Current Affairs June 2013 WWGK

INTERNATIONAL

Egypt’s Top Court Rules Parliament Invalid

On 2 June Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court invalidated the nation’s upper house of parliament and a panel that drew up the constitution.The upper house, or Shura Council, holds legislative powers. It will be dissolved after a new lower house is elected.The court dissolved the lower house of parliament 2012 June.The constitution was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly in 2012 November and approved by voters in December.

Nigeria’s Parliament Passed a Bill Criminalising Gay Marriage

On 2 June Nigeria’s parliament has passed a bill criminalising gay marriage, making it punishable with a 14-year prison term.The country’s lower house, House of Representatives, followed the action of the Senate and endorsed the bill.

UN Finds Evidence Of  Toxic Chemicals and a Worsening War in Syria

On 3 June  A United Nation’s (UN) human rights investigation report ,finds some kind of chemical has probably been used on Syria’s battlefield.Paulo Pinheiro, chairperson of the UN commission of inquiry submitted their latest report at the UN in Geneva .

Obesity and Poor Nutrition Report Released by UN FAO

On 4 June According to the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report ,obesity and poor nutrition weigh heavily on the global economy and told governments that investing in food health would bring big economic as well as social returns.Lost productivity and spiralling health care bills linked to malnutrition “could account for as much as five per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP),” equivalent to US$3.5 trillion (S$4.4 trillion) a year.In its yearly report, the Rome-based agency said 12.5 percent of the world’s population (some 868 million people) are undernourished in terms of energy intake, while 26 percent of children worldwide are stunted by malnutrition.Some two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and 1.4 billion people are overweight – of which 500 million are obese.

US Slapped Economic Sanction on Iran

On 4 June The US has slapped new sanctions on Iran ,targetting the country’s already-devalued currency and automobile industry.This is the ninth set of sanctions that the Obama administration has imposed against Iran.The executive order also empower the imposition of new sanctions against those who intentionally engage in major financial or other transactions for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in connection with Iran’s automotive sector. Similar sanctions were earlier imposed on Iran’s shipping, shipbuilding, and energy sectors.It is for the first time that the US has directly targeted the Iranian currency.

U.S. and China Hold Bilateral Talks

On 7 June The U.S. President Barack Obama and China President Xi Jinping concluded their latest round of high-level trade talks.In the meeting both countries agreed to inject new vitality to bilateral trade and economic relations.The US and China will work together and with other countries to use the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), among other forms of multilateral cooperation.Both nations agreed to work together on the crucial cyber security issues that have spiraled tensions between the two nations.

Bangladesh Amends Anti-Terror Law

On 12 June Bangladesh’s parliament amended the tough anti-terrorism law re-defining terrorism and allowing courts to accept internet.The (anti-terror) bill suggests provisions to effectively control terrorism through inter-state cooperation.It offers the central bank the authority to freeze suspicious accounts without court orders.The law was first enacted in 2009 after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions.The law was first enacted in 2009 when the incumbent Awami League assumed office after the December 2008 elections while it was amended last year incorporating some provisions.

EU Launched New Nuclear Safety Rules

On 12 June The European Commission released a new set of nuclear power safety rules aimed at eliminating the risk of a Fukushima-type disaster in the region.The directive will require countries to submit to an international review of their nuclear power systems every six years, and fix any shortcomings discovered.There are 132 nuclear reactors in operation in Europe.

Hasan Rowhani Elected As Iran’s New President

On 15 June moderate cleric Hasan Rowhani elected as Iran’s new President.Rowhani has won the country’s presidential election.Rowhani won with 50.7 percent of the more than 36 million votes cast.Other contenders such as Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf got 16.5 percent and Hard-line nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili came in third with 11.3 percent of votes. Another conservative Mohsen Rezaei got 10.6 percent votes.

Kuwait’s Constitutional Court Dissolved Parliament

On 16 June The Kuwait Constitutional Court has dissolved the Kuwaiti parliament and ordered new elections.The Constitutional Court had decided not to make a ruling on the constitutionality of the Emir Sheik Al-Sabah’s change to the electoral laws after they had examined and rejected the challenge.

Afghanistan Rejects Talks With Taliban And U.S

On 19 June Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai rejected peace talks with the Taliban in a new office in Qatar .Karzai also suspended talks on a new U.S.-Afghan security deal that would allow some American troops to remain in the country after the international combat mission ends in 2014 to protest the fact that his government was being left out of the initial process.

China – Russia “Cooperation 2013″ Held in Beijing

Chinese Armed Police Force and the Russian internal security force’s “Cooperation -2013″  Joint training was held from 11th to 20th June in Beijing at Armed Special Police Academy.46 personnel from the Snow Leopard Commandoes, an elite anti-terrorism force under the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (PAPF), and 29 from a special task force unit of Russia’s domestic security force.Before this joint training held in Beijing, the two sides previously conducted a joint anti-terrorism drill, “Cooperation 2007,” in Moscow .

Russia and China Signed $270bn Oil Deal

On 21 June Russia’s oil giant Rosneft and Chinese state firm CNPC signed a agreement to supply China with $270bn worth of oil over the next 25 years.The agreement was signed by Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin and CNPC head Zhou Jiping in the presence of Putin and visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

UK and China Signed Currency Swap Agreement

On 23 June UK and China have signed a three-year agreement worth 200bn to establish a renminbi currency swap to promote trade between the two countries.The agreement was signed by The Bank of England and the People’s Bank of China.Currency-swap agreements basically allow central banks to swap currencies which can be used by firms to settle trade in local currencies rather than in US dollars.

Kevin Rudd Re-elected As Australian PM

On 26 June Kevin Rudd re-elected as Australian Prime Minister.In these election Kevin Rudd defeated the  present Leader of the Labor Party and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.Kevin Rudd won 57 and Julia Gillard got 45 votes.Before three years Julia Gillard  became a Prime Minister of Australia in place Kevin Rudd is the first Woman Prime Minister of Australia.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader of the Labor Party.He was previously Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, and Labor Leader from 2006 to 2010.

 Qatar’s Emir Transfers Power To Son

On 25 June Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has handed power to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim.On 26 June Qatar’s new Emir formed a government from which he excluded powerful former Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani , replaced him with the former minister of state for internal affairs.Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani was named both the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani is a Qatari politician.In 2005,Nasser Al-Thani he became the minister of state for internal affairs.

INDIA & WORLD

China, Pakistan, India Increased Nuclear Arsenals

On 3 June According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute annual report ,China, India, and Pakistan have increased their nuclear arsenals over the past year.India and Pakistan have each added around 10 new warheads to bring their totals to between 90 and 110 and between 100 and 120 respectively. China now has 250 nuclear warheads, compared to 240 in 2012.Only the two old superpowers have cut their arsenals, with the United States reducing its warheads from 8000 to 7700, and Russia from 10,000 to 8,500.

65 Countries Signed Arms Trade Treaty

On 3 June More than 65 countries of the world signed signed the Arms Trade Treaty and the United States announced it will sign soon. key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that they will sign it.The treaty will require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers, but it will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country. It prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate arms embargoes or if they promote acts of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

India – Singapore Signed Agreement On Joint Army Training

On 4 June India and Singapore have signed a fresh agreement to extend the use of training and exercise facilities in India by the Singapore Army for a further period of five years from August this year.The agreement was signed between Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur and his Singaporean counterpart Chiang Chie Foo.A bilateral agreement for utilisation of facilities in India by the Singapore Air Force and Army was signed in October 2007 and August 2008 respectively.

348 Million Internet Users Expected In India By 2017

On 5 June According to the Cisco’s Visuals Networking Index (VNI) forecast (2012-17) report , India has the fastest Internet traffic growth globally and is expected to have 348 million users by 2017.In India, there will be 348 million Internet users in 2017, up from 138 million in 2012.Internet traffic in India will reach 2.5 Exabytes per month in 2017.Worldwide, by 2017, the number of Internet users will rise to 3.6 billion, which will be more than 48 per cent of the world’s estimated population of 7.6 billion.

US exempted India & Eight Other Countries for Importing Oil from Iran

On 6 June United States exempted India and eight other countries from sanctions for importing oil from Iran, noting that these countries have significantly reduced their dependence on Iranian oil in the last six months.US Secretary of State John Kerry announced ,India, China, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have qualified for an exception to sanctions under America’s Iran Sanctions Act.

India & Germany Signed Development Cooperation Agreement

On 6 June India and Germany have signed an umbrella agreement on financial and technical cooperation in the field of energy, environment and management of natural resources.The agreement was signed by German Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Cord Meier-Klodt and India’s Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs Rajesh Khullar.

India Ranked 141 in Global Peace Index 2013

On 11 June According to the ” Global Peace Index (GPI) 2013″ released by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) , India ranks 141st out of 162 in this year’s Global Peace Index (GPI).Iceland (First Rank) ,Denamark (2nd rank) , Austria (3rd rank) ,Switzerland (5th rank).Other important countries ranks in Global Peace Index (GPI) :- Japan (6th rank) ,US (100th rank) ,China (101 rank) ,Bangladesh (105 rank) , Srilanka (110 rank) ,Iran (137th rank) ,Russia (155th rank) ,Pakistan (157th rank) , Iraq (159th rank) and Afganistan (162 rank) ranks at bottom.The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an attempt to measure the relative position of nations and regions peacefulness.

World Population Projected To Reach 9.6 Billion By 2050

On 14 According to the United Nations (UN) “World Population Prospects: the 2012 Revision” report ,The current world population of 7.2 billion is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years and reach 9.6 billion by 2050.India is expected to become the world’s largest country, passing China around 2028, when both countries will have populations of 1.45 billion. After that, India’s population will continue to grow and China’s is expected to start decreasing.

India, UK Signed MoU On Cooperation In Healthcare Sector

On 14 June India and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic and technical cooperation on health care policy and practice.The MoU was signed by Department of Health Research (DHR) Secretary V M Katoch and UK-based National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) Excellence chief executive Andrew Dillon in London.

33% Of  Women Suffer Domestic Violence

On 20 June According to the World Health Organization (WHO) survey ,In the first major global review of violence against women, a series of reports released found that about a third of women have been physically or sexually assaulted by a former or current partner.The rate of domestic violence against women was highest in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where 37 percent of women experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lifetimes. The rate was 30 percent in Latin America and 23 percent in North America. In Europe and Asia, it was 25 percent.More than 38 percent of slain women are killed by a former or current partner, six times higher than the rate of men killed by their partners.

US Senate Passed Landmark Immigration Bill

On 27 June The U.S. Senate has passe the landmark comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill ,which provides a pathway to citizenship to more than 11 million undocumented people, including over 240,000 Indians.The immigration reform received a bipartisan support in the US Senate; the bill received 88 votes in favour and 32 votes in against.For further approval, the Bill has been sent to House of Representatives and after being approved in the house it will be sent to US President, Barack Obama to be signed into a law.

China – India Hold Border Talks

On 28 June China and India held their 16th round of border talks in Beijing.State Councilor and Special Representative Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Adviser and Special Representative Shiv Shankar Menon attended the boundary talks, exchanging ideas for solving border problems and developing bilateral relations.The China-India special representative mechanism was established in 2003 and serves as an important platform for solving border disputes between both sides.

NATIONAL

Union Cabinet Approved Real Estate Regulatory Bill

On 04 June The Union Cabinet approved the (Regulation and Development) Bill 2013.The bill seeks to make it mandatory for developers to launch projects only after acquiring all the statutory clearances from the relevant authorities.The Bill has provisions under which all relevant clearances for real estate projects would have to be submitted to the regulator and also displayed on a website before starting the construction.The proposed legislation has tough provisions to deter builders from putting out misleading advertisements related to the projects carrying photographs of the actual site.

Union Cabinet Approved Extension Of  The RSBY Scheme

On 4 June Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), to rikshaw pullers, rag pickers, mine workers, sanitation workers and auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers.The scheme became operational from 1 April 2008.

“Roshni” Scheme Launched In Naxal Affected Districts

On 7 June Union Government of India launched a placement linked skill development scheme ‘Roshni’  targeting 50,000 rural men and women, mostly tribals, in 24 worst affected districts.Under the scheme, national-level agencies will be designated to act as monitoring and coordinating agencies in the Naxal-hit districts.The three-year initiative aims at skilling and placement of 50,000 youth from 24 Naxalite-affected districts in nine states.The funding for the ‘Roshni’ scheme would be in the ratio of 75:25 to be shared between the Centre and the states.

National Skill Development Agency Constituted

On 7 June The Government has constituted the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) by subsuming the Prime Minister’s National Council on Skill Development (PMNCSD), the National Skill Development Coordination Board (NSDCB) and the Office of the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Skill Development.The NSDA will endeavour to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divide by ensuring that the skilling needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised groups like SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities.The NSDA will be an autonomous body chaired by a person of the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister supported by a Director General and other staff. The office of the NSDA is located in the Ministry of Finance.

India’s First Dedicated Air Ambulance Launched

On 8 June India’s first state-of-the art Air Ambulance, Flying Doctors India, was launched in NewDelhi.The new aircraft is tailor-made and equipped with a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit on a dedicated chartered aircraft. The goal is to provide critical care even when a patient is in transit.

50 Lakh Child Labours In India

On 12 June According to the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report , nearly 50 lakh children are eking out their livelihood in the country, of whom 17.5 lakh are in Uttarakhand.The second-largest share of child labourers comes from West Bengal (5.5 lakh), Rajasthan (4.05 lakh) and Gujarat (3.9 lakh).The NSSO estimated this figures on the eve of the World Day against Child Labour.

Central Cabinet Reshuffled

On 17 June Eight new ministers were inducted into Union council of ministers headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.4 Cabinet ministers and 4 Ministers of State were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.Mallikarjun Kharge was given the charge of Railways Ministry.With the new induction, the strength of the Union Council of Ministers has gone up to 77.

List of  Four newly appointed Cabinet Ministers and their Departments:-

* Sis Ram Ola        -    Labour and Employment Ministry

* Oscar Fernandes    -    Road Transport and Highways Ministry

* Girija Vyas        -    Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation

* Kavuru Sambasiva Rao       -    Textiles Ministry

List of  Four newly appointed State Ministers and their departments:-

* Manikrao Gavit    -     Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment

* Santosh Chowdhury    -    Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare

* Jesudasu Seelam     -    Minister of State for Finance and

* E.M.S. Natchiappan     -   Minister of State for Commerce and Industry

40 Percent Indian Women Use Internet

On 20 June According to the Google study report ,About 40 percent of the 150 million internet users in the country are women and close to 24 million of them log in everyday to check emails, interact on social networking sites and shop online.Around 60 million women in India are now online and use the Internet to manage their day-to-day life.75 percent are in the 15-34 age group with over 24 million women accessing the Internet daily.

Union Government Launched New Scheme For Pregnant Women

On 22 June The Union Minister for Health Ghulam Nabi Azad launched a new scheme for the pregnant women across the country that would cover all expenses of women from birth of a baby to treatment of the sick child. Free medicines will be provided to new-born babies up to the age of one month while expecting mothers, who deliver baby at government hospital, will receive assistance as provided under the scheme.

Union Govt Banned Anti-Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone and Painkiller Analgin

On 26 June The Union government has banned three major medicines – the widely prescribed anti-diabetes drug pioglitazone, painkiller analgin and anti-depressant deanxit.The decision to ban the drug was taken in wake of health risks associated with them.

Union Cabinet Approved For Setting Up Of Coal Regulatory Authority

On 28 June the Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of a Coal Regulatory Authority meant to address controversial issues like supply and quality.The coal authority would be empowered to specify methodology for determining coal prices.Union Cabinet also approved Mumbai metro line 3.The estimated cost for the metro project has been pegged at Rs 23,136 crore.

STATES

First All Women Police Station Opens In Arunachal Pradesh

On 4 June the first all-women police station in Arunachal Pradesh has started functioning in Itanagar to specifically deal with crimes against women.To tackle crime against women, the state cabinet has also approved the creation of separate cells in all the seventeen district headquarters and the Police headquarters of the state.

Haryana Govt. Launched “Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna”

On 8 June Haryana Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda launched “Priyadarshni Awaas Yojna”  in the state at Karnal to provide affordable housing facility to the people living in rural areas.People eligible under Indira Awaas Yojna and those who get 100 square yard plot under Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojna would also be included in the scheme.

West Bengal Tops Chart For Crime Against Women

On 14 June According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics ,West Bengal is the most unsafe place for women in India.West Bengal tops the list with 30,942 such cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 28,171 cases, UP 23,569, Rajasthan 21,106, Madhya Pradesh 16,832 and Maharashtra 16,353.

PM announced Rs 1000 crore Relief Fund For Uttarakhand

On 19 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced Rs 1,000 crore for disaster relief in Uttarakhand .Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed in the devastating floods and Rs 50,000 each to those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He also announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 100,000 each to those whose houses have been completely destroyed and Rs 50,000 each to those whose houses have been damaged from the PMNRF.

Maharashtra Govt To Set Up Education Commissionerates For Tribals

In Month of June 2013 Maharashtra government has decided setting up separate education commisionerates in order to provide education to students of the tribal community.The Commissionerates for tribals will be named by ” Adivasi Shikshan Ayuktalay ” and will first come up in four divisons of the state and the head office will be in Nashik.

President Inaugurated Gas-based Power Plant in Tripura

On 21 June The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated first Gas based Power Plant at Palatana in Tripura.The Palatana Gas Based Power Project is the first such Power Company in India to be awarded with the Clean Development Mechanism by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change .The Rs 9000 crore project set up by ONGC.

 Nitish Kumar Won Confidence Vote In Bihar Assembly

On 19 June Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar won the confidence vote in the state assembly, with the support of 126 MLAs ,after parting away with BJP. The trust motion was opposed by 24 MLAs.Four members of congress and one of CPI voted in favour of the trust motion. Four independent MLAs also supported the motion. In the 243 member assembly, the ruling party JD(U) has 118 MLAs and it needed just four MLAs to prove its majority.

PM Lays Foundation Stone For GVK’s Ratle Hydel Plant In J&K

On 25 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid foundation stone for GVK Power’s 850 mw Ratle hydro-electric power plant on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.The 850 MW Ratle project, which is the nation’s first hydroelectric project that was bid out through tariff based international competitive bidding, will cost Rs 5,500 crore.The project was awarded to GVK Power which offered the lowest tariff for generating power.

Prime Minister Inaugurated Banihal-Qazigund Rail Link In J&K

On 26 June Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the newly constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu region)-Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section.The Banihal- Qazigund rail link is the 18 km long rail link, which also includes the 11km long tunnel across Pir Panchal range. This is the longest tunnel of India and second longest tunnel of Asia.The tunnel was constructed by making use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). It is for the first time that the method of this kind was used on a large scale in India. The project was implemented by Hindustan Construction Company.

Rajasthan Launched A Scheme For Energy Conservation

On 27 June the Rajasthan government launched a unique scheme called “Mukhyamantri Bijli Bachat Lamp Yojna ” for energy conservation. The State government will provide 2 CFL bulb free of cost to all electricity consumers of villages and BPL consumers in urban areas. This unique scheme will continue till August 2013.The state Government will spent 100 crore rupees on this scheme.The purpose of this scheme is to save energy and conservation of environment.

Karnataka Govt Launched Helpline ” Arogyavani “

On 30 June The Karnataka government has launched a health information help line service ” Arogya Vani ” .The Call Centre has to provide information on the nearest Government Hospital, before providing a private-sector alternative.The main objective of this facility is to assist people living in rural or remote areas who face difficulty in accessing the service of qualified doctors and to provide information on any health problem.

CONFERENCES

Chief Minister’s Conference on Internal Security held in New Delhi

Chief minister’s Conference on Internal Security held in NewDelhi on 5th June 2013.The conference chaired by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.In his address, the Prime Minister called for effective coordination between the Centre and the States to face the challenges of Internal Security.The Prime minister stated that the government has instituted several measures in 34 Naxal-hit areas to combat the Naxal menace.The key agenda of the chief ministers’ conference organised by Home Minister P Chidambaram is the strengthening of anti-terror capabilities and intelligence, Maoist violence, police reforms and capacity building.

39th G8 Summit Held in North Ireland

The 39th G8 summit was held on 17 and 18 June 2013 at Lough Erne county, Northern Ireland .The leaders of the G8 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the US, the UK ,attended the summit.In the G8 countries Summit discussed on syria crisis and advancement of trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting greater transparency in the use of natural resources among countries.At the end of the two day summit, the leaders of G8 nations agreed on the seven point document and released a joint statement on Syria.The G8 leaders also agreed on providing new fund of nearly 1.5 billion US dollar to help the people affected by the raging conflict. Future of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not made clear in the released statement.Russia to hold next G8 Summit in Sochi on  4 – 5 June 2014.The Group of Eight (G8) is a group made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Commission is also represented in the committee.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Sulabh Founder Pathak Received French Award

On 4 June Environmentalist Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the famed Sulabh project that provides basic and affordable toilet access to India’s poor, has been presented with the “Legend of Planet” award in Paris.The award was presented to Pathak by the Vice-President of the French Senate, Chantal Jourdan, at Palais du Luxembourg.

Hugo Chavez Awarded “Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013 “

On 5 June The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been awarded the “”Simon Bolivar National Award of Journalism 2013 “”even though he was accused of persecuting the press during his 14 years in power.Chavez family will be given the award on June 27 at a ceremony in Miraflores Palace, in Caracas.

Kiran Bedi Received ” Nomura Award “

On 11 June Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was honoured with USD 10,000 ‘Nomura Award’ at Singapore for her outstanding humanitarian works.Bedi was given the award constituted by Nomura Group of Japan for improving the world for future generations. The group is one of the leading financial services group.

Bill Clinton Awarded ‘Father of the Year’

On 11 June Former President of the United States Bill Clinton was honored as “” 2013 Father of the Year “” award from the National Father’s Day Committee at a New York City , which benefitted international NGO Save the Children.

Shabana Azmi Received Fourth Doctorate

On 12 June National award-winning actress Shabana Azmi received her fourth doctorate from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver .Shabana has received doctorates from Leeds University in Britain, the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi and the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, previously.

Delhi’s IGI Airport Get’s World’s Second Best Airport Award

On 14 June Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has been named the world’s second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers category by the Airport Council International. The airport also has been adjudged as the fourth best in the world among 199 airports across all categories.IGI has managed to retain its position of second best airport in the 25-40 million passengers per annum category for 2012 year.

Anish Kapoor Honoured With Knighthood

On 15 June Indian-origin sculptor Anish Kapoor has been honoured with knighthood, one of the highest honours in Britain, by Queen Elizabeth II in her birthday honours list 2013 for services to Visual Arts.Kapoor is famous for his monumental public sculptures and his enigmatic sculptural forms that have been exhibited all over the world.

Tan Twan Eng Wins The “2013 Walter Scott prize”

On 14 June Malaysian writer author Tan Twan Eng has won the “2013 Walter Scott prize” for Historical Fiction for his second novel “The Garden of Evening Mists”.The Walter Scott Prize for the historical fiction was founded in the year 2010.

Indian Artist Selected For Dubai Art Prize

On 16 June Bangalore-based artist Anup Mathew Thomas, whose works featured at the Kochi biennale, is among five winners of Dubai Abraaj Group Art Prize.The Abraaj Group Art Prize was established in 2008.

Three Biotechnology Scientists Awarded “2013 World Food Prize “

On 20 June Three biotechnology researchers were named the winners of the 2013 World Food Prize for their independent, individual breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural biotechnology.The three scientist are – Marc Van Montagu of Belgium, and Mary-Dell Chilton and Robert T. Fraley .The Iowa based award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for agriculture.The World Food Prize was created in 1987 by the late Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, and is the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have contributed landmark achievements in increasing the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.

 Taj Mahal Ranked Third Among Top Land Marks In The World

On 30 June According to the Trip Advisor’s 2013 Travellers Choice Attractions Awards,Travellers from across the globe have ranked India’s Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world, a leading travel website has announced. Taj Mahal was ranked third in the list of Top 25 landmarks.The top two places were taken by Machu Picchu in Peru and Angkor Wat in Cambodia respectively.

  SPORTS & GAMES

Indian Won Six Medals In Slovakia Junior Table Tennis

On 3 June  Indian paddlers annexed four gold and two silver medals in the Slovak Junior ITTF Open table tennis championship in Slovakia.In the girls singles Sutirtha Mukherjee won the title.

Dhoni receives ICC ODI Championship Shield

On 3 June India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni received the prestigious ICC ODI Championship Shield for finishing as the No. 1 ODI team in the Championship table on the April 1, 2013 cut-off date.

French Open 2013 Tennis Title Winners

Women’s Singles :- On 8 June Serena Williams from US won the Women’s Singles title of French Open Tennis tournament. In the final, she defeated Maria Sharapova .This is Serena’s second French Open title and 16th grand slam. It was the 31-year-old American’s 16th Grand Slam title win.At 31 years, 247 days she is the oldest women in the Open Era to win the French Open title.

Men’s Singles :- On 9 June Rafael Nadal won his 8th Men’s Singles Tittle of the French Open Tennis Tournament. In the final at Paris, Nadal defeated Spanish compatriot David Ferrer . With this, he became the first player to win 8 Singles Titles at the same Grand Slam Tournament. It was his 12th Grand Slam title overall.

Women’s Doubles :- Russian fourth seeds Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina won the French Open women’s doubles title by defeating top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy in the final.It was a first Grand Slam title for the Russian pair.

Men’s Doubles :- American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won the Men’s doubles .American twins extended their record by clinching their 14th Grand Slam trophy after defeated Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in the men’s doubles final.

Sebastian Vettel Won Canadian Grand Prix Title

On 9 June Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel won the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso took the second position followed by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who conquered the third position. This is the third win of the Garman F1 driver, before the Canadian Grand Prix, Vettel won the Malaysia and Bahrain Grand Prix of the year.

Srikanth Won Thailand Open Badminton

On 9 June Indian shuttler Srikanth has won the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton trophy.In the Men’s Singles final Srikanth defeated Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand.

Indonesia Badminton Tournament 2013 Winner

Men’s Singles :- On 16 June Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) won the Indonesia Badminton Tournament Men’s Singles title after defeated Germany’s Marc Zwiebler in the final.

Women’s Singles :- Li Xuerui of China won the title.In the women’s singles final Li Xuerui defeated Juliane Schenk from Germany.

Singapore Open Badminton 2013 Winners

Men’s Singles :- On 23 June  Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto has won the Singapore Open badminton championship Men’s singles title .Sugiarto defeated Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the final in Singapore.

Women’s Singles :- China’s Wang Yihan won the women’s singles title , after defeated Li Xuerui in the final.

India Won ICC Champions Trophy 2013

On 23 June India has won the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 after defeated England at Edgbaston in Birmingham with a five-run victory.Ravindra Jadeja was declared as the Man of the Match .He was also awarded with the Golden Ball for grabbing maximum number of wickets in the series.Sikhar Dhawan was declared as the Man of the Series. This was the second Champions Trophy title of India.

 Koneru Humpy Won FIDE Womens Grand Prix

On 28 June Koneru Humpy won the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix chess tournament at Dilijan, Armenia.Koneru Humpy finished her campaign with a flourish, defeated Mongolia’s Tuvshintugs Batchimeg in the final .Slovenia’s Anna Muzychuk finished second and Georgia’s  Nana Dzagnidze finished third.

 Nico Rosberg Won British Grand Prix

On 30 June Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has won the British Formula One Grand Prix.Red Bull’s Mark Webber got second position and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso claim third position.

 ECONOMY

 India 4th In World Steel Production

On 5 June According to the World Steel Association (WSA) data , India’s rank in the world order of steel production remained unchanged at fourth slot with an output of 77.06 MT (million tonnes) steel produced in 2012.China gets first ranked in world steel production .China produced 716.05 MT in 2012.Japan produced (2nd rank) 107.02 MT and US (3rd rank) 88.07 Mt in 2012.

Dhoni Ranked 16th On Forbes List Of  Highest Paid Athletes

According to the Forbes “List Of  Highest Paid Athletes “Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,with earnings of $31.5 million, has been ranked at 16th place.Sachin Tendulukar got 51st place.This list is prepared based on last year annual income.The annual income of MS Dhoni is $31.5 million.But he earned $3.5 million  from matches and remaining amount from advertisements and other business.Sachin Tendulkar’s annual income is $22 million . The Golfer Tiger Wood(America) got a 1st place in this list with annual income of $78.1 million followed by tennis star Roger Federer at $71.5 million. Kobe Bryant, American professional basketball player, is third at $61.9 million.

World’s Highest Density Of Millionaires In Qatar

On 10 June According to the Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) 13th Annual Global Wealth Management Report ,Qatar has the highest density of millionaires in the world, with 14.3 pc of the oil-rich Gulf nation’s population holding private wealth of $1 mn.The figure shows 143 out of every 1,000 households in Qatar holding private wealth of at least $1 million, much higher than the global average.Kuwait ranks third with 11.5%, while Bahrain (4.9%) and the UAE (4.0%) rank seventh and ninth, respectively.

World Bank Expected India To Grow 5.7% In FY 13

On 13 June According to the World Bank “”Global Economic Prospects (GEP) “” report ,Growth in India is projected to rise to 5.7 percent in the 2013 fiscal year and firm to 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent in FY2014 and FY2015, respectively.Global GDP is expected to expand about 2.2 percent this year and strengthen to 3.0 percent and 3.3 percent in 2014 and 2015.

2011-12 Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Released

On 20 June The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 68th round survey has released the poverty and key indicators of household consumer expenditure in India, generated from the data collected during July 2011–June 2012 .The National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) 68th round of survey is based on samples consisting of 7,496 villages in rural India and 5,263 urban blocks except some remote areas.

Highlights of  the Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Data Report :-

*  5 per cent population on the bottom rung had an average monthly per capita expenditure (MCPE) of Rs 521.44 in rural areas and Rs 700.50 in urban areas.

* Poorest of poor in the country survive on barely Rs 17 per day in villages and Rs 23 a day in cities.

* On the other end of the spectrum, top five per cent of the population had an MPCE of Rs 4,481 in rural areas and Rs 10,282 in urban areas.

* On an average on the all-India basis, MPCE was around Rs 1,430 for rural India and about Rs 2,630 for urban India.

* For the average rural Indian, food accounted for 52.9 per cent of the value of consumption during 2011-12.Among non-food item categories, fuel and light for household purposes (excluding transportation) accounted for 8 per cent, clothing and footwear 7 per cent, medical expenses 6.7 per cent, education 3.5 per cent, conveyance 4.2 per cent, other consumer services (excluding conveyance) 4 per cent, and consumer durables 4.5 per cent.

* For the average urban Indian, 42.6 per cent of the value of household consumption was accounted for food, including 9 per cent by beverages, refreshments and processed food, 7 per cent by milk and milk products, and 6.7 per cent by cereals and cereal substitutes.Education accounted for 6.9 per cent, fuel and light 6.7 per cent, conveyance 6.5 per cent, and clothing and footwear 6.4 per cent.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Lightest Alien Planet Outside Solar System

On 3 June European scientists have discovered a new alien planet orbiting a young star about 300 light years from Earth.The exoplanet, ” HD 95086 b “, was observed directly by the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile.Nearly 1,000 exoplanets have been detected indirectly through various means such as radical velocity and transmit method.Of  the 12 exoplanets ,the newly discovered HD 95086 b is the least massive planet to have been directly observed outside the solar system .HD 95086 b orbiting its parent star, HD 95086, is estimated to have a mass of four to five times that of Jupiter.

Japan Unveiled 500 kmph Bullet Train

On 5 June Japan has unveiled its new levitating bullet train, designed to travel at speeds of upto 500 kmph.The track is being extended to 43 kilometres to enable full-fledged test runs.Commercial runs of the maglev train are scheduled to start between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027.The train magnetic levitation (maglev) as opposed to conventional wheels.The train will travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour and will link the 2 cities in 40 minutes.

Researchers Leads To Discovery To Create Early Warning System For Tsunamis

On 7 June Researchers from Stanford University  have identified key acoustic characteristics of the 2011 Japan earthquake that indicated it would cause a large tsunami.In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake occurred 43 miles off the shore of Japan. The earthquake generated an unexpectedly massive tsunami that washed over eastern Japan roughly 30 minutes later.Now, computer simulations by Stanford scientists reveal that sound waves in the ocean produced by the earthquake probably reached land tens of minutes before the tsunami. If correctly interpreted, they could have offered a warning that a large tsunami was on the way.

China Successfully Launches Fifth Manned Space Mission

On 11 June China successfully launched its fifth and longest manned space mission with three astronauts, including a woman, on board ‘Shenzhou-10′ as part of the Communist giant’s efforts to build a permanent space lab of its own by 2020. Shenzhou-10 (Divine Craft) spaceship carried the three astronauts blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province for a 15-day-long mission during which it would dock with Tiangong-1 space lab orbiting round the Earth and conduct a host of experiments.Now China’s fifth manned mission and would last a fortnight compared to last year’s 13 days.Wang Yaping the second Chinese woman to go into space after Liu Yang last year.

India and US Launched Space Solar Power Initiative

In the month of  June India and a top US science body have forged an international organisation to develop space solar power ,an initiative that has the potential of solving humanity’s energy needs and greatly mitigating climate change.In his Address to the 2013 National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference (ISDC 2013) Mark Hopkins asserted to include specific mechanisms such as the Global Space Knowledge Platform, the International Virtual Laboratory, and the International Advisory Committee that Abdul Kalam has elaborated through discussion papers.

New Human Cornea Layer Discovered

On 12 June Indian researcher Harminder Dua, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Nottingham University, has found a previously undetected layer in the cornea , the clear window at the front of the human eye – and named Dua’s layer.Scientists previously believed the cornea to be composed of five layers, from front to back, the corneal epithelium, Bowman’s layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet’s membrane and the corneal endothelium.The new layer that has been discovered is located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemet’s membrane.Although it is just 15 microns thick – the entire cornea is around 550 microns thick .

Andaman Tsunami Warning System Can Alert In 3 Minutes

On 12 June The Early Tsunami Warning System installed at Rangachang in Andaman and Nicobar Islands can predict a tsunami immediately after an earthquake.The system can predict tsunami within 3 minutes after the occurrence of the initial tremors and send alerts.Following the alerts sent from the Tsunami Warning System, the tsunami alerts can be issued to the risk zones via Centre in consultation with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, INCOIS at Hyderabad.

IAF Gets “C-17 Globemaster-III ” Airlifters

On 12 June The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first of the 10 “”C-17 Globemaster-III “” heavy airlifters it has purchased from the US, and then order six more.Now the Indian Air Force on this milestone as India joins the worldwide community of C-17 operators.Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014.India signed an agreement with the U.S. in 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest C-17 customer outside the U.S.

China Super Computer “Tianhe-2″ Named World’s Fastest Computer

On 17 June China’s National University of Defense Technology developed world’s fastest supercomputer “Tianhe-2″. The Tianhe-2 has a peak performance speed of 54.9 quadrillion operations per second.”Tianhe-2″ means Milky Way-2.This Chinese supercomputer Tianhe-2 and it replaced US machine called Titan, which was earlier said to be the fastest computer of the world.

 World Bank Released ‘Global Warming In India ‘ Report

On 19 June According to the World Bank new report prepared by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics, the report warns that global warming could lead to more extreme droughts across large parts of India,over the next few decades.The impact of a possible global temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius in the next few decades threatened to trap millions of people in poverty.Depicting life in a not-too-distant future shaped by already present warming trends, the new report warns that by the 2040s, India will see a significant reduction in crop yields because of extreme heat.The warming will impact significant reduction in crop yields and some 63 million people may no longer be able to meet their caloric demand.

Scientists Discovered New Language In Australia

On 19 June Scientists have discovered a new language in northern Australia which contains rare grammatical innovations and a unique combination of elements from other languages.The language, now known as Light Warlpiri, is spoken by approximately 300 people in a remote desert community about 644 kilometres from Katherine, a town located in Australia’s Northern Territory.

 Japan To Send Kirobo The Talking Robot Into Space

Japan announced a humanoid robot named ” Kirobo “will be used in the world’s first communication experiments between a human and a robot in space.The pint-sized robot developed by Toyota Motor Corp ,the University of Tokyo and venture firm Robo Garage.Just 13 inches tall and weighing 2.2 pounds, Kirobo will launch aboard an H-IIB rocket in August from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture and head for the International Space Station.

NASA Launched ” IRIS ” Spacecraft To Study Sun’s Atmosphere

On 27 June NASA has launched ” Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) ” spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.The mission to study the solar atmosphere was placed in orbit by an Orbital Sciences Corporation Pegasus XL rocket.The Pegasus XL carrying IRIS was deployed from an Orbital L-1011 carrier aircraft over the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 39,000 feet, off the central coast of California about 100 miles northwest of Vandenberg. The rocket placed IRIS into a sun-synchronous polar orbit that will allow it to make almost continuous solar observations during its two-year mission.

 ‘INS Trikand’ Commissioned Into Indian Navy

On 30 June INS Trikand, the last of the three Follow on Talwar Class frigates built in the Russian Federation, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29th June at Kaliningrad, Russia by Vice Admiral R. K. Dhowan, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy.The commissioning of INS Trikand marks the culmination of a three ship contract for Follow on Talwar Class ships built in Russia. Her sister ships INS Teg and INS Tarkash were commissioned in 2012.INS Trikand carries a state-of-the-art combat suite which includes the supersonic BRAHMOS missile system, advanced Surface to Air missiles Shtil, upgraded A190 medium range gun, Electro-optical 30 mm Close-in Weapon System, Anti-Submarine weapons such as torpedoes and rockets and an advanced Electronic Warfare system.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS

Justice Kaul Sworn in as Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief

On 1st June Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Haryana Raj Bhavan.Justice Kaul, 54, earlier served as the senior most judge of the Delhi High Court and was the acting Chief Justice there in September last year.the strength of judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court has reached 41 as against the sanctioned strength of 68 judges. Shortage of judges leads to pendency in the cases and the ideal strength should be between 50 to 55.

Jagmohan Dalmiya is new Interim President of BCC

On 1 June Cricket Association of Bengal president Jagmohan Dalmiya , a former president of the BCCI and ICC, has been appointed as the new interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).BCCI chief N. Srinivasan agreed to step aside, with Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Jagmohan Dalmiya took over as the board’s interim president.

Narayana Murthy Re-elected as Executive Chairman in Infosys

On 1 June NR Narayana Murthy has been re-elected as Executive Executive Chairman of the Board in Infosys.He would serve as board chairman for 5 years.Narayan Murthy was appointed as the chairman for the second time.Murthy, who founded Infosys in 1981, had stepped down from the Board and became Chairman Emeritus in 2011. He has served as company’s CEO from 1981 to 2002.

Indian-Origin Diplomat is New Australian Envoy to Israel

On 2 June 2013 Indian – origin diplomat appointed Devanand Sharma appointed as a Australian envoy to Israel.Devanand Sharma has made history by becoming the country’s youngest Ambassador after he was appointed Canberra’s envoy to Israel.He got Medicine degree from Sydney University.Mr Sharma’s prior international service includes postings as Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Washington.

Nawaz Sharif Sworn in as Pakistan’s PM

On 5 June Nawaz Sharif has been sworn-in for a record third term as Pakistan`s Prime Minister, after he was elected with 244 votes in the 342-seat Parliament.He was sworn-in by the President Asif Ali Zardari at a function in an ornate hall at the Presidency.Sharif has served as the Pakistani Premier during 1990-1993 and 1997-1999 but was ousted from office before he could complete his term, once on corruption charges and later because of a military coup led by Pervez Musharraf.

Virginius Xaxa is new National Advisory Council Member

On 6 June Union government has reconstituted the National Advisory Council by including prominent sociologist Virginius Xaxa into the 12-member panel chaired by Sonia Gandhi.Virginius Xaxa was inducted with the exit of Aruna Roy from the panel.Virginius Xaxa is a Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati and has worked extensively on tribal communities of the country.The NAC comprises distinguished professionals drawn from diverse fields of development activity who serve in their individual capacities.

TCA Raghavan is India’s new High Commissioner To Pakistan

On 6 June TCA Raghavan has been appointed as the new High Commissioner to Pakistan.A 1982-batch IFS officer, Raghavan is currently serving as India’s high commissioner to Singapore.Raghavan will replace Sharat Sabharwal, who was on an extension after he retired last year.

K R Kamath Re-elected as IBA chairman

On 6 June Punjab National Bank’s (PNB) Chairman and Managing Director K. R. Kamath was re-elected as Chairman of  Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for 2013-14 tenure.Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) was formed on 26 September 1946.It is an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. It is based in Mumbai.

Justice Usha Mehra Becomes Full Time Member Of  Law Commission

On 13 June Justice Usha Mehra, retired Judge of the High Court of Delhi, has been appointed as full-time Member of the 20th Law Commission of India.Bijai Narain Mani, eminent law author, and Gurjeet Singh, Director General of the National Law School and Judicial Academy Assam, were appointed part-time members of the panel.The panel, which advices government on complex legal issues, is headed by Justice D K Jain, former judge of the Supreme Court.

S K Roy Appointed New Chairman of  LIC

S K Roy has been appointed as the Chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).Roy succeed D.K. Mehrotra, and get a five-year term as chairman.On May 31, 2013, he assumed charge as Managing Director of LIC along with Thomas Mathew and Sarkar.Roy joined the largest insurance company in the country in 1981.

John Ashe Elected UN General Assembly President

On 15 June John Ashe, the ambassador to the United Nations for Antigua and Barbuda has been elected President of the United Nations General Assembly.He selected as the President of UN General Assembly for its 68th session.

Ratan Tata is new Chief Advisor of AirAsia India Board

On 16 June Ratan Tata has been appointed as the chief Advisor to the board of AirAsia Indian, the joint venture between the Tata Group and Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia.AirAsia has also named Mittu Chandilya as the CEO of its Indian venture.

Manmohan Singh Takes Oath as Rajya Sabha Member

On 17 June Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took oath as member of Rajya Sabha.Manmohan Singh was re-elected a member of Rajya Sabha from Assam for the fifth consecutive term on 30 May 2013.Another Congress member from Assam Santius Kujur also took oath as member of Rajya Sabha.

Indian Named Editor Of  “The Independent”  

On 17 June Indian-origin journalist Amol Rajan was named the editor of The Independent,becoming the first non-white editorial head of a UK national paper. Amol Rajan will replace Chris Blackhurst, becoming Fleet Street’s first non-white newspaper editor.

S Ramadorai is AirAsia India new Chairman

On 17 June Subramanian Ramadorai, former head of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been appointed as the Chairman of AirAsia India.Subramanian Ramadorai, holds the rank of cabinet minister in the Government of India.

Indian-American Sri Srinivasan Sworn In As Top US Court Judge

On 18 June Indian-American legal luminary Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as a judge in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the second most powerful court in the United States after the Supreme Court.Srinivasan from Chandigarh has become the first Indian American judge in the second most powerful court of the country.

Krishna Chaudhary is new NDRF chief

On 25 June Senior IPS officer Krishna Chaudhary has been appointed as Director General, National Disaster Response Force and Civil Defence.His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of the post and until his superannuation on June 30, 2017.

 Kevin Rudd Sworns As Australian PM For Second Time

On 27 June Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australia’s prime minister for second time ,replaced Julia Gillard who was removed in a Labor Party caucus vote.He was sworn in at Government House in Canberra by Governor General Quentin Bryce.Now Kevin Michael Rudd is the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, as well as Leader of the Labor Party.

Justice P Sadasivam Appointed As New Chief Justice Of India

On 29 June P. Sathasivam was appointed as the 40th Chief Justice of India . He will take over the charge on completion of the tenure of present incumbent Altamas Kabir which will end on July 18, 2013.As the 40th CJI, Sathasivam will serve the nation till his 26 April 2014.Sathasivam joined as a permanent judge of the Madras high court in January 1996 after which he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana high court in April 2007.He was appointed as a Supreme Court judge on August 21, 2007.

B)RESIGNS

Rajiv Shukla Resigned as IPL chairman

On 1st June 2013,Rajiv Shukla has resigned as the Chairman of the Indian Premiere League.He has decided to quit in the wake of recent controversies in the IPL Spot Fixing Scandal.

Union MinistersAjay Maken and CP Joshi Resigned

On 15 June Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation minister Ajay Maken ,Surface Transport and Highways Minister as well as Railway Minister CP Joshi, resigned from their offices.Their resignation was accepted by the President Pranab Mukherjee.

Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Necas Resigned

On 17 June Czech Republic prime minister Petr Necas has resigned ,after a fraud and spying scandal involving his closest aide, pitching the European Union member state into a period of uncertainty.Petr Necas is a former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and leader of the Civic Democratic Party. He was sworn into office in 2010.

 Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Resigned

On 23 June Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah announced his resignation ,following a dispute between the prime minister and his two deputies, Mohammed Mustafa and Ziad Abu Amru, who also serve as senior advisors to President Abbas.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accepted the resignation of newly appointed Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah takes charges on 2 June and he had served only 20 days.

C)DEATHS

British Comic Author Tom Sharpe Died

On 6 June British comic novelist Tom Sharpe has died in the coastal town of Llafranc in north-eastern Spain.His first two books were satires about South Africa’s apartheid regime.Sharpe travelled to South Africa in 1951 after leaving Cambridge, to work as a teacher and photographer. Sharpe’s other books include “Riotous Assembly, “Indecent Exposure” and “Porterhouse Blue,” all written in the 1970s.

World’s ‘Oldest Person Luo Meizhen Died

World’s oldest person Luo Meizhen from China has died on 11 June.Meizhen was born in 1885 and was 127 years old.But the Guinness Book of World Records never recognized her claim.

Former Union Minister VC Shukla Died

VC Shukla, a former Union minister and Congress veteran from Chhattisgarh, died on 11 June in Gurgaon.Shukla was injured in 2013 May Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.He was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times.He first became a minister in 1966, when he was 37 years old, in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s cabinet.He held many important portfolios in his long career span which includes Communications, Home, Defence, Finance, Planning, Information & Broadcasting, Civil Supplies, External Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources.

World’s Oldest Person Jiroemon Kimura Died

On 12 June The world’s oldest person Jiroemon Kimura has died in Japan.116-year-old Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897.He became the world’s oldest person on December 17, 2012, following the death of 115-year-old Dina Manfredini, who lived in the US state of Iowa.

Veteran Communist Leader Satyapal Dang Died

On 15 June Veteran Veteran communist party leader Satyapal Dang died in Amritsar.Satya Pal Dang was Born in 1920 in Gujranwala in Pakistan and had married to Vimla, another CPI leader, in 1952. Vimla died in 2009.Dang had contested his first Vidhan Sabha election in 1966-67 from Amritsar west constituency.He was elected four times to Punjab assembly from Amritsar.Satypal Dang was awarded Padma Shri in 1998 for his contribution to the social sphere, as he, along with Vimla, had fought many relentless battles for the cause of the downtrodden.However, Satyapal Dang had returned the Padma Bhushan and demanded abolition of all such awards contending a person’s contribution to society is judged by his deeds and not by honours.

 Former Union Minister Bhavna Chikhalia Died

Former Union minister of state and the first woman to get elected to the Lower House (Lok Sabha) from Gujarat for four consecutive terms, Bhavna Chikhalia died on 28 June.She was union minister of state for tourism, culture and parliamentary affairs from 1998-2003 in the NDA government headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee. She was also the chairperson of the Railway Convention Committee from 1999-02.Bhavnaben Chikhalia first got elected to the Lok Sabha from 1991, before registering victories again in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

D)VISITORS

Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Iraq

Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister visited Iraq from 19 to 20 June 2013.During the visit Khurshid met with the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki and the two nations discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests including import of oil for energy security along with the avenues of partnership.This is the first visit of any Minister from Indian Union to Iraq after 23 years in the war-raved country.Former Prime Minister of India, Inder Kumar Gujral visited Iraq in 1990 during his tenure as an External Affairs Minister of Indian Union.

U.S. Secretary Of State John Kerry Visited India

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited India from 23 – 25 June 2013.During the visit Kerry co-chaired the fourth India-US Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and discussed on bilateral trade, defence and security cooperation besides energy and higher education ,including India’s relations with Pakistan.On 24 June Kerry also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Both have discussed issues of mutual interest.This is Kerry’s first visit in India after his appointment as the US Secretary of State.

E)MISCELLANEOUS

Raghav Joneja Becomes Youngest Indian To Climb Mt Everest

Raghav Joneja youngest Indian to climbed the Mount Everest .He is one of the member in Laren’s school youngest team of mountaineers in the world.Climbing at the age of 15 years and seven months Raghav Joneja broke the record set by Nameirakpam Chingkheinganba  of Manipur’s, who climed the everest at the age 16 years seven months and 11 days.Lawrence School in Kasuali became the first school in the world to send a team to the highest peak .

China Woman Astronaut Astronaut Delivers First Space Lecture

On 20 June China’s second woman astronaut Wang Yaping, who is currently orbiting the earth in an experimental space lab, has become the country’s first space teacher as she delivered a lecture to over 60 million Chinese students about various aspects life in space.In a 45 minutes lecture, Wang, an air force pilot assisted by her two male colleagues demonstrated weightlessness and how it affects the Newton laws of gravity.

Ancient Chinese Documents On Tibet Won UNESCO Recognition

On 21 June Historical Chinese documents describing Tibet during China’s Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and showing the ancient financial and messaging service of the period, have won a major UNESCO recognition.The documents showing how finances and messages were exchanged between overseas Chinese and their domestic relatives in that era, were stored and recommended for the UNESCO honour by the archives bureaus of Guangdong and Fujian provinces, from which the first batch of overseas Chinese originated.

 Italy’s Ex-Prime Minister Berlusconi Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison

On 24 June Italy’s Ex-Prime Minister Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from public office for corruption and underage prostitution case.

 Two Year Old Boy Becomes Youngest Ever To Join Mensa

On 27 June A two-year-old boy Adam Kirby in UK has become the youngest ever member of the genius club Mensa, after he scored an incredible 141 on an IQ test.Adam Kirby scored 141 in the IQ test that reportedly ranked him smarter than US President Barack Obama and British Premier David Cameron.Adam Kirby was invited to join the elite group after demonstrating his ability to read Shakespeare and understand Japanese, Spanish and French.

PLACES  IN  NEWS

Bangkok Ranked World’s Top Travel Spot

On 2 June According to a ranking by the MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities study report ,Bangkok is this year’s number one city for air travel.While London reached the top spot in 2012.Now Bangkok becoming the first Asian city to earn the distinction.Visits to Bangkok were expected to grow by 9.8 percent this year.If all of the top 10 cities maintained their current growth rates, the index predicted that by 2016 Bangkok and London would be followed by Istanbul in the No. 3 spot, with Paris at No. 4 and Dubai at No.5, with Singapore and New York behind them.The ranking was based on a city’s expected international air travel arrivals and the amount of money spent in the city by those arrivals.

Dubai Inaugurated World’s Tallest ‘Twisted’ Tower

On 13 June Dubai has inaugurated the world’s tallest twisted tower named “”Cayan”" Tower built at a cost of  272 million US dollar, setting a yet another record for skyscrapers and other engineering marvels. Earlier it was named the Infinity Tower.The tower was inaugurated in Dubai Marina.The 310-metre (1,017-foot), 75-storey residential “”Cayan”" Tower is twisted at 90 degrees from top to bottom.The developer of this tower is Cayan Real Estate Investment and Development Company.

World’s Longest and Widest Cable Bridge Inaugurated In China

On 18 June The world’s longest and widest multi-pylon cable-stayed bridge named “Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge” with a span of 10km has opened in China after seven years of construction work.The Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge stretches 6.2miles (10 kilometres) over the Hangzhou Bay, in Shaoxing, China.It is mainly supported by two cable-towers, both of which reach 745ft in the air, and has a main body stretching 2,560ft wide.The high speed bridge is designed for vehicles travelling exclusively above 60mph and pedestrians, motorbikes and cars with a maximum speed below 45mph are not allowed to cross.

Earth Quake Hits Northern Italy

On 21 June 2013 a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Italy,causing some minor damage in Casola in Liguana. The tremors were felt across central and northern Italy. According to the national geophysics institute,the epicenter of earthquake was between the towns of Massa and Lucca in Tuscany and La Spezia in the Liguria region.

 UNESCO Declared Six Rajasthan Forts World Heritage Sites

On 22 June Six hill forts in Rajasthan have been selected to be included in the Unesco’s World Heritage List. The hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore.

 Thousand’s Of People Are Died In Uttarakhand Floods

In the month of June 2013 the North Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, some regions of Western Nepal and their adjoining areas experienced heavy rainfall that triggered devastating floods and landslides.More than thousand’s of  people are died in Uttarakhand state floods and landslides.This year’s early monsoon rains in the Uttarakhand region are believed to be the heaviest in 80 years.Damage to bridges and roads left over 70,000 pilgrims and tourists trapped in various places of whom, many were rescued.

ABBREVIATIONS 

 BCCI  ——–  Board of Control for Cricket in India

UNDP ——-   United Nations Development Programme

RSBY ——-   Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna

FIFA – ——-  Federation Internationale de Football Association

WSA ——-    World Steel Association

FCI ———   Food Corporation of India

APEC   ——— – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

FICCI ————– Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry

BOOKS IN NEWS

” Dard-E-Dil Likhun Kab Tak ” Book Released by Vice President of India

“On 6 June The Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari released a book entitled “Dard-e-Dil Likhun Kab Tak” (in Urdu and Hindi) authored by Rukhsar Amrohvi. The book is a compilation of poems composed by poetess Rukhsar Amrohvi and some rare pictures of the historic moments of Indian Cinema. This book is a valuable addition to the Urdu Literature.

” Ambedkar Speaks ” Book Released

On 20 June M Hamid Ansari, vice president of India released a book titled ” Ambedkar Speaks ” in New Delhi.The book was authored by by Dr. Narendra Jadhav.The book has been published by Konark Publishers.”Ambedkar Speaks” is the first ever attempt at a systematic study of Dr Ambedkar’s 537 speeches.The series is available in four languages – Marathi, English, Hindi and Gujarati. The first series was first launched in Marathi.

 ” 1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of India’s Freedom Movement ” Book Released

On 24 June The book titled, “1857-1947: Forgotten Heroes and Martyrs of India’s Freedom Movement”, is written by journalist Shivnath Jha was launched on 24 June 2013 in Mumbai by former Bombay High Court chief justice C S Dharmadhikari.The book will act as a campaign to highlight the miserable conditions of descendants and families of freedom fighters as well as an attempt to bring about a change.

 “Distressing Encounters – Real Life Stories ” Book Released

On 30 June Indian Ambassador to the UAE M. K. Lokesh released a book titled Distressing Encounters – Real Life Stories from a Reporter’s Diary by Dubai-based Indian journalist V. M. Sathish.The book narrates real-life stories of distressed and marginalised expatriates from different countries and cultures and the role played by the media, especially the English media, in extending a helping hand to such people.

COMMITTEES

Anil Swarup Committee Set Up To Re-start Stalled Projects

On 7 June Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced a committee has been appointed to identify and help re-start as many as 215 large projects worth over Rs 7 lakh crore which have been stalled for years and assured that each of these projects will be off the ground at the earliest.A committee headed by Anil Swarup.

Chandrashekhar Committee To Frame Rules For Foreign Investors

The Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Committee under the chairmanship of  Cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar,submitted its report on 12 June.The committee has recommended doing away with prior direct registration of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and sub accounts with Sebi. It also recommended merging FIIs, sub accounts and qualified foreign investors (QFIs) into a new investor class to be called the foreign portfolio investor.

 Arvind Mayaram Committee Recommends Rise In FDI Limit In Various Sectors

On 23 June The Union Government constituted a committee to clearly define the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). The report of this committee was submitted to the Ministry of Finance (FinMin) . The committee that was headed by the Arvind Mayaram recommended raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit to 49 percent from 26 percent at present in almost all sectors through automatic route.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES

International Olympic Day Celebrated Across the World on 23 June 2013

On 23 June International Olympic Day was celebrated across the world . The day is celebrated for promotion of participation of people in the sports all across the world, irrespective of athletic, gender or age ability.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed

On 26 June The United Nations General Assembly declared 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the year 1987. The objective of observing this day is to strengthen the action as well as cooperation in order to achieve the aim of a society free of drug abuse.The General Assembly however found out that inspite of increasing efforts by the international community to curb this menace, the world problem of drug abuse increased. Drug abuse poses serious threat to safety as well as well being of humanity as well as to the public health. Eventually, the Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was directed to continue its work towards international drug control.