Current Affairs December 2013/WWGK

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CURRENTAFFAIRS NOV 2013-WWGK

INTERNATIONAL

Taiwan and Singapore Signed Free Trade Agreement

Taiwan signed a free trade agreement with Singapore on 7 November in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.It is first trade agreement Taiwan has signed with a member of the Association of Southeast Nations.Singapore is Taiwan’s fifth-largest trade partner and fourth-largest export market, with bilateral trade totalling US$28.2 billion in 2012.

U.S. named Nigeria’s Boko Haram ‘Terrorist’ Group

The US State Department has on 13 November officially designated Boko Haram, the Nigerian Islamist group responsible for the 2011 bombing of the UN headquarters in Abuja, as a “foreign terrorist organisation”. The designation is significant because it directs US law enforcement and regulatory agencies to block business and financial transactions with Boko Haram, which is fighting to impose Islamic law in northern Nigeria and has ties to al Qaeda. Boko Haram means “Western education is sacrilege”.

Abdullah Yameen Elected as President of Maldives

Abdulla Yameen, the candidate of Progressive Party , has been elected as president of the Maldives on 16 November .In the presidential election, Yameen defeated Mohamed Nasheed of Maldivian Democratic Party with a margin of six thousand votes.Yameen secured 51.39 percent (1 lakh 11 thousand) of votes, whereas Mohamed Nasheed received 48.61 (1 lakh 5 thousand votes).Yameen is an economist and the half-brother of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the former autocratic ruler, who ruled Maldives for 30 years.

Iran and P5+1 Group of Nations Signed The Historic Nuclear Deal

Iran and P5+1 group of Nations reached a breakthrough deal on 24 November 2013 to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for limited sanctions relief.An agreement to this effect was signed at UN Headquarters in Geneva on 24 November 2013 between the Chief negotiator for the six nations, Catherine Marie Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarief. The interim deal for six months is intended to give time and space to the international community to work towards a comprehensive agreement.After four days of negotiations, representatives of P5+1 group of nations – the US, the UK, Russia, China, France and Germany – reached an agreement with Iran.The deal is intended as the first step in a six-month process aimed at a permanent resolution to the decade-old global impasse over Iran’s nuclear programme, and heading off the threat of a new war in West Asia.

INDIA & WORLD

India Ranked 7th In Expat Quality Life

According to the research survey commissioned by HSBC Expat and conducted by independent research company YouGov , India is placed seventh out of 37 in a list of countries ranked in terms of expat quality of life.Thailand tops the list which is dominated by Asian countries with mainland China, Singapore and Taiwan are ranked 3rd, 6th, and 8th places respectively.Others in the top 10 include Bahrain (2nd), Cayman Islands (4th), Australia (5th), Spain (9th) and Brazil (10th).The results show Asia to be the leading destination for expat quality of life, with the region also emerging as an expat social hotspot.The survey report was released on 4 November.

India and Kuwait Signed Five Agreements

India and Kuwait on 8 November discussed collaboration in petrochemicals, and Kuwaiti investments in infrastructure in India as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held bilateral talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah in New Delhi.After the bilateral talks , five agreements were signed including an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons, cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs and exchange of cultural and information programmes, besides cooperation in the field of education.

India and Japan Decided To Strengthen their Cooperation in the Maritime Sector

India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall robust bilateral relations.The two countries on 9 November agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing forums and through port-to-port exchanges.These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, and Akihiro Ohta , Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of Japan.

India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission Held In New Delhi

The fifth session of India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, Industrial and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi on 13 November.The Commission was chaired by E. Ahamed, the Minister of State for External Affairs.The Ukrainian delegation was led by Mr. Ihor Mykolayovych Prasolov, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.During the session current status and future prospects of cooperation in trade and investment, heavy/light industry, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, mining and metallurgy, science and technology, energy (coal, nuclear), transportation, agriculture and food processing, education, culture and tourism were reviewed.The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, and the State Administration of Ukraine on Medicinal Products signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Joint Ventures and Research and Development in Pharmaceuticals and Bio-pharmaceuticals.

US exempts India, China From Iran Oil Sanctions

The US has on 29 November exempted some countries, including India and China, from the tough Iranian sanctions for reducing their dependence on Iranian oil. Secretary of State, John Kerry announced in a statement in Washington that other countries which have significantly reduced the purchases of Iranian crude oil are the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan and these have qualified for an exception to sanctions under the National Defence Authorisation Act.This move came after the decision made by US President Barack Obama that there is sufficient supply of non-Iranian oil for countries to continue to reduce import of oil from Iran.This is the fourth time that these countries have qualified for an NDAA exception as a result of their continued significant reductions in the volume of crude oil purchases from Iran or their end to such purchases.

NATIONAL

Medical Council of India Reconstituted

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on 6 November reconstituted the Medical Council of India (MCI) with 68 members as per provisions contained in the Indian Medical Council(Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2013.Among the 68 members of the Council, 29 members  will represent the Universities/ Health Sciences Universities, 23 members  will be nominated by the Central Government in consultation with the States, eight members will be nominated by the Centre, seven members will representing the Registered Medical Graduates of the states, and one  member will be nominated by the Central Government representing the UT Administration of Daman and Diu. All the members would hold  office for four years.

National Portal On Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Launched

Union Minister of Minority Affairs K Rahman Khan on 11 November launched a National Portal on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad .The portal was inaugurated to mark 125th birth anniversary of the great national leader- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.This portal is an initiative to digitise the heritage of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and make his life and legacy available online. Along with a biographical account on Maulana Azad, the portal contains titles and information on over 20 books written by Maulana Azad, in Urdu and English, as well as information on over 45 books written on Maulana Azad in Urdu, Hindi and English.

India Poised To Become The Largest Provider Of  Global Talent

According to the Ficci-EY Report on ‘ Higher Education in India: Vision 2030 ‘ released on 13 November , India is poised to become the largest provider of global talent with one in four graduates in the world a product of the Indian system.The report further outlines that by 2030, the emergence of a robust higher education system would enable India to augment its gross enrollment ratio (GER) to 50%, with a student enrollment of more than 70 million across the higher education system; reduce disparity in GER to 5 percentage points across states, gender and various social groups and emerge as a better informed and evolved society, leading to improved social indicators including better health and sanitation, life expectancy, and law and order.India would also emerge among the top 5 countries in the world in terms of research output, with an annual R&D spend of US$140 billion; have more than 20 universities among the global top 200 and become a global destination for higher education.

Government Released Postage Stamps On Sachin Tendulkar

Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal on 14 November released specail edition postage stamps on cricketer Sachin Tendulkar at a felicitation ceremony to mark his 200th and final cricket test match at the wankhede stadium in Mumbai.Tendulkar is the second living person after Mother Teressa to get a postage stamp in his honour.

STATES

Kannur Declared First Zero Landless District in the Country

Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on 1 November declared Kannur in Kerala as the first zero-landless district in the country.Kannur District Authorities provided land to as many as 11118 beneficiaries, including 85 families belonging to the Scheduled Tribes category.The prestigious Zero Landless programme of the United Democratic Front was flagged off by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in October 2013.

RAF Academy of Public Order inaugurated in Meerut

Ministry of Home Affairs on 9 November inaugurated RAF Academy of Public Order in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. This academy will train personnel of Rapid Action Force along with selected members of other paramilitary forces and civil police. Public administration, riot control, crowd management, disaster management, human rights, media management and first aid to the victims are some of the core issues on which focussed training will be provided to troupes. Besides, security persons moving on to peace missions under the United Nations, will also be provided necessary training in the Academy.

India’s First Private Rapid Metro Service Started Operation From Gurgaon

Rapid MetroRapid Metro-India’s First Private Metro service started operation from Gurgaon, Haryana on 14 November.Rapid Metro is India’s first fully privately financed Metro system connecting NH-8 to Delhi Metro via Cyber City, Gurgaon.Rapid Metro, with an elevated route and six stations with a frequency of every four minutes, can carry 800 passengers in each trip. The 5.1 km long route covers six stations-Sikanderpur, Phase-2, Belvedere Towers, Cyber City, Moulsari Avenue and Phase 3. The Rapid Metro is using a common ticketing system with Delhi Metro.Rapid Metro is a metro rail system in the Indian city of Gurgaon, Haryana, linked with the Delhi Metro system’s Yellow Line.  Built and operated by Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon Limited (RMGL), the system is India’s first fully privately financed metro.

Union Cabinet Approved For Legislative Council In Assam

Union Cabinet on 28 November 2013 approved a proposal to create a Legislative Council in Assam.According to the Article 169 of Constitution of India, Parliament can create or abolish the Legislative councils in States.According to the proposal, the Legislative Council will have 42 members. As per Article 171 of the Constitution, the total number of members in the Council of a state having such a House shall not exceed one third of the total number of members in the Legislative Assembly of that state.

CONFERENCES

Delhi To Host 12th Edition Of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014

The 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention to be held in Delhi from 7th to 9th January 2014 .The theme of the convention is -Engaging Diaspora – Connecting across Generations- with a special focus on the younger generation.One of the focus areas of the PBD this year is a Youth PBD on 7th January 2014 to open new horizons of a strong network of young overseas Indian.This was announced by Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs on 5 Novemeber 2013 in New Delhi.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Bihar Health Worker Martha Dodray Gets ‘ UN ‘ Award For Polio Work

Martha Dodray, a health worker from Bihar on 6 November won the global UN Award for her commitment and dedication to eradicate Polio in India.United Nation has conferred the UN Frontline Workers Global Leadership Award to Martha Dodray.The award was given in recognition of the roles to individuals, organizations, and corporations played in supporting the work of the United Nations’ to advance global peace, justice, and prosperity. The United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) honored recipients of the 2013 Global Leadership Awards at the annual Global Leadership Dinner in New York City.

Indian-American Doctor Rahul Jindal Gets Prestigious US Award

An Indian-origin doctor ,Eminent transplant surgeon and philanthropist , Rahul Jinda has been selected for prestigious “Outstanding American by Choice” award for his valuable contribution to US health sector.He was honoured by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on 13 November .The initiative recognises naturalised citizens who have made significant contributions to both their community and their adopted country.Jindal, who recently received the Leadership Award from the International Leadership Foundation, has been appointed the Commissioner on Service and Volunteerism.

‘ RGIA ‘ wins ‘ Best Cargo Airport Award

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad being managed by GMR Group has been adjudged the ‘Best Cargo Airport of The Year’ at the recently concluded 40th Annual Convention of Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) held at Jaipur.This is the second year in a row that RGIA has won the accolade for its cargo operations.

CSIR Scientist Rajesh S. Gokhale Gets ‘ Infosys Prize 2013 ‘

The Infosys Prize 2013 in Life Sciences is awarded to Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Director, CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology,on 13 November for his work in the field of lipid metabolism in tubercle bacilli.Each year two million people are infected and die of tuberculosis (TB) and there will be 10 million new patients every year. Dr. Gokhale discovered biochemical networks and new paradigms necessary for the synthesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cell envelope coat that makes these bacteria escape host immune systems.

Prof. CNR Rao and Sachin Tendulkar Selected for ‘ Bharat Ratna ‘ Award

The Government of India on 16 November decided to confer, the ‘ Bharat Ratna ‘, the highest civilian award on eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao (Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao) and cricket player Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar :- Sachin will the youngest recipient of the award.He is also the first sportsperson to be chosen for the honour.He will also become the ninth person from Maharashtra to join the exclusive club of 43 Bharat Ratna awardees till date, which includes a galaxy of presidents, prime ministers, Nobel laureates, scientists and artistes.The award was announced hours after Tendulkar retired from international cricket following India’s victory over the West Indies in a Test in Mumbai on 16 November.Tendulkar received the Arjuna Award in 1994 for outstanding sporting achievement, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1997, India’s highest sporting honour, and the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards in 1999 and 2008, respectively, India’s fourth and second highest civilian awards.

Prof CNR Rao :- He is the third scientist to be awarded the highest civilian award– Bharat Ratna, a crowning glory of his inexorable list of outstanding achievements.Before Rao, C V Raman and former President A P J Abdul Kalam were bestowed with the award.Rao, founder of the Bangalore-based Jawharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, has served as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Minister under different regimes, a manifestation of immense faith different governments have placed in him.A renowned scientist and an institution builder, Rao has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry.He was also conferred with Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan by Government of India and Karnataka Ratna by the Karnataka State Government.He was awarded the Hughes Medal by the Royal Society in 2000, and he became the first recipient of the India Science Award, instituted by the Government of India, for his contributions to solid state chemistry and materials science, awarded in 2004.He has become the first Indian to reach the h-index of 100, reflecting the enormity of the body of his published research work.

* Rao, a Kannadiga and Sachin, a Maharashtrian have got India’s highest civilian award together.After engineering genius Sir M Vishweshwaraiah and the Hindustani music great Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, CNR Rao is the third Kannadiga to get Bharat Ratna. Sachin is the 6th Maharashtrian to get the same honour.

SPORTS & GAMES

Sebastian Vettel Won Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2013

Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany won  the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix on 3 November at the Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi.Vettel’s team-mate Aussie Mark Webber finished with second position, with Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany finishing third.Sebastian Vettel won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the second time in his career. (First time is in 2009). This victory has drawn Vettel level with compatriot Michael Schumacher’s mark of seven successive wins.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Qualified For Hockey World Cup 2014

Indian men’s team has qualified for the Rabobank Hockey World cup 2014 to be held at The Hague, Netherlands. International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the India’s berth in a official press release at Switzerland. Australia success at Oceania Cup on 3 November confirmed latest teams for world cup 2014.The Rabobank Hockey World Cup will be held from 31 May to 15 June 2014.

Novak Djokovic Won Paris Masters Title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the Paris Masters Tennis Title on 3 November at Paris, France.He defeated David Ferrer of Spain in the final.It is the first time Djokovic, the 2009 Paris Masters champion, has won back-to-back Masters Series events since his successive triumphs in Rome, Madrid and Montreal in 2011.This Paris Master title was Novak Djokovic’s 40th career title and sixth title in 2013.

Yuki Bhambri Won Traralgon Challenger Title

Indian Yuki Bhambri won the ATP men’s singles title of Traralgon event in Australia on 4 November .He defeated Bradely Klahn of America in the final.It was his first ATP Challenger level singles title of the season and second of his career .

India To Host Men’s Hockey World Cup In 2018

India will host the men’s section of the hockey World Cup in 2018, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on 7 November .The finals will be played from 1 to 16 December 2018.Also, England will host the Women’s World Cup of hockey from 7-21 July, 2018. India last hosted the World Cup in New Delhi in 2010 , while the 2014 edition of Hockey World Cup would be played in The Hague, Netherlands.Hockey’s World Cup is held every four years and is second only to the Olympics in significance.

Heena Sidhu Won Pistol Gold In World Cup Shooting

Shooter Heena Sidhu created history by becoming the first pistol exponent from India to win a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup finals on 10 November in Munich, Germany .In the Women’s 10-metre Air Pistol event  final, She defeated World Champion Zorana Arunovic of Serbia to bag her first Gold.The earlier gold medallists in this competition were Anjali Bhagwat (2002) and Gagan Narang (2008) in small bore rifle shooting.

Sebastian Vettel Won United States Grand Prix 2013

Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany on 17 November won United States Grand Prix.France’s Romain Grosjean in Lotus was second with Red Bull’s Mark Webber took the third place.This was his eighth successive race of Vettel in a season. With this win he succeeded ahead of Michael Schumacher’s previous record of winning seven races in a row in the same season, which was set in 2004.This was also vettel’s 12th win of the season.

ECONOMY

India Will Be World’s 3rd Largest Economy By 2030

According to the Standard Chartered’s Super-Cycle Report released on 6 November , India will world’s third largest economy by 2030 , behind China and the USA, adding that the world is in the midst of an economic super-cycle.A super-cycle is a period of historically high global growth, lasting a generation or more, driven by opening up of new markets, increasing trade, high rates of investment, urbanisation and technological innovation.India is likely to be the third largest economy with a GDP size of $15 trillion by 2030.China with a GDP of $53.8 trillion is projected as the biggest economy, followed by the US at $38.5 trillion.

World’s 6th Largest Number Of Billionaires In India

According to the ‘ World Billionaire Census 2013 ‘ released on 6 November , India has more number of billionaires than France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Hong Kong and is home to the sixth largest group of super rich population in the world.Moreover, the country’s financial capital Mumbai with 30 billionaire, is among the top 5 ‘billionaire cities’ globally, which was topped by New York that is home to 96 billionaires.Hong Kong, Moscow and London make the top five with 75, 74 and 67 billionaires respectively.Notwithstanding the number of billionaires in India having decreased between July, 2012 and June, 2013, India still enjoys a decent 6th position in the top 10 league with 103 billionaires.This list was topped by United States with 515 ultra-rich people, three times more than in China, which ranks second with 157 billionaires.Germany, United Kingdom and Russia make the top five countries with a billionaire population of 148, 135 and 108 respectively.

Azim Premji Tops India Philanthropist List

According to the China-based Hurun Report Inc ‘ HurunIndia Philanthropy List – 2013 ‘ released on 13 November , Wipro chief and IT tycoon Azim Premji tops the list of Indian philanthropists with donations amounting to Rs8,000 crore in the past year.Shiv Nadar , chairman of HCL group, is the second highest contributor in the list with a donation of Rs.3,000 crore.Hurun India Philanthropy List is a ranking of 31 Indians who donated more than Rs.10 crore cash or cash equivalent during Apr 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

Three of Indian Origin Among Africa’s 50 Richest

Three persons of Indian-origin are among the 50 richest people in Africa, according to a list released by Forbes magazine on 14 November.Vimal Shah , Sudhir Ruparelia and Naushad Merali figure in the list which has been topped by Aliko Dangote who has a networth of USD 20.8 billion and is the largest cement manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa.Vimal Shah is a newcomer on the list and ranks 18 with a networth of USD 1.6 billion .Ruparelia ranks 24 on the list and has a networth of USD 1.1 billion.On the 48th spot is Merali with a networth of USD 430 million.

Prime Minister Inaugurates India’s First ‘ Bharatiya Mahila Bank ‘

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi Jointly inaugurated India’s first all-women bank, Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) in Mumbai on 19 November , marking the 96th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.This first branch of BMB was inaugurated at Air India building at Nariman Point in Mumbai.The main objectives of the bank will be to focus on the banking needs of women and to promote their economic empowerment. The bank will commence operations with an initial capital of one thousand crore rupees.The new Bharatiya Mahila Bank, with the tagline ” Empowering Women, Empowering India ,” is due to have 25 branches by next March and 771 total branches over a seven-year period.The Union Cabinet cleared the proposal for setting up of all-women bank on August 2013.The Reserve Bank of India gave its in-principal approval for the Bharatiya Mahila Bank in June 2013 and the banking company was set up.The Union government approved 1000 crore Rupees seed capital for the women-focused public sector bank, announced by Union finance minister P. Chidambaram in his 2013-14 budget speech.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Pakistan Successfully Test-Fires Short Range ‘ Hatf IX ‘ Missile

Pakistan on 5 November successfully test fired Hatf IX (Nasr) missile, a short range surface to surface missile that has a range of 60-kilometres.The test fire was conducted with successive launches of 4 x missiles (Salvo) from a state of the art multi tube launcher.Nasr, with a range of 60 Kilometer and in-flight maneuver capability is a quick response system, with shoot and scoot attributes.The missile has the capability to carry nuclear weapons.

Indian Navy Inducts Advanced Jet Trainer ‘Hawk 132′

Indian Navy on 6 November inducted the fourth generation advanced jet trainer aircraft ‘Hawk 132′, which has led to a jump in the operational versatility.”‘Hawk 132′ was inducted into the Navy at a ceremony held at the Naval Air Station INS Dega at Visakhapatnam,Andhra Pradesh.The aircraft was built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Transfer of Technology from M/s British Aerospace, UK.’Hawk 132′ is equipped with advanced and reliable navigation systems and has the capability to deploy an impressive array of weaponry including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground rockets, bombs and guns.It can also carry two extra fuel tanks under the wing, which extends its considerable strike range.”‘Hawk 132′ is a proven aircraft operating with over 24 nations around the world.The induction of this highly capable aircraft will provide the much needed fillip to the training of combat pilots in the Navy by bridging the gap between basic flying training and advanced fighter flying.

Carbon Dioxide Levels Pollution Levels Hit Record High In 2012

According to the United Nations (UN) weather agency World Meteorological Organization (WMO) latest report released on 6 November , the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached a record-breaking high in 2012.The report found the greenhouse gas measure at 393.1 parts per million in 2012, exceeding the 350 parts per million that some scientists and environmental advocates have pegged as the maximum safe limit. The 2012 levels were an increase of 2.2 parts parts per million from the previous year.The U.N. weather agency predicts worldwide pollution levels will surpass 400 parts per million by 2016.

3D Printer Creates World’s Smallest Working Human Liver

In the month of November 2013 , A group of US scientists have created the world’s smallest human liver which can survive for 40 days and works like the real thing – using a 3D printer.The mini-livers, made by California-based medical research company Organvo, are just half a millimetre deep and four millimetres wide but can perform most of the functions that a real liver can.The printer builds up 20 layers of hepatocytes cells, which carry out liver functions, along with two major types of liver cell. It also adds cells from the lining of a blood vessel. This allows the liver cells to receive nutrients and oxygen.

NASA Releases Natural Color Portrait Of Saturn

NASA has released the first natural-color image of Saturn from space showing the planet, its moons and rings, as well as the planets Earth, Venus and Mars.The new panoramic image of the Saturn system, taken by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, shows the view, as human eyes would see it. It was unveiled at the Newseum in Washington on 12 November.The spacecraft’s imaging team processed 141 wide-angle images to create the single panorama mosaic, which sweeps across 404,880 miles of Saturn and its inner ring system.

World’s First Green Helicopter Tested in Germany

The world’s first green helicopter which is noiseless and emission-free has been successfully tested in Germany on 17 November.The helicopter, named Volocopter, developed by the German company e-volo, two seat prototype made it earlier voage in kalsruhe, Germany.The volocopter uses eighteen electrically driven rotos propel instead of one combustion engine which is environmentally friendly and emission-free.The emission free Volocopter is a vertical take-off and landing manned aircraft,  with rich features  and incredibly quiet sound, absolutely no noticeable vibrations, new spring strut landing gear and extremely calm rotor  plane that replace conventional aircraft .

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS

Usha Sangwan First Woman Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation

Usha Sangwan has become the first woman managing director (MD) at the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India in its near six decades of existence. Along with Sangwan, Vijay Kumar Sharma also took charge as an MD of the country’s premier financial institution on 1 November . Sangwan joined LIC in 1981 as a direct recruit. Prior to taking charge as MD , she was executive director, corporate communications, LIC of India.

Usha Ananthasubramanian is first Bharatiya Mahila Bank CMD

Usha Ananthasubramanian has been appointed as the first Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB), the first all-women bank of India.Ananthasubramanian assumed charge on 12 November.Before joining BMB, she was an executive director with Punjab National Bank (PNB).In a career spanning over 31 years, she has worked in various positions in the banking and allied areas.

R. Banumathi Appointed Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court

Justice R. Banumathi, Judge of the Madras High Court was on 12 November appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Justice R. Banumathi entered the Tamil Nadu Higher Judicial Service in 1988 as a direct recruit district judge. She worked as District and Sessions Judge in Coimbatore and Vellore, and Principal District and Sessions Judge in Pudukottai, Madras, Tirunelveli and Salem.

Justice A.P.Shah is the new Chairman of Law Commission of India

Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah has been appointed on 22 November as the new chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India.Justice Ajit Prakash Shah succeeded Justice D. K. Jain who resigned in October 2013 to take over as the President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.Justice Ajit Prakash Shah was Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi from May 2008 till his retirement in February 2010.The 20th Law Commission was established in September 2013.Its tenure has been fixed till 2015.The terms of reference of the 20th Law Commission include review/repeal obsolete law,examine the existing laws,Revise Central acts of general importance etc.

Five Central Information Commissioners Appointed To CIC

Five new Information Commissioners are appointed to the Central Information Commission (CIC) on 22 November. Chief Information Commissioner Deepak Sandhu administered the oath of office to them in New Delhi.The new commissioners are Yashovardhan Azad, Sharat Sabharwal, Manjula Parasher , M A Khan Yusufi and Madabhushanam Sridhar Acharyulu. With this the total number of Information Commissioners including the Chief Information Commissioner has gone up to 10.

B)RESIGNS

PFRDA Chairman Yogesh Agarwal Resigned

Yogesh Agarwal, chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), resigned from the post of Chairman on 13 November.He resigned because of the Government’s decision to not allow him to be a part of the selection panel for members of the regulator.

C)DEATHS

Legendary Pakistani Folk Singer Reshma Died

Legendary Pakistani folk singer Reshma, who mesmerised music lovers in the Indian subcontinent with soulful rendition of songs like ‘Lambi Judai’ and ‘Dama Dam Mast Kalandar’ in her trademark rustic voice, died in Lahore on 3 November.Reshma, known as ” Nightingale of the Desert “,was born in 1947 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, in a Banjara family.She has no formal education in music, but at the age of just 12 years, she was seen singing at the Shahbaz Qalander’s shrine. Thereafter, her iconic song Laal Meri was recorded on the state-run Pakistan Radio.With this, she became the most popular folk singer of Pakistan.

British Nobel Laureate Author Doris Lessing Died

Doris Lessing, one of Britain’s most-influential authors and a Nobel Literature laureate, has died on 17 November at London.She was 94 years old.Her best-known works are The Golden Notebook, Memoirs of a Survivor and The Summer Before the Dark. In her life time she wrote more than 80 books, including poetry, two operas, short stories, plays and non-fiction. In 2007, the 88-year-old Doris Lessing became the oldest recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. and only the 11th woman to win the award.

D)VISITORS

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Visited India

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah visited India from 7 – 10 November 2013.During his four day visit , Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber held detailed bilateral consultations with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Both nations discussed collaboration in petrochemicals, and Kuwaiti investments in infrastructure in India.India and Kuwait agreed to expand cooperation in key areas, which includes energy and investment.The two Prime Ministers were held extensive talks on trade, energy and investment and also on labour laws after which both sides inked five pacts, including on the transfer of prisoners and cooperation in the field of culture and education.

E)MISCELLANEOUS

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler Won ” Miss Universe 2013 Title “

Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler won the ‘ Miss Universe 2013 ‘ crown on 9 November ,beating 85 other contenders from around the world at a glittering ceremony held in Moscow, Russia.Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez was named runner-up, while Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez came third in the contest. Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo of USA crowned the new beauty queen Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler.Manasi Moghe from India had been shortlisted for the top 10 finalists of Miss Universe 2013 but failed to win the crown.Isler’s triumph was the seventh Miss Universe win for Venezuela, where beauty pageants are a major source of national pride.

Malala, Malia Obama Among ‘ Times ‘ Influencial Teens List

Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and the elder daughter of US President Barack Obama, Malia, are on Time magazine’s list of 16 most influential teens of 2013 .The list, published on 12 November, took young people who have inspired the society by their work in various fields like music, sports, technology, science, writing and media.

PLACES  IN  NEWS

One World Trade Center is Tallest Building in US

One World Trade Center was on 12 November declared the tallest building in the Americas, standing at a symbolic (and now official) 1,776 feet. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, an international body that determines the heights of skyscrapers, has ruled that the spire atop One World Trade is an architecturally significant feature of the building — not an antenna.The decision makes the official height of the building 1,776 feet, not 1,368 feet, which is the height of the building’s roof. It also allows One World Trade to beat out Chicago’s Willis Tower as the tallest in the US. Willis Tower’s antenna does not count towards its official architectural height.One World Trade Center has been built on the lower Manhattan site of the iconic WTC Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001. More than 2,000 people were killed in that attack.

ABBREVIATIONS

BPCL     -      Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

AAA       -     Asian Athletics Association

CITU      -    Centre of Indian Trade Unions

EVM      -    Electronic Voting Machine

ERDA    -    Energy Research and Development Administration

FEMA  -     Foreign Exchange Management Act

GFCI    -     Global Financial Centres Index

BOOKS IN NEWS

Vice President Released a Book on India’s Nuclear Energy Programme

Indian Vice President Mohammad Ansari released a book entitled “India’s Nuclear Energy Programme : Future Plans, Prospects and Concerns” edited by Prof. R. Rajaraman at a function organized by Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi on 7 November.The book is aimed at creating the public opinion on nuclear energy.

COMMITTEES

Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai Committee To Deal with Sexual Harassment Complaints

The Supreme Court on 26 November constituted a 10-member committee headed by its woman judge, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to deal with complaints of sexual harassment within its precincts.Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam formed the Supreme Court Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) in which there are six other female members.There are two members who are outsiders and not connected with the apex court in any manner.The committee is in consonance with the guidelines laid down by apex court in its judgement in Vishaka case for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment at workplace.Under the guidelines, it is required that the committee has a majority of female members and two members of civil society nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES

National Education Day of India Observed Across the Country on 11 November

The National Education Day of India was celebrated on 11 November 2013 at Gangtok, Sikkim. The National Education Day has been celebrated in India since the year 2008. It is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great freedom fighter, an eminent educationist and the first Education Minister of India. It was also celebrated at Mewat in 2008.

National Press Day observed on 16 November

National Press Day is celebrated across the country on 16 November 2013. The day is symbolic of a free and responsible press in India. It is the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only the press maintains the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. The Press Council of India was first constituted on 4 July 1966 as an autonomous, statutory, quasi-judicial body, and it started functioning from 16 November 1966 with Justice J R Mudholkar, then a Judge of the Supreme Court, as Chairman.

Current Affairs OCT 2013 WWGK

INTERNATIONAL

Gambia Decided To Withdraw From The Commonwealth

The Gambia is on 2 October decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth, 48 years after joining. Gambian, a West African country joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1965.The last country to be withdrawn from the Commonwealth group was Zimbabwe in 2003.The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 54 countries, many of them former territories of the British Empire. It was established in 1949.

China and EU Signed Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement

China and the European Union signed a 350 billion yuan (45 billion euro) currency swap agreement on 10 October.The agreement signed between the People’s Bank of China and the European Central Bank (ECB), aims to support bilateral trade and protect financial stability.

US and Vietnam Signed Nuclear Trade Agreement

The US and Vietnam have on 10 October signed a agreement on civilian nuclear power that will allow american firms in to the market and commits the vietnamese to not producing ingredients for aotmic weapons.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his vietnamese counterpart signed the “123 agreement ” at the East Asian Summit in Brunei .

Mulatu Teshome Elected New President of Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s parliament on 7 October elected Mulatu Teshome as the country’s new president for a six-year term. Mulatu Teshome will replace Girma Wolde Giorgis, who first took the post in 2001 and was re-elected in 2007.Mulatu Teshome was elected at a joint session of the House of Peoples Representatives (HPR) and the House of Federation (HoF). Mulatu Teshome is the Fourth president of Ethiopia.

Five New Members Elected To UN Security Council

The UN General Assembly on 18 October elected Chad, Chile, Lithuania, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to a two-year term in the UN Security Council.Saudi Arabia rejected its seat on the United Nations Security Council because of the failure of the international community to end the war in Syria and act on other Middle East issues.The New Council members will replace Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo.The new members will assume their posts on 1 January 2014 and serve through the end of 2015.The 15 Members of  the Security Council has five veto-wielding permanent members — the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China — and 10 nonpermanent members.

Social Democratic Party Won Czech Republic Elections

The CSSD Social Democratic Party has won the parliamentary elections held in the Czech Republic with 20.5 percent of the vote.The office of statistics in Prague announced on 26 October.Coming in third was the KSCM Communist Party, with 15 percent, while the the party that was in power until recently, the liberal Top 09, was left with 11.9 percent.Also finding a place in the 200-seat parliament was the liberal ODS party, which crashed from 20 percent in 2010 to 7.7 percent this time out.The conservative Christian Democrat KDU-SCL with 6.8 percent, and the new Dawn of Direct Democracy party of the senator and businessman of Japanese origin, Tomio Okamura, with 6.9 percent.

INDIA & WORLD

India To Reach 160 cr Population By 2050

On 2 October According to the French Institute of Demographic Studies (INED) survey report, India will be a country of 160 crore population by 2050.Then, China, currently world No 1 with 130 crore, will become No 2 with 130 crore people.The total world population is projected to rise to 9.7 billion in 2050 from the current 710 crore.Besides, China and India, currently, the world’s most populous countries are: the US 31 crore, Indonesia 24.8 crore and Brazil 19.5 crore.According to the report, the projected population of other countries in the world by 2050  will be :- Nigeria 44 crore, US 40 crore, Indonesia 36 crore, Pakistan 36 crore, Brazil 22 crore, Bangladesh 20 crore, Congo 18crore, Ethiopia 17 crore, Philippines  15 crore, Mexico  15 crore, Russia 13 crore, Tanzania 12 crore, Egypt 12 crore, Uganda 11crore, Vietnam 10 crore, Iran 9.9 crore, Japan  9.7 crore, Kenya 9.7 crore, Turkey  9.3 crore, Iraq 8 crore, UK 7.9 crore, Germany 7.6 crore, France 7.2 crore.

Bangladesh and India Inaugurated Joint Power Transmission Plant

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 5 October jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Grid Inter-connection at Bheramara in Bangladesh.The joint venture was launched through video-conferencing. The transmission line and the HVDC station in Bheramara provide a safe and reliable interconnection of the power grids of our two countries, which will enable supply of 500 MW of power from India to Bangladesh.Both the Prime Ministers also jointly laid the foundation stone for 1320 megawatt Maitri Thermal Power Project, being developed by Bangladesh-India friendship power-company which is a joint venture of India’s NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Global Hunger Index Report 2013

The 2013 Global Hunger Index (GHI), released on 14th October 2013 by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide- revealed that 842 million people were chronically under nourished across the world.South Asia continued to have the maximum number of hungry people in the world, followed by sub-Saharan Africa.India has moved from 65 to 63 in the Global Hunger Index, making a marginal improvement since 2012, but continues to suffering far behind other emerging economies.

Global Slavery Index – 2013

The Australia-based rights organisation Walk Free Foundation (WFF) on 17 October released its first ‘Global Slavery Index – 2013, ranking 162 countries on the number of people in slavery and bondage per capita and the absolute number of slaves.According to the report , About 14 million Indians are living in conditions of modern-day slavery, nearly half of 30 million across the world.The ten countries on the list, which follow India (13,956,010)  , are:-  China (2,949,243), Pakistan (2,127,132), Nigeria (701,032), Ethiopia(651,110),Russia(516,210), Thailand(472,811), Democratic Republic of Congo (462,327), Myanmar (384,037), and Bangladesh (343,192).Mauritania has the highest proportion of people in slavery, with many people inheriting slave status from their ancestors.Haiti came second in the index, with about one in 10 children trapped in an exploitative system of child labor.The survey revealed that 72 percent of people in modern slavery lived in Asia.The WFF defines modern slavery as something which includes slavery itself along with other slavery-like practices such as forced marriage, debt bondage, forced labour and human trafficking.The Foundation’s estimate of 29.8 million slaves worldwide is higher than other attempts to quantify modern slavery. The UN estimates almost 21 million people are victims of forced labour.

India and China Signed Border Defence Cooperation Agreement

India and China have signed a Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) to maintain peace and tranquility on the Line of Actual Control.The agreement is one of the nine MOUs/agreements signed by the two countries on 23 October.The agreements were signed after the bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.The other 8 agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were :-

(i) MoU on Nalanda University (ii) MOU to Strengthen Cooperation on Trans-Border Rivers (iii) Cultural Exchange Programme 2013-15 (iv) MoU on Cooperation in Road Transport and Highways (v) MoU on Power Equipment Service Centres in India (vi) Agreement between Delhi-Beijing on Establishment of Sister City Relationship (vii) Agreement between Bengaluru – Chengdu on Establishment of Sister City Relationship (viii) Agreement between Kolkata – Kunming on Establishment of Sister City Relationship.

1.3 Million People Died of  Tuberculosis (TB) Worldwide in 2012

The  “Global tuberculosis report 2013″ released by World Health Organization (WHO) on 23 October.According to the report , Tuberculosis (TB) killed 1.3 million people worldwide in 2012, while India alone accounted for 26 per cent of total TB cases globally.The report found that global TB deaths decreased to 1.3 million in 2012, which is 100,000 less than the previous year.Approximately 75 per cent of total TB deaths occurred in the African and South-East Asia Regions in 2012. India and South Africa accounted for about one-third of global TB deaths.The report also found that the number of people ill with TB fell to 8.6 million in 2012.The largest number of incident cases in 2012 were India (2.0 million-2.4 million), China (0.9 million-1.1 million) and South Africa (0.4 million-0.6 million).The majority of TB cases worldwide in 2012 were in the South-East Asia (29 per cent), African (27 per cent) and Western Pacific (19 per cent) regions.

NATIONAL

Union Cabinet Decided to Withdraw Ordinance and Bill Relating to Representation of People’s Act

Union Cabinet on 2 October decided to withdraw the ordinance on convicted lawmakers, as well as the Bill that sought to amend the Representation of the People Act.The Union Cabinet had approved on 24 September 2013.The ordinance, once promulgated, will allow the convicted MPs or MLAs to continue in office if their appeal is admitted by a higher court within 90 days of conviction by the trial court.The Ordinance which sought to negate the Supreme Court order of 10 July 2013 which ruled that any lawmaker would stand immediately disqualified if convicted by a court.

CCEA approves Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) , a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on 3 October for reforming the state higher education system.During the 12th Plan period, 80 new universities would be created by converting autonomous colleges/colleges in a cluster to State universities. 100 new colleges, including professional/technical colleges would be set up and 54 existing colleges would be converted into model degree colleges.In the 12th Plan period, RUSA would have a financial outlay of 22855 crore Rupees, out of which 16227 crore Rupees will be borne by the Centre.Apart from this, allocation of 1800 crore Rupees in the 12th Plan for the existing scheme Sub-Mission polytechnics would also be subsumed in RUSA.Centre-State funding would be in the ratio of 90:10 for North-Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 65:35 for other States and Union Territories.RUSA will be a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme spread over two plan periods, for improving access, equity and quality in the state higher education system.

64,000 Married Men Commit Suicide Every Year In India

On 3 October According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics revealed more incidences of suicide by married men than by married women.

Highlights of the Report  :-

* The alleged misuse of section 498 A of IPC is leading to a rise in men’s suicides in the country.A report of the National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB) has pointed out that nearly 64,000 men are committing suicide every year due to this section.

*  In 2012 approximately 64,000 married men committed suicide vis-a-vis 32,000 married women.

* As per the Survey , In West Bengal the number of cases under the section has grown exponentially at the rate of 11 per cent in the last two years but the conviction rate has dropped to just 4.4 per cent from 6.3 per cent earlier.The state accounts for 1.06 lakh cases recorded.

Cabinet Approves National Identification Authority of India Bill

The Union Cabinet on 8 October approved the National Identification Authority of India Bill that will give statutory status to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).The new law will provide for the creation of a National Identification Authority of India ,which will oversee implementation of the Aadhaar project.The bill will give legal backing to Aadhaar, the project which aspires to give every Indian a uniquely identifiable number based on biometrics.Besides giving statutory status to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Bill seeks to provide legal backing to Aadhaar, which is used to disburse subsidies.Adhaar is a unique Identification number issued by UIDAI to individuals for the purpose of establishing unique identification of every single person. It serves as the proof of identity and address anywhere in India.Aadhaar is a 12-digit number.

Land Acquisition Act To Come into effect from 2014 January 1

Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on 15 October announced the 2013 Land Acquisition Act would come into force on January 1, 2014.The new law received the assent of the President on 27 September 2013.Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh took the decision after consideration of another view, particularly from state governments, that the Act replacing a 119-year-old legislation should be notified from April 1, 2014.

STATES

Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 Passed By State Assembly

The Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 has been passed by state Assembly on 1 October after it was returned by Governor Kamla Beniwal. The Governor had on September 2 returned the Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013 passed by the Assembly in April, 2013.

Foundation Stone Laid For First Mega Food Park In Uttar Pradesh

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing, Government of India Dr. Charan Das Mahant laid the foundation stone on 8 October for establishment of Shaktiman mega Food Park (the first in the north India) in Jagdishpur of Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh.The Shaktiman Mega Food Park was set up with assistance under the programme Scheme of Mega Food Parks.It will be developed with the assistance of Aditya Birla Group.The Park will have most-modern infrastructure and facilities for food processing.

President Gave Assent To Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 17 October 2013 gave his assent to the Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill ,which will bring the chief minister among others under the ambit of the ombudsman, with a provision of punishment up to life imprisonment.With this Uttarakhand Lokayukta Bill became an Act.The main objective of the Lokayukta Act was to curb corruption in the Uttarakhand state.The Bill was unanimously passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on October 2011.

Assembly Elections Schedule Announced For Five States

The Election Commission on 4 October announced the schedule for Assembly Elections to be held in five states, namely Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram will be held between 2013 November 11 and 2013 December 4.The counting of votes will be held for Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh on 8 December 2013.The Election Commission on 23 October changed the Mizoram assembly election schedule by advancing the polling on November 25 and postponing the counting by a day to December 9.As per the Supreme Court direction a ‘None of the Above’ button (the option of rejecting all candidates) would be provided in electronic voting machines in the polls.Over 11 crore electorate in all five states.630 Assembly seats in total in five states.

Five States Election Schedule as Announced by the Election Commission :-

* Chhattisgarh- 11 Nov 2013 (Phase I), 19 Nov 2013 (Phase II) – (90-member state assembly)

* Madhya Pradesh- 25 Nov 2013 -  (230-member state assembly)

* Rajasthan- 1 Dec 2013 – (200- member state assembly)

* Delhi- 4 Dec 2013 – (70- member state assembly)

* Mizoram- 25 Nov 2013 – (40- member state assembly)

Himachal Becomes 2nd State After Haryana To Introduce NVQF

Himachal Pradesh on 26 October has become the second state after Haryana to introduce Centre’s National Vocational Qualitative Framework ( NVQF) Scheme.The scheme has been implemented by the All India Technical Education Council and the National Skill Development Council. As per the scheme, 70 skill development councils will be established and each council will be given specific trades. The scheme was being implemented for students of Class IX to Class XI and every student has to clear four levels to get the certificate.

Gujarat CM Laid The Foundation Stone Of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel’s Statue

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October laid  the foundation of the Statute of Unity-a 182-metre tall statue (World’s largest statue) of  India’s first Home Minister and iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 138th birth anniversary at Sardar Sarovar Dam site in Bharuch district in Gujarat.The Statue of Unity will be double of the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) in the USA.This Statue , which is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 2,074 crore, will be double of the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) in the USA.The statue is to be built on an island called Sadhu Bet on the river Narmada in Gujarat.The ‘Spring Temple Buddha’ statue in China is the closest rival at a height of 153 metre.

CONFERENCES

23rd ASEAN Summit Held in Brunei Darussalam

The 23rd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit was held in Brunei Darussalam on 9 – 10 October 2013.The theme of the summit is “Our People, Our Future Together”.The leaders of 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries discussed on ways to consolidate these gains to meet the 2015 target of having an economically integrated, politically cohesive and socially responsible ASEAN Community and to ensure ASEAN’s place in the global community of nations by 2015 and beyond.One of the highlights of the ASEAN Summit in Brunei was the turn-over of the Chairmanship to Myanmar who for the first time assumes leadership of this regional organisation beginning 1 January 2014.The 10 ASEAN nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Malala Yousafzai Won EU’s Sakharov Human Rights Prize 2013

Pakistani schoolgirl and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban, has won the European Union’s (EU) Sakharov human rights prize 2013 on 10 October .In 2012 the award went to detained Iranians, lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and film maker Jafar Panahi, to honour those standing up for a better Iran.The Sakharov Prize for free speech is awarded by the European Parliament annually in memory of Soviet physicist and dissident Andrei Sakharov.Previous winners include former South African president Nelson Mandela and former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.

M.S Swaminathan Gets ‘ Indira Gandhi National Integration Award ‘

Eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M.S Swaminathan, known as the father of Green Revolution, on 10 October selected for the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 2012.Previous recipients of the Award are Aruna Asaf Ali, P N Haksar, M S Subbulakshmi, A P J Abdul Kalam and Shankar Dayal Sharma and Rajiv Gandhi (posthumously).The Indian national congress, in its centenary year 1985, instituted an Indira Gandhi award for national integration to give recognition to outstanding contribution to this cause by distinguished individuals or institutions.

2013 Nobel Prize Winners

The Nobel Prize winners of 2013 in the different categories were announced in the month of October 2013. Nobel Prizes are announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences every year in the memory of Alfred Nobel.The categories were the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, The Nobel Literature Prize and The Nobel Peace Prize.Swedish industrialist, inventor, and armaments manufacturer Alfred Nobel established the prizes in 1895.The prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace were first awarded in 1901.The related Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was created in 1968.The prize is awarded on December 10 in Oslo City Hall each year.The value of each prize is 1.2 million US Dollar.

The Nobel Prize winners of 2013 in the different categories were as follows:-

Medicine :- James Rothman and Randy Schekman of US as well as German-born Thomas Suedhof won the 2013 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology .They were awarded for their groundbreaking work on how the cell organises its transport system. James Rothman, Randy Schekman and Thomas Suedhof work at the US universities.The three of them discovered the complex transport system in the human body which makes the delivery of the life-saving proteins and molecules at right place and right time. James Rothman, Randy Schekman and Thomas Suedhof work at the Yale University, University of California and Stanford University respectively.

Physics :- Peter Higgs, United Kingdom and Francois Englert , Belgium jointly awarded Nobel Prize for Physics.They were awarded for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles.Their contribution forms the cornerstone of modern particle physics.Higgs and Francois Englert discovered a quantum field which is a distribution of energy, throughout the universe. It is a field with special properties. When the field is disturbed, waves travel through it. The dimmest possible wave is called a particle in the field. They called this field as Higgs field. In the Higgs field particles are called as Higgs Boson.

Chemistry :- Michael Levitt, a British and US citizen of Stanford University, US-Austrian Martin Karplus of Strasbourg University and US-Israeli Arieh Warshel of the University of Southern California share The Nobel Prize in Chemistry.They were awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 for the development of multi scale models for complex chemical systems.

Literature :- Canada’s Alice Munro won the Nobel literature prize for her short stories that focus on the frailties of the human condition, becoming just the 13th woman to win in the history of the coveted award.The Swedish Academy honoured Munro as a master of the contemporary short story. She won the Man International Booker Prize in 2009 for a body of work.She won the Giller Prize twice, for The Love of a Good Woman in 1998 and Runaway in 2004.

Economics :- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for 2013 to Eugene F. Fama, Lars Peter Hansen and Robert J. Shiller for their empirical analysis of asset prices.The three American Economists awarded for their work on creating a deeper knowledge of how market prices move.

Peace :- The Nobel Peace Prize for 2013 has been awarded to the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.The Hague-based OPCW was founded in 1997 to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention signed on January 13, 1993.The organisation is presently involved in destroying Syria’s stockpiles of chemical weapons – the first time the OPCW has worked in a war zone.This marks the second consecutive year an organisation has won the prestigious award. Last year’s award went to the European Union.

Eleanor Catton Wins 2013 Man Booker Prize

New Zealand author Eleanor Catton at the age of just 28 years, became the youngest ever winner of the ‘ 2013 Man Booker Prize ‘ for her novel ” The Luminaries ” on 15 October at the London’s Guildhall.Her 832-page novel The Luminaries is the story of 19th-century goldfields, which won 50000 Pound Man Booker Prize 2013 along with a trophy, and Emmanuel Roman.The Luminaries is also the longest work to win this prize in the history of 45 years of Man Booker Prize.The Luminaries is the longest ever book to win this Prize, beating Hilary Mantel’s 672-page Wolf Hall which received the Man Booker Prize 2009.

Lata Mangeshkar Honoured With The First ” Yash Chopra Memorial Award”

Legendary singer and Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar has been honoured with the First Yash Chopra Memorial Award.The Award carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs (One million) and a citation was presented by the Union Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Manish Tewari at a star studded function in Mumbai on 19 October.The award is a tribute to the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on the eve of his first death anniversary.Yash Chopra the memorial award will be given annually to people in recognition of their outstanding contribution in the field of art and culture.The Yash Chopra Memorial Award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy.

Aung Suu Kyi Received EU ‘ Sakharov ‘ Prize After 23 years

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi  was on 22 October presented with the European Union’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought at Strasbourg, France.She was chosen by the European Parliament in 1990.The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought announced by the European Parliament in 1990 when she was under house arrest.The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament as a means to honour individuals or organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought.

SPORTS & GAMES

Sports Ministry Announced HRD scheme In Sports

Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports have revised the existing ‘Scheme relating to Talent Search & Training’ and renamed it as ‘Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports’. This was announced by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Jitendra Singh on 1 October.The scheme intends to award fellowships and scholarships, besides providing financial grants to a number of projects in order to develop one of the top 10 sporting nations in the country.

Mumbai Indians Won 2013 Champions League Twenty-20

Mumbai Indians won the 2013 Champions League Twenty-20 title after defeated Rajasthan Royals by 33 runs in New Delhi on 6 October.This was the second Champions League Twenty-20 title for Mumbai Indians.The Mumbai Indians secured the Champions League Twenty20 title in 2011 after defeated Bangalore Royal Challengers.Harbhajan Singh gets Man of the Match.Dwayne Smith, in the meanwhile, was declared Champion of the Series.This was the last T-20 match of Sachin Tendulkar and Royals skipper Rahul Dravid after they both announced their retirement from T-20 format.

China Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners

Women’s Singles :- Serena Williams (U.S) won the China Open Tennis Tournament women’s singles title on 6 October at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China.Williams defeated Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the final.It was her 10th title of the year.

Men’s Singles :- Novak Djokovic (Serbia) won his fourth China Open Men’s Singles title in five years ,after defeated Rafael Nadal (Spain) in the final.Novak Djokovic won the same tournament earlier in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

Women’s Doubles :- Sania Mirza won the China Open tennis doubles title with Cara Black of Zimbabwe on 5 October in Beijing.They defeated Vera Dushevina of Russia and Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain in the final.It is fifth title of the season for Sania Mirza and 19th overall.

Men’s Doubles :- Belarus’ Max Mirnyi and Romania’s Horia Tecau have won the men’s doubles title.They defeated Italian pair Fabio Fognini -Andreas Seppi in the final.

Sachin Tendulkar Announced Retirement From Test Cricket

India legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar on 10 October announced his decision to retire from Test cricket after playing his landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies in November 2013. Previously, Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement form one day cricket on 23 December 2012 and from Twenty20 cricket format on 26 May 2013.The Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against arch-rival Pakistan at Karachi in 1989. He is the only batsman to score 100 international centuries — 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.His 198 Test appearances yielded 15,837 runs at an average of 53.86.From his 463 ODI matches, he had, under his belt, a whopping 18,426 at an average of 44.83.

Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest Indian To Score Century In ODIs

Virat Kohli has added another feather to his illustrious cap scoring a century off only 52 deliveries, thus becoming the fastest Indian to score a One-Day International (ODI) century.This is the seventh fastest century in ODI cricket.He achieved the feat against Australia in the second ODI at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on 16 October.Kohli broke Virender Sehwag’s 60-ball century which was scored against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2009. Kohli’s knock at Jaipur was punctuated by eight boundaries and seven sixes.

North and South Zone Declared Joint Winners of Duleep Trophy

North Zone and South Zone were declared joint winners of the Duleep Trophy 2013-14 after the fifth day’s play of the final match was called off due to bad weather in Kochi on 21 October .Only 10 overs, on the second day on 18 October were possible in the five-day match as wet ground conditions at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium due to persistent rain played spoilsport.It was the fourth instance in the history of Duleep Trophy when the title has been shared.

Sebastian Vettel Wins 4th F1 Title at Indian Grand Prix

German Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix on 27 October at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida ,Uttar Pradesh.He becomes the youngest ever racer to win Formula one Championship four times in a row.Mercedes Nico Rosberg (GER) finish second followed by Romain Grosjean (FRA) of Lotus in third place.Only two drivers before Vettel have won four straight titles – Juan Manuel Fangio from Argentina and German great Michael Schumacher. Frenchman Alain Prost is another driver who has won four titles but he did not win those in a row and Vettel is now youngest quadruple champion at the age 26.At present he is the world champion as he won the Championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 .

ECONOMY

Mumbai 72nd Rank On Global Financial Centre Index

On 1 October Mumbai has slipped six places to 72nd rank, the bottom 10, on the Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI), while London has retained its top slot.Mumbai is the only Indian city to find a place on this bi-annual list of 80 financial centres globally and was ranked 66th in its previous edition published in March this year.In the top-five, London is followed by New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.Others in the top 10 are: Zurich (6th), Boston (7th), Geneva (8th), Frankfurt (9th), Seoul (10th).Although New Delhi, the country’s political hub, was added the GFCI questionnaire recently, it is “yet to acquire sufficient assessments to be included in the index”.

India Ranks 78th On Human Capital Index

According to the global Human Capital Index , India has been placed at a low 78th slot on a global Human Capital Index, which ranks countries on the basis of economic potential of their labour force, while Switzerland has topped the ranking. According to the list of total 122 countries released on 1 October by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked lower than three of its BRICS peers — China (43rd), Russia (51st) and Brazil (57th), while South Africa is placed at 86th place.

India Tops Foreign Remittances Recipients List

The World Bank report entitled ” Migration and Remittance Flows: Recent Trends and Outlook-2013-16 ” released on 2 October revealed that India emerged as the largest recipient of foreign remittances among developing economies in 2013.In 2013 Non-Resident Indians (NRI) sent a record 71 billion Dollars home compared to 70 billion dollars in 2012. According to a Word Bank report NRIs are estimated to remit up to 85 billion dollars a year by 2015.India (with an estimated 71 billion Dollars) continued to top the remittances list in 2012 while China is placed a close second with $66 billion expected migrant remittances in the same year.The  Philippines (26 billion Dollars) got third place in the list.Globally, the world’s 232 million international migrants are expected to remit earnings worth 550 billion Dollars in 2013 and over 700 billion Dollars by 2016.Remittance is the act of transmitting money to a distant location to fulfill an obligation. International remittances are transfers of funds by foreign workers—remitters—who are living and working in other countries typically to their families who are still living in their home countries.

World Bank cuts India’s 2013-14 GDP forecast to 4.7%

The World Bank on 16 October slashed India’s economic growth forecast for the current financial year to 4.7 percent from an earlier projection of 6.1 percent.In April, the World Bank had projected India’s GDP would grow at 6.1 percent in the current financial year and at 6.7 percent the following year.

Four Indians in Fortune’s List of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business

On 20 October Four Indians led by ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar have made to Fortune magazine’s global list of top-50 women business leaders, while PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi has been ranked second in a similar list for the US.Kochhar has been ranked fourth, followed by National Stock Exchange chief Chitra Ramkrishna at 17th, Axis Bank’s Shikha Sharma at 32nd and HSBC’s Naina Lal Kidwai at 42nd place among the Indians on the international list of most powerful women in business.Kochhar, Managing Director and CEO of India’s largest private sector bank, has moved up one position from her fifth position on the 2012 list, while NSE’s Ramkrishna has made it to the list for the first time.This list is topped by Brazilian energy giant Petrobras’ CEO, Maria Das Gracas Foster, followed by Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holding’s Guler Sabanci at the second and Australian banking giant Westpac’s CEO Gail Kelly at the third.

RBI increases Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 29 October released the Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14.According the released statement by the RBI, the Repo rate increased by 25 basis points from 7.5 percent to 7.75 percent.

The highlights of the Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2013-14 :-

* RBI reduced the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate by 25 basis points from 9.0 percent to 8.75 percent with immediate effect.

* RBI also increased the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 7.5 percent to 7.75 percent with immediate effect.

* Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) unchanged at 4 Percent

* RBI downward FY14 GDP growth to 5 percent from 5.7 percent.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable ‘ Prithvi-II ‘ Missile

India on 7 October test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km from Chandipur Integrated test range in Odisha.India on 8 October successfully test-fired for the second time Prithvi-II missile from a test range at Chandipur.The surface-to-surface missile was test fired from a mobile launcher.The Prithvi II missile inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command in 2003, the Prithvi II missile is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.It is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads and thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines, uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully carried out from the same base on 12 August 2013.

Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS ‘ Sunayna ‘ Commissioned

INS Sunayna, the second of the Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel class of ship, was on 15 October commissioned by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command.The ship was designed and built by the public sector Goa Shipyard.INS Sunayna will strengthen the Indian Navy capability to safeguard the maritime interests.Two diesel engines propel INS Sunayna and enables it to achieve speeds in excess of 25 knots. The ship also has an automatic power management system and is fitted with the latest Navigation, Communication and Electronic Support Systems.The ship is equipped with the most advanced communication, navigation and electronic warfare equipment besides a 76-mm SRGM (Super Rapid Gun Mount), and close-in weapon system (CIWS). The vessel also has the ability to embark an advanced light helicopter (ALH) or a Chetak search and rescue helicopter.

Scientist Developed World’s First Fully Bionic Man

In the month of October 2013 Scientists have developed the world’s first robot human (Bionic man) made entirely of prosthetic parts.The bionic man can walk, talk and has a beating heart.Bionic man was assembled from prosthetic body parts and artificial organs donated by laboratories around the world.The bionic man also has a nearly complete set of artificial organs including an artificial heart, blood, lungs (and windpipe), pancreas, spleen, kidney and functional circulatory system.He also sports a cochlear implant, speech recognition and speech production systems. He lacks a few major organs including liver, stomach and intestines, which are too complex to replicate in a lab. His brain can mimic certain functions of the human brain and he has a retinal prosthesis.Roboticists Rich Walker and Matthew Godden of Shadow Robot Co in England developed the bionic man.The robot was modeled in some physical aspects after Bertolt Meyer, a social psychologist at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, who wears one of the world’s most advanced bionic hands.The total cost for development of the robot is around 1 million US Dollars.

Chinese Scientists Developed Bird Flu Vaccine

Chinese scientists announced on 25 October they had successfully developed the vaccine for the H7N9 bird flu virus.This is the first influenza vaccine ever developed by Chinese scientists.The vaccine has provided important technical support to battle the new flu strain, making contribution to the H7N9 flu virus epidemic control all over the world.

World’s Most Powerful ‘ MRI ‘ Scanner Developed

Scientists have developed the world’s most powerful MRI scanner – strong enough to lift a 60 metric tonne battle tank.The imager’s superconducting electromagnet is designed to produce a field of 11.75 Teslas, making it the world’s most powerful whole-body scanner. Most standard hospital MRIs produce 1.5 or 3 Teslas.The development of the scanner, known as Imaging of Neuro disease Using high-field MR And Contrastophores (INUMAC), has been in progress since 2006 and is expected to cost about USD 270 million.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS

Arundhati Bhattacharya Takes Charge As First Woman Chief of  SBI

Arundhati Bhattacharya on 7 October took over as the new chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI). She is the first woman to be appointed to the top job at the country’s largest lender.She succeeds Pratip Chaudhuri who retired on 30 September 2013.She will hold the post for a period of three years in this 207-year-old bank.This is the first time that an SBI chief will get a three-year tenure —  the first time that any SBI chairperson is getting such a fixed term— irrespective of when the person will retire.Bhattacharya is the bank’s 24th chairperson of  State Bank of India (SBI).Earlier, she was managing director and chief financial officer of SBI.She also holds the distinction of becoming the first woman managing director of SBI in 2013 August. She joined SBI in 1977 as a probationary officer and has served in various positions, including head of SBI Capital Markets Ltd, the bank’s investment banking unit.

Janet Yellen Nominated as Head of US Federal Reserve Board

US President Barack Obama has on 9 October nominated Federal Reserve Board vice-chair Janet Yellen to be the next head of the Federal Reserve Board.Janet Yellen replaced Ben Bernanke as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board.Janet Louise Yellen took office as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on 4 October 2010, for a four-year term.Janet Yellen is the first woman to lead the Federal Reserve Board and also the first Democrat to head the Board since 1979.

Pakistan Appoints Ibne Abbas new Envoy To India

Pakistan has appointed on 9 October Syed Ibne Abbas as its new high commissioner to India replacing Salman Bashir.Previously Syed Ibne Abbas served as the Director of Kashmir Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.He also acted as the Director General of the South Asia division.

Arunendra Kumar Appointed as new Chairman of  Railway Board

The Railways on 16 October  appointed acting Chairman of the Railway Board Arunendra Kumar as the head of the Board.Arunendra Kumar, the Mechanical Member, was holding additional charge of Chairman, Railway Board (CRB) after the retirement of Vinay Mittal on June 30.

Air Marshal Arup Raha Appointed as new IAF Chief

Air Marshal Arup Raha has been appointed on 29 October as the next chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF).He will take over as the next chief of the Indian Air Force on December 31, 2013 after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne.Air Marshal Raha is currently  serving as the IAF vice-chief.He joined IAF in December 1974 in the Fighter Stream.During a career spanning over 39 years, he has held various command, staff and instructional appointments in the force.He has served as Air Attache at the Indian embassy in Ukraine and commanded the Central Air Command and the Western Air Command.

B)RESIGNS

Goa Lokayukta Justice B Sudershan Reddy Resigned

Goa Lokayukta justice B Sudershan Reddy has resigned from his post citing personal reasons on 17 October.Sudershan Reddy former judge of the Supreme Court was appointed as the Lokayukta on March, 8, 2013. Mr. Reddy, the first ever Lokayukta of the state, assumed charge in March 2013.

C)DEATHS

US Thriller Author Tom Clancy Died

Tom Clancy, the writer known for thrillers, especially The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games, died in Baltimore, US on 1 October .He was credited with 17 New York Times bestsellers and had launched into the career of writing with the help of the then US president Ronald Reagan.Clancy arrived on best-seller lists in 1984 with “The Hunt for Red October.”Tom Clancy was born on 12 April 1947 in Baltimore, US.He was an American author who was best known for detailed espionage as well as military sciences stories set during and after the time period of the Cold War.

Legendary Singer Manna Dey Died

Legendary singer Manna Dey has died on 24 October in Bangalore.His original name was Prabodh Chandra Dey but he was nicknamed Manna.He began his playback career with the film ‘Tamanna’.He debuted in the film Tamanna in 1942, and went on to record more than 4000 songs during 1942-2013. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1971, the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007.

D)VISITORS

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited Russia

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited Russia on 20 – 21 October 2013.During the visit , Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attended the 14th India-Russia Annual Summit with President Vladimir Putin at Moscow.They discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation and noted common positions on current international and regional issues.Both nations agreed to expeditiously finalise the General Framework Agreement and the Techno-Commerical Offer for for Units- 3 & 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.India and Russia pitched for implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota reforms latest by January to give more representation to the emerging economies in the multilateral institution. India currently has a voting share of 2.44 per cent in the Washington-based IMF. US has the highest voting share of 17.69 per cent.Minister Manmohan Singh was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations.He became the first Indian to receive an honorary doctorate from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited China

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Visited China from 22 – 24 October 2013.During his three day visit , Manmohan Singh held bilateral talks with Chinese premier Li Keqiang in Beijing .After the talks , both nations signed a border defence cooperation agreement and several other agreements to focus on growth and strengthening of relationship between the two sides.The exchange of visits by the prime ministers within the same calendar year was the first since 1954. Premier Li Keqiang had visited India in May 2013. India and China agreed to study the possibility of setting up an economic corridor spanning the two nations and covering Bangladesh and Myanmar.

E)MISCELLANEOUS

‘ Google ‘ Tops World’s Best Multinational Work Places List

According to the human resources consultancy ‘Great Place to Work Institute’ latest survey , Internet giant Google has emerged as the world’s best multinational company to work for, followed by software developer SAS Institute and network storage provider NetApp in the second and third place, respectively.Software giant Microsoft was ranked fourth.There is no India-based company in this list and all 25 firms are either American or European.

Indian-American Emily Shah Crowned ‘ Miss New Jersey USA 2014 ‘ Title

Eighteen-year-old Indian-American Emily Shah has won Miss New Jersey USA 2014 title.Emily Shah, a resident of Edison, home to a large Indian-American community, was crowned on 20 October at a glittering ceremony in Parsippani , a small hill township in the state.Emily Shah would now compete for Miss America and Miss Universe titles.

PLACES  IN  NEWS

Archaeologists Discovered 3,300-year-old Ancient City In Iran

Archaeologists on 2 October have discovered an ancient city called ‘Idu ‘, that thrived between 3,300 and 2,900 years ago, hidden beneath a mound in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.Located in a valley on the northern bank of the lower Zab River, the remains of the city Idu, are now part of a mound created by human occupation called a tell, which rises about 32 feet above the surrounding plain.

World’s Largest Hindu Temple To Come Up In Bihar

The world’s largest Hindu temple named ” Virat Angkor Wat Ram Mandir ” with a towering height of 405 feet , will be built in Bihar.The proposed Virat Ramayan Mandir, at Janki Nagar near Kesaria in West Champaran district, about 125 km from Patna, will stand almost double the height of world-famous 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, which is 215 feet high.The temple is to be built at a cost of over Rs.500 crore.

ABBREVIATIONS

BPCL  -  Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

AAA   -  Asian Athletics Association

CITU  -  Centre of Indian Trade Unions

EVM  -  Electronic Voting Machine

ERDA  -  Energy Research and Development Administration

FEMA  -  Foreign Exchange Management Act

GFCI  -  Global Financial Centres Index

GIC  -  General Insurance Corporation

MNC  -  Multi National Corporation

NASA  -  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

OPEC  -  Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

WEF  -  World Economic Forum

BOOKS IN NEWS

Autobiography of Malala Yousafzai entitled ‘ I am Malala ‘ Released

The autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for supporting girls’ education released on 8 October in London.Malala Yousafzai’s story is detailed in  I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, co-written with British journalist Christina Lamb, and tells of the day two Taliban gunmen boarded her school bus on 9 October 2012, and shot her in the head.The autobiography talks about Yousafzai’s life as an activist under the Taliban’s brutal rule in northwestern Pakistan in the mid-2000s, when the group banned female education and bombed local schools.

COMMITTEES

Mukul Mudgal Committee Submitted Report on Cinematograph Act

The Empowered Committee headed by Mukul Mudgal, retired Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court submitted its report on 9 October to Information and Broadcasting Minister, Government of India.The committee was appointed to examine issues of certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and give recommendations.The committee was constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 4 February 2013.The committee revisited major areas of concern and has made key recommendations on issues such as: Advisory Panels; Guidelines for certification and issues such as portrayal of women, obscenity and communal disharmony; Classification of Films; Treatment of Piracy; Jurisdiction of the Appellate Tribunal; and Review of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.Apart from giving its recommendations, the committee has also proposed a draft Cinematograph Bill.

Kirit Parekh Committee on Pricing of Diesel, Petrol & LPG Submits Report

Kirit Parikh committee on advising Pricing Methodology for Diesel, Domestic LPG and PDS Kerosene submitted report to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry on 30 October.The committee in its report recommended a price increase of 5 Rupees per litre in diesel, 4 Rupees per litre in kerosene, and 250 Rupees in LPG cylinder with immediate effect.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 12 June 2013 constituted an Expert Group to advice on Pricing Methodology for Diesel, Domestic LPG and PDS Kerosene.The panel was headed by planning commission member Dr. Kirit S. Parikh.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES

United Nations Day Observed Across the World on 24 October

The United Nations Day was observed across the world on 24 October 2013. The UN Day is observed to mark the anniversary of entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The founding document was ratified on this day by its signatories, including the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. With this, the United Nations came into being officially. 24 October is celebrated and observed as the UN day since the year 1948. In the year 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that this day should be observed as the public holiday by the Member States.

World Food Day Observed Every Year on 16 October

World Food Day celebrated on 16 October every year across the world since 1981. The main objective of the World Food Day is to strengthen national and international solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food security and agricultural development.The Theme of the World Food Day 2013 is Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition.