with a share of 29%, UK with a share of 22% in third place and France in fourth place with 6%. Putin Wins Presidential Poll Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had won for the third term as Russian President in the Presidential elections held on 4 March 2012 and gets the highest percent of 63.6% votes in the election. Oil Discovered in Kenya The President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki said on 26 March 2012 that oil deposits had been discovered in the countrys Northwest and first time in the East African nations . He cautioned that commercial viability is still uncertain through it was good news for the country, but the discovery was the beginning of a long journey before Kenya could become an oil producer. The discovery was made in Kenyas Turkana region, Neighbouring South Sudan and Uganda both have oil industries. The discovery was made after exploratory drilling by Anglo-Irish firm Tullow oil Syria Accepts Kofis 6-Points Peace Plan Syria had accepted UN Arab League envoy Kofi Annans six points peace proposal to end the year long violence, a more which the former UN Chief Kofi Annan described as an important initial step to taken by the Syria to fulfill. Syria commits to work with Annan in a inclusive Syrian political process to address the legislative aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people. Syria commits to stop fighting and immediately stop troop movements and use of heavy weapons in populated areas Syria accepts and implements a daily two hours humanitarian pause to deliver aid and evacuate the injured Syria commits to intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons and provide a list of all places Syria commits to ensure freedom of movement through out the country for Journalists and a non discriminatory visa policy for them Syria commits to respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranted

Beijing Begins Mapping Disputed In South China Sea China having maritime disputes with several of its neighbours, said that it is mapping South China sea (SCS) with an aim to step up exploration for oil and gas and reinforce its territorial claims. The majority of the disputed water used to be beyond our reach because we seldom put our claims into action. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told by drawing a map, the country can reinforce its jurisdiction claims in the South China Sea, and further actions may fallow, such as exploiting resources near the Nansha Islands. Euro-zone Builds $1 trillion Financial Firewall For Larger Economies The Euro zone nations have reached a deal to build up a massive 800billion euro ( around US 1.1trillion) financial firewall to present the two years old sovereign debt crisis from anguefing larger economies such as Spain & Italy. The finance minister of the 17 nations using the single currency agreed at the start of a two day meeting in Copenhagen to boost the fire power of euro-zones financial bailout fund to 700billion euros.It will be done by bringing together the temporary European financial stability facility mechanism (ESM) which has an initial funding capacity of 500billion euros. Coups In Mali Ousted Its President Rebel troops in Mali ousted its president Amadov Toumani on 22 March 2012. The ousted president Amadov Toumani Toure was due to leave office after elections on 29 April 2012 The rebels slammed the government for failing to control an ethnic Tuareg insurgency in the Northern part of Mali. The Tuareg insurgency includes fighters who supported Munnar Gaddafi in Libya. USA suspended military and other funds directed to Mali Government.

INDIA & WORLD

India & China Move To Maritime Cooperation India & China had decided to open a new bilateral cooperation by agreeing to undertake joint operation against pirated and sharing technological know how on sea bed research. The maritime cooperation proposals were made by visiting Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi. This proposal was shared after Beijing was permitted by the international seabed Authority to explore in South-west Indian ocean India For Science Ties With Africa India is making stronger scientific ties with Africa as science ministers from 31 African countries had gathered in New Delhi on 1 March 2012. Minister of science & Technology, VilasRao Deshmukh had Inaugurated the first ever India & Africa Science & Technology conference and stressed the need to build bridges between the two scientific communities and also enhance human resources in research and development. India To Host Trade Show In Jakarta The Union Commerce minister, Mr. Anand Sharma and Indonesias trade minister, Mr. Gita Iranwan Wirjawan, will inaugurate the high profile Indian show being held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 6-8 March 2012. Over 75 domestic corporates would participate in a fair as the two countries aim to achieve a bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2015 from the current $ 16.6billion. India, Iran To Step Up Ties In Renewable Energy

India and Iran had agreed to improve co-operation in the field of renewable energy. Both the countries were called for stepping up bilateral ties and economic cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges and people to people contacts BRICS Summit Set Pact For Trade This important move could facilitate trade between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in local currency. Two agreements had been linked at the Delhi summit level meeting of its leaders. The agreements are non-binding and the leaders of these countries are to meet for the BRICS summit scheduled to be held on 29 March 2012. India & Colombia Signed Exchange Programme For The Years 2012-16 India & Colombia on 12 March 2012 signed a cultural exchange programme in New Delhi for the years 2012-16. The CEP was signed in conformity with the provisions established Government of India and the Government of Colombia, CEP was signed in Bogota, capital of Colombia. The CEP includes areas such as cultural heritage, museums, Archives, exhibitions, science Arts, Visual Arts, cinematography, Radio and Television, Music, Libraries, Book and Literature, Creative Industrial and Editorial Industry for Cooperation. Both the nations have agreed to set up a joint working group to look after the implementation of their programme Turkey Seeks More Flights From Indian Cities Turkey plans to not only to set up a consulate or appoint honorary consul in Hyderabad but it is also seeking direct air connectivity between Hyderabad and Istanbul. Turkish ambassador said that they had applied to the Indian authorities for direct air link. Turkey had also sought direct connectivity with Chennai, Amritsar, Bangalore and Kolkata. The envoy was in town to pitch Turkey as an Investment destination and woo Hyderabad based businessmen, from infrastructure and realty sectors Worlds Most Ethical Firms; Tata & Wipro The Ethisphere Institutes Annual Worlds Most Ethical Companies (WME) list revealed that 145 companies in countries including the US, Great Britain , Japan, Partuagal and India. Ethisphere evaluated about 5,000 global companies, including those in Standard & Poors 500 index on reputation. India stood out for setting high standards of employees behaviour and conduct. Tata Steel and Wipro had been named among the Worlds Most Ethical Companies by an American Ethical Institute recently India, Worlds Largest Arms Importer India was the Worlds largest arms importer between 2007 to 2011, according to latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institution (SIPRI) India accounted for 10% of the global arms imports in 2007-11. SIPRI said on 19 March 2012 that the four next largest recipients of arms in the same period were South Korea with 6%of arms tranfers, Pakistan 5%, China 5% and Singapore 4%. India to Vote Against Sri Lanka In UNHRC P.M.Manmohan singh on 19 March said that India was inclined to vote in favour of a US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. As regarding the issue of a draft resolution initiated by the United States at the on-going 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The resolution, currently being drafted, has two main components first, it asks the Sri Lankan Government to implement the report of its own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) ,accept some kind of UN minitoring and report to the UNHRC secondly, UN monitoring efforts are on to watering down the resolution but the Western countries are opposed to it

Indo- Israel FTA Likely To Be Concluded This Year An Indo- Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be concluded this year, paving the way for further expansion in bilateral trade between the two countries, Mr,Muneer Akbaria Consul-General, Consulate General of Israel said that the two countries on the FTA were at an advanced level. At present the bilateral trade between both countries is $5billion, and is expected to rise by 60% in next two years. The new areas identified for engagement included water technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and life science. This trade meeting between both the countries was held in Hyderabad on 19 March 2012 India To Face Sanctions By America Along with India and other countries importing oil from Iran, could face sanctions by July, If it did not significantly reduce such imports, the US State Department warned in a conference call, that if such countries may have other kinds of sanctionable activities. The remarks raised brows, as sanctions against countries such as India , China and South Korea appeared more imminent and push for upping the ante against Iran through its 2012 National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA). India Offers LNG Gas To Pakistan After fuel, India is going to offer LNG natural gas to Pakistan to help the neighbouring country tide over its gas crisis. State owned GAILs just commissioned natural gas pipeline from West coast to Bhatinda in Punjab is barely 25km away from Pakistan border and the gas utility is proposing that the line can be extended to Lahore in no time . Iran To Import Major Farm Commodities From India Iran is going to import four major farm commodities wheat,rice, sugar and tea from India. an export body,the President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO) said, that Iran had signed import contracts with India. and for also 1.25lakh tonnes of Soyameal, used as animal feedstock. The shipment would be delivered in two months. Besides agricultural commodities Mr. Ahmad said that the west Asian nation is also interested in purchasing of Pharmaceuticals and auto components from India . India, S.Korea to Have Defence Ties There had been bilateral ties between the India and South Korea to boost up their economic ties in conference held in Seoul. Both the nations had decided to step up cooperation in the defence sector, which would include naval ship, aircrafts and ship building Indian American In US State Legislature An prominent Indian American politician and Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly, Upendra Chivukula is all set to run for the house of Representative in the elections in November. Mr. Upendra holds the proud distinction of being the first Indian American elected to the New Jersey Legislature and only the fourth Indian -American to be elected to a state legislature Indian Exploration In Vietnam Oil Blocks Normal Asserting that Chinas opposition to India is undertaking oil exploration in Vietnam blocks was not in accordance with UN norms. Vietnam said the blocks are well within its sovereign territory.maintaining the vietnam will only explore in areas accepted by international community and that the oil blocks that India has been exploring is within the territory.

NATIONAL
Nine Indian Women In Forbes Magazine The Indian women named in Forbes Magazines inaugural Asia Power Businesswomen List. The list names 50 Path Breakers whose extraordinary business success is driving the regions remarkable economic rise.The list includes, ICICI Bank CEO& MD, Chanda Kochchar, Bincon founder Kiran Mazumdar-shaw and film producer Ekta Kapoor, Britannia Industries MD Vanitha Bali, HT Media chairman and editorial director Shobhana Bhartia , A2B& Partner Founder & senior partner Zia Mody, Axis Bank CEO & MD Shikha Sharma and Tractor & farm Equipment chairman Mallika Srinivasan. Youngest on the list is Ekta Kapoor 36 yrs. LIC Launches Jeevan Vriddhi Life Insurance Corporation Of India (LIC) on 1 March 2012, launched a single premium insurance plan, Jeevan Vriddhi. This is a single premium non-linked insurance plan where the risk cover is five times of the premium chosen by the offers excellent guaranteed returns at maturity Indian Men Among The Most Dissatisfied At Work Indian men are among the most dissatisfied people at work across the world, according to a report by Accenture, The Path Forward- research report stated that as much as 72% of men in India are not satisfied with their job. Brazil tops the list with a figure of 74% men dissatisfied with their jobs. Women cited lack of opportunities and heavy work loaded as reasons for dissatisfaction in work, while inadequate pay was cited as the main reason for dissatisfaction by men in their jobs. The overall job satisfaction in India stands at 34%. over 78% Indian women proactively manage their carriers. Base Price For Broadcast, Rised BCCI of India had increased the base price for home international games in the new broadcast rights, as they kept the base price at Rs. 31.25crore plus 1crore (that is Rs. 32.25crore) for an international game for A category. And Rs 33crore, plus Rs1crore (Rs 34crore) for a game in B category. The basic price for games will be declared in the tenders . Asias Richest Man Asias richest man was Hong Kongs Li ka Shing stood top with worth of 25.5billion, in second richest Asian on the Forbes list in India was Mukesh Ambani with 22.3billion. India To Spread A Multi Modal Transportation Network India is making a concerned push into Central Asia by taking charge of a crucial transportation network through Iran into Central Asia and beyond. 14 stakeholder countries in the region in January, experts from all countries will meet in New Delhi on 29 March to put final touches to the project known as the International North-South Corridor .The project envisages a multi modal transportation network that connects ports on Indias West coast to Bandar Abbas in Iran than over land to Bandar Anzali port on the Caspian sea, thence through Rasht and Astava on the Azerbaizer border onwards to Kazakhstan and further onwards towards Russia. Once completed this would connect Europe and Asia , which serves economic and strategic interests of all states concerned Tata Steel Topped The List Of Most Admired Indian Brand A survey conducted by Fortune India and Global Management Consultancy Hay Group, which was released on 13 March 2012, revealed that Tata Steel as the most admired brand in India. Several factors corporate, governance and financial make this brand in top most.

55.5% New Cases Of Leprosy Recorded In India According to the Government, about 55.5% of new leprosy cases were identified in 2010 in India. Minister of Health and Family welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad said that, of the total 2,28,474 new leprosy cases detected World wide in 2010, India contributed 1,26,800 cases which is about 55.5% of the global disease burden. The minister is now concentrating on achieving elimination of leprosy at district level during the 12th plan( 2012-17) 112 Government Websites Hacked Government websites are turning out to be soft targets for hackers. In the last three months alone more than 112 websites, including the planning commission, the finance minister and Government agencies were hacked. Minister of state for communication and IT Sachin Pilot declared. Indian Rotocraft to be Produced Near RGIA Indian Rotocraft, a joint venture of Tata sons and Augusta Westland, had decided to set up a facility near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) here to assemble, customise and flight -test helicopters for World wide markets. The joint venture, with capacity of 30 units a year, will initially start producing the 8 seat AW119ke light helicopter with production expected to be from the middle of next year. This is the second chopper producing facility in city after Tata -Sikorsky joint venture 5 Crore People Moved Out Of Poverty- Govt Data released by the Planning Commission of India on 19 March 2012 showed that poverty had significantly declined between 2004-05 and 2009-10. The new estimates are based on a poverty line that averages Rs.672.8 per month (Rs 22.43 per day) in rural areas and Rs 857.6 per month( Rs 28.65 per day in urban areas for 2009-10. Poverty down by 7.3% points to 29.8% in 2009-10 from 37.2% in 2004-05. Rural poverty declined faster down 8%points to 33.8% from 41.8%. Woman Share In Husbands Property After Divorce Making amendment in Marriage Act for women, the Union Cabinet on 23 March 2012 approved a Bill seeking to give a woman share in her husbands property after divorce. The quant um of share however will be decided by the courts on a case by case basis, while a wife can oppose a husbands plea for divorce, but husband will have no such rights to oppose if the wife moves the court on the same. Apart from this it also aims at giving equal rights to adopted children on a par with biological off-spring in case the parents go for divorce. Nations First Vaccine Park The Finance Minister had given its approval to set up the countrys first integrated vaccine park. The Rs. 594crore park spread over 100 acres at Chengalpattu near Chennai will produce, all six primary vaccines used in the countrys Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), besides manufacturing several new generation vaccines.Indias UIP is one of the largest in the world that targets 2.7crore infants and 3crore pregnant women every year. the main intention was to establish vaccine security in India. NTPC Board Approved Rs. 17,000crore Investment In Projects The National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) board on 30 March 2012 approved an investment of over 17,000crore rupees in two power projects in Maharashtra. The projects would have a total generation capacity of 2540mw. The NTPC board approved the investment for the Mouda Super Thermal Power project and Solapur Super Thermal Power project. IRDA Notified Revision Of Premium Rates For Motors

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) notified in March 2012 that premium rate for motor third party liability only cover will undergo an upward revision bringing 1 April 2012. IRDA listed the third party liability premium rates for vehicles of assorted categories. The premium rates calculated on the basis of a specified formula is to be notified every financial year by the IRDA. The ratio for 2012-13 were calculated by using the average growth rate in severity assuming that the average frequency remains instant. SEBI Decided Guidelines For Algorithmic Trading The securities and exchange board of India (SEBI) on 31 March 2012 issued board guidelines on algorithmic trading based on recommendations of technical advisory committee and secondary market advisory committee (SMAC) SEBI decided to enforce board guidelines for algorithmic trading in the securities market. The market regulator decided stock exchanges to undertake system up gradation, including periodic up gradation of its surveillance system so as to keep pace with the speed of trade and volume of data that may rise through algorithmic trading. Infosys Co- Founder Narayana Murthy Named In The Fortune List Infosys co- founder N.R.Narayana Murthy got his name figured in the list of 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time. The list published by the Fortune magazine on 28 March 2012 was prepared considering the economic and social impact and world changing vision of entrepreneurs other famous personalities who got their names included in the list are Steve Jobs of Apple, who topped the list, Bill Gates in second and followed by Fred Smith Union Cabinet Approved Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust The Union cabinet on 23 March 2012 approved the setting up of a credit guarantee fund trust with an initial corpus of Rs 1200crore to with an objective to encourage housing for low- income groups in India. The scheme will work on the key principle that the lender shall secure loans to construct and upgrade low income housing purely on the assets financed, without any other collateral. The trust is to be set up under the Indian trust Act and the Ministry of Housing. IIT Madras Students To Sign Honour Code In a first of this kind move, over 7,000 Madras IIT students studying various courses & staying in 17 hostels decided to sign an Honour Code. The honour code makes students take a written pledge that they would attend classes regularly, study well, be friendly with others, maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness. This will bring a sense of accountability among students and it will also deal with how they go about acquiring knowledge, besides their behaviour inside the campus.

STATES
Hyderabad City Aims To Set Record With Sky Lanternns On 25 March, the Hyderabad city sky would be lit-up with thousands of sky lanterns, just like that sense out of the popular animated movie Tangular, when the maiden Hyderabad sky lanterns festival gets under way at Gachibowli stadium. The event is also an attempt to make it to the Guinness Book Of Records. And break the current record for the most number of sky lanterns recorded is 10,000 plus accomplished in Indonesia in 2009. To break that record 8,000 people participated in flying 12,000 lanterns at Hitek in Hyderabad .and a New Guinness World Record has been created at last. Bangalore City Station Boost Of BluFi

The Bangalore city Railway Station on 2 March 2012 became the first in the railway network to offer Blu-Fi, combination of Blu-tooth and Wi-Fi that will provide passengers with a wealth of information .The facility was launched by Railtel corporation of India in collaboration with TeleBrahma. Bangalore being Indias IT capital, it deserves to be the first in the country to offer the facility. Uttarakhand Became The Ninth Indian State For e-Stamps 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. Uttarakhand is the ninth state in the country to implement the stamping service. In the first phase, e-stamping is set to be introduced in the four districts of Dehradun, Haridwar,Udhamsingh nagar and Nainital. e-stamps would be sold through the branches of Punjab National Bank in these districts. New CM for Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttarpradesh.Goa and Manipur states Akali dal leader Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had been appointed as the new chief minister for Punjab for the second time.Vijay Bahuguna, a high court retired judge had been appointed as chief minister of Uttarakhand by the Congress party.and Akilesh yadav had been elected as the new chief minister of Uttar pradesh.Okram singh Ibobi was appointed as the new chief minister of Manipur for the third time after the congress won elections in the state. And Mr. Manohar Parrikar was appointed as the chief minister of Goa state. T.N To Move For Kudankulam Project Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha on 19 March 2012 solved to take steps for the early commissioning of the nuclear plant in Kudankulam. The cabinet also decided that a Rs 500crore package of development works should be taken up in Kudankulam with regards to the local fishermens welfare IOCL To Set Up LNG Terminal In Chennai Indian Oil Corporation Ltd had signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation for setting up of 4,500crore LNG terminal in Chennai. Four States Signed For MoU Four states namely Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and Lakshadweep on 16 March 2012 signed MoU with the Ministry of Statisitics and Programme Implementation under the Indian Statistical Strenghthening Project (ISSP) for the states and Union Territories.

CONFERENCES
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of (AARDO) The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has inaugurated the 50th anniversary celebrations of Afro Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) on 5 March 2012 in New Delhi. The members of the countries to work together and to build a favourable international regime axis funds and green technologies for rural growth. This organization consists of 15 African and 14 Asian countries International Conference of BRICS Delegates from Russia, China and South Africa arrived at the International conference on New World Economic Order organised at Gitam University in Visakhapatnam on 10 March 2012. BRICS was

firmly committed to the common interests of the countries and strengthens the role of emerging markets and developing countries in global economic governance Turkey World Trade Bridge Business Summit A seven days Turkey World Trade Bridge International Business Summit is going to be organized by the confederation of Businessman and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and the Indo-Turkish Business Association (ITBA) from 3 June to 10 June 2012 in Istanbul. More than 15 Hyderabad businessmen are expected to participate in the summit. The envoy said that Turkey was also seriously pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) or economic partnership agreement (EPA) with India to accelerate bilateral trade that hit a historic high of $7billion last year. World Telugu Conference At Thrirupati The Andhra Pradesh state Government had decided to conduct the third Telugu Conference in December in Thirupati as proposed earlier. The previous conference, which held at Hyderabad and Kuala Lumpur which focused mainly on Telugu language and culture. The meet would be highlights the strides made by the Andhra Pradesh over the years. Two days 2nd Nuclear Security Summit In Seoul (NSS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has taken part at the two days Nuclear Security Summit that will be attended by 53 leaders and five international organisations, which held at Seoul in South Korea. The meeting will discuss the threats posed by the nuclear terrorism and the measures required to prevent terrorists from gaining access to sensitive nuclear material & technologies, calling Nuclear terrorism as one of the most challenging threats to international security, the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security summit had outlined a number of steps the world should take to secure vulnerable nuclear material. All countries should sign up to international treaties on nuclear security like the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material ( CPPNM), its 2005 amendment and the international convention for the suppression of nuclear terrorism. Countries with resources should contribute more to the IAEAs Nuclear security fund Countries should minimize the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) for civilian purposes Countries should secure all radioactive sources Nuclear safety and nuclear security measures should be designed, implemented and managed in nuclear facilities in a coherent and synergistic manner Countries should consider appropriate plans for the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste Action oriented coordination to combat illicit trafficking urged on all, consistent with national laws and regulations Countries should work with one another to develop and enhance nuclear forensis capabilities Countries encouraged to develop a nuclear security culture Attention must be paid to information security, preventing non-stake actors from obtaining information required to get or use nuclear materials as a weapon or to hack into IT-based security and safety systems at nuclear facilities World Summit On Accreditation

India, the independence accreditation agency organized its 1st world summit on Accreditation from 25 -28 March 2012 in New Delhi.( WOSA )world summit on Accreditation would bring together Indian and global leaders in Technical, professional education, educational Administration,Policy makers and regulatory bodies, corporate and Industry .WOSA- 2012 has been inaugurated by the Honourable union minister for education Mr.Kapil Sibal. 23rd Arab Summit In Baghdad The 23rd Arab summit was held on 29 March 2012 Baghdad, half of the Arab worlds 22 heads of states had to meet for the summit in former president Saddam H ussains palace, but only few leaders gathered. It was the first summit to be held following the peoples power movement. Syrias crisis topped the agenda for the Arab summit and discussed about the turmoil in Iraqs . Indian Aviation 2012 At Hyderabad The international exhibition-cum conference Indian Aviation 2012 held at Hyderabad from 14 -18 March 2012. A special postal stamp was released on the eve of completing hundred years of Indian Aviation Two-Day National Agricultural Conference Two-day national agricultural conference held at New Delhi. Eminent scientist and higher authorities from all over the country participated in this conference The Fourth BRICS Summit 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. At the end of the summit a draft was released as Delhi Declaration. In that declaration the BRICS countries decided to work together on internal trade in local currencies and to establish BRICS bank. The president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, The president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, The Prime minister of India, Manmohan singh, The president of China Hu Jinton and President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma were participated in the summit.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Chinese Architect Bags Pritzker Prize For the first time Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered as the Nobel Prize in architecture, had been awarded to Wang Shu a Chinese, for producing an architecture that is time less , deeply roote d in the context and yet universal. The Prize includes a $ 100,000 grant, a citation certificate and a bronze medallion MANNU To Honour, Gulzar, Former Chief Justice Filmmaker & Lyricist Gulzar and former chief Justice of supreme court A.M Ahmadi along with two other eminent personalities would be honoured with D.Lit (Honours Causa ) by the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANNU) during its fourth convocation on 3 March 2012. Sahitya Akademi Prize For Young Writer V.Gangadhar, an upcoming telugu writer of Rayalaseema had received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for the year 2011, for his compilation of short stories Molakala Punnami

101 Years Old Woman Set World Record A 101 years old Mary Hardison, Utah woman is being honoured with a world record for a Paraglide Ride and entered into Guinness Book of World Records. The previous record was set by 100 years woman 59th National Film Awards The 59th National awards had been announced on 7 March 2012 in New Delhi. Best Feature Film - Del (Marathi) and Byari (Karnataka) Best Actor- Girish Kulkarni Best Actress Vidya Balan ( The Dirty Picture) Best Editing Pravin K.L (for Aranyakandam) Best Special Effects Ra.one A.P Woman Gets Sthree Shakti Puraskar President Pratibha Patil had presented the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award to Hypno Padma Kamlakar from Andhra pradesh during the Sthree Shakti Puraskar 2011 in New Delhi held on 7 March 2012. International Women of Courage Awards On March 8 2012 International Womens Day Secratory of states Hillary C linton and first lady Michelle Obama honoured 10 women from around the world. Shad Begum of lower Dir women of Pakistan received the 2012 international women of courage award for bravely working for women in a deeply conservative areas Afghanisthan provincial council woman Maryam Durani, for her works towards economic equality Saudi Arabias Samar Badawi for her work preparing legal challenges to law restricting womens rights to many works Brazils police Major Pricilla De Oliveira Azevedo for working to improve health care & education Myanmars political activist Zin MarAung to promote democracy & the right of ethnic minorities Turkish Parliamentarian Safak Pavey for promoting the rights of the physically disabled women & minorities Maldives Aneesa Ahmed for eliminating domestic violence Libyas Hana El Hebshi for helping properly document the violence of her countrys resolution Colombian Jineth Bedoya Lima in pushing for Justice in unsolved case of sexual and gender based violence Sudans Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih for defending the rights of differences and in particular rights of women & children

Kuchipudi Dancer Anjana In Indian Book of Records Ajana Thomas , an eight class student had entered the Indian Book of Records by performing Kuchipudi dance from Timmapur in Dubbak mandal to Siddipet on 12 March, walking the dance which began at 5am, completed at 1 pm Indian American Wins Science Talent Search An Indian-American teenager Nithin Reddy Tumma topped the Intel Science Talent Search and also two other Indian Americans Neet Patel from Florida, Anirudh Prabhu from Indiana had been in the top.Tumma had won the prestigious Science Talent Competition in the US for his research on devising a more effective and less toxic breast cancer treatment. Chameli Devi Jain Award Chameli Devi Jain Award for 2012 was awarded to Tusha Mittal on 13 March 2012 in New Delhi for her outstanding women mediaperson for reporting of life in the raw at the margins in deep interior states like, Bengal, Orissa and Chhattisgarh Dr. Burgula Award For Babu Rao Varma Freedom fighter and former member of National Commission for Backward Classes, B.Babu Rao Varma was awarded with Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, who was the first Chief minister of Hyderabad state . this award was given on 14 March 2012 by the state Government. NTR Award For Sharada Veteran actress Sharada had been awarded the NTR National Award for the year 2010 which was announced by the state Government of Andhra Pradesh on 19 march 2012 Indian NGO Selected For US Award An Indian NGO, Chintan had been chosen for American first innovation awsrd for the empowerment of women and girls, for training and organizing waste pickers and eliminating child labour from recycling Gram Ratna Award For Andhra Pradesh Kotala Gram Panchayat of Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh had won the Central Government Gram Ratan Award. It has won the award for showing the best results in the development of Panchayat. Hungarian Mathematician Gets 2012 Abel Prize The prestigious Abel Prize of the Norwegion Academy of Science and Letters for the year 2012 had been awarded to Hungarian Mathematician Endre Szemerede of the Alfred Renyi Institute of Mathematics, this award was given for his fundamental contributions to discrete mathematics and Computer science Phalke Award For Soumitra Chaterjee Veteran Bengali actor, Soumitra Chaterjee has been honoured with the Prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Bangladesh Govt To Honour 47 Indians

The Bangladesh Government has decided to honour 132 foreign leaders, intellectuals, cultural personalities and organisations who helped in the countrys Liberation war of 1971. The list of people to be honoured includes 47 Indians. The honour was conferred on 27 March 2012. The Indians who has been awarded include Sachindra lal singh, Rajeshawar Rao, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, P.A Sangma, Justice Sadat Abul Masual, Dr. Karan singh, Maharani Biva Kumari Devi, Field Marshal Sam manekshaw, Lt Gen Jagjit singh Aurora, Lt Gen Jacob, Lance Nayek Albert Ekka. Tamil Writer To Honour With Saraswati Samman The K.K Birla Foundation announced on 22 March 2012, its decision to honour Tamil writer A.A.Manavalan with the 21st Saraswati Samman for his book on Ramayana. Dalai Lama Winner Of Worlds Leading Religion Prize The John Templeton Foundation on 29 March 2012 decided to honour Tibetan Buddhist Spirutual Leader, the Dalai Lama with one of the worlds leading religion prizes called , Templeton Prize for 2012. The Buddhist leader who lives in exile in India had won the Nobel prize in recognition of his work on science & religion. The Templeton prize to be presented to him on 14 May 2012 at St. Pouls Cathedral in London is a $1.7million award.

SPORTS & GAMES

Lahiri Qualifies For British Open Golf India will have a representation at the British Open after two years, as the Anirban Lahiri shot a final round five under-par 67 had won the top honours at the International Final Qualilfy (IFQ) on 2 March 2012 in Chonburi. The open championship will be played at the Royal Lytham St. Annes from 19 to 22 July 2012. . Bhupathi-Bopanna Wins Dubai Doubles Finals The Indian pair Rohan Bopanna & Mahesh Bhupathi had won the doubles finals of the Dubai tennis Championships held in Dubai by defeating Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Malkowski. It was the fourth Dubai title for Bhupathi, and sixth title for Bopanna. Roger Federer Wins Single mens Dubai Tennis Championship Roger Federer of Switzerland had won the single mens Dubai tennis champion ship by defeating Andy Murray of Britain held on 3 March 2012 in Dubai for the fifth time . It was the 72nd title for Federer Indian Women Wins Kabaddi World Cup India clinched the first womens kabaddi world cup championship title by defeating Iran by 25 -19 in the final played at Patliputra in Patna on 4 March 2012. Irishman became The World No.1 In Golf Rory Mcllroy, a Northern Irishman who won the US PGA tours Honda Classic on 4 March 2012, to be the golfs world number one ranking after defeating Tiger Woods former worlds no -1. Anderson Wins Delray Tennis Championship

South African Kevin Anderson beats Aussle Qualifier Marinko Matosevic on 4 March 2012 and won the ATP Tours Delray Beach International Tennis Championship Title held in Johannesburg. Th is is the second career title for Anderson. Justin Rose Wins The Cadillic Golf Championship Justin Rose had won the Cadillic Championship Golf title on 11 March held in Miami and defeated Bubba Waston . Rose captured his 10th global title and his first in an elite world golf championship Women Doubles All England Title For Chinese World no-2 Tian Qing & Zhoe Yun Lei of China had won the Womens Doubles All England championship title for 2012 by defeating world no-1 Wang Xiaoli & Yu Yang held at Britain on 11 March 2012. Mens Doubles All England Title For Korea Worlds no-2 Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae of Korea had won the Mens doubles All England Championship for 2012 by defeating worlds no-1 Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China on 11 March 2012 held in Britain. Chinese Lin Dan Cliams All England Title Chinese Lin Dan had won his fifth All England Open mens single championship title on 11 March 2012 by defeating Lee Chong Wei held in Britain Li Xuerui Won Womens All England Single Title Chinese Li Xuerui had won the All England Open Womens single championship title on 11 March 2012 by defeating Wang Yihan of China held in Britain Sachins Century of Centuries Sachin Tendulkars incredible cricket journey reaches a momentous destination at Mirpur in Dhaka on 16 March 2012. The master hero of cricket became the first cricketer to make up 100 international centuries. This hundreth century was scored against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup ODI Tournament. The 38 years old Tendulkar had made a magical collection of 51 tests matches and 49 ODI hundreds, he made his 99th century against South Africa in Nagpur on 12 March 2011. Saina Retains Swiss Open Crown Saina Nehwal had won her first title of the season, she retained the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Trophy with straight game victory against Chinas Wang Shixian, World no. 5 in the summit clash at Basel, Switzerland on 18 March 2012. Kenyan Wins Seoul Marathon Kenyan Rookie Wilson Loyance Erupe ran to a surprise victory on 18 March 2012 in the Seoul Marathon, by setting a new record. The 24 years old crossed the finishing line in 2 hours five minutes 27 seconds breaking the previous record of 2 hours six minutes 49 seconds set by SylvesterTeimet in 2010 McLarens Wins The Australian Grand Prix Racing Championship McLarens Jenson Button had won the Australian Grand Prix Openig Race Championship on 18 March 2012 held at Melbourne. This was his 13th career victory

Donald Wins US PGA Golf Luke Donald of England reclaimed the World no-1 ranking by defeating Rory Mcllory by winning the US PGA Transitions Championship on 18 March 2012 in Palm Harbour, Florida Victoria Azarenka Wins The BNP Paribas Womens Title Victoria Azarenka of Belarusian World no-1 ranked had won the BNP Paribas Womens Open Single title at Indian Wells in California, defeating Maria Sharapova worlds no-2 on 19 March 2012 .It was just two months after Victoria had won the Australian Open title and this was her fourth title of the year Federer Wins The BNP Paribas Mens Title Switzerlands Roger Federer had won the mens single title in the BNP Paribas Open Tennis tournament at the Indian Wells in California by defeating John ISner of US on 19 March 2012 Spanish Duo Wons Doubles Title Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Marz Lopez had won the Mens Double Titl e in the BNP Paribas by defeating the American pair of John Isner and Sam Querrey on 18 March 2012 American Pairs Wins Womens Doubles Title The American pair of Lisa Raymaond and Leizel Huber had won the Womens Double Title of BNP Paribas at the Indian Wells in California. A.P Archer To Represent India At World Cup Jyothi Surekha from Andhra Pradesh Volga Archery Academy Trainee, after bagging hat rick of medals in the National Archery events, had made her way into the Indian Compound Womens team for the World Cup (stage I) to be held at Shanghai (China) from 10 to 15 April 2012. Pakistan Wins Asia Cricket Cup Finals Pakistan had won the Asia Cricket Cup by defeating Bangladesh by two runs in Dhaka on 22 March 2012 Eight Medals For India In Nepal Indain weight lifters had won ten medals, including eight golds in the inaugural of South Asian Weightlifting Championship held at Nepal Mary, Saritha Win Gold At Asian Championship Five time world champion M.c Mary Kom and L.Sarita Devi on 25 March 2012 won gold medals in the sixth Asian Womens Boxing championship in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. Mary defeated world champion Ren Cancam of China, while Sarita defeated Chorieva Mavzuna of China Alonsa Wons The Malaysian GP Spains Ferrari Fernando Alonsa, a two time world champion had claimed his first victory in eight months by winning the Malysian Grand Prix at Sepang in Malaysia . Indo, Czech Pair Wins ATP Miami Doubles Title

Indo, Czech pair of Leander Peas and Radek Stepanek claimed the doubles title of Miami Masters on 31 March 2012. Peas by winning the Miami title took the total number of his career titles to 50. The pair had defeated the world no-1 pairing of Americans Bob and Mike Bryan held at Florida. Radwanska Wins ATP Womens Single Title Agnieszka Radwanska on 31 March 2012 defeated Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova to clinch ATP Miami Masters Womens Single title held in Florida.

ECONOMY
Countrys First Infrastructure Debt Fund Launched Four banking and financial services giants ICICI, LIC,Citicop Finance and Bank of Baroda on 5 March 2012 joined together to launch Indias first Infrastructure debt fund (IDF) to be structured as a non banking finance company. This (IDF) was signed in the presence of the finance minister, Mr.Pranab Mukerjee. The company will have initial equity share of Rs capital of 300 crore Brazil Economy Overtakes UK Brazil claimed that the UKs spot as the largest economy globally, after official figured its economy rose by 2.7% last year against the UKs 0.8%. France remains in fi fth place behind Germany, Japan, China and the US. The per capita income of Brazillians is at $11,000 per head. RBI Cuts CRR By 75 bps The Reserve Bank Of India on 9 March 2012, cut the cash reserve ratio by 75 basis points. The move to cut the amount of cash that banks need to perk with RBI was from 5.50% to 4.75% of deposits is aimed at easing the persistent liquidity crunch being faced by banks World Bank Okays $ 50 million Credit For Assam The World Bank has approved a $50-million additional credit for an ongoing agricultural project in Assam. The Assam agricultural competitiveness project aims at the increasing the productivity, profitability and market access of the farming community in the state. Indian Railway Budget 2012-13 The Indian Railways run the fourth largest railroad network in the world spread over some by 64,000km, with 12,000 passengers and 7,000 freight trains each day from as many as 7,083 stations to carry 23million travellers and 2.65million tonnes of goods. Former Union Railway Minister Mr. Dinesh Trivedi, who presented his Railway Budget for the financial year 2012, had proposed 8.33% raise to improve the state of rail finance. Railways plan to barrow Rs. 15,000crore from the market. Gross rail traffic targeted to increased by Rs.28.635crore to Rs. 1,32,552crore in 2012-13. To hire more than one lakh persons in 2012-13. All unmanned level crossing to be abolished in the next five years.

2paise per km for subarbun and ordinary second class, 3paise per km for mail-express second class, 5paise per km for sleeper class, 10paise per km for AC chair car, AC 3tier and first class, 15paise per km for Ac 2 tier 30paise per km for AC1 tier. Minimum fare and platform ticket to cost Rs. 5 75 new express trains to be introduced, along with 21 new passengers services, nine DEMU services and eight Memu service trains. Outlay of Rs.60,100crore during 2012-13 Passenger earning to increase to Rs. 36,200crore. Indian Railway Station Development Corporation to be set up to redevelop stations and maintain them like airports. The open discharge toilets on trains to be replaced with green toilets. Double decker container trains to be introduced. Steps to improve cleanliness and hygiene on trains and stations. A special house keeping body to be set up to take care of both stations and trains. To set up an independent Railway Safety Authority as a statutory body. On-board passengers displays indicating the next halt station and arrival time to be introduced. Introduction of regional cuisine, book a meal scheme to provide meals through SMS. Specially designed coaches for differently disabled persons to be provided in each mail and express trains. Stress on strengthening safety. Signalling to be improved over 19,00km more To provide rail connectivity to neighbouring countries. World Bank Approves $4.3billion Aid To India The World Bank had announced $ 4.3billion financial aid to India through a new innovative and flexible financing arrangement to help the country to fight against poverty. This arrangement, while facilitating a $ 4.3billion increase in support to Indias, is designed to maintain International Bank For Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) .Which is lending its arms net- exposure within the limit of $ 17.5billion established by it. Economic Survey 2011-12 The Economic Survey 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 state 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% in 2011-12. The economic survey stressed the need for fiscal consolidation to tame inflation. The survey estimates the economy to grow at 7.35% to 7.85%, during 2012-13 against 6.9% in the current fiscal year

GDP growth rate pegged at 6.9% this fiscal, for 2012-13 7.6% and for 2013-14 at 8.6%. Agriculture growth forecast at 2.5% Service sector grows by 9.4%, its share in GDP rises to 59%. Industrial growth pegged at 4.6%, expected to improve and performed poorly a share of 27% of the GDP. Inflation to low down by year end, fiscal consolidation on track- saving and capital formation expected to rise. Exports grew at 40.5% in the first half of current fiscal and imports grew 30.4%. Forex reserves rise to nearly to cover the entire extended debt stock. Central spending on social services hiked to 18.5% this fiscal . MNREGA coverage rises to 5.49crore household in 2010-11 Sustainable development and climate change concern high on priority. Overall growth during April-December 2011 reached 3.6% compared to 8.3% in the corresponding period of the previous year. Union Budget 2012-13 Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee on 16 March 2012, announced the union budget in the parliament for the financial year 2012-13. Mukharjee, who presented the fourth annual budget 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 all through out the fiscal year 201112. The budget estimated the Indian economy to grow at 7.6% in the fiscal year 2012-13. Highlights of the budget 2012-13 Total expenditure in 2012-13 seen at 14.9trillion rupees, up by 29% Plan expenditure budgeted at 521.25billion rupees in 2012-13, up by 18% Economy expected to grow at 7.6% in 2012-13, plus or minus 0.25% Income tax exemption limit raised to 2 lakh rupees from 1,80,000 rupees Fiscal deficit seen at 5.1% of GDP in 2012-13 Net market borrowing seen at 4.80trillion rupees in 2012-13 Proposes to raise service tax rate to 12% from 10% Gross tax receipts seen at 10.8trillion rupees in 2012-13 Non tax revenue seen at 1.64trillion rupees in 2012-13 Proposes to levy tax on all services expect 17 items in the negative list from 2012-13

No change in corporate tax rates Signs of economy turning around in March quarter Allow external commercial borrowing of upto 1billion 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. To award contracts to build 8.800km of roads in 2012-13 Allocate 1.94trillion rupees for defense in 2012-13 up from 1.64trillion rupees for defense in 2011-12 Government doubles allocation for tax free bonds to 600billion rupees for financing infrastructure projects 2012-13 Disinvestment target in 2012-13 of 300billion rupees Expects country to become self sufficient in urea production in five years. Proposes to raise agricultural credits targets in 2012-13 to 5.75trillion rupees To keep 2012-13 subsides under 2% of GDP To inject 159billion rupees to capitalize state run banks in 2012-13 Current account deficit seen at 3.6% of GDP in 2011-12 How India Compares To Other Countries India fares favourably on the income inequality front when compared to other countries measures in terms of Gini Coefficient on scale of 1 to 100. India ranks better than China and the US on the income inequality front, it ranks on par with Japan and below UK on the front, with a score of 66.9. For wealth inequality, it only lags behind the US and UK, where the wealth is distributed unequally. India has managed to be the second fastest growing economy in the world next to China with 6.9%. India & The World Bank Signed An IDA Credit of $152million India and the World Bank on 21 March 2012 signed an IDA credit of 152million US dollars to finance the Indian Governments efforts to help and improve the efficiency, equality and accountability of health services in Uttar pradesh. The project will include two main components first, it will focus an improving the department of healths management and accountability system. Th proj ect will seek to improve, planning capacities, information flows and data inputs to enable policy-makers to improve monitor and manage service delivery in U.P, Secondly, the project will help the state Government to improve the department of healths capac ity to perform its quality assurance role and manage more effectively with private sectors. World Bank Approves $500million For Secondary Education Project In a progress to make quality education accessible to young people at the secondary level, the World Bank had approved $500million credit to support Indians secondary education project. The project will give support to all activities as envisioned in the $12.9billion Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) programme.

Interest Rates, High of 0.5% On Post Office Operated Small Saving The Union Government on 26 March raised interest rates on post office operated small savings like Monthly Income Scheme (IMS) and Public provident Fund (PPF) by 0.5% Interest rates on term deposits of one or two years were increased by 0.5% each to 8.2% and 8.3%, while rates for popular (MIS)were increased by 0.3% to 8.5%. The new rates will be effective from 1 April 2012 and will valid during 2012-13 World Bank Approved 109million Dollar Grant For (RACP) The World Bank on 28 March 2012 approved a 109million dollar-grant fund to Rajasthan Agriculture Competitiveness Project. The project is aimed at promoting water efficient agriculture through sustainable and efficient use of resources in Rajasthan. The project is likely to benefit about 1,55,000 farmers mainly those with small land holdings in the state the project in line with the stake water policy of 2010 will help farmers more from low value and water -gazzling crops to high value farming.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Thickest Arctic Ice Melting Faster The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a faster rate than the younger and thinner ice at the edges of the Arctic Oceans floating ice cap, NASA had revealed that the thicker ice known as multi year ice survives through the cyclical summer melt season, when young ice that had formed over winter season just as quickly melts again.Arctic ocean where multi year ice covers at least 15% of the ocean surface, is diminishing at a rate of 15.1% per decade. Oceans Turning Acidic At Fastest Pace In 300m yrs The worlds oceans are turning acidic at, what could be the fastest pace of anytime in the past 300million years, even more rapidly than during a monster emission of planet- warming carbon 56million yrs ago. Quickly acidifying sea water eats away at coral reefs, which provide habitat for other animals and plants and makes it harder for mussels and oysters to form protective shells. 5 Places Where Life May Exist In Solar System Life on Earth occupies some bizarre places from deep sea hydrothermal vents to frigid and lightless lakes. According to the Christain Science Monitor the following are the five places where life may exist. Mars-The red planet which had abundant surface water could microbes lurk under ground. Europa-With rocky cores heated by tugs from Jupiter. Enfolds This icy moon of Saturn also has subsurface deposits of liquid water. Titan Saturns largest moon has lots of hydrocarbons as raw material for biologically improvement molecules. Venus Its a long shot with its crushing atmosphere and surface temperature that would melt lead. Oxygen Found On Saturn Moon: Dione Planetary Scientists claims for the first time that the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere of Saturns moon, Dione . An international lead by Los Alamos National Laboratory had said that it had discovered molecular oxygen ions in the upper most atmosphere of Dione, one of the 62 known moons orbiting Saturn. The tiny moon is a mere 700 miles wide and appears to be a thick pockmarked layer of water ice surrounding a smaller rock core, as it orbits Saturn every 2.7 days. US Tests Railgun That Can Shoot 160 km

The US Navy is one step ahead in developing a futuristic supersonic weapon capable of firing missiles between 80km to 160km at seven times the speed of sound. The 40 feet long electromagnetic railgun consists of parallel rails and uses a magnetic Field and electric current, instead of chemicals to generate the energy required to fire the rounds.The first weapon scale prototype of the railgun began under going firing test last week and the next big step towards putting the super weapon on US warships by 2020. The full size prototype made by BAE system , looks like a real gun. Torpedo, Akash Missile To Be Handed Over To Navy & IAF The indigenously developed advanced lightweight torpedo and the Akash missile system will be handed over to navy and the Indian Air Force at a function in Hyderabad on 3 March 2012. The defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, developed Akash , a surface to air missile. Torpedoes are underwater missiles which are fired from ships, submarines or helicopters against ships and submarines. The Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) which was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Vishakapatnam. Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired The Army had successfully test-fired the 290km range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan on 4 March 2012, to operationalise the second regiment of the weapon system in service. Nirbhay To Be Test Fired In April The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had developed a new sub-sonic cruise missile called Nirbhay, which may be test -fired in April. This is the first time that India has developed a cruise missile that will travel at sub-sonic speed. Nirbhay is a two stages, surface to surface missile and surface to air missile, while a booster engine would kick the first stage from the ground. It is Indias equivalent of US Tomahawk. It can engage m any targets and be in air for longer period. Huge Asteroid To Come Close To Earth In One Year About 150-foot asteroid orbiting earth called 2012 DA14 will fly fast, just 17,000 miles from earth nearer than geostationary satellites on 15 Feb next year hits our planet. If an asteroid of that big size hits our planet, it would cause an explosion similar to a nuclear blast. Two Astronomers from the Observatorio Astronomics De La Sagra in Spain spotted 2012 DA 14 in late Feb 2012 and its orbit has been estimated to be very similar to Earths Huge Space Storm Hits Earth A strong geomagnetic storm hit Earth early on 8 March 2012, but the planets magnetic field appeared to be absorbing the shock and it was unlikely to reach severe levels. The storm was expected to be the strongest in five years and has the potential to disrupt global positioning systems, airlines flights, satellites and power grids. The leading edge of the coronal mass ejection a Burst of hot plasma and charged particles that erupted from the sun Jupiter, Venus Gets Closer The pair of Jupiter and Venus will reach its closest point between 12 March and 15 March, despite being vastly far from one another in space, the conjunction will make them appear just a few degrees apart in the sky. The most anticipated planetary event for 2012, will be the transits of Venus in early June. Students Space Web Experiment To Be Launched Soon

A team of science and engineering students had developed an innovative Space Web experiment which will be carried on a rocket from the Arctic circles to the edge of space. The experiment known as Suaineadh, which was developed by a team of 20 students from the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. It will be launched from the Esrange Space Centre in Northern Sweden in March Russia To Send Man To The Moon By 2030 Russia is now to send a team of Cosmonauts to the Moon. According to a leaked strategy document from Russias Space Agency, Roskosmos, a space craft will conduct a demonstrative manned circumlunar test flight with the subsequent landing of cosmonauts on the Moons surface and their return to Earth by 2030. India To Launch Mars Mission Next Year The Indian Space Research Organisation is planning to send a scientific probe to Mars next year. The Mars orbiter mission would be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)during Nov 2013, the spacecraft, which has a provision for carrying nearly 25kg of scientific instruments, will be placed in an orbit 500km by 80,000km around Mars. North Korea To Launch A Missile North Korea announced on 16 March 2012 that it would launch a rocket carrying a Satellite next month to mark the 100th birthday of the former President late Kim II Sung, just 16 days after agreeing to suspend long range missile test in return for massive US food aid. The US, Japan and South Korea condemned the plan and said, it would breach a United Nations ban imposed after previous launches. North Korea said a Unha-3 rocket will launch a home built polar orbiting Earth observation satellite known as Kwangmyoug-sons-3 by the last deal under which Pyongyang also promised to freeze its uranium enrichment plant, had raised hopes of eased tensions under the new regime headed by Kim Jong Un and it is the violation of UN Security Council resolutions. A New Species Of Frog Discovered A new frog species was found by researchers in Mawphlang, 25km from Shilong, capital of Megalaya. The new species was named Fejervarya Sengupti in honour of Saibal Sengupta. Sengupta was the head of Aryavidyapeeth College and one of the pioneers of amphibian research. The new species was different from all congeners in terms of body size and cell charecteristics. The discovery of new species shows that Northeast part of India is quite rich in terms of its biodiversity, especially in case of amphibians. India Joins In Making Critical Tubes For Nuclear Plants India had joined a select band nations on 26 March 2012 when the Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) successfully manufactured critical tubes required for steam generators of nuclear plants. Currently only three companies in the world are producing the UNS NO8800 U tubes with NFC becoming the fourth entity. The first tubing consignment was handed over to Larsen & Toubro, which is manufacturing eight steam generators for Kakrapara (3&4 units) and Rajasthan (7&8 units) nuclear power plant being set up by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) Sea Levels Could Rise By 22Metres The sea levels could rise up to 22meters in the future due to global warming, an international team lead by Prof Kem Miller and Prof Tim Narish analized sediment cores in Virginia in the US, Eneweta K Atoll in pacific and the Whanganui region of New zealand that the late pliocene epoch 2.7m to 3.2m years ago, which is the last time the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere was at its current level, and atmospheric temperatures were two degrees higher than are now The global sea levels were higher than present.

Brohmos Supersonic Cruise Missile Test-Fired Successfully India had successfully test fired its supersonic cruise missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha on 28 March 2012. The missile rose from a Tatra truck on the sea-side launch station and speed over the Bay of Bengal at 2.8 times the speed of sound. The missile, which has a flight range up to 290km is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 200 to 300kg, the cruise missile was a surface to surface Army version. NASA SpaceCraft Found Evidence Of Water Ice In Mercury A NASA spacecraft called messenger in the month of March 2012 discovered further evidence for the existence of water ice at Mercurys poles. Although surface temperature at mercury can soar above 400C, some craters at mercurys poles are permanently in shadow, turning them into so called cold trops. American Robot Cheetah Sets New Record A Cheetah robot funded by the US military had broken the land speed record, while running on a lab treadmill. Its robotic display of athleticism given hope for new battlefield robots that could prove nimbler than existing robots on wheels or tank like treads. Speech Jammer Device The Japanese researchers recently introduced a prototype for a device called as speech Jammer, which can literally jam some one voice effectively stopping them from talking China To Launch 100 Satellites By 2015 China has set a target of completing a space mission of 100 rockets, 100 satellites between 2011 and 2015. According to the Deputy General Manager of China Aerospace, Science and Technology. On an average China will complete about 20 launch missions each year before 2015, China had launched 19 satellites, 1 target orbiter, 8 spacecraft with 19 long march rockets last year.

PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments Gopal Gandhi As New IIAS Chairman Gopal Krishna Gandhi had been elected as the new chairman of the Governing body of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study Shimla, and president of its society. New Chairman Securities Commission For Malaysia Mr. Ranjit Singh had been appointed as the chairman of the Securities Commission of Malaysia , replacing Mr. Zarinah Anwar. New CII Chief For A.P Ms.Suchitra K.Ella, co-founder and joint M.D of Bharat Biotech International had been elected as chairman of Cost Inflation Index (CII) of Andhra Pradesh for 2012-13 H.S Bedi As The Chairman Judge

Justice H.S Bedi, the Supreme Court of India on 2 March 2012 appointed its former judge, as the chairman of the monitoring authority which will investigate the case of 22 alleged fake encounter killing in Gujarat in 2007-8. New Chairman For Coal India S. Narasinga Rao has been appointed as the Chairman of the Coal India Ltd. He is presently working as the CMD of Singareni Collieries. Germanys New President, Gauck Former East German Rights Activist Joachim Gauck had been appointed as the New President of Germany on 18 March 2012. New Railway Minister Mukul Roy had been appointed as the new Railway Minister on 20 March 2012 in the UPA Government Shyamala As Central Vigilance Commission Shyamala Gopinath, Central Vigilaner Commission was appointed as the chairperson of the Advisory Board and commercial & financial frauds on 29 March 2012 b) Resigns Rahul Dravid Takes Retirement From International Cricket Rahul Dravid Had announced his retirement from international cricket on 8 March 2012, by ending a long outstanding career. He was the second highest test scorer after Sachin Tendulkar in test matches. Railway Minister Resigns Railway Minister Mr. Dinesh Trivedi had resigned on 18 March 2012 due to crises over, increasing fare prices for passengers in the railway budget 2012-13 which was against the Trinamul party policy. Waterman Rajendra Singh Quits NGRBA Magsaysay award winner Waterman of Rajasthan Rajendra Singh on 11 March 2012 quits the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chaired National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) protesting the Governments negligence of the river. c) Deaths Former Basketballl Champion Muniyappa Passes Away A member of the Indian team at the 1967 South Asian Basketball Championship B.Muniyappa, and a qualified NIS coach died on 5 March 2012 in Bangalore. West Indian Cricket Player Dies In Accident West Indian cricket player Runok Morten died on 4 March 2012 in a car accident. He played 15 test matches, 56 one day international and 7 20-20 matches since 2002. Former PTI Chairman Died

P.K.Roy, former chairman of press trust of India, and president of the Indian Newspapers society and the Audit Bureau of Circulations for Several terms died on 24 March 2012 in Kolkata. Marathi Poet Passed Away Marathi poet and Sahitya Akademi award winner, Manik Godghate passed away in Pune on 26 March 2012. He was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi for his prose collection. Varyane Halta Raan in Feb 2012 d) Visitors Anwar Ibrahim Visits Kerala Mosque Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister of Malaysia and opposition leader of the country, visited the historic shrine at Thalangara locality paid obeisance at the Malik Dinar Juma Masjid. IMF Chief Visiting India The International Monetary Fund managing director Ms. Christine Lagarde , is going to visit New Delhi on 19 March 2012, to meet senior Government officials and to participate in a high level conferenceChina and India sustaining high quality growth. The conference is being co -hosted by the IMF and will be inaugurated by the Finance minister Mr. Pranab Mukerjee. The two days conference will bring together policy makers, academics and private sector representatives to discuss the growth success of China and India Ravi Shankar To Visit Pakistan Spirutual leader Ravi Shankar had visited Pakistan for three day peace mission on 11 March 2012 ,This was his second visit to Pakistan, to emphasizing the urgent need for a people to people movement IAF Chiefs 4 Day Bangladesh Trip Indian policy to step up bilateral military cooperation with Bangladesh, Our IAF Chief Air Marshal (ACM) N.AK. Browne had left for a four day visit to Dhaka on 18 March 2012. e) Miscellaneous NEET Rollout In 2013-14 India is to set roll out NEET from 2013-14, the Common National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to under graduate courses will be conducted by the CBSE, while the National Board of Examination will conduct the post graduate exams. The Union Health Ministry had informed the state Governments that their existing reservation policies would not be disturbed under the proposed scheme and state wise eligibility merit lists will be prepared for the respective state authorities. Blind Woman Gets Railway Job After 4 Yrs Struggle A visually challenged woman who cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam with distinction in 2008, but was denied posting got justice after 4 years battle and the intervention of P.M Manmohan singh, 75% visual disability, had been offered an Indian Railway Personal Services post under group B of class I Bin Laden Cinema By Oscar Director

Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow is going to make a movie about Osama Bin Laden. the name of the movie is Zero dark thirty.

PLACES IN NEWS
Earthquake of 4.9 Magnitude in North A low density of earthquake measuring of 4.9 on Ritcher scale felt in Northern India, at Bahadurgarh in Haryana as its epicentre is the third tremor in these places since two months Earthquake Leaves 800 Homes Damaged In Mexico A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hitted Southern Mexico on 20 March 2012, damaging some 800 homes near the epicentre and swaying tall buildings and spreading fear and panic hundreds of miles away in the capital of Mexico.

ABBREVIATIONS
ASOSAI Association of Supreme Audit Institutions GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade NSIGSE National Scheme of Incentive to Girls Secondary Education ARAI Automotive Research Association of India IGPCC Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change AIDWA All India Democratic Womens Association DTAA Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement IATA International Air Transport Association DTC Direct Tax Code AEPC The Apparel Export Promotion Council SCRES South Central Railway Employees Sangh. IMF International Monetary Fund APMC All Agriculture produce Marketing Committee CII Cost Inflation Index AOSIS Association of Small Island States NFIR The National Federation of Railwaymen

INSC International North-South Corridor DGFT Directorate General of Foreign Trade DGFT Directorate General of Foreign Trade IRFC - Indian Railway Finance Corporation

April 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Victory for Suu Kyi The opposition leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi had won the election held in Myanmar on 1 April 2012 for 45 parliament seats and NLD won 43 seats. US Grants $ 12 million Aid to Syria The US Government announced an additional $12 .2million humanitarian aid for Syria as the second meeting of Friends of Syria held in Turkeys largest city Istanbul. The US State department said that the new aid, consisting of medical supplies and other humanitarian relief for displaced and vulnerable Syrian communities. The US aid will be used to support the work of international organisation, including World Food Programme. Mali Tuareg Rebels Declared Independence In Azawad The Northern part of Mali was captured by a mix of separatist Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters recently on 6 April 2012 and security of the nation was in danger, The insurgent group is called National Movement for Liberation of Azawad and they declared an independence state of Azawad. USA & Afghanistan Signed MoU On Night Raids United States of America & Afghanistan on 8 April 2012 signed (MoU) Memorandum of Understanding on the controversial issue of conduct of night raids on Afghan homes. It empowered the Afghan security forces oversight over the raids led by the US troops. The agreement leads its a more comprehensive long term strategic partnership agreement between the two nations after the departure of all foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2014. The issue of night raids was a big hurdle in the way of the strategic partnership agreement Mitt Romney Won Republic Party Crown Mitt Romney on April 2012 effectively won the Republican Party crown to challenge President Barack Obama in November elections as the chief rival Rick Santorum dropped from the election Qatar is Obesity Capital Of The World The worlds wealthiest country ranked by Forbes with highest per capita in the world Qatar is the obesity capital of the world. Over half of its population are overweight according to a report an unhealthy combination of low levels of exercise and growing population of fast food outlets has led to this problem. It was very serious problem facing by Qatar. US-Afghanistan Signed Strategic Pact

US and Afghanistan signed a long awaited strategic pact on 22 April 2012. The pact aims at setting forth guidelines for US involvement in Afghanistan as forces are withdrawn from the trouble torn nation. The pact provides a strong foundation for the security of Afghanistan, the region and the world. Both the countries took almost one year to reach on the mutual agreements. EU Suspended its Sanctions Against Myanmar The European Union suspended its sanctions against Myanmar on 23 April 2012 for a year .The EU move came in the back drop of a string of political reforms in the South Eastern Asian Nations. The group however maintained that it will hold on to restrictions on arms.

INDIA & WORLD

India & Britain Economic Financial Meeting India & Britain , held the fifth ministerial level India- UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2 April 2012. Both nations discussed ways to strengthen their mutual cooperation and further boost trade and investment between them. Both nations agreed, while the global economy has stabilized in recent months growth will remain subbed and at risk, aim of increasing the role of institutional investors in infrastructure financing. Foreign capital can play an important part in this process . Both nations supported the progress on the Reserve Bank of India s (RBI) road maps for foreign banks in India. IAERB Became The 11th Member Of MEDP Indias Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (IAERB) was admitted as the 11th member of MDEP ( Multinational Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012. The other members of this body are China, Finland, Japan, Korea, South Africa, USA, UK Canada, France & Russia, MDEP is a multinational initiative taken by national safety authorities to develop innovative regulatory authorities who are currently or will be tasked with the review of new reactor power plant designs. the international Atomic Energy Agency participate in many of MDEP activities, including the harmonization efforts India & UAE Signed Agreement To Ease Indian Contract Workers India & UAE signed an agreement on 4 April 2012 to ease the entry of Indian Contract workers in the Emirates. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It provides for an electronic contract registration and validation system to safeguard and protect the interests of migrant Indian workers. The electronic contract registration and validation system for this purpose was launched in Abu Dhabi on 4 April 2012. The move would ensure a transparent, legal and less cumber some migration of Indian workers to the Emirates. India, China To Lead Urban Population Growth Over Next 40 Years India & China will witness unprecedented increase in their urban population in the next four decades, posing new challenges of providing j obs, energy, housing & infrastructure to their people. The UNs 2011 Revision of the World Urbanisation Projects said Africa and Asia will lead the global urban population growth in the next four decades with the largest increase expected in India , China Nigeria US & Indonesia . India will add another 479million to its urban population between 2010 to 2050, while China 341million, Nigeria 200million. US 103million and Indonesia 92milliom people moving to urban cities. India & America Navy Training Malabar 2012

The India & US Navies began their 16th annual Malabar 12 exercise on 7 April 2012 in Chennai, that border of the Bay of Bengal. The 10 days joint exercise which was concluded on 16 April, consists of both ashore and at sea training. and was supported to feature seminars on everything from air defense and integrated antisubmarine welfare operations, to carrier aviations and counter privacy operations. India, Qatar Sign Oil & Gas Pact India & energy rich Qatar, home to half a million Indians on 8 April signed six agreements in diverse areas, including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration. P.M.Manmohan Singh held talks with Qatars Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on a range of issues, including boosting trade and investment as well as energy ties between the two countries. Issues relating to the welfare of India workers in Gulf country were also discussed. Both the countries signed a pact on establishing a cooperative framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in oil & gas. India, US to Boost Health Cooperation India and the US has strengthen cooperation in the area of public health by sharing information and best practices, identify and address policy concerns and establish new technologies. The agreement to ensure smooth implementation of issues for bilateral cooperation was reached during a meeting on 9 April 2012 in Washington between India & US. India To Allow Pakistan FDI India on 12 April 2012 said that it will allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Pakistan companies, which will make the way for industrial from the neighbouring country to set up business and tap the growing Indian markets . India had taken an in-principle decision as part of the trade non-malisation process to allow Foreign Direct Investment from Pakistan. India Pakistan business council to be formed soon. India, US Joint USD 125mn Fund For Research In Clean Energy India & the United States had announced a joint USD 125 million fund to carry out combined research in the field of clean energy. As such there institutions each from India and the US have been selected for the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research & Development Center (JCERDC), which is part of the US-India partnership to Advance Clean Energy. While national Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Florida & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been selected from US, three Indian Institutions are the Indian Institute of Science- Bangalore, The India Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, and CEPT University Ahmedabad. 35 Indian Companies Attending Canton Fair in China Thirty five Indian Companies are participating in the Chinas biggest trade show Canton Fair, hoping for a major opening into Chinese markets as Beijing Plans to permit more foreign goods to boost to its domestic consumptions US Puts India, China & Pakistan On IPR List The US Government has put India, China & Pakistan along with 10 other countries on the intellectual property watch list for failing to present the theft of copy righted property. Other nations on the watch list are Canada, Argentina, Algeria, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela. These countries will be the subject of particularly intense bilateral engagement during the coming years.

NATIONAL
NPCIL Sets A Record In Production Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) produced a 32,455 million units of power in the financial year 2011-12, marking an increase of 23% from 26,473 million units generated in 2010-11. Its 19 operating reactors, with a total installed capacity of 4,680MW generated the 32,455 million units. Worlds First Women Paramilitary Band The Worlds first all women paramilitary pipe band on 9 April 2012, marched to its maiden tune after it got its ceremonial colours under the CRPF at an event, during the Valour Day celebrations in New Delhi. Minister Of State for Home Jitendra Singh presented the ceremonial pipe mace to the band commander, called Major of pipes, sub inspector Darshana Kumari. In 1986 the first women CRPF battalion was established. New Naval UAV Squadorn Inducted The Eastern Naval Command gt a fill up with the commissioning of a new naval air squadorn an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadorn at INS Parundu, the naval air station at Ramnathapuram in Tamil Nadu. It is the third of its kind in the Indian Navy and the first on the Eastern Coast. INAS344 was commissioned on 11 April 2012 by Flag Officer Commanding in-chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Chopra. The aircraft with long endurance and stealth capabilities are suited for search and detection. Efftronics Instruments Get RDSO Nod A city based Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd has developed the countrys first ever solid state block instrument that is a micro computer supported electronic equipment approved for the use in railway signalling. The Luknow based Research Designs & Standards Organisaton of the Indian Railways ( RDSO) approved the product. It helps in running more number of trains on the same track, it gives stress-free operational environment with smooth push buttons. Union Cabinet Approved Extension of Funding For Swavalamban Scheme The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved the extension of funding support for implementing the Swavalamban scheme under the new pension system (NSP) from three years to five years for all subcribers enrolled during 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13. The cabinet decide to provide an additional funding support of Rs. 2065crore to the scheme till 2016-17. The cabinet decision will benefit 70 lakh workers in the unorganised sector. Union Cabinet Approved A Proposal To Set Up SPV For GSTN The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved a proposal to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN) to help facilitate the smooth introduction of the New Indirect Tax regime. GSTN SPV is to be incorporated as section 25 not for profit private limited company in which strategic control would be held by the centre. It will provide IT infrastructure& services to various Stakeholders including the centre & states. Union Cabinet Approved, Amendment In the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969 The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its approval to the introduction of a bill seeking amendment in the Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969 to include registration of marriages as well, so that the existing administrative mechanism of marriage in accordance with the specified procedures and be able to maintain necessary records and statistics for registration of marriages also. The proposal Bill

is set to benefit the women from unnecessary harassment in matrimonial & maintenance cases. It also seeks to provide evidentiary value in the matters of custody of children. Worlds Most Influential Mamata Banerjee On Time List West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the world released on 18 April 2012. 270 Million Indians Are Illiterate According to the report by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), there are an estimated 270 million Indians aged 15 and older who are illiterate, while young women aged 15 to 24 are twice as likely as young men their age to be illiterate. people remain illiterate in India despite the country making major progress in cutting down illiterate , by opening number of schools. Asias First & Largest Solar Power Park In India, Dedicated A 600MW solar power park, and the Asias first & largest was dedicated to the nation by the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 19 April 2012. The park is situated in the states Patan dis trict has a power generation capacity of 600MW, covering 3,000 acres of the waste land bordering of the Rann of Kutch and generating two- third of Indias total 900Mw of solar power production TRAI Made Mandatory for Second Billing Option To Customers The Indian Telecoms Regulatory TRAI issued a directive to all mobile phone operators in India on 20 April 2012 making it mandatory for the operators to offer a per second billing option to customers. The new directive allowed telecoms carriers to charge premium services that mostly include phone calls and text messages sent to participate in TV and Radio programmes. Union Government decided on 1 million cap on ECB For Aviation Sector The Union Government on 20 April 2012 permitted companies engaged in the aviation sector to raise working capital resources through the External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) route to the tune of $ 1 million. The limit for individual airline companies was set at $ 300 million. This limit can be availed themselves of either in a lumpsum or in tranches, depending on the utilisation of the limit during the one year, when the facility is available. So far airlines were allowed to raise foreign capital only for import of capital equipment such as aircraft. India Second Most Economically Confident Country Indians continue to be among the worlds most confident people about their economy on account of moderating inflationary presence and the easing of tight money policy stance of the Reserve Bank, Said a report. According to global research firm Ipsos India had emerged as the second most ergonomically confident nation for the second consecutive time with 75% and Saudi Arabia with 89% stood top most and China with 71% in third most . India has overtaken Japan to become the second largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity and is heading for accelerated growth. Rajya sabha Passed The Right Of Children To Free & Compulsory Education Bill 2010. The Rajya Sabha , the upper house of Indian parliament on 24 April 2012, passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education ( Amendment) bill 2010. The amendment seeks to provide the right to receive home-based education to children with severe disabilities. The amended bill gives school management committees and advisory role in minority schools, both aided and unaided , and keeps madrases and vedic schools and other institutions providing primarily religious instructions out of the perview of the Act. India Accounted For 47% 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 India accounted for about 47% of Measles deaths in 2010, while Africa recorded 36% of deaths due to the same disease. The study revealed that the death rates from measles went down by 74% between 2000 & 2010, but it missed the WHO target of 90%. Africa & India two key regions of the World where a large number of cases related to measles came into light significantly under performed which led the WHO to miss its target Sachin Tendulkar, nominated to Rajya Sabha Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39th birthday recently will enter the Rajya Sabha along with Bollywood actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga. The nomination of the three personalities was approved on 25 April 2012by the president Pratibha Patil under the article 80 of the constitution. Information & 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 which paves the way for digitalisation of all the sectors. The I& B ministry had set 30 June 2012 as the date for digitalisation of the cable sector in the four metros and these cables rules would provide the framework on which the digitalised cable network would provide services. As per the new rules, cable operators and multi sector operators will now have to ensure that they have the capability to carry minimum numbers of channels as specified by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority of India. (TRAI) Health Of Urban Poor Worse Than Rural Poor, Parliamentary Panel Health indication of the urban poor are worse than their rural counterparts, a parliamentary panel has said slaming the Government failure to launch a key programme for the health of nine crore people who live in slums in big towns and cities with an increasing number of urban poor and few Government policies for them, the report has slammed the ministry of Health & family welfare for not launching the much talked about National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

STATES
Financial City In Bangalore Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 8 April 2012, laid the foundation stone for the countrys first financial city, being built by the state run IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd ( IIDL) at the Hardware park near the International airport a Bagalur, about 30 km from Bangalore. Indias Largest Solar Power Plant In Rajasthan L&T Commissions Indias largest solar power plant (40 MWP) o wned by Reliance power Limited at Dhursar village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The company officials said L&T Construction, as the largest (EPC) Engineering, Procurement & Construction player in solar power, executed the plant from concept, including detailed design to commissioning in 129 days. 4G Services Launched In Kolkata Union Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal had Launched the countrys first ever fourth Generation Mobile services from Bharti Airtel in Kolkata on 10 April 2012. Adarsh Judicial Commission Its Interim Report to Maharashtra Govt

The two member Adarsh Judicial Commission set up by the Maharashtra Government to probe into the scan-tained Adarsh Housing Society submitted its interim report to the state Government on 13 April 2012. The commission was formed under N.N.Kumbahar. It included the commissions findings on two issues ownership of the land in Mumbai where the 31 storey Adarsh building stands and whether the land was reserved for Kargil war widows and their relatives.The commission refuses to rely on property card submitted by state as evidence. The army was not dispossessed of Khukari park by either the state or the Adarsh society. 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. The cabinet also decided to withdraw a proposed amendment bill meant to give immunity to panchayat heads from no- confidence motion for two years. The decision to withdrew Kshetra Panchayat and district panchayat amendment bill 2011 proposed by previous Mayawati Government was taken in a cabinet. State Owned Oil Companies Reduced Jet Fuel, Prices State owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices by a marginal Rs. 312 per kilolitre on 30 April 20121. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) jet fuel, in the reduction was announced in the wake of Rs. 169.3 per KL cut inrates effected from 16 April 2012.

CONFERENCES
Two Day 20th ASEAN Summit The two days 2th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was chaired by the Hunsen, the Cambodian Prime Minister on 3 April 2012 in Cambodia. The summit themed (ASEAN) one community one destiny was gathered by the heads of states or Government from 10 ASEAN members. The summit is expected to discuss a wide range of issues including the implementation of the roadmap for an (ASEAN ) Community Building and for (ASEAN ) integration work plan. India -Russia Seventh Joint Working Meeting The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on 11 April 2012. India & Russia held comprehensive discussion on combating international terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this menace. The two countries emphasised that cooperation in countering new challenges and threats is an integrate part of the India- Russian special and privileged Strategic partnership RIC Meeting In Moscow The Russia, India and China (RIC) trilateral conference was held in Mascow on 13 April 2012. Where came up with discussions over the South China sea and discussed on a range of international issues, including North Korea, Iran Afghanistan terrorism and regional security in Asia and over the issue of new sanctions on North Korea. 6th Summit Of The Americas The 6th Summit of the Americas was held At Cartagena, Colombia on 14 and 15 April 2012. Delegates from 34 heads of states and government addressed the summit , only Cuba not attended the summit due to restrictions from US and other countries. The central theme of the summit is Connecting the Americas The main agenda were the lucrative and destructive drug trade and how the countries of the entire regions could meet while excluding one country, Cuba.

World Agriculture Congress-2013 in Hyderabad The World Agricultural Forum, which organised the biannual event last time in Belgium, for2013 year World Agriculture Congress mega event will be hosted by the Hyderabad city for the first time in the country. The state Government had given assurance for all help and support to the World Agriculture Congress.

AWARDS & HONOURS

National Award For NTPC Ramagundam NTPCs Ramagundam super Thermal Power Station Situated in Karimnagar district o f Andhra Pradesh has been awarded with Nation Award on 2 April 2012 for its Meritorious performance Bhagwan Mahavir Award For Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmars democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been chosen for the first international Bhagwan Mahavir World Peace Award on 3 April 2012 for her devotion to Promote non-violence and peace for the welfare of the people. BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) Won British Safety Award BSES Yamuna Power limited (BYPL) won the prestigious 54th British International Safety Award. BYPL has been selected for this award given the steps taken by it for the safety of its over 11 lakh consumers and safety & health of its employees. The list of awards winner was announced in London in the last week of March 2012. The award will be presented in May 2012. BYPL is the first Indian discom to be selected for this award. Amitabh To Be Honoured For Polio Campaign Actor Amitabh Bachchan who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for polio UNICEF Campaign from 2005, will be honoured for his contribution to the cause. In feb, the World Health Organisation had taken India off the list of polio endemic countries. Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for SCR Governor N.D.Tiwari presented the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award to South Central Railways ( SCR) on 53rd Railway Week Celebrations at Rail Kalarang in Secunderabad on 8 April 2012, which was presented in recognition of its overall excellence among the 16 zones in the Indian Railways New York Times Won Two Pulitzer Prizes for 2012 The 2012 Pulitzer Prize was announced on 16 April 2012. The New York Times won two Pulitzer prize, for explanatory and international reporting. The Associated press won a Pulitzer prize for investigative reporting for documenting the New York Police Departments spying on Muslims .The Pulitzer prize are given annually by Columbia University on th recommendation of a board of Journalists. Each awards carries a $10,000 prize except for the public service award, which is a gold medal. Gallantry Award For Lt. Gen Bikram Singh

President Pratibha Patil on 17 April 2012 presented Gallantry Award to Lt.Gen Bikram Singh and other 16 persons during the Defense Investiture Ceremony held at New Delhi . This award has been presented for showing bravery and service during war time. Sikkim Won The Best State Award Sikkim, on 24 April 2012 won the best state award for strengthening its Panchayathi Raj institutions. The North-Easatern state bagged the five pretigious national awards worth of 1.36 crore rupees, at a Panchayat Raj Day functon held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. New Record By 10 Years Old, Aadhil A 10 years old boy named Aadhil from Beypore, Kerala created a new record by swimming 4.63 km with his hands and legs tied in a World record bid, Aadhil swam across from a point in the Arabian sea to the Chaliyar river and break the current record of two miles set by a Chinese girl. And recorded in the Giunness Bokk of Records. Yudhvir Award For Shanta Sinha Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Shanta Sinha has been honoured with this year 2012 Yudhvir Memorial Foundation Award on 30 April 2012. She had been given the award for pioneering and innovative role in protecting and promoting child rights. Indian Americans Wins White House Journalism Award Indian American Journalist Manu Raju was among the White House Correspondent Journalism Award winner for 2012 honoured at the Associations traditional annual dinner with President Barck Obama.

SPORTS
Maimi Masters Title to Novack Djokovic Worlds No-1 Novak Djokovic won the Maimi masters title on 1 April 2012 by defeating fourth seeded Andy Murrey in the final held in Florida. World Championship For China Worlds no-2 Zhang Jike of China won the Mens Single Worlds Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund, Germany on 1April 2012 by defeating Timo Boll Womens Single World Championship Chinas Ning Ding won the Womens Single World Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund, Germany on 1 April 2012 by defeating Feng Tianwei Geeta Kumari, First Indian Woman Wrestler to Olympics Geeta Kumari, the woman wrestler, won a gold in 55kg category at the ongoing Asia qualifying tournament in Astana, Kazakhastan. Geeta with this victory also made a history as she became the first Indian woman wrestler to have ever qualified for the Olympics Indian Boxer Vijendra Singh Qualified For London Olympics

In boxing, Indias Vijendra singh on 8 April 2012 qualified for the London Olympics in the 75 kg category, He is the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics for the third time in succession. Pankaj Advani Win 11th Asian Billiards Championship Six times world Champion Pankaj Advani on 8 April 2012 clinched the 11th ONGC Asian Billiards Championship title after defeating Thowaat Sujaritthurakara of Thailand in the Final in Panaji Sarena Wins First Title Of 2012 Fifth seeded Sarena Williams captured her 40th career Womens Tennis Association (WTA) title by defeating ninth seeded Czech Lucie Safarova on 8 April 2012 in Charleston. Bubba Won Augusta Masters Title Bubba Watson of US, a third left hand player won the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament on 8 April 2012 in Augusta by defeating Louis Oosthuizen of British. Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal Won The EL Gouna International Open Top Indian Squash player Saurav Ghosal won a 3-2 victory over Rabbie Temple of England at the $120,000 EL Gouna International open in EL Gouna on 9 April 2012 Double Honour For Sangakkara Sri Lankas Kumar Sangakkara has been chosen one of the five Cricketers of the Year and leading Cricketer in the World for 2011, which was announced in 2012 edition of Wisden Cricketers Almanack on 11 April 2012. Smriti Named Player Of The Year Smriti Mehra, the most successful Golfer on the Hero Womens Professional Golf Tour in 2011 -12 was named the Player of the Year at the Hero- WGAI Awards function on 11 April 2012 held in New Delhi. Shiva Thapa Became The Youngest Indian Boxer For Olympics The 18 years old Shiva Thapa (56 kg category) on 11 April 2012 became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics by beating Japans Satoshi Shimize 31-11 to enter the final of the Asian Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan. Vikas Gowda Sets Nation Award Discus thrower Vikas Gowda, the 28 years old Indian hurled the discus to 66.28 meters at Norman Oklahana in US on 12 April 2012, to break his National record of 64.96 meters en route to winning the gold in the event, laying down an early marker in the Olympic year. His previous record was made at Salinas, California in 2007. Mercedes AMG Driver Nico Rosberg Won Chinese Grand Prix Mercedes AMG driver Nico Rosberg won the Chinese Grand Prix on 15 April 2012, first in his career at Shanghai International Circuit by defeating Jenson Button of Britain Under 19 Quadrangular Cricket Tournament Winner India

India recorded a convincing seven wicket win over Australia to clinch the under 19 quadrangular cricket championship on 15 April 2012 in Townsville, Australia. The man of the match was given to Unmukt Chand for his unbeaten 112 runs in the match. where four countries Australia, South Africa, India and England participated. Lanka Ravi Titled By FIDE Lecturer Former Asian Rapid Chess Champion Lanka Ravi has been conferred a FIDE Lecturer title by the World Chess Body (FIDE) on 15 April 2012. Ravi, who was the first International Master from Andhra Pradesh is the only one from Asia to get this privilege in the list of 24 FIDE Lectures nominated across the world. No Champions Trophy After 2013 The ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in England in 2013, will be last tournament, as the association plans to have only one Championships for each of the games three formats from 2015 Korean City Slated As The Venue For Shooting World Championship The shooting world championship of 2018 was awarded to,Korean city of Changwon on 17 April 2012. The decision regarding the venue of the championship was made at the general assenbly meeting of international shooting sport Federation ( ISSF) in London. The last World Championships was held in Munich, Germany, in 2010 and the next Championship will be held in Granada, in Spain in 2014. Rafeal Nadal Won Monte Carlo Masters Ace tennis player Rafeal Nadal on 22 April 2012 clinched his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters Title match held at Monaco. The second seeded Nadal defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final. The Monte Carlo Title was Nadals first since French Open title in 2011 and 47th of his ATP career. Vettel Won The Formula One Title Race Defending Double world championship Sebastian Vettel of R ed Bull claimed his first win of the year on 22 April 2012 to take over as leader of the Fotmula One Tile race in Manama. Chinas Chen Jin Clinch The Asian Badminton Championship The third seeded Chinas Chen Jin defeated fellow countryman and fifth seeded Du Pengyu in the Mens finals of Asian Badminton Championship in Chinas eastern city of Qingdao on 22 April 2012 Umadevi On Top In World Ladies Billiards R.Umadevi claimed her maiden World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association Title beating world no13 Eva Palmius by 2-0 in the seniors final held at the Cambridge snooker centre, England on 24 April 2012. Shon Wan Ho Won Indian Open Badminton Shon Wan Ho of Korea defeated Chinese defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the mens singles final clash and clinch his maiden super series title of the Indian Open Badminton on 28 April 2012 held in India. Nadal Won Barcelona Open Badminton Title

Rafeal Nadal defeated Davis Ferrer of Spain to clinch the seventh Barcelona Mens Singles Title on 29 April 2012 held in Barcelona, and became the first tennis player to win two seperate ATP World Tour events seven times. Aditya Mehta Wons Asian Snooker Title Aditya Mehta defeated compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final and won the Asian Snooker Title after eight years on 29 April 2012 held at Qatar Maria Sharapova Won Porsche Grand Prix Russias Maria Sharapova won the Porsche Grand Prix Title after defeating world no -1 Belarus Victoria Azarenka in the final match held on 30 April 2012 in Stuttgart Germany.

ECONOMY
E-Filling Mandatory For Income Above 10 Lakh The Government had made it mandatory for individuals with income of over Rs. 10lakh to file their tax returns for 2011-12. Electronically E-filling has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual or a Hindu undivided family, if his or its total income or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under the Act during the previous year, exceeds ten lakh rupees for assessment year 2012-13 onwards. India Spends Least On Healthcare Data from World Bank confirm that among the comparable BRICS Nations, which have similar social, political & economic influence in the globe, India spends the least on public healthcare. Among all the BRICS nations, Indias share of public expenditure in the total health expenditure is the lowe st in each of the years from 2004 to 2009 at 0.936% RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 0.50% After a gap of three years, Reserve Bank of India on 17 April 2012 cut the repo r ate from 8.5% to 8% And the reverse repo rate reduced from 7.5 to 7%, As the CRR remains at 4.75%, which would stimulate growth and softening of inflation, And set the stage for a reduce in interest rate on home, auto and corporate loans. Print of MICR & IFSC Code Mandatory on Passbooks, RBI The Reserve Bank of India on 21 April 2012 directed all commercial banks to print the MICR( Magnetic Ink Chracter Recognition) and IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) Code on the passbook and statement of account of the customer. World Economic Outlook By IMF The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead of the IMF World Bank Spring meetings, marginally lowered India;s economic growth forecast to 6.9% in 2012, from 7% projected earlier. The IMF projected world economic growth rate to slump to 3.5% in 2012 from 3.9% in 2011. It pegged Indias growth during the 2013 year at 7.3%. According to the estimates of Indias Central Statistical Organisaton ( CSO), the growth rate during the financial year 2011-12 slipped to a 3 year low of 6.7%. the Union Government projected a growth rate of 7.6% for 2012-13 fiscal year .

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Navy Inducted Russian Origin Submarine The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian origin nuclear Submarine, INS Chakra into its flotilla. The nuclear submarine has placed India into the elite group of nations which operate nuclear vessels. The Akula II class submarine K-152 Nerpa, renamed INS Chakra II is on a 10 years lease from Russia at a cost of nearly 1billion dollar AWACS Test Flight Sucessful Achieving a major milestone, India has successfully carried out the maiden- test flight of its second indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in Brazil on 5 April 2012 the DRDO said. The successful flight is seen as a major boost as the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in June 2012 to the (IAF) Indian Air Force. Worlds First Flying Car Woburn, mass based Terrafugia said that its prototype flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle dubbed the transition has two seats, four wheels and wings that folds up so it can be driven like a car. It flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes, Terrafugia will be introduced in the New York Auto show and is expected to cost $ 279,000. Fossilized Bone 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 a new species of human that roamed the planet some three million years ago and could offer insight into how man evolved to walk on two feet. The shape of the bones shows that the creature could walk upright at times. The ability to walk upright is an important feature that separate humans from other great apes. New ISRO Centre to Control Spy Satellite Launch The Indian rocket that will carry the 1,850 kg indigenous surveillance Satellite- Radar Imaging Satellite(Risat-1) to the skies in April month will be controlled by the new mission control centre at Sriharikota, said by senior officials of Indian space agency ISRO. The second mission control centre was inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil this January. The forth coming rocket launch would be controlled and monitored from the new mission control centre. The new mission control centre is modern and has layer area to accommodate more space scientist. Pre-Magalithic Period Discovered In Tamil Nadu Pottery & iron age megaliths dated the Pre -Megalithic/ iron age period in Tamil Nadu 1,800 BC1,500BC found at Mandapam village, near Aarpakkam intersection, about 14 km from Kancheepuram in April 2012. The importance of the vast urn- burial site is that it belongs to a period earlier than the Megalithic age or 1 run age in Tamil Nadu. Gravity Changes Along Moons Surface Planetary Scientists claim to have coated a new gravity map of the Moon which shows that the gravity pull changes from location to location oves the surface of the Earths Natural Satellite. Using detailed top graph-phase information from NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbitar Mission an international term was able to reveal the fine structure of the Moons gravity field in brand new detect.

Agni-V Test Fired Successfully India on 19 April 2012 emerge as a regional super power with the successfully test fired of 5000 kmplus Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Angi -V from the Integrated Test Range on the Wheeler Island in Odisha. India entered into the elite club of nations with Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Technology by successfully test firing nuclear capable Angi-V. This missile is 17.5 metre long, can carry 1 to 1.5 tonne conventional and nuclear warheads. Which can hit targets in large parts of China including Beijing. And can also target whole of Pakistan and South Asia . India To Join Project To Build Largest Telescope In a giant leap for astronomy, India will help to build the Worlds Largest and most advanced telescope. About 20 institutions like the India Institute of Astrophysics, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and many other will join to construction of the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT), a Telescope that will have nine times the collecting areas of the current largest optical /infrared telescope and will provide unparalleled high sensitivity spatial resolution more than 12 times sharper than what is achieved by the Hubble Space Telescope, Six Scientists Of Indian Origin Elected Fellows Of Royal Society Bangalore based biologist Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan and Professor Tejinder Singh Virdee of Imperial College, London who was associated with the design and construction of the large Hadron Collider,proff Chandrashekhar Bhalchandra Khare, Proff Mathukumalli Vidhyasagar, Proff Shankar Balasubramanian, Proff Varinder Kumar Aggarwal are among six internationally renowned scientists of Indian origin elected to the prestigious fellowship of Royal Society, Britains Premier Science Academy. They join the ranks of some of the worlds most famous names including Albert Einstein Isaac newton and Stephen Hawking etc. Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-IV Missile Pakistan Successfully test fired a nuclear capable international range ballistic missile on 25 April 2012. Intermediate range ballistic missile could reach targets up to 1000 km. The Hatf -IV, which was launched in the sea, was a version of the Shaheen-I with improvements in range .It can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. It can hit targets anywhere in India Indigenous Imaging Satellite PSLV-C19 Launched Indias first indigenously built all weather Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT -I with applications ranging from agriculture to natural disaster management, is now in polar orbit after its carrier the PSLV-C19 was launched with clinical precision from the Sriharikota Spaceport of The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 25 April 2012.RISAT-I, weighing 1,858 kg and the heaviest satellite launched yet by the PSLV is a state of the art active Microwave Remote Sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar ( SAR) that will operate in the C-band. RISAT-I can imaging of the Earth surface features at day and night and under all imagined weather conditions. Indian Navy Inducted Stealth INS Teg The Indian Navy on 26 April 2012 added one more war fighting capabilties missile stealth frigate INS Teg to its navy. An advanced version of the Talwar class frigate which are already in service with its Teg was commissioned by Vice-admiral K.N Sushil at the ceremony at the Yantar shipyard at Kalingrad Russia . INS Teg had been built to meet the specific command and control needs of the navy for coordinated surface, air and water missions. The weapons suits of the 125 metre, 4,000 tonne frigate includes the Brohmos surface to surface missile system. India To Build Anti-Radar Missile

After the success of the Agni-v project, India had set to take its defense capabilities a stride further, It is developing an Anti- Radiation Missile ( ARM) which can hugely multiply the strike capabilities by destroying the enemys advance warning system production of the Anti- Radiation Missile, Which is among the most advanced missiles is being undertaken on priority basis by the Defense Research & Development Laboratory. Such missiles can be mounted on Sukhoi fighter planes SU-30 MKI, 140 of which have already been acquired from Russia and around 100 more are expected to be delivered in due course of time. China Launches Two More Satellites For Navigation System China on 29 April 2012 successfully launched two more satellites for its proposed Beidou global navigation & positioning network being built to counter the US Global Position System (GPS). China had so far launched 13 satellites. The Beidou 2-satellites launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the province of Sichvan, was boosted by a long march 3B carrier rocket and has entered the sheduled orbit. It is the first time China has launched two Navigation Satellites with one rocket and two satellites will help to improve the accuracy of the Beidou and compass system.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments Ibrahim Kalifulla As Supreme Court Judge Jammu & Kashmir High Court chief Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifulla was appointed as Supreme Court Judge on 2 April 2012. He will remain a Supreme Court Judge for a period of four years. New CDM For BDL Satya Narayana Mantha has been appointed as the new chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Ltd ( BDL ) on April 2 2012. Ajit Pal Singh Named Indias Chef-de Mission For Olympics Ajit Pal Singh had became the first sports person to be named Indias Chef -de-Mission for the Olympic games, on 2 April 2012, bringing an end to the bitter wranglings for the post within the IDA. The seven members committee, which was formed to appoint the Chef-de-mission for the July 27 2012 Olympic Games, unanimously selected the former hockey star to head the Indian contingent in the London Olympics. Amarendra Khatua, New Envoy To South Sudan & Sudan India in the last week of March 2012 appointed Amarendra Khatua as its special envoy to South Sudan & Sudan to broker peace between two countries. This was done with the objective of strengthening Indias pursuit of oil & other Hydrocarbon resources in Africa. Amarendra Khatua is the MEA additional secretary he handles the passport division, Malawis New President Prominent womens right campaigner Joyce Banda has taken sworn in as Malawis new pr esident on 7 April 2012. After the former President Binju Wa Mutharika died of heart attack on 5 April 2012 Malaysia s New King

Sultan Abdul Halim takes oath as Malaysias new king on 11 April 2012 New Pakistan Envoy To India Pakistans former foreign secretary Salman Bashir was appointed as new envoy to India on 14 April 2012 . Who has been part of the post 26/11 Indo-Pak dialogue process. New World Bank President The World Bank on 16 April 2012 had chosen Korean born American health expert Jim Yong Kim as its new president. Mr. Jim was president of Dartmouth College will assume his new position from 1 July after the Banks current president Robert Zeollick steps down. World Heart Federation President Dr. Srinath Reddy had been appionted as the president of World Heart Federation (WHF) on 21 April 2012. Dr. Srinath Reddy was the first Indian ever to be conferred this honour. S.Narsing Rao took as Chairman of CIL S. Narsing Rao, former chairman of Singareni collieries company Ltd was appointed as the chairman & Managing Director of Coal India Limited ( CIL) on 24 April 2012. B) RESIGNS James Murdoch Stepped Down From British Sky Broad Casting James Murdoch on 3 April 2012 resigned as the chairman of Satellite Broad Caster British Sky Broad Casting, Murdoch was forced to step down given his alleged role in phone haking at closed the news of the world newspaper. Mali President Resigns The President of Mali, Amadov Toumani Toure resigned on April 8 2012 following the agreement signed with the mediators. Greek Prime Minister Quits Greeces P.M Lucas Papademos resigns to his position on 11 April 2012 to set a stage for early elections on May 6 2012. Netherlands Prime minister Resigns The Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet resigned on 23 April 2012 after failing to reach agreement on reducing the countrys budget to meet European guidelines. Abhishek Manu Singhvi Resigned As Congress Spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi , the spokesperson of the ruling congress party, tendered his resignation on 23 April 2012. Singhvi also resigned from a powerful parliamentary law committee that he headed. Jordan Prime Minister Resigns Jordans Prime Minister Awn Al- Khasawneh resigned on 26 April 2012, just six months after he took offices with a pledge to push for political reforms.

C) Deaths Former BCCI President N.K.P. Salve Passes Away Former BCCI President and former Union Minister N.K.P.Salve passed away on 1 April 2012 in New Delhi. N.K.P Salve had been the president of the BCCI when India won the World Cup in 1983. Communist Leader Promode Gogoi Passed Away Veteran communist leader & President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi passed away on 6 April 2012 in Guwahati. Chinas Dissidents & Astrophysicist Died In US One of Chinas best known dissidents & Astrophysicist Fang Lizhi died in excile in the US on 6 April 2012. He had become a force to reclon with prominent during the 1989-pro-democracy movement. He was known as Chinas Sakharavo. Legendary Newsman Mike Wallace Died Mike Wallace, a legendary newsman known for impertinent, the CBS reporter who became one of Americas best known broadcast journalist as an interrogator of the famous & infamous on 60 minutes died on 8 April 2012 in America. Nityananda Mohapatra Passes Away Nityananda Mohapatra, author, freedom fighter, Gandhian and editor passes away on 17 April 2012 in Odisha D)VISITORS Pakistan President Visit To India The Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited India on 8 April 2012 at New Delhi for the high level meeting over trade, security and friendly issues Visit of Qatar President to India The president of Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khallifa Al-Thani visited India for boosting trade and investments between the two countries. UN Secretary General Visit to India UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India for two days, and had meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the relatives of victims of the 1984 anti sikh riots. E)MISCELLANEOUS Titanic Wreckage To Become UNESCO Heritage On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, its wreckage will become underwater cultural heritage protected by the UNESCO, under a convention ratified by 41 states, the organisation said on April 14, 1912 Titanic hit iceberg in North Atlantic and sank. This year will mark 100 years since the tradegy, that the hull will from now on be protected by the 2011 convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage. The convention can only be applied to objects that sank more than 100

years ago. The Titanic, the biggest and most luxurious Ocean liner of its time, sank in international waters and no state has exceptional jurisdiction over the wreckage. Railways New Rail Bheem With an aim of hauling heavier trains, railway is ready to roll out a newly designed 5500 horse power diesel locomotive equipped with all modern features including 100 km per hour running speed. Aptly named as Bheem, the high horse power locomotive is currently undergoing safe trail. Manufactured at diesel Locomotive Works at Varanasi, the prototype has cost about Rs. 17crore to the railways. Second Child Genius A four years British girl, Heidi Hankins has been hailed as a child genius after being ranked just one point below Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking in IQ of 159 against average adult 100 IQ. She has became the second youngest ever child to be accepted into the Elite Mensa Society for people with high IQs. Two and a half years Oscar Wrigley remains the first youngest with an IQ of 160. London, Most Impressive City In The World The wealth report, a study which focuses on the ten international cities deemed the most impressive by high net worth individuals each with assets in excess of its 15.5 million. Economic activity, quality of life, political power, knowledge and influence were all factors in assessing what made a city important according to the survey. London has been voted the worlds most important city according to the wealth report study. Taking second & third place, are New York and Hong Kong.

PLACES IN NEWS
Chinas Highest Bridge Aizhai is the Worlds Highest Tunnel Bridge and the fourth suspension bridge in China to cross the valley so wide its seems to be connecting two mountain ranges, the first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and Beipanjiang bridges of the worlds 400 or so highest bridges, non has a main span as long as Aizhai with a Tower to tower distance of 3,858 feet (1,176mtrs) Located deep in the heart of Chinas Hunan province near the city of Jishou. The suspension bridge is the largest structur e on the Jishou to Chadong expressway with a deck 1, 102 feet above the Dettang Canyon 8.7 Earthquake Hit Indonesia Aceh Province An earthquake measuring 8.7 on Richter scale hit Indonesias Aceh province on 11 April 2012, which issued tsunami warning over 28 countries mild tremors were felt in all 28 countries. In Indian cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore Andhra Pradesh and several other cities on the Eastern coast.No damage was occurred anywhere due to the earthquake.

ABBREVIATIONS
IIP- Index of Industrial Production GSTN Goods & Services Tax Network EEPC Engineering Export Promotion Council.

AFSPA Armed Force Special Powers Act. TDSAT Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal INCOIS- Indian Nation Centre for Ocean Inforamation Services ICBM- Inter Continental Ballistic Missile. NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority AWACS- Airborne Warning And Control System

May 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Aung San Suu Kyi Take Oath As Opposition Leader Aung San SuuKyi took oath of office to become an official member of Myanmars parliament on 2 May 2012. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Laureate, pro democracy leader of Myanmar for the first time held public office since launching her struggle against autherisation rule nearly a quarter century ago. Poll Panels Of SAARC Countries Established Forum SAARC Countries on 4 May 2012 adopted a charter for mutual cooperation and set up a forum that will enhance capabilities to conduct free and fair elections . In its charter the chief election commissioners of Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives Nepal Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India confirmed their abiding faith in the objectives and principles of SAARC contained in the SAARC charter. French Socialist Partys Francois Hollande As First Socialist President Francois Hollande was elected Frances first socialist president nearly after two decades with 53.3% votes on 6 May 2012, While defeating Nicolas Sarkozy.The result will have major implications for Europe as it struggle to emerge from a financial crisis and for France the Eurozone second largest economy and a nuclear armed permanent member of the UN Security Council. All Nuclear Power Plants Stopped In Japan All Nuclear Power Plants were Stopped In Japan on 6 May 2012 . Tomari was the last shutdown , which leaves Japan without nuclear power. Thousands of Japanese marched to celebrate the switching off the last of their nations 50 nuclear reactor. Japan was without eclectricity from nuclear power for the first time in four decades. 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. Putin had won the Russian Presidential elections with 63.6% of the vote on 4 March. Top 10 Female CEOs & Influential Business Women of American Companies

There are roughly 22 female presidents and prime ministers in the world and about a dozen womens executivesat the helm of Fortune 500 companies. Especially for these top 10 women CEOs CEO of the worlds second largest food company Karft Foods ,Irene Rosenfeld in first place

The CEO of TJX, Carol.M.Meyrowitz in second. Chairman & CEO of Pepsico Indra Nooyi in third . Chairman& CEO of EI du Pont de Nemoursand company, Ellen Kullman in fourth. Chairman, President & CEO of Well point, Angela Braly in fifth. Chairman & CEO of Xerox ,Ursula M.Borns in sixth.Chairman, president & CEO of Sunoco,Lynn L.Elsenhans in seventh . CEO of Archer Daniels Midland, Patrica Woertz in eigth. President and CEO of BJs Wholesale club , Laura J.sen in ninth and Chairman & CEO of Key corp, Beth E.Mooney in tenth place. Forbes Mothers Top 20 List The list released by Forbes ahead of World Mothers Day on 13 May 2012 the worlds 20 most powerful moms list which ranked most efficient persons list According to the magazine power moms must develop unique strategic to succeed in both boardrooms and playrooms. Fobes women analysed the annual list of the worlds 100 most powerful womens based on money controlled, decision making power and multiple measures of influence and teased out the moms who are at the top of their game are No-1_ Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of states No-2 _ Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President No-3_ Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman No-4 _Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer Of Face book No-5_ Melinda Gates, Cofounder, Bill and Melindan Gates Foundation No-6_ Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson No-7_ Michelle Obama, First lady U.S No-8 Christine Lagarde, Managing Director IMF No-9_ Irene Rosenfeld, CEO Karft foods No-10_ Jill Abramson, Executive Editor New York Times No-11_ Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health& Human services U.S In the last 20th place is the General secretary of NLD Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi Philippines President Names Two Special Envoys to China Philippines President Benigno Aquino named two special envoys to China on 16 May 2012, amid a tence territorial dispute between the two countries over a shoal in the South China sea. During their six month assignment both were also tasked to actively persuade greater number of Chinese tourists to make the Philippines their main destination for leisure and relaxation trips. China counters Japans Claims over Okinotoris Status China and Japan have exchanged a fresh round of claims and counter claims over a tiny but crucial out cropping in the Pacific Ocean, with Tokyo assuring that a UN Commission had endorsed its stand on the atoll being an Island while Beijing rejected it as baseless. The two countries, that have their own set of disputes in the South China sea, have also been sparring over the status of Okinotoris Atollion Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbias Presidential Election The Serbian Progresive party leader Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbias Presidential Election on 20 May 2012. Nikolic beat his centrist, the incumbent Boris Tadic in closely contested election. Nikolic accounted for 50.21% of the total vote, against 46.77% for Tadic, with 40% of votes counted. Nikolic during his previous stints in power worked as a deputy prime minister under the former president Slobodon Miloscric. China Developing Internet For Offensive Operations

China is improving its capacity for operations in cyberspace and developing capabilities to use internet for offensive operations. The Pentagon has said China is investing in not only capabilities to better defend their networks but also they are looking at ways to use cyber for offensive operations, China is engaging in cyber activity focused on computer network exploitation. IAEA Chief Meets Top Iran Nuclear Officials IAEA Chief Yukiya Amano Met Top Irans Nuclear chief and top negotiator on 21 May 2012 in a visit to Tehran closely watched for signs as to how wider talks between Iran and World power might unfurl. Irans national security supremo tasked with negotiating nuclear issues and atomic energy head Abbasi Davani in an effort to press for greater co-operations between Iran and the UN Nuclear surveillance agency. Bangladesh Announces Discovery Of Petroleum Energy starned Bangladesh has struck oil reserves in the countrys Northeastern region with an extractable reserve of at least 55 million barrels worth USD 5.5 million. Petrobangla is announcing with pleasure that Bangladesh had entered a new era through the discovery of a profitable oil reserves in Haripur and Kailashtila, state run Petrobanglas chairman Hossain Monsur said. China is Worlds Biggest Magnesium Producer China has remained the Worlds Biggest Producer of Magnesium since 1999,with last years out put accounting for over 85% of the worlds total.The country produced 660,000 tones of magnesium last year.The agencyreported on 26 May. It is estimated that the yearly magnesium output will reach 1.5million tonnes during the 2011-2015 period odf which 700,000 tones will be exported annually Liberias Taylor Gets 50 years in Jail for War Crimes A U.N Backed war crimes court sentensed the former president of liberia ,charles Taylor ,to 50 years in jail on 30 May 2012 for arming rebels in sierra leone in return for Blood Diamonds .

INDIA & WORLD

Kabul- Washington Strategic Pact Signed The new Kabul- Washington long term strategic partnership agreement (SPA) was signed by Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 2 May 2012.The achievements and success paved the way to sign the strategic cooperation agreement between the two nations. U.S to Invest In West Bengal West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee on 7 May2012 said the former assured her of American investment in the state for its business and economic development considering Bengal as a partner state.And the US desire to invest in West Bengal as the state has witnessed a change in its political scenario after decades. American investments in the states software , IT and manufacturing , health and education sectors. India to Acquire Coking Coal Mine In Mongolia In a move to reduce dependence on highly priced Australian coking coal, India acquired a mine in Mongolia ans also set up the first steel plant in the quality coal rich country. The Indian delegation comprising of chairman of Steel Authority of India (SAIL)C.S.Verma and U.P.Singh, joint secretary in the ministry will sign a pact in this regard. The plan is to acquire mine, utilise the coal for the steel

plant India proposes to set up in Mongolia and export the rest to India through Chinese port as Mongolia is a land locked country. Dalia Lama gives Templeton Prize Money to Indian Charity Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalia Lama on 14 May 2012 received the prestigious 1.1 million pound Templeton prize in London by St Pauls Cathedral and announced that most of the prize money will go to save the children fund in India, with smaller bequest to a science and religion group which is studying the effects of Buddhist practice and to a project to train Buddhist monks as scientists. India surpassed china as the largest Arms Importer in the World India Topped as the largest Importer of arms during 2007-2011. India has taken numerous measures to modernise its armed forces in the past ten years.The country has signed several deals to produce military hardware such as 10c17 strategic lift aircraft,sixc-130 super hercules special operations airsraft, addditional sukhri-30MKI fighter jets along with several warships. Hyderabad Girls Short Film goes to Cannes A part from capturing memorable and best moments, more can do more with a cam recorder.If you have a talent make a short film and send to international film festivals and win prizes. This what G.Anahita done.Ajury comprising Hollywood stars such as Edward Norton and others at the Cannes film festival picked her video that lasts lessthan a minute as the Best Area Video Coalition(BAVC) segiment open for only teenagers after screening will be presented with 5000 US Dollars. Sahara Signed Agreement to Build Notun Dhaka in Bangladesh Sahara India Pariwar signed an agreement with Bangladesh government to desfign and develop a new city Notun Dhaka(New Dhaka) on 28 May 2012. Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation signed the MOU with the ministry of housing and public works (MOPW) of Bangladesh Governement.Their main aim to build affordable housing facilities for the group of low earming people, along with it, they will also work on the hosing finance support and design.This plans for integrated statellite townships constituted by the ministry of housing and public works(MOHPW) of the Bangladesh Government. India pushes to rebuild old links with new Myanmar India & Myanmar expect to double their trade in 3years and despite a delay in introducing a buslink,hope to be connected not just over land and by air but also by rail. India signed a slew agrrements and memoranda of understand(MOUs) on day-2 and Dr.singhs visit to take forward economic ties,cooperation in development and capacity building in a range of sectors.They include an MoU to operationalise a $500 million line of credit during president. India, Bahrain sign pact to boost ties India and Bahrain on 31May, announced the signing of a tax information exchange agreement to promote economic cooperation and joint investment between 2 countries aimed was signed by the Bahrain delogation led by prince Salman Bin Hamadal Khalifa.

NATIONAL
E-Challan & Receipt (ECR) Facility Launched Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the E-Challan and receipt (ECR) facility on 1 May 2012 to bring transparency and accessibility for employers in depositing

monthly employees Provident Fund or EPF contributions of their workers. Employees under the ECR service would have to register their organisations online and generate challans for making monthly deposits. They can use these challan for either electronically or physically depositing the provident fund or PF contribution to the bank. Union Government Decided To Include Chit Funds Under The Chit Fund Act Union Government decided to include chit funds, an informal pooling of funds from individuals for lending under the chit fund Act of 1982 in six states including Gujarat and Kerala. The decision was meant to help people access the dispute settlement mechanism. Nagaland, Haryana Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are the other states to come under the Act, providing a cushion for small savers who are at the mercy of local operations of the six states brought under the central ruling, only Kerala operated under the Kerala chit Act of 1975. The other five states had no laws to regulate chit fund operations. Indian Americans in Forbes List of Best Tech Investors Forbes Magazine recently came up with the list of Technologies best investors among which nine are Indian Americans . These influential apersonalities have been successful in creating wealth and funding innovative ideas that help to keep our economy vibrant.Anil Bhasuri, Rob Chandra, Sameer Gandhi, Vinod Khosh, Neeraj Agrawak, Navin Chaddha, Ajay Agarwal, Asheen Chandra and Subrata Mitra are the best Tech investors on the forbes list . Fianace Minister Pranab Mukherjee was Elected As Chair Of ADBs Board Of Governor Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 4 May 2012 was elected as Chair of the Asian Development Banks (ADB) Board of Governors. India will host the 46th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in New Delhi in 2013. Though India was the founding member of the ADB in 1966, the lending operations in India began two decades late. Tata Group Among 10 Best Companies for Leadership in Asia The Tata Group is at the fifth position among the ten best companies for leadership in Asia list , according to study by management consultancy Gaint Hay Group. The topped company in the list is Samsung group followed by Tayota Motors and Unilever at the second and third positions . The study said that innovation was the prime factor hat made Tata Groups to find place among the top names in Asia . Others in the top 10 in Asia are Nestle, IBM Corp, Sony Corp, Procter & Gamble , Coca- Cola and Petronas. Among the global best leadership companies are General Electric as at the top followed by Procter 7 Gamble, IBM, Microsoft and Coca- Cola. Report Placed India On Fifth In 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. The report cyber security, The Vexed Question of Global Rules, rated the internet privacy in the country as low. Brussels based SDA spoke to leading global security exports to ensure that findings would offer useful recomendations and actions. Bihar C.M Nitish Kumar Took Oath As Member of BLC 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 on 7 May 2012. The leaders were administered oath by state Legislative Council chairman Salim Parvej. Qualcomm Recieved The Broadband Wireless Access Spectrum

Qualcomm, the US chipmaker received the Broadband Wireless Access(BWA) spectrum on 8 May 2012 by the Department of Telecommunications ( DoT). The DoT however, reduced the companys period of licence use to 18.5 years from 20 years as mentioned in the licence agreement. The time period to meet the rollout obligations was also reduced from 5 to 3.5 years. The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP) The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP) on 17 May 2012. The TAPI gas pipeline project which organisation from the central Asian Nation Turkmenistan and reaches to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan is also referred to as the Peace Pipeline as some of the countries that it passes through dont enjoy good relationship with each other. The TAPI gas project will have a total length of 1680 km of the total length 144 km will be in Turkmenistan, 735 km in Afghanistan and 800 km in Pakistan, bringing it to the Indian borders. The pipeline, will be entirely functional in 2018 and supply gas over the next thirty years. 6th Best University in Country Osmania University has been ranked Sixth among Indias best Universities as per as survey conducted by the India Today-Nielsen dor 2012 . The varsity was Ranked seventh last year. Report on Status of Implementation of SCs and STs Act 1989 Released The report on the status of implementation of SCs an d STs ( prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Rules 1995 was released by the first Dalit chief Justice of India, Justice K.G.Balakrishna on 18 May 2012. The report was prepared by the National Coalition after collecting evidence by visiting the places of incidents and talking to victims across India for strengthening SCs and STs( Prevention of Atrocities ) Act. The report revealed substantial increace in cases of violence against SCs and Sts. It also highlighted loopholes in the implementation of the SCs and ST s Act and agreed that it has not been able to check atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis in an affective manner. Andhra Pradesh High Court set aside 4.5 Per Cent Sub-Quota for Minorities The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 28 May 2012 invalidated the 4.5 per cent sub-quota for minorities carved out of the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs by the Union government.A high court division bench of Chief Justice Madan Lokur and Justice P VSanjay Kumar quashed the sub-quota as it observed that the Union governments move was based on religious lines and not any other consideration.The court was hearing to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by backward classes leader R Krishnaiah against the sub-quota.

STATES
IICT Hopes to Establish Deflouridation Plants in A.P & Rajasthan The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) is looking forward to establish model deflouridation units in Rajasthan after designing and commissioning various low-cost groundwater defluoridation plants in flurosis affected villages of Andhra Pradesh. Flurosis is a dreaded disease which is caused due to the presence of excess fluoride in grounwater, which has impacted many people in India, mainly children who are suffering from dental and skeletal deformities primarlly in both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Petronet LNG Terminal In Andhra Pradesh Petronet Lng Ltd on 2 May 2012 signed a deal with Andhra Pradeshs Gangavaram port to set up a 5 million tonnes a year liquified natural gas import terminal.The statement from Petronet said the

proposed R.s 4,500crore terminal at the Gangavaram port will have facilities for receiving , strong and regasification of LNG. Agreement Signed for Pranahitha Chevella Irrigation Project Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy and his Maharashtra counterpart Prithviraj Chavan, on 5 May 2012 signed an agreement in New Delhi to set up an inter state board for speedy execution of the Rs. 40,300 crore Pranahitha -Chevella irrigation project, that will serve both states .The agreement was signed in the presence of Union water Resources minister Pawan Kumar Bansal Dr. B.R.Ambedkar pranahitha chevella sujatha sravanthi project, which Andhra Pradesh wants to be declared as a national project. Government Cleared Rs.8500 crore Project to Naxalite Affected Districts The Union Government on 17 May 2012 cleared a Rs 8500 crore project under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) with an objective to connect 6000 habitation in the 78 naxalite affected districts of nine states. Under the project money will be utilised for new connectivity and upgradation of habitations.norms of PMGSY were released for the first time to provide road connectivity to these habitations, in view of the biggest beneficiary of this package. There are some 1000 unconnected habitations in nine naxal hit districts of Bihar and another 2500 in 17 districts in Jharkhand. The remaining habitations are spread over 18 districts in Orissa 16 in Chhatisgarh, 8 in M.P and A.P, 3each in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh and 2 in Maharashtra. P.Chidambaram to Head Reconstituted Panel of Inter-State Council The standing committee of the Inter-State council has been reconstituted with Home minister P.Chidambaram as Chairman and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and nine chief ministers, including Tamil Nadu C.M Jayalalitha and Gujarat C.M Narendra Modi as members. A number of union ministers belonging to congress allies in the UPA have also been given representation in the committee which was reconstituted by Prime minister Manmohan Singh.

CONFERENCES
2-Day G8 Summit In US The 2-day summit of the group of eight (G8) industrialized nations held on 18 May 2012 in Maryland, US. The 2-day summit group together leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US. The event will discuss issues, including the Eurozone crisis, Iran nuclear standoff, Syria, global energy and food security among others. Despited its wide ranging agenda many analysts expected no major out comes from the gathering. ASEAN, US Meet Over Security Cooperation The US & Southeast Asian Nations on 19 May 2012 embraked on three days of talks that would include security cooperation, shortly after a Pentagon report raised concerns about Chinas military build up . The Philipines, host of the discussions and an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members is engaged in a month long maritime stand off with China over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Deepening security corporation climate change and trade and investment will all be on the three days of meeting NATO Summit In Chicago A key NATO Summit, gathering more than 50 world leaders, opened in Chicago on 21 May 2012 with a minutes silence for all those who have fallen in combat around the world. Led by NATO chief

Anders Fogh Rasmussen and US president Barack Obama, the leaders stood and bowed their heads as a uniformed US bugler played taps. Addressing the themes of the summit Rasmussen vowed to complete the transition to Afghan security by 2014. He also stressed the need to embrace a renewed culture of cooperation vowing that together we will make our partnership deeper, broader and stronger.

SPORTS & GAMES

Spanish Football Club Real Madrid Clinched Spanish League Title Spanish football club Real Madrid clinched its 32nd spanish League title and first in four years on 2 May 2012, over shadowing Lionel Messi breaking a 39 years European club scoring record with a hatrik to take his season total to 68 goals. Indian Women Team Won Asian Sqash Championship Indian women squash team won its maiden gold at the 16th Asian Squash Championship in Kuwait on 5 May 2012. The women created a history by defeating the top seeded Joshna Chinnappa and 14th seeded Dipika Pillikkal defeated world number 16th Joey Chan and world no-7 Annie Au respectively. Sriram Balaji Won ITF Futures Mens Tennis Title Fifth ranked Sriram Balaji defeated Swiss Joss Espasandin in the Summit clash of the MCC -SR Subramanian Memorial ITF Futures mens tennis tournament in Chennai on 5 May 2012. Sports Illustrated, Sportsman of the Year Yuvraj On 5 May 2012 Inidan cricketer Yuvraj singh , Who is rehabilitating after a layoff due to cancer has been adjudged as sports illustrated sportsman of the year for his stupendous performance in 2011 World cup. Sara Errani Wons Budapest WTA Tournament Top seeded Sara Errani of Italy won her third WTA title for the year 2012by defeating Elina Vesnina of Russia in the $220,000 Budapest Grand Prix final held on 6 May 2012 in Budapest, Hungary. Juan Del Potro Won Estoril ATP Open Title Argentinas top seeded Juan Martin Del Potro retained his title at the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 after defeating second seeded Richard Gasquet held at Estoril, Portugal. Deepika Kumari Won First World Cup Title Indias Olympic prospect Deepika Kumari won her first World Cup individual recurve gold medal at Antalya, Turkey on 6 May 2012. Estoril Mens Double Title 2012 Winners Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his partner Dutch Ro jer Jean Julien clinched the Mens double title of the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 held in Estoril, Portugal. Kanepi Won The Single Womens Estoril Title 2012 Kaia Kanepi claimed her third WTA trophy of single Womens Estoril Title by defeating Spains Carla Suarez Novarro in the final of the Estoril open on 6 May 2012 held at Estoril, Portugal. Krishna Poonia Sets New National Record Discus Thrower Krishna Poonia set a new national record with a throw of 64.76m. Which breaked Seema Antils existing record of 64.64m. Krishna won the silver medal in the Aitius Track crew Throw down mmet in Maui Island Hawaii on 7 May 2012. Rickie Fowler Golfer Won Well Fargo Trophy

Rickie Fowler won his first RGA Wells Fargo Championship over US Open Campion Rory Mcllroy and D.A Points on 6 May 2012 at Quali Hallow club in Charlotte, NC. OSullivan Won World Snooker Title Englands Ronnie OSullivan won the fourth World Snooker Championship by defeating Ali Carter 18 11 in the final at the Crucible Theatre on 8 May 2012 at Sheffield,England. Parimarjan Negi Won Asian Continental Chess Champion Granmaster Parimarjin Negi won the Asian Continental Chess Championship despite loosing to A.R.Saleh Salem of UAE in the final round by winning gold that concluded on 13 May 2012. Pastor Team Claims Formula One Race Pastor Maldonado gave williams a first formula One Race win in almost eight years on 13 May 2012, when he fought off local hero Fernando Alonsa in a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix. Serena Williams Won The Madrid Open Final USAs Serena Williams won the Madrid Open Final Womens tennis by defeating world no -1 Victoria Azarenka on 13 May 2012 held at Madrid. Roger Federar Won Madrid Mens Open Title Swiss tennis star Roger Federar defeated Czech Tomas Berdych to win Madrid Mens Single Open Title on 13 May 2012.The Madrid open title is set to reinstate Federar as the no-2 spot in the world tennis ranking , the position he had earlier lost to his rival Rafael Nadal. Manjeet Singh won the Junior National Boxing Title Manjeet Singh Panghal defeated Gurleen singh to claim the 69 kg title in the 45th National Junior Boxing championship at Patiala on 16 May 2012. Nadal on The Sixth Rome Masters Title Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Mens singles Masters title in a rain postponed final against Novack Djokovic on 21 May 2012 held at Rome. Sharapova Won Womens Singles Rome Masters Title Maria Sharapova of Russia won the womens single Rome Masters Title by defeating Chinas Li Na on 20 May held at Rome. Sania-Mattek lift Brussels Open TIttle Sania Mirza won her second WTA doubles tittles of the season and 14th overall,when she combined with.Bethanie Mattek-sands to lift Brussels Open Tropy with an emphatic straight set win over Alicja Rosolska of polamd and china;s Zheng Jie.This Indo-American pair took an hour and 10 minutes. Knights Dethrone Kings IPL-5 Crown Kolkatta Knight Riders are newly crowed IPL Champions.The visitors beat defending champions chennai SuperKings by five wickets in a high final at the MAC stadium in chennai. The Man of the Match is Bisla. Golden player goes to Sumil Naring(KKR) and Orange cap goes to Chris Gale(RCB) and Purple Cap goes toMore Morkel(DD) Weber Wins Monaco Grand Pix Australia Mark Webber made Formula one history on 27 May when he steered his Red bull to victory and claimed his First Win in this Year and his Team Red Bulls Third successive Monacco Grand Pix. Lin Dan Propels China to Thomas Cup Tittle Super star Lin Dan led osts china to an emphatic victory over South Korea in the Thomas cup Final on 27 May, Sending a starl message he and his Team mates are in peak form for the London

Olympics in Fluent Fedex on the Mark

the

field

of

Badminton.

Roger Federer celebrated on 28 May his 50th straight major with a record equalling 233rd Grand slam win.His win , achieved on a sixth match point, also told him level with Jimmy connors record for most grand slam matches win of 233. Services Defeat Tamilnadu for Cup Services showed nerves of steel to defeat Tamilanadu 3-2 in the final of the 66th santosh Tropy at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack,Adisha on 28 May.This was services second Title, with thier maiden championship coming in the 1960-61 season. Anand Crowned Fifth world Championship Indian Grand master viswa nathan Anand showed immense resilence to beat challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in the tense rapid chess tie braker to win the world championship crown for the fifth time and Fourth in a row on 30 may 2012 Chattisgarh Girls&Boys Clinch National Titles Chattisgarh Clinched both Girls&Boys Titles in the 63rd National Junior Basketball championship on 30 May .boys defeated the punjab in final where as girls defeated the maharastara in final.

ECONOMY
RBI Directed Indian Banks To Maintain Tier I Capital The Reserve Bank of India on 2 May 2012 published guidelines of implementation of the new global capital adequacy norms, called Basel-III, by March 2018. India banks will have to maintain Tier-I capital, or core capital of at least 7% of their risk weighted assets on an ongoing basis. The objective is to strengthen risk management mechanism . As per the guidelines specified by the central bank, commercial banks will have to maintain their total capital adequacy ratio at 9% higher than the minimum recommended requirement of 8% under the BaselIII norms. ADB To Provide $6.25 Billion Assistance To India The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide assistance of $6.25 billion to India over three years for various projects, including those in the energy and education sector. The lending support will go to key areas like transport, energy, urban development, agriculture, natural resource management. Prior to this ADB has approved 159 loans for India amounting to $24.12 billion. Moodys Downgrades 3 Private Sector Banks Moodys Investor Services has downgraded the standalone bank financial strength rating of the top three private sector banks- ICICI Bnak, HDFC Bankand Axis Bank. The global credit rating agency also downgraded the Life Insurance Coorporation of Indias foreign currency insurance financial strength rating. WEF To Open Office In India The world Economic Forum (WEF), known for its annual Davos meeting on 14 May 2012 said, it will open its full fledged office in India in the wake of the country growing economic clout. Besides, WEF which has been organising annual India event along with the industry body CII, has decided to go solo from this year. The branding of the event would also be changed to world Economic forum on India rather than India economic summit being held annually for the last 27 years. The World Wildlife Fund Report On Global Environment

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in its report living planet report 2012 released on 15 May 2012 noted that Biodiversity has decreased by an average of 28 percent globally since 1970 and the world would have to be 50% bigger to have enough land and forest to provide for current levels of consumption and carbon emissions. The problem, by 2030 even two planets Earths would not be enough to sustain human activity. A summit on the global environment is to be held in Brazilian city Rio De Janerio from 20 to 22 June 2012. The summit is expected to draw more than 50,000 participates from different nations. RBI Decided to Set Up 2 Billion Dollar Swap Facility For SAARC Nations Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 May 2012 decided to set up a 2 billion dollar swap facility for SAARC nations. This facility will be available in foreign currency and Indian rupee. The facility will provide the member nation with the facility to swap US dollar, euro or Indian rupee against domestic currency or domestic currency denominated Government securities. The withdrawal could be done in multiple tranches. The move for a SAARC swap facility follows a decision taken by the SAARC finance minister at the ministerial meeting on global financial crisis. Retrospective Amendment To I-T Act May Impact FDI In India The amendment to increase tax laws with retrospective effects passed by Parliament may impact inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country, a top Italian trade official said. General Provident Fund Interest Rate Hiked to 8.8% The Finance Ministry has hiked interst rates on General Provident fund to 8.8% a year with effect from April 1st this year. This move will benefit millions of employees.who are subcribes to this fund.berfore it is 8.6 in december 2011-March 2012. Fix NPAs, Pranab tells to banks Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 28 May asked banks to take steps to manage their nonperforming assets (NPAs). which have grown on account of economic down turn.NPAs of public sector banks stood at about 3.3 percent of the assets in 2011-12 as against 2.3 percent a year ago said pranab. Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit Presented the Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13 Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit on 28 May 2012 presented the financial budget in the Delhi assembly for the fiscal year 2012-13. The 33436 crore rupees budget had its share of populist measures as a number of social welfare schemes were announced in the budget by the government.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

14 Times Bigger Supermoon On 5 May 2012, the moon had been closer to Earth than at any other times this year, which means it will appear up to 14 % bigger and 30% brigther han any other full moon of 2012. Its the supermoon ,it happens but once in a year. Pakistan Test Fired Hatf -III Pakistan on 10 May 2012 successfully test fired the traning launch of Hatf-III (Ghaznavi), a short range ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads across 290 km . The launch was conducted at the conclusion of the annual field training exercise of the Army strategic force command. Soyuz TMA-04M Rocket Launches In Kazakhstan The Soyuz TMA-04M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 15 May 2012 carrying Epedition 31 Soyuz commander Gennady Padaika, NASA flight Engineer Joseph Acaba and flight Engineer Sargei Revin to the International space station. U.S Company Space X Test flight of the dragon space capsule

The U.S company Space X on 22 May in Florida ( Cape Canaveral) to lunch its own craft towards th e international space station. The test flight of the Dragon space capsule,which lanuched a top space Xs falcon 9 rosked,aims to show that indutry can restore U.S access to the ISS after NASA retired its space shuttle fleet last year . The mission is set to include a fly-by and berthing with the station in the next three days ,before the capsule returns at the end of may month. Russia Successfully Test Fired a new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile U.S has the capable of piercing defence systems being developed. THe strategic Missile forces test launched a new prototype ballistic missile from a mobile launcher at the plesetsk cosmodrome in Askhangalsk Region on 23 May. It was the second launch of deeply modernised yar missile named Avangard. Large Solar Telescope A powerfull solar telescole billed as the largest in Europe opened recently on Spains canary Islands. Scinetist says it will alow them to study the sun unprecedented with a mirror diameter of 1.5meters , the Gregor telescope will be able to show structures on the sun on scales on small as 70 kilometres. India Test Fired Anti Aircraft Akash Missile Defence Research Development organization (DRDO) official associate with the Akashmissile project.The missile,which has a strike range of 25km with warhead of 60 kgs,was test fired from a mobile launcher from launch complex-III of the ITR at about 110hrs.It is surface to air missile. Isarel Unleashes Spy Virus On Iran A Russian firm has discovered a new computer virus Flamewith unprecendented destructive potential that cheifly targets Iran. Kasperky Lab, is one of the Worlds biggest producer of anti -virus softwaer discovered the cyber weapon called Flame during an investigation that was prompted by the International Telecommunication Union. Pakistan Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Hatf9 Missile Pakistan on May 29 2012 succesfully test fired a short range Hatf9(Nasr)missile.The missile which has a range of 60kilometers is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It was pakistans third ballastic missiile test since April2012.

AWARDS & HONOURS

6th NTR Literary Award for Tamil Writer Ashoka Mitran Noted Tamil Writer Ashokamitran, Known for his novel Thanneer and other works was declared the recipient of the 6th NTR National Literary Award on 4 May 2012. The award is sheduled to be presented on 28 May 2012. The writer was born in Secunderabad and was closest to Telugu Culture, languages and people. Miss India World Awarded With Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award Actress Sushma Seth and Miss India World Vinya Mishra were awarded with Kalpana Chawla Excellence award on 6 May 2012 at MavlankarAuditorium, New Delhi. The other awasrds included Padmabhushan Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Swapna Sundari, IPS officer Shalini Singh, WWho had won the police medal for meritorious service in 2012 and jewellery designer Puneeta Trikha. The Order Of The Rising Sun, Ratan Tata Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has been conferref The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun title by Japan for his contribution instrengthening economic relations between Japan & India. The ceremony of conferment has been held in Tokyo on 8 May 2012 at the Imperial Palace in presence of the Emperor of Japan . Tata had made a huge contribution from the perspective of promoting trade and investment in industry as well as for improvement of the business environment in

India Pt. Ravi Sankar Conferred First Tagore Cultural Harmony Award

Classical sitar maestro Ravi Sankar has been awarded the first Tagore Award for cultural harmony by a jury chaired by Prime minister Manmohan singh to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore , which was announced on 7 May 2012. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural harmony and universal values. The award comprises Rs. 1crore in cash, a citation in a scroll, a plaque and an enquisite carved handicraft or handlloom memento. the award would be presented to the sitar guru by the president at a special ceremony. International Jurist Awards to five Persons Including Mulayam Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Pakistan chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhary are among five eminent personalities who have been chosen for the prestigious International Jurists Award 2012. Yadav and Choudhary will be presented the awards on 28 May 2012 at a ceremony in London by Right Honble Lord Phillips, president of the Supremme court of the United Kingdom. Besides the two eminent personalities, International Bar Association president Akira Kawamura, Stephen B Huttler and Christophe Eck will also be presented the awards, while Yadav was chosen for this award for his uniflinching contribution to the advancement of the bar and the bench. Bhanuprakash in Guiness Book of Records Chikka Bhanuprakash of Bhoodan Pochampalli entered the Guiness Book of Records for lifting 8.67 kg weight using the fingernails of his left hand. Mr. Bhanu, who is working as a software engineer in Hyderabad has become famous for preparing sketches with his fingernails and lifting weights. Narayana Murthy receives Awards From US University Infosys chief mentor Narayana Murthy had been felicitated with the global leadership and five enterprise awards by the University of South Florida in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit. The two awards were presented to Murthy by USF President Judy Genshaft at ceremony in Tampa, Florida. Amartya Sen to Receive Honourary Degree From US University Nobel Laureate and eminent Indian American economist Amartya Sen will receive an honourary degree from the prestigious John Hopkins University. Apart from Sen, five other persons including Myanmars Pre- Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, environment microbiologists Rita R.Colwell, Canadian diplomat, politician Stephen . Lewis, American businessman and philanthropist John . Malone and IBM Chairman Samuel J Parmisano have also been chosen for the prestigious citation. Vetern Actress Suchitra Sen Conferred Banga- Bibhusan Award Eminent film actress Suchitra Sen was conferred with West Bengal Governments highest award Banga- Bhushan on 20 May 2012. The legendary filmstar was however, not present on the stage to receive the award as she continues to remain away from public eye. The award was received by his daughter and grand daughter. The award includes a citation and award money worth of Rs. 2 lakh. Pedabayalu Coffee wins Flavour of India Fine Cup Award The International jury at melbowrne in Australia has adhusted as the best coffee grown in Araku Region comprising Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as the best coffee in the region for the year 2012 and bestowed the Flavour of India Fine Cup Award 65th Cannes FilmFestival The 65th annual cannes film festival was held from May 16 to May 27 ,2012 .The Palmedor was awarded to Australian director Michael Heneke for his film Love. The Jury gave the Grand Prize to Matteo Garrones Reality. The Best Angel Actor Share is Mads was Awarded Mikkelsen the for the Jury film Prize Hunt

Best Actress is Cristina flutur and Cosmina Strantan for thr film Beyound The Hills Best Director is carlos Regadas for the film Post Tenebras Lux Best Screen Play is Beyounf the Hills by Cristian Hungiu Rahul Bhattacharya Wins British Friction Prize Young writer Rahul battacharya on 29 May won the prestigious Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize 2012 for his book, The sky company of people who care.He also won Common Wealth Book prize for 2012 .

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments Indian American Vikram Singh Appointed To SES of Pentagon Indian American Vikram Singh ,an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan and close aide of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke, was appointed to an important position of Deputy Assistant Secretery of Defence for South and South East Asia at the Pentagon. He replaced Robert Seher who had been assigned as deputy assistant secretary of defence for plans. Vidya Balan Appointed As The Brand Ambassador of NSC Union Rural Development Ministry of India on 4 May 2012 in National Award winning actor Vidya Balan was appointed as the Brand Ambassador for improving the state of sanitation in the country. Rural Develop Minister Jairam Ramesh brought in the leading bollywood star to promote the National Sanitation Campaign (NSC). New Prime Minister for Russia Dimitri Medvedev has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Russia on 8 May 2012 . New Chancellor for Eflu Mrs. Sunaina Singh had been appointed as the new Vice- chancellor of the English and Foreign Languages University (Eflu) on 11 May 2012. She is the head for the English department in Osmania University at present. Rahul Khullar Appointed TRAI Chief Commerce security Rahul Khullar has been appointed as chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI) for three years on 13 May 2012. He will succed J.S Sharma whose tenure ended on 13 May 2012. New German Ambassador To India Michael Steiner had been appointed as the German ambassador to India on 14 May 2012, he was earlier special envoy to Afghanisthan and Pakistan. Jean Marc Ayrault New Prime Minister of France Jean Marc Ayrault a moderate socialist took over as the Frances new Prime Minister on 16 May 2012 Saurabh Chandra Took The Additional Charge (SDC) Saurabh Chandra, secretary, Department of Industrial policy and promotion was slated to hold the additional charge of the post of secretary of the department of commerce on 14 May 2012 India American Elected To City Council in Texas

After Several Months of consistant campaigning, Himesh Gandhi, a person of Indian origin (PIO), has been elected to a city council in the US state of Texas on 17 May 2012. Bedi Selected to the Board of World Federation Against Drugs Team Anna member Kiran Bedi has been selected as the Board member from the Asian region to the Board of World Federation Agaibst drugs. Bedi has been elected unanimously to the Board during a meeting in Stockholm earleir this week as recognition of her work in the field of contaning drug abuse throug her NGONavjyoti. New Army Chief Bikram Singh General Bikram Singh, a vetarian infantry officer, who took over as the 25th chief of the Indian Army on 31May 2012 , has to grapple with the challenge of closing the fissures in the top echelons of the worlds second largest force. B) Resigns Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry Announced His Retirement Seven time world snooler chmpion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement on 1 May 2012 after loosing in the quarter finals at the world championships. The 43 years old legend called it a day after a 13-2 defeat to fellow Stephen Maguire. Nepal Cabinet Resigns To Form New Government Nepal cabinet tendered its resignatiom on 3 May 2012. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also stated resigned by the end of the month . The decision to step down came in the wake of an agreement among the Nepals major political parties to form a new coalition G overnment. UTI Mutual Funds Chief Marketing Officer Resigns UTI mutual funds chief marketing officer Jaideep Bhattacharya stepped down from his post on 4 May 2012. Bhattacharya quit the position to explore Carrier opportunities Indian American Scientist Quits From Top Energy Post Apunava Majumdar, eminent Indian, American scientist had resigned after the US Senate did not confirm president Barack Obamas proposal to elevate him as under s ecretary at the Department of energy. Mahasweta Devi Resigns from Bangla Academy The Magsaysay Award Winner Mahasweta Devi,who is known to be close associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her resignation as Chair person of the Bangla Academy on 23 May. Sanjay Joshi Resigns a Head of BJP National Executive BJP Leader, Sanjay Joshi,bete noire of the Gujarat Vheif Minister on 22 May resigned a head of the party national executive. Infosys Bpo Coo Indnani Resigns Indias largest software services firm,Ritesh Idanani senior vice president and cheif cooperative officer of its business processing out sourcing arm, has resigned. Pieterson Retires fron ODIs England star Kevin pieterson retired from international limited overs cricket on 31May a secision which took the England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) by surprise. C)Deaths Former Left Front Minister Nandagopal Died

Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former left front minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya died in Kolkata on 6 May 2012. Nandagopal served three terms from 1961 tp 2011 as minister in the West Bengal Government. Norways World Swimming Champion Dale Died Norways World Swimming Champion Alexander Dale Oen died suddendly on 1 May 2012 in the US aged 26, he had won gold medal in 400m breakstoke at the world cahmpionship in Shangai in July 2012. Mexican Novelist Carlos Fuentes Dead Author Carlos Fuentes, Who played a dominated role in Latin Americas novel - writing boom by delving into the failed ideals of the revolution, died on 16 May 2012 in Mexico. Disco Queen Donna Summer Died Singer Donna Summer, popularly Known as the Queen of Disco has died after a long battle with lung cancer on 17 May 2012 in Florida. Whose real name is LaDonna Adrain Gainess . D) Visitors Hillary Clinton 3-Day Visit To India The US secretary Hillary Clinton visited India for a 3-day visit and initially resisting US pressure to adhere to international sanctions on Iran. She met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Benerjee in Kolkata and after that Mr.Manmohan Singh and chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The main agenda was that India would reduce its dependence on Iran oil imports. French PresidentFrancois Hollande on Surprise Trip to Afghanistan French PresidentFrancois Hollande arrived in Afghanistan on 25 May for a surprise trip to visit Frances Troops there.Hollandae ,who plans to accelerate the withdrawl of french soldiers fron Afhanistan to the end of this year was accompanied by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Defence Minister Drian. PM Meets Myanmar President in Land Mark Visit PM Manmohan Singh visited Myanmar on 27 May . A three day visit in Myanmar. He is the first PM to visit Myanmar in 25years. India suggested the two countries should work out a joint strategy to tackle terrorism and insurgency along their border and enhance security cooperation. Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu Visits Cuba Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu Began an official Visit to Cuba. saeedlu,Ahmadinejads deputy for international Affairs,met with cuban vice President Jose Ramon Machado on 28 May,after which they stressed the excellent state of bilateral tiesan official statement. Myanmar Suu Kyi Leaves For First Abroad In 24 years Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi visited Thailand on 29 May to attend a world Economic Forum Meet ahead of her European tour. Iranian Foreign Ministers visit to India Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar salehi visits India on 31May on a two day visit to formaly invite prime minister Manmohan Singh for the Non Aligned Movement(NAM) summit to be held in tehran in august. E)Miscellaneous Googles New Translate Services Started

Recently Google had started his instantly free online language translation services which can translate more than 14 languages of text and web pages, which is called conversation mode. Paris is Worlds Most Expencive City For A Club Sandwich Paris had turned out to be the worlds most expencive city for a club sandwich accordi ng to a survey by Hotel Booking site. New Delhi has emerged the cheapest in this survey of major tourist destinations and business capitals. The site has been tracing the prices of this classic chicken, bacon, egg, lettuce and as handy indicator of how expencive or inexpencive a city is for travellers. Worlds Largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihar Worlds largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihars East Chaparan district by a religious body Mahavir Mandir Trust (MMT) said its secretary on 13 May 20121.The temple is built over 50 acres land donated by the Kathwalia Math, The temple would not be the exact replice of the Angkor wat temple, but few common features of the two religious structures. The five storied temple will be 1,240 feet long, 1,150 feet wide 272 feet tall and will house the idols of Radha and Krishna, shiva & parvati, Ganesh , Surya, Vishnu and Dashavatar. The construction cost of the temple would be about Rs. 300 crore. Tallest Residential Building in Dubai Princess tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is 413.4 metres high and has 101 storeys above ground dedicated to residential use.Guinness said . This has set a new record with Princess Tower,which the Guinness World Record The Richest Woman in World Australias reichest person Gina Rinehart has eclipsed Wal-Mart Heiress Christy Walton oz tycoon to become the Worlds Wealthiest woman,according to an annual index by Business review Weekly,personal fortune at $28.48 billion Ratan Tata Rmains India Incs Most Powerful CEO Tata sons chariman Ratan Tata heads the ET-Corporate Dossier ranking of India Incs most powerfull CEOs for the fourthyear running. While Mukesh Ambani has Managed to retain his position at the second place,his brother Anil has fallen six positions at no.11 ,Sunil Mittal i sin 16th position. Record Carbon dioxide Emission in 2011 India stood Fourth China spurred a jump in global carbondioxide emissions to their highest recorded level in 2011,offsetting falls in the united states and europe .THe International Energy Agency(IEA) said on 25th may India moved a head on Russia to become the fourth largest co2 emitter,behind china ,the u.s and E.U. Old puzzle of Newton Solved by Shaurya Roy an Indian Student A 16 year shaurya roy has saolved the Newtons 350 year unsolved puzzle which had baffled the world of Mathematicians for more than 350 years. he has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir Issac Newton. The scholl boy,from Drebsden,Germany,solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories.which physicians have previously been able to calculate only by using computer. Postal Stamp on Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti Released Union Minister of Communication and IT Kapil Sibal on 27 May released a postal stamp to mark the 800th urs of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chistu at Ajmer.The stamp was released in the ceremony hall Mehfil Khana of the Dargarh Premises in the presence if a large number of Zayrines(pilgrims). Indian-American Snigha Nandipati Becomes word Spelling Bee Champ Snigha Nandipati, a 14-year-old Indo-American girl spelled the French for ambush,guetapens,right to be crowned the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.

PLACES IN NEWS
Londons Tallest Tower Londons Tallest tower of 114.5 metre stands in the Olympic park in East London, Between the aquatic centre and the main Olympic stadium. The tower was designed by Mumbai born artist Anish Kapoor. The Mayor of London , Boris Johnson unveiled on 10 May 2012. The twisting tower was described by Kapoor as the Tower of Babel. The Italian Town Devasted By An Earth Quake Emilia Romanga strucks 5.8 earthquake at 4.am on 20 May,killing seven people and forcing 7,000 into temporary shelters.Then disaster struct once again on 29 May at 5.8 Magnitude earthquake shook the region at just after 9.am. 16 died,1400 people are homeless and 5 are missing in it.

COMMITTEES
Competition Commission Of India, Constituted Eminet Persons Advisory Group The competition commission of India (CCI) formed an Eminet Persons Advisory Group (EPAG) on 7 May 2012. The group is constituted to provide CCI inputs and advise on issues impacting markets and competition, among others. The group comprise Infosys founder N.R.Nayanan Murthy former comptroller and Auditor General V.N Kawl, Former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India Rakesh Mohan, Biocon Chairman and M.S Kran Mazumdar- shaw, former Directorof IIM-Amedhabad Bakul Dholaka, formerchairman of CEFC S.L.Ro, former vice chancellor of NLSIU- Bangalore N.L Mitra . Thee group will hold its maiden meeting on July 2012 The group will have interaction/ meeting with the commission two to three times a year. Seven Members Committe To Look After Deplorable Conditions Of Widows The Supreme Court on 9 May 2012 set up a seven member committee to look into the deplorable conditions of widows destitutes living in Vrindavan and set an eight week dead line to complete the report. The committe headed by the chairman of the Mathura District Legal Services Authority and will prepare a list of the widows with their names , age and reasons for being in Vrindavan in Uttarpradesh. Committee Formed By Delhi Government To Promote Welfare Of DTC Workers A committee was formed by Delhi Government on 18 May 2012 under the chairman ship of principal secretary of the Finance Department to promote the welfare of Delhi Transport Corp(DTC) workers. The objective of forming the committee is to ensure participation of DTC workers in Delhi Transport Cooporation management . The decision toform the committe was announced by Delhi Chief minister in a meeting.

BOOKS IN NEWS
Yadavs Biography Mulayam Singh Yadav Harbinger of Social Justice book was written by eminet author Sarah Booth which was released on 28 May 2012 in United Kingdom. canada by Richard ford Robert ford -Canada book was written by Robert ford which was released on 22 may 2012.

ACRS CII AWLR

Advance Coaching Refund System Confederation of Indian Industry The Automatic Water level Recorder

June 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
India Joins 41 Nations In Condemning Syria Killings India on 1 June joined 41 other countries at united nations human rights council (UNHRC) in Geneva to vote for a resolution strongly condemning the recent El-houleh incident, which resulted in the death over a hundred civilians including women and children. Egypts Ex-President Hosni Mubarak Sentenced To Life In Prison Hosni Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison on 2nd June for failing to stop the killing of protesters during the uprising that forced him from power last year .And also given life term for the killings was Mubaraks former Interior Minister Habibal-Adly, while six former police commanders were acquitted. Malik Suspended From Senate Over Dual Nationality The supreme court on 4 June suspended interior minister Rehman Malik from the senate (the upper house of parliament) for failing to produce the necessary documents to establish that he had given up his British nationality. Google Buying Meebo To Help Social Networking Push Google is buying silicon valley start-up Meebo to help expand its social networking service.The acquisition announced on 4 June will bring more tools to google plus,an alternative to facebook.Google has spent more than $16billion buying 140 companies since the end of 2009.The biggest deal in Googles history of 14 years is buying $12.5 billion cellphone maker motorola. 1st Intercontinental Solar Flight Takes Off A Swiss adventure soared above sun -splashed spanish valleys toward Maorocco on 5 June 2012 on the worlds first Intercontinental flight in a solar powered plane .This aircraft has 12,000 solar cells in the wings turning four electrical motors. piccard gradually piloted the place to an altitude of about 3,800 metres as he headed toward spains southern coast some 50 kilometres per hour. Nobel Slashes Cash Prize The prize money given to Nobel laureates is to be cut by a fifth, the foundation behind the prestigious awards said on 11 June.currently prize money is 10 million crowns and it would fall to 8 million Swedish crowns ($1.12 million). The Nobel Foundation said the money for the awards, given for excellence in the fields of science, literature and peace. The capital that forms the base for the awards was donated in the will of dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel and is managed by the foundation, which was set up in 1900.

Gandhi Kallenbach Letters Go Under Sothe by Hammer In one of the most significant auctio ns of Gandhi memorabilia,sothebys London in going to put honourable of letters,papers,and photograph which shed light on the life of mahatma, under the hammer on July 10.The archieve comprises five decades of correspondence.much of it previously unpublished,between gandhiand hermon kallenbach, a german-Jewish body builder and architect who became Gandhis closest friend after they met in Johomnesburg in 1904.one batch of letters between Gandhi and kallenbach had come up for sale in 1986 and the Indian government paid $140,000(rs.1.2 crore) for it.The papers are now with the national Archieves, and were published in Gandhis collected works in 1994. Pak Taliban Not To Allow Anti-Polio Campaign In N. Waziristan Over 16,000 children below the age of five will miss their polio vaccines in North Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan due to a ban on vaccination campaigns by a powerful Taliban commander.Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the alleged host of the Haqqani network in North Waziristan Agency,militants had decided to ban the vaccination drive as long as US drone strikes continued in the region. This ban is because the vaccination campaign was a cover for American spies. The ban will seriously impact polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, which is among three countries where polio is still prevalent. Suu Kyi Accepts Nobel Peace Prize 21 years late Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi finally accepted her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on 16 June after spending a total of 15 years under house arrest and said full political freedom in her country was still a long way off. Prince Salman In The Saudi Arabian Prince Saudi Arabian ruling family named defense minister prince Salman bin abdul Aziz in the new crown prince on 18 June 2012 .Prince Nayef who died last week in Geneva and was the crown prince only since November.The death of prince Nyef lead to appointment of new prince salman as the new saudi Arabian prince. Supreme Court Of Pakistan Debarred Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani From Office The Supreme Court of Pakistan on 19 June 2012, debarred Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raja Gilani from his office. The courts ruling also disqualified Gilani as the member of the National Assembly, the lower house of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). Gilani was convicted for violating the article 63(1) of the constitution of Pakistan on 26 April 2012 by the Supreme Court. The courts verdict came following Gilanis refusal to probe cases of corruption against Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. Pak Ranks 13th In Failed States Index Pakistan, a country which is run by military obsessed with Indian and by a civilian elite that steals all it can and pay almost no taxes. so it has been raked 13th in the latest ranking of failed states.The unique ranking compiled by the prestigious foreign policy magazine is topped by Africa countries Somalia(114.9points) ,Congo(111.2), Sudan(109.4),chad(107.6), Zimbabwe(106.3) . Antonis Samara Sworn In As The Prime Minister Of Greece The New Democracy Party leader Antonis Samara sworn in as the Prime Minister of Greece on 20 June 2012. Samarass centre-right New Democracy party bagged 129 seats of 300 in the parliamentary elections held on 17 June 2012. Oxford Honours Suu Kyi By Presenting Honorary Doctorate To Her

Paying fulsome tributes, the University of Oxford on Wednesday honoured Myanmars democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi by presenting her with an honorary doctorate in Civil Law in a traditional ceremony telecast live. Oracle CEO Buys Hawaiis Sixth Largest Island Billionaire Oracle CEO Larry Ellison bought 98 percent of Hawaiis sixth-largest island, Lanai, the states governor announced on 20 June. Ellison, ranked in 2012 as Americas third -richest man, is purchasing the property from fellow billionaire David Murdock. PPP Loyalist Ashraf Elected Pakistan Prime Minister Pakistan on 21June evening got its new prime minister in Pakistan peoples party(PPP) loyalist Raja Parez Ashraf,who enters he office with a corruption case, already in the supreme court,that earned him the nickname Raja Rental. $163 Billion EU Growth Plan The leaders of France, Germany, Italy & Spain agreed to push for a growth package worth up to $163 billion at a key EU summit next week aimed to kick starting the economy and safe guarding the currency bloc. Islamist Morsi Wins Egyptian Presidency Islamist Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood was elected president of Egypt with 51.7 percent of last weekends run-off vote, defeating former general Ahmed Shafik, the state election committee said on 24 June 2012. UNEP Released Its Global Food Security Report Avoiding Future Faminer The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released its food security report Avoiding future Faminer : strengthening the Ecological basis of food security through sustainable development in Riode Janeirio ,Brazil on 20 Juen2012.The report noted that food security must be at the top of the priority list of countrys policy if the world has to provide food to its 7billion population. Muses Survival In The London 2012 Olympics Song The British rock trio Muse has the official song for the 2012 London games.The song,survivalis a Humdering rock anthem that was broad casted for the first time on 28 June 2012 on BBC radio.The song will be played during the July 27- August 12 games as athletes enter the venue and before medal ceremonies. Afghanistan And Norway Finalized The Draft Of The Strategic Partnership Agreement Afghanistan and Norway on 27 June 2012 finalized the draft of the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries.The two countries will the draft in September 2012. Norwegian Afghanistan.The strategic partnership agreement provides the long term framework after the with drawl of forces .Afghanistan and Norway after the withdrawal of forces.Afghanistan has already signed strategic partnership agreement with the US,Britain,India Germany,France and Italy. Russia, France To Jointly Build Armoured Vehicle Russia and France will jointly build a new armoured infantry vehicle, Russian arms export monopoly Rosoboron export said. The vehicle should appear in the near future, around 18 months. We have a draft design and a model has been made, he said. France was also interested in co-production with Russia of an armoured personnel carrier to be sold to third countries.

India-South Korea For Second Foreign policy And Security Dialogue In New Delhi India and south korea decided t cooperate in the areas of civil nuclear energy and space, including the lauch of Korean satellites by India.Both of them met in New delhi on 28 June 2012 during their second foreign policy and security dialogue. The Indian delegation was led by sanjay singh,secretory(east)external affairs ministry, while the korean side was led by hu Ho-Young, first vice minister of foreign affairs a trade. US Supreme Court Held US Health Care Law Constitutional The US supreme court on 28 June 2012 , upheld the US president BARACK obamas most ambitious social legislations the Health care Law(The patient protection and Affordable care act). The Court verdict came in the favor of legislation,made it mandatory for all American citizen to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The health care legislation mainly aims at covering more than 30 millions who have not been insured. The 9-judge US Apex court headed by chief justice John Robert held the ruling as constitutional in 5-4 ruling. White House Encouraged By Eurozone Summit The White House on 30 June 2012 welcomed the decisions taken by European leaders to boost flagging economies,saying these are encouraging signs, even as it acknowledged that the challenges will not be resolved overnight. Syria Gets New Prime Minister Syria President , Bashra-al-Assad, appointed Riyad Hijab as the prime Minister of Syria on June 6,2012 to form a new government. He replaced Adel safar,who was appointed in April,2011. Russia And China Sign 10 Agreements Russias president Vladimir Putin and President if china Hu Jintao on June 5,2012 signed agreements to establish nuclear reactor in china and for the development of aircrafts and helicopters.Russia will establish two nuclear reactors in china and both the nations will cooperate with each other in the fields of energy, tourism and electricity. Global peace Index The Global peace Index (GPI) for 158 countries released on June 12,2012. The study was conducted by Australia and Usbased Institute for Economic and Peace (IEP).Most peaceful countries in the world are Ice Land, Denmark and New Zealand.Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited(REIL), Known for its electronic milk testing instruments and solar lighting technology has been chosen for the best PSU Award 2012, in the Mini category. George Bush voted Most Unpopular former US President George W.Bush has been voted the most unpopular living former president of the US. Bush was the rd 43 President of the Us from 2001 to 2009.According to a CN poll, just 43 percent of people questioned said they have a good opinion of Bush, while 54 percent said the opposite. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali imprisoned for life time Tunisian court sentenced former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to life imprisonment on June 13 ,2012 for presiding over the bloody protest crackdown that ignited Arab spring. He faced countless charges including drug trafficking and embezzlement. He had exiled to Saudi Arabia in January2011.

INDIA & WORLD

Ties With China Is Indias Top Priority India on 6 June told china that is sees improving bilateral ties as a priority of its foreign policy and expresses desire to expand strategic cooperation. India Allowed Foreign Direct Investment From Pakistan India on 8 June 2012 announced to allow foreign direct investment from Pakistan. The move is aimed at strengthening the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. The decision will also facilitate the economic integration in the South Asian region. Indian-American Picked For 2nd Highest US Court US president Barrack Obama on 11 June nominated Indian-born legal nominated luminary Srikanth Srinivasan to the Federal Court of Appeals, the highest ever judicial appointment of an IndianAmerican in the US. There are 13 Court of Appeals across the US with 179 judges, and the Washington DC Appeals Court to which Srinivasan has been nominated is considered particularly influential, with Obama himself calling it the nations second highest court". Dhoni Ranked 31st In The Forbes List Of Worlds 100 Richest Sports Persons In the latest list of worlds 100 richest sports persons list released by Forbes magazine, Indian Cricket Captain M.S.Dhoni achieve 31st position.He moved ahead in the list, while Tendulkar ranked 78th. Boxing champion Floyd May weather topped the list with a total earnings of $85million while pugilist manny pacquiao and golf legend tiger woods on the 2nd and 3rd . BRICS Pledger $75billion to IMFs Bailout Fund India and four other countries of the five nation BRICS bloc has given a big boost to IMFs 430 billion US dollars bailout fund for the debt rocked 17 Nation Eurozone pledging to contribute 75billion us dollars with New Delhis contribution being 10 billion US dollars. the pledge was made at an informal meeting of Brics leaders presided by PM Manmoham singh ahead of the opening of the 7th G-20 summit. Indian Population Booms In Australia: Census Data Latest official census data in Australia has found a boom in Indian population especially with number of Punjabi speaking people rising by over 200 percent.This is the 16th census taken in Australia over the past 100 years with about 9.8 million households surveyed on August 9 last year.The data revealed Australias population rose to 21,507,719, up almost two million or more than 8 percent -in the past five years, and the median age of the growing population rose from 37 in 2006 to 38 when the census was counted last year. The United Kingdom stood as the leading country of birth for the overseas-born population at 20.8 percent and was followed by New Zealand(9.1 percent), China (6.0 percent) and India (5.6 percent)people of Indian origin have seen the largest growth increase at more than 14 percent since 2006, or up almost 150,000. IKEA To Invest Rs.10k-cr In India Amidst a slew of rating downgrade by the international agencies Swedish home furnishing major IKEA on June 22 approached the government with a proposal to invest 1.5billion euros(Rs.10,500 crores) to set up 25 stores in the country under single brand retail FDI. Coca-Cola Bets On India , Plans To Invest $3b More

In a Major Thumbs up to India , beverage major coca-cola said on 26June . That it will increase its investment in the country and now put in $5billion by 2020.

NATIONAL
Indi Stood At No.3 In Reality Rate Hike Even as first time buyers are exhaustion their saving to by a home, reality rates in India are going to roof .Property prices increased by 12% ,propelling India to their position among 53 countries. The Global Index Survey by Knight Frank, property consultants , shows that Brazil recorded the strongest annual growth (23.5%) in the past years ,followed by estonia with a growth rate of (13.9%). India May Become 1st Fallen Angel In BRIC S&P warns India may lose Investment grade Rating . Global rating agency standard &poors on 11 June cautioned that India seriously risks losing its investment grade rating. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Decided To Merge With Suzuki Power train India Ltd Maruti Suzuki India Ltd decided to get into a merger with Suzuki Power train India Ltd .This initiative will help them prepare and meet the increasing demand for diesel vehicles. Zakir Hussain Calls Off Israel Visit Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has called off a series of performances scheduled to be held in Israel later this month, in the wake of an appeal made by 85 artistes, writers and activists. The Indian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (INCACBI) had appealed to Mr. Hussain as an artiste of conscience to cancel the scheduled performance since it would lend a stamp of approval to Israeli policies of colonialism, apartheid and occupation. Aptech Creates Countrys First 3D Ad Film Aptechs education brand Arena multimedia has created the first 3D commercial to became future ready, the leader in animation training is targeting the forth coming 3D movie releases in multiplexes with its latest ad. Censorship cases In India Up To 49% says Google As part of its Transparency report Google on 18 June said that it had received 101 content removal requests from Indian authorities to between July & December last year, asking it to delete 255 items from its websites of these Just 5 requests were made by courts. Calcutta High Court Scrapped The Singur Land Rehabilitation And Development Act, 2011 The Calcutta High Court on 22 June 2012, held the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011 as unconstitutional and void. The legislation enabled the government to recover the disputed Singur land from Tata Motors, who was leased 997 acre of land at Singur in Hooghly district by previous left front government in the state. Free Madicines For All Scheme To Be Rolled Out From October

Schemes outlay pegged at Rs.28.500 Cr. center to bear 75% of the cost.facility to be available at all govt hospitals. Indias Ambitious polices to provide free medicines to all patients attending a government health facility across the country will be rolled out from October. Sunita Williams To Embark On Space Mission Again Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams is all set to return to the International Space Station, where she spent a record six months in 2006. Delhi Most Competitive City In India EIU Report Delhi has been named the most competitive city in India for its demonstrated ability to attract capital, business, talent and tourists by a new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) research report.Delhi has been named the most competitive city in India for its demonstrated ability to attract capital, business, talent and tourists by a new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) research report.The national Capital has edged out financial hub of Mumbai, which ranked70th in the index, followed by Bangalore, Indias Silicon Valley, at 79th rank, Pune at 97, Chennai at 105 and Kolkata at 106. Sam Mittal To Continue As NASSCOM President Sam Mittal will remain as the president of National Association of Software and services companies(NASSCOM).Until early 2014.Mittal took over as NASSCOM president in Jan 2008 and was set to step down by the end if this year. NASSCOM is the 1200 member trae association that represented Indian $100 billion IT industry. Government Secures Kallenbach- Gandhi letters Just Days Before Auction The Indian Government and the family of Herman Kallenbench have struck a deal for papers relating to the Germans correspondence with Mahatma Gandhi some 13 days before the historical material was due to go under the hammer in London .Archive comprises Thousands of letters written over 3 decades.Gandhi and German -Jewish body builder A Architect Hermann kallenbach were friends since 1904. US Federal Court Absolved Carbide Corporation In Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case In What came as a major disappointment for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims, a US federal court on 27 June 2012 absolved Union Carbide corporation and its former chairman Warren Anderson of the Bhopal gas tragedy case.I his ruling US district court Judge John F.Keenam concluded that UCC is neither directly nor as an agent of union carbide India Limited (UCIL) liable for mishap. India & Brazil Set Trade target of $ 15 Billion India on June 14 ,2012 sought investments from Brazil mainly in infrastructure sector for which it needs US$1 trillion over the next five years. The two countries name set a bilateral trade target of US $ 115 billion by the year 2012. India Signed Agreement with Bharain for exchange of Information with Respect to taxes India signed an Agreement with the Government of the kingdom of Bharain for the exchange of Information with respect to taxes(TIEA) . The agreement was signed by Namo Narain meena, Minister of state for Finance(Expenditure and Financial Affairs)on behalf of Government of India and H.E. Kamal ahmad, Minister for transportation and Acting CEO of The economic Development of Bhrain on behalf of Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain .The agreement is based on international standards of transparency and exchange of Information. It incorporates provision for effective exchange of information including banking information between tax authorities of the two countries, It has been provided that the Exchange of Information shall be on request and without regard to the domestic

interest. The agreement will enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries by having effective exchange of information in tax matters. MoU signed between India & Canada on Infrastructure development, Operation & Maintanance of Roads Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Canada during the visit of Dr.C.P. Joshi, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways to Canada on the invitation from dnis Label, Minister of transport, Infrastructure & communication, Government of Canada from 10-13 June,2012.The MoU will facilitate sharing and exchange of knowledge and technical expertise in the areas of infrastructure development, operation and maintenance of roads, Intelligent Transport system etc. US Exempt India form Iran Oil sanctions The US has exempted India and six other nations from its tough Iran oil sanctions. Besides India, Malaysia, South Korea, South Africa, SriLanka. Turkey and Taiwan too have been added to the exemption list, leaving china and Singapore, the top two buyers of Iranian crude.India and South Korea, exempted, were the third and fourth- largest buyers of Iranian oil in the first half of lat year, according to the US Department of energy. India Worst Place for Women Among top 19 Countries Indias Women are discriminated against, abused and even killed on a scale unparalleled in the top 19 economies of the world, according to a new poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.The Survey, Polling 370 gender specialists, found Canada to be the best place to be an woman among G-20 nations, excluding the European Union economic grouping. Saudi Arabia was the second worst, after India.The poll results-based on parameters such as quality of health services, threat of Physical and sexual violence, level of political voice, and access to property and land rights jars with the modern-day image of India. Social security agreement between India and Finland signed India and the republic of Finland signed an agreement on Social security. This agreement will enhance cooperation on social security between the two countries. For short term contract up to 5 years, no social security contribution would need to be paid under the finish law by the detached workers provided they continue to make social security payment in India, The self employed Indians in Republic of Finland would also be entitled to export of social security benefit on their relocation to India There are about 5.000 Indians in the republic of Finland most of whom are working as professionals and self-employed.

STATES
Andhra Pradesh Population Census The official census 2011 of Andhra Pradesh has been conducted by Directorate of Census Operations in Andhra Pradesh.As per details from Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh has population of 8.46 Crore, an increase from figure of 7.62 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of Andhra Pradesh as per 2011 census is 84,665,533 of which male and female are 42,509,881 and 42,155,652 respectively. In 2001, total population was 76,210,007 in which males were 38,527,413 while females were 37,682,594.The total population growth in this decade was 11.10 percent while in previous decade it was 13.86 percent. The population of Andhra Pradesh forms 7.00 percent of India in 2011. In 2001, the figure was 7.41 percent.

State AP Registers Drop in Sex Ratio The future demographic profile of the state looks bleak as the child sex ratio has fallen to 943 from 961 in 2001, released on 7 June 2012.The figures for rural (942) and urban(946). Dimple Yadav Declared Elected Chief Minister Akilesh yadavs wife ,Dimple yadav on 9 June became the first women elected unopposed in a Lok Sabha by election from uttar pradesh and second candidate in the entire state after Purshottam Das Tundons election from Allahabad west in 1952. Assam Government Released Vision Document For Women And Children Assam government on 12 June 2012 released the vision document for the states women and children. The government in the vision document announced to come out with various measures to address the issues like high Maternal Mortality Rate and Infant Mortality Rate in the state.The document talks of reducing Infant mortality rate from 58 to 38 per 1000 live births, reduction in maternal mortality rate (MMR) to 210 per 100000 live birth, reduction of total fertility rate to2.1 per cent, improving child sex ratio, reduction in percentage of anemia in children and women and reducing the percentage of underweight children (0-5 years) by 30 per cent. Arunachal Gets Countrys Fourth Buddhist Centre Arunachal Pradesh, where around 13 percent of the population follows Buddhism, has got its first fullfledged Buddhist centre after Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies at Dahung in West Kameng district, where a majority of the people follow Tibetan Buddhism, is now a full-fledged central institute, according to its founder Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Five Northeastern States and Himachal Pradesh Appraised As Most Environmentally Sustainable States The Environmental Sustainable Index (ESI) 2011 released on 14 June 2012, appraised five northeastern states (Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh) and Himachal Pradesh as the most environmentally sustainable states in the country. The index was released by Centre for Development Finance (CDF), affiliated to Institute for Financial Management and Research.Among larger states, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal performed poorly on maximum of environmental indicators while Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka received high ratings. States with rich natural resources like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar were rated moderate in the chart. YSR Congress Party Won In By-Election In the by-election in A.P for 18 Assembly seats and ! Lok sabha seat, YSR congress party won 15 assembly seat and 1 Lok sabha seat.The ruling party congress won 2 seats .TRS won 1 seat .Drawing a blank , the Telugu Desam suffered the dubious distinction of not having won a single seat in 41 successive by-elections since 2009. Indias First River-lake link project launched In Bundelkhand The Madhya Pradesh government claims to have launched the countrys first ever river-lake linking project in the water-scarce Bundelkhand region. The Harpura irrigation and river-lake link project, launched in the Tikamgarh district, will be implemented under the Centers Rs.7266 crore Bundelkhand package. It will link the perennial Jamni river to the nearby lakes and water bodies built during the Chandel era. Under the project, an additional 1,980 hectares of land are expected to come under irrigation.

Rajasthan Un Employment Dole for Graduates The Rajasthan government on 20 June announced an unemployment allowances scheme, with effect from July 1 , for educated youth registered with employment exchanges for more than a year.It provides for an allowance of Rs.500 a month to the eligible candidate

CONFERNCES
Indian Science Congress Associatio Meeting At kolkata Dr.Man Maoham singh on 2 June inaugurated the Indian science congress annual session.Man moham addressed that this year is year of science. India To Host Alternative International AIDS conference World meet in U.S from 22 to 27 . When stake holders from across the world. coverage at Washington next month to participate in the International AIDS conference (IAC) to shre their experience evaluations. This type of event will be organized in Kolkata by Durban Mahila Samanway samiti (DMSS) an umbrella organization of over 65,00 sex workers of west Bengal i collaboration with the Global Network of sex work project (NSWP) India To Host Alternative International AIDS conference The Union Finance Minister,Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, on 11 June inaugurated the 28th Annual conference of chief commissioners and Directors General of Income Tax in the Capital Delhi. G20 Los Cabos Summit 2012 The 2012 Mexico Summit was the seventh meeting of G-20 heads.It was held in Los cabos,Baja California sur, from June 18-19 2012.The moto is to Committing to fight economic slowdown and combat corruption, the G-20 leaders have expressed confidence that USD 450 billion firepower of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would help in safeguarding financial stability and preventing global crisis. Rio+20 Earth Summit The Rio+20 Conference, world leaders, along with thousands of participants from governments.took place in Brazil on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg.The Conference focused on two themes: (a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development poverty eradication and (b) the institutional framework for sustainable development. Interntional Labour Conference 101 st session of International Labour Conference organized by International Labour Organization(ILO), concluded on June 14 ,2012 in Geneva. A New International labour standard was adopted at the conference which requested countries ti establish national social protection floors.The Recommendation called for providing people with essential health care benefits as well as basic income security. The countries which cannot affords social protection measures could seek International cooperation and support to complement their own efforts. International Conference In Kabul

A One day International conference in Kabul took place on June 14,2012 to discuss ways to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and boost regional cooperation.Delegates from 30 countries gathered in Kabul including Iran, Russia ,China ,Turkey as well as International Organizations such as NATO, the European Union, the shanghai cooperation Organization and United Nations. The Conference focused on the security transfer after US-led troops withdrawal in 2014,regional strategies to tackle natural disasters and strengthening of trade and economic relations. SCO Summit 2012 The Shanghai cooperation organization(SCO) summit was held in Beijing from June 6-7 ,2012. It was th the 12 SCO summit.The Important decisions and discussion held in meeting are as follows :The SCO decided to grant Afghanistan as observer status and accept Turkey as dialogue partner.Member states agreed to facilitate trade and investment in order to tap economic potential within the bloc.Member states had agreed to enhance cooperation in Finance, Transportation, Telecommunications, Energy & Agricultural sectors.

SPORTS & GAMES

Karnataka Holds Off TN ToTriumph Karanataka secured a nail-biting draw against Tamilnadu to win the south zone senior mens hockey championship at the KSHA stadium on 1st june. Sri ram Balaji Arun prakash Triumph N.Sriram Balaji and Arun Prakash Rajagopalan , the top seeds playing together for thr first time, clinched the mens doubles title in the prem sugar sponsored IIF Mandya open $10000 futures four at the PET stadium on 1 June. Saket Myneni Bags ITF Mens Future Tennis Title Myneni, the 24-year-old from Hyderabad , won the title in the $10000 prem sugars ITF mens future tennis tournament in Karnataka, Mandya on 1 June 2012 by defeating top seed vijayant mallik in the final. New Zealand Beat Argentina 1-0 To Win Sultan Azaln Shah Cup Hockey Tournament at Ioh, Malaysia on 3 June 2012 Andy Hayward scored the only goal for New Zealand in the summit clash, Which prevented Argentina, the 2008 winner, to reclaim the trophy. Awards Fairplay trophy was given to Great Britain. sardar singh of India was awarded with the trophy of the Best player of Tournament. Kyle Pontifex of new Zealand was chosen the Best goal ke eper for the tournament. Kyle Pontifex of new Zealandwas awarded with the Man of the final Trophy. Ashkey Jackson of great Britain emerged the top scorer of the Tournament. Krishna Poonia Wins Silver Medal At Portland Event Indian discus thrower Krishna poonia bagged the silver medal at the post pree elite womens event in the united states Portland on June 4 2012. Poonia finished second with a throw of 62.34 metre, while the gold went to Russian Darya Pischalnikova recording 66.38 metres in her fifth attempt. Tiger woods Claimed Memorial Tournament, Won His 73rd PGA Tour Title

Former world no.1 golfer Tiger woods defeated Spencer Levin and Rory sabbatini to win his 73rd PGA tour tittle by two shorts at the memorial tournament on 4 June 2012.The memorial tournament victory is woods second PGA tour victory in the current season . sanjita Chanu Claims Gold K.Sanjita Chanu claimed the womens 48 kg gold medal in the common wealth weight lifting championships at Apia, Somoa sanjita liftes a total of 154 kg to lift the title . Bhupati -Sania Won French Open Tittle Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati of India won their second Grand slam tittle and First french open trophy together after crushing K laudia Jons lahnacik and santiago Gonzakez 7-6(3),6-1 in the mixed doubles final . Double Delight For India Srinath ,Ivana wins Asian Junior Titles .Narayana Srikanth and Ivana Maria Furtado completed a grand double for India in Tashkent on 7 June 2012 in the Asian Junior Chess Championship by winning the open boys and girls titles respectively. Sharapova Won The French Open Womens Single Title Russias Maria Sharapova became the 10th woman in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam titles on 9 June when she defeated Italys Sara Errani 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open final. Sharapova won the French Open Womens single title on 9 June at Roland Garros stadium in Paris. Vishu Vardham Emerges The Champion Second seed P.Vishu Vardhan defeated seventh seeded sriram balaji in the final to take the title Zuari Garden city ITF $10,000 tennis tournament ,Mysore on 9 June 2012. Saina Nehwal clinched Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold Title Ace Indian Badminton player Saina Nehwal clinched her 16th career title as she defeated Thailands Ratchanok Inathon in the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold title in Bangkok on 10 June 2012. The Thailand Open Grand Prix is Sainas second title in the year 2012. Earlier, in April 2012 she had won the Swiss Open Title. Ross Rides Handsome Falcon To Victory Mr.N.Anantarams Handsome ridden by Ross won the Ambur plate, the feature event of the races held out udhagamandalam on 10 June 2012. Tejaswni Settles For Bronze Tejaswini Muley clinchin towards gold slipped midway throufh the final and ended up with junior womens 50m rifle 3- position bronze as the 22nd meeting of shooting hopes championship concluded at plzen in the czench Republic on 10 June 2012. West Wood Claims Tittle World no.3 Lee west wood completed his buid up to nexr US open with a convincing five shut win at the scandinavian open in stockholm on 9 June . Rudisha Runs Blistering 800 Race

Yohan Blake and fellow Jamacian olympic champion shelly Ann franser pryce won the 100 meter sprints, while Kenyas David Rudisha scored a sensational victory in the 800 meters at 9 June 2012. Diamond league meet .He ran alone from half way point to win with a time of one minute 41.74 seconds for the fastest time ever registered in the united states and best time in the world in this season. Rafael Nadal Won His Seventh French Open Singles Title Spaniard Rafael Nadal on 11 June 2012 defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic to clinch his seventh French Open Singles Title 2012.He is the first man to win a record of 7th french open title.Legend Bjorn Borgs 6 title feat surpassed by Rafael Nadal. Nadal received La Coupedes Mousquetairer(Musketeers cup). Indu Chaudhary and Sakshi Malik Won Gold Medals In Asian Junior Wrestling Championship 2012 Indu Chaudhary and Sakshi Malik won gold Medals in Asian Junior Wrestling Championship 2012 at Almaty, Kazakhstan on 13 June 2012. Indu Chaudhay and Sakshi Malik are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana respectively. The former won the gold medal in 44 Kg and latter in 63 kg. Double For Anusha K.Anusha bagges a double winning both the girls under-14 and 16 singles respectively in the NCK Tennis Academy Talent series Tournment on 15 June 2012. Saina Wins Third Indonesian Open Title Saina Nehwals romance with the Indonesian Open continued as the champion shuttler from India quelled a spirited challenge from Chinese Li Xuerui to record a 13-21, 22-20,21-19 in the 64-minute final to clinch her third title in four final appearances in Jakarta on 17 June Mahendra Singh Dhoni Appointed As A Brand Ambassador Of Nepal Cricket Association Mahendra Singh Dhoni was appointed as a brand ambassador of Nepal Cricket Association, Nepal on 17 June 2012.The announcement was made by Posta Bahadur Bogati, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal. Tejaswini Mule Won Silver medal at International Junior Shooting Championship Tejaswini Mule won Silver medal at International Junior Shooting Championship in Suhl, Germany on 17 June 2012. She won the silver medal in the 50 meter rifle prone womens event. Harmeet Desai won Under- 21 Mens Final Brazil Open Table Tennis Harmeet Desai won Under- 21 Mens Final Brazil Open Table Tennis on 17 June 2012. He had defeated Belgian Cedric Nuytin by 4-2 and won gold medal. He became first Indian to achieve such an accomplishment. Seema Antil Triumps Dusus Thrower seema Antil won the Title in the last chance.trail meet at the mac wilkins academy at portland, oregon,USA, on 16 June with athrow of 61.10 metres. Series Win For Srilanka

Srilanka helped itself to a series win over pakistan in the final match ODI cricket series at the R.premadasa stadium, colombo on 18 June. Oudin Wins Maiden WTA Title American Nelanie Oudin defeated serbian Jelana Jankonic in straight sets to win her first Tennis WTA tour tittle,Bismingham on 18 June. Simpson Wins U.S. Open Webb Simpson of the united states came from four shots back to win the U.S.Open Golf on 17 June overtaking a bunch a big names to win his first major title. Thingalaya Rewrites His National Record Sidhanth Tingalaya clocked a national record of 13.65 in finishing second in the Belgium national championships in Brussels on 17 June but found himself 0.5 short of meeting the olympic qualification standard. Indian Hockey Goalkeeper DSouza Suspended For 1 Year Indian Hockey Goalkeeper Adrin DSouza was suspended on 18 June 2012 for his anti - doping rule violation during World Series Hockey (WSH) tournament 2012.The sample was collected on 21 March 2012 after WSH match in between Mumbai Marines and Sher-E-Punjab at Jalandhar. He was the captain of Mumbai Marines. In the test, DSouza was tested positive for tetra hydrocannabinol (THC) Humpy Emerges Joint Winner Indias koneru Hamoy and Anna Muzychuk of sloveria shared the title in the FIDE womens grand Pix chess at Kazan, Russia on 22june . Jwala -Diju Duo Crashes out Olympic -bound shuttlers G.Jwala & V. Diju on 22 June , crashed out of the singapore open super series their last torunment before London olympics. India Wins Kabaddi Gold Indian women won the gold in kabaddi by defeating Thailand in the final of the Third Asian Beach Games being held in Haiyang(china). Miami Heat Crowed Champion The King is celebrating his first coronation and the Miami Het is NBA champion again.Le BrongKing James collected a triple- double by scorinf 26 points and Miami heat sominated the visiting oklahoma city .Thunder on 21 June to win the championchip series 4-1. Double Title For Krishna Priya M.Krishna Priya of Lal Bahaddur stadium bagged a double,winning both in singles and doubles titles in the girls under-15 category of the Hyderabad district badminton championship at the Madhuranagar Indoor stadium,Hyderabad on 23 June 2012. Anaka, Kush Claim Titles

Anaka Alankamony of India clinched the girls under -19 title in Asian Junior squash Championship in Kish Island on 23 June. Ankita Down Prerna For Maiden Title Ankita Raina played with Intensity and confidence to beat prerna Bhambri in the final of the ONGC $10,000 ITF womens tennis tournment at the DLTA complex,New Delhi on 23 June. Ferrer Is Champion Top-seeded david ferrer beeat unseeded philipp petzschner on 23 June to win the unicef open grass tournment for the second time . Alonso Wins Thrilled Ferraris Fernando Alonso won thrilling European grand pix valencia on 24 June to become the first repeat winner of the season that had seen seven different winners from the seven previous races. Saudi Women To Participate In 2012 Olympics Saudi Arabia will enter women athletes in the Olympics for the first time in London this summer , the kingdoms London embassy said.The ultra conservative Muslim nation in one of three count ries which never included women in their Olympic teams along with Qatar & Brunei. Oscar Pistorius Attempts To Became The First Amputee runner to compete at Olympics Oscar Pistorius, born without fibulos and had his lower kegs amputated. He is a south African Athlete who attempts to became the first amputee runner to compete at the Olympic gaver.Pistorius, who has a personal best of 45.07,won the 100 metres,200 metres ,300 metres and 400 metres gold first amputee to compete at the athletics world championships where he ran in Daegu, south Korea last year.

ECONOMY
Bihar Topped In Gross State Domestic Product With 13.1 Percent Growth In 2012 Acoording to data released by Ministry of statistics of India on 1 June 2012, Bihar emerged as the state with highest economic growth rate in the country. No-Penality On Pre-Closure of Home Loan The reserve bank of India (RBI) on 5 June said that banks would not be permitted to charge force closure of charges/pre-payment penalities on home loans on floating interest rate basis,with immediate effect. CII Spells Out 10-Point Agenda For Economic Revival The confederation of Indian industry on 5 June announced a 10-poit agenda foe economic revival and out linked key areas of concern. points are -Cut repo rate by 100 basis points -Cut CRR by 100 bps -Alow accelerated depreciation for investmebts in plant & machinery.

-25% weightted tax deduction on expenditure on companies going green. -Increase FDI limits in civil aviatioin and defence: allow FDI in multi brand retail. -provide interest subvention of 2% to export credit for six months . Clear 50 large projects in next 30 days . -Announce clean plan for fiscal consolidation. Allow direct access to inporters to stockly items for their forex requirement. World Bank projected Indian Economy to grow by 6.9 Per Cent in the Financial Year 2012-13 The World Bank in its report named Global Economic Prospects released on 12 June 2012, projected Indian economy to grow by 6.9% in the financial year 2012-13. The World Bank report predicted Indias growth increasing to 6.9 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 7.4 per cent in fiscal years 2012 -13, 201314 and 2014-15, respectively. SBH Cuts Interest On Retail Loans By Upto 175 bps SBH has reduced interest rates on retail loans by upto 175 bps with effect from 17 June 2012 for housing loans, the interest rate was reduced by 25 points to 11-11.50 percent .which on car loans it would be 11.50 percent against exisiting 12.25 percent. SBI Cuts Lending Rates by 50-350 bps For Small Units, Farm Sector Countrys largest public sector lender SBI has cut lending rates any 50 to 350 bps for SMEs (Small & medium enterprises) and agricultural segments. Multi Level TDS on Software To Go From July 1 The Finance Ministry has done away the Tax deduction at source obligation at each of the software distribution chain a TDs level of 10 percent was applicable at each level of the software distribution chain.The TDs exemption would be available only when the software is acquired in subsequent transfer, without any modification.This could mean that the benefit of TDS exemption will not be available for un branded software (or) customized software. India Ranks 55th On Foreign Money In Swiss Banks Indians money in Swiss banks may have risen for the first time in five ye ars, but they account for a meagre 0.14 per cent of total foreign wealth deposited there putting India at 55th place globally for such funds.The total overseas funds in Switzerlands banking system stood at 1.53 trillion Swiss francs (about Rs. 90 trillion) at the end of 2011, which included 2.18 billion Swiss francs (Rs. 12,700 crore) belonging to Indian individuals and entities.While India accounted for only 0.14 per cent of total foreign money in Swiss banks, the U.K. accounted for the largest share of little over 20 per cent, followed closely by the U.S. with about 18 per cent. SBI TO Risk Up To $2 b via Overseas Bond Sale The country;s largest lender state bank of indi will raise up to $2 billion through an overseason bond sale ion the nect three months. Credit Rating Agency Fitch Downgraded Indias Credit Outlook Rating International credit rating agency Fitch revised the credit outlook of India to negative on 18 June 2012.The rating agency, however, maintained the Indias sovereign rating at BBB -.Fitch also downgraded the credit outlook of seven PSUs namely NTPC, SAIL, IOC, PFC, GAIL, REC and NHPC. The agency downgraded the credit outlook after considering a broad range of factors, such as, macro economic policy, economy, public finances. Negative credit rating means that over the next 12-24 months there is a possibility that Indias rating could be downgraded.

14 More services Come Under Tax- Exempt Negative List The Government on 20 June,Included 14 more services in the Negative list to exempt that from the payment of service tax under the new dispensation that will come into effect on July 1.Among the new services that would now be exempted from the negative list-bared system of tax on services are advocate providing services to entities with a turnover of up to Rs.10 lakh,companies engaged in construction of metro projects, law firms & entities provideing public conveniences. Moodys Cut Rating Of 15 Top Global Banks Rating agency Moodys downgrades 15 of the worlds biggest banks on 21 June l owering credit rating by one to three notches ti reflect the risk they faced from volatile capital market activists. Margan staley, Bank of America corp & citi group, Goldman sochs group, swizerlands central bank e.t.c are in this list. RBI Hiked Foreign Investment Limit In Government Bonds By 5Million Dollars In a moved aimed at arresting the unrelenting fall of Indian rupee,Indias central bank the Reserve Bank of India on 25 June 2012 hiked the limit of foreign investment in government bonds by 5 mill ion dollar to 20 billion dollar.The bank also raised the limit of external commercial borrowing (ECB)to 10 billion dollar. E-Voting Made Mandatory By SEBI For Top 500 Listed Companies Of BSE ANSE The capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)on 26June 2012 made it mandatory for top 500 listed companies to hold e-voting with an objective ti widen share holder participation in key decisions. Indias Fiscal Deficit For April -May Period Stood At 1.41 Lakh Core Rupees. As Per the latest data released ny the controller General of Accounts (CGA), indias fiscal deficit during the April- May, the first of the fiscal year 2012-13 stood at 1.41 lakh croer rupees,27%of the budget estimates. IRDA Fined 1.47 Crore Rupees On HDFC Life Insurance The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority(IRDA) on 28 June 2012 fined 1.47crore rupees on HDFC Life insurance against disobedience of number of regulatory provisions.It was the highest five on any insurer.IRDA tested HDFC Life Insurance from 26 July 2010 to 30 July 2010. Before HDFC Life, IRDA had dined on ICICI prudential Life Insurance of Rs.1.18 crore for violations that include paying agents and brokers commissions exceeding the permissible limits on May 2012.ICICI prudential penalty is the second highest impared penalty by the regulator after HDFC Life.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scientists Successfully Sequenced The Genome of Tomoto Sciencetists at the tomoto genome consortium(TGM) successfully sequenced the genome of tomato.It took 7years for the scientists to creck the genome.It will increase the vegetables production world wide and decrease its price .Indian scientists were also the part of research. Pakistan Tests % 5th N-Capable Missle Pakistan on 5 June tested its fifth nuclear -capable Cruise missile with a 700 km range that can deliver a one -ton nuclear war head.

Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-vII(Babur) Pakistan Test fired successfully the indigenously developed Hatf-vII(Babur) cruire missile on 15 June 2012.Earlier on 29May 2012 pakistan had successfully carried out the test of indegenously developed slort range surface to surface multi tube Missile Hatf IX(NASR)followed by the test of nuclear capable cruire missile Hatf-VIII(Raad)whose test was conducted on 31 May 2012. World IPv6 Launch Day Organized By Internet Society World IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) Launch Day held globally on 6 June 2012. All the major Internet Service Providers, networking equipment manufacturers and web companies around the world came together on the occasion, to permanently enable IPv6 for their products and services. The day, organized by Internet Society, represents a major milestone in the global deployment of IPv6.World IPv6 Day 2012 was an event sponsored and organized by the Internet. The Solar Transit Of Venus Presented A Spectacular Show In The Space In a rare space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 6 June 2012.The view at the time the Venus was crossing though the Sun was incredible, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar surface.Venus is 100th of the diameter of the sun so while moving across from one side to the other, just a black spot placed over on the disc of the sun. The celestial phenomenon which repeats itself in more than 100 year, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. Largest Database Of Martian Impact Craters A University of Colorado Boulder team recently finished counting, outlining and cataloguing 635,000 impact craters on Mars the single largest database ever compiled of impacts on a planet in our solar system. March 7 Solar Flare Is Strongest Eruption Yet The powerful March 7 flare, which earned a classification of X5.4 based on the peak intensity of its Xrays, is the strongest eruption so far observed by Fermis Large Area Tele scope (LAT). China launched Its Fourth Human Spaceflight Shenzhou-9 Into Space China on 16 June 2012 launched its fourth human spaceflight Shenzhou-9 from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in north-western Gansu state. The 30.3 feet long and 9.1 feet diameter, Shenzhou -9 spacecraft will conduct the first manned docking mission and set the foundation for Chinese plans to build a space station by 2020. China Sent Its First Woman Astronaut Liu Yang Into Space Shenzhou-9 space mission also holds significance as its crew members comprise three astronauts including Chinas first woman astronaut Liu Yang.Liu Yang, a cargo pilot in the Peoples Liberation Army air force, is the first Chinese female astronaut, who has been sent on the space mission. Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge Installed At Channel Mouth At Machilipatnnam To predict cyclones and Tsunamis Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge was installed at channel mouth at Machilipatanm.Though a collabarative project jointly implemented by DMS-SVH college os engineering, is association with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) abd National Institute of Ocean Graphy(NIO),Goa,Downward looking Aerial Microwave Radar Gauge was installed to measure accurate sea level.The sea level gets influenced by atmospheric pressure,wind etc. Following the depression there us a rise in the sea level.Under the Indo-Franch collaborative project of the ISRO, the NIO ,Goa has established a network of sea leve;; gauge across the Indian coast and islands.

Scientists Create Bone From Fat Cell For the first time , scientists have developed new bone from fresh an purified fat stem cell. The new procedure carried out on an animal model, is also hoped to be applied to produce other tissuess, including heart,skin and castilage, a break through which they may say one day eliminate the need for painful bone grabts that use material taken from the patient. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species The red list of threatened species, prepares by the International union for conservation of nature (IUNC) has listed 132 species of plants and animals as critically Endangered, he most threatened category, from India. Indian Scientist gets U.S Patent For Cancer Treatment A Scientist hailing from Hyderabad and his colleagues have invented a system in which nano particles carrier the payload of anti cancer drug releases it only in the cancerous cells around.The cutting edge research done in the united states has been patented recently.The nano technologist Rao papineni their to correspondent on phone from U.S. German Research House For Research And Innovation To Be Launched in New Delhi The German research foundation (DFG) newdelhi will, on October 26 and 27, launch the German research house for research and innovation(DWIH) that will serve as a one stop for the Indian science community to know about research and science organizations in Germany and funding opportunities available to carry out research there.with their, India will become the 5th country to have the science house,U.S, Russia, Japan and BRazil already have such facilities.THe first German house was started in2009 in the U.S. Japan to Restart Of 2 N Reactors Japan on June 16,2012 approved the resumption of nuclear power operations at two reactors despite mass public opposition, he first to come back on line after they were all shut down following the fukushima crisis .Prime minister Yoshihiko Noda announced the governments decision at a meeting with keep ministers, giving the go-ahead to two reactors operated by kansai Electrical Power co in western Japan. Scientists Grow New Vein from Girls Stem Cell For the first rime, Scientist led by an Indian origin researcher have successfully replaced a major blood vessel in a 10 year old girl with a vein grown in a lab using her own stem cells. The pioneering transplant, published in The lancet, marks a further advance in growing body parts in laboratory and offers hopes for patients who lack suitable veins for dialysis or bypass surgery.In the landmark research, a team from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden took a vein from a dead man, stripped of its own cells and then bathed in stem cells from girl, who was suffering from portal vein obstruction.There was a striking improvement in her transplantation. This is the future for tissue engineering where we can make tailor-made organs in the lab. India Installed Nuclear Submarine India has successfully installed nuclear reactor in the indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant on 17 June 2012 followed by trails. With the launched of INS arihant, India has already joined the league of those six nations who operate nuclear submarines US, Russia ,china ,France and Britain. India has , for the firsts time, built a miniature nuclear reactor.

AWARDS & HONOURS

19 NRIs honourned With Light Of India Awards Columbia University professor and economist Jagdish Bhagwati and noted author anitav ghosh are among 19 persons winning the Light of India awards recognizing excellence and exemplary achievement of Indians living abroad. PetroFed Awards for 2011 The annual PetroFed Oil & Gas Industry Awards for 2011 for excellence in performance in various categories were presented by the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, S Jaipal Reddy here on 8June 2012. The awards for performance during fiscal 2010-11 were in 11 categories. The leading PetroFed award winners were Indian Oil and ONGC. Indian Oil bagged the Leading Oil & Gas Corporate of the Year award,the Oil & Gas Marketing Company of the Year award and the one forProject Management . ONGC won the awards for Human Resources Management, Environmental Sustainability and the Innovator of the Year award by their team. IIFA Awards 2012 13th IIFA Awards 2012 schedule from 7th Jun to 9th Jun, 2012 as held in the beautiful city of Singapore . The list of winners has just been announced and as expected, Ranbir Kapoor and Vidya Balan have once again won the Best Actor and Best Actress award respectively. The Best movie and director too have been predictable this year, as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which swept the IIFA 2012 technical awards, has won in both categories. Winners of IIFA Awards 2012 Best Actor Ranbir Kapoor (Rockstar) Best Actress Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture) Best Movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Best Director Zoya Akhtar (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) Best Story Zoya Akhtar and Reema Katgi (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) Best Music A R Rahman ( Rockstar) Sachin Tendulkar Honoured By Wisden India Sachin Tendulkar won Wisden India maiden Outstanding Achievement award for completing a century of 100 international hundreds, in Dubai on 11 June 2012. he is the first recipent of the Wisden India Outstanding Achievement award.The legendary batsman was presented a trophy at an event organised by FidelisWorld. The trophy was made from crystal, it resembles a cricket ball resting on the open pages of a book. Israeli Micro-Irrigation Innovation Wins World Food Prize This years winner of world Food Prize(WFP)in israeli scientist Daniel Hillel has pioneered a method of bringing water to crops in arid and dry-land regions.Dr.Hillel was gven the prestigeous award, established in 1987 by NObel Peace Prize winner Noruran Borlaug. Ogilvy Mumbai Wins Effie Award Ogilvy Mumbai has been declares the most effective Agency office Globally, in the 2012 Effie effectiveness Index at the Cannes advertising festival currently being held in France.At the same time Vodafone & Ogilvy has also won bronze in the Direct Lions category for I FOLD Vodafone India saving paper. The Index was launched in June last year and is led by Effie world wide.This gives Ranks the marketing communication Industrys most effective agencies. advertisers, and brands by analysis finalist and winner data from Effie world wide competitions. R.K.Pachauri Gets Mexican Honour

The Director General of the energy and Resources Institute(TERI) Dr.R.K.Pachauri, has been conferred the Mexican order of the Aztec Eagle by the Mexican president, during the G-20 summit in Los Cabos.He was honoured along with MS.Margaret chan, Director General of the world health organization. Yarlagadda Presented Award For Promoting Hindi Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Hindi Academy Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad was honoures with Ganga sharan Singh Award by President Pratibha singh patil in New Delhi on 20 June 2012.The President also gave away the award,instituted by centers kendriya Hindi Santhan,at a gli -hering ceremony at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan to Girish karnad,Shyam Benagal and Madhur Bahndarkar,among others their contribution to the promotion of the national language ITC Bags Award For BIZ Development Diversified Business firm ITC ltd on 21 June said it has received the 2012 World Business & Development Award at the on going Rio+20 united nations summit in Brazil.The award has been given for the transformational rural initiatives in social & farm forestry programmes in India , undertaken by the company. Kolkata Solar Physicist Wins Prestigious US Prize Dibyendu Nandi of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata has been awarded the prestigious Karen Harvey Prize for 2012 by the American Astronomical Society (AAS).The first scientist from the Asia Pacific to get the prize, Nandy was awarded for his advances in the use of kinematic dynamo models to elucidate the typical and atypical solar cycle, and for his outstanding leadership within the solar physics and space climate communities. G20 Challenge Award for Medicare Initiative The Apollo Hospitals Group initiative to provide quality tertiary health care in semi urban and rural areas has won the G20 challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation Ratan Tata Gets LifeTime Achievement Award b the Prestigious Rockefeller Foundation Tata sons chairman,Ratan Tata, has been awarded a lifetime Achievement Award by the Rockfeller Foundationa in New York for his innovation in philonthropy.The foundation, celebrating 100 years of global innovation, honoured individuals and institutiona with in second annual innovation wasrds on 26 June 2012 .Last years receipient of the Roche feller foundations Life time Achieveme nt Award was former US president Bill Clinton. Tata Power Jojobera Unit Wins Award Tata powers Jojobera thermal power station at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand won the golden peacock environment Management award for 2012 . The award will be presented in New Delhi during the 14th world congress on environment Management on 7-8 July. City Firm Bags Global Packaging Awards Ecoblis, a Hyderabad based firm engaged in making innovative packaging products, bagged three awards at the international packaging excellence awards competition held in Croatia. The jury consisted of 33 country representatives and a representative from the international packaging press organization Entrepreneur Of The Year Award 2012

K.Ravi, Managing director,NCL industries , has won the Hyderabad Management AssociationsEntrepreneur of the year award 2012. Civil supplier minister D.sridhar babu presented the award to him at a function organized by the HMA here.A Hyderabad based company,NCL induction in engaged in the manufacture of cement, ready concrete, cement particle board etc. Life Time Achievement Award Eminent Write Ruskin Bond, renowned Sarod exponent Ustad Amjad Ali khan and noted classical singer Girija Devi were conferred Life Time Achievement Awards for the year 2011 -2012 by Delhi government at a function in New Delhi on June 22,2012. Eklavya Award The Government of Gujarat of June 5,2012 presented Eklavya Award of the year 2010-11 to Indian Cricketer Yusuf Pathan in Vododara. Munaf patel also received the award. Eklavya Award is highest award resented by Gujarat Government in the area id sports. Both recipients received cheque of Rs.1 lakh and a trophy. Benjamin Franklin Award US based India chief Vikas Khannas cookbook is among the winners of Americas prestigious Benjamin Franklin Awards on June 7,2012 , Pakistani civil servant Irfan Hussain also received the award for his book Fatal Faultlines in Politics and current affairs category while vikas khannas book was Flavours First: An Indian Chefs Culinary Journey. International Peace Award Two India human rights activists Binayak sen and Bulu Imam will be honoured with the International peace Award given by Gandhi Foundation at the House of Lords. The award was instituted in 1998 by Suruv Hoda and Diana Schumacher with support of the foundations President Lord Attenborough. Common Wealth Literary Prize Writers from Srilanka and New Aealand on June 8,2012 won the common wealth Foundations literar y Prizes for 2012.shehan karunatilaka from srilanka picked up the common wealth short story prize was won by Newzealnda Emma Martin for Two Girls in a Boat. USIBC Leader ship Award The chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra , Anand Mahindra received the UDIBC leadership award along with Fors Motor President and CEO, Alan Mulally on June 12, 2012 at the th 37 Annual gala of the US India Business council. USIBs is the largest bilateral trade organization based in Washington and Premier business advocacy organization advancing the US- India commercial and trade ties.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments Arup Raha Takes Over As IAFs Western Command Chief Air Marchal Arup Raha, an ace combat pilot, on 1st june took over as the chief of Delhi based western Air command.

Dinesh Kumar Mehrotra Appointed as LIC chairman Dinesh kumar mehrotra has taken over as the chairman of the countrys logest insurer.Life Insurance corporation of India on 1 june 2012. Sachin Tendulkar Takes Oath As Rajyasabha MP Master blaster sachin Tendulkar started his new innings on 4 June taking oath as Rjya sabha member in the chambers of RS chairperson and vice-president Hamid Ansari. Sachin is the first active sports person and cricketer to have been nominated to the Rajya sabha under the prominent Quota. D.K.Joshi-Next Navy Chief Vice admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi,flag officer commanding-in-chief(Foc-in-C)of the Western naval command will be the next cheif of the navy.Vice admiral Nirmal retire on 31 August.D.K Joshi will hold the post for 3years. R.N.choubey Is The New Head Of DGH The centre has appointed Rajiv Naraya Choubey, a senior bureaucrat,Mr.Chobey ,a 1981 batch DAS officer of Tamilnadu cadre will be the first bureaucrat to head the highly Technical arm of the oil Ministry .Which has been marred by control versies in the past few years. Sampath Appointed As New CEC(cheif election commissions) Senior most Election commissioner veeravalli sundaram sampath was appointed as the chief election commissioner.He replaces S.Y.Qureshi,who retire on June 10,2012.He will carryout his term till June 16,2015-either for six years in the commission or till age of 65 which ever comer earlier. Dr K.C. Chakrabarty Has Re-Appointed As Governor Of RBI The central government, on 13 June appointed Dr K.C. Chakrabarty as deputy governor of RBI, for a further period of 3 months beyond June 14,2012,or until further orders,which ever is earlier .the RBI said in a release. Mr.Chakrabarty was appointed as Deputy governor in 2009 for 3 years and took charge as deputy governor of RBI on June 15,2009,it added. Fatou Bensouda Appointed As The Chief Prosecutor Of The International Criminal Court Gambian lawyer Fatou Bensouda was sworn in on 15 June 20 12 as the International Criminal Courts new chief prosecutor. Bensouda was elected at the latest session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute (ASP) in December 2011 for a nine-year term. Indian-American Appointed To Top Yale Position The prestigious Yale University on Sunday announced the appointment of Indian-American academician Anjani Jain to a top university position.Beginning July 1, 2012 Mr. Jain will join the Yale School of Management (SOM) as senior associate dean for the full-time MBA programme.Mr. Jain has served in multiple leadership roles at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, including 10 years as vice dean of its full-time MBA programme.His appointment comes at a time of important expansion and opportunity for Yale SOM. Alok Misra Is IBA Chairman The Indian Bank Association(IBA), on 18 June said Bank of India chairman and Managing director Alok Misra has been elected of the bankers body for the current fiscal.

Sekhar Basu Taken Charge On BARC Director Sekhar Basu,who played a key role in the development of atomic reactor for indias indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant, on 19 June took charge as director of Bhabha Atomic Reasearch Centre(BARC).Mr.Basu succeeds R.K.Simha, who has been elevated as chairman of the Atomic energy commission and secretorydepartment of Atomic energy in May. New MD For Sony India Japanese electronics major Sony , on 20 June, announced the appointment of Kenishiro Hibi as Managing Director with effect from July 1 for India operations. Harish Bhat Is New CEO Of Tata Global Harish Bhat has been appointed as chief executive officer and managing Director of the company. He will take over from percy poria, who returns on June 30,2012 FAI Souths New Chairman K.Rahul Rahu, managing director of Nagarjuna fertilizers and chemicals Ltd, has been unanimously elected chairman of fertilizer Association of India(FAI) southern Regional committee for the year 2012-13. Pakistan gets Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its Deputy Prime Minister haudhry Pervaiz Elahi, a top leader of the ruling PPPs key ally PML -Q, has been appointed as Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister. Isaac Takes Over as ICC Chief Sharad Powers reign as the president of the International cricket council(ICC) ended on 28 June as Newzealander Alan Isaac took charge from him for a two-year-term at the ICC annual conference . The 60 Year old Isaac, a former New zealand cricket chief, became the eight president of the ICC, while former South Africa wicketkeeper David Richardson was confirmed as the new chief executive of the world body,taking over from country man Haroon Lorgat. Neeraj Kumar Was Appointed As The New Commission Of Delhi Police Neeraj Kumar, the 1976 batch Indian police service(IPS) officer, was appointed as the new commissioner of Delhi police on 28 June 2012 . Neeraj Kumar will succeed B.K.Gupta who is getting his tenure as the Delhi police commissioner completed on 30 June 2012. Neeraj Kumar, who is servicing as the Director General of Tihar jail, will assume the new charge on 1July 2012. US Appoints Envoy To Myanmar For the first time in 22 years, the US has appointed its ambassador to Myanmar as part of efforts to upgrade ties with the country which has launched a slew of democratic reforms after five decades of authoritarian rule. The appointment of veteran diplomat Derek Mitchell, who was till now the Special US Representative and Policy Coordinator for Myanmar, was confirmed by the Senate on 29 June 2012 and he is expected to leave for that country soon. V. K . Duggal appointed as member of NDMA Former Union home secretary V.K Duggal has been appointed as one of the members of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on June 21 2012 .

Shreyans Kumar Jain headed the WANO Shreyans Kumar Jain, Former chief of (NPCIL) has been elected as head of Tokyo centre of world Associations Nuclear operators (WANO). Jean Marc Ayrault PM of France Frances President Francois Hollande reappointed ,Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault on June 18,2012 . Who resigned earlier. Hollandes socialist party won the absolute majority in French , Parliamentary elections. R.K .Singh appointed as the chairman of NHAI R.K. Singh has been appointed as regular chairman of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on June 11, 2012 . The position for the full time chairman at NHAI fell vacant in August 2012 after the retirement of Brijeshwar singh. Rupak Kumar Dutta appointed as aditional director of CBI Rupak Kumar Dutta has been appointed as the additional Director in the central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) on June 11,2012, He had previously held several posts in CBI from 1988 to 96 and 2000 to 2006. Gokul Chandra Pati Gokul Chandra pati has been appointed as officer of Animal Husbandary,Darirying and Fisheries. He will replace Rudhra Gangadharan as new secretary, who reties , on June 30 2012. Shiv RamKrishna Rajan Indian Scientist, Shiv Ram kirshna Rajan, has been appointed as member of the United Nations Commission on limits of the Continental Shelf(CLCS). He was the representative of India for CLCS elections. His tenure ends in 2017. Madan Bhimrao Lokur Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court on June 4,2012, Prior to this, Lokur was chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Indian American appointed to Key Texas board A prominent Indian American community leader has been appointed to a key body of engineering professionals in Texas. Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed sockalingam sam Kannappan and Edward to the Texas board of Professional engineers for terms to expire in September 26,2017. B) Resigns Commerce Secretary Resigns John E. Bryson announced his resignation as President Obamas commerce secretary on 21 June 2012, citing medical reasons after an episode in which he had a seizure and was involved in a sequence of car crashes. Virbhadra Singh Resigns

Union Minister for micro,small and medium enterprises resigned in 26 June 2012 after a Himachal Pradesh court framed corruption charges against him.The president, as advised by the PM, has accepted the resignation of Virbhadra singh from the union council of Ministers,with immediate effect. Pranab Quits As Finance Minister Finance Minister Pranab Mukharjee resigned on 26 June as he has been elected as the presidential candidate by congress government. Manmohan singh took charge of the finance ministry until a cabinet reshuffle is effected after the presidential election. C)Deaths A.V.S Reddy Passes Away A.V.s reddy retired IAS officer and former state election commissioner, who earned kudos for his rescue and relief work during the 1977 diviseema cyclone, passed away after a brief illness Hyderabad on June 4 2012. Ex-Director Of Institute Of Astrophysics Passes Away The former Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA) J.C.Bhattacharya, passed away in the New Delhi on 4 June after prolonged illness. First Women To Win Nobel In Economics Died Indiana University professor Elinor Ostrom, the first and only woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences,died on 13 June due to cancer.she was 78 years old . Legendary Cuban Boxer Teofilo Stevensan Died At The Age Of 60 Legendary Cuban Boxer Teofilo Stevensan Died of heart attack on 13 June 2012 at the age of 60. stebenson,won his first gold at the 1972 Munich games,and went on to win two more golds at the 1976 Montreal and 1980 Moscow games,ruled the game for nearly 14 years.He was the first fighter to win the olympic gold medal in the same division three times. Ghazal King Mehdi Hassam Passes Away Indian born Ghazal legend Mehdi hassan, the melodian voice behind evergreen hits like ,patta patta,boota boota and kabke bichare,died on 13 June following multiple organ failure at the age of 84. Saudi Crown Prince Nayef Dies Crown Prince Nayef, the hardline interior minister who spearheaded Saud i Arabias fierce crackdown crushing Al Qaedas branch in the country after the 9/11 attacks in the United States and then rose to become next in line to the throne, has died. He was in his late 70s. Former RS Member Dipankar Mukherjee Passes Away Dipankar Mukherjee, an engineer- turned-trade unionist and former Rajya Sabha member, died at a hospital on 18 June morning after battling pancreatic cancer. Mukherjee, 69, a former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal and a senior leader of the CITU. NIA Chief Radha Vinod Raju Passes Away

Radha Vinod Raju, founding Director-General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and key member of the special investigation team which probed Rajiv Gandhi assassination, died in Kochi on 21 June 2012. Abid Hussain Dead Abid Hussain who was among those who helped break mental barrier after the end of the cold war,passed away in London on 21 June morning after a massive heart attack, He was 85 years old.The normal career progression of an Indian Administrative service(IAS) cadre office.which wound up in the commerce Ministry, Dr.Hussain was one of the key persons who set ball rolling for Indias economic liberalization. Roy Burman Passes Away Renowned anthropologist and social scientist B.K.Raoy Burman 90 passed away.New delhi on 26 June morining .A former visiting professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and professor of visva Bharathi University and Ex-officio Director of the council of social Developement, prof.Burman also served as a visiting senior fellow at the centre for the study developing societies. Radha Vinod Raju Radha Vinod Rahu, founder director general of the national Investigation Agency(NIA) and a police official renowned as one of the best in India, passed away on June 21,2012. He had undertaken several challenging assignments including the investigation into the 1999 hijack of an Indian Airlines plane to kandahar. Balu Sankaran Renowned orthopedic surgeon , Balu sankaran , who was formerly Director General of Health Services and Director of the WHO (191-87) in Geneva passed away on June 20,2012. He was also honoured with Padam sri in 1972 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007. Author Ray Bradury Science fiction author Ray Bradhury, famous for books such as Fahrenheit 451, passed away at the age of 91 on June 5, 2012. Bradhury broke through in 1950 with The Martian Chronicles destroying an idyllic martian civilization prophesied the banning of books, especially works of fantasy, a theme Bradbury would take on fully in the 1953 release, fahrenheit451. G K Kumaravel G K Kuamaravel, a senior scientist involved in the development of arjun main battle tank,died in an accident in Rajastahan on June 11, 2012. Kumaravel was head of the Arjun Main battle Tank(MBT) Mark 1 and 2 programmes at the cambat vehicles Research Development Establishment (CVRDE), avadi. He was on his way to Pokhran to participate in user trials of Arjun MBT Mark-2 when the accident occurred . D) Visitors U.S Defence Secretary Leon Pnetta Visited India U.S defense secretary Leon Pnetta arrived india on a two-day visit on 5 june 2012.The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations,discuss chinas growing assertiveness,especially in the contentions south china sea,and the volatile A f-Pak region. PM Manmohan Singh departed For G-20, Rio+20 summits

Singh attended the seventh summit of the Group of 20 developed and developing countries (G-20) started in the Mexican resort town of Los Cabos on June 18 and the Rio+20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro. Australian high commissioner Visits Uttar Pradesh Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese on 22 June paid a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and expressed interest in cooperation and technology transfer between his country and the state for river cleaning, energy sector and agriculture. PM Manmohan Singh Visits Pretoria Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived on 22 June midnight a visit to Mexico and Brazil for attending two international summits.He was on overnight stay in this South African city before leaving for New Delhi on 24 June. E)Miscellaneous Britain Marks Diamond Jubliee Of Queen Elizabeth-II Britain on 2 June kicks off four days of celebrations to mark Queen ElizabethIIs Diamond Jubilee, including a 1000-bad river pageant and a star-studded concert.These celebrations were held at Thames in London.The most spectacular nautical parade in 350 years, the pagenant wasthe centre piece of 4 day diamond jubilee. Worlds Oldest Pearl Discovered In UAE The Oldest Pearl in history which dates back to the Neolithic age. some 7,500 years old -has been found in the UAE.The French National Center for Scientific Reasearch has announced that gems believed that the oldest pearl known goes back to 3000 BC. and was found at an antiquity site in Japan. Climbs Worlds 14 Tallest Peaks A Japanese Mountaineer who was nearly killed by an avalanche in 2007 finished a climb in Nepal last month that made him countreys first person to scale the worlds 14 tallest mountains. His otoka Takeuchi said on 11 June in kathmandu tops 14 peaks including everest,k2 and kanchanjanga are in the Himalaya or kara koram ranges od Asia . He is the 30th person to climb all 14 and first climber from Japan. Class IX Bengaluru Girl Wins Indian Spell Bee Belligerent was one of the words that samvida venkatesh spelt right at the Indian Spell Bees grand finale.THe class IX student from Bengaluru won the HDFC life Spell Bee- India spells 2012, poweres by the Times of India, in association with Horlicks. Across The Niagara Falls On A Tightrope Daredevil Nik Wallenda completes historic high-wire walk, braving blustering winds, heavy spray A daredevil American, Nik Wallenda, became first person in the world to walk on a tightrope across the roaring Niagara Falls, separating U.S. and Canada. Chenab Rail Bridge Promises To Be An Engineering Wonder

The worlds highest rail bridge being constructed over chenab river in Jammu & Kashmirs Reasi district will be ready by December 2015 coming up at kauri, it will be 359metres above the river bed 5 times the height of QutubMinar and 35 metres taller than Eiffel Tower. Erotic Books Beats Potter Record An erotic book dubbed as mummy porn has beaten the J.K Rowling authores Harry potters record in the U.K book sales chart, becoming fastest selling paper back of al time in just one week.The nook Fifty Shades of Grey has became the fatest selling paper back since records began. Erika Mitchell, who writes with the pen name EL James beat Rowling and Davinci code author Dan Brown. Global Second Warmest May On Record The Globally averaged temperature for May 2012 marked the second warmest May since 1880.The temperatures were measured over global land and ocean surfaces.

July 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Leung Chun-ying Sworn In As Hong Kongs New Leader Leung Chun-ying, a millionaire property consultant seen as close to Chinas communist rulers, was sworn in as Hong Kongs new chief executive on 1July 2012 . Cyprus takes Over EU Presidency Cyprus takes over the European Unions rotating presidency for the first time on 1 July 2012, amid concerns about the countrys ability to cope with its own economic problems and help steer Europe out of its financial crisis. Cyprus, which joined the European Union in 2004, is taking over the sixmonth rotating presidency from Denmark. GSK to pay $3b For Health Fraud Glaxo smith kline(GSK) would pay $3 billion and plead guilty to promoting two popular drugs for unapproved uses and to failing to report important safety data about a diabetes drug to the Food and Drug Administration, the justice department said on 2 July 2012. Government officials say its the largest health care fraud settlement in U.S history. Mexico Declares National H7N3 (bird flu)Animal Health Emergency The Mexican government declared a national animal health emergency on 2 July 2012 in the face of an aggressive bird flu epidemic that has infected nearly 1.7 million poultry. More than half the infected birds have died or been culled, the agriculture ministry said of an epidemic that was confirmed on 28 June 2012 by the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They activated a national animal health emergency with the goal of diagnosing, preventing, controlling and eradicating the Type A, sub-type H7N3 bird flu virus. PRI Leader Enrique Pena Nieto Elected as the New President of Mexico The institutional Revolutionary Party leader Enrique Pena Nieto was elected as the new president of Mexico on 2 July 2012. In the presidential election held on 1 July 2012, Enrique Pena Nieto beat party of the Democratic Revolution candidate Andres Manual Lopez obrador of the total 98% votes counted

, Pena Nieto bagged 38% votes, while former Mexico city Mayor Andres Manual Lopez obrador got 31% votes. Nieto succeeded felipe calderon on the top most position of the country. Fukushima Was Man-Made Diasater ;Japanese Probe Last years Fukushima nuclear accident was a man made disaster just the tsuna mi that hit the plant, adamning parliamentary report said on 5 July 2012.Ingrained collusion between plant operator Tokyo Electric Power, the government and regulatory, combined with a lack of any effective oversight led directly to the worst nuclear accident in a generation, the report said. Pak parliament passes bill to protect leaders from contempt Pakistan President on Thursday signed into law a bill aimed at giving blanket immunity to top government leaders from contempt of court proceedings and counte ring the Supreme Courts efforts to pressure the premier to revive graft cases against Asif Ali Zardari. Zardari gave his assent to the Contempt of Court Bill of 2012 after it was passed by the Senate and the National Assembly, the two houses of Parliament. China, US Avoid Rocking The Boat On South China Sea The United states and China on 12 July pledged to ease strains in their relationship emerging amid renewed disputes over the south china sea and Chinese concerns over Washingtons pivoy to Asia . U.S.Secretary of state hillary clinton, who met chinese foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on the side lines of the ASEAN. Regional forum meeting in Phnom Penh on 12 July 2012. United Nations Millennium Development Goal Report 2012 United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-moon released, United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2012. Report on 2 July 2012. The report noted that three important targets on poverty, slums and water have already been met three years ahead of 2015, the target year. The target of providing clean drinking water to a substantial population of the world. In developing world the share of urban population living in slums came down to 33 per cent in 2000 from 39 per cent in 2000. The millennium development goal asserted that the developing countries. AIDS control, the developing countries have achieved tremendous fate as at the end of 2012 nearly 6.5 million people in the developing countries were receiving the antiretroviral therapy for HIV AIDS. Thomas Lubanga Imprisoned for 14 years International Criminal Court (ICC), located at The Hague has awarded Thomas Lubanga, a Congolese warlord, 14-year imprisonment on 10 July 2012. Lubanga had led the Union of Congolese Patriots, an ethnic militia in the violent struggle in the Ituri region and its main town of Bunia. The conflict, which began in 1999, claimed the life of about 60000 people in the country. Lubanga, who had used children as the soldiers during the violent struggle in Congos eastern Ituri region in 2002 2003 was convicted for war crime. First Ever Resolution To Protect the Online Human Rights of Global Citizens . United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Geneva based human rights wing of UN, on 5th July 2012, adopted a first ever resolution to protect the online human rights of global citizens. The resolution adopted by consensus, stated that citizens of the world are as much entitled to the human rights online as they are offline. The resolution noted that there can be no double standard with regard to peoples right of fundamental freedom and since internet makes a major part of present worlds communication process, all governments must endeavour to protect the online rights of its citizens. The landmark resolution was sponsored by Sweden and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, that includes United States, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Global CO2 Emission Increased by 3% in 2011

According to the report Trends in global CO2 emission, global CO2 emission increased by 3% in 2011. The 3% increase in CO2 took the total amount if CO2 in air at an all time high of 34 billion tonnes. The report was released by the Europe commissions joint research centre (JSC) and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. The United states with 17.3 tonnes per capita remains one of the top CO2 emitters, while china , the worlds most popular country, has 7.2 tones per capita. $650 m cut in U.S. military aid to Pakistan Latest jab at Pakistan by the U.S., the House of Representatives has unanimously voted to cut American military aid to Islamabad by $650 million as Republicans sought to tamp down demands for deeper reductions. The amendment to cut the aid, which was proposed by Republican Congressman Ted Poe, passed on the floor in a voice vote. Mr. Poe had demanded a $1.3 billion cut, but settled for the $650 million cut. It will now go to Senate for approval. Pakistan is the Benedict Arnold to America in the war on terror. Putin signs Russia Into WTO President Vladimir Putin on 21 July 2012 singed the bill ratifying Russias entry to the world trade Organization after 18 years of often acrimonious negotiations , economists have long argued that Russia needed to join the WTO as it was the only major economy outside the body. The measure making Russia the 156th WTO member will become law within 30 days . Pakistan and US sign MoU for transporting supplies to Afghan Pakistan and the US on 31 July 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on transporting supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan through Pakistani territory after weeks of intense negotiations. The MoU states arms and ammunition for foreign troops in Afghanistan cannot be transported through Pakistan and that all cargo will be scanned in the port city of Karachi and at the border crossing points of Chaman and Torkham. The MOU will replace existing arrangements for transporting NATO supplies through Pakistani territory, which were reportedly based on a verbal understanding. Rajkeshwur Purryag is Mauritius Fifth President Rajkeshwur Purryag became the fifth president of Mauritius on 21 July. His predecessor Anerood Jugnauth resigned in March following open conflict with Prime Minister Navin Chandra Ramgoolam. Mahama sworn as Ghanas new president John Dramani Mahama was sworn as Ghanas new president on 24 July 2012. After John Atta Mills, the countrys leader, unexpectedly died at hospital in the capital, Accra. Mahama was forever changed by his boyhood experiences during 1966 military coup.The 53-year-old who had been vice president was born in Bole Bamboi in northern Ghana and holds degrees in history and communications, according to Ghanian media.

INDIA & WORLD

U.N.: India likely to miss MDG on maternal health With one maternal death reported every 10 minutes, India is likely to miss the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) related to maternal health, a latest United Nations report says. While there is an improvement from maternal death in every six minutes in 2010 to 10 minutes now, the MDG target in this respect is unlikely to be met, the report said. At present, the Maternal Mortality Rate

(MMR) of India is 212 per one lakh live births, whereas the countrys target is 109 per one lakh live births by 2015.The MDG Report 2012 points out that an estimated 2,87,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2010 worldwide. This represents a decline of 47 per cent from 1990 when the MDGs were set. Indo-Pak foreign secretary-level talks Pakistan remains defiant on state actors behind the Mumbai terror attacks, but sought more information on the revelations made by 26/11 handler Abu Jundal. Speaking at a joint press conference after 4,5 July 2012 a two-day talks that concluded at Hyderabad House in New Delhi , Indias Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai stressed that relations between two countries have to be normalized despite serious differences over the terror issue. India 3rd Most Attractive , says UN Report India emerged as the third most attractive investment destination after china & US for global companies , a UN report said on 5 July 2012 . Foreign direst Investment flows into India increased by 30% to $32 billion in 2011. While china attracted $124 billion last year. Brazil & Russia attracted $67 billion and $53 billion, Mauritius Offers India 2 Islands In Its Bid To Preserve Tax Treaty Mauritius foreign affairs and trade minister Arvin Boolell said that it was up to India to use the Islands to its advantage. Blue Economy had great potential . India could use north & South Agalega Islands(which are located 1.100 km north of Mauritius and have an official total area of 70 sq km, for setting up hotels and tourist resorts , for trade, marine studies , or for building strategic presence in the Indian ocean. Sri Lanka, Indian navies hold maritime boundary talks India and Sri Lanka discussed maritime matters, including the issue of f ishermen straying in each others territorial waters, as they held a crucial annual meeting aimed at strengthening naval relationship. The 21st International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting between SriLanka and India was held onboard the Sri Lanka Naval Ship Sagara at the Indo-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary Line off Kankasanthurai on 7 July 2012, EU Carbon Tax: Us Invites India For Initiative To Create Global Consensus India is among the 16 countries that have been invited to attend a US-led initiative to decide on what action should be taken at the global against the imposition of European Union-emission trading system. Under the system , which came into effect from January 1 , 27 member. European Union asked all International airlines flying in and out of the region to meet specific carbon emission requirement , failing which they would have to pay tax. India Aims To Double Trade with West Africa Indian has set up a target of $40 billion trade turnover with the West African Nations from the present $20 billion. Mr.Sharma. along with Ghanas trade & Industry Minister Hanna Tettch, inaugurated the India show ACCRA (GHANA) on 9 July 2012. Mr.shrama said that India had also set a target of $90 billion trade with Africa by 2015.The total trade between India & Africa was around 450 billion till last year. Singapore Prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong visited India Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Loong visited India on a three day trip. India and Singapore signed three key bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of understanding(MOU) on 11 July. The two countries are working on deepening economic relations even outside south-east Asia, building linkages with companies where India and Singapore were associated. Singapore is not only an

important trading partner in ASEAN but also a major source of FDI in flows in India. India is Singapores eight largest investor . India Singapore bilateral trade accelerated to USD 17.44 billion from USD 14.04 in2009-10 . The holistic agreement turned out to be fruitful and both the countries expect to achieve better milestones together. UK bans Indian Mujahideen The UK has banned Indian Mujahideen, citing the indiscriminate mass casualty attacks" carried out by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba-linked terror group in India and the threat it posed to British nationals there.British MPs voted unanimously last night to ban IM, placing it on the list of 47 organisations that have been banned from functioning in the UK. India Draws U.S Ire Over Nexavar Row The U.S administration has accused India of violating WTO norms by allowing Hyderabad based Natco Pharma to make a generic version of cancer drug Nexavar, In march this year, for the first time India had invoked a law permitting natco Pharma to manufacture and sell cancer treatment drug Nexavar at a price, over 30 times lower than charged y its patent holder bayer corporation under compulsory licensing , the government had allowed . Natco to sell the drug at a price not exceeding Rs.8.880 for a pack of 120 tablets compared to the whopping Rs.2.80 lakh per month charged by Bayer for its patented Nexavar Drug. 8 Indian companies in Fortune 500 List Eight Indian companies have made the cut in the list of the worlds 500 largest companies compiled by fortune Magazine, with Indian oil & Reliance Industries finding a place in the top 100.American companies have covered 132 places in the list, followed by china 73 seats and Japan 68 seats. Australia to restart uranium supply to India Months after reversing its policy of not selling uranium to India, Australia on 11th July, said it was in the process of working out internal arrangements to ensure supply of the yellowcake (Uranium) to New Delhi. In December last year, Australias ruling Labor led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard cleared the way for the Australian uranium to be exported to India after a strong debate on the floor of the partys 46th national conference. Australia has the worlds largest reserves of uranium and its ores are considered to be of superior quality among those found elsewhere across the globe. Currently, Australia exports uranium to China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. However, it had earlier declined sale to India citing a policy that barred nuclear trade with countries that were not signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Russia, china Votes resolution on Syria , India Votes in favour Russia and China today vetoed a new UN Security Council resolution that would have slapped new sanctions against President Bashar Al Assads regime, while India was among the 11 countries that voted in favour. Pakistan and south Africa abstained. India Fares Poorly In Child welfare India fares poorly among middle-income countries when it comes to overall well-being of children even as the world witnessed significant progress in child health, education and nutrition during the last decade. India has slipped by 12 ranks since 1995 and is placed 112th in the global Child Development Index released by Save the Children, the worlds leading independent NGO that works for child rights. According to the report, Japan is at present the best place in the world for a child, followed by Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Switzerland, UK and Norway. The US is ranked 24 in the Index, while Australia is at 16th place and China is at 29th. Somalia is at the bottom. India bans US-sanctioned Iranian ships to enter its water

India has prohibited US-sanctioned Iranian ships from entering its water as it is hampering crude oil imports from Iran. In early July, the government had allowed crude oil import from Iran in ships arranged by Tehran after European sanctions evaporated insurance cover to domestic shippers. However, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) and other state refiners are allowed to import oil from Iran on cost, insurance and freight (CIF ) basis wherein Tehran was to arrange for ships and insurance. We were to import four tankers or cargoes of about 90,000 tonne each from Iran in July. But we could only get one as the CIF approval was withdrawn, MRPL Managing Director PP Upadhya. US has sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Co and its 58 vessels some of which have been reflagged in other nations to put off international sanctions.

NATIONAL
Western Ghats Now In World Heritage List The Western Ghats has made it to the coveted list of world Heritage sites. The world Heritage committee, meeting in st.Petersburg, Russia, late on Sunday 1 July 2012 , decided to inscribe 39 serial sites of the western Ghats of India on the world Heritage list. The Western Ghats was inscribed under criteria 9 and 10 of the operational Guidelines of the world Heritage convention. Vinod B. Mathur, Dean of the Wild Life institute of India told from Russia . To explain it clearly, Western Ghats are those properties which contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding Universal value from the point of science conservations. Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2011 Every four minutes, one person takes his own life in this country and one in every five suicides is that of a housewife. This and other startling figures are part of a government report Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2011 released here recently. According to the report, the number of suicides have increased in 2011 by 0.7 per cent to touch 1,35,585 compared to 1,34,599 in the previous year. West Bengal has reported the highest number of suicides (16,492) accounting for 12.2 per cent followed by Tamil Nadu (15,963), Maharashtra (15,947), Andhra Pradesh (15,077) and Karnataka (12,622). These 5 States together accounted for 56.2 per cent of the total suicides reported in the country. Cabinet clears Rs.25 Crore Plan To Airlift Bhopal Waste Almost three decades after deadly gasses spread out of the Union carbide plant in Bhopal, the union cabinet has finally approved the proposal to airlift 350 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct pesticide factory site to Germany for sale disposal. The central government will pay rs.25Lakh to German firm G12 to remove the waste. Crime Report 2011 from NCRB National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) releases its data of crime happen in India for the year 2011. The report made public shows alarming situation of crime in India. Highlights of this reports given below. The report shows crimes under IPC has registered a 2.5%rise in 2011 over previous year; while crimes under special and local laws -such as Arms Act and Gambling Act have declined by 7.4%.Total number of crimes reported in India in 2011 are 62.5 lakh. Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai and Bengaluru accounted for 9.9% , 7.3%, 6.7% and 6.3% of criminal activities, respectively. Andhra Pradesh accounting for nearly 7% of the population of the country recorded 12.4% of the total crimes against women in India. Free Medicines For All Scheme

Centers $5.4 b plan to benefit makers of generics. India has put in a place a 4 5.4 billion policy to provide. Free medicine to its people, a decision that could change the lives of hundreds of millions, but a ban on branded drugs stands to cut Big pharma out of the wind fall. This policy to be implemented by the end of 2012 and rolled out nation wide in 2 years, is expected to provide 52 percent of the population with free drugs by April 2017. Union Government Of India Unveiled New Free Drug Policy The Union Government of India unveiled the 5.4 billion dollar free drug to benefit countrys 120 crore population. Under the new policy, every citizen of the country will be provided free medicines in all public health centers spreaded across the country. As the Ministry of Health and Family welfare kept branded drugs out of this policy, the patients will be given only generic drugs. The policy which will remain effective over the next five years will provide a much needed support to nearly 40% people of the country, which spends 1.25 dollar or less a day on health. States Advised To Give Preferences To Drinking Water & Irrigation Supply An Alarming depletion in the water levels (at 57 percent of last years stage ) of important reservoirs, owing to the delayed and weak south west monsoon, has prompted the central government to issue an advisory to the states on 9 July 2012 to make Judicious and regulated releases. The states have been told to enhance ground water use, Deficient storage in all major dams, expect those in central India. Least UN-Employed States Indias jobless rate stood at 3.8 percent last fiscal, with Daman & Diu and Gujarat topping the list of least un-employment among states and Union territories. Indias un -employment is better than other countries like US, Spain and South Africa. The latest report for the year 2011-12 released by the labour bureau . Daman & Diu and Gujarath had un-employment rates of 0.6% and 1% respectively. Chhhattisgardh stood at 3rd , Rajasthan stood at 4th and Punjab stood in 5th place. Delhi is Indias most competitive city, Mumbai next Delhi has emerged the most competitive city in the country for the third straight time with the commercial hub of Mumbai retaining the second spot, according to a report by an international think tank released on 11 July 2012.Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, in that order, make up the top five in rankings of the India City Competitiveness Report-2012, compiled by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) that conducts studies in this area for use by businesses and governments. Centre Ask States To Video Graph Gram sabha Proceedings Aiming to strengthen the functioning if panchayat Raj institutions, center has advised state governments to video graph Gramsabha proceedings, besides introducing a slew of schemes for improving their set up. For strengthening Gramsabhas with the help of IT- enabled measures, four software including a web portal have been launches by the Ministry and states are being encourages to adopt it, Union HRD Ministry Granted Two Central Universities In Bihar Conceding to the demand of Bihar chief minster Nitish kumar, the Union human Resource Development Ministry agreed to set up two central Universities in the state. The Union Governments nod for two central universities also put an end to the 3-year long impasse over the location of the University . There are 41 central Universities functioning in India at present , with Delhi and up have a maximum of 4 Universities each. Chandrayaan-II Awaits Government Nod

Indian Space Research Organization chairman k.Radha Krishna said chandrayaan-II , the countrys second mission to Moon, was in the last phase of security approval from the Government and a decision was likely to be announced soon. presenting an overview of the forthcoming missions, Dr,Radha Krishnan said chandrayaan-II was slated for 2012 launch. LTTEs Strong Anti-India Posture Continues; Govt Extends Ban Government has extended the ban on LTTE declaring that it continues to adopt a strong anti- India posture and pose a grave threat to the security of its citizens. LTTE was banned in India in the aftermath of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.In a notification, the Home Ministry said the activities of LTTE are detrimental to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and there is a continuing strong need to control all such separatist activities by all possible means. LTTE continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture as also continues to pose a grave threat to the security of Indian nationals, it is necessary to declare LT TE as an unlawful association with immediate effect, Home minister said. Tribal Reserve in Andaman and Nicobar Islands The Supreme Court of India on 3 July 2012 declared the area within a five-kilometre radius around the Jarawa Tribal Reserve in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as no go zone. The Apex Court banned all commercial and tourism activities near the Jarawa habitat. The courts verdict came following a news report which showed some tourists throwing money, food and bananas at the tribal people. The news report had forced the government to order an inquiry. Jarawas are one of the oldest living indigenous people in the world. The tribe has their home in the forests of the Andaman Islands in India. The present number of Jarawa tribe is estimated to be about 250-400. Jarawas have been living in the forests of the Andaman Islands for past thousands of years. INS Sahyadri Adds Teeth To Blue water Navy In the salty sea breeze of an overcast Mumbai monsoon day, the countrys latest warship, the INS Sahyadri, joined the Indian Navy on 21 July 2012. The tricolour and the naval ensign were hoisted, the national anthem played, and AK Antony, the defence minister, formally commissioned the bristling 5,600-tonne warship, urging the crew to promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. the Sahyadri is the Indian Navys 134th ship. Another 46 vessels are under construction, 43 of these in India including three 6,800 tonne destroyers under Project 15A; four similar warships under Project 15B; four 2,500 tonne corvettes under Project 28; and six Scorpene submarine sunder Project 75. Pranab Mukherjee 13th President of India Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, 76, was declared elected the 13th president on 22 July 2012. The UPA nominee defeated the former Lok sabha speaker, P.A.Sangama, by 3,97,776 value voter. While Mr. Mukherjee polled 3,095 votes(value 7,13,763) Mr.Sangama got 1483 votes (3.15.987). Mr.Mukherjee who will be sworn in by chief justice of India S.H.Kapadia New Delhi on 23 July 2012. Secured 68.12% of the total 10,47,971 valued votes cast by 4.659 members of the state/Territorial Assemblies and parliament. Only the former president, K.R.Narayanan,secured the maximum value votes of 9,56,290(94.97%) When he won in the 1997 election against the former chief election commissioner, T.N.Seshan. Uttar Pradesh Government renames Eight Districts in the State Uttar Pradesh government on 23 July 2012 rechristened eight districts in the state, which had been given a new name by erstwhile BSP government. The UP governments decision to restore the early name of the districts, which were named after the dalit and OBC icons by the previous Mayawati led government, was taken in a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar was rechristened as Amethi, while Rambai Nagar was named Kanpur Dehat. The districts namely Bheem Nagar, Prabuddha Nagar and Panchseel Nagar will now be known as Sambhal, Shamli and Hapur respectively. Similarly, Kanshiram Nagar, Mahamaya Nagar and JP Nagar will be known as Kasganj, Hathras and Amroha respectively.

Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to carry out Small Maintenance Works on the Mullaperiyar Dam The Supreme Court of India on 23 July 2012 allowed Tamil Nadu government to carry out repair and maintenance works on the Mullaperiyar dam. However, the court instructed that the repairing and maintenance work is to be carried out in the presence of the Superintending Engineer of Kerala and an independent member nominated by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission. Changes in Union Cabinet Congress on 31 July 2012 saw as natural the changes in the Union Cabinet that has witnessed P Chidambaram moving to Finance and Sushilkumar Shinde to Home. This is Prime Ministers prerogative after Pranab Mukherjees election as President. Naturally there was a vacancy in the Finance Ministry. Chidambaram was today made the Finance Minister as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh effected a minor reshuffle in portfolios in the Union Cabinet, Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde is the new Home Minister in place of Chidambaram, Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily was given the additional charge of Power Ministry.

STATES
Jandhyala In Now Chief I-T Commissioner Suresh jandhyala took charge as chief income -tax commissioner Hyderabad. An IPS officer of 1979 batch, he will also hold the additional charge of chief commissioner of I-T III , Hyderabad . Bibadh Dutta , an IRS officer of 1978 batch, assumed charge as director general (Investigation),Hyderabad. J.K.Hota , an IPS officer of 1970 batch charge as chief commissioner I-T II, Hyderabad. Madhya Pradesh Stood Firsts at Implementing Employment Guarantee Scheme Madhya pradesh has been performing excellent in the implementation of centers flagship Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, MNREGA. According to Union governments latest delivery monitoring unit (DMU) report, M.P has performed better than several other states and stood first in implementing MNREGA scheme among other states. Goa Scheme To Empower Women With an aim to curb female foelicide in Goa, chief minister, Mr . Manohar parrikar launched the Ladli LaxmI scheme on 6 July 2012, under which women can avail Rs.1 lakh to meet wedding expenses. The Government has set aside Rs.150crore for the scheme, which was first announced in the state Budget. Highest crime against women in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have earned the dubious distinction of leading a list of states where crime against women in 2011 was highest.With 7.5 per cent share of the countrys population, West Bengal accounted for nearly 12.7 percent of total crime against women by reporting 29,133 cases.The National Crime Records Bureau figures show that Andhra Pradesh, accounting for nearly 7 percent of the countrys population, recorded 12.4 percent of total crime against women with 28,246 cases. Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project among most innovative projects in world

The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project to develop the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, is named among the most innovative projects in the world. According to KPMG, worlds top advisory firm, the project is an urban regeneration and environmental improvement initiative. Jagadish Shettar , Sworn As CM of karnataka Jagadish shettar , a Lingayat leader backed by BJP leader B.S.Yedyurappa , was on 11 July 2012 sworn in as CM of Karnataka , along with a full- fledged 33 member ministerial team that included 11 new faces and two Deputy chief minister,state unit BJP President K.S.Eshwarappa and R.Ashoka, who were members of the D.V.sadananda Gowda cabinet,were sworn in as deputy CM by governor H.R.Bharadwaj who administered the oath of office to the new ministers at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan. 50% Quota For Women In Orissa Local Bodies Orissa chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 13 July 2012 announced increase in the representation of women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBS) from 33 percent to 50 percent, this claiming credit one of the first states in the country to give 50 percent seats to female folk. U.P , Bihar , Rajastan has a high Total Fertility rate(TER) Even as the Total Fertility rate (TER) the average number of children born to a woman during her reproductive years has gone down substantially in the country, the recent survey revealed that Uttar pradesh, Bihar , Rajasthan and Jharkhand have high TFR on an average a woman gives birth to move than 3 children. The highest of 5.9 children has been reported in shrawasti district of U.P. The TFR is 3.6 for U.P and 3.7 for Bihar. Delhi Government Decided To Increase the Number of Districts in Delhi from 9 to11 To Facilitate the speedy justice and efficient administration, the Delhi government decide in- principle to divide into 11 sessions and revenue districts. The existing number of districts in 9 that includes, Central, North, South , East, Northeast, South west, New Delhi, Northwest and west Delhi. Five new districts namely seelampur, Gandhinagar, saraswati vihar, Najafgarh and kalkaji will come into existence.

CONFERENCES
7th ASEAN Education Minister Meeting(ASED) in Indonesia 7th ASEAN education Ministers meeting on July 4 with the 1st Asean plus three education Minister Meeting and the 1st East Asia Summit Education Minister meeting from July4-5 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The 1st East Asia Meeting was attended by delegates from Asean member countries Australia, china ,India ,Japan, republic of South Korea , New zealand and the United states of America.Indias Representative is Educational Minister puradareswari . Tokyo Conference Pledges $16 billion to Afghanistan International donors on 8 July 2012 pledged $16 billion in badly needed development aid for Afghanistan over the next 4 years. The major donors conference, attended by about 70 countries and organizations, is aimed at setting aid levels for the crucial period through and beyond 2014,when most NATO led foreign troops will leave and the wartorn country will assume responsibility for most of its own security. Afghanistan president Humid Karzai urged the international community not to abandon his country.

South Africa to host first World Hindi Conference The first World Hindi Conference (WHC) will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from September 22-24. The first World Hindi Conference in September will see experts hold a range of serious scholarly discussions. Jointly organized by the Indian Government, the Hindi Shiksha Sangh of South Africa (HSS) and the Indian Cultural Centre here, the event will be held from September 22 to 24. A large delegation from India comprising around 500 to 600 participants, in addition to about 300 from South Africa will join various other international delegates. NASA Includes Two Indian Innovators On Waste Management NASA, the US space agency has included two Indian innovates for its conference on waste management. Nitin Gupta from Attero Recycling and Anshu Gonj from Goonj are among nine innovators from across the globe that made it to the NASA conference on waste management, which started on 20 July 2012. Gupta from Attero Recycling is Indias le ading provider of end to end electronic and electrical goods e-waste management services, while Goonj is a grass roots NGO focused on transforming and revaluing clothing and textiles waste by working on these issues directly at the community level. US hosts 19th International AIDS Conference The worlds largest meeting on HIV/AIDS opened on 22nd July in Washington with calls to speed up the global response to the three-decade-long epidemic that killed 1.5 million people last year.The 19th International AIDS Conference drew around 25,000 people, including politicians, scientists and activists, as well as some of the estimated 34 million people living with HIV who will tell their stories.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Nayudamma Award for TCS Rajanna V.Rajanna , President of the IT and ITES Industry Association of AP(ITsAP) and global head of TCSs Telecom Technology Business unit , Hyderabad , has been chosen for the Nayudamma Award for the year 2012 .The Nellore based Nayudamma centre for development Alternatives (NCDA) Chosen MR.Rajanna in recognition of his outstanding contribution in ITA communications. Award for Golden Rock Railway workshop The Golden Rock Railway workshop at Trichi over hauls diesel locomotives and coaches , manufactures steam locomotives and wagons and also exports locomotives. During 2011-12, the workshop released 138 diesel locomotives from periodical over hauling against the target of 79 set by the Railway Board. In recognition of this achievement, the chief Mechanical engineer, southern Railway, Mr s.J.sood , awarded a shield to the workshop, as Railway week celebrations. Samsung Announces cash Award for Olympic medal Samsung India announced cash award of rs.20 lakh to any of the countys sports persons winning a gold medal in the forth coming Olympic games to be held in London. Osmania University Awards Doctorate To APCC Secretary Srungarapati Ananda Babu, APCC Secretary and Babu Jagjivan ram All Indias samta movement president , has been awarded doctorate by Osmania University.

Manipal University Was The Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2012 Manipal University won the Golden Peacock Environment management Award 2012 . The main theme of this meet was driving sustainable business through economy. The Award was given by karan singh on the 14th world congress meet an Environment Management . The ceremony was held in the Le Meridian Hotel, New Delhi. Major Award for TMI Chairman The Hyderabad Management Association has awarded T.Muralidaran, the fonder and chairman the TMI Group the Entrepreneur of the year Award 2012. small scale for his exemplary contribution in the field of human resources and skill management on 11 July 2012. Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao Selected for Award of FRCP (London) Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao has been selected for the award of Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) (London). FRCP is given in recognition of particular professional merit. The President of India awarded Padma Sri, the prestigious civilian award in India to Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao in 2008 for his contribution in the field of medicine and medical service to the people at large. Lanco Infratech Bags Award Lanco Infratech Ltd (LITL) has won the In house communication excellence award 2012, where their journal was adjudges the best in cover design category. Lanco won the award where in 685 entries from various public and private sector organizations were assessed. NMDC Director Gets Mining Engineer Award Narendra kumar nanda, director of the countrys largest iron ore producer NMDC , was conferred with Abheraj Baldota Memorial Award Mining Engineer of the year for 2012 -11 by the Mining engineers Association of India. The Award is given every year in recognition of meritorious contribution to the mining industry by a mining engineer. Golden Peacock Award Lanco Kondapalli Power Ltd, a subsidiary of the power and infrastructure company Lanco Infra tech Ltd, has won Golden Peacock Award for its environment, health and safety management . The Golden peacock awards is instituted by the World Environment foundation. It also won the Green tech safety award: in the golden category for the plants priority to work place health and safety philosophy. Sundarsham Patnaik Won Gold medal in World Sand Sculpture Championship 2012 Indian Sand Artist Saundaram sham patnaik won Peoples Choice Medal Award in Moscow . It was the second world sand sculpture championship. Artists from 11 countries took part in the championship. Sundarsham Sculpted the copy of the face of The showman of the millennium Raj Kapoor. His interpretation of the Raj kapoor was highly praised by the visitors. His Sculpture symbolizes Indo- Russian Friendship. Sundarsham Patnaik has also won Berlin World championship 2008. His sand sculpture was based on the awareness about global warming. 4India-American Scientists Receive US Presidential Award US President barrack Obama has named four Indian American scientists among 96 researchers as recipients of the prestigious presidential early career Awards for scientists and Engineers. The four researchers are sridevi Vedula sarma, pawan sinha, Parag A Pathak, and Biju Parekkadan. This is the highest honour given by the Us Government to science & Engineering professional in the early stages of their independent research career.

Fukuoka Prize for Vadana shiva Well Known Environment activist vadana Shiva has been named the winner of the prestigious Fukuoka prize awarded by the Fukuoka city government in Japan to people who contributes to academia , arts , and culture in Asia. And Shiva was presented with official notification of the award at a ceremony held in Delhi on 23 July 2012. ONGC was awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012 Greentech Foundation awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012 on 24 July 2012 to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The conference was held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The Application of the Company was short listed by the award committee. ONGC was selected in Corporate Category for the gold trophy of safety management award. A.K.Hazarika and Anoop Kumar are the Director and ED-Chief HSE of ONGC. Kulandei francis Got Magsaysay Award Kulandei francis has been chosen for the Ramon Magsaysay Award for the year2012, for economic empowerment of thousands of women and their families in rural India. Mr.Francis is a director of the krishnagiri based BGO integrated village development Program(IVD). He was invited by Foundation to receive the award at Manila on august 31. Jeet Thayil, Long Listed for Booker Prize Jeet Thayil, noted kerala- born post and novelist, has been long -listed for the 2012. Man Booker Prize for his debut novel Narcopolis Mr.Thayil is among 12 writers long -listed for the 50,000 Prize. A Short list of six will be announced in September, and the win ner at Londons Guildhall on October 16. If Mr.Thayil goes on to win, he will join a select band of India or India-born writer such as salman Rushdie, kiran desai and Aravind Adiga who have won a Booker. NMDC Director(finance ) bags Award Mrs. Thiagarajan, National Mineral Development cooperations Director(finance),received the Icon of the Accounting Profession award for the Institute of public enterprises of Hyderabad. The award is in recognition of his contributes to NMDCs recent acquisition of Leganc y Iron ore Mine & on-going setting up of a steel plant. Innovation Awards For Gigachi, Yegna Manohanvam Innovation award for MSMEs, Promoted by the foundation for MSME clusters in association with the commissionerate of Industries, were bagged by sigachi & Yegna manojavaram Drugs & Chemicals Ltd, for 2011.

SPORTS & GAMES

Asia Cup Final ends In A Thrilling Tie Indian colts lost wickets in a heap towards the end of the innings as the under -19. Asia cup final against Pakistan ended in a thrilling tie, with both countries sharing honours at the Kinrara Academy oval, Kulalumpur on 1 July 2012. Sandeep wins 1500m Gold

sandeep Karan singh won the 1500metres in the Asian all stars meet that concluded in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 1 July 2012. Clinical West Indies Win T20 series Chris Gayle smashed his second successive fifty and spinner sunil Narine claimed 4-12 as west Inides to a 61-run victory over new zealand to win2-0 in the twenty series in Florida. Woods Triumphs AT&T Golf Tournament Tiger Woods won the storm hit AT & t National on 1 July 2012 for his 74th career title to pass Jack Nicklaus for second place all -time on the PGA Tour list. Spain Won UEFA Euro Cup FootBall Championship 2012 Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final to win UEFA (Union of European football Associations) Euro cup Football championship 2012 at the Olympic stadium in kiev, Ukraine , on 1July 2012. Spain has set up a record by becoming the first team to claim two consecutive titles in tournaments 52-year long history Iker casillas was the captain of Spain team.The four goals hit by David Silva, Jordi Alba, fermando Torres and Jvan Mata hed the Spain team to a remarkable victory. Spain midfielder andres Inierta of Spain was declared as the mass of the match given the golden boot as he scored three goals in the Spains title winning campaign.Torres also became to score in two separate European championship finals. Kolkata To Host Richest Domestic Golf Kolkata will host the richest domestic event in the country with the inaugural Rs.1.25 Crore Russel Tour championship Race to RCGC , in December. Abhijeet wins US Event , GM title for Venkatesh National Champion Abhijeet Gupta beat IM dean Ippolito of United states to won the Philadelphia International chess Tournament, while MR Venkatesh became In dias 28th grand Master at the event,Philadelphia(USA). Ayaz Wins Title Asias highest ranked match racing skipper Ayaz shaik, who is also the reigning national champion and top seed at the on going Monsoon Regatta, won the title in the omega class match racing championship at the , Hussain sagar lake in Hyderabad. Ex-England Batsman Mark Ramprakash Announced Retirement From Cricket Previous England Batsman Mark Ramparakash on 5 July 2012 announced his retirement from cricket after being told by survey that he was not figured in the selection plans. He was the most prolific and stylish batsman in the England Cricket team.He scored 13000 runs in limited over cricket and 35689 runs in 461 first class matches. He is one in 25 players in the history of the sport who have scored 100 first class centuries. Sindhu Bags Asian Youth Title PV sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian to win girls singles Badminton title in the Asian Youth under-10 championship at Gimcheon, korea .In the final on 7 July 2012, sindhu rallied to beat okuhura nozomi of Japan. Wimbledon 2012

Wimbledon 2012 was a 14 day sporting even commenced on 25 June 2012 & concluded on 8 July 2012. Womens single won by Serena Srena Williams of US beat Agnieszka Radwanka of poland to claim Ladies Singles Title.it was her fifth Wimbledon and 14th Grand Slam Singles Title. Roger Federer Won Wimbledon Title 2012 Roger Federer regained the Wimbledon crown when he beat Andy Murray in four sets in the final on 1 July 2012. The victory was his 17th major title. He had won 7 Wimbledon titles yet and equaled the pete sampras record. The master also equaled the Americanss record of 286 weeks at the top, starting on 9 July 2012. Womens doubles won by serena and venus williams In Ladies doubles, Serena Williams and Venus Williams emerged victorious as they defeated Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. Mixed doubles won by Brayan and Lisa The mixed doubles Title was grabbed by Mike Brayan and Lisa Raymond by defeating Leander Paes and Eleba vesnina. Mens Doubles won by Marry and Nielson The Mens Doubles title was grabbed by Jonatham Marray and Frederick Nielson. Webber pips Alonso In British Grand Prix Mark webber claimed the ninth win of his career on 8 July 2012. when he swept to dramatic and perfectly -judged victory in an incident filled British Grand Prix Sarvanan Takes The Honours National champion Vishu sravanan of CESC won the title in the optimist category with eight wins from ten races as the Monsoon Regatta sailing championship which concluded at the Hussain sagar lake Hyderabad 8 July 2012 . Title High For Choi At US Open South Koreas Na Yeon Choi won the US Womens open on 8 July 2012, showing a champions resolve in the face of adversity to claim her first major title. Choi 24, fired a one over 73 at Black Wolf run for a seven- under. Total of 281 and a four shot victory over another south Korean, amy yang. Indian Wrestlers Win 19 Medals Indian Wrestlers Won 19 medals , Including five golds in the Asian cadet championships at Bishkek(Kygyzkan), Besides five gold , the Indian also won four silver & 10 Bronze medals. Mark Boucher Announces Retirement South Africa wicket keeper Mark Boucher had retires from international cricket after suffering server eye injury during his countr ys tour match against somerset.Boucher had to undergo 3 hrs surgery. Boucher has been a mainstay of the south Africa side for 15 years, appearing in 147 tests and

becoming the first wicket keeper to take 500 catches in Test Cricket, where he has also scored five hundred. London Olympic Games would Be The Most Dope Tested In History : WADA The London Olympics is all set to go down in history as the most dope tested games with more than 6,000 Agency(WADA) said. Brett Lee Retired From International Cricket Cricket Australia paid rich tribute to pace man Brett Lee, who announced his International retirement. The 35 year old Lee retired after a 13-year international career that included 76 tests, 221 ODIs and 25 twenty twenty internationals .He is the second Highest ODI wicket- taker (380) for Australia behind Glenn Mc Grat ch ( seventh all-time ) and one of only four Australians to take more than 300 test wickets. Two women athletes represent Saudi Arabia in London Olympics The London Olympics will be the first ever to include women athletes from every competing nation after Saudi Arabia agreed to send female athletes. According to The Guardian, Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani in judo and 800-metre runner Sarah Attar will take part in the Olympics. Jayaveena sets Yet Another National Record A.V,Jayaveena set her second National record in as many days as she won the 50m break stroke event in 35.42 seconds in 39th Junior aquatics championships, Chennai on 12 July 2012 Sushil Kumar Named Indias Flag -Bearer World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist . wrestler Sushil kumar , was chosen as the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in London on July 27. David Ferrer wins Swedish Open David Ferrer won his second Swedish Open title after defeating fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-2, 6-2. The No. 5-ranked Ferrer was never challenged during the clay-court match, which was his 11th career victory over Almagro. It was his second Swedish Open tennis title. Windies Clinch ODI series Against New zealand West Indies to a 24 run win over N\ew Zealand in the fourth one-day international which clinched the five match series. China won the junior women hockey championship China won the junior women hockey championship by defeating India, The tournaments final was held in Bangkok on 7 July. Second Straight Win Humpy Koneru Humpy posted her second straight win in the FIDE womens Grand prix chess tournament at Jermuk (Armenia) on 18 July 2012. Amla Scores Triple

Hashim Amla became the first South Africa batsman to score 300 in a test match when he reached the landmark against on the fourth day of the first test at The oval on 22 July 2012. Amla was on 311 not out. The triple century scored by Amla in tests is a record in South Africa cricket. Alson Wins Controversial german Grand Prix Fernando Alonsa led from pole position to chequered flag to win the German Grand Prix Ferrari on 22 July 2012 while Gemans world champion Sebastian vettal was stripped of second place for an overtaking infringement. Dramatic Win For Els After Late Scott Collapse South African Erine Els won the British golf open by one stroke from Adanscott on 21 July 2012, after the Australian suffered an extraordinary late collapse in an incident packed final day . Bradley Wiggins won the 99th Edition of Tour de France Bicycle Race Bradley Wiggins of Britain became the first cyclist of the country, to win the coveted Tour de France Cycling race on 22 July 2012. Team Sky rider Wiggins is the first cyclist to have won both the Tour and an Olympic track cycling gold. His Sky teammate and fellow Briton, Froom Christopher came second. Their teammate and fellow country man Mark Cavendish was declared the days winner as he won the final stage of the race. Dinda named Bengals Player of the year The Cricket association of Bengal on 23 July 2012 honoured ex- India foot ball captain chuni Goswami with the kartrick Bose lifetime achievement award, while Laxmi Ratna Shukla and Ashok Dinda were jointly given the best players of the season 2011-12 honours. Cibulkova Triumphs Dominika cibulkova beat to seeded Marion Bartoli on 22 July 2012 to win the WTA Carksbad Crown. This is second tennis title in her career. London Olympics 2012 The London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27 July 2012. Titled Isles of Wonder, the Ceremony welcomed the finest athletes from more than 200 nations for the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking an historic third time the capital has hosted the worlds biggest and most important sporting event.The Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was a Ceremony for everyone and celebrated contributions the UK has ma de to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people. The spectacular finale of the event saw the Olympic Cauldron, formed of 205 copper petals representing the competing nations coming together in London for the Games, ignited by seven young Torchbearers nominated by Britains past and present Olympic and sporting greats. Siling Shots Down First Gold Chinas world number one YI Siling won the first gold of the London Olympics in the womens 10 air rifle competition at Londons Royal Artilley Barracks on 28 July 2012. Hungarian Grand Prix Won by Hamilton Mc.larens lewis Hamilton delivered a flawless performance from the pole position to the chequered flag to win the Hungarian Grand Prix on 29 July 2012. Hamiltons win was his second of the year and the 19th of his career.

Chinshanlo Won Gold in Olympics kazakhstans zulfiya chinshanlo set a world record in clean & jerk as she powered to Olympic gold in the womens 53 kg on 29 July 2012 and claimed a cash bonus from her countrys president. Gagan Narang Fetches First Medal For India Shooter Gagan Narang provided the spark to Indias Olympic campaign by clinching the bronze medal in the mens 10 m air rifle event on the fourth day of Olympics at h e Royal Artilery London on 30 July 2012.Narang, 29, participating in his third Games, had a total score of 701.1 (598 qualifying, 103.1 final) to finish third at the Royal Artillery Barracks range, triggering celebrations among the Indian diaspora here and the countrymen back home. It was third time when Gagan Narang was participating in Olympics.

ECONOMY
Tata AIG becomes Tata AIA life Tata AIG life insurance has been rechistened as Tata AIA life Insurance company following the exit of amrican International group(AIG) from the Hong-kong based AIA Group. RBI Lunches Online Facilities For G-Secs Trading The Reserve Bank of India has taken one more step to widen investor participation in secondary market,Trading in government securities. The RBI has introduced a web based system for online trading by gilt account holders. This facility is operational from June 29. ICIC Bank Sells Its Debt In Kingfisher to Srei Arm ICIC Bank sold its entire debt of Rs. 430crore in the crisis -ridden Kinfisher to Srei venture capital Ltd,a group company of srei infrastructure Finance Ltd. Kingfisher airlines owned by liquor baron vijay Mallaya was launched in 2005 and has not reported profits since.The airlines has a total debt of a round Rs.7500crore.Banks which had given loans to kingfisher Airlines include SBI(Rs.1400 crore),PNB(around 700 crore), Bank of Baroda (around Rs.500Crore) and ICICI bank(around Rs.450 crore). Government To Setup Rs.2000 Crore venture Fund For R&d in Pharma The central Government has decided to setup with a venture capital of Rs.2000 Crore which will promote research and development(R&D) in the pharmaceutical sector. India is the third largest producer of pharma products by volume, and the industry in growing at 15-20 percent annually. India Emerged as the 3rd Most Preferred FDI Destination: UNCTAD report 2012 According to the world investment report 2012 released by united nations conference on trade & development(UNCTAD) on 5 July 2012, India emerged as the third most preferred Foreign Direct Investment(FDI)destination in the world. The first position was occupied by china followed by US. The report noted that FDI inflows to had increased by 33%in 2011 to 31.66 billion. china Cuts Interest Rates Again chinas Central Bank cut interest rates for the second time in 2 months on 5 July 2012 in the latest attempt to bolster slowing growth in the worlds second largest economy.

Rs.4,575 Plan To Revive Five PSUs Plans to nurse bock five public sector units (PSUs) at a total investment of Rs.4575 crore are under active consideration of the government which will also revive Lucknow based scooters India without inducting any strategic partner. Old time blue chip PSUs-HMT, HMT bearings,HMT watches, news print maker NEPA and Nagaland pulp and paper will be revived through the induction of funds by the government. SEBI Permitted MCX Stock Exchange(MCX-SX) to Operate As A Full-Fledged Stock Exchange Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 10 July 2012 permitted MCX stock exchange (MCX-SX) to operate as a full -fledged stock exchange there by ending nearly fouryear-long wait of the bourse. with the grant of the permission MCX-SX will from here on be able to offer additional asset classes such as equity and equity FAO, internet rate futures and whole sale debt segments. ADB Gives $800m To Build 9,000 km Of Rural Roads This is first tranche of $1.2 billion programme covering 5 stets. A Loan of $800 million from the Asia Development Bank(ADB) will held build 9,00 km of rural road in five states. The investment is part of a larger $1.2 billion programme to connect villages in Assam, chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa & West Bengal with all -weather by the end of 2017. Coal India To Invest Rs 7,500 cr On Rail Infrastructure In 3 states Public sector miner coal India Ltd has lined up on Investment of Rs 7,500 crore to development railway tracks and related infrastructure to evacuate coal from chattisgarh, Jarkhand and Odisha . This would help the company to evacuate around 100 million tonnes(mt) of additional coal from each of states. IMF Lowers Indias Growth Forecast The International Monetary Fund on 16 July 2012 lowered Indias growth forecast for 2012 calendar year, citing weakening domestic demand and difficult external environment, and said the country faced financial stability concerns because of the depreciating rupee and large fiscal deficit. The fund expects Indias economy to expand only 6.1% in 2012 against its April estimate of 6.8%. Moreover, it does not see any meaningful recovery in 2013, pegging GDP growth at only 6.5%, down from 7.2% estimated earlier. Planning Commission Sanctioned 57800 crore Rupees As Annual Plan For UP Making an increase of whopping 23% annual financial allocation for UP, the planning commission of India allocated 57800 crore rupees to the state for fiscal year 2012-13. Besides, it also approved a 20,crore rupees additional funding for centre sponsored schemes in the state. The planning commission had sanctioned 47000 crore rupees to up during financial year 2011-12 . The decision over the financial allocation for the state came following the meeting held between up chief minister Akhilesh yadav and planning commission chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in New Delhi on 18 July 2012. Government Clears Dis Investment of 10.82 pc stake In SAIL The government on 19 July 2012 approved the sale of 10.82 percent of its stake in steel authority of India (SAIL),Which may fetch the exchequer over Rs 4,000 crore. The cabinet committee on Economic affairs (CCEA), headed by PM Manmohan singh has cleared SAIL public offer. The government currently holds 85.82% stake in SAIL. No need to file income tax returns if salary not exceeding Rs 5 lakh

Salaried employees earning up to Rs 5 lakh a year need nod file income tax returns from this year, the Finance Ministry said on 20 July 2012.The exemption from filing I-T returns is applicable only if the total income of the employee does not exceed Rs 5 lakh (and) the annual interest earned from savings bank account is less than Rs 10,000 for assessment year 2012-13.At present, income of Rs 2-5 lakh attracts 10 percent tax, Rs 5-10 lakh 20 percent and above Rs 10 lakh, 30 percent. 13 trillion stashed in offshore tax havens A new report by tax researchers estimates the amoun t of black money deposited by a global super rich elite in offshore accounts at 13 trillion equivalent of the combined GDP of the US and Japan. The report by Tax Justice Network released to The Observer is said to be the most detailed estimates yet of the size of the offshore economy. In the report, Mr James Henry, former chief economist at consultancy McKinsey and an expert on tax havens, shows that at least 13 trillion perhaps up to 20 trillion has leaked out of scores of countries into secretive jurisdictions such as Switzerland and the Cayman Islands with the help of private banks. No Service Tax on remittances from abroad Setting at rest concerns expressed in various quarters , the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), on 10th July,, clarified that remittances from abroad would not attract service tax.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

In Japan, First Reactor Is Restarted Since Quake A two-month shutdown of Japans nuclear power plants ended on Sunday when officials at a western plant reactivated a reactor for the first time since the disaster last year in Fukushima.The restarting of reactor No. 3 at the Ohi nuclear plant was ordered by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, in a decision that has spurred growing public protests. Zebra Fish Research Facility Opened at CCMB A state of the art research facility on Zebrafish, an important animal model to study modern biology and human diseases, was inaugurated at the center for cellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB).The genome of Zebrafish was similar to the genome of humans and this has prompted CCMB to deal exclusively with their ti investigate development biology invertebrates. UK To Test Worlds first Pilotless Fighter By 2013 Pilotless fighter planes have come a step closer to reality as British Aerospace revealed that it would test such a new fighter jet next year.The company is set to unveil a new super-fighter which can fly on its own for 24 hours with no cockpit and no human on board, according to a media reported.If all goes as planned the artificial intelligence could mean the end of fighter pilots in the UK and bring down the curtain on conventional aircraft like the F-35. Iran tests fires Missile, says Israel Target Iran on 3 July 2012 said it had successfully tested medium rang missiles capable of hitting Israel in response to threats of military action against country. Worlds Smallest fly Discovered

Scientists have discovered what they say is the worlds smallest known fly which feeds on tiny ants, probably decapitating them and using their head casings as its home. with a length of Just 0.4mm. the fly called Euryplatea nanaknihali, is five times smaller than a fruit fly and tinier than a grain salt, the researcher said. Amniotic fluid An Alternative stem Cell Source Stem cells taken from amniotic fluid can be transformed into a move versatile state similar to embryonic stem cells and may offer an alternative to the medically valuable but controversial cells , scientists said on 3 July 2012.British researchers said . They had succeeded in reprogramming amniotic fluid cells without having to introduce extra genes. This suggests the possibility that stem cells derived from amniotic fluid could be stored in banks and used for medical therapies and i research. God of all particles found ! British researches from the large Hadron collider at CERN(european organization for Nuclear research) said here on 4 July 2012 they have found a new subatomic particle consistent with the elusive Higgs boson, which is thought to give mass to elementary particles. These results mark a significant break through in our understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the Universe, said prof.john Womersley , CEO of the science & Technology facilities Council. The particle was proposed in 1964 by three groups of physicists, including Britains peter Higgs, after whom it was named. The results were labelled as preliminary, based on data collected in 2011 and 2012 data still under analysis. But scientists are 99.99% sure the new particle is Higgs Boson, or the God Particleas it better Known. Home HIV Test Wins FDA Nod After decades of controversy, the food and Drug administration, or FDA on 3July 2012 approved a new HIV test that for the first time maker it possible to learn in the privacy of their homes easy to use as a home pregnancy kit. The OraQuick Test,by Orasure Technologies, uses a mouth swab and gives results in 20-40 minutes. Yahoo! India RAD Sets Up Lab at IIT Madras Yahoo ! India RAD has entered into an agreement with IIT, Madras, to support its faculty and students in closed computing research. Yahoo has setup a grid computing lab Madras on IIT Campus, consisting of a cluster of high-end server running its open source Hadoop software, which will provide the infrastructure necessary to conduct research on bid data and cloud computing systems. The lab, which costs over Rs.50 lakh to build. will be accessible to students who have cloud computing courses and doctoral candidates. Dark Matter Found Between Galaxies For the first time. astronomers have discovered a giant string of invisible dark matter across the universe between a pair of galaxy clusters. The Universe is thought to be filled with such strings of dark matter, a mysterious substance that cannot be seen, only sensed through its gravitational pull. DNS Changer Virus Tens of Thousand of people around the world whose computers were infected with malware known as DNS Changer away lose their internet access on 9 July 2012 after the expiry of a US government fix. The virus was created by a gang of cyber criminals to redirect Internet traffic by hijacking the domain name systems of web browsers. The ring behind the DNS changer virus, discovered in 2007, was shut down last year by the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI): Estonian police and other law enforcement agencies. Because the virus controlled spo much internet traffic, authorities obtained a court order to allow the FBI to operate replacement servers which allow traffic to flow normally , even from infected computers.

Hubble Discovers Fifth And Tiniest Pluto Moon US astronomers using the Hubble space Telescope have discovered a fifth and tiniest moon yet orbiting the icy dwarf planet Pluto. The mini-moon is estimated to be irregular in shape and between 10km and 25 km across. It is visible as a speck of light in Hubble images, NASA said. The newly discovered moon, provisionally named s/2012[134340]1 until it gets a proper name, could help reveal more on how the Pluto system came into existence and evolved ever since. Plutos largest moon, charon,which is about 1000 Km across, was discovered in 1978. Hubble observations in 2006 uncovered two additional small moons, Nix and Hydra. India Successfully Test Fires nuclear Capable Agni-I Missile India successfully test fired domestically Agni-I ballistic missile.The missile was launched from a test range at wheeler island off Odisha coast. Agni-I was developed under the join of work of advanced systems Laboratory, the missile development laboratory of the DRDO, DRDL and Research centre Imarat, while it was integrated by Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad. Russian Soyuz Space Craft blasted -off From The Baikonour Cosmodrome In Kazakhstan A Russian Soyuz TMA -o5 M Space craft carrying three astronauts including sunita Williams, the Indian American astronaut, took off for the International space station on 15 July 2012 from Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz launch marked that opened the door to USRussian cooperation in space science. Asian Space Powers gear For More Moon Missions The three major Asian space powers China , Japan & india are entering the next phase of their lunar exploration. Now, all three want to send an orbiter that will circle. The Moon as well as lander that will gently settle on its surface and release, a rover that will roam about. Chinese space officials says that the Change-3 could leave for the moon in 2012. Indias chandrayaan-2 mission could be on its way in 2014. Japan plans to send selene-2 landing mission to Mon by Tatasuaki okda. south korea plans an orbiter lander mission to Moon around 2023. Iran on 3 July 2012, test-fired a medium range ballistic missile Shahab-3 The Shahab-3 has a range of up to 2000 kilometres. The Shahab-1 and Shahab-2, the two shortrange missiles, with ranges of 300 to 500 kilometres, were also launched. The missile launch was the part of Irans Great Prophet 7 exercise. Great Prophet 7 exercise was announced by Iran on 1 July 2012 in the wake of latest European Union sanctions on Iran. The exercise, which involved test of dozens of missiles and domestically-built drones came following European Unions decision to ban the purchase of Iranian crude oil. The EUs decision is the clear repercussion of failed dialogue held between Iran and world powers on Irans ambitious nuclear programme. Scientists identified First Radio Waves from Middleweight Black Hole HLX-1 A team of scientists at the University of Sydney on 10 July 2012 discovered the first radio emissions from the middle weight black hole HLX-1, that lies in a galaxy about 300 million light-years away. The research team had used Compact Array radio telescope from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). HLX-1 (hyper-luminous X-ray source 1), lies in a galaxy called ESO 243-49 about 300 million light-years away. As per the new study, the size of HLX-1 is around 20000 times the mass of our sun which makes it an intermediate mass black hole. U.S Approves Anti HIV Drug The U. S Food and Drug administration(FDA) gave its first ever nod for an anti- HIV drug, Truvada , to pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences, Truvada is known chemically as fixed dose, daily intake combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fume rate.

India Set TO launch Astrosat Next Year Astrosat along Journey for a national space observatory. Next year, India is to launch Astrosat, the countrys first satellite dedicated to astronomy, which will gaze out at the Universe in x -ray, U.V and visible light bands . The data its instruments supply help scientists to have better under standing of the ways of the cosmos. TIFR, Mumbai will be responsible for developing three of Astrosats five instruments . India pitches for BrahMos induction in Russian naval fleet India 17July 2012 asked Russia to induct the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in its Navy to strengthen the joint venture between two countries. This was conveyed to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin here by head of the BrahMos joint venture A Sivathanu Pillai. BrahMos missile has been inducted in all the three wings of the Indian armed forces but the Russian side has not yet done so. Stephen Hawking Launches Supercomputer Renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has launched the most powerful shared-memory supercomputer in Europe. Hawking anticipates that the COSMOS supercomputer, manufactured by SGI and the first system of its kind, will open up new windows on the universe, a university. During the launch, which is part of the Numerical Cosmology 2012 workshop at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge, Cosmology is now a precision science, so we need machines like COSMOS to reach out and touch the real universe, to investigate whether our mathematical models are correct. Worlds smallest semiconductor laser created Scientists have developed the worlds smallest semiconductor laser, a breakthrough that they say will lead to the development of faster, smaller and lower energy photon-based technologies for treating and studying diseases. Physicists at The University of Texas in collaboration with colleagues in Taiwan and China, have developed the worlds smallest semiconductor laser, a technology for emerging photonic technology with applications from computing to medicine, according to a report published in the journal Science. The device is constructed of a gallium nitride nano rod that is partially filled with indium gallium nitride. Both alloys are semiconductors used commonly in LEDs. The nano laser is too small to be visible to the naked eye and when fired, it emits a green light. Army Conducts Successful User Trail of Brahmos Balasor ( Odisha) On July 29,2012. India on 29 July 2012 successfully test fired Brahmos supersonic cruise missile from the integrated test range at chandipur of odisha coast. The missile with a flight range of up to 29 km is capable of carrying conventional war head if 300 kg. This is a surface to surface army version was test fixed as a part of user trial by the Army. This was test fired from ground mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of ITR. China Tests Career Rocket Engine China on 29 July 2012. It has successfully tested a new 120 tones thrust liquid oxygen(LOX) and kerosene engine for its new generation carrier rocket, the Lon March-5 for future space launches. The LOX/Kerosene engine under went a test of a high rotational speed of nearly 20,000 revolutions per minute. NASAs Newest Mars Rover Faces a Tricky Landing The US space agencys most ambitious and expensive Mars mission yet, and it begins with the red planet arrival on 29 July 2012 of the smartest interplanetary rover ever built. NASA designed for the Curiosity rover is so risky its been described as seven minutes of terror the time it takes to go

from 13,000 mph (20,920 kph) to a complete stop. The future direction of Mars exploration is hanging on the outcome of this USD 2.5 billion science project to determine whether the environment was once suitable for microbes to live. Previous missions have found ice and signs that water once flowed. Curiosity will drill into rocks and soil in search of carbon and other elements.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Jawahar Thakur assumed the Charge as the controller General of Accounts Jawahar Thakur, a 1979 batch Indian civil accounts service officer took over as the new controller General of Accounts (CGA) of India, the past earlier held by c.R.Sundaramurti, Prior to his appointment as the CGA,Thakur was the principal chief controller of Accounts in the central board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) under the department of Revenue in the Finance Ministry. Chidambaram Appointed Head of EGOM Home minister P.Chidambaram was on 6 July 2012 appointed the head of the Empowered Group of Minister(EGOM)on spectrum auction that was reconstituted after Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar declined the job fearing controversies.Chidambaram,will head the 7 member group that also includes Defense Minister A.K.Antony, Telecom Minister Kapil sibal, IAB minister Anbika soni, Law minister Salman Khurshid, Minister of state in PMs office V.Narayana swamy and Planning commission deputy chairman Montek singh Ahluwalia. Jayarama Bhat Gets Second Term as Karnataka Bank Chief The RBI has approved the reappointment of Mr. P. Jayarama Bhat as MD and CEO of Karnataka Bank for the second term. Mr. Bhat first term in office will be completed by July 13.The RBI has conveyed its approval for the reappointment of R. Bhat for further period three years with effect from July 14. SEBI Appoints Muralidhar Rao as ED Mr. S.V. Muralidhar Rao has been appointed as executive Director with SEBI .The appointment of Mr Rao as ED comes after the vacancy created by the exit of Ms. Usha Narayanan. Bhusan Now In Steel Ministry Civil Aviation additional secretary and former DGCA E.K.Bharat Bhushan was shunted out of the civil aviation Ministry on 13 July 2012 and posted as additional secretary and financial adviser in the ministry of steel. Seema Modi Named Heinzs First Woman MD In India US Food Company Heinz had appointed seema Modi as its India Managing director , helping has become the third woman to become the India head of a global consumer products firm in the last 2 years. Yahoo! Names Googles Mayer as New CEO yahoo! named 37 year-old Marissa Mayer , a key Google ream member ,a s its chief executive making her among the most prominent women in Technology and corporate America. At Google.

Mayer was responsible for local and geographical products including Google Maps, Google Earth, Zagat, Street view, and local search for desktop and mobile. she joined Google in 1999 as its 20 th employee and led efforts for many of Googles most recognizable products, including the development of its flagship search product and iconic home page for over 10 years. Styam Retains Manoharan As Director Stayam Services retained Mr. T. N Manoharan, the former President of Institute of charted Accountants of India , as a director of the company. Mr. T.N.Manoharan, the Government appointed director on the scam-hit firm. ceased to be the director two days ago long with Mr.Ashok Kacker, conforming to the company Law Boards 2009 order. Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha Included In Parliamentary Panels Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar was made a member of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology on 19 July 2012 The 31-member panel is currently examining the Cable Television Networks(Regulation) Second Amendment Bill, 2011. Bollywood actor and another Rajya Sabha member Rekha has been included in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution. The panel, with 31 members, is examining the Bureau of Indian Standards (Amendment) Bill, 2012, the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011,the National Food Security Bill, 2011 and the Warehousing Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2011. Amartya Sen Appointed As First Chancellor of Nalanda University Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was on 19 July 2012 appointed as the first chancellor of the upcoming Nalanda International University in Bihar. Pawar Heads GoM on Coal Minning Agriculture Minister sharad Pawar has been named as head of the Group of Ministers on coal mining, position earlier held by pranab Mukherjee. The 12 member GoM on coal-mining was constituted by the prime minister in February 2011 to iron out issues impeding the sector, Which is vita; for meeting energy requirement if the economy. Hesham Kandil Named Egypt Prime Minister By President Mohammed Morsi Egypts newly-elected President Mohamed Mursi has appointed Hisham Kandil, irrigation minister, head of the new government, assigned to turn the nations econom y and internal security around after 17 months of instability and protests.Kandil was born in 1962 which makes him Egypts youngest prime minister to date. He is also the countrys first bearded premier. Ali Mamluk appointed as New Security Chief of Syria General Ali Mamluk, who was appointed on 22 July 2012 as the new head of Syrias National Security office, is a career intelligence officer. General Ali Mamluk, who was head of state security, is becoming the head of the Bureau of National Security, with the rank of minister, overseeing the entire security apparatus. Mamluk is a Sunni Muslim from Damascus, who has been a central figure of Syrian security for decades although most of the top echelons belong to the minority Alawite sect from which the Assads hail.

Pranab Mukherjee sworn as 13th President of India

Pranab Mukherjee was on 22 July 2012 sworn in as the countrys 13th President at an impressive ceremony in the packed and historic Central Hall of Parliament. a familiar place for the 76-year-old Congress veteran who has spent over four decades in politics, Mukherjee took the oath of office as President, in the name of God, to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law.

Omita Paul is appointed as the secretary of the president Appointment committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Omita Paul as the secretary of the president. She was replaced christy L Fernadez. Omita is a retrieved officer from Indian Information service(IIS) from 1973 batch.She is the wife of K.K.Paul, the former Delhi police Commissioner. Anil K. Agarawal is New ESIC Chief Mr. Anil agarwal has taken over as the Director General of Employees state Insurance corporation (ESIC) under Ministry of Labour and employment. Mr. Agarwal is an IAS officer of the 1981 batch. before this he was serving as additional chief secretary , Animal Resources Development department, Government of west Bengal. Nasir Ali as the new Joint Managing Director of Air India Civil aviation Ministry on 11 July, appointed Nasir Ali as the new joint managing director. He was dealing with human resource issue related to the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines. He is the second managerial executive posted in airline by civil aviation ministry after Rohit Nandan who was appointed as the chairperson and managing director of the airline in 2011. First Female Head of the AU Union Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma African Union (AU) on 15 July 2012 elected South Africas home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as its new head, making her the first female head of the union.Dlamini-Zuma beat incumbent Jean Ping of Gabon 37-17. Dlamini-Zuma, wife of the former South African President Jacob Zuma, African Union, the successor to Organization of African Unity, came into existence in 2002 at Durban summit in South Africa. The Union is headquartered at Addis Ababa Ethiopia. A pan-African organization, AU aims at promoting unity and cooperation among African nations. The association also strives to spread democracy and good governance in the continent. At present the African Union has a total of 54 members. Morocco is the only African country which is not the part of the Union. The new President of Mexico is Enrique Pena Nieto The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) leader, was elected as the new President of Mexico on 2 July 2012. The Institutional Revolutionary Party had ruled Mexico for nearly 71 years, before being voted out of power in 2000 presidential elections. Under the Mexican Constitution, the president is the head of both the state and the government. He is also the Supreme Commander of the Mexican armed forces. B. Surender Mohan was appointed as the new Chairman of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) B. Surender Mohan was appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) on 1 July 2012.A R Ansari was the former Managing Director of Neyveli Lignite Corporation. Neyveli Lignite Corporation is the government organization and the leading company in mining, thermal power plants and innovative researches. Mohan is 56 years old. He served as the Mines Director in his earlier stage of life. He started his career from Rourkela Steel Plant and he was the Deputy General Manager at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam in the year 1998.

B) Resigns
Pawar Quits as Tele GOM Within days of his appointments,Agriculture Mnister sharad pawar on 2 July 2012 rescued himself from heading the Empowered group of Minister(EGOM) on telecom. The Agriculture minister was named the head of the EGOM that was to decide on the pricing and auction of telecom spectrum after pranab mukharjee quit as Finance Minister to contest Presidential elections. Attempts have been made in the past to unnecessarily drag me in the controversy on 2G spectrum. These allegations are

false and ill -motivated which one have firmly refuted, MR.Powar said in his letter to PM, As such one thoughts it will be appropriate for me to rescue myself from the position of chairman of EGOM Mr Powar added. CEO Diamond Quits Barclays Barclays chief executive diamond resigned on 3 June , followed a few hou rs later by the banks chief operating officer, in a deepening scandal over the rigging of a key global interest rate. The latest resignations took to three the number of senior Barclays executives have to quit in the last two days. Mr.diamond and COO Jerry del Missier stepped down the day after Barclays chairman Marcu Ahius resigned on 2 June 2012 and amid an intense London financial sector. Sadananda Gowda resigns as Karnataka CM Ending his 11-month tenure, DV Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday resigned as Karnataka Chief Minister, paving the way for Jagadish Shettar to take over Rehman Malik resigns from Pakistan Senate after SC order In the wake of Pakistan Supreme Courts order suspending his membership of Senate, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and the countrys Interior Affairs in charge, Rehman Malik, on 10July 2012 tendered his resignation from Senate.

C)Deaths
Assamese Poet Hiren Bhattacharyya Died Popular Assamese poet and Winner of the Sahitya Academy Award and several honours for Hiren Bhattacharyya who passed away at a private hospital on 4 July 2012.He had been undergoing treatment for long and urinary infection since June 14. He was 80 . popularly known as Hiruda, Bhattacharyya was widely known for using single words in his poems. Floral Tributes Paid To Jagjivan Ram on Death Anniversary Floral Tributes were, on 6 July 2012 Paid to freedom fighter and former deputy PM Babu Jagjivan Ram at his memorial santa sthal in New Delhi on the occasion of his 26th death anniversary Darasingh Passed Away Wrestler -turned -actor Dara Singh , who was battling for life since the last five days , passed away early on 12 July 2012. A childhood hero to may for his wrestling prowess, 83-year old singh , who played Hanuman in epic Teleserial Ramayan and also dabbled in politics, passed away at 7.30 Am on 12 July 2012 at his residence. Tamil Languages Computing Championship Anto Peter Passed away Tamil Language computing champion Anto peter passed away on 12 July 2012.He was 45 year old. He was awarded with the Best Author Award in the year 2007 by the union government of India. He won Best book government Awardin the year 2004. Anto peter was the member of Tamil software development fund,semmozeh conference,12th five year plan committee which was represent ed by the government of Tamilnadu. Czech Drug Developer Dead Czech scientist Antonin Holy, who played an important role in creating drugs to treat HIV and AIDS , died at the age of 75, the CZECH Academy of sciences said. Mr. Holy died on 16 July 2012 the day

U.S Health regulators for the first time approved using truvada, a drug that he helped develop, to prevent infection in people who face a high risk of contracting the virus that causes AIDS. Mr. Holy also helped develop the drug vestide, used for th e treatment of retinitis in AIDS patients, and Heprera to treat hepatitis B. Veteran socialist Mrinal Gore, the Paniwali Bai passes away Veteran socialist leader Mrinal Gore, who earned the sobriquet Paniwali Bai for her efforts in bringing drinking water supply to Goregaon, a Mumbai suburb. passed away on 17 July 2012. She died at 84 .Gore led a rally of hundreds of women brandishing rolling pins from Church gate to Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. The first time she held a similar protest on the issue was in 1972. Rajesh Khanna Passed Away Rajesh Khanna , Indias first superstar, died of liver failure at his home on 18 July 2012 . Rajesh Khanna , 69, was battling liver and kidney problems for a long time . He is survived by wife Dimple kapadia and daughters twinkle and Rinke. Announcing the death, his son-in-law,actor Akshay kumar expressed his condolences. His debut film was Aakhri khat (1966).His first superhit film was Aaradhana opposite Sharmila Tagore. The actor appeared in 163 films, including 1 5 consecutive super hits between 1962 and 1972, an unbroken record. Syrian Defence Minister Died A suicide bomber struck the National Security building in the Syrian capital on Wednesday, killing the defence minister and President Bashar Assads brother -in-law the harshest blow to the Syrian regime since the uprising began.Defence minister Dawoud Rajha, 65, a former army general, was the most senior government official to be killed in the Syrian civil war as rebels battle to oust Assad. Indira Gandhis Advisor P.N.Dhar Dead Prithvi Nath Dhar, an eminent economist who served as principal secretary to the late M Indira Gandhi in the 1970s,died in new Delhi on 19 July 2012. He was 94 and died of age related problems. A Professor of economics in Delhi University for many years, Dhar was one of the founder of the Delhi school of Economics. Freedom Fighter, Doctor, comunist Lakshmik sehgal Passed Away Lakshmi sehgal, who is a close aid of Subhash Chandra bose was passed away on 23 July 2012. She was part of subhash chandra boses Indian national Army. she took role as head of the womens regiment of INA, which was called the Rani of Tansi regiment. She contested the Presidential election as a left parties candidate in 2002 and defeated by A.P.J Abdul Kalam. She was the principle member of ALL India Democratic Womens Association(AIDWA) Sally Ride, First US Woman to travel into Space, passed away Sally Ride, the first US woman to travel into space died in La Jolla, California on 23 July 2012. She was 61. She was suffering from pancreatic cancer.Ride set off for space in the US space shuttle Challenger in June 1983. Sally Ride was, however, not the first woman to travel into space, as Valentina Tereshkova of erstwhile USSR had visited space in June 1963. President Of Ghana , John Atta Mills Passed Away President of Ghana, John Atta Mills, who won international praise for a stable model democracy in Africa, he was passed away. He was a lawyers and taxation expert. John Dramani Mahama succeeded John Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama sworn in as president of Ghana. Kuchipudi Guru Vempati Passed Away

Renowned kuchipudi expert vempati chinna satyam , a dance guru of the stars, died at his home in Chennai on 29 July 2012. He was 83 and had been ailing for more than six months due to age related aliments.

D) Visitors
S.M.Krishna Visit to Tajikistan Giving a push to Indias connect central Asia policy external affairs minister S.M. Krishna visited the Tajik capital to hold talks with the resource rich countrys top leadership on bilateral issues on trade. Indian envoy in Tibet after 10 years The Indian envoy to china, s.Jaishankar , is on a rare visit to Tibet where he is touring mount kailash and Manasarovar. Hillary Clintons surprise visit to Afghanistan before con ference US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Kabul on 7 July 2012 on a previously unannounced visit. Clinton made the surprise visit a day before a key conference on the insurgency hit country to be held in Tokyo. Pak PM Visit To Saudi Arabia Pakistan Prime minister Raja parvez Ashraf on 15 July 2012 for a two day official visit to Saudi Arabia his first foreign trip since he assumed office in June. Hillary Clintons 13 day Visit To Asia Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state , visited Israel on 16 July as the last halt of her 13 -day long visit of eight Asian countries including Afghanistan, Japan ,Mongolia , Vietnam , Laos , Combodia, Egypt and Israel.

Singaporean prime minister,Lee Hsien Loong visited India

Singaporean Prime Minister,Lee Hsien Loong visited India on a three day trip in July 2012. Where India and Singapore signed three key bilateral agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) on 11 July 2012, New Delhi.

E)Miscellaneous
Ice Land Prez Wins Record 5th Term Ice Lands President Olafur Rognar Frinsson is set for a record Fifth term in office with 100 percent of votes counted from 30 June poll , the socialist Grimmson won 52.78%. While his main rival Thora Arnors dottir came in second with 33.16 percent. Oldest Meteror Impact Crater Found Scientist has discovered a giant crater in green land , which they believe might be the result of a massive asteroid or comet impact 3 billion years ago, i.e the oldest known impact crater on earth. Philippine crocodile Is Largest In captivity

Guinness world Records has declared , that a huge crocodile blamed for deadly attacks in the southern Philippines is the largest in captivity in the world. the giant reptile has ought pride, fear, tourism revenues and attention to the previously little -known town where it was captured last year. Guinness spokesman Anne-lise Rouse says the salt water crocodile nicknamed Lolong measured 20.24 feet and weighed more than a ton. Russia unveils worlds longest cable-stayed bridge Russia on 2 July 2012 unveiled the worlds longest cable-stayed bridge as it put the finishing touches on a troubled multi-billion investment aimed at revitalising the countrys distant Far East.Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev opened the 1,104-metre (3,622-foot) link from Vladivostok to Russky Island. Europes Tallest Building To Open With Laser Slow Europes Tallest Building the Shard, officially unveiled on 5 July evening with a spectacular laser display performed to music by the Lon Philharmonic Orchestra.The Shard designed by Italian Architect Renzo Piano, is the tallest building in Britain at 310 meters (1.016 feet). It consists of 72 fully occupy-able floors and 15 extra levels of which six can be used and nine are just part of the design. Kazakhstan unveils Central Asias largest mosque The largest mosque in Central Asia has opened in Kazakhstan, just six months after the building was damaged in a fire during which a construction worker died.President Nursultan Nazarbayev attended the opening of the mosque in the capital, Astana, today timed to coincide with the 14th anniversary of the citys foundation. The mosque spans an area of 17,500 square metres, and is topped by a 51 metre central dome and eight smaller domes. Hillary Clinton sets record with 102 countries, 843,839 miles US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has broken all travel records by visiting more countries than any other U.S. Secretary of State did in the past. The former first lady completed an epic 13-day journey of 27,000 miles about 2,000 miles more than the circumference of the Earth through land over Europe to Asia and then doubling back to the Middle East. Since becoming secretary of state in 2009, Clinton has logged 351 days on the road, traveled to 102 countries and flown a whopping 843,839 miles, according to the State Department. Derek OBrain Became the First Anglo- Indian To Vote in Presidential Election Derek OBrain , the Rajya sabha MP from West Bengal became the first Anglo Indian to vote in Presidential elections in India. Brian, a trinamool congress MP, cast his vote in Kolkatta on 19 July 2012. Americas Oldest Store Shuts Down After 224 years Americas oldest general store, opened one year before George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States, has shut down after serving the community for 224 years. Grays Store in the small village of Adamsville in Rhode Island opened in 1788, selling penny candy, cigars and a small selection of groceries, as well as antiques and collectible knick-knacks.

PLACES IN NEWS
Strong 6.3Quake Strikes Off Vanuatu: USGS

A strong 6.3 magnitude quake struck off the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on 6 July 2012, the US Geological survey said.The tremor hit about 358km northwest of the capital port vila at a depth of about 180km,USGS said. Flood in Southern Russia Flash floods in Russias southern Krasnodar region have killed at least 78 people and affected nearly 13,000 in the areas worst natural disaster in decades, officials said on 7 July 2012. Gelendzhik alone received five months worth of rain in 24 hours, a major blow to the resort at the height of the tourist season, the regional administration said. 5.8 earthquake In Afghanistan, Tremors Felt In Punjab, Kashmir A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck northern India on Thursday evening. Tremors were felt in parts of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir reportedly. The epicentre of the quake was in Hindukush region.Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that the powerful earthquake also jolted parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan though there were no reports of casualties or damage to property.

BOOKS IN NEWS
A Book on sachin Sachin : Born to Bat by veterian Journalist Khalid A-H Ansari and edited by clayton Murzello ia a unique ade to contemporary crickets finest batsman. T his book is about sachin how he entered in to the cricket e.t.c.. Rahul Dravid: The Timeless Steel Legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid, together with Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle today launched a collection of stories about Dravids amazing playing and Test career in Mumbai. Titled Timeless Steel, the 256-page book portrays a cricketer who embodies the finest tradition and values of the game. Disney Publishing has a long tradition of telling great stories and it is a pleasure to be launching this book on Rahul Dravid, together with ESPN cricinfo. Timeless Steel, is a celebration of a truly gifted cricketer and an Indian legend of sport, said Roshini Bakshi, A Book on P.V.Narsimha Rao Contrary to the claims of veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayar in his soon-to-be published book Beyond The Lines, Kunal,who was the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Union Home Ministry on the Ayodhya issue, said, the factual position is that Rao was neither worshiping nor sleeping at the time of demolition of the Babri Mosque on the fateful day. A Book On Saina Nehwals Inspirational Story Saina Nehwals phenomenal success as an international badminton player is one of the most inspiring stories of Indian sports. Author TS Sudhirs book, Saina Nehwal: An Inspirat ional Biography, is an account of her rise as a champion with the selfless support of her. parents Dr Harvir Singh, an agricultural scientist, and Usha Rani and the dedication of her coaches. Book Written By Shashi Tharoor Released

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy released Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century, the new book by Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor, a former UN diplomat, was speaking after the release of his 13th book Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century which deals with India s foreign policies and the countrys role in the multi-aligned 21st century world.This book was released on 16 July 2012.

COMMITTEES
No Alternatives To dredging ram Sethu : Panchuripanel The PM appointed R.K.Panchauri Expert committee on 2 July 2012 said the alternative route for sethu samudram shipping channel, suggest by the supreme court to avoid damage to Ram sethu. Which still has mythological significance to a large section of Indians, was both economically and ecologically unviable. Cartoonists outraged By Throat Panels Suggestion to Remove cartoons from NCERT text Books A six Member committee called throat committee has been appointed by kapil sibal to analyse the cartoons in NCERT text books. The throat committees report has come critical for recommending the removal of many Government related cartoons. Cartoonists have been left outraged at they recommended removal of their works from NCERT text books. The S.K. Throat committees suggestions on the removal of the cartoons is nothing but a reflection of the growing intolerance among the countrys political class, the cartoonists says . These works have been deemed Educationally in appropriate for school students. Kris Gopalakrishna To Head Govts Cloud Computing Panel The Government has set up a committee to recommended the framework for cloud computing services under the chairmanship of Infosys executive co -chairman, Mr Kris Gopalakrishna. The committee has been set up following instructions from the IT and telecom Minister Kapil Sibal . Indian Computer emergency Response Teams Director, Mr Gulshan Rai, also member of the committee. PM Panel To Take The Bite Out Of GAAR In a bid to bring great clarity on GAAR (General Anti- Avoiding Rules) and prepare its implementation, prime minister. constituted an expert committee to prepare and finalize guidelines for the hitherto controversial tax provision. The PM has approved the constitution of an expert committee on GAAR to undertake stake holder guidelines for GAAR. This committee would manage the consultation process and finalize the draft GAAR Guidelines. Panel set up to look into pay- related issues defence personnel Nearly a forth night after the new army chief , General Bikram singh, listed welfare of Ex. servicemen and war widows as his to priority, the government on 13 July 2012 announced the setting up a 5member committee, to be headed by cabinet secretary Ajit seth, to look into pay and pension related issues of defense services personnel and ex-servicemen.

ABBREVIATIONS

TFR GAAR NABARD FAO MNREGS DMU ISS PCPNDT ECBs NCERT ICRISAT NAC TDSAT NBFC IFC DICCI CCIL FCCB CBFC FICCI ECOWAS IIP WADA FBI EGoM FDI UNCTAD CBDT CCMB UEFA SSTCG

Fertility Rate Anti Avoidance Rules Agricultural And Rural Development Food and Agricultural Organization Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Delivery Monitoring Unit International Space Station Preconception Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques External Commercial Borrowings National council of Educational Research and Training International Crop Research Institute for semi- arid Tropics National Advisory Council Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal Non Banking finance Company International Finance Corporation Dalit Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Clearing Corporation of India Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds Central Board of Excise and Customs Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Economic Community and West Africa States Index of Industrial Production World Anti Doping Agency FEderal Bureau of Investigation Empowered Group ofMinister Foreign Direct Investment United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Central Board of Direct Taxes Cellular and Molecular Biology Union of European Foot Ball Association Strategic Security Technology Coordination Group General Bank for

National

Total

DAYS & DATES

July 1 International Jokes Day July 1 Doctors Day July 1 State Bank of India Foundation Day July 2 World Sports Journalists Day July 3 International Day of Cooperatives July 4 Independence Day of America July 8- Writers Day July 11 World Population Day July 20 Special Olympics Day July 25- Parents Day

July 26- Kargil Day July 28 World Nature conservation Day July 28- World hepatitis Day July 29 International Tiger day

August 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Pakistan Supreme Court annulled New Law Protecting the Prime Minister Supreme Court of Pakistan on 3 August 2012 annulled the new law called Contempt of Court Act 2012(COCA 2012). Pakistans Supreme Court 3 August 2012 struck down a law designed to protect the new prime minister from being charged with contempt and thrown out of office like his predecessor. The court ousted the previous prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, from office in June by charging him with contempt of court for failing to reopen corruption proceedings against President Asif Zardari. OIC suspended Syria The Organisation Islamic Cooperation(OIC) suspended Syria on 16th August 2012 saying the muslim world can no longer accept a government that massacres its people,further isolating the embattled regime. Senkaku Islands became the Bone of Contention between China and Japan Ten Japanese on 23 August 2012, made an unauthorized landing on Uotsuri, which is known in Japan as the Senkaku Islands and in China as the Diaoyu Islands. The uninhabited islands surrounded by rich fishing grounds are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan.The Senkaku Islands dispute engulfs in itself a territorial dispute on a group of uninhabited islands. Of the ten Japanese people who visited the island, five were apparently conservative local assembly members.The Senkaku Islands are located in the East China Sea between Japan, and the Republic of China. The archipelago contains five uninhabited islands. Somalia Assembly Passes the Endorses Draft Constitution Somalia Constitution on 1 august 2012 endorsed a draft constitution billed a key step to ending the decades of the civil war. The Horn of Africa countrys outgoing government hailed the end of an eight year interim period. Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali expressed happy and announced that Somalia has from now, left the transitional period. The special assembly chosen by traditional elders in a U.N.-backed process took eight days to debate and vote on the new Constitution, as the graftriddled government approaches the end of its mandate on August 20.

Myanmar abolished Direct Media Censorship Myanmar on 20 august 2012 he latest dramatic reform by its quasi-civilian regime, but journalists face other formidable restrictions including a ban on private daily newspapers and a pervasive culture of self-censorship. Under the new acts journalists no longer have to submit reports to state censors before publication, ending a practice strictly enforced during nearly half a century of military rule that

ended in March last year. Previously, every song, book, cartoon, news report and planned piece of art required approval by teams of censors rooting out political messages and criticisms of one of Asias most repressive governments.

INDIA & WORLD

EC signs MoU with South Korean counterpart The Election Commission of India on 01 August 2012 signed an MoU with its South Korean counterpart to help each other in strengthening the electoral processes and political culture. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Chief Election Commissioner of India V S Sampath on behalf of the poll panel and by Justice Nung Hwan Kim of the Republic of Korea at a brief ceremony. This is the 13th MoU signed by ECI with other countries and international election panels. India-Israel Sign MoU on research programme India and Israel on 02 August 2012 entered into a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for launching a programme that would promote collaborative research across a wide range of disciplines from medical and information technology to social sciences, humanities and arts. The programme, which will run for five years will provide support up to $1,00,000 a research project for three years .The MoU was signed by Chairman of the Israel science Foundation professor Benjamin Geiger and Chairman of University Grants Commission ved Prakash. India, Monaco ink tax information exchange agreement Tata Communications payment solutions providing arm has bagged an exclusive order to install and manage nearly 14,000 ATMs for all public sector banks in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands by 2013 14.Government of India and Government of Principality of Monaco have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on 02.August 2012. India, Iran & Afghanistan to expand trade,transit through Chabahar port India, Iran and Afghanistan have moved one step closer to expand their trade and economic ties. At a trilateral meeting in Teheran, they agreed to work for expanding trade, investment and transit cooperation through Chabahar port in Iran. A joint working group consisting of the representatives of the three countries will meet within the next three months in Chabahar to expedite the process. India to help Sri Lanka set up SEZs India will help Sri Lanka establish a special economic zone to manufacture auto components in Trincomaee, commerce minister Anand Sharma said in colombo on 03 August 2012. The SEZ would promote exports to the production chains in India. Indian Scientist , Amitabh Ghosh in NASA team helped choose Curiositys landing site An Indian scientist, Amitabh Ghosh part of the NASA team which had identified the landing site of the Curiosity rover on Mars on 6August 2012 described the Spot as very exciting and holding great promise. Pakistan asked India to register Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) with Pakistan State Oil In the wake of New Delhis decision to allow pakistani investments, Islamabad has asked India to register its oil marketing companies(OMCs) with Pakistani State Oil to take part in spot tenders for supply of petroleum products such as petrol,diesel, furnace oil and petcoke.

India Ranked Second in Search Queries for Education on Google Indian Ranked second in education queries on Google.After the US, Indian people from IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmadabad were the most searched in their respective categories. India was Ranked 8th in 2008, at present it is behind only to the US. TB screening for Indians seeking UK visa From August 16, Indians planning to travel to UK for more than six months will be screened for tuberculosis before they are given a visa under a pre-entry TB screening programme extended to India. However, the screening will not be required for those travelling for six months or less.The Home Office announced that all such applicants would be required to submit a certificate from a local clinic approved by the British Government to show that they are TB-free. There will be a fee of Rs 1500 for screening, to be borne by the applicant. India gets first Embraer jet with Indian airborne radar tech India, with taking the delivery of the first Embraer 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) in Brazil on 17 August 2012, moved one more step ahead in aerial security.India and Brazil signed a deal reportedly worth $ 210 million for the supply of three aircraft by 2014. This includes a comprehensive logistic package that entails training, technical support, supply of spare parts and ground support equipment. Government extends ban on import of milk, milk products from China The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the extension of the ban till June 2013 or until further orders.The banned milk products include chocolate, chocolate products, candies, confectionery, food preparations with milk or milk solids as ingredient. Sonia is Sixth in Forbes list of 100 most powerful Women The Forbes magazine on 22nd August 2012 ranked united progressive Alliance(UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi the sixth most powerful woman in the world in the list of 100women.Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel got the first place. United States Secretary Hillary Clinton got the second place and Michelle Obama got the 7th Place. Ranking by World Bank As per the World Bank Report, India has been ranked at 132 amongst the sample 183 Countries.Recognising the need for Reforming the Regulatory Environment for doing business in India, a Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri. M.Damodaran has been constituted on 23 August 2012 by this ministry to extensively examine different areas of root functioning such as financial reforms, governance reforms, liberalized policy framework,process reforms etc, and to suggest a roadmap for improving business climate in India. Pak hails Indias move to allow FDI Pakistan 01 August 2012 welcomed Indias decision to allow Pakistani Foreign Direct Investment, saying the move will create goodwill and give a boost to efforts to normalise bilateral relations. Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan welcomed the Indian governments decision to allow Pakistani investments in all areas except defence, space and atomic energy. Pakistan can explore sectors like cement, textiles and sports for investments in India. Besides, the FDI proposals from Pakistan need to be cleared from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

NATIONAL
Ban on SIMI upheld by Tribunal A special tribunal has upheld the ban imposed by the Centre on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which has links with Pakistan-based terrorist outfits including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its front, Indian Mujahideen. The Home Ministry on February 3 extended the ban on SIMI by two more years. India is the second-largest mobile phone user in world India is the second-largest mobile phone user with over 900 million users in the world said Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in London on 03 August 2012. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced that the mobile users in India are increased to 93.4 crore. Hamid Ansari re-elected as Indias 14th Vice President Hamid Ansari has been re-elected as the 14th Vice President of India.He received 490 votes in his favour.His rival, BJP nominee Jaswant Singh polled 238 voted.He became the only person after Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to get a second term. PSCC recommends declaration of tea as national drink The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce (PSCC) headed by BJP Rajya Sabha member Shanta Kumar has recommended declaration of tea as a national drink.Stating this at Palampur on Friday, Kumar said the 102nd report of the Committee on the Tea Industry had placed in both houses of the Parliament that 96 percent to 99 percent people in both Urban and Rural areas of the country consume tea and as such it has already acquired the status of a national drink. NRHM to be expanded to towns also The government will expand the scope of the NRHM(National Rural Health Mission) to all towns and cities, by converting it into a National Health Mission(NHM). Mobile base Station radiation limit will be cut from September 1 The Union government has told parliament that exposure limit of radio frequency fields(base station emissions) will be brought down to one-tenth of the existing level from 1st September 2012,because they receive petitions in High Courts and Supreme Court on fears of health hazards like cancer from mobile tower radiations.RF signals produced by base stations are caused for short and long term health effects. Complete ban on child labour below 14 approved by Cabinet The Union Cabinet on 28th August 2012 approved a proposal for amending the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, to ban employment of children aged up to 14 in any form of industry. It will be an offence to employ such children not only in factories or industries but also in homes or on farms, if their labour is meant to serve any commercial interest. Supreme court upholds death sentence for Kasab The Supreme court has upheld the death sentence for pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11/2008 Mumbai terror attack. 2% Reservation to Sports Persons Youth Services and Sports Sports Policy -Incentives to Sports Persons Extension of Sports Reservation to Two (2%) to meritorious sports persons in direct recruitment in Government

Departments / Undertaking / Grant in Aid Institutions at all levels Instructions and Guidelines Notification Orders Issued.

STATES
Orissa is the first state to provide e-payment facility for government employees Orissa became the First Indian state to provide epayment facility for government employees from 1 August 2012.Now, the government employees in the state will receive their salaries and pensions through the online Portal of Reserve Bank of India.Employees received their salaries and pensions directly to their bank account. Keshubhai Patel launched Gujarat Parivartan (GPP) Party Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Keshubhai Patel launched Gujarat Parivartan (GPP) Party on 6 August 2012. Keshubhai Patel and the former union textile minister Kanshiram Rana resigned from Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on 4 August 2012. This Party would contest all the 182 seats in Gujarat assembly elections which will be held by the end of 2012. Himachal Bagged top slot in Environment Index Environment Performance Index(EPI)-2012 compiled on July Month.According to the Survey Report conducted across all 28 states and 7 Union territories, the EPI is an Indication of the Environmental well-being of a state. Himachal bagged first and Andhra Pradesh bagged Second. The rankings, the report added, have been decided based on five broad parameters: air pollution, forests, water quality, waste management and climate change. MJP merges with Keshubhai party The anti-Narendra Modi factions in the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)in Gujarat under one umbrella, the Mahagujarat Janata Party(MJP), formed five years ago, was on 8 August 2012 merged with the Gujarat Parivartan Party(GPP) formed by the former Chief Minister and Mr. Modis arch rival Keshubhai Patel. Maharashtra bans Bt cotton seeds The Maharashtra government has banned the sale and distribution of the genetically modified Bt cotton seeds of Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco), a partner of US multinational Monsanto, in the state with immediate effect for supplying inferior quality seeds. The government has banned the Mahyco company with immediate effect, agriculture commissioner Umakant Dangat told IANS(Indo-Asia News Service) 9 August 2012, when asked about the canceling of the companys license. Haryana to ban food articles containing Nicotine and Tobacco Haryana government will impose a complete banon food articles containing nicotine and tobacco from 2012 August 15. House Sparrow declared State Bird of Delhi The good old house sparrow, which is becoming rarer by the day, has been declared State Bird of Delhi by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit as part of a new campaign to save the species and enhance

awareness about their life and habitat.High court imposed a fine of Rs.5000 rupees to State Government for the appointment of DGP The State Government challenged the Central Administrative Tribunal(CAT) order in the High Court. Ironically for the State, the High Court imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the government, while declaring the appointment of Dinesh Reddy in the post of DGP as invalid. Drug Trial Related Deaths Highest in Maharastra According to data released by the Drug Controller General of India Maharastra has recorded the maximum deaths number of deaths due to serious adverse events (SAEs) during drug trials, while Madhya Pradesh saw the least number of such deaths.During the 49 months period (January 2008 to January 2012) , the country had recorded the 2,061 drug trial related deaths. while maharastra recorded maximum number of deaths 268 deaths to stand first among top five states.It is followed by Andhra Pradesh (153), Delhi/National Capital Region (97), Gujarat (87) and Karnataka (78). The number of deaths in Maharashtra was over 10 times that of Madhya Pradesh, which is the lowest among the top 10 States. Delhi launched the Kerosene-free Delhi scheme Delhi Government set to launch an ambitious scheme(Kerosene-free Delhi scheme ) on 21st August 2012 under which 3.56 lakh households will get LPG cylinder and a gas stove free of cost. Punjab Approves Rs.93crore Milk Production Scheme The Punjab Government has started a special programme to increase the milk production in the state by spending Rs.93crore during 2012-13. This was announced by Dairy Development Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike. Punjab government has bought 3 lakh doses of foreign semen from America and Canada for improvement of cow breeds in the state. Uttarakhand Cabinet increases age limit for jobs Uttarakhand Cabinet the maximum age limit for government jobs had been increased from 35 to 40 years for general category candidates from 21 August 2012 onwords.Candidates belonging to other categories would also get the benefit of the decision accordingly. Odisha tops in FDI proposals; Andhra, Gujarat next Odisha attracted the largest value of investments from foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals filed in 2011-12, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.Odisha garnered 27 per cent of the total investments (worth about Rs 49,527 crore), though barely 17 FDI proposals were filed for the State. Andhra Pradesh ranked second with a share of about 19 per cent through about 70 proposals, attracting investment worth about Rs 33,936 crore.Gujarat, which received 131 FDI proposals, ranked third with a share of over 11 per cent attracting proposed investment worth Rs 20,258 crore. Jaane Apna Rajasthan scheme for NRIs The Rajasthan Government on 27 Aug launched a scheme aimed at making the young non-resident Indians(NRIs) familiar, with the culture and traditions of the state under the Jaane Apna Rajasthan(Know your Rjasthan)scheme announced by the chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. According to this scheme the NRIs who visit Rajasthan will be taken around historical places, tourist attractions,sanctuaries,famous educational institutions, ancestral villages and major Industrial projects will be shown to them .

CONFERENCES
Cairns in Australia to host G20 financeministers meet in 2014 The Prime Minister Gillard announced on 05 August 2012, the tropical northen Australian city of Cairns will host a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in 2014. The eleventh Energy Efficient Summit The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Summit held in HICC, Novotel Hyderabad. The summit was held between 22 August 2012 to 25 August 2012.The objective of the summit was to facilitate the Indian industry to improve energy efficiency on a continuous basis and help them in achieving the target set as part of Perform Achieve and Trade under the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency. It was ended on 31st August 2012. 16th Non Alignment Movement in Iran The Two-day meet of the 120 grouping of nations takes place at Tehran in Iran. The key issues like the worsening situation of Syria, Irans nuclear programme and other matters of global are main agenda of this NAM summit which opened on 30 Aug 2012. Prime Minister Manmohan singh is leading the Indian delegation to the summit, which is being attended by over 30 Heads of state and government. This summit ended on 31 August, 2012.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Ashok sen received Yuri Milner award Ashok Sen who is working in Harish chandra research institute as scientist in physics got Yuri Milner Fundamental Physics prize of worth Rs 16.7Crore(USD $3 million) on 1st August 2012.This Fundamental Physics prize has been established by Russian Business man Yuri Milner , which is three times more than Noble prize. He has been recognised for his work on String Theory. NASI- Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award 2012 fo r Bhadra Dr. Manik Pal Bandra, Principal scientist of chemical biology division,CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, has been selected for the NASI - Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee award 2012. Dr.Bhadra was nominated for the awar d by the National Academy of science for significant contribution in the area of applications of orientedinnovations in biological sciences for 2012. He was given this for his involvement in the synthesizing or orally administered next generation nano particles to deliver material like DNA an RNA for effective gene therapy. This award will be presented on November 29,2012 at New Delhi. Sastra Ramanujan Prize to Zhiwei Yun The 2012 sastra Ramanujan prize will be given to the Professor Zhiwei on December 22, The birth anniversary of mathematical genius Ramanujan, in New Delhi. The award will be given away during the closing ceremony of the International conference in the legacy of Ramanujan, organized by the National Board of Higher Mathematics of India & co-sponsored by sastra University and Delhi University. prof.Zhiwei Yun has made fundamental

contributions to sevaral areas that lie at the interface of representation theory. This Prize will be given to under 32 age, at the same age as Ramanujan died. Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana award for D.R.Mehta Renowned social worker DR Mehta, founder and chief patron of the organization that popularized the Jaipur Foot, has been selected for the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award for the year 2012. D.R. Mehta will present the 20th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavna Award at a function New Delhi on 20 Aug 2012.The award, which carries a citation and cash of Rs 5 lakh, is being given to Mehta, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, for his outstanding contribution towards promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill.Former recipients of the award include Mother Teresa, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, S.N. Subbarao and Dilip Kumar. NRI heart surgeon Dr Mukesh Hariawala chosen for Indias Most Admired Surgeonaward India born internationally acclaimed NRI HeartSurgeon and Research Scientist from the famed Harvard University, Dr Mukesh Hariawala, has been unanimously selected by the National Healthcare jury to be honored with th e prestigious Indias Most Admired Surgeon 2012 Award. NASI awarded for IICT Scientist Dr.SuryaPrakash Singh ,Scientist of Inorganic and Physical Division, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad has been selected for NASI(National Academy of Science,India)Young Scientist PlatinumAward 2012. Jaipur Bags JRD TATa Award for Health schemes Odishas Jaipur district has bagged the coveted fifthJRD Tata Memorial Award 2011 for Population reproductive health and Family planning programme. The award was presented by the Nobel Laureate Amartyasen at JRD Tata memorial Award and Oration Function held in New Delhi. Indian Urdu Literature to get Rare Pakistanis Honour An Urdu literature Professor Gopi Chand Marangs name figures in the list of Civilian honours announced by Pakistan on its Independence day. He has been conferedSitara -i-Imtiaz(Star of excellence) the third highest civilian honour bestowed by the nation.He received the Padma Bhushan. It was great that an Indian selected for Pakistans highest honour for his selfless work for urdu. eminent poet Josh Mahihabadi also selected for Hilal -i-Imtiaz. P.K.B Pattnaik Honoured with Damien -Dutton Award State Leprosy Officer P.K.B. Pattnaik, has been selected for the coveted Damien-dutton award for the year2012 for his work in the field of leprosy eradication. Mother Teresa, Babu Amte and Dr.Dharmendra has given this award. He is an Odisha doctor. He said thatWe have been able to treat 12 lakh leprosy patients, rehabited 40,000 patients with leprosy and performed surgical defromitry correction on 3,500 patients. Gruber cosmology Prize 2012 to Charles L Bennett Johns Hopkins University professor Charles L. Bennett and members of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) space mission that he led will receive the Gruber Foundations 2012 Cosmology Prize in Beijing, China.Bennett and the 26-member WMAP team will share the $500,000 prize and are being recognized by the foundation for their transformative study of an ancient light dating back to the infant universe.

The Best Story Award for Indo-American Indian American Rajan Gangahar has won the Best Story award for the movie Kushiyaan at the Punjabi International film Academy Award (PIFAA) held in Toronto. New york based Rajan was presented with the award at a function held in Toronto. His first film as a story writer, Rajan wrote dialogue and scree play for Khushiyaan, made by another Indo-American Trilok Malik. Pakistans Highest Civilian Award to Saadat Hasan Manto The Writer Saadat Hasan Manto Posthumously received the Pakistans Highest awardNisan -iImtiaz. He died at 42 in 1955, Manto is best known for his short stories, especially he explored the impact of the partition of the subcontinent into India & Pakistan in 1947. along with Manto, renowned singer Mehdi Hassan was also Posthumously honoured with Nishan -i-Imtiaz Hassan Popularly known as the Shahenshah-e-Ghazil who died in June 2012 at the age of 84. Delhi Scientist Aditi Mukherji won Morman Baorlaug award A Delhi based scientist, Aditi Mukherji has won the worlds most prestigious award for young researchers in food and water management, named after the father of Indias Green revolution Norman Borlaug on 29 Aug 2012. The World food prize Foundation started by Borlaug has picked Mukherji for the first ever Norman Borlaug award for his application of work in transforming access to water for thousands of farmers in west Bengla. The award comes with $10,000 prize. It will present to Mukherji on October 17 in Dea Moines , lawa US. Indian American selected as Presidential Innovation Fellow Indian American entrepreneur Karl Mehta has been selected among the 18 Presidential Innovation Fellows who will work on five high-impact projects in the US capital.Selected from an applicant pool of nearly 700 innovators from across the country, the Fellows would spend six months in Washington DC to work on five high -impact projects aimed at upporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and the economy, while significantly improving how the Federal Government serves the American people. Utsa Patnaik gets V.V. Giri award The V.V. Giri Memorial Award 2011 for outstanding contribution to labour studies was conferred on Utsa Patnaik, Professor in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on 29 August 2012. The award, instituted by the V.V Giri National Labour Institute, was conferred by Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who stressed on the importance of systematic and sound research to understand the nature and characteristics of the emerging labour landscape. University of Calicut to honour Montek, M.S. Swaminathan, Fathima Beevi University of Calicut will confer honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degrees on noted agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan, economist and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and jurist and former Supreme Court judge Fathima Beevi. Young woman In Science Award for Indian Origin Sorojini Nadar Indian Origin has been selected for a prestigious science award in south Africa for her contribution to the avancement of science and building the knowledge base.Sarojini Nadar has been named the winner of the Distinguished Young Women in Science Award, which was announced by Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of Science and Technology. Eight Sporting Coaches received Dronacharya Award for 2012

Dronacharya Award is an award presented by the government of India for excellence in sports coaching. Eight Sporting Coaches selected for the Dronacharya Award for 2012 are Wrestling coach Yashvir Singh, Boxing Coach BI Fernandez, Athletics Coaches Virender Poonia, J.N.Bhatia, Kabaddi Coach Sunil Davas, Parathletics Coach Dr. Satyapaul , Hockey Coach Harinder Singh, Table Tennis Coach Bhavani Mukherjee,.Fernandez will become the first foreign coach to be awarded the the Dronacharya Award Arjuna Awards: Deepika Kumari , Laishram Bombayla Devi (archery), Sudha Singh , Kavita Ramdas Raut (athletics), Ashwani Ponnappa , Parupalli Kashyap (badminton), Aditya S Mehta (billiards and Snooker), Vikas Krishan (boxing), Yuvraj Singh (cricket), Sardar Singh (hockey), Yashpal Solanki (judo), Anup Kumar (kabaddi), Samir Suhag (polo), Annu Raj Singh, Omkar Singh, Joydeep Karmakar (shooting), Deepika Pallikal (squash), Sandeep Sejwal (swimming), Ng. Sonia Chanu (weightlifting), Narsingh Yadav , Rajinder Kumar , Geeta Phogat (wrestling), M. Bimoljit Singh (wushu), Deepa Mallick, Ramkaran Singh (athletics, Paralympics). Four Sports persons receive Dhyan Chand Award-2012 Dhyan Chand Award is Indias highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games, given by the Government of India. Four persons selected for the Dhyan Chand Award-2012 are Jagrajsinghman (Athletics), Gundeep Kumar(Hockey), Vinod Kumar (wrestling), Sukhbeer Singh Tokan (para sports). 9 Indian- Americans Awarded for Enhancing Indo-US Ties 9 Indian- Americans were awarded by Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) for their contribution towards enhancing relationships between India & US. The 2012 Excellence Award, was presented to Suresh

Khator. RK Chopra was awarded International Business Advocate of the Year. Woman entrepreneur of the year award was presented to Vijay Dhingra and Pushpa Shenoy.

SPORTS & GAMES

Olympics 2012
The 30th Olympics 2012 held at London on 27 July and ended on 12 August. This is a 17 days Festival of Five Rings. There are 204 countries and more than 10,000 athletes participated in 300 events. US secured top place in medals of acquiring 104 medals in total, 46 gold, 29 silver and 29 bronze. the next place occupied by China of 99 medals. Britain stood at 3rd place of acquiring 65 medals in total. India stood at 55th place by acquiring 6 medals in total, 2 silver and 4 bronze. India got 6 medals among 81 athletes who participated in London Olympics. The next Olympics will be host by Rio De Janeiro on 2016. The Winter Olympics 2014 will be host by Russia, Sochi. The name of the Indian Medalists are 1. Gagan Narang won the bronze Medal in the event of Mens 10m. Air Rifle shooting. 2. Vijay Kumar won the Silver Medal in the event of individual 25 metre rapid fire pistol. He was awarded Khel Ratna by the Government of India of his performance inLondon Olympics 2012. 3. Saina Nehwal won the Bronze medal in the Event of Badminton Womens Singles. 4. Mary Kom won the bronze medal in the event of Womens Fly 51kg. Boxing. 5. Yogeswar Dutt won the bronze medal in the event of Mens 60kg. Free style wrestling. He was awarded Khel Ratna by the Government of India of his performance in London Olympics 2012. 6. Sushil kumar who is an Indian Flag Bearer and also won Silver Medal in the event of Mens 66kg. Free style wrestling. London Olympics world Records:

Name Dong Hyun Im Rebecca Soni Xiaojun Xiaojun Lu Lulu Zhou Ilya Ilyin Ilya Ilyin

Event Archery Swimming Breast Stroke Weight Lifting Weight Lifting Weight Lifting Weight Lifting Weight Lifting

World Record 699 Points 2:19.59 hr:mm:ss 379 kgs 175 kg 333 kg 418kg 233kg

Zulfiya Chinshanlo Un Guk Kim Usian Bolt Rudisha Jason Kenny Sergei Martynov Leuris Pupo

Weight Lifting Weight Lifting Runner 100m race Runner 800m race Cycling (Track)Individual Shooting 50 m Rifle Prone Shooting 25m rapid fire pistol Trap Shooting rapid fire pistol

131kg 327kg 9.63 seconds 1:40.91 9.713 seconds 705.5points 34 points

Jessica Rossi Alexei Klimov Shiwen Ye

99 points 592 points

Swimming (400m Individual 4:28:43 hr:mm:ss Medley) Swimming Back stroke 2:04:06 hr:mm:ss

Missy Franklin Dana Vollmer

Swimming (100m Butterfly) 55.98 secs

List of Countries ranking by gold Medal:

Rank

Country

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Totla Medals 104

United states of America

46

29

29

Peoples 38 Republic of China Great Britain 29

27

23

88

17

19

65

Russian 24 federation Republic of 13 Korea

26

32

82

28

55

India

Highest Medals in Olympics won by Individuals:

Country USA

Athlete name Gold PHELPS MICHAEL FRANJKLIN MISSY SCHMITT ALLISON BOLT USAIN FELIX ALLYSON 4

Silver 2

Bronze 0

Total 6

USA

USA

Jamaica USA

3 3

0 0

0 0

3 3

Gold Medalists: Andrian Clinhes Gold by a Finger Tip Nathan Andrian clinched the Olympic 100 m free style gold by a fingertip on 1 August 2012 to become the first American to hold the title since 1988. Serena Williams Wins Olympic Gold Serena Williams secured her first ever gold medal victory in the womens singles with 6-0, 6-1 win over the Russian beauty, Maria Sharapova at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon on 4 August 2012.Serena becomes the second women to win the Olympic gold medal in addition to all four different Grand Slam titles. she also set the record of being the only female professional to attain the number one spot in both singles and doubles category. Ben Ainslie Claims a Record Britains Ben Ainslie became the most successful Olympic sailor on 5 August 2012 won a gold medal in the single handed finn class to claim a record breaking fifth consecutive medal. Murray Won Olympic Gold Britains Andy Murray demolished Roger Federer 6-2,6-1,6-4 in the mens final on 5 Aug 2012 to wins first gold medal ad avenge his Wimbledon final defeat against the world no1. Roger Federer bagged Olympic Silver , Juan Martin del potro bagged copper. Serena and Venus Williams won Olympics Gold in Womens Doubles Serena and Venus Williams teamed to win womens doubles title at the Olympics on 5 August 2012. The third time the dynamic duo taken Home the gold medal.

Lin Defends Olympic Badminton Gold Chinas Lin Dan over hauled Lee Chong Wei in the final to win Olympic mens badminton singles on 5 August 2012. Salimikordasiabi Won Olympic Gold Inrans Beh Salmi Kordasiabi won gold in the event of weightlifting competition at London to claim the title of Strongest man at the Olympics. He lifted 455 kg in total.silver for sajjad Anoushiravani. He is from Iran. Bronze for Russias Rulsan ALbegor with 448kg. Sally Pearson Won 100m Hurdled Olympic Gold Sally Pearson an Australian Won 100m hurdles Olympic Gold. She made an Olympic record time of 12.35seconds at Olympic Stadium, London. The Victory margin record time of 12.37 seconds made by Joanna Hayes of US in Athens. Decathlon Gold for Ashton eaton Decathlon is the toughest event in the Olympics. which consists of 10 events as one event.On 10 Aug America based Ashton eaton who is an Olympic Gold winner of Decathlon of total of 8,869 points made at London. Previously he made a World Record by acquiring 9,026 points at U.S. Olympic trials. Yodisha Won Womens Wrestling Title Japans saori Yodish won a third Olympic 55 kg womens free style Wrestling title on 9 Augus t 2012. Womens Soccer Won By America The U. S Womens Football team won its third straight Olympic medal on 9 August 2012 by beating Japan of 2-1.The midfielder Carli Lloyd, who made critical 2 goals to Americas victory. Oscar Pistorius South African athlete Oscar Pistorius made a history when he became the first double amputee to participate in an athletics event of 400meters at the Olympics on 04 August 2012. Olympic Swimming: Power Ranking Michael Phelps 18 Gold Medal Performances Michael Phelps is an American swimmer who has won 22 Olympic medals (18 Gold, 2 Silver, & 2 Bronze). He is an Olympic legend who broke the record for most medals while participating at the London 2012 games. Michael Phelps swam in four Olympic Games. He broke 39 world records. He beat the record of Larisa Latynina Soviet Union gymnast. Nicola Adams wins first ever women boxing gold Britains Nicola Adams became the first ever Olympic womens boxing champion with a 16 -7 flyweight final win over Chinas world champion Ren Cancan on 9 August 2012. Lysenko bags Gold World champion Tatyana Lysenko of Russia added the Olympic gold to her collections with an Olympic record 78.18m in womens hammer throw at the Olympic stadium on 10 August 2012. Roger Federer and Lina were Crowned the

Cincinnati Masters Tennis Championship World No.1 Tennis player Roger Federer won a record fifth Western and Southern open title (Cincinnati Masters) at Cincinnati on 19 August 2012. Federer beat second seeded Novak Djokovic 6-0, 7-6. This was the first time when top seeded mens players clashed in the final. India beat Australia to win Under-19 World Cup India won their third Under-19 World Cup title as captain Unmukt Chand saved his best for last, coming up with a crucial, unbeaten ton in the final against Australia on 26 August 2012. New Heaven Open title to Czench star Petra kvitova beat Maria Kirilenko on 25 Aug to win the New Haven Open, the Czech stars second WTA tournament title. South Africas Hashim Amla becomes fasters players to 3,000 ODI runs South Africas Hashim Amla became the fastest player to 3,000 one -day international runs during the course of his 150 that set up the Proteas 80 - run win over England at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Lydia Ko won CN Canadian Womens Open LPGA Golf Lydia Ko Won CN Canadian Womens Open LPGA Golf on 26 Aug to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour History and only the fifth amateur championship. she is 15-year-old . US PGA Golf champion is Rory Mccllroy Rory Mallory won US PGA Golf Championship at kaiwah Island on 12 August 2012.This is his second major title with a record setting eight shot victory. The Northern Irishman,23, hit a six-under 66 to finish 13 under and return to world number one. Dhoni named Castrol Indian cricketer of the year The Castrol Awards for Cricketing Excellence are the premier cricketing awards recognizing outstanding performances by Indian cricketers past, present and future. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was declared the Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year 2011 whilst Ajit Wadekar received the Castrol Lifetime Achievement Award and Indias Under 19 World Cup winning Captain Unmukt Chand was awarded the Castrol Junior Cricketer of the Year Award. V.V.S. Laxman retired from international cricket V.V.S. Laxman retired from international cricket on 18 August 2012. He played 134 tests, amazing 8781 runs and an coverage of 45.97 and hitting 17 hundreds. He played 86 ODI for an aggregate of 2338 runs at an average of 30.76. Life Long Ban on Lance Armstrong The U.S. anti doping agency 14 years of Lance Armstrong strong career on 24 Aug , including his record of seven tour de France Titles and banned him for life from the sport. He was cyclist who retired an year ago. He would no longer challenge USDA and declined to exercise his last option by entering arbitration. He denied again that he ever took banned substances in his career, called USADAs Investigation a witch hunt without any physical evidence.

ECONOMY

Chinas millionaire number crosses million mark The number of millionaires in China crossed a million mark for the first in the Communist nation, putting it in the elite club of the wealthy nations like US and Japan. The elite millionaires group includes 63,500 billionaires, according to Hurun Report, a Chinese event and publishing group which compiled the Chinas list of the rich.The number of Chinese worth more than 10 million yuan (USD 1.6 million) broke the million mark in 2011 for the first time, with 1.02 million people now in this elite group. Of these million-plus wealthy individuals, 84 per cent are concentrated in the eastern, northern and southern regions of China, with Beijing home to the greatest number, at 1.79 lakh millionaires. Crisil Research cuts 2012-13 GDP growth forecast to 5.5% Crisil Research has cut Indias real GDP growth forecast for 2012-13 from 6.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent. This downward revision in GDP is due to deficient monsoon and worsening of the Euro Zone economic outlook. CIBIL working on Risk Index to help banks Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd (CIBIL) is planning to introduce a risk index that will help the countrys banks take quicker decisions on extending loans to corporates and business houses. The index follows the credit information firms TransUnion score for individual bo rrowers being used by financial institutions and banks to take decisions in respect of credit cards and home loans. Any individual with over 750 score can be considered as good. P.M.s Economic Panel Lowers the Indian Growth Estimate to 6.7% for 2012-13 Prime Ministers economic advisory panel on 17 August 2012 pegged GDP growth for the current financial year to 6.7 percent. This is mainly due to poor Monsoon which will pull down the agriculture growth rate to 0.5 percent from 2.8 percent last year. Economy will grow at 6.7 percent in 2012- 13, Prime Ministers economic Advisory council (PMEAC) chairman C.Rangarajan said that while releasing Economic outlook for 2012-13. He asked the government to open multi brand retail to foreign investment and raise diesel prices in one (or) more steps to contain the subsidy bill. India has registered 6.5% growth in the fiscal year 2011- 12. Which was the lowest in the past nine years. Government Detected Rs.49,325 crore Black Money in India Government said that Rs.49,325 crore has been detected in the country in the last three years while tax evasion of Rs.600 crore found on input from abroad under multi-prolonged efforts to heck black money menance. this information has been contained in a 13 page fact-sheet released by the Finance Ministry.The fact-sheet say the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) has detected undisclosed income of over Rs.32,000 crore besides seizing assets valued at over Rs 2,600 crores. 17,325 crore income detected in survey. Government also disclosed that under Double Avoidance agreement(DTAA), investigation of information from German and France has led to detection of tax evasion of Rs.600 crore and realization of Rs.200 crore in taxes. Union Finance Minister Approved the Proposal FDI raise up to 49% The Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram approved the raise of FDI in Insurance and Pension sector up to 49%. Earlier the limit of FDI was up to 26%. This Proposal of 49% raise of FDI was made during the tenure of Pranab mukherjee. It was delayed because of resistance from the cronies. ISC directs Sahara Group to refund Rs 17,400 crore to investors In a major setback to the Sahara Group, the Supreme Court on 31st August 2012 directed two of its companies to refund around Rs 17,400 crore to their investors within three months with 15 percent interest.A bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar directed SEBI to take action against

the companies, Sahara India Real Estate and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation, if they fail to refund the money. India, China joint panel to address trade concerns

Corporation

India and China have agreed to establish a joint working group to address all trade-related issues, including the widening trade balance between the countries. The decision was taken at a meeting between trade minister Anand Sharma and his Chinese counterpart Chen Deming in New Delhi on 27th August 2012.Trade between the countries was $75.4 billion in 2011-12, against $59 billion in 2010- 11. In 2011-12, exports to China stood at $17.9 billion while imports from there stood at $57.5 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $39.6 billion.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SPOT6 reached to SHAR The Satish Dawan Space Centre in Nellore district at Sriharikota will launching PSLV C-21 rocket(100th rocket) with French satellite SPOT6(800kg) and a small Japanese satellite weighing around 15kg in the month of September.This is the hundredth rocket in the 49 years of ISRO history. Cabinet Clears Mars mission The Union Cabinet on 03 August 2012 cleared the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) mission to Mars next year November The project envisages putting a spacecraft in the red planets orbit to study its atmosphere with the help of the polar Satellite launch vehicle. India joins the United states , Russia, Europe, Japan and China in undertaking such an effort. The spacecraft will have a scientific payload of 25 kg and its proposed to be placed in an orbit of 500 x 80,000 km around the planet.The mission is estimated to cost about Rs $450 crore. Curiosity Landed on Red Planet The Robotic Explorer Curiosity blazed through the pink skies of mars, steering itself to gentle landing inside again crater for the most ambitious dig yet into the red planet. It was NASAs seventh landing on earths Neighbor.In November 2011 American Space Research Centre NASA Launched the curiosity into the space. On 6 Aug 2012 the Curiosity landed safely on the Mars.The Voyage to Mars took more than eight months and spanned 352m million miles(566 million kilometers). It sliced through Martian atmosphere ay 13,000mph(21,000kph). The first of what scientists predict will be enormous amounts of Information, Including a possible answer to whether Mars ever supported conditions for Organic life, to find evidence of life itself,alive or fossilized-its raft of 10 scientific instruments will hunt for carbon based compounds considered essential to microbial life. It stays 2 years in Mars to collect all these Information. This is the next space mission of NASA after 1970. Ashwini, IndoAmerican scientist involved in this mission. NASA picks 3 firms to develop space taxis NASA picks 3 firms to develop space taxis,the companies are the Boeing Co,Space Exploration Technologies called SpaceX, and Sierra Nvada Corp. A new oxidant in the atmosphere identified Scientists have found for the first time unequivocal evidence of another oxidant playing a vital role in the formation of gaseous sulphuric acid in the atmosphere. Until now, it was thought that the combination of OH (hydroxyl radical) oxidant with sulphur dioxide (SO) was the dominant way by which gaseous sulphuric acid is formed in the atmosphere. They found the new oxidant has significant capacity to oxidise sulphur dioxide. Largest 3D Map of Galaxies Astronomers have unveiled the largest ever 3D map of the sky, encompassing massive galaxies and distance black holes, based on sloan digital sky survey III(SDSS- III). These galaxies are captures by

a 2.5 meter wide -angle telescope located at the Apache Point observatory in New Mexico.The release Includes of 200 million galaxies and spectra of 1.35 million galaxies, according to a Harvardsmith soniam statement with SDSS-III. Agni-II Test Fired Successfully Surface to Surface missile Agni-II soared to a successfully test fired on 9 august 2012 at Wheeler Island of the Odisha. It have a height of 20km and weighted as 17 tonnes and have the capacity to carry a nuclear war head of weighing one ton. The missile Ranging Agni-I 700km , Agni-II 2,000 km , Agni- III-3,300km. The future projects are Agni 4 andAgni 5 to launch. Print High Resolution Images Without Ink aNew Technology Developed The team of scientists with Indian origin has developed a new technology of printing high resolution images without ink. The Institute of materials research and Engineering in Singapore has demonstrated that 1,00,000 dots per inch(dpi) can produce sharp and full spectrum color images.Which can be applicable in reflect colour displays , anticounterfeiting, and high density optical recording.Karthik Kumar says that size and spacing of the nanodots is critical to the final image quality. The closer the dots are together and because of their small size, the higher the resolution of the image. Nanotechnology for Solar panel efficiency A University of Houston researchers has developed a nano particle coating for solar panel that makes it easier to keep them clean. This helps in keeping them efficient and cuts maintains cost. NASA spies cosmic supermom Scientists have found a cosmic supermom, a galaxy that gives birth to more stars in a day than Earths does in a year. Astronomers used NASAs Chandra X-ray telescope to spot this distant gigantic galaxy creating about 740 new stars a year. By comparison, our Milky Way Galaxy spawns just about one new star each year. Prithvi-II missile test, a Success The strategic Forces Command, which is in charge of nuclear weapons, successfully fired the surface to surface Prithvi-II missile from Chandipur in Odishas Balasore district on 25th August 2012, confirming yet again that the armed forces are capable of launching nuclear missiles independently. China Military test fires 14,000km range missile The china central television(CCTV) reported that the chinas military had successfully tested the new 14,000 rang Dong feng-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It have the capacity to carry 10 nuclear war heads. Blue moon on 31st August 2012 When a full moon appears in the night sky for the second time in a calendar month ,it is called a blue oon.The next blue moon will occur on July 31,2015. In US, Indias First C-17 transport aircraft takes shape Now the Indian Air Force is planned to introduce a C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift military planes in place of old Cargo planes for the next year June. So India made deal with Boeing for $410 crores in the last year.C-17 has the capacity to fill oil in the air.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Sushil Kumar Shinde as the new Leader in house of Lok Sabha Sushile Kumar Shinde has been appointed as the new Leader in the House of Lok Sabha taking the place of Pranab Mukherjee who has now become the President on 3 August 2012.

Hyderabadi Advocate becomes a Vice-Chairman of ABA Hyderabad based lawyer Mr.JLN Murthy has been appointed to the Vice-Chairman of the AmericanBar Association Section of International Law, Europe Committee, for the year 2012-13.The main aim of this association is to focus on several international legal issues. Nasim Ahmad Zaidi is new election commissioner Former civil aviation secretary Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi was 7 August 2012, appointed an election commissioner by President Pranab Mukherjee.The former EC V.S. Sampath took charge as CEC(Chief Election Commissioner. Dimple Yadav and M. Raja Mohan Reddy takes oath as Lok Sabha member Dimple Yadav, the wife of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, 8 August 2012 took oath as a Lok Sabha member from Kannauj. She had won the by-election, caused by her husbands resignation, unopposed in June.Along with Yadav, M. Raja Mohan Reddy, the newly-elected MP from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, also took oath. Reddy is from the YSR Congress. Raghuram Rajan is chief economic advisor The government has issued formal orders to appoint Raghuram Rajan, former International Monetary Fund chief economist, as the chief economic advisor in the finance ministry. The economist, who is currently a professor at Chicago Universitys Booth School of Business, is not expected to take charge for the next few weeks due to academic commitments. Rajan will take over at a time when the government is trying to combat a hostile economic climate. Cabinet nod for Customs first-ever woman chief The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has given its nod for Praveen Mahajan to be a fullfledged Chairperson of the Central Board of Excise and Customs(CBEC). She is the first lady ever to head the highest policy-making body on indirect taxes.Prior to this elevation, she was Member (Personnel and Vigilance) in the CBEC from August 2011. Ansari takes oath for second term Hamid Ansari became the second Vice-President of India to take oath of office for second consecutive terms in New Delhi on 11 August 2012 Ansari, a former diplomat, followed Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who served two successive terms as Vice-President. Indian origin Sanjay Reddy, appointed as the director of new York Universitys Centre New Yorks leading University, the new school, has named an Indian -origin academician as director of its center of trans-regional study, which is focused on research on the relations between India, china and U.S. He associate Professor of Economics,has been named academic director of the new schools India, China Institute(ICI) along with Mark Frazier, Professor of Politics on 16 August 2012. New Envoy to Syria is Lakhdar Brahimi The United Nations on 17 August, 2012 confirmed that Veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi will replace the former UN Secretary general Kofi Annan as the International mediator on Syria as the 17 month old conflict slides deeper into civil war. Brahimi, who served as Algerias foreign minister from 1991 to 1993 and joined UN in 1994 and served various high profile positions until he retired in 2005. P.J. Kurien is Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien is unanimously elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha on 21 August 2012. Poonam Kishore Saxena appointed as Chairman of CBDT The government appointed Dr.Poonam Kishore Saxena,a 1975 batch IRS officer as the Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 22nd August 2012.

P. M. Nair Appointed as Director General,NDRF & CD Shri P. M. Nair, IPS has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster Response Force & Civil Defence (NDRF & CD), Ministry of Home Affairs.Shri Nair is presently working as Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force. Admiral D K Joshi takes charge as new Navy chief Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi took over as the new Indian Navy chief on 31st August 2012.Admiral Joshi is the 21st Chief of Naval Staff of independent India and the 19th Indian to command the Indian Navy. New President Of Libya is Mohammad Magarief National Assembly of Libya elected their former Opposition leader Mohammed Magarief as its New President. Mr.Magarief seen as a Moderate Islamist, will head the 200-member congress. The 72year-old Magarief who is the head of National front party. An economist and former Libyan ambassador to India who had lived in exile since the 1980s, Magarief was a leading figure in Libyas oldest movement opposition movement. Magarief won 113 votes versus independent Alli zindan who secured 85 votes. New Jammu Varsity Chancellor is Vohra Jammu & Kashmir governor N.N.Vohra has been appointed the first chancellor of the Central University of Jammu. Pranab Mukharjee on his visit to that University appointed Mr. Vohra the chancellor if the University for a period of five years.

B) Resigns
Gopal Goyal Kand Home Minster of Haryana Quits Haryana Minster of state for home, Goyal Kanda resigned on 5 August 2012 night after a 23-year old farmer air hosters named him in a suicide note before hanging herself. Kofi A.Annan Resigns as Syria Peace Envoy FreeJobAlert.com Current Affairs 20 Kofi A.Annan resigned as the UN Peace envoy to Syria on 2 August 2012 by complaining the international community had not done enough to support his bid to persuade Bashar al-Assad to accept a peace plan. His term as UN peace interlocutor was set to expire on 31 August 2012. Annan was appointed the UN-Arab League Peace envoy to Syria in February 2012. Indo American Fareed Zakaria resigned from Yale Government Board After a long association with Yale University the noted Indo American Writer and and journalist Fareed Zakaria has resigned from its governing body to focus on journalistic career.Zakaria, who received his bachelors degree from the university, was associated with the Yale Corporation for past six years. The decision of Zakaria to shed some of his non-journalistic responsibilities has come close on the heels of accusations of plagiarism against him. Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi Quit as Iraq communication Minister Iraqi Communications minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi quit his post in 27 Aug accusing Prime Minister Nuri Maliki of Political Interference in his ministry. Allawis resignation is the first by a cabinet member since Iraqs national unity government was formed in December 2010.

C)Deaths
Contrarian Author Gore Vidal Dies Writer Gore Vidal, who filler his novels and essays with acerbic observation on politics,sex and American culture. While carrying on feuds with bigname literary rivals,died on 1 August 2012 at home in Los angels of complications from pneumonia,age 86. His historical novels was Burr, 18762 .Lincoln,The Golden Age.

Vilasrao Deshmukh passes away The Union Minister for science and Technology and Ex. chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh ,who was suffering from sclerosis of the liver, passed away at a chennai hospital on 2012 August 14th. Hindi cinematographer Ashok The ace cinematograoher Ashok Mehta, who lost the battle 15 August 2012.The man who worked with best in accomplished shyam benegal, Girish Karnad and shekhar He did films like Utsav, Mandi,36 chowsinghee Lane. Mehta Passed away with lung cancer at a mumbai hospital on the business, raging from the highly Kapur, hugely populared Sunhash Ghai.

Science Friction Writer Harry Harrison Passed Away American Author Harry Harrison has died in Britain on 16 august 2012 at 87. He was best known for hisThe Stainless Steel rat series. His 1966, Make room! Make Room!- a Science Friction take on the horrors of over population. The Other works included anthologies, collections and childrens stories-including one particularity goofs tale about an Intergalactic force of Mutant pigs. Philippine Minister Jesse Robredo died in Plane Crash The most powerful minister of Philippine died in plane crash on 19 August 2012. The Interior secretary Jesse Robredo. This crash was held at the central island of Masbate. Prime Minister of Ethipio Meles Zenavi passed away Meles Zenavi, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, passed away on 20 August 2012 following prolonged illness. He was 57 Ethiopios foreign minister will assume the change as the acting P.M. of the country. US Astronaut Neil Alden Armstrong passed away US Astronaut , Armstrong, as the commander of the Apollo 11 mission, became the first human to land on the moon on 20 July 1969,passed away on 25th August 2012. Veteran actor Hangal Passed away Actor A.K.Hangal, who had the rare ability to imbue the smallest and the most ordinary of roles with quality and dignity, passed away on 26 Aug at Mumbai followed Health complications caused by a recent hip fracture.

D) Visitors
Fijian President calls on Pranab Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikaw called on his Indian counter part Pranab Mukherjiee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 7 August 2012 and discussed the scope for expanding trade and bilateral ties.Mr. Mukherjiee also granted Fiji for joining the Non-Alignment movement. Chinese defence minister to visit India India and China are expected to discuss ways of strengthening defence ties during the three-day visit of Chinese defence minister General Liang Guanglie starting September 2 in Mumbai.

E)Miscellaneous
Miss China Crowned Miss World Chainas Wen Xia Yu was on 18 August 2012 crowned Miss world-2012 the competitions are conducted in China at Innar Mangolia Erina. Wales Sophie Moulds was first runner up and the second runner up position to Jessica. Kahawaty of Australia. Indian beauty Vanya Mishra on the 6th position by winning two awards in miss world competition. The multimedia award and social networking skin & beauty.

Student Prafull Sharma Discovers SOHO A Delhi boy has discovered a new comet using data from NASA and European Space Agency;s Space Craft-based observatory SOHO that studies the sun. Prafull sharma, is a XII class student of Ahlcon public school, the new comet SOHO-2333 is a fragment believed to have separated from a relatively larger comet Machholz when it last came close to the sun in 2007. sharma, who has been associated with Delhi-based NGO science. Popularization Association of Communicators and educators (SPACE), ia apart of a world wide team os comet hunters. Who scour through images of the sun transmitted back to earth by Solar and Heliosphere Observatory(SOHO). Zakaria suspended by CNN/TIME Magazine Indo American Journalist and author Fareed Zakaria has been suspended by his employers and Time Magazine because he copied some Portions of an article he wrote on Gun Control for Time, from the New Yorker Magazine. He suspended for one month. Ex-Prez Pratibha Patil spent 140Cr on air Travel According to RIT report Indias ex-President visited 18 Countries in 10 trips from November 2008 to October 2011.Indias former president Pratibha Patil sets a new record by spending 140 Cr travel expenses alone. Patil was the most frequent flyer using IAF planes 255 times as compared to PM ManMohan(108) abd Vice President Ansari(106). As A.P.J.Abdul Kalam visited 17 Countries in 7 trips and K.R.Narayana covered 10 Countries in 6 trips. S.D.Shrama covered 16 Nations in 4 trips. Himachal Hotel Gets Heritage Status The Castel Magar, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporations prime hotel in the picturesque, Kullu Valley was notified under the heritage status by the Union tourism ministry on 23 August 2012. Maggar was the capital of the erst while kullu state for about 1460 years. The Castle was built by Raja Sidhi Singh in the 16th century. Amir Khan on the Cover Page of Time Magazine The most successful Tv show Satyamev Jayate made Amir Khan features in the cover page of the Time Magazine.Aamir Khan is featured on the cover of Time with the caption Khans Quest. Bollywood actors who have featured before on Time cover are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Parveen Babi. Parveen Babi became the cover girl of Times July 1976 issue, after acting in super hit flick Deewar. The cover story was titled Asias Frenetic Film Scene.On one of 2003 issues, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was called New Face Of Film. The magazine mentioned: Aishwarya Rai leads the invasion as Bollywood goes global and becomes hip. 9 IAF personnel killed in mid-air copter collision Nine IAF personnel, including five officers, were killed when two Mi-17 medium-lift utility helicopters collided in mid-air while on a live firing exercise at the Sarmat field range near the Jamnagar airbase in Gujarat on 30 August 20112.

PLACES IN NEWS
Death toll in Irans twin earthquakes is over 250 Two strong earthquakes that struck north-west Iran on 11th August 2012 killed more than 250 people and left grieving survivors buffeted by repeated aftershocks in a state of trauma.The first quake, of magnitude 6.2, jolted the Ahar area around 1600 hours local time, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported. Almost an hour later, a quake of 6 magnitude rocked the city of Varzaqan and its surroundings in the same province.Thousands of people, rattled by at least 35 aftershocks, fled from their homes. Many families spent the night in parks, braving chilly conditions that prevail in the mountainous province. Typhoon Haikui Hit East Coast China Typhoon Haikui hit to the east coast china on 8 August 2012. By hitting hard the area around the

business metropolis of shanghai with heavy wind and rain. The storms winds were at Severe typhoon. It made land fall in the Province of Zhejiang, about 225 kilometers(140 miles) south of Shanghai. The wind speed in between 150 and 184 kilometers per hour. Chinese officials had relocated 374.000 people from shanghai and 250,000 from zhejiang.

BOOKS IN NEWS
Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden: A New Book released No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden was written by a Navy SEAL under the pseudonym Mark Owen with co-author Kevin Maurer and is to be released next month on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This book has claimed that Abbottabad house where al-Qaeda chief lived was carved outfrom Pakistan Military Academy compound and its powerful army chief may have been briefed beforehand on the Kill Osama Mission.

COMMITTEES
Pak Prez Formed a Panel to Talk with Pak Hindus Pakistan President Asif Ali zardari has set up a three member committee of Parliamentarians to meet and reassure Hindus in sindh of their security after their families decided to flee their homes. Zardari has taken serious notes of reports of the Sense of Insecurity among hindus families in sindh and directed authorities to address their unfair treatment and report to him. This panel consists of senator Hari Ram, National Assembly member Lal Chand and Federal Minister Moula Bakhsh Chandio. Panel to Examine Western Ghats Report Environment Ministry has constituted a high level working panel to headed by eminent space scientist and panning commission member K Kasturirangan to examine the Western Ghats ecology expert panel report in a holistic and multidisciplinary fashion. The nine member group will examine the the Madhav Gadgil committee report released recently in a holistic and multidisciplinary fashion keeping in view the comments received from the concerned state governments, central ministries, stakeholders.It will also study the effects and challenges of climate change in the ecologically significant Western Ghats region, the imp lications of the UNESCO heritage site recognition of some parts of the Western Ghats and the constitutional implications of Centre-State relations regarding the conservation and sustainable development of the region. It is also expected to recommend further course of action regarding the report within two months. Two Member Panel to Study on Universal Health coverage The National Advisory council has set up a two member working group to study the report on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) prepared by the high level expert scope of the National rural health Mission(NRHM) and convert it into a National Health Mission. The Two-member group, comprising Mirai chatterjee and A.K.Shiva kumar,will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Family welfare and the planning commission to resolve any possible issues arising on health. SL Committee pulled up for diluting civilnuclear Liability Rules The subordinate legislation committee of the lok sabha has pulled up the department of atomic energy for diluting the civil. liability for clear Damage(CLND)Act. The committee monitors whether the rules tabled in parliament are in tune with the act passed by parliament. This is 15 member panel has represented from all parties.

ABBREVIATIONS
EPT Environment Performance Index NASI National Academy of Science, India SPSS Sloan Digital Sky Survey SFC Strategic Forces Command DRDO Defense Research and development Organization DTAA Double Taxation of direct Agreement CBDT Central Board of Direct Taxes SPACE Science Popularization Association of Communicators and educators SOHO Solar and HelioSpheric Observatory

DAYS & DATES August 1 World Breast-feeding Week August 3 Friendship Day August 6 Anti Nuclear Day August 6 Hiroshima Day August 9 Nagasaki Day August 9 International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People August 12 International Youth Day August 13 World Left Handers Day August 15 International Mourning Day August 19 World Humanitarian Day August 19 World Photography Day August 20 World Mosquito Day August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition August 20 -Namibia Day

September 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
China to shut hundreds of coal mines this year

The State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said the country(China) aims to close another 625 small coal mines this year in an attempt to reduce the number of deadly accidents, as the death toll in latest coal mine explosion mounted to 43, raising concerns over safety Smita Shah first Indian-American to serve as DNC parliamentarian Smita Shah a close supporter of US President Barack Obama, is vice-chair of the Chicago Plan Commission, become the first Indian-American to serve as a Democratic National Convention parliamentarian on 5th September 2012.As per the publically available documents, Smita has been an applauded donor to the campaign of the Democratic Party and Obama. US strikes Nepal Maoists from terror blacklist On 06th September 2012 US has lifted sanctions and removed the Communist party of Nepal(Maoists) Organization of Nepal from the list of designated terrorist organisation,years after the rebels abandoned their named struggle and entered open politics and signed a peace treaty. U.S. designates Haqqani network a terrorist group The United States said on 7th September 2012 it is designating the Pakistan-based Haqqani network a terrorist organization, triggering sanctions against a group American officials blame for high-profile attacks in Afghanistan, and which they say has ties to the Pakistani state. Army in Egypt reports 32 deaths in Sinai crackdown Egyptian armed forces have killed 32 criminal elements since launching an operation against Islamist militants in Sinai on 8th September 2012. Canada cuts diplomatic ties with Iran John Baird,Foreign minister Canada said: [Iran] is among the worlds worst violators of human rights; and it shelters and materially supports terrorist groups, requiring the government of Canada to formally list Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.Canada cuts diplomatic ties with Iran.So, Canada has closed its embassy in Tehran and ordered the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Ottawa, partly because of the countrys backing of the Syrian regime. Somalia gets a new president Somalias parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new leader for the African nation on 10th September 2012. Japan to buy disputed East China Sea islands The uninhabited islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have long been a source of friction. Japan and China have competing territorial claims to the islets and surrounding fishing areas and potentially rich gas deposits.The Japanese government will buy the islets for 2.05 billion yen ($26.15 million) and the owners will sign a contract soon. Biggest Fire Accident in Karachi 290 Members Die At least 290 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that broke out in a garment factory in Karachi on 11th September 2012 night. Worldwide protests against the film Innocence of Muslims

The attacks will be continued on 14th September 2012 also in several countries, including Egypt, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia due the release of the film Innocence of Muslims.UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has denounced as hateful an anti-Islam movie produced in the United States. Russia to mine super hard diamonds Russia has declassified a huge deposit of unique super hard diamonds that dwarf the global reserves of the precious stone and can meet the worldwide demand for another 3,000 years.The deposit, located in an asteroid crater 120 km in diameter, has been kept under wraps for nearly 40 decades as the Soviet Union mined enough diamonds elsewhere and also produced synthetic diamonds. Bill Gates remains the richest in U.S.: Forbes Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has retained his position as the richest person in America for the 19th year in a row this year, according to Forbes annual ranking of the nations 400 super rich people who have a combined net worth of $1.7 trillion.Five Indian-Americans, including Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and founder of IT major Syntel, Bharat Desai (ranked 239),Founder and Chairman of the Symphony Technology Group Romesh Wadhwani(ranked 250), Google board member and shareholder Kavitark Ram Shriram (ranked 298),Founder and CEO of the popular energy drink 5-hour energy Manoj Bhargava(ranked 311). Zardari, Hillary discuss India-Pak trade ties Improving trade ties between Pakistan and India, terrorism and violent anti-U.S. protests were among a host of issues that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when they met NewYork on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session on 25th September 2012. Buddhist temples attacked in Bangladesh Thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims set fire to at least 10 Buddhist temples and 40 homes in Ramu town and its adjoining villages some 350 km from Dhaka in anger over a Facebook photo of a burned Quran on 30th September 2012. 32 killed in blasts across Iraq A wave of bombings and shootings in Iraq on 30th September 2012 killed at least 32 people and wounded 104 .The violence was centred in Baghdad and the surrounding areas of Taji, Madain and Tarmiyah.

INDIA & WORLD

America Court Summons to Parkash Singh Badal Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who was served summons by a US court last month in a case of alleged custodial torture and extra judicial killings of Sikhs, has sought dismissal of the motion against him or additional time of 90 days to defend the charges.The US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin had issued Summons against Badal on August 8 when he was in Wisconsin on a private visit to attend a marriage ceremony. No mobile connection for more than 3 months to any foreign tourist: Government

To check misuse of SIM cards, the government has asked Telecom Service Providers not to provide mobile connection for more than three months to any foreign tourist visiting India.According to the fresh guidelines, which have come into effect recently, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has told the service providers that the proof for issuance of a mobile connection to any foreigner would be the passport having a valid visa. India, Pakistan to ink 3 pacts to boost economic activity Hoping that the forthcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna would lead to a liberal visa regime agreement, Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma, on 04th September 2012, said India and Pakistan would soon ink three agreements in the areas of customs co-operation, mutual recognition of standards and redressal of trade issues to give a fillip to economic activity. India, China to resume joint military exercises India and China announced on 04th September 2012 they would resume joint military exercises after a four-year gap, a move designed to build trust in the often prickly relationship between the worlds two most populous nations. Five Indian firms in Forbes list of worlds most innovative companies Five Indian companies including Larsen & Toubro, Hindustan Unilever and Infosys are ranked on Forbes magazines list of The Worlds Most Innovative Companies topped by four US companies.Larsen & Toubro got the ninth rank,Hindustan Unilever got the 12th rank, Infosys got 19th rank,Tata Consultancy Services got 29th rank and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries got 38th rank.Four US companies- Cloud computing king Salesforce.com, drug major Alexion Pharmaceuticals, internet retail giant Amazon.com and open source software leader Red Hat took the top four places. India, Pakistan ink visa agreement Pakistan and India have announced on 8th September 2012 that they will ease tough visa restrictions, an important step forward in improving relations between the nuclear armed neighbours. ECIL to supply converters to international science centre Public sector electronic manufacturing firm, Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), has been selected to supply power converters to the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), an international science centre at Darmstadt near Frankfurt in Germany.ECIL signed a bilateral contract for supply of convertors with Bose Institute, designated nodal agency to coordinate between various departments involved in the project.Accordingly, ECIL would be involved in design, development, manufacturing and supply of around 500 ultra stable power converters that cost around 7.5 million Euros (about Rs. 50 crore) of the total Indian contribution of around 36 million Euros. Onno Ruhl appointed World Bank country director for India The World Bank has appointed Onno Ruhl as the country director for India. He will replace Roberto Zagha, who retires in October. Ruhl, a Dutch national, was previously the director for operation services and quality in the South Asia region of the World Bank, the multi-lateral funding agency. Saudi Arabia, India hold talks on defence ties The first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia joint committee on defence cooperation was held on 10th September 2012 at New Delhi and both sides discussed proposals for exchange of high-level visits, training and functional exchanges in various areas. India pledges $10-million for Palestine

The Prime Minister Manmohan 11th September 2012 announced to an assistance of $10 million to Palestines budget for this year to help address its financial requirements.Prime Minister made this announcement after signing three bilateral pacts the areas of information and communication technology, vocational training and education with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is at present in New Delhi for his three-day long state visit. India, Pakistan trade bodies sign Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) The Islamabad Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IWCCI)and the Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on 12th September 2012 signed an MoU to promote trade and investment and improve linkages between business communities of the two countries. Highest under-5 deaths in India In the Child Mortality Estimates Report 2012 published by United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), India was placed at the top position in the chart of 10 countries that topped on the chart. The other countries with their names on the chart are Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Delhi, Mumbai among least expensive cities around world A report released Friday by the Swiss bank UBS, covering 72 cities in 58 countries Capital Delhi and financial hub Mumbai are the least expensive cities and Tokyo is the most expensive city for food in the world. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation won work in Jakarta Metro Rail Project Delhi Metro has bagged the work of Management Consulting Services for building the Phase- I of Jakarta Mass Rapid System in Indonesia.This is the first time that Delhi Metro has got a project outside the country since its inception in 1997. Afghanistan, US, India hold first trilateral meeting India, Afghanistan and the US held their first trilateral meeting in New York on 25th September 2012.The major point of discussion was on the situation in Afghanistan along with the issue of terrorism. India ranks lower than China in global food security index India has been ranked 66, much lower than neighbouring China, in the 2012 Global Food Security Index released by the American chemical company DuPont on 26th September 2012.India is ranked 66 , China (ranked 39) , Sri Lanka (ranked 62),Pakistan (ranked 75) and Bangladesh ( ranked 81) in the list of 105 countries.

NATIONAL
Sebi plans investor website in 13 Indian languages Market regulator Sebi is planning to soon offer its investor website in as many as 13 Indian languages, besides the existing one in English, to spread awareness among investors and to help resolve their grievances.

Supreme Court lifts ban on iron ore mining in Karnataka Supreme Court partially lifts ban on iron ore mining in Karnataka on 3rd September 2012, on the basis of the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). CEC divides the leases of iron ore mines in three categories A,B,C.marginal irregularities and no irregularities of leases come under A category, most irregularities in leases come under C category,moderate irregularities come under B category.The Supreme Court has lifted the banwould only be effective in 18 category A mines, subject to their compliance with statutory clearances.The ban will continued on the remaining leases. Lok Sabha passed two Bills on 3rd September 2012 Lok Sabha passed two bills on 3rd September 2012 They are 1.Sexual harassment may mean loss of business licence:Non-compliance with the provisions of the law will be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licence or registration to do business.2.National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expansion bill passed 4.6 magnitude quake rocks Ladakh, no impact in Kashmir A 4.6 magnitude quake rock Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir on 4th September 2012 afternoon. However, it was not felt in the Kashmir valley.Its epicentre was in Southern Xinjiang China, located at a distance of 327 km from Leh. MGNREGA work days raised to 150, crop loans cut to 7% Empowered Group of Ministers(EGoM) on drought headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar decided to increase the number of guaranteed work days under Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) to 150 days and cut interest rates on crop loans to 7 percent for one year for the farmers in drought-affected states. Women and Child Development Ministry launched a Web Portal named Track Child The Union Women and Child Development Ministry on 18 September 2012 decided to launch a web portal named Track Child, which will serve as a central database of all those children who have gone missing in different parts of the country. The portal will act as a coordination mechanism between child homes, police departments and state governments. Govt launches Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme The Finance Minister P Chidambaram on 21st September 2012 cut withholding tax on overseas borrowings to 5 percent from 20 percent and approved the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS).While the RGESS is aimed at encouraging first time retail investors to invest in stock markets through tax concessions, the cut in withholding tax to 5 percent seeks to lower the cost of foreign borrowings by the Indian companies.The RGESS will give tax benefits to new investors who invest up to Rs 50,000 and whose annual income is below Rs 10 lakh. C P Joshi given additional charge of Railways Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways C P Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Railways in place of Mr Mukul Roy, who was among the six Ministers who resigned from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government 22nd September 2012. Election Commission Ban the usage of animal and birds in poll campaign The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 26th September 2012 issued an order banning the use of animals and birds by political parties during campaigns. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

(PETA) India said that following repeated requests by animal activist, the Election Commission asked political parties and candidates to refrain from using animals for their campaigns.

STATES
HC(High Court) fixes quota in local bodies at 50 percent The AP High Court on 04 September 2012 ruled that the combined reservations for Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Panchayat Raj local bodies should not exceed the upper ceiling of 50 per cent.The court directed the state to cut the quota for BCs and bring the cumulative figure down to 50 per cent. Bill for special status for six districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka region introduced In the Lok Sabha on 7th September 2012 ,Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde introduced a Bill to amend the Constitution and thus provide a special status to the Hyderabad-Karnataka region , under a new Article 371(J).Once it is approved by Parliament the Hyderabad-Karnataka region covering six backwards districts Bidar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Yadgir, Raichur and Bellary will get more central funds for development and will be on par with the Telananga region of Andhra Pradesh. Besides, there will be reservation in jobs and education for the locals. Supreme Court issues notice to Tamil Nadu government on 69 per cent reservation The Supreme Court 10th September 2012 issued a notice to Tamil Nadu government on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the 69 per cent reservation by the state government in employment and educational institutions. The petition, filed by students, challenged the governments decision to exceed the 50 per cent limit in reservation mandated by the Mandal Commission judgement.The ten student petitioners from Tamil Nadu had approached the Court after failing to secure admission to the Medical College despite having secured 198/200. Punjab government amends Canal and Drainage Act The offence of theft of canal water can now attrac t both fine and 6 months imprisonment after an amendment in the law relating to canals and drainage.Punjab Irrigation Minister, Janmeja Singh Sekhon informed that the Punjab government has amended section 70 of the Act for this. NHRC issues notice to Maharashtra over farm suicides The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a reply from the Maharashtra government over seven farm suicides that took place last week within a span of 72 hours in the states Vidarbha region.A total of 528 farmers have committed suicide in the Vidarbha region between Jan 1 and Sep 2 this year. Ban on gutka in Delhi comes into effect A blanket ban on manufacturing, sale, storage and display of all gutka products in the national capital came into effect from 13th September 2012. States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have already announced ban on gutka products. A similar comprehensive ban came into effect in Gujarat from 12th September 2012. Haryana government institute awards for women

Haryana government has instituted four state-level awards to felicitate women who have done outstanding work in different fields. These are 1.Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award(given to those engaged in promoting self help groups or women empowerment initiatives, established their own business or industry and have contributed to development of women besides entrepreneurship and done exemplary work in public service.) 2.Kalpna Chawla Shaurya Award(who perform acts of bravery and meritorious services) 3.Bahin Shano Devi Panchayti Raj Award(exemplary work in promoting female literacy, health and nutrition, universalisation of education, sanitation, water, hygiene and other health determinants) and 4.Life time Achievers Award( given to woman of 60 years of age or above, who has excelled in administrative skills, career or profession, leadership quality, courage and creative work) and Women Outstanding Achievers Award(women who have done commendable work in their respective fields)

CONFERENCES
APEC Russia 2012 Summit The APEC Russia 2012 Summit is the 24th annual gathering of APEC leaders of 21 countries.Leaders from the member economics are currently meeting on Russky Island off the Coast of Vladivostok, Russia from September 2-9 ,2012 . Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) is a forum for Rim Countries(formally member Economics) that seeks to promote free trade and Economics throughout the Asia-Pecific region established in 1989. Indian National Science Academy Summit In the last day of the summit conducted from 7th to 9th September 2012 in New Delhi,Scientists across South Asia decided to work closely in research initiatives and advise decision makers in offering solutions to problems ranging from healthcare to energy security.The three-day meeting saw participation from the Science Academies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Emerging Kerala investment meet to see 51 nations taking part 51 countries with 2,500 registered delegates and around 300 VIPs comprising ambassadors, high commissioners and ministers have confirmed their participation in the Emerging Kerala 2012 investment meet to be held in Kochi from Sep 12-14.KSIDC is the nodal agency for the event which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The main aim of this event is highlight investment opportunities available in Kerala and advertise to the the world its state of readiness to receive the investors. 9th World Hindi Conference To held in Johannesburg The 9th World Hindi Conference to be held in Johannesburg ,South Africa from 22-24 September 2012.The first world Hindi Conference was held in Nagapur from 10-12 January 1975 under aegis of RashtrabhashaPracharaSamiti ,Wardha.The main theme of the conference is Bhasha Ki Asmita Aur Hindi Ka Vaishvik Sandarbh.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Dr. M.V. Reddy get the Bharat Jyoti Award

The Director, Department of Animal Husbandry,Dr. M.V.Reddy got the Bharat Jyoti Award .This award was presented by the India International Friendship Society. Three National awards for State Literacy Mission the Andhra Pradesh State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) has received awards for its work in Vizianagaram district and one gram panchayat P Yeleru of Anantapur district. Andhra Pradesh is the only State which received the Saakshar Bharat Award in the entire Country. The Awards comprising a trophy and a certificate which will be given by the Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari on the occasion of International Literacy Day to be celebrated on September 8 at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Apollo Hospitals bags 4 awards The Apollo Hospitals Group has bagged the Asian Hospital Management Awards ( AHMA) 2012 in four categories.It received awards for customer service, corporate social responsibility, cost reduction and patient safety. AHMA 2012 garnered 363 entries representing 89 hospitals from 12 countries. Aung San Suu Kyi Receives US Congressional Gold Medal Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has received the Congressional Gold Medal the highest honor Congress can bestow, at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on 19th September 2012. Members of the U.S. Congress from both chambers and both major political parties gathered to pay tribute to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was first awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008, while she was under 15 years of house arrest in Burma. Barfi! makes it to the Oscars Ranbir Kapoor starrer Barfi! has been nominated as Indias entry to the Oscars next year in the foreign film category. Iran to boycott 2013 Oscars in wake of anti-Islam film The Iran government will boycott the 2013 Oscars in the wake of the anti-Islam video made in the United States that denigrates the Prophet Muhammad. T.S. Subramanian among winners of nuclear societys awards T.S. Subramanian, Associate Editor, Frontline, Chennai, and R.K. Singh, Head, Media Relations and Public Awareness Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, have been selected for the Indian Nuclear Societys INS Outstanding Service Award for 2011 for Science C ommunication.The awards will be presented on November 7 during the inaugural function of the 23 annual conference of the INS to be held in Mumbai. Waheeda Rehman to get lifetime achievement award Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the forthcoming 14th Mumbai Film Festival, which starts on October 18. Mumbai Academy of Moving Image(MAMI) is organising the film festival. Ebrahim Alkazi awarded top French honour Ebrahim Alkazi, the grand old man of Indian theatre has been conferred Frances highest cultural award for his contribution in nurturing and presenting modern theatre in India and preserving the treasures of photography and other art forms for posterity.Alkazi, was awarded Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres) on 29th September 2012.

DRDO scientist G. Satheesh Reddy received IETE Award G. Satheesh Reddy, outstanding scientist and associate director, Research Centre Imarat, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisations (DRDO) Missile complex, was given IETE B.V. Baliga Memorial Award on 30th September 2012 at Bangalore.

SPORTS & GAMES

India beat Cameroon to lift Nehru Cup for the third consecutive time India beat Cameroon in a thrilling penalty shoot-out to lift the Nehru Cup 2012 football tournament. This is Indias third consecutive Nehru Cup title, infact they have just won the three. Indias Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda wins silver in London Paralympics The Girisha Hosanagaara Nagarajegowda won Indias first medal at the London 2012 paralympic Games.The Karnataka athlete bagged the silver with a 1.74m effort in the mens high jump F42 event on 03 September 2012. India slips to 169th in world rankings The world football governing body FIFA released the latest FIFA World Rankings on 5th September 2012 in which India has lost one spot to be now ranked 169th amongst the 209 ranked nations and territories, while within Asia India remains 32nd amongst 46 nations in the rankings. USA wins third FIFA U-20 womens World Cup United States of America beat former champion Germany 1-0 in Tokyo to claim its third FIFA U-20 womens World Cup crown on 8th September 2012. Oscar Pistorius Wins Paralympics Gold In 400 Meters The Blade Runner of South Africa ,Oscar Pistorius successfully completed 400m -T44 event in 46.68 sec in Paralympics and won the gold medal. Serena clinches fourth US Open title Serena Williams captured her 15th Grand Slam title and fourth career US Open crown with a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka on 9th September 2012. Andy Murray first Britisher to win Grand Slam men`s singles title in 76 years Andy Murray has overpowered Serbias Novak Djokovic in five gruelling sets in a classic US Open final to become the first Britisher to win a Grand Slam mens singles title in 76 years. Armadillo to be 2014 FIFA World Cup mascot A rare species of armadillo is set to be the official mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on 12 September 2012.In the previous FIFA World Cup the mascots were: FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa- Zakumi the green-haired leopard FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany- Goleo named lion Dhoni named captain of ICC ODI team, Kohli, Gambhir in XI

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named captain of ICCs ODI Team of the Year which also includes Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.This is for the fifth consecutive year in a row that Dhoni has been selected in ICCs ODI Team of the Year.ICC awards are announced in Colombo on 15th September 2012. Virat Kohli named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Indias Virat Kohli was on15 September 2012 rewarded with ODI Cricketer of the Year.at the ICC annual awards function in Colombo. Indian Womens football defeated Nepal And Clinch 2012 SAFF Womens Championship Defending champions India have won the SAFF(South Asian Football Federation) Womens Championship 2012 defeating Nepal in the finals played on 16th September 2012. Saina signs up 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports The London Olympics bronze-medallist in badminton Saina Nehwal has signed up a 40-crore deal with Rhiti Sports Management company, making her the countrys highest paid sportsperson outside cricket. Lifter Chandrika first Indian to win medal in Youth Worlds Chandrika Tarafdar on 19th September 2012 became the first Indian to win a medal in Youth World Weightlifting Championships after she bagged two bronze in the girls 44kg category on the opening day at Kosice, Slovakia.Tarafdar won a bronze each in clean and jerk and total lift. She lifted 55kg in snatch, 74kg in clean and jerk for a total effort of 129kg. Deepika Kumari won Silver at Recurve World Cup Deepika Kumari won Silver at Recurve World Cup on 23 September 2012 in Tokyo. In the finals of the tournament, she lost against the Korean double Olympic gold medalist, Ki Bo-Bae. India got 3rd position in ICC T20 rankings India got the third position in Reliance ICC T20 Championship table released by ICC on 26th September 2012 .South Africa and England got the 1st and 2nd positions respectively. Indian wrestler Babita wins world championship bronze Babita Kumari (51kg) became the second Indian female wrestler to win a World Championships medal after she clinched a bronze in Edmonton, Canada. Humpy wins Ankara Grand Prix-2012 Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won gold medal in FIDE Grand Prix in Turkey at Ankara on 28th September 2012

ECONOMY
Indias GDP to remain below 6% for 2012-13

CII(Confederation of Indian Industry) survey indicated that the GDP growth during 2012-13 is expected to remain below 6 percent Planning Commission for cut in 12th Plan annual GDP growth target to 8.2% Planning Commission is proposing to lower annual average growth target for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) to 8.2 per cent from its earlier projection of 9 per cent in view of uncertain global environment and sluggish performance of the manufacturing sector at home. CRR cut to inject Rs.17,000 crore The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on 17th September 2012, retained the indicative policy rates at the current level while cutting the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 25 basis points to 4.50 per cent, injecting a liquidity of around Rs.17,000 crore into the banking system. Naveen Jindal tops executive pay chart with Rs 73.4 crore package The Chairperson and Managing Director of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL),Naveen Jindal has topped the executive pay charts for listed companies in the country with a package of Rs 73.42 crore for the last fiscal 2011-12, which grew by over Rs six crore from previous year.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

China developing new class of guided missile destroyer The Chinese Navy is developing a brand new class of guided-missile destroyer, a new type of naval warship with upgraded air-defence missiles, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles.The new destroyers are equipped with two 32-unit vertical launch systems capable of launching HQ-9B airdefence missiles, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles.The new destroyer is comparable to the Aegis equipped destroyers of the US Navy which use powerful co mputers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets Gliese 163C: New Earth-Like Planet Might Sustain Life Dubbed Gliese 163C, the planet is about seven times the mass of Earth and orbits a red dwarf, or a small, relatively cool star. Gliese 163C is 49 light years away. Its thought to be composed of mostly rock and water and gets 40 percent more light from its parent star than Earth gets from the sun, making it hotter with a surface temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. Air Indias first Dreamliner landing at IGI Airport After a four-year delay and subsequent acrimony, the first of Air Indias advanced Boeing B -787 Dreamliner landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on 08th September 2012.It is capable of flying over 15,000 km non-stop. For AI, the plane has been configured to have 256 seats 18 full-flat business class seats and 238 in economy.Air India, which ordered 27 Dreamliners six years ago, will get two more in the next few weeks. A total of eight will arrive by March 2013. PSLV-C21 delivers two satellites into their intended Orbits The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) successfully put into orbit two foreign satellites( French SPOT 6(712kgs) and Japanese micro Satellite(15kgs)) marking Indian space agencys 100th mission since the launch of the first satellite,Aryabhata,in 1975 by Russian rocket.

ISRO to launch SARAL satellite on 12 Dec 2012 Indo-French satellite SARAL would be launched onboard PSLV-C20 from the spaceport of Sriharikota on 12 December 2012 Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman K Radhakrishnan said at the Bangalore Space Expo 2012 on 12th September 2012. U.S.-Russian space crew lands safely in Kazakhstan A Russian Soyuz capsule landed on the Kazakh steppe on 17th September 2012, delivering a trio of astronauts from a four-month stint on the International Space Station. India tests Agni-IV n-missile India successfully tested its nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-IV missile from a military base in Odisha on 19th September 2012.The new generation missile, which has the capability to hit targets at about 4,000 km. India test-fires N-capable Agni-III missile successfully India on 21st September 2012 successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III surface-to-air missile with a strike range of over 3000 km and capable of carrying a warhead of 1.5 tonnes from the Wheeler Island off the Odisha coast. China launches its first aircraft carrier China launched its first aircraft carrier on 25th September 2012. The 60,000 tonne carrier, a former Soviet ship brought from Ukraine and later refurbished locally is named Liaoning, after a Chinese province liberated from Japanese occupation in 1945, in what can be seen as another symbolic warning to Tokyo. The 300m long Liaoning carrier has the capacity to bring 33 airoplanes. NASA says Curiosity rover finds evidence of water on Mars NASA scientist say the Curiosity rover has found evidence of a vigorous thousand -year water flow on the surface of Mars. Indias heaviest satellite, GSAT-10 launched from Kourou launch pad in French Guiana Indias advanced communication satellite GSAT -10 was successfully launched on board Ariane-5 rocket from Europes spaceport in French Guiana on 29th September 2012.This is the Indias heaviest satellite of 3,400kg weight.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A)Appointments Obama appoints IIT graduate to admin post U.S. President Barack Obama has announced to appoint eminent Indian-American, Romesh Wadhwani, to a key administration post by making him board of trustees of the prestigious John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Browne is new chairman of chiefs of staff

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, who has become the senior most among the three Service chiefs after Admiral Nirmal Verma retired on 31st August 2012, has taken over as the new chairman of the chiefs of staff committee (CoSC) on 1st September 2012. Chief Justice of India names Justice Kabir as his successor Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia, who retires 28th September 2012, has recommended the name of seniormost Supreme Court judge Justice Altamas Kabir as his successor, setting in motion the process of change of guard in the apex court. Deveshwar appointed on RBI board The government has appointed ITC chairman Y.C. Deveshwar as a director on the central board of directors of the Reserve Bank of India. Kaushik Basu World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu appointed as chief economist and Senior Vice President of World Bank by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim on 05th September 2012.He take charges from 1st October 2012. Sachin Pilot commissioned as Territorial Army officer Sachin Pilot 06th September 2012 became the first Union minister to be commissioned as a regular officer in the Territorial Army, fulfilling his desire to follow his fathers footsteps to be in the armed forces. Indian-American elected to Royal Society of Canada Ponisseril Somasundaran, an Indian American member of the faculty of Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science, has been chosen as the sole foreign fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Canada. K N Tilak Kumar elected president of INS K N Tilak Kumar of Deccan Herald and Prajavani was on 13th September 2012 elected president of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for 2012-13 at its 73rd annual general meeting held at Bangalore. He succeeds Ashish Bagga of India Today. BCCI joint secretary Anurag Thakur becomes member of Asian Cricket Council BCCI joint secretary and Hamirpur BJP MP, Anurag Thakur has been inducted as member of executive board of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).BCCI chief N Srinivasan is also the president of ACC. Mary Kom brand ambassador of Raj Kundras SFL Actress Shilpa Shetty Monday named Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Mary Kom as the brand ambassador of Super Fight League (SFL).Shilpas husband, Britain-based businessman Raj Kundra, has collaborated with actor Sanjay Dutt for SFL, Indias first professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appointed as International Goodwill Ambassador. The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as its International Goodwill Ambassador.She will raise global awareness on protecting children from HIV infection and increasing access to antiretroviral treatment.

Ramesh Abhishek is FMC chairman Ramesh Abhishek, an IAS officer of 1982 Bihar cadre, appointed as chairman of Forward Markets Commission (FMC) on 24th September 2012 Woman of Pakistani origin becomes minister in Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has appointed a Pakistani Muslim woman, Hadia Tajik as Norways culture minister. Sandeep Patil appointed as the Chief for BCCI Senior Selection Committee Former Cricketer and all-rounder, Sandeep Patil was appointed as the Chairman of the five member senior selection committee of BCCI on 27 September 2012. The other four members of the committee include Saba Karim, Roger Binny, Vikram Rathour and Rajinder Singh Hans. Altamas Kabir sworn in as new Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir, seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court, was sworn in as the 39th Chief Justice of India on 29th September 2012. B)Resigns Australian Cricketer, Matthew Hayden retired from all formats of the game Former Australia Test opener Matthew Hayden has decided to retire from all forms of cricket, adding the Twenty20 version of the game to the Test and international one-day formats he stopped playing in 2010.Hayden played 103 Tests for Australia, hitting 30 centuries with a top score of 380 and an average of 50.73. Ajit Pawar resigns as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar resigns as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister on 25th September 2012 due the allegations of an irrigation scam when he was the states water resource minister. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, S.H. Kapadia, retired. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, S.H. Kapadia, retired on 28th September 2012. C) Deaths Dr. Verghese Kurien, father of Indias White Revolution passes away Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, passed away on 9th September 2012 after a brief illness. Dr. Kurien was the architect of Indias White Revolution, which helped India emerge as the largest milk producer in the world. Iraq vice president sentenced to death A Baghdad court sentenced in absentia Iraqs vice president, Tariq al-Hashemi, to death on hanging for the murder of a woman lawyer and terrorism charges . U.S. ambassador to Libya killed in mob attack

The ambassador of the United States to Libya, Christopher Stevens, has been killed during an armed mob attack in Benghazi on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.Mr. Stevens is the second U.S. ambassador to be killed during an outstation posting since the death of Adolph Dubs in 1979 during his tenure in Afghanistan. Ex-CJI Ranganath Misra passes away Former Chief Justice of India Ranganath Mishra died at a private hospital in Bhubaneshwar on 13th September 2012.Misra, served as the Chief Justice from September 25, 1990, till November 24, 1991. He was also the first chairman of the NHRC. Veteran actor-director Dinesh Thakur passes away Veteran theatre actor-director Dinesh Thakur, known for his character roles in Hindi films of the 70s, passed awayin Mumbai on 20th September 2012 after prolonged illness. Freedom fighter, Telangana leader Bapuji dies Eminent freedom fighter and a well-known figure in the Telangana movement, Konda Lakshman Bapuji died in Hyderabad on 21st September 2012. He earned the nickname Bapuji for his participation in the Quit India Movement. Popular Malayalam film actor Thilakan passes away Thilakan, who had acted in around 200 films and had won the national award for the best actor in a supporting role, died in Thiruvananthapuram on 24th September 2012. Former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra dead Brajesh Mishra, the countrys first National Security Adviser who played a key role in foreign policy matters and pushed for deeper engagement with the US, died in New Delhi on 28th September 2012 following a heart ailment. D) Visitors India, Tajikistan upgrade ties, sign four pacts India and Tajikistan, the energy-rich Central Asian nation, 03rd September 2012 decided to upgrade their ties to the level of strategic partnership and signed four pacts in areas of education, health, sports and culture.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues and decided to upgrade their growing ties to the level of a strategic partnership. Antony opens army hospital in Male Defence Minister A.K. Antony, on a three-day visit to the Maldives, on 16th September 2012 opened SENAHIYA, a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) hospital, established in Male with Indian assistance.Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim thanked India for its assistance to his country in all areas of development and said the enduring friendship between the two countries would improve and expand, irrespective of political changes. E)Miscellaneous Washington Post calls PM a tragic figure

Soon after Time magazine labelled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh an Underachiever, the noted American news daily, Washington Post, has referred to him as a tragic figure.The Washington Post said Singhs image is of a dithering ineffectual bureaucrat presiding over a deeply co rrupt government. Sunita Williams takes over command at International Space Station Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has taken over command of the International Space Station (ISS), yet another feather in her cap as she already holds three records for female space travellers including a new record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut. Space Triathlon Completed By Sunita Williams Williams became the first person in history to complete a triathlon in space.Williams, who is currently aboard the International Space Station finished her half mile swim, 18 mile bike ride, and four mile run in one hour, 48 minutes, and 33 seconds. Pakistani Government Relents in Judicial Standoff Over Zardari Corruption Case Pakistans government relented on 18th September 2012 to judicial demands that it agree to write a letter to the authorities in Switzerland regarding corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari. Nivedita Bhasin becomes first woman B-787 Dreamliner pilot Senior Air India pilot Capt Nivedita Bhasin has become the first woman to command the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.She is presently the only women pilot for the B-787s commercial flight in the world. $1,00,000 cash reward for the death of an anti-Islam film producer A Pakistani government Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour has offered a $100,000 (61,616) reward for the death of the maker of an anti-Islam film produced in the US.

PLACES IN NEWS
37 killed in Sivakasi cracker unit blast 37 people have been killed and at least 60 have been injured in a huge fire at a Om Siva Sakthi Crackers in Mudalipetti, near Sivakasi, in Tamil Nadu. Two Same magnitude earthquake in China at Yunnan and Guizhou 80 people were died , more than 730 people were injured,twenty thousand homes were destroyed and nearly one hundred thousand persons have been evacuated after the two earthquakes at a magnitude of 5.6 hit Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China on 07th September 2012.

ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
Abbreviate GITEX

Gulf Information Technology Exhibition Abbreviate CTS(hint Cheque) Cheque Truncation System Abbreviate DCGI(hint Drug) Drug Controller General of India Abbreviation of FIFA International Federation of Football Association. Abbreviation of WEF World Economic Forums Abbreviation of APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Abbrivate MGNREG Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee IWCCI Abbreviation Islamabad Womens Chamber of Commerce and Industry PHDCCI Abbreviation Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abbreviation of UNICEF United Nations Childrens Fund

BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Releases the Book Muslims in Indian Cities Vice President after releasing the book entitled Muslims in Indian Cities edited by Laurent Gayer and Christoph Jafferlot on 10th September 2012 at New Delhi, Shri Ansari has said that Muslims have lived in Indias religiously plural society for over a thousand years, at times as rulers, at others as subjects and now as citizens. They are not homogenous in racial or linguistic terms and bear the impact of local cultural surroundings, in manners and customs, in varying degrees. 800-year-old Chinese encyclopaedia on display in Taiwan

Taiwan (AP) An 800-year-old Chinese encyclopaedia is on display at a book fair in Taipei. The rare publication was recently purchased by a Chinese publishing house for US$33 million (S$40.5 million) at an auction in Beijing. Salman Rushdie released his Book Joseph Anton Joseph Anton the 633 page book depicts a memoir of Salman Rushdie during his 10 years long run to protect himself from the Fatwa issued by his name was released on 18 September 2012.

COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry The Rangarajan panel will submit the report on decontrol of sugar industry within two weeks.

DAYS & DATES

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recites Om Shanti to convey message of peace at United Nations On the eve of International Day of Peace Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recited the Sanskrit mantra Om Shanti to convey her message of peace at the United Nations, where she addressed students and urged them to set aside their egos and individual desires to find peace within themselves.

October 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Imran Khan on anti-drone peace march to tribal belt Imran Khan on 6th October 2012 set off on a motorcade peace march to the terrorists -riddled South Waziristan to protest US drone strikes in the tribal belt. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Re-Elected for fourth term Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been re-elected for the third term. Mr Chavez defeated opposition leader Henrique Capriles. Mr Chavez garnered 54.42 per cent of the vote while his rival bagged 44 per cent votes. Pakistani youth support Malala Yousufzai Pakistani teenaged rights campaigner, Malala Yousafzai, who was on 14th October 2012 shot by the Taliban for publicly opposing them against the girl education.She got the support from all over the world.

Ali Zidan elected Libya PM Libyas 200-member General National Congress has elected a former congressman and human rights lawyer Ali Zidan as the countrys new Prime Minister on 14th October 2012. Austrian skydiver breaks sound barrier Austrian national Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from a height of 39 km, became the first skydiver to record the highest ever freefall and also the first human to go faster than the speed of sound. Five New Non-Permanent Member Countries Elected to UN Security Council UN General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members to the Security Council. The New Members are South Korea, Luxembourg, Argentina, Australia and Rwanda. Iran bans export of 50 basic foods to preserve supplies Iran has banned the export of around 50 basic goods in order to preserve supplies of essential items in the wake of tightening Western sanctions.

INDIA & WORLD

India, Australia signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation India and Austrlia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 1st October 2012 for strengthening long-term relationship and bilateral Cooperation on Road and Rail Infrastructure.The agreement was signed between the Minister of Railways and Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C.P.Joshi and visiting Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austrlia, Mrs. Doris Burse in New Delhi. India, Austrlia tie up to develop smart cities India tie up with Austrlia to develop two smart cities in all states with a hos t of modern features like intelligent transport and carbon neutral status in each of the states in the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission.Initially half a million to one million population cities will be developed as smart cities with the help of Austrian Institute of Technology who is expertise in this field. India gets $500 mn World Bank fund for secondary education World Bank, the multilateral lending agency, and the government of India 5th October signed a loan agreement worth $ 500 million for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in the country. India lags behind China, Pak in reducing hunger level India lags behind neighbouring China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in reducing hunger level, says the 2012 Global Hunger Index (GHI) released by US-based International Food Policy and Research Institute.India is ranked 65th out of 79 countries in GHI, behind China at 2nd place, Pakistan at 57 and Sri Lanka at 37. IOC signs MoU with Korea Gas

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on 17th October 2012, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) for jointly exploring opportunities in exploration of oil and gas and LNG business. Cabinet clears Rs 8,000cr missile purchase for armed forces Proposals worth over Rs 8,000 crore for procuring around 10,000 Invar missiles from Russia for the Armys T-90 tanks and over 200 air-launched versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF were cleared on 18th October 2012 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). India and Australia Sign Four Agreements of Cooperation India and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in security and Defence including fight against terrorism.They also agreed to begin negotiations for an agreement on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation which will precede actual cooperation. Both the countries also signed four agreements in the field of space science technology and education, cooperation in student mobility and welfare, skill development and textiles. Iran to complete gas pipeline work by year-end Iran has said it was for India and Pakistan to sort out issues related to the proposed Indo-Iran gas pipeline, even as it committed itself to complete its part of 800 km of gas pipeline to India till Irani boundaries by the end of this year. India, New Zealand sign five pacts to cooperate in field of education India and New Zealand signed five Memoranda of Understanding in the different fields of education on 19th October 2012. India, Switzerland to cooperate in Transport sector India and Switzerland on 19th October 2012 discussed ways and means for enhancing cooperation in the field of Transport sector including roads and Railways. India & Pakistan may introduce a common currency called Papee After taking into consideration the decade long success of Euro, and due to increasing demands of businessmen of India (and terrorists of Pakistan), both countries ruling leaders (i.e. Indias UPA, and Pakistans Military) are thinking about introducing a common currency for India and Pak istan.The name with the highest votes , is a word derived by adding pa from Pakistan and pee from Indian Rupee i.e. Papee Hyderabad is worlds 3rd best city to visit in 2013 Hyderabad has been named as one of the best cities in the world to visit in 2013 by travel guide book Lonely Planet published on 22nd October 2012.The top 10 cities according to Lonely Planet to visit in 2013 are San Francisco, Amsterdam, Hyderabad, Derry/Londonderry, Beijing, Christchurch, Hobart, Montreal, Addis Ababa and Puerto Iguazu. India, Japan focus on expanding defence cooperation India and Japan on 22nd October 2012 discussed ways to expand their security and defence cooperation at a meeting of their foreign and defence secretaries in Tokyo. Super 30 ties up with Tokyo University

The Super 30 programme for training students of the backward sections for the IIT -JEE tied up on 24th October 2012 with the University of Tokyo, which will sponsor study of its students in Japan.This agreement is a follow-up of the Japanese Government Program named Global 30, of engagement with Super 30 for increasing the flow of Indian Students to Japan. 7th SAFF begins in Goa The Seventh South Asia Film Festival (SAFF)-2012 held at Panaji in Goa from. India-US-Japan trilateral meet The US pivot-to-Asia policy, Iran, China-Japan maritime dispute and South China Sea will be among the issues to be discussed during the 3rd round of India-US-Japan Trilateral dialogue in New Delhi on 29th October 2012. The meet will also focus on finding areas of cooperation between the three countries. India to give financial assistance to Nepals Palpa District India is to provide an assistance of four crore and thirty-three lakh Nepali rupees for Palpa District in Western Nepal on 31st October 2012.

NATIONAL
FICCI urges Centre to ban bauxite exports Trade body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has urged the Union ministry of commerce and industry to ban bauxite exports fearing closure of alumina refineries for shortage of the key raw material required to produce alumina. Supreme Court directs Centre and states to provide basic facilities to students The Supreme Court on 3rd October 2012 directed all schools across the country to provide basic infrastructure facilities like drinking water and toilets to school children within six months and failure to implement will be viewed seriously. The order was passed on a petition filed by an NGO Environmental and Consumer Protection Foundation. Kejriwal forms political party, promises to change the system Social activist Arvind Kejriwal added a new dimension to his movement against corruption as he formally launched his political party and said it belonged to the people of the nation. Ministry of Rural Development Launched Nirmal Bharat Yatra Ministry of rural development on 3 October 2012 started a campaign named Nirmal Bharat Yatra which focuses on making the country free from open defecation.The yatra will begin from Wardha District of Maharashtra from 3 october 2012 and will go through Indore, Kota, Gwalior, and Gorakhpur and end up in Bettiah district of Bihar on November 17, covering about 2000 km of distance. SC orders new survey to identify bonded labour The Supreme Court on 15th October 2012 directed all states and Union Territories to conduct fresh surveys to identify bonded labour problems in the country and regretted that a large number of children continue to work as domestic help even after the enactment of the Right to Education Act.

Centre to launch Aadhaar based delivery system The much awaited Aadhaar enabled system for direct cash transfer to beneficiaries under social schemes such as MNREGA and pension will be launched on 19th October 2012 by PM Manmohan Singh at Dudu, Rajasthan. Indias infant mortality rate drops Indias infant mortality rate (IMR) has come down by three points from 47 to 44 deaths per 1,000 live births during 2011. Centre, states sign MoU for broadband linking of villages The Central government has signed a tripartite agreement with 16 states and union territories and a special purpose vehicle Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL) has been launched to expedite the mission of connecting every gram panchayat with broadband network. Reshuffling of Central Cabinet

Cabinet Ministers M. Veeerappa Moily

Portfolio Petroleum & Natural Gas

S. Jaipal Reddy Kamal Nath Vayalar Ravi Kapil Sibal C.P. Joshi Kumar Selja Pawan Kumar Bansal Salman Khursheed Jairam Ramesh K. Rahman Khan Dinsha J. Patel Ajay Maken M.M. Pallam Raju Ashwani Kumar Harish Rawat

Science & Technology and Earth Science Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs Overseas Indian Affairs Communications & Information Technology Road Transport & Highways Social Justice & Empowerment Railways External Affairs Rural Development Minority Affairs Mines Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Human Resource Development Law & Justice Water Resources

Chandresh Kumar Katoch

Ministers of State with Independent Charge
Jyotiraditya Madharao Scindia

Culture
Portfolio

Power Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Corporate Affairs Youth Affairs & Sports Information & Broadcasting Tourism
Portfolio

K.H. Muniappa Sachin Pilot Jitendra Singh Manish Tewari K. Chiranjeevi

Ministers of State

E. Ahamed D. Purandeswari Jitin Prasada S. Jagathrakshakan R.P.N. Singh K.C. Venugopal Rajeev Shukla Shashi Tharoor Kodikunni Suresh Tariq Anwar K.J. Surya Prakash Reddy Ranee Narah Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury A.H. Khan Choudhury Sarvey Sathyanarayana Ninong Ering

External Affairs Commerce & Industry Defence & Human Resource Development New & Renewable Energy Home Civil Aviation Parliamentary Affairs & Planning Human Resource Development Labour & Employment Agriculture & Food Processing Industries Railways Tribal Affairs Railways Health & Family Welfare Road Transport & Highways Minority Affairs

Deepa Dasmunsi Porika Balram Naik Kruparani Killi Lalchand Kataria

Urban Development Social Justice & Empowerment Communication & Inforamtion Technology Defence

Resigned Cabinet Ministers

Portfolio

S.M. Krishna Ambika Soni Mukul Wasnik Mahadev Khandela

External Affairs Information and Broadcasting Tourism Minister of State Justice and Empowerment

STATES
Door-to-door cancer campaign in Punjab Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sanctioned the biggest ever door-to-door campaign for a symptoms-based early detection and awareness about cancer.At least 50,000 personnel and volunteers would visit 54 lakh households in 12,603 villages and 217 census towns, for the exercise that begins in Faridkot district on October 2. In Goa Housewives with family income less than Rs 3 lakh to get Rs 1000 to fight inflation Housewives in Goa just got a breather from rising inflation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government on 2nd October 2012 launched a scheme to provide an allowance of Rs 1,000 a month to housewives in households whose annual incomes are less than Rs 3 lakh. EC announces dates for assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh The Election Commission on 3rd October 2012 announced dates for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. While Gujarat will have elections in two phases December 13 and 17, Himachal Pradesh will vote on November 4. The counting for both the assembly elections will take place on December 20. UP government announces ban on gutka industry from April 2013 On 3rd October 2012 Uttar Pradesh government decided to impose a ban on gutka industry in the state with effect from April 2013. Supreme Court bans mining activities in Goa

In Goa, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the mining activities as well as transportation of iron and manganese ore on 5th October 2012. Arvind Kejriwal launches bijli-paani satyagraha in Delhi Activist Arvind Kejriwal on 6th Octomber 2012 launched a bijli-paani satyagraha in Delhi to protest against inflated power and water bills and hike in tariffs by restoring electricity connection to the household of a labourer which was disconnected for non-payment of bills. EC fiat to Himachal Pradesh On 7th October 2012 The Election Commission (EC) stopped the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh from distributing free PDS bags carrying photographs of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Maharashtra tribals demand ban on alcohol Tribal women from Maharashtras Chandrapur have sent 80,000 postcards to Chief Miniter Prithviraj Chavan asking to make the district liquor-free. UPRVUNL, NLC to set up thermal plant at Ghatampur The UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) and the central government PSU Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLCL) signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) to set up a 2,000 MW thermal power plant at Ghatampur (Kanpur) on 7th October 2012 . Union Government ruled out the decision of Cauvery River Authority Decision of the Cauvery River Authority was ruled out by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 8 October 2012. The Prime Minister ordered Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day, till 20 October 2012. Railways put 400 CCTVs at 10 stations to improve security system The Delhi division of Northern Railway authorities have completed the installation of 400 CCTVs at 10 stations with Rs. 20 crore to ensure better security and mobility at its stations.Only in the New Delhi Railway station they installed more than 100 CCTV cameras as part of an integrated security system (ISS). Presidents son Abhijit Mukherjee wins Jangipur Lok Sabha by-poll Abhijit Mukherjee, son of President Pranab Mukherjee and Congress candidate, on 13th October 2012 won the Jangipur Lok Sabha by-election by 2,536 votes defeating the CPI-M rival Muzaffar Hussain. Union Power Ministry gave its Nod to Implement Islanding Scheme in Delhi The Union Power Minister Veerapa Moily on 17 October 2012 announced the implementation of Islanding Scheme for Delhi by January 2013 to protect it from massive disruptions caused due to grid failures in power supply. The scheme of Delhi is different to that of the existing ones in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata because the transmission lines of different states is routed through Delhi. Haryana to give Rs.11,000 to couples at mass weddings The Haryana Government has announced on 20th October 2012 that it will give Rs.11,000 to each newly wedding couple at a mass marriage.

Uttarakhand Named best Performing States in terms of Environmental standards The state of Uttarakhand on 29 October 2012 tops the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list of being best-performing States and Union territories in terms of environmental well-being released by Planning Commission.

CONFERENCES
The international biodiversity meet in Hyderabad The XI Conference of Parties (CoP-11) on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) being hosted by India at Hyderabad starts on 1st October 2012. Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit held in Kuwait Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit has given a call for stronger co-operation among member nations and to work for the improvement of living conditions.Leaders from 32 countries pledged to focus on key areas to fulfill the aspirations of the people. These include sustainable energy and development, economic growth, food security, trade and commerce, health care, climate change and co-operation in financial and education sectors. South Korea to host next UN biodiversity meet in 2014 South Korea will host the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2014, it was announced in Hyderabad on 19th October 2012. Third Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit The 3rd Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit organized by EastWest Institute, a New York based thinkand-do tank, kick-started in the New Delhi on 30th October 2012.

AWARDS & HONOURS

President Confers Shastri awards to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas On 1st October 2012 President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award 2012 to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas at an award function in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award is conferred every year for doing excellent work in the field of Public Administration, Academics and Management. Banaras Hindu University VC wins MV Pylee award for best academician Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice chancellor and renowned molecular biology scientist Dr Lalji Singh has won the 7th MV Pylee award for the best academician. The MV Pylee award was constituted in year 1996 in honour of Cochin Universitys former vice chancellor MV Pylee. The award includes Rs 2 lakh, a memento and citation for excellence in teaching and research and contribution to academic community. It is awarded once every three years.

S.No

Department

Name of the Person/ Organization Serge Haroche and

Country

Field of Research

1.

PHYSICS

France

For ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems

David J. Wineland 2. CHEMISTRY Robert J. Lefkowitz and

America America For studies of G-Proteincoupled receptors

Brain K. Kobilka 3. PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE Sir John B. Gurdon and

America Britan For the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent

Shinya Yamanaka 4. ECONOMIC SCIENCES Alvin E. Roth and

Japan America For the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design

Lioyd S. Shapley 5. LITERATURE Mo Yan

America China Who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary For over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation. Democracy and human rights in Europe.

6.

PEACE PRIZE

European Union (EU)

Europe

Sachin Tendulkar to be made member of Order of Australia Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement on 16th October 2012 that the first Indian sportsperson Tendulkar to be conferred with the Membership of the Order of Australia, an honour rarely bestowed on non-Australians. First-ever India Biodiversity Awards presented The women who led the ecological restoration of Gundlaba village in Odishas Puri district after the 1999 super cyclone are among the four winners of the first India Biodiversity Awards. The awards,

instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP). Vijay Kumar honoured with Services Best Sportsman London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar was named as the Services Best Sportsman award for 2012 at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi.The award is given to best sportsman from out of all the three services-Army, Air Force Navy. Bangladesh honours fifty-two Indians Bangladesh has honoured foreign friends who contributed to achieve the nations ind ependence from Pakistan in 1971.Of the 61 recipients of the award in the third phase, 52 are from India and the rest are from Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Australia, Sweden, and Italy.The former Indian Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral, and the former Nepalese Prime Minister, the late Girija Prasad Koirala, received the Bangladesh Muktijuddho Sammanana. Singham Bravery Award Posthumously given to IAS and Security Personnel Narendra Kumar the IPS officer who was brutally killed by illegal mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh and many other Security Personnel who had laid down their life for fighting against Maoists and anti Social element on 21 October 2012 were awarded with Singham Bravery Awards. Bangladesh honours Babu Jagjivan Ram Former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of India, late Babu Jagjivan Ram has been awarded with the Friends of Liberation War Honour by the Government of Bangladesh for his contribution in the 1971 War. Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal IT giant Infosys founder, N.R. Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal for promoting science at Global Humanitarian Technology Conference in Washington. Gavaskar to receive BCCIs lifetime achievement award Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar will be conferred the Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award at the annual BCCI awards function on 25th October 2012. Amitabh Bachchan gets best TV host award for Kaun Banega Crorepati Amitabh Bachchan has won the best television host award for the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Lord Indarjit Singh conferred Punjab Ratan Award Lord Indarjit Singh, the first member of the House of Lords to wear a turban, has been presented with the Punjab Ratan (Jewel of Punjab) award by the World Punjabi Organisation, in recognit ion of his contribution to promoting Punjabi culture, heritage and inter-faith services. Delhi Metro bags JICA President Award The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was awarded the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Presidents Award 2012 on 29th October 2012. Noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar presented with Indira Gandhi award for National Integration

The Indira Gandhi award for National Integration for 2011 has been given to noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar in recognition of his contribution to national integration.

SPORTS & GAMES

Indian judokas win 2 silver, 3 bronze in Asian Championship Indian judokas bagged two silver and three bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships held in Chinese Taipei.In the Youth Championships, Vijay Kumar Yadav and Besto Rani Devi won a silver each in boys 60kg and girls 48kg categories respectively.Preety and Mongjam Kabita Devi won a bronze each in gilrs 40kg and 44kg respectively in the September 28 -30 event.Khaidem Rashi Devi bagged a bronze in 70kg category in the junior section.Indian judokas had won one gold, four silver and two bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Lebanon last year. India move up to 2nd spot in T20 rankings India might have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, but four wins out of five matches have pushed the India by one place to the second spot in the latest T20 International team rankings released on 3rd October 2012.India now trail Sri Lanka (129) by nine points and are followed by Pakistan (118) and England (118). India 168th in FIFA rankings Indian football team moved a place up to be 168th in the latest FIFA rankings, India, who last month won a hat-trick of Nehru Cup titles, have 114 points. Red Bull driver Vettel wins Japanese Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel ,the driver Red Bull won the Japanese Grand Prix 2012 on 7th Ocober 2012. Australia retain womens World Twenty20 title The Australian Women Cricket team on 7 October 2012 defeated England by four runs to retain the Women T-20 world cup title. West Indies won the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament West Indies 7th October 2012 clinched the ICC World Twenty20 crown with a comfortable 36-run victory over Sri Lanka. Kaltenborn becomes first female F1 team principal India born Monisha Kalterborn is set to become Formula 1s first woman team principal after she takes charges from founder of Sauber chief Peter Sauber on 12th October 2012. Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions in the Fenesta Open national tennis championship at the RK Khanna Stadium in New Delhi on 13th October 2012. Hat-trick for Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has claimed his third successive victory at the Korean GP on 14h October 2012.He is already won the Singapore and Japan GP titles. Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Shanghai Masters Novak Djokovic beated British Tennis Player Andy Murray, on 14 October 2012 saving five match points to seal a stunning 5- 7, 7- 6 ( 13/ 11), 6- 3 victory in the Shanghai Rolex Masters final. Bhullar wins Macau Open golf Indias Gaganjeet Bhullar completed a commanding start-to-finish victory at the Venetian Macau Open golf on 14th October 2012. Indias Saina Nehwal win Denmark Open Badminton Title Indian badminton player and Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has won the Denmark Open Super Series Premier trophy on 21st October 2012. Martin Guptill wins NZ top cricket award Opening batsman of New Zealand Cricket team Martin Guptill on 18 October 2012 claimed the top honour at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in Auckland, winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for 2011-12. Martin Guptill was also named ODI and Twenty20 player of the year, based on performances between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012. Anaka Alankamony clinches her second WISPA title Asian junior gold medallist Anaka Alankamony today claimed her second title and first one abroad in the womens professional squash tour when she beaten the top seed Kylie Lindsay of New Zealand in the final of the Ipswich Open in Queensland. Lance Armstrong stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles, banned for life Cyclings governing body agreed on 22nd October 2012 to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and ban him for life, following a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that accused him of leading a massive doping program on his teams. Womens Indian Golf Open from November 30 The creme-de-la-creme of Indian womens golf will be up against a strong international field, including the likes of Laura Davies and defending champion Caroline Hedwall, when the tri-sanctioned Hero Womens Golf Open tees off from November 30. Sun TV Network Acquired Hyderabad IPL Franchise Chennai based SUN TV Network acquired the Indian Premier League (IPL) Hyderabad franchise on 25 October 2012 for an enormous amount of 85.05 crore Rupees per year. Sebastian Vettel won F1 Second Indian Grand Prix Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix 2012 on 28 October 2012 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the second time in a row extending his Formula One championship lead.This is his fourth consecutive success in this year. Pankaj Advani defeats Russell, clinches seventh World Billiards Championship title

India`s Pankaj Advani won his seventh World billiards title when he outclassed defending champion Mike Russell 1,895-1,216 in the final on 28th October 2012. Joshna Chinappa wins Penang Open squash title Indias top squash player Joshna Chinappa claimed the IJM Land Penan g Open, defeating top seed and local favourite Siti Munirah Jusoh in straight games on 28th October 2012. India retains third spot in ICC ODI ranking India retains the third spot in the ICC ODI ranking after England and South Africa. England has retained the top spot in the latest ODI rankings with 121 points followed by South Africa. The latest ICC rankings were released in Dubai on 30th October 2012. India lifts the Asian Cricket Council Womens Twenty-20 trophy at Guangzhou in China Indian women lifted the title of Asian Cricket Council Womens Twenty-20 Asia Cup cricket tournament by defeatingthe Pakistan by 18 runs in the final match at Guangzhou in China.

ECONOMY
Govt approves 49% FDI in insurance & pension sectors On 4th October 2012 The Cabinet has cleared proposals to allow more Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in the insurance and pension sectors.In both the sectors government approves 49% of FDIs. Govt approves 12th Five-Year Plan On 4th October 2012 Government approved the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) document that aims to achieve annual average economic growth rate of 8.2 per cent, down from 9 per cent envisaged earlier, in view of fragile global recovery. HDFC Bank partners Indian Oil Corporation to offer rural banking services HDFC Bank has partnered Indian Oil Corporation to provide banking services in the rural areas where IOCs petrol pump outlets Kisan Seva Kendras will act as the business correspondents for the banks. IMF cuts Indias Growth Forecast for 2012 to 4.9 Percent The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed Indias growth forecast to 4.9 per cent for 2012 due to low business confidence and sluggish structural reforms. India-US trade to touch $100 bn Bilateral trade between India and the US is expected to touch USD 100 billion in the coming years on increasing economic engagement between the countries. Rangarajan lowers FY13 GDP growth forecast to 6% Prime Ministers key advisor C Rangarajan 25th October 2012 lowered the growth projection for the current fiscal to 6 per cent from 6.7 per cent estimated earlier.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scientists discover bacteria that can produce 24-carat gold Scientists have discovered a bacteria that has the ability to withstand incredible amounts of toxicity and can be the key to creating 24-carat gold.Researchers from the Michigan State University have found that the metal-tolerant bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans can grow on massive concentrations of gold chloride or liquid gold, a toxic chemical compound found in nature. India sucessfully test-fires Prithvi-II ballistic missile On 4th October 2012 India sucessfully test-fired surface-to-surface Prithvi-II ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur of Balasore district off Odisha coast. India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile A day after the launch of Prithvi-II, India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile for its full range of 350 km from a naval ship off Odisha on 5th October 2012. Australia launches worlds fastest radio telescope In the remote Australian outback, scientists have launched the worlds fastest radio telescope which will exponentially increase astronomers ability to survey the universe, mapping black holes and shedding new light on the origins of galaxies.The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), located near the region of Murchison about 650 kilometres north of Perth, was officially opened 5th October 2012 by Science Minister Chris Evans. Indian navy successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile The Indian Navy on 7th October 2012 successfully test-fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg, from a warship off the Goa coast. The Barcode Turns 60 Years Old October 7, 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the registration of the first bar code patent. The original patent for what we know today as the modern barcode was granted on October 7, 1952 to Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver, its inventors. New planet discovered in Earths backyard Astronomers have found a new planet called exoplanet in Alpha Centauri , the closest yet outside our solar system and just an astronomical stones throw away at four light years.Alpha Centauri is a three star system consisting of two stars similar to our sun and a faint red star called Proxima Centauriand another one is the Alpha Centauri B.The Exoplanet orbits Alpha Centauri B.

PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments

Congress selects Raja, Suresh Kalmadi and Kanimozhi as members of standing committee The congress on 3 October 2012 nominated the former Union Minister, A. Raja, Kanimozhi and Suresh Kalmadi as the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Energy, Home Affairs and External Affairs respectively.Raja was arrested in the 2G scam case on February 2 last year and is on bail since 15 May 2012. Suresh Kalmadi, who was accused in the Commonwealth Games scam case, spent about nine months in jail and was released on bail on 19 January 2012. DMK MP Kanimozhi, also an accused in some cases related to the 2G spectrum allocation, was nominated to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Ajit Saran Appointed as Secretary in National Commission for Women Senior IAS officer Ajit M Sharan was appointed as Member Secretary in National Commission for Women (NCW). Ajit Sharan is a 1979 batch officer of Haryana cadre. Vivek Rae appointed new MSME secretary On 5th October 2012 the government appointed Vivek Rae as secretary, ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises. Rae, a 1978 batch IAS officer of the UT cadre, is currently director general, acquisition, defence ministry. He will take over from RK Mathur. Anil Kumble appointed chairman of ICC Cricket Committee Former India captain Anil Kumble was unanimously appointed chairman of ICC`s Cricket Committee by the game`s governing body, replacing West Indies great Clive Lloyd on 11th October 2012. Jaspal Rana appointed junior pistol chief coach Multiple Asian Games gold medallist, Jaspal Rana, has been appointed chief coach for junior pistol shooters by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on 16th October 2012. Ashok Kumar appointed Indias ambassador to Brazil Mr. Ashok Tomar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil on 31st October 2012.

b). Resigns
Michael Schumacher announces retirement from Formula One Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.Schumachers announcement follows news last week that he will be replaced a t Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton in 2013. UP revenue minister resigns due involved in CMO abduction UP revenue minister Vinod Singh was forced to resign on 12th October 2012 for his alleged involvement in the abduction of Gonda chief medical officer (CMO) SP Singh. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna resigned External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has resigned from his post ahead of on 28th October 2012 cabinet reshuffle. Badminton Player Peter Gade Retired From International Career

Danish legend Baminton Player, Peter Gade on 30 October 2012 retired from international badminton.

c). Deaths
Historian Eric Hobsbawm dies, aged 95 Eric Hobsbawm, one of Britains most eminent historians, has died at the age of 95, on 1st October 2012 at the Royal Free Hospital in London .Mr Hobsbawm, a historian in the Marxist tradition, wrote more than 30 books.He published his final book, How to Change the World, in 2011. Freedom fighter, ex-Governor Satyanarayana is dead Freedom fighter and former governor of Uttar Pradesh B Satyanarayana Reddy died at a hospital in Hyderabad on 6th October 2012. Zimbabwe cricket coach Kevin Curran passes away Kevin Curran, the former Zimbabwean all rounder and coach, has died in Mutare on 10th Ocober 2012. Cambodia ex-king Sihanouk dies Cambodias former king Norodom Sihanouk died on 15th October 2012 in China at Beijing. Bandya Kakade dead Bandya Kakade, former India football goalkeeper, passed away here on 18th October 2012 evening. Kakade and Kuppuswami Sampath (MEG, Bangalore) were the two goalkeepers of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. Kakade was also part of the Indian team Yash Chopra, the King of Romance passes away Yash Chopra, one of Bollywoods most well-known filmmakers, died of dengue fever on 21st October 2012. Eminent litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away Eminent litterateur and Sahitya Akademi President Sunil Gangopadhyay died at his South Kolkata residence on 23rd October 2012 following a massive heart attack.

d). Visitors
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner to visit India on Oct. 9 U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner visit India on 9th October 2012 to participate in the third annual meeting of the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Australia PM Julia Gillard begins India visit Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has begun a three-day visit to India.The two countries are expected to announce negotiations on civil nuclear co-operation during Ms Gillards visit.

Suu Kyi to visit India next month After 40 years, Myanmars Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to India on November 13. She will deliver the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on November 14. Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, New Zealand visited India Hon. Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand visited the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi on 18th October 2012. Ex-Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia to meet PM Manmohan Singh Bangladeshs former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Begum Khaleda Zia, who is on a week-long trip to India, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singhin New Delhi on 28th October 2012.

e). Miscellaneous
Pakistan spinner Rehman hit with ban after failed drug test Pakistans Abdur Rehman has been banned from cricket for 12 weeks after testing positive for cannabis during his recent stint with Somerset. Mukesh Ambani richest Indian The China-based research firm Hurun releases a report on 10th October 2012 declared Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in India. Hyderabads last Nizam named all-time richest Indian Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam (or ruler) of Hyderabad is Indias all -time richest person.According to a new inflation-adjusted list of the worlds richest people of all time, the Nizam, who ruled Hyderabad between 1886-1967, was ranked sixth with $ 236 billion. Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes India rich list Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian for the fifth year in a row with a net worth of $21 billion, according to the Forbes India rich list. Manju Seth appointed as next Ambassador of India to Madagascar Ms Manju Seth has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Madagascar.She is presently Consul General of India in Reunion Island, which is a French-administered territory in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagaskar.

PLACES IN NEWS
Shadman Chowk renamed as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore Pakistan government has finally renamed Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore as a mark of respect to the martyr and an acknowledgement of his role in the struggle against British rule.

Mercedes-Benz rolls out M-Class luxury SUV from Pune facility Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out its first locally manufactured M-Class luxury SUV from its facility in Chakan, Pune. The company has also declared the start of operations of its paint shop at the same location.India is the only country outside of the USA where the German luxury car maker has begun production out of the new ML-Class. 44 killed in Syrian air strikes At least 44 people were killed in air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held town of Maaret al-Numan on 18th October 2012. 5.5 magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off southern Taiwan on 25th October 2012, the islands Seismology Center said, but there were no reports of any damage or casualties. Earthquake in Canada triggers tsunami in Hawaii A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rattled the west coast of Canada, triggering tsunami warnings for Hawaii on 28th October 2012.

ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
Abbreviation of FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abbreviate JNNURM Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission Abbreviate NCM National Commission for Women Abbreviate IOC Indian Oil Corporation Abbreviate ASKAP The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Abbreviate ISS Integrated Security System Abbreviate LPN Liquefied Natural Petroleum

Abbreviate WISPA Womens International Squash Players Association

BOOKS IN NEWS
Hilary Mantel wins Booker Prize for Tudor saga British writer Hilary Mantel won the prestigious Booker literary prize for a second time on 16th October 2012 with her blood-soaked Tudor saga. Ms Mantel, who took the 50,000 pound ($82,000) award in 2009 for Wolf Hall, is the first British author, and the first woman, to achieve a Booker double. The Folded Earth and A Free Man won the 11th Economist Crossword Book Award The Folded Earth written by Anuradha Roy and A Free Man by Aman Sethi won the 11th Economist Crossword Book Award that was declared at Mumbai. Governor releases Ek Thhi Kusum by former Speaker Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi on 22nd October 2012 released Ek Thhi Kusum, a short stories collection authored by former State Assembly Speaker Prakash Pant.

COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry Rangarajan Committee has recommended deregulation of the sugar sector, by giving freedom to mills to sell sugar in the open market.The Millers should sell the 10%of sugar to government below the market price,for running the ration shops ,remaining should sell in the open market.

DAYS & DATES

UP cancels holiday on Kanshi Rams death anniversary The Samajwadi Party (SP) government on 6th October 2012 cancelled the October 9 public holiday on the death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, which had been announced by the Mayawati government in May 2007. World Food Day Celebrated worldwide on 16 October 2012 World Food Day is celebrated every year across the globe on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.The aim of this World Food Day is to raise awareness on global food problems and to create a sense of solidarity in the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

November 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Barack Obama re-elected as President of US Barack Obama re-elected as President of US with a clear victory over Republican challenger Mitt Romney on 7th November 2012. Hindu-American elected to US Congress for the first time Tulsi Gabbard is the first Hindu-American elected as the US House of Representative from Hawaii in November 2012 elections. Nepal elected to UN ECOSOC board Nepal elected a board member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year term starting in January 2013. Nepal along with 17 other countries were elected board members of ECOSOC 8th November 2012 by the UN General Assembly. Israel fires into Syria Israel was drawn into the fighting in neighboring Syria for the first time on 11th November 2012, firing warning shots across the border after an errant mortar shell landed near an Israeli military installation in the Golan Heights. Chinas Communist Party selects new leadership China elects the new President as Xi Jinping and Prime Minister as Li Keqiang on 14 November 2012. Japan to go to polls on 16 December 2012 Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda dissolved the Lower House of Parliament on 16 November 2012 ,paving the way for elections in which his ruling party will likely give way to a weak coalition government divided over how to solve Japans myriad problems. Elections were set for 16 December 2012. U.N. approves Palestinian observer state bid The United Nations General Assembly on 30 November 2012 endorsed an upgraded U.N. status for the Palestinian Authority, despite intense opposition from the United States and Israel.The vote was 138 delegates in favor of the measure including India, nine against including America, Brazil and Canada and 41 abstentions including Britain.

INDIA & WORLD

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) lift export ban on some milk products

Amid surplus availability of milk powder in the country, the government is likely to decide on 1st November 2012 on lifting ban on export of milk products, especially whole milk powder, dairy whitener and infant milk foods. US included as dialogue partner of Indian Ocean countries The US was inducted as a sixth dialogue partner in the 20-nation Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) grouping on 3rd November 2012.The ministers of countries which are members of IOR-ARC decided unanimously to give the US the same status that they had earlier accorded to the United Kingdom, France, Egypt and Japan. Agreement with World Bank for Assam road project India has signed a 320-million dollar loan agreement with the World Bank for road projects in Assam on 5th November 2012. Canada to allow civil nuclear trade with India India and Canada signed an agreement on 6th November 2012 in New Delhi for bilateral Cooperation in civil nuclear trade. So, India imports Uranium from canada for civil nuclear reactors. DRDO ties up with York University, Canada Defence Research and Development Organisation and York University, Canada signed a memorandum of understanding for doing collaborative defence research in the areas of advanced materials, nanotechnology, life sciences, bio-informatics, chemical and biological defence, sensors, and others. Indian-origin CEO of Datawind and MIT professor among Forbes top 15 education innovators list Indian-origin CEO of Datawind, the maker of Indias low-cost tablet Aakash, Suneet Singh Tuli and Massachusettes Institute of Technology professor Anant Agarwal named by Forbes magazine among the 15 classroom revolutionaries who are using innovative technologies to reinvent education for students and teachers globally. Mahatma Gandhi Grandson elected to Kansas State Assembly Mahatma Gandhi grandson Shanti Gandhi elected to a State Assembly in the United States from Kansass 52nd Assembly District as a Republican Party candidate during the general elections held on 6 November 2012. India and Afghanistan signed four agreements India and Afghanistan signed four agreements to cooperate in areas of social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and youth affairs on 12th November 2012. Dr Ami Bera is the third Indian-American elected to the US House of Representatives An Indian-American physician from California became only the third person of Indian-origin to be elected to the US House of Representatives by defeating Republican Dan Lungren with just 184 votes lead. Japan signs pact to import rare earths from India

India and Japan on 16 November 2012 inked a strategic agreement on Tokyo to import rare earth minerals from India. Maldivian Airlines inks pact with Apollo Hospitals Maldivian Airlines on 19 November 2012 had signed a pact with the Chennai-headquartered Apollo Hospitals to give discounts to each others clients. For example, Apollo Hospitals will give a discount on its service charges for those who fly the airline, and the airline will give similar discounts to the hospitals patients on the airfare. India adds 22 items in the list of border trade with Myanmar India had notified 22 additional items including agricultural tools, bicycles, coal and garments in the list of items for border trade with Myanmar.According to a study conducted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), bilateral trade between India and Myanmar is expected to double by 2015 from $1.3 billion, on the back of free trade agreement between New Delhi and ASEAN region. India votes against UN resolution on death penalty ban India was among the 39 countries that voted against a UN General Assembly draft resolution which called for abolishing the death penalty, saying every nation had the sovereign right to determine its own legal system. India, China joint economic strategy held at New Delhi The Second India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 26 November 2012. In this meeting China and India discussed several topics including greater cooperation at the global level, strengthening communication on macroeconomic policies, deepening and expanding trade and investment and promoting bilateral cooperation in the financial and infrastructure sectors. The bilateral trade between these two countries enhanced from $74 billion to $100 billion. India- Maldives joint military training exercises held at Belgaum The fourth joint military training exercises between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) EKUVERIN 2012 was held in Belgaum from 12 to 25 November 2012.

NATIONAL
President Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on late Ramgopal Maheshwari President Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on late Ramgopal Maheshwari on 20 November 2012. Arvind Kejriwal launches Aam Admi Party Arvind Kejriwal announced the name for his newly launched party as Aam Admi Party on 24 November 2012 in New Delhi. Bangalore among top polluted megacities in the world Indias silicone valley Bangalore was rated among top polluted megacities in the world, claims a new study, using data collected by NASAs high-tech satellites.Scientists at Tel Aviv University tracked

pollution trends for 189 megacities, including Mumbai, New York City and Tokyo, by analysing eight years worth of data from three of NASAs high-tech aerosol monitoring satellites.

STATES
50% reservation for women in Assam Panchayat Elections The Assam State Election Commission has announced 50 per cent reservation of seats for women in the forthcoming panchayat polls as stated by State Election Commissioner Biren Dutta on 9th November 2012 Chain of static sensors positioned along the coast of Andhra Pradesh Union Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Kumar inaugurated a chain of static sensors positioned along the coast of Andhra Pradesh at a programme organised at the Coast Guard district headquarters Visakhapatnam on 23 November 2012.This will improve surveillance along coast. Ban on plastic bags comes into force in New Delhi The ban on manufacture, sale and use of most types of plastic bags in the Capital came into force on on 23 November 2012.

CONFERENCES
SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference held at Islamabad The sixth conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians held in Islamabad on 4th November 2012.From India, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Professor P. J. Kurien are participated the conference.In this conference they discussed the role of women parliamentarians for social justice and the strengthening of democracy in South Asia. Countries G20 finance ministers and central bankers summit held in Mexico The G20 countries finance ministers and central bankers summit held in Mexico on 4th November 2012.In this summit the Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the Indias economy should grow by 5.5 percent to 6.0 percent in the year 2012 and return to 7 percent growth in 2013. E-9 countries review meeting held in New Delhi E-9 countries review meeting held in New Delhi on 9th and 10th November 2012.The E-9 countries are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and Mexico . Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodia for South Asian summits Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on 18 November 2012 to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Bangladesh Opted out of D-8 Summit Scheduled to be Held in Pakistan

Bangladesh opted out of the key summit known as D-8 Summit in Pakistan which is scheduled to be held later in November, 2012. Bangladesh opted out because Pakistan refused to apologise for the deeds committed during 1971 war which eventually led to Bangladeshs independence. The 8th meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) on counter terrorism The 8th meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) on counter terrorism was held on 20 November 2012 in New Delhi.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Aishwarya Rai was honoured with French Civilian Award Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachan was honoured with the second highest French civilian award Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by French government for her contribution in promoting Indo-French cooperation in Cinema on 1st November 2012. Tata Literature Live! First Book Award Banker and New York based author Ruchir Sharma was awarded the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award for his Breakout Nations:In Pursuit of the Next Economic Miracles at the Mumbai Lit-fest on 4 November 2012. Durgabai Deshmukh Awards for Womens Development Presented by President of India President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 5 November 2012 presented the Durgabai Deshmukh awards for womens development for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.The eighth Award for 2005 was jointly given to two winners, Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association and Peoples Forum, Bhubaneswar. The ninth Award for the year 2006 was awarded to Sumangali Seva Ashram of Bangalore.The tenth Award for the year 2007 was awarded to the Snehalaya of Ahmednagar. Germany honoured the Baba Kalyani The chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge, Babasaheb N. Kalyani honoured with Cross of Order of Merit by Germany. This is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their services to the country in Germany. Madhav Chavan wins education Nobel prize Dr Madhav Chavan has won the WISE Prize, which has been likened to a Nobel prize for education.The award, announced on 13 November,2012 at the WISE summit in Qatar, recognises his education work in the slums of Mumbai. Bitter Seeds won 18 international awards Bitter Seeds, a documentary film produced by US-based filmmaker Micha Peled on the agrarian crisis of cotton growers and their plight was being shown in Vidarbha region. Every 30 minutes, a farmer in the country kills himself in despair because he no longer provide anything for his family. The film has won 18 international awards. Urdu Scholar Gopi Chand Narang Awarded Moortidevi Award for 2010

The Vice President of India Hamid Ansari presented the Moortidevi Award for 2010 to eminent Urdu scholar Gopi Chand Narang for his outstanding work on Urdu Ghazal aur Hindustani Zehan wa Tehzeeb at a function organized by Bhartiya Jnanpith. Chinese movie `11 Flowers` wins award at Kolkata Film Fest Chinese movie 11 Flowers, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Wang Xiaoshuai h as won the prestigious NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) award at the 18th Kolkata International Film festival (KIFF), which ended on 17 November 2012. Liberian President got the Indira Gandhi peace prize for 2012 President of the Republic of Liberia Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf got the Indira Gandhi peace prize for 2012 for her Excellency, Peace,Disarmament and Development. Malala chosen for bravery award Malala Yousafzai,who became the face of Pakistans struggle against the Taliban was ho noured with bravery award by the Peace and Prosperity Foundation Chairman Prince Ali Khan, at the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords on 19 November 2012. Gavaskar conferred with CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was on 21 November 2012 conferred with BCCIs prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award. Indian Origin Autar Kaw is U.S. Professor of the Year Autar Kaw, an Indian born professor of mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida was received the award of 2012 US Professor of the Year . Indira Gandhi Peace Prize presented to former Brazilian President Lula Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, was conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 22 November 2012. Punjabi film Andhey Ghorey Da Daan bags Golden Peacock Award 2012 in 43rd IFFI Goa Andhey Ghorey Da Daan a Punjabi film directed by Gurvinder Singh and prod uced by National Film Development Cooperation was bagged the Golden Peacock award of the International Film Festival of India, IFFI. The award carries a Golden Peacock with a cash prize of 20 lakhs prize of20 lakh rupeex.

SPORTS & GAMES

Kimi Raikkonen won Abu Dhabi GP Kimi Raikkonen won an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 4th November 2012. Mahesh Bhupathi-Rohan Bopanna win Paris Masters

Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna clinched the Paris Masters, their second title of the year, after scoring a hard-fought win over Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi and Jean-Julien Rojer in Paries on 4th November 2012. Czech Republic lifted Fed Cup The Czech Republic got the Fed Cup title after beating Serbia in the final on 4 November 2012. National Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel suspendes 11 athletes for two years The National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (NADDP) suspended all the 11 athletes for two years, who were tested positive with methyl hexane amine (MHA) in the run-up of the last Commonwealth Games.The suspended 11 athletes are :Two athletes, Saurabh Vij and Akash Antil; Six wrestlers, all of them internationals, Arjuna awardee Rajeev Tomar, Joginder Singh, Sumit Sehrawat, Rahul Maan, Gursharanpreet Kaur and Khatri; and three swimmers, Amar Muralidharan, Jyotsana Pansare and Richa Pakistan won Second Asian Kabaddi Championship 2012 Pakistan won the Second Asian Kabaddi Championship 2012 against India on 6th November 2012. Gaganjeet Bhullar, Youngest Indian on Elite Golfers League Gaganjeet Bhullar, 24, became the youngest Indian to make it to the elite group of the worlds top-100 players in the latest rankings. Hanoi to host 2019 Asian Games Vietnams capital Hanoi will host the 2019 Asian Games. India bags four medals in 14th Asian Youth (boys & girls) weightlifting championships India won four medals on the opening day of the 14th Asian Youth (boys & girls) weightlifting championships at Yangon, Myanmar, on 8th November 2012.Santa won a bronze in snatch with a lift of 95 kg before securing a gold each in clean and jerk and total lift with efforts of 126 kg and 221 kg respectively. The other medal of the day for the Indians was won by Chandrika Tarafdar in youth girls 44 kg category. She won a silver with a total lift of 132 kg. Rahul bags 3 more golds for India in Asian Youth Weightlifting Ragala Venkat Rahul won three gold medals to help India increase their medals tally to seven on the second day of the 14th Asian Youth (Boys & Girls) Weightlifting Championships at Yangon, Myanmar on 9th November 2012.Competing in the 77kg weight category, Rahul secured the yellow metals in snatch, clean and jerk and overall with a total lift of 280 kgs. International news agencies boycott India-England Test series International news agencies on 15 November 2012 decided to boycott the high-profile Test series between India and England which began in Ahmedabad to protest against the restrictions imposed by the BCCI on some photo agencies covering the tour. Saina Nehwal retains 3rd place in Badminton World Federation womens rankings London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal retained her third place in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) womens rankings released on 16 November,2012.

Priyanka is Asian under-10 champion Asian under-10 girls chess champion Nuthaki Priyanka bagged the world youth chess championship at Maribor, Slovenia on 18 November 2012. She completed with 9.5 points of 11 rounds. McLarens Lewis Hamilton won United States Grand Prix 2012 McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the 2012 United States Grand Prix race at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas. It was the first F1 race in United States since 2007. Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix named IAAF world athletes of the year Usain Bolt won the IAAF(International Amateur Athletic Federation) World male Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time and United States sprinter Allyson Felix won the womens World Athlete of the Year award on 24 November 2012. Sebastian Vettel won third Formula One world title Sebastian Vettel became the youngest triple champion in Formula One history on 25 November 2012.He stood sixth position in Brazilian Grand Prix with 8 points.But overall he got F1 world title for this season with 281 points. This is the third time consecutively he got the F1 title. India to hold 3rd World cup Kabaddi in December Punjab would host 3rd World Kabaddi Cup from 1 to 15 December 2012. 23 countries are participating in this world cup.The prize money for this world cup is Rs.4.54crores.

ECONOMY
Rs 6,000-cr fine on Tata Steel for illegal mining The Odisha government imposed a fine Rs 6,000 crore on Tata Steel for its alleged involvement in illegal and excess mining at its captive mines. India signs loan agreement with World Bank for USD 70 million India signed a 70-million US Dollar loan agreement with World Bank for financing the Karnataka Health Systems Development as well as Reform Project on 22 November 2012.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian diamond fetches 16.9 million euros at auction A 76-carat flawless diamond from Indias famous Golconda mines broke world reco rd by fetching a whooping 16.9 million euros (Rs 1,18,16,98,700) at an auction in Geneva on 14 November 2012. Scientists Created a Paper-thin material that can stop bullets

A team of mechanical engineering and materials scientists from Rice University and MIT has created special nanomaterials that were able to stop bullets in the lab. The type of material, called a structured polymer composite, can actually self-assemble into alternating glassy and rubbery layers. Solar Systems largest planet discovered A team of astrophysicists had discovered an enormous gaseous planet that is 13 times more massive than Jupiter, earning the name Super-Jupiter and is the largest planet in our own solar system. India successfully test fires supersonic interceptor missile India successfully test-fired an indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile, capable of destroying a hostile ballistic missile, from a test range off the Odisha coast on 23 November 2012. Drug that can halt cancer spread Scientists was developed a new drug called Aflibercept, for stop the cancer cells from multiplying. Pakistan tests nuclear-capable ballistic missile Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile called Hatf-V(Ghauri) on 28 November 2012 that can hit targets up to 1,300 km (807 miles) away. Astronomers Discovered Giant black hole in tiny galaxy Astronomers claim to have discovered the most massive black hole ever known in a small galaxy about 250 million light-years from Earth, holding a mass equivalent to 17 billion Suns.The supermassive black hole is located inside the galaxy NGC 1277 in the constellation Perseus.It makes up about 14 per cent of its host galaxys mass, compared with the 0.1 per cent a normal black hole would represent, scientists said, adding that it has a mass equivalent to 17 billion Suns.

PERSONS IN NEWS
a) Appointments
Rakesh Mohan appointed as executive director on IMF board Former RBI Deputy Governor Rakesh Mohan appointed as executive director on the board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). VK Malhotra re-elected Archery Association President Vijay Kumar Malhotra was on 9th November 2012 re-elected as President of the Archery Association of India after beating Assam unit vice-president BVP Rao in Archery Association presidents elections. Obama appoints Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head USAID Indian-Americans won one of their highest-ever appointments in the US government when President Obama on 13 November 2012 nominated Dr Rajiv Shah as administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Anil Dev Singh appointed new chief of IOA election panel

Anil Dev Singh, retired Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, appointed as the new Chairman of The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on 19 November 2012. Scott Flemming named Indias basketball coach The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) had appointed Scott Flemming, who brings along with him over 30 years of collegiate and professional experience in the United States, as the head coach of the mens national team on 19 November 2012. BBC appointed Tony Hall as new director general Royal Opera House chief executive Tony Hall had appointed as director general of the BBC on 22 November 2012,replacing George Entwistle who resigned earlier this month in a burgeoning scandal over the corporations reporting of sexual abuse. Ranjit Sinha appointed new CBI Director Senior IPS officer Ranjit Sinha was appointed the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation for two-year term on 22 November 2012. Barbosa sworn in as first non-white President of Brazils Supreme Court Joaquim Barbosa was sworn-in as Brazils Supreme Courts first non-White President on 23 November 2012 at a packed ceremony in the capital Brazilia . Barbosa, became famous in Brazil after overseeing one of the countrys biggest corruption trials involving key members of the former President Lula Da Silvas government. Alok Joshi new RAW chief The Haryana cadre IPS officer Alok Joshi was appointed head of Indias external intelligence gathering agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) on 27 November 2012. Alok Joshi will take charge from S.K. Tripathi on December 30, 2012. Luiz Felipe Scolari appointed new Brazil Football team coach Brazilian Football Confederation have appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari as the new coach for Brazil Football team on 29 November 2012. Mohan re-elected as vice president of IBSF Capt Mohan, the president of the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India, was re-elected as the vice president of the IBSF (International Billiard & Snooker Federation). The election took place at the Annual General Body meeting of International Billiards and Snooker Federation, at Sofia, Bulgaria on 29 November 2012.

b) Resigns
American CIA Director David Petraeus resigned American Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) Director David Petraeus resigned on 10th November 2012 due illegal affair with Broadwell that was proved by the FBI in investigation. BJP suspended Ram Jethmalani from party for indiscipline

The BJP on 25 Novemebr 2012 suspended a Rajya Sabha member Ram Jethmalani from the party for gross indiscipline. He recently attacked the for for criticizing the appointment of the new CBI chief. Ricky Ponting retired from international cricket Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has announced he will retire from international cricket at the end of the third Test against South Africa.He is the second highest run scorer in Test history behind Sachin Tendulkar.Ponting has scored 13,366 runs at an average of 52.21 in his career. Yeddyyurappa quits BJP, Assembly The former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa quits the BJP and resigned to the Legislative Assembly on 30 November 2012. He started his political career when he was elected as President of the Shikaripura Taluk erstwhile Jana Sangha in 1972. He won his first Assembly election in 1983 as BJP candidate. He became the first BJP chief minister in South India.

c) Deaths
Yerram Naidu senior TDP leader dies in road accident K. Yerran Naidu, Telugu Desam Partys senior lead er and former union minister for rural development died in a car accident in Andhra Pradeshs Srikakulam district on 2nd November 2012. Cartoonist,T.Samuel passes away Veteran cartoonist, T Samuel, a pioneer of pocket cartoons in India, passed away on 2 November 2012. He worked for the famous newspapers like Times of India ,Indian Express and Nav Bharat Times etc.. He became famous as the creator of pocket cartoon Babuji. BJP leader Kailashpati Mishra passes away Veteran BJP leader and former governor of Gujarat and Rajasthan Kailashpati Mishra died in Patna on 3rd November 2012. Veteran freedom fighter V P Murthy Raju passes away Freedom fighter and former Andhra Pradesh minister Ch V P Murthy Raju passed away in West Godavari district on 12th November 2012.Raju had been MLA for six terms and served as a minister when late P V Narasimha Rao was Chief Minister. Ex-Minister KC Pant passes away Indias former defence minister and Planning Commission deputy chairman Krishna Chandra Pant died on 15 November 2012.Pant was Indias defence minister between 1987 and 1989, when the Congress party was in power under then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray died Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray died in Mumbai on 17 November 2012. Ajmal Kasab hanged, buried at Punes Yerwada Jail Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only terrorist caught alive during the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, was hanged at Punes Yerwada Jail on 21 November 2012.Two secret codes are used the

government with respect to Kasab to maintain secrecy 1. Operation X:-Hanging code named Operation X. X stood for execution 2. C-7096 :-C-7096, the number by which Kasab was identified officially. Nobel winner and organ transplant pioneer Joseph Murray passes away Dr. Joseph Murray, the surgeon who carried out the first successful kidney transplant and later won a Nobel Prize for his work in medicine and physiology, died on 26 November 2012 in Boston. Indias diplomatic politician and former PM IK Gujral passes away Former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral passed away on 30 November 2012 in Gujral. Born on 4 December, 1919 in Jhelum.IK Gujral started as the Vice President in NDMC in the 1950s and later became a Union Minister. Later He became the Indias Ambassador to the USSR. Gujral, an intellectual who propounded the Gujral Doctrine of five principles for maintaining good neighbourly relations, left the Congress to join the Janata Dal in the late-1980s. In the 1989 elections, Gujral was elected from Jalandhar parliamentary constituency in Punjab and he became Minister for External Affairs, first under V P Singh (in December 1989) and then under Deve Gowda (in June 1996). Later he became the 12th Prime Minister of India in April 1997 for one year.

d) Visitors
William Hague on four day official visit to India The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of United Kingdom, Mr. William Hague will be on a four day official visit to India from 7th November 2012.During his visit Mr. Hague will discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest with External Affairs Minister, Mr Salman Khurshid in New Delhi. Canadian Prime Minister visited India Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, visited the India from November 3rd to 9th, during his visit India and Canada signed several agreements including Civil Nuclear Deal, Social Security Agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Information Technology and electronics and an agreement to boost bilateral cooperation in Defense Science and Technology. Hamid Karzai arrived to India on four day visit Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai arrived to India on 9th November 2012 on a four-day visit. Aung San Suu Kyi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Myanmars pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh In New Delhi on 14 November,2012 during her 6 day visit to India.She then visited Shantivan to pay tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru.Later in the day, she will deliver the Nehru Memorial Lecture on the occasion of the former PMs birth anniversary. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodia for South Asian summits Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on 18 November 2012 to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Barack Obama makes first US presidential visit to Burma Barack Obama became the first American president visited the Myanmar. He visited the Myanmar on 18 November 2012 and then went to Cambodia to attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

e) Miscellaneous
Sunita Williams embarks on record 7th space walk Indian-American Sunita Williams along with Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide on 1st November 2012 ventured out of the International Space Station, adding to her record-setting space walking sojourns, to find an ammonia leak in the vital radiator system. China invites Abdul Kalam to teach at Peking University China invited APJ Abdul Kalam to teach at Peking University Irom Sharmila, the Iron Lady of Manipur completed 12 Years of Fast Iron Lady from Manipur, Irom Sharmila on 5 November 2012 completed 12 years of her fast demanding for cancellation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA). She blames AFPSA as the main cause for violence in the state of Manipur and other parts of Northeastern India. Life Ban on Mohammad Azharuddin Lifted by Andhra Pradesh High Court The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 8 November 2012 lifted the life ban from playing Cricket on Mohammad Azharuddin which was imposed by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Year 2000. Ramanujans genius Proved by US Mathematician Ramanujans genius Proved to the world by Ken Ono of Emory University in Atlanta on the occasion 125th Birth Anniversary of Ramanujan.Ken Ono of Emory University proved the Ramanujans formula of outputs for the roots of 1 like the square root 1. Cancer charity drops Armstrong name Lance Armstrongs cancer charity removed the former cycling champion Lance Armstrongs name from its title. The Lance Armstrong Foundation now officially known as the Livestrong Foundation. Burmas Suu Kyi Named New UN Ambassador The United Nations announced Myanmars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as an ambassador to its program on HIV/AIDS. Suu Kyi accepted the invitation to head the program during a meeting with UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidib.

PLACES IN NEWS
Earthquake in Guatemala Guatemalans hit by A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on 8th November 2012. Mumbais Sufi shrine Haji Ali Dargah bans entry of women The management of Mumbais iconic Sufi shrine Haji Ali Dargah, which is visited by thousands of devotees every year, has restricted the entry of women.

Strong Earthquake strikes Myanmar A strong earthquake with magnitude of 6.8 hit the Myanmar on 11th November 2012 . North Island New Zealand volcano Mt Tongariro erupts New Zealands Mount Tongariro volcano in the central North Island erupted on 21 November 2012.

ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
AITA-All India Tennis Association. IOR-ARC Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC-South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation USAID-United States Agency for International Development IAAFInternational Amateur Athletic Federation.

BOOKS IN NEWS
Vice President Releases Series of Books Granthavali The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari released a collection of writing and works -Granthavali of late Dr Dineshnandini Dalmia in New Delhi on 2nd November 2012. Saina Nehwal autobiography book released by Gagan Narang Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal , Ace shooter Gagan Narang and badminton player Parupalli Kashyap released book autobiography of Saina Nehwal Playing to win-My life on and off the court in Hyderabad on 7 November 2012. Yuvi book on Yuvraj released The book on Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh named Yuvi was released in third week of November 2012. Yuvi, the book on Yuvraj Singh is published by Harper Sport and written by Makarand Waingankar. The book illustrates the brilliance of cricket shown by Yuvraj Singh in his career as a cricketer and the way he recovered from Cancer. Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal Nak Browne Releases Book Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman COSC Air Chief Marshal Nak Browne Releases Book titled VICTORY INDIA A Key to Quality Military Leadership on 20 November 2012.The book is a collection of well written contributory articles by military experts.The book focuses on the process of identification, selection and training of our dynamic youth to mould them into inspiring effective quality military leaders. Amitav Ghosh, Jeet Thayil shortlisted for literature prize

Six books including River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh, Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil and The Wandering by Pakistan-based author Jamil Ahmad, have been shortlisted for the DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013.The finalist will be announced at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival January 2013.

COMMITTEESS IN NEWS
Pope Benedict XVI appoints six non-European cardinals for Pope selection committee Pope Benedict XVI has appointed six priests from non-European countries to be cardinals, at a service in the Vaticans St Peters Basilica.From India Baselios Cleemis Thottumkal, head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church was selected as a one of the Cardinal for the pope selection committee.

DAYS & DATES

UN declared November 10th as Malala Day United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared November 10 as Malala Day Celebration of Water Conservation Day on 19th November 2012 National Integration Day is celebrated on 19th November to mark the birth anniversary of late Mrs Indira Gandhi, the 1st woman Prime Minister of India. On this occasion Union Ministry of Water Resources has decided to celebrate Water Conservation Day on 19th November 2012 to create awareness regarding concern about depleting water resources & its vision for the water underlining the Ministrys commitment to be an active contributor to the sustainability of this very important natural resource.

December 2012 Current Affairs Study Material

INTERNATIONAL
Mahama Re-elected as Ghanas President On 10 December Ghanas incumbent President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the countrys presidential election.Mahama took 50.70 percent of the total valid votes cast, while his closest challenger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) obtained 47.74 percent.With his re-election, Mahama becomes the fourth president to be elected under the Forth Republic.He had served as Ghanas vice president since 2009. UN, Pakistan Launched Malala Fund Pakistan joined forces with the United Nations on 10 December 2012 to launch a fund aimed at boosting girls education throughout the world.The fund is named for Malala Yousafzai, the 15 -yearold Pakistani girl. Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari also announced a $10-million donation for a

global war chest to educate all girls by 2015 set up in the name of Malala Yousafzai for campaigning for girls education. Shinzo Abe Elected As Japans New PM The former Prime Minister and the Leader of LDP Shinzo Abe elected as a Prime Minister with a clear victory over the Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party of Japan(DPJ) Yoshihiko Noda in the Parliamentary Elections on 26 December 2012.The lawmakers in Japan voted in favour of Abe by 328 votes. Opponent Banri Kaieda, the newly chosen leader of DPJ received merely 57 votes. Jacob Zuma re-elected as South Africas President South Africas ruling African National Congress on 18 December 2012 re -elected President Jacob Zuma as the party chief with a thumping majority. Mr.Zuma received the support of over 75 per cent of the total voting delegates at the ANC National Conference held in Bloemfontein. Juma was Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 Park elected South Korean President Park Guen-hye, the daughter of former military dictator Park Chung-hee, beat her opponent on 19 December 2012 in the South Korean presidential elections. Park is the countrys first woman President. She is the former head of the ruling Conservative Saenuri Party, had secured the necessary votes and defeated Moon Jae-in, of the Democratic United Party. Pak Cleared Anti-terror Bill On 20 December Pakistans National Assembly passed a bill that will give intelligence and security agencies sweeping powers to conduct surveillance and collect data from SMSs and emails.The National Assembly or lower house of parliament approved the Fair Trial Bill 2012 after incorporating amendments proposed by the main opposition PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which is part of the ruling coalition led by the Pakistan Peoples Party. U.S. House Passed Defense Bill On 20 December US (United States) House of Representatives passed the Defence Authorization Act of 2013. The bill authorizing 633.3 billion dollar in defense spending for 2013, easing limits on satellite exports and providing more Marines for embassy security. Napolitano Dissolved Italian Parliament On 22 December Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved Parliament following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Monti. Italian Government under the leadership of Mario Monti brought forward a series of austerity reforms backed by EU and business leaders. Morsi signed on Egypts New Constitution On 25 December Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi signed into law a new Islamist-drafted constitution. He signed a declaration enforcing the charter late after the official announcement of the result of a referendum approving the basic law. Two-thirds of the members of the 270-seat council were elected earlier this year in a vote in which only 12 per cent of registered voters participated. The remaining 90 were appointed by Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president. Pakistan Recognised the Republic of Kosovo On 26 December Pakistan Government officially recognised Kosovo as an independent state, almost five years after it declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. Pakistan is the 98th

country among the 193 U.N-member states to recognise Kosovo .Kosovo is a small south east European state lies between Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.

INDIA & WORLD

Nitish Kumar, Hazare, Malala Among The Top 100 Global Thinkers List On 2 December According to the United States-based Foreign Policy magazine has released its list of the 100 Top Global Thinkers from 2012. The magazine has placed the Indians in the list include Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who features way below at the 77th place, Anna Hazare who has been placed at the 37th position for his anti-corruption crusade in the country. 15-year-old Pakistani child rights activist Malala Yousafzai at 6th position, Aung San Suu Kyi is ranked first in list. Bangladesh Agreed on Zero Line Fencing along Tripura Border On 2 December Bangladesh had agreed to set up barbed wire fencing along zero line in nine stretches on the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura. According to the MHA communique, fencing along zero line was to be allowed in 9 areas. India & Japan Signed Currency Swap Agreement India signed a bilateral swap arrangement (BSA) with the Bank of Japan to swap their local currencies for an amount of $15 billion for a three year period on 4 December 2012.The BSA will effect from 5 December 2012. India is Among Top Five Terror-Hit Nations The Australian think tank released The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) on 4 December 2012, according to this GTI, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were among the nations most impacted by terrorism in 2011. In 2011, the Middle East, India, Pakistan and Russia were the areas most impacted by terrorism. Indias GTI rank was 4 out of the 159 countries surveyed. While Iraq stood at number1, Pakistan at number 2, Afghanistan at number 3 and Yemen was number 5. Bangalore Best Indian City To Live Bangalore ranks better than New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata amongst Indian cities in overall global quality of living index, according to a Mercer 2012 Quality of Living Survey.Bangalores overall quality of living rank went up from 141 in 2011 to 139 in 2012 and is highest amongst other Indian cities. India Ranked 94th Position in Corruption Denmark, Finland and New Zealand tied for the first place in watchdog Transparency Internationals 2012 index of the least corrupt countries. India is on 94th position in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Most corrupted nations are Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia in 174th positions. US Extends Exemptions For India to Iran Oil Sanctions On 8 December the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has extended exemptions to India, China ,South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan from Iranian Sanctions Act mainly because of their significant reduction in oil import from Iran.The 9 countries have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in Section 1245 of the National Defence

Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, based on additional reductions in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran.This is for the second time that countries including India has received waiver from US under the Iranian sanctions act. 3 Indian Projects among Strategic- Global Infrastructure Projects List Three Indian projects have placed in the new yorks Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum Top 100 Strategic Global Infrastructure Projects list. GIFT city (Gujarat International Financial Tech city), Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project (Maharashtra) and the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project (Andhra Pradesh). India, Ukraine Signed on Five Agreements India and Ukraine on 10 December 2012 signed on five agreements in New Delhi to enhance cooperation including in areas of defence, Nuclear, Science and Technology and also to remove barriers in trade and commerce. Indians Largest Ethnic Minority Group in UK On 11 December According to the 2011 Britain population census record Indians are the largest ethnic minority group in the UK.With 1.5 percent of the Hindu religion became a third-largest religion in the nations. The Christian population in the country is also a drop in the statistics.. The Muslim community population in the countrys fastest growing increased by 3 percent to 4.8. India& Pak Signed on New Visa Agreement The new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14th December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-on-Arrival will come into effect from 15th January, 2013. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister singed on the agreement. Cell Phone Connections to exceed the World Population by 2014 The International Telecommunications Communication Union (ITU) to be designed and released Information Society 2012 Observe report on 11 December. According to the report number of cell phone connections exceeding the worlds population by 2014. Now 6 billion (hundreds of millions) cell phone connections they will reach 730 Millions by 2014 .Then the worlds population is 700 crore.Already in Russia 1.8 times cell phone accounts more than 25 million people. Indians now Live Longer but in Poor Health in Old Age According to the the prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet report the life expectancy (LE) at birth of an average Indian male has gone up by 15 years between 1970 and 2010. An average Chinese male is living 10 years longer than an Indian male, while a Chinese woman is living 11.5 years longer than her Indian counterpart. An average American lives nearly 13 years longer than an Indian. World Malaria Report 2012 According to the WHO World Malaria Report 2012 India, the country most affected by malaria in the South East Asian Region, is projected to see a decrease of 50-75 per cent in malaria case incidence by 2015.In South East Asia Region, Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand have registered decreases of 75 per cent or more in the incidence of microscopically confirmed malaria incidence rates between 2000 and 2011. Hinduism Third Largest Religion of World

According to the Pew research survey report Hinduism is the third largest religion of the world after Christianity , Islam and 97 per cent of all Hindus live in the worlds three Hindu-majority countries (India, Mauritius and Nepal), and nearly nine-in-ten Christians (87 per cent) are found in the worlds 157 Christian majority countries.In the total world population 2.2 billion Christians (32 per cent of the worlds population), 1.6 billion Muslims (23 per cent) around the world as of 2010. India & Russia signed Rs 22,000 crore Defence Deals India and Russia signed defence deals worth around Rs. 22,000 crore ($4 billion) on 24 December. According to this pact Russia will sell India 71 military helicopters for $1.3 billion and technological kits to assemble 42 Sukhoi jet fighters for $1.6 billion.

NATIONAL
Sexual Assault a Gender-Neutral Offence Bill Passed by Lok Sabha The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, replacing the word rape by the phrase sexual assault and seeking to widen the scope of the offence passed by Lok Sabha on 4 December. Both men and women could soon be able to invoke the provisions of a criminal law in case of sexual assault .The amendment bill expands the definition so that cases of sexual assault where victims were male would fall under the same law along with cases where victims were women. Cabinet Approved Naval Base Phase II of Project Seabird On 7 December The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a Rs 13,500 crore major expansion plan of the strategic Karwar naval base Phase II Alpha of the project Seabird in Karnataka is set to become the countrys biggest Naval base by 2025. The Karwar naval base is Indias third major naval base after Mumbai and Visakhapatnam on the east coast. Over 7 Crore Unemployed Youth in India According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report an approximate 7 crore youth people in India are either unemployed or under-employed. The figures were revealed by Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha.As per results of the latest survey conducted by NSSO during 2009-10, the number of unemployed or under-employed persons on usual status basis in the country was 95 lakhs and about six crore respectively. Rajya Sabha Passed SC/ST Quota Bill A Constitution 117th amendment bill providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions was on December 17 passed by Rajya Sabha. Unlawful Activities Amendment Bill Passed by Rajya Sabha On 20 December Parliament passed a bill that makes economic offences, including circulation of high quality counterfeit currency, a terrorist act.The Rajya Sabha passed Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2012 by voice vote while several parties. The bill was already passed by Lok Sabha. LokSabha Approved Company Bill 2011

On 18 December Lok Sabha passed the Companies Bill 2011 paving the way for a new modern company law.The Bill is aimed at improving corporate governance. It contains provisions to strengthen regulations for corporate as well as auditing firms. Banking Bill passed by Lok Sabha The Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, have been passed in the Lok Sabha on 20 December .The amendments pave the way for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new bank licences, and also opens door for more foreign investment into the sector. Usha Mehra commission for Delhi incident victim Nirbhayas Case A female physiotherapy intern student Nirbhaya beaten and gang raped in Delhi on 16 December and died on 29 December while undergoing emergency treatment in Singapore for brain and gastrointestinal damage from the assault.The government has formed a committee of enquiry under justice Usha Mehra to reconstruct the events leading to the incident identify lapses by police and other agencies and fix responsibility for the crime. Microsoft Launches 14 Innovation Centres in India Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd had launched 14 Microsoft Innovation Centres (MICs) in India. It has signed agreements with leading academic institutions across four States.As part of the global programme, which currently has 75 MICs, Microsoft aims to launch a 100 such centres in India in the next two years.

STATES
Delhi Government Launched Delhi Annshri Yojna UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was launched a major food security programme of Delhi Government Delhi Annshri Yojna on 15 December 2012.under which a monthly cash subsidy of Rs. 600 will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the senior-most female members of two lakh poor families. BJP Won in Gujarat Assembly Elections The BJP registered its fifth consecutive victory in Gujarat on 20 December 2012.This is the third victory under Modi leadership. BJP won the 115 seats. Congress won the 61 seats. Modi won by a landslide from Maninagar constituency in Gujarat, beating his nearest Congress party rival Shweta Bhatt by a margin of 86,373 votes. Congress has won Himachal Pradesh Elections The Congress returned to power in Himachal Pradesh after five years, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Himachal Pradesh State Assembly elections conduced on 4 November 2012.The Congress secured 36 seats and the BJP 26 seats. The Congress Leader Virbhadra Singh won from Shimla (Rural) constituency and defeated the rival from BJP Ishwar Rohal by 19033 Votes. Meghalaya Passed Lokayukta Bill 2012 On 14 December the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 was passed in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and replaced the existing Lokayukta Act, 2002 amidst opposition from legislators. The new

act under the lokayukta bill covered the chief minister, governor and all public servants, but allowed the state government through a clause to exclude the complaints by citing public interest. Madhya Pradesh Government Set Up a Senior Citizen Commission On 21 December the Madhya Pradesh Government has set up a Senior Citizen Commission to look into problems of the elderly in the State. Assam Government Announced Special Health Scheme On 12 December Assam government announced that 50 riverine public health centres would be set up in the state soon under the National Rural Health Mission.The public health centres would be located primarily in the districts of Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara and Darrang. 30% Reservation for Rural Candidates in Assam Govt. Jobs Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 26 December 2012 announced that 30 per cent state government jobs will be reserved for candidates belonging to rural areas from 2013.

CONFERENCES
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 18) The United Nations Climate Change Conference , which is the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 18) and 8th session of the Conference of the Parties (serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol ) ends on 8 December in Qatar, Doha. United Nations climate talks in Doha had agreed to extend the Kyoto Protocol through 2020. Poland will host the next round of 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) UN climate talks in 2013. World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12) The First ever World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) from 3 -14 December held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The conference reviewed the current International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs).The 193 member states of the ambassadors are attended this conference.While 89 states have signed the UN International Telecommunications agreement and another 55 countries have refused the deal.The new agreement will come into effect in January 2015. ASEAN India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi India is hosted the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held from December 20-21 in New Delhi to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN India dialogue partnership and the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-India Summit-level partnership.The theme of the summit is ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace and Shared Prosperity. ASEAN and India have signed the awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on comprehensive economic cooperation as foundations for the establishment of an ASEANIndia Trade and Investment Area.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Katy Perry Honored With Billboards Woman of the Year

Pop Singer Katy Perry was honored with Billboards Woman of the Year 2012 (The Star of the Women) award in New York. Shah Rukh Khan Conferred With Moroccos Medal of Honour Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had given the prestigious Medal of Honour by the Prince of Morocco (Moulay Rachid) on 3 December 2012 in 12th Marrakech International Film Festival. DRDO Scientist Gets Top Award Brajnish Sitara scientist from Research Centre Imarat(RCI), a premier laboratory of DRDOs missile complex was conferred with INAE(Indian National Academy of Engineering)Young Engineer Award for 2012 at the academys annual conventionheld at Roorkee on 6 D ecember 2012. Rajan and Sajan Mishra Conferred National Tansen Samman On 14 December 2012 noted vocalist duo of Rajan and Sajan Mishra will be awarded prestigious National Tansen Samman for year 2011-12 for their contribution to Hindustani classical music Stephen Hawking Won Yuri Milner Award A Russian billionaires foundation was awarded two special prizes of $3 million each to British cosmologist Stephen Hawking for his work on black holes and to seven scientists at the worlds biggest atom-smasher for their roles in the discovery of a new subatomic particle believed to be the long-sought Higgs boson. Yuri Milners Fundamental Physics Prize Foundation announced the awards on 11 December 2012.Hawking is honored for his discovery of Hawking radiation from black holes and his deep contributions to quantum gravity and quantum aspects of the early universe. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Ravi Shankar Sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar will be honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.He becomes the first Indian to get the prestigious award. The decision to honour Ravi Shankar, a three-time Grammy winner, was made before his death. Indian Journalists Association Honoured Sir Charles Wheeler On 16 December Indian Journalists Association has conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012 posthumously to former BBC correspondent Sir Charles Wheeler. Scientist Venkatesh Mannar honoured with Order of Canada Award A Chennai born scientist of Indian origin, M.G Venkatesh Mannar and President, Micronutrient Initiative, Canada was awarded with Canadas Highest Civilian Award the Order of Canada on December .US, was honoured with the award for his forty years long contribution working towards reduction of debilitating micronutrient deficiencies among the worlds most vulnerable. Arunachal CM Selected for IAEWP Award On 18 December Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has been selected by the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP) for a Lifetime Achievement Award. IAEWP is a non-governmental organization affiliated to the United Nations and engaged in the promotion of world peace. Besides the individual award he would also receive the Green State of the Year Award on behalf of the Arunachal Prad esh Government for maintaining greenery in the state. Top Honour For 7-year-old South African Indian Rhino Campaigner

A seven-year-old Indian-origin girl Afeefah Patel won a prestigious a wildlife conservation award in South Africa for writing a letter to President Jacob Zuma asking for his assistance in saving endangered rhinos. Afeefah Patel, who has just finished Grade One, became the youngest winner ever of SANParkss Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award in individual category at the 8th annual Kudu Awards. P.Chidambaram received Best Administrator Award On 20 December Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram received Best Administrator in India award instituted by K. Karunakaran Foundation.The award was presented to him by Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari.The award is being offered in the memory of renowned Congress leader as well as the former Kerala Chief minister K.Karunakaran. First Karunakaran Foundation Award was given to Pranab Mukherjee. Archaeologist C.Govindarajanar Received Presidential Award President Pranab Mukherjee on 21 December 2012 conferred the Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prof. C. Govindarajanar was conferred Tolkappiyar Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Tamil studies. Top U.S. Innovation Award For Indian-American A renowned Indian-American inventor at IBM, Rangaswamy Srinivasan, was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama for the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation. He named the phenomenon Ablative Photo Decomposition (APD). He got this award for the discovery of APD. Shihab Ghanem the First Arab to receive Indias Tagore Peace Prize On 26 December The Asiatic society will award the Tagore Peace Prize to Emirati poet and translator Shihab Ghanem .Shihab Ghanem the first Arab to receive Indias Tagore Peace Prize.The peace prize is named after Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali creative talent and Indias first Nobel laureate. Pratibha Ray Won 2011 Jnanpith Award Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011 on 27 December 2012. Astronautical Societys Aryabhatta award for Muthunayagam & Saraswat The former secretary of the Department of Ocean Development, A.E. Muthunayagam, will received the prestigious Aryabhatta award, instituted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), for 2010 and V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, will receive the award for 2011.They have been selected for their achievements in rocketry.

SPORTS & GAMES

Lalith Babu Top in Commonwealth Chess Championship Grandmasters M R Lalith Babu and Sergei Tiviakov scored final round victories to reached the top of the table with 9.5 points in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Chennai on 01 December 2012. Lalith was crowned the Commonwealth Champion 2012 title.

Rory McIlroy named PGA Tour Player of the Year On 2 December The PGA( Professional Golfers Association of America) Tour has announced Rory McIlroy as Tour Player of the Year after McIlroy won four times on Tour in 2012. McIlroy, becomes the youngest player to earn Player of the Year honors since Tiger Woods in 1998. Anna Ushenina is World Womens Chess Champion Anna Ushenina of Ukraine 02 December 2012 won the womens World Championship crown, defeating Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria in the first set of tie-break games. Air India Won Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament Air India defeated Bharat Petroleum 3-1 to emerge champion in the 23rd Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium New Delhi on 4 December 2012. Jadeja Created History Hitting 3rd Tripleton in FC Cricket Ravindra Jadeja became first Indian and only eighth batsman in the First-Class (FC) cricket history of world to score three triple-centuries in the unbeaten 320 runs against Railways in the Ranji Trophy Group A match on 2 December 2012 in Rajkot. International Olympic Committee Suspended India The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended Indias national Olympic committee on 4 December 2012 because of government interference in its election process. Australia Won 5th Consecutive Champions Trophy Hockey On 8 December Australia won fifth Consective Champions Trophy Hockey after defeated Netherlands in Melbourne.The bronze medal was claimed by Pakistan after they beated India on 9 december. Indian Wrestlers Won Nine Gold Medals in Copa Brasil Tournament The Indian wrestling contingent finished with a haul of nine gold and four bronze medals in the recent Copa Brasil-2012 tournament held at Rio in December 2012. Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Classic Tournament On 10 December Norways chess ace Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Cl assic Tournament in London .Carlsen defeated the World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the final round and claim the winners trophy.Kramnik is second place , Adams and Hikaru Nakamura share the third place and Viswanathan Anand fifth place. India Won Blind Cricket T20 World Cup India won the first T20 world cup for the Blind .In the final on 13 December 2012 India defeated the Pakistan by 29-runs.India did well to clinch the first ever blind cricket T20 World Cup on the home soil. India Won the World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012 India won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Mens category and second consecutive time in the Womens category on15 December 2012. Indian men defeated the Pakistan and India Women defeated the Malaysia in the finals held at the Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana.

Jeev Honoured with Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh (in pic) won the Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement award along with Jack Nicklaus and Colin Montgomerie on 15 December 2012. China Claimed All Titles at Junior World TT Championship On 16 December China claimed the all titles at Volkswagen 2012 World Junior Table Tennis Championship after it won girls as well as boys trophies. Girls Singles : Zhu Yuling, Girls Doubles: Gu Yuting and Zhu Yuling, Boys Singles : Fan Zhendong, Boys Doubles : Gu Ruochen and Lin Gaoyuan, Mixed Doubles : Zhendong and Liu Gaoyang. Federer & Nicola named Swiss Athletes of the Year 2012 Tennis star Roger Federer was named Swiss male athlete of the year at the 2012 Credit Suisse Sports Awards on 16 December in Zurich.Federer received the honour for the fifth time. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland. England Won Test Series On 17 December The last test match between India and England of the Tournament England Tour to India ended up as a draw and with this India lost the four-test match cricket series against England .With this win England succeeded in ending a 28 year long wait of winning a test series on Indian Soil. Syed Rahim Nabi Named AIFF Player of the Year 2012 Syed Rahim Nabi has been named the AIFF (All India Football Federation) Player of the Year, 2012 on 20 December. Sachin Retired From One Day Cricket On 23 December Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement from one day cricket. Sachin scored 18426 runs in 463 one-day matches and also made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries. He became the first cricketer to score a double century in the history of One Day international Cricket against South Africa in February 2010.Tendulkar scored his 100th international century on 16 March 2012 against Bangladesh, where he scored 114 runs. Kashyap Won First Grand Prix Title Kashyap Parupalli defeated Thailands Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in a tight three game match to take his first Grand Prix title at the Shaheed Dr. KL Garg, Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold 2012. Apurvi Chandela Won Air Rifle Gold On 24 December Apurvi Chandela of Rajasthan won Womens Air Rifle Gold in the Sahara 56th National Shooting Championship.Former champion and National record holder, Pournima clinched the bronze. Djokovic won World Tennis Championship On 29 December Spanish tennis player Novak Djokovic won World Tennis Championship final after defeated Nicolas Almagro in Abu Dhabi. Vijay Won Gold in National Shooting Championship

London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar 30 december 2012 clinched the gold medal in the mens rapid fire pistol event at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi. McGrath inducted into Hall of Fame The ICC announced on 30 December 2012 that McGrath, who took more Test wickets (563) than any other fast bowler and holds the record for most wickets in World Cups (71), will be inducted as the 68th male player in the International Cricket Councils Hall of Fame.

ECONOMY
The ADB cut Indias Growth Forecast to 5.4 percent The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cut Indias growth forecast to 5.4 per cent in 2012 -13 fiscal, barely two months after it had made a projection of 5.6 per cent growth for the Asias third largest economy. Indias growth forecast is revised from 5.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent in fisca l year 2012 and from 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent in FY 2013. Rich Gulf Families Own Wealth Worth USD 1.2 Trillion According to the KFH-Research report said one million wealthy families in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries own investment assets worth about USD 1.2 trillion.The report about wealth and funds management said that the worlds population of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) grew by a marginal 0.8 per cent year on year to 11 million in 2011. India Economy Would Dominate the Economy of the World by 2030 US intelligence counsel was released report on 10 December 2012 declared that India would straddle international commerce and will also dominate the economy of the whole world by 2030. IOC Retains Top in Fortune 500 India List Government owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is ranked as the largest company in terms of revenue, the Fortune 500 list of Indian companies for 2012 . In this list Indian Oil Corporation got the first place with a full-year revenue of Rs 4,202 billion, Reliance Industries Limited got the second place with a full-year revenue of Rs 3,675 billion and Bharat Petroleum Corporation got the third place with a full -year revenue of Rs 2,148 billion Indias Lost $123 bn in Black Money According to the report of Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 20012010, released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) India lost $123 billion in black money during 2001-2010. However Indias loss is far less than that of China, which according to the report suffered a loss of $ 2.74 trillion during the same period (2001 to 2010). India is the eighth largest victim of black money loses. India Lags Several Nations in Per Capita Income India is lagging behind several countries in per capita income due to different levels of development and various other factors, the central government was informed on 19 December. Indias per capita GDP on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) basis was $3,403 in 2010 and is estimated at $3,662.69 in 2011 and $3,851.31 in 2012.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Canadian Scientists Created Artificial Brain Software engineers as well as neuroscientists at University of Waterloo, Canada claimed that they have developed a closest model of the functioning human brain, known as Spaun which is advanced enough for passing the basic IQ tests. This is the virtual brain which functions on the supercomputer and comprises of a digital eye, which can be used for visual input. It also has the robotic arm which can be used for drawing the response. Voyager 1 Drifts Into Unknown Region of Space NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft has discovered a new layer of the solar system that scientists hadnt known was there, researchers announced on 4 December 2012. Voyager 1, in particular, has entered a new region of the heliosphere that scien tists are calling a magnetic highway, which allows charged particles from inside the heliosphere to flow outward, and particles from the galaxy outside to come in. New Anti-HIV Gel for HIV Transmission Researchers led by Dereuddre-Bosquet from the European Combined Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Microbicides (CHAARM) Consortium describe the gels key ingredient, which are small peptides engineered to present a decoy to bind up the virus and prevent it from entering and infecting the body cells. Because this is a gel it can be topically applied and could represent a powerful preventative agent against sexual transmission of HIV. Bosquet and colleagues engineered peptides named miniCD4s because they mimic the CD4 receptor used by HIV to gain entry into imm une cells of the body. NASA to Send New Rover to Mars in 2020 NASA was announced plans to send a new robotic explorer to the the Red Planet, Mars in 2020. 7 Planets Discovered In The Milky Way New York Scientists have been discovered Seven planets in the Milky Way outside our solar system that could potentially harbour life and researchers from an ambitious project to catalogue all habitable worlds claim. Russia Delivered MiG-29 Fighter Jets to India Russia on 10 December 2012 delivered the first three upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jets to India under a USD 900 million contract to modernise the ageing fleet of MiG-29 aircraft with the IAF. Tata Group Developed new Artillery Gun On 11 December In a step towards developing the indigenous private sector defence industry, the Tata group has created a new Artillery Gun. The 155mm 52 calibre gun developed by the Tata group is likely to have a strike range of 52 kms, which would probably be the longest in the Indian inventory. India Successfully Test Fired Agni-I Ballistic Missile India on 12 December 2012 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast. Weighing 12 tonnes, the 15-metre-long Agni-I, which is capable of carrying payloads up to 1000 kg and destroy the targets at a distance of 700 km.

North Korea Launched Unha-3 Rocket On 12 December North Korea launched a long-range rocket Unha-3 despite international opposition and growing tensions in the region successfully delivering a scientific satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 into orbit.Unha-3 is the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 which is successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center by carrier rocket.The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology. NASAs Twin Probes Crashed Successfully onto Lunar Mountain Ebb and Flow, the gravity mapping satellites of NASA ended the successful mission to Moon by crashing on the rim of crater. Lunar surface on which Ebb and Flow crashed will be given a name after Sally Ride, the first woman of America in the space who died earlier in 2012. Rocket with 3 Astronauts Takes off for ISS A Soyuz spacecraft carrying three astronauts took off atop a towering Russian rocket on 19 December 2012, headed for the International Space Station.It launched from Russias manned -space facility in the frigid steppes of Kazakhstan. American Tom Marshburn, Russian Roman Romanenko and Canadian Chris Hadfield are travelled in capsule. Prithvi-II Flight- Tested Successfully The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully flight-tested nuclear weapons-capable Prithvi-II missile from Chandipur, off the Odisha coast on 20 December 2012. The surface-to-surface ballistic missile, was fired from a road mobile launcher and tested for its full range of 350 km.The single-stage, liquid propelled missile can carry a payload of 500 kg. Astra Missile Successfully Test-fired India on December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-toair interceptor missile Astra at the interim test range(ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.Astra which has the capability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at a supersonic speed can be fitted into any fighter aircraft. Considered as one of the best of its kind in the world, the 3.8 metre long missile which weighs about 160 kg can carry explosive loaded conventional warheads up to 15 kg. Scientists Discovered Mini Nile River on Saturns Moon Titan Nasa scientists had spotted the longest extraterrestrial river system ever on Saturns moon Titan and it appears to be a miniature version of Earths Nile river. Higgs Boson Tops Journal Sciences 2012 List The discovery of the Higgs Boson, an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass, leads a list of the top 10 scientific advances of 2012 released by the US journal Science on 22 December . America Launched Reusable Rockets US California based SpaceXs industry successfully launched Grasshopper reusable rockets.The rocket took a giant leap for commercial space flight and when it rose 131 feet and landed safely back on Earth. Grasshopper rocket rose to a height of 131 feet around ten storeys and hovered before landing safely on its launch pad using closed loop thrust vector and throttle control. Hot Spots For Worlds more Powerful Earthquakes Revealed

The locations of where the worlds largest earthquakes are most likely to take place had pinpointed with greater accuracy than ever before, by researchers from the University of Sydney.The coasts of Southern Chile and Peru, Indonesias Sumatra Island, and several regions along the eastern Eurasian coastline, are some of the regions prone to great earthquakes.

PERSONS IN NEWS
a) APPOINTMENTS
Visually-challenged Indian-American in key US post On 1 December Obama administration was appointed a visually-challenged Indian-American Sachin Dev Pavithran as a Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board member. Ajit Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajith Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister on 7 December. After getting the clean chit from the government on corruption in irrigation projects. Chautala Elected as IOA President Abhay Singh Chautala was on December 2012 unanimously elected president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) while Lalit Bhanot became the new secretary general. Parthasarathy Shome Appointed Adviser to Finance Minister The government of India appointed tax expert Parthasarthi Shome as adviser to Finance Minister P Chidambaram with minister of state rank, sending a strong signal that tax reforms may top its economic agenda in the remainder of the UPA governments second term. Malalas Father Ziauddin Yousufzai Appointed UN Education Adviser Ziauddin Yousufzai, the father of 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls right to education, has been appointed as Special UN Adviser on Global Education on 10 December. Vijay Kumar appointed Senior Security Adviser in Home Ministry The Union government had appointed the former Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force, K. Vijay Kumar, as Senior Security Adviser in the Home Ministry where he will advise on security and development in the Naxal-affected States. Vinod Rai Re-elected as Chair of UN Auditors Panel Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Vinod Rai was re-elected Chair of the (UN) auditors Panel for the year 2013, while the CAG of the United Kingdom, Amyas Morse, was re-elected the vice-chair of the Panel. Naina Lal Kidwai Becomes First Woman President of FICCI Country Head of HSBC India, Naina Lal Kidwai, took over as President of FICCI on 15 December 2012. She become the first woman to head the leading industry body.

Rita Singh Elected Federation of Indian Associations President Rita Singh, an Indian American businesswoman from Bihar was elected the first woman president of Chicago-based Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Subhash Joshi Appointed As New BSF Chief Subhash Joshi was appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) on 18 December 2012. Chadha, Special Secretary was appointed as Director General of ITBP(Indo-Tibetan Border Police). Obama Nominates John Kerry to be Secretary of State The senior senator John Kerry was nominated as Americas Foreign Minister by President Barack Obama on 21 December 2012.The John Kerry, who is the senior Senator from Massachusetts, now he became the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Smita Singh Appointed as member of Global Development Council On 22 December The Obama administration has appointed Indian-American Smita Singh as member of the presidents Global Development Council. Virbhadra Singh Sworn in as Himachal Pradeshs Chief Minister On 25 December Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh was sworn-in as Himachal Pradeshs chief minister for a record sixth term in Shimla. He was Chief Minister five times between 1983 and 1985; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007. Narendra Modi Sworn in Gujarat CM for 4th time Narendra Modi sworn in as Gujarat chief minister for the fourth consecutive time on 26 December 2012. He was sworn in along with seven ministers of Cabinet rank and nine ministers of state. Cyrus Mistry took charge as Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry, the new chairman of the Tata Group, took charge of his office on 31 December.Mistry is the sixth chairman of the Tata empire.

b) RESIGNS
Mali Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra Resigned On 11 December Malian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra resigned and dissolved his government after he was arrested by the army in the West African nation.He was acting Prime Minister of Mali from April 2012 Singapore Parliament Speaker Resigned Singapores parliament speaker Michael Palmer announced his resignation on 12 December 2012 over an extramarital affair with a staff member of the Peoples Association, a statutory body leading efforts to reach out to members of the public. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Resigned

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman formally submitted his resignation on 16 December 2012 due to a pending indictment against him for fraud and breach of trust. Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Resigned On 16 December Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda resigned from his post to take responsibility for his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) defeat in Lower House Election .He was formally appointed by the Emperor on 2 September 2011.

c) DEATHS
Geophysicist Devendra Lal Died Devendra Lal, geophysicist and visiting professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) of the university of california, has died on 1 December in San Diego.He was conferred with Padma Shri in 1971. Devendra Lal also won NASA Group Achievement Award. Worlds Oldest Woman and Tallest Woman Both Died Besse Cooper, the woman listed as the worlds oldest person was died on 4 December 2012 in Georgia at the age of 116. Meanwhile, a Chinese woman, Yao Defen, was certified as the tallest in the world was also died. Mrs Cooper was declared the worlds oldest person in January 2011.Chinese woman Yao Defen was listed as the worlds tallest woman by Guinness World Records in 2010. Jazz Pianist & Composer Dave Brubeck Died On 5 December Legendary Jazz composer and pianist Dave Brubeck died in Norwalk. He had also won various awards during his career which spanned over six decades.The Library of Congress designated him as the Living Legend. British Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore Died British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore on 9 December 2012 in Selsey, West Sussex.Sir Patrick presented the BBC programme The Sky At Night for over 50 years, making him the longest-running host of the same television show ever. Ex-Bangladesh President Ahmed Died Former Bangladeshi President and Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Iajuddin Ahmed passed away on 10 December 2012. Iajuddin Ahmed was the 13th president of Bangladeshserving from Sept. 6, 2002 until Feb. 12, 2009. Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar Died Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose mastery over the sitar helped rejuvenate the classical instrumental tradition in India and popularise Indian music in the West through concerts and collaborations with well known artists, died in San Diego, U.S. on 11 December 2012. Former Ranji Cricketer Nimbalkar Died Former Ranji cricketer B B Nimbalkar was passes away on 11 December 2012. BB Nimbalkar, who made an unbeaten 443 runs for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in a Ranji Trophy match in 1948-49. Yet this is the Indias highest scorer in first-class cricket. First CM of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami Passed Away

The first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami died at Dehra Dun on 12 December 2012.He worked as a first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after dividing it from Uttar Pradesh in 2000. Barcode Co-inventor Woodland Died Norman Joseph Woodland, who co-created the barcode, was died on 9 December 2012 in New Jersey at the age of 91. Woodland was the co-inventor of bar code. He as well as his partner Bernard Silver (who died in 1963) patented this idea of bar code back in 1952. Guinness Worlds Oldest Person Dina Manfredini Died Dina Manfredini (115 Years) the worlds oldest person and a resident of Iowa, has died on 17 December in Johnston .Guinness World Records identified Manfredini as the worlds oldest person on December 5, a day after the death of 116-year-old Besse Cooper of Georgia. Former India Volleyball Captain Tilakam Gopal Died Tilakam Gopal, former India captain died on 18 December 2012. Mr.Gopal s achievements was being member of the silver medal winning Indian squad in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games and even led India in the five-Test series against the visiting Russians in 1966 which later on helped him to continue be captain in the Bangkok ASIAD in 1966 where India stood fourth. Hockey Legend Leslie Claudius Died Legendary hockey player and one of Indias greatest Olympians Leslie Claudius, passed away in Kolkata on 20 December 2012. India won the silver medal in the Asian Games in 1978 in Bangkok, when he was the team manager.He got the Padma Shree award in 1971. Former England Cricket Team Captain Tony Greig Died Tony Greig, the South Africa-born cricketer who became England cricket team captain and later continued to make his mark on the game as a revered commentator in Australia, died on 29 December 2012.He played 58 tests for England and scored 3,599 runs at an average of 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.

d) VISITORS
Palestinian Hamas leader Meshaal Visited Gaza The political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal has visited Gaza on 6 December .He attended a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas and a victory celebration .He visited southern Gaza strip through Egypts Rafah border crossing over for the first time in 45 years. Ukrainian President Yanukovych Visited India Viktor Yanukovych the President of Ukrainian visited India from 9th to 12th December. During this visit he signed 5 agreements .He met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan and the both nations discussed ways to improve bilateral relations. Pak Minister Rehman Malik Visited India Pakistans Interior Minister Rehman Malik visited India from 14th to 16th December .During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and both nations signed on new visa agreement. Russian President Putin Visited India

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 24 December .During the visit he met Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and signed a series of pacts on defense cooperation and reached consensus to develop economic and trade relations.Putin last visited India as prime minister in 2010.

e) MISCELLANEOUS
China Launched First High Speed Train in Extremely Cold Areas The worlds first high-speed train in areas with extremely low temperature started operation in China 01 December 2012.This train move with a speed of 350 Kmph in the areas of minus 40 degrees temperature. This is the fastest train world in this areas. Forbes 2012 Most Powerful Persons List On 6 December 2012 Forbes Magazine released the most powerful persons list in the world. In that list AICC President Sonia Gandhi got the 12th place and Prime Minister of India Man Mohan Singh got the 20th place. As usually this year also American President Barack Obama got 1st place. German chancellor Angela Merkel got the 2nd place. The list also includes Russian President Vladimir Putin at number three, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates (4), Richest Person in India Mukesh Ambani (37). Mumbai Among Worlds Dirtiest Cities Indias commercial capital, Mumbai, was named among the worlds dirtiest cities, ranking last in the cleanest streets category, a global survey of 40 key tourist cities has found. According to TripAdvisors Cities Survey, Tokyo grabbed the first place while Mumbai ranked last in the list of cleanest streets. Jiroemon Kimura named Worlds Oldest Person On 18 December Jiroemon Kimura (115 years) has been named the worlds oldest person after the death of his predecessor, an American woman named Dina Manfredini who died on 17 December after receiving the title of oldest person of the world.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897 and is just 15 days younger than the deceased Dina Manfredini. Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo (USA) Miss USA Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012 on 19 December 2012, on the Las Vegas. Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third. Obama is Times Person of the Year President Barack Obama had been named Time magazines Person of the Year for 2 012 on 19 December 2012. Obama also received the honour in 2008. 8 Indians Among Worlds Best Performed CEOs Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 best performing global chief executives, compiled by Harvard Business Review (HBR). Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall.Former chairman and MD, ONGC Subir Raha (Rank 13).Chairman and CEO, Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani (Rank 28).Chairman and Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro, AM Naik (Rank 32). Former CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals, AK Puri (Rank 38). Chairman, Bharti Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal (Rank 65). CEO, Jindal Steel & Power, Naveen Jindal (Rank 87). Former Chairman, SAIL,VS Jain (Rank 89). Former Apple CEO, Steve Jobs (Rank 1). CEO, Amazon.com CEO, Jeff Bezos (Rank 2).

China Launched Worlds Longest High-Speed Rail China launched service on the worlds longest high-speed railway on 26 December 2012 with trains scheduled to run 2,298 kilometres between Beijing and Guangzhou in about eight hours.Travelling at an average speed of about 300 km per hour, the service would cut the journey time from more than 20 hours by conventional trains.

PLACES IN NEWS
Typhoon Bopha Killed Hundreds in Philippines Bopha, the strongest typhoon hit the Philippines on 5 December 2012, was left at least 325 died. The typhoon with central winds of 115 kph and gusts of up to 145 kph was moved to west-northwest of the central Philippines on 6 December 2012. Powerful Earthquake in Japan The powerful earthquake had occurred in Japan on 7 December 2012.The magnitude of this earthquake was recorded as 7.3. This earthquake had occurred in 240 km beyond the Miyagi coast in the Pacific Oceanin a depth of 10m.

ABBREVIATIONS
UNFCCC WCCB TRAI SCI NSC OIL GAAR NCHRH IOA GCC NDAA INAE ITSMA - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Wildlife Crime Control Bureau Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Shipping Corporation of India National Security Council Oil India Limited General Anti Avoidance Rules National Council for Human Resources in Health Indian Olympic Association Gulf Cooperation Council National Defence Authorisation Act Indian National Academy of Engineering Information Technology Services Marketing Association

GTI

Global Terrorism Index

BOOKS IN NEWS
The Peak Book Released on Sachin Tendulkar On 2 December Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh was launched Sachin Tendulkars new book named The Peak which is a unique photographed story on Tendulkar by photo -journalist Suman Chattopadhyay. The book captures some rare and memorable moments of Tendulkars life through Chattopadhyays lens and the stories behind them in the masters own words Pankaj, Bengals Forgotten Hero Book Released On 3 December Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Sourav Ganguly released a book on former India opener Late Pankaj Roy named Pankaj, Bengals Forgotten Hero has been written by Bengali sports journalist Gautam Bhattacharya. Pankaj Roy had played 43 Tests for India in a span of 10 years scoring 2442 runs with five centuries. My Tryst with Justice Book Released On 12 December President Pranab Mukherjee released a book My Tryst with Justice which was written by Former Chief Justice P.N.Bhagwati .The book would be a prized possession for every Indian who wants to make a difference to the world and who aspires for a world more just, he added. M.S. Subbulakshmi Queen of Carnatic Music Book Launched The life story of carnatic music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, is now detailed in a graphic illustrated book launched on December. The story of the nightingale of carnatic music, fondly known as MS. It is being told through Amar Chitra Kathas new title M S Subbulakshmi Queen of Carnatic Music

COMMITTEES
Usha Thorat Committee for NBFCs Indias majority of Non-Banking Finance companies (NBFCs) may be freed from the regulatory clutches provided Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implements one of the recommendations made by Usha Thorat Committee. The committee had submitted its recommendations to RBI. Currently, those recommendations are under RBIs consideration. Chandrashekhar Committee to Frame Rules for Foreign Investors On 13 December The market regulator Sebi has appointed a committee under ex-Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekhar to frame a single set of guidelines for all types of foreign investors.The committee will suggest ways to simplify the investment process for all overseas entities like foreign institutional investors, foreign venture capital investors (FVCIs), qualified financial, institutional investors (QFIs)

IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES

Feb 4 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 28 World Cancer Day World Day of Social Justice International Mother Tongue Day World Scout Day World Thinking Day World Peaces and Understanding Day Central Excise Tax Day National Science Day