31.07.2014
1. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag is new Army Chief
i. Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag has taken over as the new Army chief. He succeeded the incumbent General Bikram Singh.
ii. General Singh handed over the baton of charge to him today. 59-year-old Lieutenant General Suhag, a Gurkha officer who had participated in the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force operation in Sri Lanka, will have a 30-month tenure.
iii. He was made the Vice Chief of Army Staff in December last year before which he was the Eastern Army Commander.
2. John Kerry, Sushma Swaraj co-chair fifth Strategic Dialogue
i. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday co-chaired fifth Indo-US Strategic Dialogue during which the two sides discussed “transformative initiatives” in key areas of security and energy.
READ MORE........
1. Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag is new Army Chief
i. Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag has taken over as the new Army chief. He succeeded the incumbent General Bikram Singh.
ii. General Singh handed over the baton of charge to him today. 59-year-old Lieutenant General Suhag, a Gurkha officer who had participated in the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force operation in Sri Lanka, will have a 30-month tenure.
iii. He was made the Vice Chief of Army Staff in December last year before which he was the Eastern Army Commander.
2. John Kerry, Sushma Swaraj co-chair fifth Strategic Dialogue
i. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday co-chaired fifth Indo-US Strategic Dialogue during which the two sides discussed “transformative initiatives” in key areas of security and energy.
READ MORE........
30.07.2014
1. CWG 2014: Sushil, 2 others bag gold for India on first day of wrestling
i. Star grappler Sushil Kumar led India's sparkling show in the wrestling arena as the country claimed three gold medals on the first day of the wrestling competitions at the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow on Tuesday.
ii. Sushil expectedly bagged gold in men's 75kg freestyle category while Amit Kumar won the yellow metal in men's 57kg while Vinesh Phogat finished on top in women's 48kg at the SECC Hall.
iii. Rajeev Tomar, however had to settle for a silver in the mens 125 kg freestyle event after going down to Canadas Korey Jarvis 0-3 in finals.
iv. 31-year-old Sushil asserted his class as he won his all four bouts of the day quite comfortably. In the gold-medal bout against Qamar Abbas of Pakistan, Sushil had an easy outing.
v. Amit Kumar defeated Ebikweminomo Welson of Nigeria 6-2 in his final bout. 20-year-old Indian started off well and completely dominated the first round to post a comfortable 4-0 win.
vi. The Nigerian, however, fought back and the two wrestlers gave each other a tough time in the next round and they could bag just two points each.
Read More.......
29.07.2014
1. Eid – ul-Fitr celebrated across Nation
i. Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, is being celebrated across the country on Tuesday.
ii. The announcement came following a meeting of Qadeem Royat Hilal Committee headed by Maulana Mufti Mohammed Mukkaram, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid on Monday.
iii. "The Eid moon has been sighted today. The Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country tomorrow," Maulana Mufti Mohammed Mukkaram said.
iv. Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a fasting period by Muslims who abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and it culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
2. International Tiger Day 2014 observed across the world
i. The World on 29 July 2014 observed the International Tiger Day. The day is celebrated as an awareness day. The goal of the Tiger Day is to promote protection and expansion of the wild tiger habitats and also to gain support awareness for tiger conservation.
ii. At present the number of wild tigers is at its lowest. In last 100 years, around 97 percent of the total tigers population have been lost. In 1913, the world has about 1 lakh wild tigers, which has dropped to 3000 in 2014.
iii. As per estimates, India in 2010 had 1706 wild tigers that increased from 1411 in 2006. Among the 13 tiger-range countries, India has the highest number of tiger population.
Read more.......
1. CWG 2014: Sushil, 2 others bag gold for India on first day of wrestling
i. Star grappler Sushil Kumar led India's sparkling show in the wrestling arena as the country claimed three gold medals on the first day of the wrestling competitions at the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow on Tuesday.
ii. Sushil expectedly bagged gold in men's 75kg freestyle category while Amit Kumar won the yellow metal in men's 57kg while Vinesh Phogat finished on top in women's 48kg at the SECC Hall.
iii. Rajeev Tomar, however had to settle for a silver in the mens 125 kg freestyle event after going down to Canadas Korey Jarvis 0-3 in finals.
iv. 31-year-old Sushil asserted his class as he won his all four bouts of the day quite comfortably. In the gold-medal bout against Qamar Abbas of Pakistan, Sushil had an easy outing.
v. Amit Kumar defeated Ebikweminomo Welson of Nigeria 6-2 in his final bout. 20-year-old Indian started off well and completely dominated the first round to post a comfortable 4-0 win.
vi. The Nigerian, however, fought back and the two wrestlers gave each other a tough time in the next round and they could bag just two points each.
Read More.......
29.07.2014
1. Eid – ul-Fitr celebrated across Nation
i. Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, is being celebrated across the country on Tuesday.
ii. The announcement came following a meeting of Qadeem Royat Hilal Committee headed by Maulana Mufti Mohammed Mukkaram, Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid on Monday.
iii. "The Eid moon has been sighted today. The Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country tomorrow," Maulana Mufti Mohammed Mukkaram said.
iv. Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a fasting period by Muslims who abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and it culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
2. International Tiger Day 2014 observed across the world
i. The World on 29 July 2014 observed the International Tiger Day. The day is celebrated as an awareness day. The goal of the Tiger Day is to promote protection and expansion of the wild tiger habitats and also to gain support awareness for tiger conservation.
ii. At present the number of wild tigers is at its lowest. In last 100 years, around 97 percent of the total tigers population have been lost. In 1913, the world has about 1 lakh wild tigers, which has dropped to 3000 in 2014.
iii. As per estimates, India in 2010 had 1706 wild tigers that increased from 1411 in 2006. Among the 13 tiger-range countries, India has the highest number of tiger population.
Read more.......
27.07.2014 AND 28.07.2014
1. World Hepatitis Day being observed today
i. World Hepatitis Day is being observed today all over the world to generate mass awareness about the deadly disease.
ii. The theme of this year's World Hepatitis Day is 'It's closer than you think.' With about one million people worldwide dying due to hepatitis - and millions suffering immediate sickness or developing chronic illness - the theme reflects the lurking dangers of the disease.
iii. India has over 40 million Hepatitis B infected patients, second only to China, and most people are infected with chronic Hepatitis B or C.
iv. Most of the patients are not aware of the infection which puts them at serious risk of developing fatal disease of liver cancer. Every year, nearly 6 lakh patients die from Hepatitis B Viral infection in India.
v. Unfortunately the disease stands completely ignored. Even in metro cities, doctors don't give Hepatitis B vaccination to children and parents because of low awareness never ask for it, despite being able to afford it
READ MORE.......
1. World Hepatitis Day being observed today
i. World Hepatitis Day is being observed today all over the world to generate mass awareness about the deadly disease.
ii. The theme of this year's World Hepatitis Day is 'It's closer than you think.' With about one million people worldwide dying due to hepatitis - and millions suffering immediate sickness or developing chronic illness - the theme reflects the lurking dangers of the disease.
iii. India has over 40 million Hepatitis B infected patients, second only to China, and most people are infected with chronic Hepatitis B or C.
iv. Most of the patients are not aware of the infection which puts them at serious risk of developing fatal disease of liver cancer. Every year, nearly 6 lakh patients die from Hepatitis B Viral infection in India.
v. Unfortunately the disease stands completely ignored. Even in metro cities, doctors don't give Hepatitis B vaccination to children and parents because of low awareness never ask for it, despite being able to afford it
READ MORE.......
26.07.2014
1. 15th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas being observed through out the country today
i. The 15th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas is being observed through out the country today to remember the sacrifices of jawans who laid down their lives in Kargil war in 1999.
ii. The day started with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Drass War Memorial led by Lieutenant General D S Hooda, GOC-in-C Northern Command of the Indian Army. This was followed by a pledge taken by all present at the function to rededicate them to the cause of the Nation.
iii. The armed conflict broke out in Kargil when Pakistani soldiers infiltrated into India crossing the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army fought bravely in the high altitude Kargil hills and forced Pakistani troops to beat a retreat.
iv. Paying tributes to Kargil martyrs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Read More....
1. 15th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas being observed through out the country today
i. The 15th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas is being observed through out the country today to remember the sacrifices of jawans who laid down their lives in Kargil war in 1999.
ii. The day started with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Drass War Memorial led by Lieutenant General D S Hooda, GOC-in-C Northern Command of the Indian Army. This was followed by a pledge taken by all present at the function to rededicate them to the cause of the Nation.
iii. The armed conflict broke out in Kargil when Pakistani soldiers infiltrated into India crossing the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Army fought bravely in the high altitude Kargil hills and forced Pakistani troops to beat a retreat.
iv. Paying tributes to Kargil martyrs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Read More....
25.07.2014
1. CWG 2014: Sanjita Khumukcham bags India's first gold in Glasgow
i. Sanjita Khumukcham and Mirabai Chanu Saikhom bagged a gold and silver, respectively, in women's 48kg weightlifting in a display of overwhelming domination to open India's medal account on the opening day of the competition in the 20th Commonwealth Games on Thursday.
ii. Sanjita won with a total lift of 173kg (77+96) while Mirabai grabbed the silver with a cumulative effort of 170 (75+95) in the absence of other strong competitors.
iii. Nigerai's Nkechi Opara was a distant third with 162 (70+92).
iv. Sanjita's total of 173kg missed the Games record, held the name of 2010 CWG gold winner Augustina Nkem Nwaokolo (175kg effort) by two kilograms. Sanjita's 77kg effort in snatch however equalled Nwaokolo's Commonwealth Games record.
Read More.......
24.07.2014
Queen Elizabeth II declares 20th Commonwealth Games open[24/07/2014]
Scotland rolled out a spectacular opening ceremony on 23rd July 2014 with dazzling and colourful display of their unique culture and heritage on a breathtaking night, which also had some Indian flavour to set the stage for the 20th Commonwealth Games.
A surprisingly subdued Glasgow suddenly sprang to life and exuberance with a three-hour mesmerising show of light and sound and colourful hues which the organisers claimed was watched by more than one billion people.
As per convention, the head of Commonwealth countries Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games Open.
Read More....
23.07.2014
Agreement Signed with China for Setting up Chinese Industrial Parks[23/07/2014]
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation on Industrial Parks in India was signed between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China on 30 June, 2014. Both the countries have agreed to cooperate to increase mutual investment in each other’s economies in accordance with the relevant domestic laws and regulations of each country, and on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Both the countries have also agreed to share relevant information on the regulatory framework and investment priorities/projects as may be needed during the preparation of investment proposals. Both the countries have also agreed to provide necessary local assistance to implement projects under this MoU.
Widening trade deficit with China is a major concern for India. Signing of the MoU is expected to facilitate investment from Chinese companies into India, facilitate an orderly flow of production factors from China into India and accelerate development of competitive manufacturing sector in India as a result of which many goods which are now being imported from China could be expected to be produced in the country which in turn is expected to reduce the country’s trade deficit. Increase in manufacturing growth will also provide gainful employment to large number of youth in the country.
Read More...
1. CWG 2014: Sanjita Khumukcham bags India's first gold in Glasgow
i. Sanjita Khumukcham and Mirabai Chanu Saikhom bagged a gold and silver, respectively, in women's 48kg weightlifting in a display of overwhelming domination to open India's medal account on the opening day of the competition in the 20th Commonwealth Games on Thursday.
ii. Sanjita won with a total lift of 173kg (77+96) while Mirabai grabbed the silver with a cumulative effort of 170 (75+95) in the absence of other strong competitors.
iii. Nigerai's Nkechi Opara was a distant third with 162 (70+92).
iv. Sanjita's total of 173kg missed the Games record, held the name of 2010 CWG gold winner Augustina Nkem Nwaokolo (175kg effort) by two kilograms. Sanjita's 77kg effort in snatch however equalled Nwaokolo's Commonwealth Games record.
Read More.......
24.07.2014
Queen Elizabeth II declares 20th Commonwealth Games open[24/07/2014]
Scotland rolled out a spectacular opening ceremony on 23rd July 2014 with dazzling and colourful display of their unique culture and heritage on a breathtaking night, which also had some Indian flavour to set the stage for the 20th Commonwealth Games.
A surprisingly subdued Glasgow suddenly sprang to life and exuberance with a three-hour mesmerising show of light and sound and colourful hues which the organisers claimed was watched by more than one billion people.
As per convention, the head of Commonwealth countries Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games Open.
Read More....
23.07.2014
Agreement Signed with China for Setting up Chinese Industrial Parks[23/07/2014]
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation on Industrial Parks in India was signed between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China on 30 June, 2014. Both the countries have agreed to cooperate to increase mutual investment in each other’s economies in accordance with the relevant domestic laws and regulations of each country, and on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Both the countries have also agreed to share relevant information on the regulatory framework and investment priorities/projects as may be needed during the preparation of investment proposals. Both the countries have also agreed to provide necessary local assistance to implement projects under this MoU.
Widening trade deficit with China is a major concern for India. Signing of the MoU is expected to facilitate investment from Chinese companies into India, facilitate an orderly flow of production factors from China into India and accelerate development of competitive manufacturing sector in India as a result of which many goods which are now being imported from China could be expected to be produced in the country which in turn is expected to reduce the country’s trade deficit. Increase in manufacturing growth will also provide gainful employment to large number of youth in the country.
Read More...
22.07.2014
1. Cricket: India wins Lord's Test against England by 95 runs
i. India beat England by 95 runs in the second cricket test at Lord's to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
ii. Ishant Sharma claimed 7 wickets to bowl India to their first overseas win since 2011.
iii. It was also India's second victory and the first since 1986 at Lord's. Ishant Sharma, who finished with career-best figures of 7 for 74, was declared Man of the Match.
iv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian cricket team for their victory.
v. The first test at Nottingham had ended in a draw. The third test will begin on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
2. Google Maps now in Hindi
i. Search giant Google today launched its Google Maps in Hindi seeking to make its navigation service more useful for users locally.
ii. Google Maps in Hindi will be available for desktop and android mobile phone users, who will be able to see Hindi names for cities, localities, important roads and routes as well as popular points of interest such as public parks and schools.
iii. Launching the service nationally from Jaipur, Suren Ruhela, Product and Program Management Director, Google, said, the service may be made available in regional languages based on the feedback of this initiative.
iv. By launching Google Maps in Hindi today, hopefully Indians can explore and navigate the world around them more easily, whether these are people who already use Maps to find their way around day-to-day or Hindi-speakers coming online for the first time,” he said.
3. YES Bank, Transfast launch instant money transfer service for NRIs
i. YES Bank and international money transfer company Transfast, have launched an online money transfer service with instant deposits to NRI customer accounts with any bank in India.
ii. This service facilitates real-time deposit of funds to all banks currently connected to the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) platform for inward remittances and is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year, YES Bank said in a statement.
iii. Arun Agarwal, Group President, International Banking Division, YES Bank, said, “YES Bank is proud to partner with Transfast in introducing this innovative technology to transfer money from the USA and Canada to India at lightning speed. This service will provide great convenience to our customers in North America and provide an instant credit confirmation to them for deposits into their recipients’ accounts.”
4. Y Sudharshan Rao appointed as Chairman of ICHR
i. Yellapragada Sudharshan Rao on 25 June 2014 was appointed as Chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). He replaced Basudev Chatterjee. He would serve the council for a term of three years.
ii. Y.S. Rao taught at Department of History, Kakatiya University. He had worked at Kakatiya University for about 40 years. He had vast experience in teaching and researching.
iii. He guided eight PhD and 15 MPhil students and has about 40 research papers published in various national and international journals to his credit.
5. India's child sex ratio drops: UN report
i. India needs to take urgent action following a sharp fall in its child sex ratio, a United Nations report said Tuesday.
ii. The study named "Sex Ratios and Gender-Biased Sex Selection: History, Debate and Future Directions", says the child sex ratio in India has deteriorated from 976 girls to 1,000 boys in 1961, to 927 girls in 2001 and to 918 girls in 2011.
iii. The report has been constituted by the United Nations Women with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
iv. UN Women is the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
v. It also says India is among the few countries where the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for girls is worse than boys.
vi. The other countries are Nepal and Bangladesh.
6. Government launches scheme to minimize wastage of fruits, vegetables
i. The government has launched a scheme for technology upgradation, establishment and modernization of food processing industries across the country to minimize wastage of perishable fruits and vegetables.
ii. Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the National Mission of Food Processing will be implemented during the 12th Plan period to set up primary processing centres, collection centres besides technology upgradation, establishment and modernization of such industries.
iii. "These schemes of the mission are implemented by the state governments and they have full powers to receive sanction and release funds to the eligible applicants," she said in Lok Sabha.
7. Sania Mirza: Brand Ambassador of Telangana
i. The Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrasekhara Rao bestowed the Brand Ambassadorship of the new State on India's tennis star Sania Mirza in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
ii. He wished her to notch the number one ranking in international tennis and bring laurels to Telangana.
22.07.2014--21.072014
1. Cricket: India wins Lord's Test against England by 95 runs
i. India beat England by 95 runs in the second cricket test at Lord's to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
ii. Ishant Sharma claimed 7 wickets to bowl India to their first overseas win since 2011.
iii. It was also India's second victory and the first since 1986 at Lord's. Ishant Sharma, who finished with career-best figures of 7 for 74, was declared Man of the Match.
iv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian cricket team for their victory.
v. The first test at Nottingham had ended in a draw. The third test will begin on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
2. Google Maps now in Hindi
i. Search giant Google today launched its Google Maps in Hindi seeking to make its navigation service more useful for users locally.
ii. Google Maps in Hindi will be available for desktop and android mobile phone users, who will be able to see Hindi names for cities, localities, important roads and routes as well as popular points of interest such as public parks and schools.
iii. Launching the service nationally from Jaipur, Suren Ruhela, Product and Program Management Director, Google, said, the service may be made available in regional languages based on the feedback of this initiative.
iv. By launching Google Maps in Hindi today, hopefully Indians can explore and navigate the world around them more easily, whether these are people who already use Maps to find their way around day-to-day or Hindi-speakers coming online for the first time,” he said.
3. YES Bank, Transfast launch instant money transfer service for NRIs
i. YES Bank and international money transfer company Transfast, have launched an online money transfer service with instant deposits to NRI customer accounts with any bank in India.
ii. This service facilitates real-time deposit of funds to all banks currently connected to the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) platform for inward remittances and is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year, YES Bank said in a statement.
iii. Arun Agarwal, Group President, International Banking Division, YES Bank, said, “YES Bank is proud to partner with Transfast in introducing this innovative technology to transfer money from the USA and Canada to India at lightning speed. This service will provide great convenience to our customers in North America and provide an instant credit confirmation to them for deposits into their recipients’ accounts.”
4. Y Sudharshan Rao appointed as Chairman of ICHR
i. Yellapragada Sudharshan Rao on 25 June 2014 was appointed as Chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR). He replaced Basudev Chatterjee. He would serve the council for a term of three years.
ii. Y.S. Rao taught at Department of History, Kakatiya University. He had worked at Kakatiya University for about 40 years. He had vast experience in teaching and researching.
iii. He guided eight PhD and 15 MPhil students and has about 40 research papers published in various national and international journals to his credit.
5. India's child sex ratio drops: UN report
i. India needs to take urgent action following a sharp fall in its child sex ratio, a United Nations report said Tuesday.
ii. The study named "Sex Ratios and Gender-Biased Sex Selection: History, Debate and Future Directions", says the child sex ratio in India has deteriorated from 976 girls to 1,000 boys in 1961, to 927 girls in 2001 and to 918 girls in 2011.
iii. The report has been constituted by the United Nations Women with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
iv. UN Women is the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
v. It also says India is among the few countries where the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for girls is worse than boys.
vi. The other countries are Nepal and Bangladesh.
6. Government launches scheme to minimize wastage of fruits, vegetables
i. The government has launched a scheme for technology upgradation, establishment and modernization of food processing industries across the country to minimize wastage of perishable fruits and vegetables.
ii. Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the National Mission of Food Processing will be implemented during the 12th Plan period to set up primary processing centres, collection centres besides technology upgradation, establishment and modernization of such industries.
iii. "These schemes of the mission are implemented by the state governments and they have full powers to receive sanction and release funds to the eligible applicants," she said in Lok Sabha.
7. Sania Mirza: Brand Ambassador of Telangana
i. The Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrasekhara Rao bestowed the Brand Ambassadorship of the new State on India's tennis star Sania Mirza in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
ii. He wished her to notch the number one ranking in international tennis and bring laurels to Telangana.
22.07.2014--21.072014
1. 14 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from Wednesday
i. The 20th edition of the Games, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from Wednesday, will witness more than 4,000 athletes competing in 17 sports and 261 medal events.
ii. A record 22 para-sport events will be contested in five different sports, with para-track cycling set to be held for the first time. India is fielding their second largest ever contingent of 215 athletes.
iii. The biggest squad of 41 will be in Athletics, while there will be no Indians in three disciplines -- netball, rugby sevens and triathlon.
2. Sanjeev Kumar Singla appointed PS to PM Narendra Modi
i. IFS officer Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, succeeding Vikram Misri, who is going to Spain as Ambassador.
ii. Singla, a 1997 batch officer, is returning home to serve in the PMO, after a posting in Indian Embassy in Israel's Tel Aviv.
iii. Singla, earlier has worked as Director to the then former Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai.
iv. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved appointment of Singla to the post of Private Secretary to the Prime Minister in place of Vikram Misri, said an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
v. Misri, a 1989 batch IFS officer, who was appointed as Ambassador to Spain in April, served as Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After Modi took over on May 27, Misri was asked to continue for some time. It has been approved that Misri will continue as PS till July 31, the order said.
3. World Bank Chief arrives in New Delhi; to meet PM Narendra Modi
i. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim arrives in New Delhi today on a three-day visit to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to understand his development priorities.
ii. Mr. Kim will also meet with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his stay in the country. Kim in a statement said that the historic mandate from the people of India represents a tremendous opportunity to unlock India's growth potential.
4. Three former CJIs made ‘improper compromises’, alleges Katju
i. Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju, Chairman of Press Council of India, on Monday stirred a controversy by alleging that three ex-Chief Justices of India had compromised in giving extension to an additional judge of Madras High court at the instance of UPA government in the wake of pressure from one of its allies, apparently DMK.
ii. Mr. Katju made the charge while alleging how the three former CJIs - Justices R. C. Lahoti, Y. K. Sabharwal and K. G. Balakrishnan - had made “improper compromises” in allowing the judge, against whom there were several allegations of corruption, to continue in office. iii. “These three former CJIs made improper compromises. Justice Lahoti who started it, then Justice Sabharwal and then Justice Balakrishnan. These are CJIs who can surrender.
iv. Mr. Katju said since he got many reports that the additional judge concerned was allegedly indulging in corruption had requested the then CJI Justice Lahoti to get a secret IB inquiry made about him.
5. Bolivia legalised Child Labour for Kids from Age 10
i. Bolivia on 18 July 2014 passed a law to legalise child labour for kids from age 10. The bill was approved by Bolivian Congress in June 2014. The bill was signed into law by the Vice President of Bolivia.
ii. Under the legislation, 10-year-olds will be able to work as long as they are under parental supervision and also attend school. It sets 12 as the minimum age for a child to work under contract. They also would have to attend school.
iii. The bill also offers safeguards for working children like the bill sets harsher punishment of 30 years for violence against children.
6. Canara Bank signs Rs1,170-cr loan pact for Kochi Metro
i. Canara Bank signed an agreement with the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd on Sunday for a loan of Rs 1,170 crore to the Rs 5,200-crore Kochi Metro project.
ii. This is the largest loan offered by Canara Bank, which is Kerala’s lead bank, to a single entity in the State. RK Dubey, CMD of Canara Bank, who signed the agreement with KMRL Managing Director Elias George, said the bank was willing to support the project further.
7. Irishman Rory McIlroy won British Golf Open 2014
i. Irishman Rory McIlroy won the British Golf Open Championship 2014 held at Royal Liverpool Golf course in Holyake, United Kingdom on 20 July 2014.
ii. Spain's Sergio Garcia (L) and US golfer Rickie Fowler finished two strokes behind McIlory to finish at second position.
iii. Rory McIlory has so far not won the US Masters Tournament, the only Major that eludes him in completing a Career Grand Slam. The Majors won by him are: US Open in 2011, USPGA Championship in 2012 and the British Open in 2014.
8. Tesco appoints Dave Lewis as new CEO
i. Britain’s largest retailer Tesco plc on Monday announced appointment of Unilever executive and turnaround specialist Dave Lewis as the new CEO in place of incumbent Philip Clarke from October 1 as it warns of ‘challenging’ market sentiments.
ii. Commenting on the development, Tesco chairman Richard Broadbent said, “Having guided Tesco through a substantial re-positioning in challenging markets, Philip Clarke agreed with the Board that this is the appropriate moment to hand over to a new leader.”
iii. We are pleased to announce today the appointment of Dave Lewis, President, Personal Care at Unilever, as our Chief Executive from 1 October, 2014,” Mr. Broadbent added.
9. English-Gujarati Oxford dictionary now in Braille
i. In Gujarat, the Braille Press at Blind People's Association -BPA-Ahmedabad has come up with the Braille version of Oxford Dictionary.
ii. In the first phase, the English-Gujarati Oxford dictionary is being distributed to 26 schools and resource centers for the blind in the state covering about 10 thousand blind students.
iii. According to in-charge of Ahmedabad Braille Press, the other centers like Mumbai and Dehradun have come up with Braille dictionaries in the recent past. But these are English-to-English dictionaries. The new English to Gujarati dictionaries have covered more than 70,000 words.
iv. Primarily translating Gujarati school textbooks in Braille, Ahmedabad based Braille Press has also released the Braille version of the first two volumes of Baal Vishwakosh -Children's Encyclopedia.
v. As the limited resources are available in regional languages, the new Braille dictionaries will open the new universe of knowledge for blind students.
10. Rory McIlroy wins 3rd major title at 2014 Open C’ship
i. The Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy clinched his first Open Championship in Golf and third major title with a two shot victory over Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler on a thrilling final day at Hoylake.
ii. After his victory, he has joined Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win three of golf's modern majors by the age of 25. McIlroy, 25, now just has the Masters left to complete a career Grand Slam.
11. India among highest investors in UK
i. Indian projects figure among the highest foreign investment in Britain in the last financial year, a year that saw the highest inward investment into the country since the 1980s, official sources here said.
ii. Of the top ten source-countries for investment in Britain, India ranks seventh, with 74 projects during 2013-14.
iii. The figures were released before the Commonwealth Games Business Conference in Glasgow on Tuesday and Wednesday which will showcase to the world’s business and political leaders all that the UK has to offer.
iv. The USA led the way as the largest source of FDI projects for the UK, generating 501 projects, up 27%. The top Commonwealth country for FDI is Canada. Canadian investment reached new heights in 2013/14, with 89 projects, up an encouraging 41%.
12. AirAsia India starts Bangalore-Kochi flight service
i. AirAsia India, which stated operations in the country on June 12, now has services to Goa, Chennai and Kochi from Bangalore.
ii. "AirAsia flight from Bangalore landed in Kochi six minutes before the scheduled arrival time of 9.55 am. The return flight also took off three minutes before the scheduled departure time of 10.20 am," a Cochin International Airport
13. Wozniacki routs Vinci for Istanbul title
i. Top seed Caroline Wozniacki won her first title of the year and 22nd of her career on Sunday when she defeated second-seeded Italian Roberta Vinci 6-1, 6-1 in the Istanbul WTA final.
ii. The former world number one has now won a WTA title every year for the last seven years, winning her first three in 2008, three more in 2009, six in 2010, six in 2011, two in 2012, one in 2013 and now one in 2014.
14. Nomura forecasts 6% growth in 2015 for India'
i. India is set to be Asia's biggest turnaround story and the country's GDP growth is expected to rise to over 6% in FY 2015 and over 7% in FY 2016, says a Nomura report.
ii. According to the Japa
nese brokerage firm, 2014 would mark an inflection point and 2016 will be a watershed year as Indian economy will start outpacing China.
iii. "We believe India is at an inflection point. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new reform-minded government, the medium-term outlook is much improved," Nomura said in a research note.
iv. "We expect real GDP growth to rise from an average of 4.7% in 2013-14 to 6.3% in 2015, 7.1% in 2016 and 7.7% in 2017," Nomura said.
v. The last three years have been challenging for the Indian economy, with real GDP growth sliding from an average of 8.4% over the period 2003-10 to 5.3% during 2011-13.
20.07.2014
i. The 20th edition of the Games, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from Wednesday, will witness more than 4,000 athletes competing in 17 sports and 261 medal events.
ii. A record 22 para-sport events will be contested in five different sports, with para-track cycling set to be held for the first time. India is fielding their second largest ever contingent of 215 athletes.
iii. The biggest squad of 41 will be in Athletics, while there will be no Indians in three disciplines -- netball, rugby sevens and triathlon.
2. Sanjeev Kumar Singla appointed PS to PM Narendra Modi
i. IFS officer Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, succeeding Vikram Misri, who is going to Spain as Ambassador.
ii. Singla, a 1997 batch officer, is returning home to serve in the PMO, after a posting in Indian Embassy in Israel's Tel Aviv.
iii. Singla, earlier has worked as Director to the then former Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai.
iv. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved appointment of Singla to the post of Private Secretary to the Prime Minister in place of Vikram Misri, said an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
v. Misri, a 1989 batch IFS officer, who was appointed as Ambassador to Spain in April, served as Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. After Modi took over on May 27, Misri was asked to continue for some time. It has been approved that Misri will continue as PS till July 31, the order said.
3. World Bank Chief arrives in New Delhi; to meet PM Narendra Modi
i. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim arrives in New Delhi today on a three-day visit to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in order to understand his development priorities.
ii. Mr. Kim will also meet with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his stay in the country. Kim in a statement said that the historic mandate from the people of India represents a tremendous opportunity to unlock India's growth potential.
4. Three former CJIs made ‘improper compromises’, alleges Katju
i. Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju, Chairman of Press Council of India, on Monday stirred a controversy by alleging that three ex-Chief Justices of India had compromised in giving extension to an additional judge of Madras High court at the instance of UPA government in the wake of pressure from one of its allies, apparently DMK.
ii. Mr. Katju made the charge while alleging how the three former CJIs - Justices R. C. Lahoti, Y. K. Sabharwal and K. G. Balakrishnan - had made “improper compromises” in allowing the judge, against whom there were several allegations of corruption, to continue in office. iii. “These three former CJIs made improper compromises. Justice Lahoti who started it, then Justice Sabharwal and then Justice Balakrishnan. These are CJIs who can surrender.
iv. Mr. Katju said since he got many reports that the additional judge concerned was allegedly indulging in corruption had requested the then CJI Justice Lahoti to get a secret IB inquiry made about him.
5. Bolivia legalised Child Labour for Kids from Age 10
i. Bolivia on 18 July 2014 passed a law to legalise child labour for kids from age 10. The bill was approved by Bolivian Congress in June 2014. The bill was signed into law by the Vice President of Bolivia.
ii. Under the legislation, 10-year-olds will be able to work as long as they are under parental supervision and also attend school. It sets 12 as the minimum age for a child to work under contract. They also would have to attend school.
iii. The bill also offers safeguards for working children like the bill sets harsher punishment of 30 years for violence against children.
6. Canara Bank signs Rs1,170-cr loan pact for Kochi Metro
i. Canara Bank signed an agreement with the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd on Sunday for a loan of Rs 1,170 crore to the Rs 5,200-crore Kochi Metro project.
ii. This is the largest loan offered by Canara Bank, which is Kerala’s lead bank, to a single entity in the State. RK Dubey, CMD of Canara Bank, who signed the agreement with KMRL Managing Director Elias George, said the bank was willing to support the project further.
7. Irishman Rory McIlroy won British Golf Open 2014
i. Irishman Rory McIlroy won the British Golf Open Championship 2014 held at Royal Liverpool Golf course in Holyake, United Kingdom on 20 July 2014.
ii. Spain's Sergio Garcia (L) and US golfer Rickie Fowler finished two strokes behind McIlory to finish at second position.
iii. Rory McIlory has so far not won the US Masters Tournament, the only Major that eludes him in completing a Career Grand Slam. The Majors won by him are: US Open in 2011, USPGA Championship in 2012 and the British Open in 2014.
8. Tesco appoints Dave Lewis as new CEO
i. Britain’s largest retailer Tesco plc on Monday announced appointment of Unilever executive and turnaround specialist Dave Lewis as the new CEO in place of incumbent Philip Clarke from October 1 as it warns of ‘challenging’ market sentiments.
ii. Commenting on the development, Tesco chairman Richard Broadbent said, “Having guided Tesco through a substantial re-positioning in challenging markets, Philip Clarke agreed with the Board that this is the appropriate moment to hand over to a new leader.”
iii. We are pleased to announce today the appointment of Dave Lewis, President, Personal Care at Unilever, as our Chief Executive from 1 October, 2014,” Mr. Broadbent added.
9. English-Gujarati Oxford dictionary now in Braille
i. In Gujarat, the Braille Press at Blind People's Association -BPA-Ahmedabad has come up with the Braille version of Oxford Dictionary.
ii. In the first phase, the English-Gujarati Oxford dictionary is being distributed to 26 schools and resource centers for the blind in the state covering about 10 thousand blind students.
iii. According to in-charge of Ahmedabad Braille Press, the other centers like Mumbai and Dehradun have come up with Braille dictionaries in the recent past. But these are English-to-English dictionaries. The new English to Gujarati dictionaries have covered more than 70,000 words.
iv. Primarily translating Gujarati school textbooks in Braille, Ahmedabad based Braille Press has also released the Braille version of the first two volumes of Baal Vishwakosh -Children's Encyclopedia.
v. As the limited resources are available in regional languages, the new Braille dictionaries will open the new universe of knowledge for blind students.
10. Rory McIlroy wins 3rd major title at 2014 Open C’ship
i. The Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy clinched his first Open Championship in Golf and third major title with a two shot victory over Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler on a thrilling final day at Hoylake.
ii. After his victory, he has joined Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win three of golf's modern majors by the age of 25. McIlroy, 25, now just has the Masters left to complete a career Grand Slam.
11. India among highest investors in UK
i. Indian projects figure among the highest foreign investment in Britain in the last financial year, a year that saw the highest inward investment into the country since the 1980s, official sources here said.
ii. Of the top ten source-countries for investment in Britain, India ranks seventh, with 74 projects during 2013-14.
iii. The figures were released before the Commonwealth Games Business Conference in Glasgow on Tuesday and Wednesday which will showcase to the world’s business and political leaders all that the UK has to offer.
iv. The USA led the way as the largest source of FDI projects for the UK, generating 501 projects, up 27%. The top Commonwealth country for FDI is Canada. Canadian investment reached new heights in 2013/14, with 89 projects, up an encouraging 41%.
12. AirAsia India starts Bangalore-Kochi flight service
i. AirAsia India, which stated operations in the country on June 12, now has services to Goa, Chennai and Kochi from Bangalore.
ii. "AirAsia flight from Bangalore landed in Kochi six minutes before the scheduled arrival time of 9.55 am. The return flight also took off three minutes before the scheduled departure time of 10.20 am," a Cochin International Airport
13. Wozniacki routs Vinci for Istanbul title
i. Top seed Caroline Wozniacki won her first title of the year and 22nd of her career on Sunday when she defeated second-seeded Italian Roberta Vinci 6-1, 6-1 in the Istanbul WTA final.
ii. The former world number one has now won a WTA title every year for the last seven years, winning her first three in 2008, three more in 2009, six in 2010, six in 2011, two in 2012, one in 2013 and now one in 2014.
14. Nomura forecasts 6% growth in 2015 for India'
i. India is set to be Asia's biggest turnaround story and the country's GDP growth is expected to rise to over 6% in FY 2015 and over 7% in FY 2016, says a Nomura report.
ii. According to the Japa
nese brokerage firm, 2014 would mark an inflection point and 2016 will be a watershed year as Indian economy will start outpacing China.
iii. "We believe India is at an inflection point. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new reform-minded government, the medium-term outlook is much improved," Nomura said in a research note.
iv. "We expect real GDP growth to rise from an average of 4.7% in 2013-14 to 6.3% in 2015, 7.1% in 2016 and 7.7% in 2017," Nomura said.
v. The last three years have been challenging for the Indian economy, with real GDP growth sliding from an average of 8.4% over the period 2003-10 to 5.3% during 2011-13.
20.07.2014
Shri Debasish Mallick and Shri David Rasquinha Appointed as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Exim Bank of India [20/07/2014]
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of following officials as Deputy Managing Director (DMD), EXIM Bank of India from the date of taking over the charge of the said post:
1) Shri Debasish Mallick, presently MD & CEO, IDBI Asset Management Company Ltd;
2) Shri David Rasquinha, presently Executive Director, Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of following officials as Deputy Managing Director (DMD), EXIM Bank of India from the date of taking over the charge of the said post:
1) Shri Debasish Mallick, presently MD & CEO, IDBI Asset Management Company Ltd;
2) Shri David Rasquinha, presently Executive Director, Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
Kerala tourism bags PATA awards[18/07/2014]
Kerala Tourism has bagged two honours at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards for this year. The state tourism department's 'Responsible Tourism' initiative in Kumarakom and its online newsletter have won the PATA Gold awards, said an official statement quoting the Macau Government Tourism Office, which supports and sponsors the awards.
Kumarakom Responsible Tourism Project won the award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category while Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter received the recognition in the Marketing Media section.
This is the second consecutive PATA Gold award for the Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter. There are 20 winners of the PATA Awards this year, selected from 181 entries from 66 organisations and individuals worldwide.
India to host next IBSA summit[18/07/2014]
India will host the 7th IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) summit in 2015. The announcement was made following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma in Brasília.
The two leaders met at the sidelines of the interaction between the BRICS leadership and leaders from Latin American countries.
This will be the third time New Delhi will be hosting the IBSA summit since it started in 2006. While the inaugural edition of the summit was held in Brazil, India played host to the third edition in 2008 and the sixth in 2013. IBSA is a trilateral initiative between India, Brazil and South Africa “to promote, inter-alia, South-South cooperation and exchange.” The platform was announced, following a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the three countries in Brasilia in 2003, through the adoption of the Brasilia Declaration.
The IBSA summit involves consultations at the heads of state-level while meetings between Ministers and officials are held at the Trilateral Joint Commission and Focal Point levels respectively.
Justice G.S.Singhvi(Retd) nominated as Arbitrator on behalf of the Government [18/07/2014]
Justice G.S.Singhvi(Retd), former judge of the Supreme court of India, has been nominated as Arbitrator on behalf of Government of India in the arbitration initiated by Reliance Industries Limited, Niko(Neco) Limited and BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited against the Government under the block KG-DWN-98/3 (KG-D6). RIL had nominated Sir David Steel as their arbitrator.
Next BRICS Summit to be held in Russian city of Ufa[16/07/2014]
The next year's BRICS Summit will be held in the Russian city of Ufa after the grouping's successful meeting in Brazil that saw an agreement being reached on establishing a development bank and a contingency reserve arrangement.
"Brazil, India, China and South Africa convey their appreciation to Russia for its offer to host the Seventh BRICS Summit in 2015 in the city of Ufa and extend their full support to that end," the BRICS leaders said in the Fortaleza Declaration.
Smt Rina Mitra appointed Director NICFS [15/07/2014]
Smt. Rina Mitra, IPS (MP:83), IG, BPR&D has been appointed as Director, National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) at ADG level in the HAG pay scale. Her appointment will be effective from the date of assumption of charge of the post and for the period upto 21.03.2015 i.e. remaining period of her Central deputation tenure or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Port Call at Vladivostok and Exercise Indra 2014[15/07/2014]
Ships of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, viz., Shivalik, Ranvijay and Shakti, under the Command of Rear Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived at Vladivostok.
Indian Navy officials were welcomed by the representatives of the Russian Pacific Fleet Command, Diplomatic corps of India and the honour guard with the orchestra of the Pacific Fleet Headquarters on the 33rd pier of Vladivostok ship quay.
The major aims of the visit are strengthening and development of friendly relations between the navies of the two countries and conduct of joint Naval exercise INDRA 2014. In the exercise, the Russian Navy will be represented by guided-missile cruiser Varyag, destroyer Bystry, large landing craft Peresvet along with supply vessels (changes are possible). Air assets of the Pacific Fleet and Indian Navy will also be actively involved in the exercise.
Airports at Bhopal, Indore and Raipur to be Declared International Airports [15/07/2014]
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri G.M. Siddeswara informed the Lok Sabha today that presently the Government is considering the proposals to declare Bhopal, Indore and Raipur airports as international airports.
The upgradation of an airport as international airport depends upon various factors like traffic potential, demand from airlines for operation of international flights and presence of facilities like a runway length of 9000 feet to cater to medium capacity long-range aircraft or equivalent type of aircraft, ground lighting facilities, Instrument Landing System for operation of aircraft at night and availability of Customs, Immigration, Health and Animal and Plant Quarantine services.
The President has been pleased to appoint the following as Governors[15/07/2014]
1. Shri Ram Naik as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh
2. Shri Balramji Dass Tandon as the Governor of Chhattisgarh
3. Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi as the Governor of West Bengal
4. Shri Om Prakash Kohli as the Governor of Gujarat
5. Shri Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya as the Governor of Nagaland
Kerala Tourism has bagged two honours at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards for this year. The state tourism department's 'Responsible Tourism' initiative in Kumarakom and its online newsletter have won the PATA Gold awards, said an official statement quoting the Macau Government Tourism Office, which supports and sponsors the awards.
Kumarakom Responsible Tourism Project won the award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category while Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter received the recognition in the Marketing Media section.
This is the second consecutive PATA Gold award for the Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter. There are 20 winners of the PATA Awards this year, selected from 181 entries from 66 organisations and individuals worldwide.
India to host next IBSA summit[18/07/2014]
India will host the 7th IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) summit in 2015. The announcement was made following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma in Brasília.
The two leaders met at the sidelines of the interaction between the BRICS leadership and leaders from Latin American countries.
This will be the third time New Delhi will be hosting the IBSA summit since it started in 2006. While the inaugural edition of the summit was held in Brazil, India played host to the third edition in 2008 and the sixth in 2013. IBSA is a trilateral initiative between India, Brazil and South Africa “to promote, inter-alia, South-South cooperation and exchange.” The platform was announced, following a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the three countries in Brasilia in 2003, through the adoption of the Brasilia Declaration.
The IBSA summit involves consultations at the heads of state-level while meetings between Ministers and officials are held at the Trilateral Joint Commission and Focal Point levels respectively.
Justice G.S.Singhvi(Retd) nominated as Arbitrator on behalf of the Government [18/07/2014]
Justice G.S.Singhvi(Retd), former judge of the Supreme court of India, has been nominated as Arbitrator on behalf of Government of India in the arbitration initiated by Reliance Industries Limited, Niko(Neco) Limited and BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited against the Government under the block KG-DWN-98/3 (KG-D6). RIL had nominated Sir David Steel as their arbitrator.
Next BRICS Summit to be held in Russian city of Ufa[16/07/2014]
The next year's BRICS Summit will be held in the Russian city of Ufa after the grouping's successful meeting in Brazil that saw an agreement being reached on establishing a development bank and a contingency reserve arrangement.
"Brazil, India, China and South Africa convey their appreciation to Russia for its offer to host the Seventh BRICS Summit in 2015 in the city of Ufa and extend their full support to that end," the BRICS leaders said in the Fortaleza Declaration.
Smt Rina Mitra appointed Director NICFS [15/07/2014]
Smt. Rina Mitra, IPS (MP:83), IG, BPR&D has been appointed as Director, National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS) at ADG level in the HAG pay scale. Her appointment will be effective from the date of assumption of charge of the post and for the period upto 21.03.2015 i.e. remaining period of her Central deputation tenure or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Port Call at Vladivostok and Exercise Indra 2014[15/07/2014]
Ships of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, viz., Shivalik, Ranvijay and Shakti, under the Command of Rear Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, arrived at Vladivostok.
Indian Navy officials were welcomed by the representatives of the Russian Pacific Fleet Command, Diplomatic corps of India and the honour guard with the orchestra of the Pacific Fleet Headquarters on the 33rd pier of Vladivostok ship quay.
The major aims of the visit are strengthening and development of friendly relations between the navies of the two countries and conduct of joint Naval exercise INDRA 2014. In the exercise, the Russian Navy will be represented by guided-missile cruiser Varyag, destroyer Bystry, large landing craft Peresvet along with supply vessels (changes are possible). Air assets of the Pacific Fleet and Indian Navy will also be actively involved in the exercise.
Airports at Bhopal, Indore and Raipur to be Declared International Airports [15/07/2014]
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri G.M. Siddeswara informed the Lok Sabha today that presently the Government is considering the proposals to declare Bhopal, Indore and Raipur airports as international airports.
The upgradation of an airport as international airport depends upon various factors like traffic potential, demand from airlines for operation of international flights and presence of facilities like a runway length of 9000 feet to cater to medium capacity long-range aircraft or equivalent type of aircraft, ground lighting facilities, Instrument Landing System for operation of aircraft at night and availability of Customs, Immigration, Health and Animal and Plant Quarantine services.
The President has been pleased to appoint the following as Governors[15/07/2014]
1. Shri Ram Naik as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh
2. Shri Balramji Dass Tandon as the Governor of Chhattisgarh
3. Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi as the Governor of West Bengal
4. Shri Om Prakash Kohli as the Governor of Gujarat
5. Shri Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya as the Governor of Nagaland
14.07.2014
1. Germany wrote a new chapter in the history of international football as they became the first European team to lift the World Cup in South America, clinching a hard-fought 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, their triumph coming on the back of steely resolve and blood on the pitch.
2. In a historic ceremony held at the Marmugao Harbour of Goa today, Dr.Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Personnel and Training, Science and Technology (Independent Charge), Atomic Energy, Space and Earth Sciences, dedicated to the nation the first ever indigenously built Research Vessel (Ship) " Sindhu Sadhana " acquired recently by the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography.
READ MORE.........
13/07/2014
Lt Gen Philip Campose Appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Philip Campose, the Western Army Commander will take over as Vice Chief of Army Staff on 01 Aug 14, as Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, the current incumbent takes over the reins of the Indian Army.
The General Officer was commissioned in the 9 Gorkha Rifles in 1974 and is an alumnus of St Xavier’s School Delhi, the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla (Pune) and Indian Military Academy at Dehradun. He was later sidestepped to the newly constituted Regiment of Mechanised Infantry in 1982. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, the General Officer also attended the Higher Command Course, Mhow and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
The General Officer has commanded an Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division on the Line of Control in J&K and a Corps in the Western Sector. He has headed a UN Peace Keeping mission in the former Yugoslavia and Northern Iraq.
The General Officer has been awarded the Vishist Seva Medal and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service. He tenanted the appointment of the Director General Perspective Planning (DG PP) at the Army Headquarters at New Delhi, before taking over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.
READ MORE......
12.07.2014
Navy get first indigenous anti submarine warship INS Kamorta[12/07/2014]
Ready to protect the waters, India's first indigenously built anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kamorta is handed over to the Indian Navy on 12th July 2014.
INS Kamorta, first in its class of four ASW corvettes being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata under Project-28 for the Navy, is the first warship ever built in the country with almost 90 per cent of indigenous content.
It is also the first warship manufactured in India with indigenously developed special grade high-tensile steel produced by state-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission announced for rural areas[12/07/2014]
With a focus on building rural infrastructure, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his maiden budget said, "The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission will be launched to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas." This will also include development of economic activities and skill development. "The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs while using various scheme funds.
MORE............
1. Germany wrote a new chapter in the history of international football as they became the first European team to lift the World Cup in South America, clinching a hard-fought 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, their triumph coming on the back of steely resolve and blood on the pitch.
2. In a historic ceremony held at the Marmugao Harbour of Goa today, Dr.Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Personnel and Training, Science and Technology (Independent Charge), Atomic Energy, Space and Earth Sciences, dedicated to the nation the first ever indigenously built Research Vessel (Ship) " Sindhu Sadhana " acquired recently by the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography.
READ MORE.........
13/07/2014
Lt Gen Philip Campose Appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Philip Campose, the Western Army Commander will take over as Vice Chief of Army Staff on 01 Aug 14, as Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, the current incumbent takes over the reins of the Indian Army.
The General Officer was commissioned in the 9 Gorkha Rifles in 1974 and is an alumnus of St Xavier’s School Delhi, the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla (Pune) and Indian Military Academy at Dehradun. He was later sidestepped to the newly constituted Regiment of Mechanised Infantry in 1982. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, the General Officer also attended the Higher Command Course, Mhow and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
The General Officer has commanded an Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division on the Line of Control in J&K and a Corps in the Western Sector. He has headed a UN Peace Keeping mission in the former Yugoslavia and Northern Iraq.
The General Officer has been awarded the Vishist Seva Medal and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service. He tenanted the appointment of the Director General Perspective Planning (DG PP) at the Army Headquarters at New Delhi, before taking over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.
READ MORE......
12.07.2014
Navy get first indigenous anti submarine warship INS Kamorta[12/07/2014]
Ready to protect the waters, India's first indigenously built anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kamorta is handed over to the Indian Navy on 12th July 2014.
INS Kamorta, first in its class of four ASW corvettes being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata under Project-28 for the Navy, is the first warship ever built in the country with almost 90 per cent of indigenous content.
It is also the first warship manufactured in India with indigenously developed special grade high-tensile steel produced by state-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission announced for rural areas[12/07/2014]
With a focus on building rural infrastructure, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his maiden budget said, "The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission will be launched to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas." This will also include development of economic activities and skill development. "The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs while using various scheme funds.
MORE............
11.07.2014
Government's first budget promotes solar energy, safety for women
NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Funds to help farmers adapt to climate change, ultra-modern solar power plants and schemes to promote women's safety in cities are among pledges the new government made in its first budget on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which swept to power in May, said in its 2014/15 budget that it would establish a National Adaptation Fund to help millions of farmers adapt to changing weather patterns resulting from global warming.
"Climate change is a reality which all of us have to face together. Agriculture as an activity is most prone to the vagaries of climate change," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told parliament.
"To meet this challenge, I propose to establish a National Adaptation Fund for climate change. As an initial sum an amount of 100 crore (rupees) ($18.5 million) will be transferred to the fund."
Farming makes up makes up almost one-sixth of India's GDP, but the sector is highly reliant on monsoon rains which are becoming increasingly erratic.
MORE......
Government's first budget promotes solar energy, safety for women
NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Funds to help farmers adapt to climate change, ultra-modern solar power plants and schemes to promote women's safety in cities are among pledges the new government made in its first budget on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which swept to power in May, said in its 2014/15 budget that it would establish a National Adaptation Fund to help millions of farmers adapt to changing weather patterns resulting from global warming.
"Climate change is a reality which all of us have to face together. Agriculture as an activity is most prone to the vagaries of climate change," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told parliament.
"To meet this challenge, I propose to establish a National Adaptation Fund for climate change. As an initial sum an amount of 100 crore (rupees) ($18.5 million) will be transferred to the fund."
Farming makes up makes up almost one-sixth of India's GDP, but the sector is highly reliant on monsoon rains which are becoming increasingly erratic.
MORE......
10.07.2014
i. After growing at an average annual rate of just over 6 per cent from 1980 to 2010, India’s economy is now the 10th biggest in the world in terms of gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
ii. However, its growth has slowed in recent years, with an expansion of 4.7 per cent in 2013-2014, up from 4.5 per cent the previous year, the slowest pace in the previous decade.
iii. India’s growth has been largely driven by the services sector which comprises over half of the economy, while the agricultural, manufacturing, and especially the industrial sectors have slowed down significantly, according to the latest quarterly review by the Indian Ministry of Finance.
iv. India remains the poorest country among the G20, with per capita income at $1,499 compared to China’s $6,807.
v. China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates are India’s main trading partners, with its most valuable exports being refined petroleum, followed by jewelry, manufactured drugs, and rice.
2. Fiscal deficit target at 4.1% of GDP for 2014-15
i. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said the government will retain the fiscal deficit target for 2014-15 at 4.1 per cent of GDP and reduce it further to 3 per cent by 2016-17.
Read More....
ii. However, its growth has slowed in recent years, with an expansion of 4.7 per cent in 2013-2014, up from 4.5 per cent the previous year, the slowest pace in the previous decade.
iii. India’s growth has been largely driven by the services sector which comprises over half of the economy, while the agricultural, manufacturing, and especially the industrial sectors have slowed down significantly, according to the latest quarterly review by the Indian Ministry of Finance.
iv. India remains the poorest country among the G20, with per capita income at $1,499 compared to China’s $6,807.
v. China, the United States and the United Arab Emirates are India’s main trading partners, with its most valuable exports being refined petroleum, followed by jewelry, manufactured drugs, and rice.
2. Fiscal deficit target at 4.1% of GDP for 2014-15
i. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said the government will retain the fiscal deficit target for 2014-15 at 4.1 per cent of GDP and reduce it further to 3 per cent by 2016-17.
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09.07.2014
1. India test-fired an advanced version of the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Odisha coast. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at about 10.40 am, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said.
The missile is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg.
2. Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda presented his maiden Railway Budget in Parliament on Tuesday. Alongwith no new increase in passenger fares and freight charges the budget has proposed Bullet train in Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector, Diamond quadrilateral for high speed trains and plan to hike speed of trains to 160-200 km/hr in 9 sectors among other announcements.
3. India continues to battle poverty, child and maternal deaths, according to a United Nations report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that said while several key global targets have been met, more sustained effort is needed to cover disparities by the 2015 deadline.
The ‘Millennium Development Goals Report 2014’, launched by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said that many global MDG targets on reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary schools have already been met.
4. The government pushed through the ‘National Institute of Design Bill, 2013’ in the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the budget session of Parliament on Monday. The BJP-led NDA government, which is a minority in the Upper House, managed to pass the Bill with help from the Congress.
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1. India test-fired an advanced version of the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Odisha coast. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur at about 10.40 am, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said.
The missile is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg.
2. Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda presented his maiden Railway Budget in Parliament on Tuesday. Alongwith no new increase in passenger fares and freight charges the budget has proposed Bullet train in Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector, Diamond quadrilateral for high speed trains and plan to hike speed of trains to 160-200 km/hr in 9 sectors among other announcements.
3. India continues to battle poverty, child and maternal deaths, according to a United Nations report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) that said while several key global targets have been met, more sustained effort is needed to cover disparities by the 2015 deadline.
The ‘Millennium Development Goals Report 2014’, launched by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said that many global MDG targets on reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary schools have already been met.
4. The government pushed through the ‘National Institute of Design Bill, 2013’ in the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the budget session of Parliament on Monday. The BJP-led NDA government, which is a minority in the Upper House, managed to pass the Bill with help from the Congress.
Read More...
08.07.2014
1. Union Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda Presented Rail Budget 2014-15:
Union Rail Budget 2014-15 was presented by the Union Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda on 8 July 2014. This is the first rail budget presented by any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and it is also Gowda’s first rail budget.
Union Rail Budget 2014-15: Highlights
Railways to build FOB and escalators, toilets on all stations
• Railways also proposes to set up Food Courts at major stations
• RO drinking water facilities to be installed at stations
• Separate housekeeping wing at 50 major stations
• CCTV to monitor cleanliness activities
• Mechanized laundry will be introduced
• Dedicated freight corridor on Eastern and Western corridors
• Tourist trains to be introduced to link all major places of tourist interests across the country
• 4000 women constables to be recruited to ensure safety of women
• 17000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables to provide safety to passengers
• Setting up of Railway University for technical and non-technical study
Read more.....
06.07.2014
1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 3 July 2014 approved 300 million US dollars loan to Assam. The loan will help Assam in its drive to eliminate power sector inefficiencies that are hurting its consumers, its world-famous tea industry, and its environment.
2. China – South Korea bilateral summit was held in Seoul on 3 July 2014. The summit was held between South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was held during the Chinese President Xi’s first visit to South Korea since he became the President in 2013.
During the summit, both the Presidents agreed to push for the denuclearization of North Korea and issued a Joint Statement.
3. Japan on 1 July 2014 ended the 60 years of pacifism giving Army the option to exercise force. The resolution towards this was adopted by Japanese Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shizo Abe.
The Cabinet resolution laid down certain scopes or minimum degree under which Japan can exercise force.
4. NASA and Boeing have inked a $2.8 billion deal to develop a giant rocket which is set to be the largest and most powerful ever built, paving the way for manned missions to Mars. Boeing has finalised a contract with NASA to develop the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built.
5. China’s President Xi Jinping will this year become the first Chinese head of state to visit Sri Lanka in three decades, underlining Beijing’s renewed push to deepen its strategic and economic presence in the neighbourhood and in the Indian Ocean.
The Chinese leader will become the first President to visit Sri Lanka since former leader Li Xiannian in 1986. His visit assumes significance in the context of strengthening ties between the two countries, with China investing heavily in the island nation.
6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the 240 MW Uri-II hydropower project built by NHPC at a cost of Rs. 2290 crore in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing people at the project site, Shri Modi said his Government is committed to dispel darkness from the country. He said this project was conceived during the Government of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and we have fulfilled that vision.
7. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh on 4th July. The Minister appreciated the efforts of both institutions to work together to fulfil their mandates efficiently. The MoU was signed by Dr.Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD and Shri Pravesh Sharma, MD, SFAC.
8. The Supreme Court (SC) of India on 4 July 2014 directed Haryana Government to stop all illegal mining and stone crushing activities in Aravali Hills region. In its direction, SC gave two weeks time to stop the process otherwise it will face Contempt of Court proceedings.
9. Bharat Vir Wanchoo, the Governor of Goa resigned on 4 July 2014. He is the fifth Governor to resign in last one month after M K Narayanan (West Bengal), B L Joshi (Uttar Pradesh), Shekhar Dutt (Chhattisgarh) and Ashwani Kumar (Nagaland). Also, he became the second Governor to be quizzed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after M K Narayanan. He is being quizzed as a witness in connection with the alleged irregularities in the 12 helicopters deal meant for VVIPs from AgustaWestland.
10. Louis Zamperini, a 1936 US Olympic distance runner and World War II veteran, died due to pneumonia on 2 July 2014. He was 97. He was an enlisted in the US Army just before the Pearl Harbour incident in 1945 and participated in WW-II
1. Union Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda Presented Rail Budget 2014-15:
Union Rail Budget 2014-15 was presented by the Union Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda on 8 July 2014. This is the first rail budget presented by any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and it is also Gowda’s first rail budget.
Union Rail Budget 2014-15: Highlights
Railways to build FOB and escalators, toilets on all stations
• Railways also proposes to set up Food Courts at major stations
• RO drinking water facilities to be installed at stations
• Separate housekeeping wing at 50 major stations
• CCTV to monitor cleanliness activities
• Mechanized laundry will be introduced
• Dedicated freight corridor on Eastern and Western corridors
• Tourist trains to be introduced to link all major places of tourist interests across the country
• 4000 women constables to be recruited to ensure safety of women
• 17000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables to provide safety to passengers
• Setting up of Railway University for technical and non-technical study
Read more.....
06.07.2014
1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 3 July 2014 approved 300 million US dollars loan to Assam. The loan will help Assam in its drive to eliminate power sector inefficiencies that are hurting its consumers, its world-famous tea industry, and its environment.
2. China – South Korea bilateral summit was held in Seoul on 3 July 2014. The summit was held between South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was held during the Chinese President Xi’s first visit to South Korea since he became the President in 2013.
During the summit, both the Presidents agreed to push for the denuclearization of North Korea and issued a Joint Statement.
3. Japan on 1 July 2014 ended the 60 years of pacifism giving Army the option to exercise force. The resolution towards this was adopted by Japanese Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shizo Abe.
The Cabinet resolution laid down certain scopes or minimum degree under which Japan can exercise force.
4. NASA and Boeing have inked a $2.8 billion deal to develop a giant rocket which is set to be the largest and most powerful ever built, paving the way for manned missions to Mars. Boeing has finalised a contract with NASA to develop the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built.
5. China’s President Xi Jinping will this year become the first Chinese head of state to visit Sri Lanka in three decades, underlining Beijing’s renewed push to deepen its strategic and economic presence in the neighbourhood and in the Indian Ocean.
The Chinese leader will become the first President to visit Sri Lanka since former leader Li Xiannian in 1986. His visit assumes significance in the context of strengthening ties between the two countries, with China investing heavily in the island nation.
6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the 240 MW Uri-II hydropower project built by NHPC at a cost of Rs. 2290 crore in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing people at the project site, Shri Modi said his Government is committed to dispel darkness from the country. He said this project was conceived during the Government of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and we have fulfilled that vision.
7. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh on 4th July. The Minister appreciated the efforts of both institutions to work together to fulfil their mandates efficiently. The MoU was signed by Dr.Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD and Shri Pravesh Sharma, MD, SFAC.
8. The Supreme Court (SC) of India on 4 July 2014 directed Haryana Government to stop all illegal mining and stone crushing activities in Aravali Hills region. In its direction, SC gave two weeks time to stop the process otherwise it will face Contempt of Court proceedings.
9. Bharat Vir Wanchoo, the Governor of Goa resigned on 4 July 2014. He is the fifth Governor to resign in last one month after M K Narayanan (West Bengal), B L Joshi (Uttar Pradesh), Shekhar Dutt (Chhattisgarh) and Ashwani Kumar (Nagaland). Also, he became the second Governor to be quizzed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after M K Narayanan. He is being quizzed as a witness in connection with the alleged irregularities in the 12 helicopters deal meant for VVIPs from AgustaWestland.
10. Louis Zamperini, a 1936 US Olympic distance runner and World War II veteran, died due to pneumonia on 2 July 2014. He was 97. He was an enlisted in the US Army just before the Pearl Harbour incident in 1945 and participated in WW-II
3/7/2014
1.India becomes the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled on 30th June, 2014.
2. Sujit Choudhry, an international constitutional law expert, has become the first Indian- American Dean of the Berkeley School of Law of the University of California, one of the major law schools in the US.
3. Centre hiked the minimum export price of onion to USD 500 per tonne to improve the domestic supply and curb prices.
4. A top Ghanaian military official has been appointed head of the UN military observer group stationed along the LoC between India and Pakistan.
5. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan along with the Union Minister for Human Resources Development, Smriti Irani inaugurated the “First Aid Post” at Shastri Bhawan.
6. Meghalaya Governor Krishan Kant Paul took over additional charge of Nagaland.
7. Infosys Ltd will pay its new CEO Vishal Sikka up to USD 5.08 mn in annual salary besides a stock option of USD 2 million, a package considered lower than global peers.
8. Top military leadership of the US, Japan and S Korea have met in Hawaii to discuss the evolving security environment in the Asia Pacific region and exchange views on regional security issues.
9. Leading squash players Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal have been seeded fourth and sixth respectively for singles competition at Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
1.India becomes the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled on 30th June, 2014.
2. Sujit Choudhry, an international constitutional law expert, has become the first Indian- American Dean of the Berkeley School of Law of the University of California, one of the major law schools in the US.
3. Centre hiked the minimum export price of onion to USD 500 per tonne to improve the domestic supply and curb prices.
4. A top Ghanaian military official has been appointed head of the UN military observer group stationed along the LoC between India and Pakistan.
5. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan along with the Union Minister for Human Resources Development, Smriti Irani inaugurated the “First Aid Post” at Shastri Bhawan.
6. Meghalaya Governor Krishan Kant Paul took over additional charge of Nagaland.
7. Infosys Ltd will pay its new CEO Vishal Sikka up to USD 5.08 mn in annual salary besides a stock option of USD 2 million, a package considered lower than global peers.
8. Top military leadership of the US, Japan and S Korea have met in Hawaii to discuss the evolving security environment in the Asia Pacific region and exchange views on regional security issues.
9. Leading squash players Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal have been seeded fourth and sixth respectively for singles competition at Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
CSIR Developed State-of-the-Art Marksmanship Training System[02/07/2014]
A state-of-the-art target training system, DHVANI (Detection and Hit Visualization using Acoustic N-wave Identification) developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru, for perfecting marksmanship skills by accurately determining the location of bullet impact and providing real-time feedback, has been validated and approved for induction into the Indian Army. After rigorous field trials at Army ranges in Bengaluru, Secunderabad, and Infantry School Mhow, DHVANI will now be formally handed over to the Indian Army in Secunderabad on 03 July 2014.
The marksmanship training requires positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. However, the manual system currently used by the Indian Army involves the marksman firing shots at the target and subsequently walking up to the target (about 300 m) and identifying whether the shots were a hit or a miss. This primitive type of marksmanship training exhibits not only high turnaround times but is also inconsistent, unreliable, inaccurate and subjective.
This modern indigenous marksmanship training system, DHVANI is tailor made by CSIR-NAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Army at a cost lower by 40 per cent of the cost of similar systems available elsewhere in the world without compromising on the performance – the whole process i.e. firing a shot to displaying of results at the shooter end takes less than half a millisecond. At the shooter end, a multi-functional interactive GUI on aMIL grade laptop displays the results. Furthermore, a comprehensive database containing personnel details, shots fired and performance statistics ensures comprehensive logging for later analysis. The system originally developed for use by the Indian Army has potential application for use by the paramilitary forces and also in the sports sector.
A state-of-the-art target training system, DHVANI (Detection and Hit Visualization using Acoustic N-wave Identification) developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru, for perfecting marksmanship skills by accurately determining the location of bullet impact and providing real-time feedback, has been validated and approved for induction into the Indian Army. After rigorous field trials at Army ranges in Bengaluru, Secunderabad, and Infantry School Mhow, DHVANI will now be formally handed over to the Indian Army in Secunderabad on 03 July 2014.
The marksmanship training requires positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. However, the manual system currently used by the Indian Army involves the marksman firing shots at the target and subsequently walking up to the target (about 300 m) and identifying whether the shots were a hit or a miss. This primitive type of marksmanship training exhibits not only high turnaround times but is also inconsistent, unreliable, inaccurate and subjective.
This modern indigenous marksmanship training system, DHVANI is tailor made by CSIR-NAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Army at a cost lower by 40 per cent of the cost of similar systems available elsewhere in the world without compromising on the performance – the whole process i.e. firing a shot to displaying of results at the shooter end takes less than half a millisecond. At the shooter end, a multi-functional interactive GUI on aMIL grade laptop displays the results. Furthermore, a comprehensive database containing personnel details, shots fired and performance statistics ensures comprehensive logging for later analysis. The system originally developed for use by the Indian Army has potential application for use by the paramilitary forces and also in the sports sector.
India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for IBRD Assistance of US$ 500 Million[02/07/2014]
The Government of India and the World Bank signed here today a Loan Agreement for World Bank (IBRD) assistance of US $ 500 million for National Highways Inter-connectivity Improvement Project (NHIIP). This Agreement was signed by Shri Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Michael Haney, World Bank Operations’ Advisers in India on behalf of the World Bank.
The objective of the project is to improve the National Highway network connectivity to less developed States and enhance institutional capacity of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to better manage the highway network. The Project comprises of upgradation of about 1120 kilometer of existing single/intermediate lane National Highways in three low income States (Bihar, Orissa and Rajasthan) and in less developed regions of two middle income States (Karnataka and West Bengal). The total project size is US$ 1146.05 million.
The Government of India and the World Bank signed here today a Loan Agreement for World Bank (IBRD) assistance of US $ 500 million for National Highways Inter-connectivity Improvement Project (NHIIP). This Agreement was signed by Shri Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Michael Haney, World Bank Operations’ Advisers in India on behalf of the World Bank.
The objective of the project is to improve the National Highway network connectivity to less developed States and enhance institutional capacity of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to better manage the highway network. The Project comprises of upgradation of about 1120 kilometer of existing single/intermediate lane National Highways in three low income States (Bihar, Orissa and Rajasthan) and in less developed regions of two middle income States (Karnataka and West Bengal). The total project size is US$ 1146.05 million.
National Doctors Day[01/07/2014]
National Doctors’ Day is observe on July 1. This day is also the birth and death day of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a great physician and political leader. He was also called the reformer of West Bengal.
Indian Naval ship in Exercise RIMPAC-14[01/07/2014]
Covering a distance of over 5000 nautical miles (9000 Km), Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, an indigenously built guided missile stealth Frigate arrived today at Pearl Harbour, USA to participate in the multilateral maritime exercise, called RIMPAC (Rim of Pacific). The exercise is scheduled to be held from 01 Jul – 02 Aug 14. This is the first ever participation of an Indian Naval ship in Exercise RIMPAC.
During the stay in Pearl Harbour, the ship’s crew would be participating in harbour exercises, professional interactions, military symposiums, sports events and social fixtures being conducted as part of the Harbour Phase of RIMPAC 14. Subsequently, during the Sea Phase, the ship will participate in various exercises with navies from different countries, covering the entire gamut of maritime operations including anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and Carrier Strike Group operations.
INS Sahyadri’s participation in RIMPAC-14 will serve to reinforce naval ties with USA and other participating countries, as well as contribute immensely towards enhancing interoperability with friendly navies.
National Doctors’ Day is observe on July 1. This day is also the birth and death day of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was a great physician and political leader. He was also called the reformer of West Bengal.
Indian Naval ship in Exercise RIMPAC-14[01/07/2014]
Covering a distance of over 5000 nautical miles (9000 Km), Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, an indigenously built guided missile stealth Frigate arrived today at Pearl Harbour, USA to participate in the multilateral maritime exercise, called RIMPAC (Rim of Pacific). The exercise is scheduled to be held from 01 Jul – 02 Aug 14. This is the first ever participation of an Indian Naval ship in Exercise RIMPAC.
During the stay in Pearl Harbour, the ship’s crew would be participating in harbour exercises, professional interactions, military symposiums, sports events and social fixtures being conducted as part of the Harbour Phase of RIMPAC 14. Subsequently, during the Sea Phase, the ship will participate in various exercises with navies from different countries, covering the entire gamut of maritime operations including anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and Carrier Strike Group operations.
INS Sahyadri’s participation in RIMPAC-14 will serve to reinforce naval ties with USA and other participating countries, as well as contribute immensely towards enhancing interoperability with friendly navies.