CURRENT AFFAIRS JANUARY 2013
ADB $100 million Loan to Provide Sustainable Urban Services in Five Uttarakhand Towns [31/01/2013]
Government of India today signed an agreement for a $100 million loan with Asian Development Bank (ADB) as second tranche of Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Investment Program which will support rehabilitation and expansion of basic urban infrastructure in five major urban centers of Uttarakhand and ensure sustainable municipal service delivery.
The project will supplement the urban infrastructure program already initiated under the first tranche in Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital and will be extended to cover in addition Haldwani, Roorkee and Ramnagar towns specially for improving the watersupply infrastructure that will benefit about 800,000 residents. A comprehensive sewerage system will also be developed under the project, which will provide improved sanitation facilities to about 100,000 residents of Roorkee town.
Anand Sharma Launches eBiz Portal Portal to Provide Secure one Stop Shop for all Investment [28/01/2013]
The Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma launched an eBiz portal at the CII Partnership Summit in Agra today. The portal is India’s Government-to-Business (G2B) portal developed by Infosys in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model. “This Mission Mode Project will mark a paradigm shift in the Government’s approach to providing Government-to-Business (G2B) services for India’s investor and business communities,” said Shri Sharma while launching the portal.
In order to enable businesses and investors to save time and costs and in order to improve the business environment in the country, an online single window was conceptualised in the form of the eBiz Mission Mode Project under the National eGovernance Plan. Shri Sharma said that the “project aims to create a business and investor friendly ecosystem in India by making all business and investment related regulatory services across Central, State and local governments available on a single portal, thereby obviating the need for an investor or a business to visit multiple offices or a plethora of websites.”
President Confers Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra [28/01/2013]
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra, an AN-32 Pilot was tasked with a Free-fall Para drop sortie for the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team with the onlookers in huge attendance. On opening the ramp for the drop at 8000 feet, one pressure door bracket was found broken. With the ramp open he completed the drop and decided to land back at Barrackpore (with the Ramp Open) to prevent any further damage to the aircraft. In this situation, any harsh manoeuvres would severely endanger the safety of the aircraft and lives on board. The delicate condition of the aircraft and the necessity to land with the ramp open along with the prevailing strong winds , turbulent conditions, short runway at Barrackpore and tall trees on approach demanded extreme caution and piloting skills to execute a safe landing. The pilot was compelled to land the aircraft with a steeper approach perspective with 38 degree flaps which is not normally practiced. Using all his piloting skills, professionalism and courage, he executed a flawless approach and carried out the stipulated three-pointer landing without any further damage to the ramp. His act of safe recovery of the aircraft ensured that the aircraft snag was rectified and further damage avoided.
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra displayed exemplary courage and decision making ability by recovering the aircraft safely from a critical emergency situation and alsosaved the precious lives of all its occupants with his commendable flying skills.
3rd National Voters’ Day Celebrated Across the Country [28/01/2013]
25th January 2013 3rd National Voters’ Day Celebrated Across the Country, 2.32 Crore New Electors Registered and Handed over Voter ID Cards, National Awards Presented for best Electoral Practices
Celebertion of National Girl Child Day[24/01/2013]
The Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate the National Girl Child Day on the 24th January, 2013 at A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, National AgriculturalScience Centre (NASC) Complex, ICAR, New Delhi. Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development will preside over the function and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India will be the Chief Guest and will deliver the keynote address.
President launches the National Immunization Day, 2013[14/01/2013]
President of India launched the National Immunization Day, 2013 by administering polio drops to children at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Eight States to get Krishi Karman Awards for Achieving Excellence in Foodgrain Production [14/01/2013]
Krishi Karman Awards for 2011-12 go to Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The awards were instituted in 2010-11 for recognizing the meritorious efforts of States in foodgrain production. The awards announced now - for 2011-12 - will be presented by the President tomorrow to Chief Ministers or Agriculture Ministers of these States.
Justice D K Jain has been appointed as the chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India[09/01/2013]
Supreme Court judge Justice D K Jain has been appointed as the chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India. Justice Jain is set to retire as the apex court judge on January 24, 2013. The 20th Law Commission was constituted through a government order with effect from September 1, last. Its three-year term would end on August 31, 2015.
Government of India today signed an agreement for a $100 million loan with Asian Development Bank (ADB) as second tranche of Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Investment Program which will support rehabilitation and expansion of basic urban infrastructure in five major urban centers of Uttarakhand and ensure sustainable municipal service delivery.
The project will supplement the urban infrastructure program already initiated under the first tranche in Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital and will be extended to cover in addition Haldwani, Roorkee and Ramnagar towns specially for improving the watersupply infrastructure that will benefit about 800,000 residents. A comprehensive sewerage system will also be developed under the project, which will provide improved sanitation facilities to about 100,000 residents of Roorkee town.
Anand Sharma Launches eBiz Portal Portal to Provide Secure one Stop Shop for all Investment [28/01/2013]
The Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma launched an eBiz portal at the CII Partnership Summit in Agra today. The portal is India’s Government-to-Business (G2B) portal developed by Infosys in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model. “This Mission Mode Project will mark a paradigm shift in the Government’s approach to providing Government-to-Business (G2B) services for India’s investor and business communities,” said Shri Sharma while launching the portal.
In order to enable businesses and investors to save time and costs and in order to improve the business environment in the country, an online single window was conceptualised in the form of the eBiz Mission Mode Project under the National eGovernance Plan. Shri Sharma said that the “project aims to create a business and investor friendly ecosystem in India by making all business and investment related regulatory services across Central, State and local governments available on a single portal, thereby obviating the need for an investor or a business to visit multiple offices or a plethora of websites.”
President Confers Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra [28/01/2013]
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra, an AN-32 Pilot was tasked with a Free-fall Para drop sortie for the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team with the onlookers in huge attendance. On opening the ramp for the drop at 8000 feet, one pressure door bracket was found broken. With the ramp open he completed the drop and decided to land back at Barrackpore (with the Ramp Open) to prevent any further damage to the aircraft. In this situation, any harsh manoeuvres would severely endanger the safety of the aircraft and lives on board. The delicate condition of the aircraft and the necessity to land with the ramp open along with the prevailing strong winds , turbulent conditions, short runway at Barrackpore and tall trees on approach demanded extreme caution and piloting skills to execute a safe landing. The pilot was compelled to land the aircraft with a steeper approach perspective with 38 degree flaps which is not normally practiced. Using all his piloting skills, professionalism and courage, he executed a flawless approach and carried out the stipulated three-pointer landing without any further damage to the ramp. His act of safe recovery of the aircraft ensured that the aircraft snag was rectified and further damage avoided.
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Chopra displayed exemplary courage and decision making ability by recovering the aircraft safely from a critical emergency situation and alsosaved the precious lives of all its occupants with his commendable flying skills.
3rd National Voters’ Day Celebrated Across the Country [28/01/2013]
25th January 2013 3rd National Voters’ Day Celebrated Across the Country, 2.32 Crore New Electors Registered and Handed over Voter ID Cards, National Awards Presented for best Electoral Practices
Celebertion of National Girl Child Day[24/01/2013]
The Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate the National Girl Child Day on the 24th January, 2013 at A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, National AgriculturalScience Centre (NASC) Complex, ICAR, New Delhi. Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of Women and Child Development will preside over the function and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India will be the Chief Guest and will deliver the keynote address.
President launches the National Immunization Day, 2013[14/01/2013]
President of India launched the National Immunization Day, 2013 by administering polio drops to children at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Eight States to get Krishi Karman Awards for Achieving Excellence in Foodgrain Production [14/01/2013]
Krishi Karman Awards for 2011-12 go to Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Haryana, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The awards were instituted in 2010-11 for recognizing the meritorious efforts of States in foodgrain production. The awards announced now - for 2011-12 - will be presented by the President tomorrow to Chief Ministers or Agriculture Ministers of these States.
Justice D K Jain has been appointed as the chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India[09/01/2013]
Supreme Court judge Justice D K Jain has been appointed as the chairman of the 20th Law Commission of India. Justice Jain is set to retire as the apex court judge on January 24, 2013. The 20th Law Commission was constituted through a government order with effect from September 1, last. Its three-year term would end on August 31, 2015.
PM Unveils New Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at Centenary Session of Indian Science Congress[03/01/2013]
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) 2013 by presenting its first copy to the President of India Shri Pranab Mukerjee at the inaugural session of the Centenary session of the IndianScience Congress at Kolkatta.
The STI Policy seeks to send a signal to the Indian scientific community, both in the private and public domain, that science, technology and innovation should focus on faster, sustainable and inclusive development of the people. The policy seeks to focus on both STI for people and people for STI. It aims to bring all the benefits of Science, Technology & Innovation to the national development and sustainable and more inclusive growth. It seeks the right sizing of the gross expenditure on research and development by encouraging and incentivizing private sector participation in R & D, technology and innovation activities.
18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India [03/01/2013]
The 18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India was held on 28th -29th December, 2012 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. A.K Mangotra, Secretary, Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Myanmar delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Recalling the shared culture and traditionally close relationship between India and Myanmar, Mr. Mangotra expressed India’s commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries to eliminate the nexus between the drug trade, arms smuggling and extremism/terrorism. Mr. Mangotra sought Myanmar’s cooperation for co-ordinated patrolling along the Indo–Myanmar border and dismantling IIGs camps in Myanmar for peace and economic prosperity in the region.
Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint reiterated the assurance that Myanmar would never allow insurgents and negative elements to use its own territory for activities inimical to its neighbour India
. Both sides discussed and agreed to cooperate closely on issues like insurgent Groups along the border, arms Smuggling & drug trafficking, border management issues, Myanmar Fishermen in A&N jails, illegal smuggling of wild life parts, inspection and verification of pillars etc
. Both sides expressed satisfaction over opening of a third Border Liaison Office (BLO) between Changlang, India and Pangsau, Myanmar. Both the leaders emphasized on nurturing BLOs to promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both the countries for peace and tranquility along the border. It was decided to open a fourth BLO in Nagaland sector between Ukhrul, Manipur, India and Somra, Myanmar.
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) 2013 by presenting its first copy to the President of India Shri Pranab Mukerjee at the inaugural session of the Centenary session of the IndianScience Congress at Kolkatta.
The STI Policy seeks to send a signal to the Indian scientific community, both in the private and public domain, that science, technology and innovation should focus on faster, sustainable and inclusive development of the people. The policy seeks to focus on both STI for people and people for STI. It aims to bring all the benefits of Science, Technology & Innovation to the national development and sustainable and more inclusive growth. It seeks the right sizing of the gross expenditure on research and development by encouraging and incentivizing private sector participation in R & D, technology and innovation activities.
18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India [03/01/2013]
The 18th National Level Meeting between Myanmar and India was held on 28th -29th December, 2012 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. A.K Mangotra, Secretary, Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Myanmar delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Recalling the shared culture and traditionally close relationship between India and Myanmar, Mr. Mangotra expressed India’s commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries to eliminate the nexus between the drug trade, arms smuggling and extremism/terrorism. Mr. Mangotra sought Myanmar’s cooperation for co-ordinated patrolling along the Indo–Myanmar border and dismantling IIGs camps in Myanmar for peace and economic prosperity in the region.
Brig. Gen. Kyaw Zan Myint reiterated the assurance that Myanmar would never allow insurgents and negative elements to use its own territory for activities inimical to its neighbour India
. Both sides discussed and agreed to cooperate closely on issues like insurgent Groups along the border, arms Smuggling & drug trafficking, border management issues, Myanmar Fishermen in A&N jails, illegal smuggling of wild life parts, inspection and verification of pillars etc
. Both sides expressed satisfaction over opening of a third Border Liaison Office (BLO) between Changlang, India and Pangsau, Myanmar. Both the leaders emphasized on nurturing BLOs to promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both the countries for peace and tranquility along the border. It was decided to open a fourth BLO in Nagaland sector between Ukhrul, Manipur, India and Somra, Myanmar.