Current Events Jan

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What will be the contribution of India?

In this project 15% of the 492 mirror segments, each 1.44 m in size, will be fabricated in India. The

Indian companies will be supplying high-end components such as edge sensors, actuators, segmentsupport assemblies and provide services such as polishing of the mirror segments, and software tocontrol the operations of the telescope, the mirror, and telescope dome. India is making a contributionof 10% 70 % of it in kind and 30% in cash. Currently, India has a status of an observer and it is in

the process of becoming a permanent member.

Bhutan king igme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to be Republic Day parade chief guestJanuary 24th, 2013

BhutanKing Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be the chief guest atIndias64th Republic Day parade on Jan 26, 2013.

Earlier, the ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos Said bin Said, was to be the chiefguest at the Republic Day parade, but he declined.

The Bhutan king is also to be the chief guest at the Confederation of IndianIndustry Partnership Summit-2013 to be held at Agra from Jan 27-29, 2013.

The former king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the chief guest at the Republic Day paradein 2005.

12 LPG cylinders to BPL households in DelhiJanuary 24th, 2013

TheDelhigovernment has decided to raise the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from 9 to 12 forBPL families and other marginalized sections. The move is expected to benefit 4 lakh families. A fewdays before, Centre had increased the number of subsidized cylinders from 6 to 9.

This decision by Delhi government is part of its kerosene-free Delhi schemelaunched in August,2012. The scheme was launched with free distribution of gas stoves, cylinder and regulator to allfamilies covered under BPL, Antyodaya Anna Yojna and Jhuggi Ration Car

Intel to make an interface to help Stephen Hawkins communicate faster

January 24th, 2013

Intel , the worlds largest and most valued chip maker, has revealed that it isworking on an interface that will boost the scientists speech to up to 10 words perminute. Currently, Hawkins rate of communication is 1 word per minute. Hawkinghas a motor neurone disease related toAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), acondition that has progressed over the years. He is almost entirely paralysed andcommunicates through a speech generating device.

Virat Kohli becomes second fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODIsJanuary 24th, 2013

Indiancricketstar Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in OneDay Internationals (ODIs). Virat Kohli played 96 ODI matches and 93 innings to

reach this milestone. Before Sourav Ganguly was the fastest Indian to score 4000runs in ODI who had played 105 inning.

Reliance terminates lobbying activities in USJanuary 24th, 2013

Mukesh Ambani- led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)has terminated all its lobbying activities

among US lawmakers after having spent nearly 2 million dollars (over Rs 10 crore) to its lobbyistfirm, Barbour Griffith & Rogers LLC (BGR), in the past 4 years. BGR has lobbied for RIL in the

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areas of domestic andforeign tradeand has provided "strategic counsel on issues related totrade.

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Rajnath Singh takes charge as new BJP presidentJanuary 24th, 2013

The BJP unanimously elected Rajnath Singh as its president. Singh replaced NitinGadkari who had been on the post since 2009.

Winners of 58th Idea Filmfare AwardsJanuary 24th, 2013

The grand Annual 58th Idea Filmfare Awardsevent was organized inMumbai. The following are the winners under various categories:

POPULAR AWARDS:

Best Actor (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!) Best Actor (Female): Vidya Balan (Kahaani) Best Film: Barfi! Best Director: Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani) Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor) Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

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French, Malian troops retake main townsJanuary 24th, 2013

The combined efforts of French and Malian troops has led to recapture of two key towns from al-Qaeda-linked Islamists holding Malis north.The towns of Diabalyand Douentzawere retaken

in the 11-day offensive led by former colonial powerFrance,whose aim is the "total reconquest" ofMalis vast semi-arid north.

However, the reaction ofEgypton this move of France was sharply critical which is not in support of

military intervention in Mali saying the move will fuel conflict in the region.

Diabaly,which lies 400 kilometres north of the capital Bamako.

Douentzais a strategic crossroads town some 100km east of Konna.

The planned deployment of around 6000 African soldiers is slowly taking place into Bamako. The UN-approved African-led force is hindered by cash and logistical constraints, requiring up to 200 millioneuros.

25 RRBs merged into 10January 24th, 2013

Restructuring of RRBs by merging geographically contiguous RRBs sponsored by different banks withina state is in progress in order to consolidate RRBs segment. During the first 9 months of the currentfiscal 25 such banks have been merged into 10. Now the number of RRBs stands at 67 till the firstweek of Jan 2013. RRBs have a network of about 16,000 branches spread across the rural and semi-urban centres of the country.

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What is the aim of consolidation?

The consolidation of RRBs has been progressing since 2005 following the recommendation of acommittee chaired by RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty which decided to recapitalize 40selected RRBs in 21 states.

These mergers will boost the capital base of RRBs and improving efficiencies as well as optimizingthe use of modern technology.

Where did these mergers take place?

States where the mergers took place areBihar,Karnataka,MadhyaPradesh,Orissa,Rajasthan,Uttar PradeshandUttarakhand.

The Centres shareholding in RRBs is 50%, while 35% and 15% are with the sponsor banks and stategovernments, respectively.

MGNREGA post office accounts ready for cash transfers schemeJanuary 24th, 2013

Now the 3.5 crore post office accounts of the workers under MGNREGA will be used to make Aadhar-

linked direct transfer of benefits such as pensions, scholarships and social welfare payments. Earlier,the post office accounts could not be used to make any deposit other than NREGA wage.

Under the new cash or direct benefit transfer initiative, the Aadhaar number will be used to

authenticate the identities of beneficiaries, who will then receive their government benefitsdirectly into their accounts. This requires all beneficiaries to open bank or post office accounts,which will then have to be seeded with their Aadhaar numbers.

Apex Court prohibits fresh shrines, statues on public roadsJanuary 24th, 2013

In order to curb the menace of encroachment and strengthen the hands of civic bodies theSupremeCourthas ordered ban on fresh encroachment of roads, pavements and sideways by construction ofreligious structures or installation of statues of public figures. The court took seriously the common

hazard in all Indian cities and towns where illegal religious structures often thinly disguised cases ofland grab have burgeoned on public and private land and are hindering roads and inconveniencingresidents.

Why this order?

The court responded to the application by K R Pradeep Kumar ofThiruvananthapuram,Keralachallenging governments permission to a private society to install the

statue of public figure on a traffic island on a national highway from Thiruvananthapuram toKanyakumari at Neyyatinkara. The applicant said that such installations were obstructing themovement of traffic and were causing public inconvenience.

How would it help?

With this ruling, municipal and government bodies will be empowered to prohibit unauthorizedconstructions being carried out under the garb of religious structures as often local politicalinterests and religious sentiments make authorities helpless.

TRAI plans common emergency response number for IndiaJanuary 24th, 2013

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority ofIndia(TRAI) is planning to bring a consultation paper regarding

setting up of a single emergency helpline where a call centre will receive all distress calls and thenaccordingly alert departments or agencies concerned depending upon the type of emergency.

Currently India has separate emergency numbers for handling different emergencies, unlike

inthe USwhere there is only one number 911 to tackle any emergency.

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PM inaugurates Ghat Ki Guni tunnelJanuary 24th, 2013

PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Ghat Ki Guni tunnelproject.

About Ghat Ki Guni:

Ghat Ki Guni is a 2.8kmlong tunnel located at east Jaipur and connects MI Road and NH-11passing

through Jhalana Hills. The passage, built at the cost of Rs 150 crore, will alleviate the congestion dueto traffic by providing alternative route to Jaipur-Agra Road.

Russia starts its largest naval exercise in post-Soviet eraJanuary 24th, 2013

The Russian Navy has kicked off a 9-day exercise in the high Mediterranean and Black seas off the

shores ofSyria. It is the largest naval maneuvers since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Theobjective behind the war games is to improve coordination b/w different naval groups during missionsin far-away sea zones.

As per experts, the exercises will serve to demonstrateRussias naval power to a highly explosiveregion and render moral support for the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russialeases a naval base at the Syrian port of Tartous.

GDP of China plunges to 3-year low of 7.6%

January 24th, 2013

GDP ofChinaplummeted to a new low of 7.6% in last quarter, which is the lowest in last three years.

Chinas slowdown undermines a global recovery already threatened byEuropes debt crisis and limitedU.S. job growth.

January 24, 2013: India observes National Girl Child DayJanuary 24th, 2013

Indiacelebrated National Girl Child Dayon January 24 with the objective of raising

consciousness of the society towards the girl child so that she can be valued and respected.

Various activities were organized byMinistry of Women and Child Developmentto address and reversethe trend of declining child sex ratio in the country.

Supreme Court: A non-member can also move Speaker for disqualification of defectors January 24th, 2013

As per the latest ruling of the apex court, not only an MLA but anyinterested person has the right to inform the Speaker of the fact that amember has incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the

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Constitution (anti-defection law) and the presiding officer is bound to take action on thecomplaint.

What is the issue?

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IOC asks Lance Armstrong to return bronze medal won at 2000 Sydney OlympicsJanuary 24th, 2013

TheInternationalOlympics association has requested the discredited cyclistLance Armstrong to return the Olympic bronze medal he won at the 2000Sydney Olympics Games. The cyclist was stripped off all the seven TourdeFrancemedals he had won after a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency(USADA)accused him of leading a massive doping programme on his teams.

Central Government to infuse Rs 3,004 crore in SBIJanuary 24th, 2013

The Central Govt will infuse a capital of Rs. Rs 3,004 crore in State Bank ofIndia(SBI) as a part ofcapital infusion plan for the current fiscal.

The liquidity infusion will enable the bank to support national andinternationalbankingoperations

undertaken through its subsidiaries and associates.

The capital will be infused by way of preferential allotment of equity shares to the government.

In the last fiscal, SBI was infused with Rs 7,900 crore to increase its Tier-I capital.

After the capital infusion in March 2012, the government stake in SBI increased to 61.58 % from59.4%.

The government had recently given nod to capital infusion of Rs 12,517 crore in around 10 state-

owned banks by March, 2013.

PNB to get Rs 1,248 cr from Central Govt

January 24th, 2013

The Central Government will to infuse Rs 1,248 crore inPunjabNational Bank (PNB) throughpreferential allotment of shares. The decision is part of recently approved capital infusion plan of Rs12,517 crore in around 10 state-owned banks by March, 2013.

S S Mundra appointed as the new CMD of BoBJanuary 24th, 2013

S S Mundrahas been appointed by the Government ofIndiaas theChairman and Managing

Director (CMD) of Indias second largest lender-Bank of Baroda.He is the former ExecutiveDirector of Unionbank of India.

U.R. Rao to be inducted in Satellite Hall of FameJanuary 24th, 2013

The former ISRO chairman, Prof. U.R. Rao, will be inducted theprestigiousinternationalSatellite Hall of Fame.The USbased Society of SatelliteProfessionals International (SSPI) is honoring him for his contribution to the field ofsatellite-related aerospace scientific research.

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Prof. Rao, who served as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of the Space Commission for

10 years from 1984, will join the club of some 40 space personalities who include Arthur Clarke.Currently, Rao is the chairman of the governing council of the Physical Research Laboratory,Ahmedabad.

Rahul Gandhi Vice President of CongressJanuary 23rd, 2013

Congress has selected Rahul Gandhi as its Vice-President. The decision was finalized in the Congress

Chintan Shivir held at Jaipur. It was organized to discuss Congress strategy for elections in 2014.Rahul is only the third vice-president in Congress history after Arjun Singhwho held the post underRajiv Gandhi in 1986, and Jitendra Prasadaunder Sitaram Kesari in 1997.

Mahakumbh captivates academics from HarvardJanuary 23rd, 2013

The Mahakumbh Mela in Allahabad has not only attracted pilgrims from all over the country but alsopulled in scholars and academics from Harvard University. These scholars are closely observing themega event to study the complex dynamics of the mela. The study dubbed MappingIndias KumbhMela, is underpinned by the desire to figure out just how tens of millions of Indians gather peacefullyin one spot to celebrate this ancient rite of religious passage. The scholars are also studying the

logistics involved in the creation of massive Temporary Township which is spanned over 1,940hectares along the sandy banks of the converging rivers. This study is also expected to generate somevery useful data related to publichealth,use of cellphone network at the mela etc.

Obama takes oath for another term as US presidentJanuary 23rd, 2013

Barack Obama has been officially sworn in for a second consecutive term as US President. Obamadelivered the oath in the Blue Room of the White House with First Lady Michelle.

Mahindra ties with Snapdeal.com to sell 2-wheelersJanuary 22nd, 2013

Online shopping portal Snapdeal.comhas tied with Mahindra & Mahindrato sell its two-wheelers.It will happen for the first time that vehicles will be sold and home delivered through website.

Once the customer orders vehicle, the automaker will contact him for required documents and will

collect the same from them as per the customers convenience. Buyers will have options of flexiblepayment of the purchase and will also be given a discount of Rs.6,000 on the vehicle. Cities coveredunder this scheme include Chennai,Delhi-N

Scientists discover Billion Year Old River on MarsJanuary 22nd, 2013

Scientists from the European Space agency have discovered a river like structure on Mars by

analyzing the 3D images of the Mars Express stereo camera. As per them, the region ReullVallisbears a river-like structure which is believed to be formed when running water flowed in thedistant martian past, cutting a steep-sided channel through the Promethei Terra Highlandsbefore

running on towards the floor of the vast Hellas basin.

The length of the river bed is around1500 kilometer which runs across the martian landscape.

These structures are thought to be formed by the passage of loose debris and ice duringthe Amazonian period(which continues to this day) due to glacial flow along the channel.

The structures were originally carved by liquid water during the Hesperian period,which ended b/w3.5 billion and 1.8 billion years ago.

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Partial de-notification of RIL SEZ approved by the GovtJanuary 22nd, 2013

Union Government gave nod to Reliance Industries plans of de-notifying more than 40 % of its multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jamnagar subject to refund of all tax benefits it got fordeveloping the area. However, the multi-product status of SEZ will remain intact as the total areawould remain higher than the minimum required area of 1,000 hectares. The Govt has asked the

company to get a no-objection-certificate from the Government ofGujarat.

The Board of Approval, which takes most decisions regarding the establishing and operation of SEZs,approved RILs proposal to denotify 728.43 hectares, reducing the total area of its Jamnagar SEZ to1035.72 hectares. However, the multi-product status of SEZ will remain intact as the total area wouldremain higher than the minimum required area of 1,000 hectares.

Why this de-notification?

RIL had applied for de-notifying about 40 % of its SEZ spanned over 1764.14 hectares as it intends to

build new projects in the area with investments up to Rs 42,000 crore. Apart from Reliance, a numberof SEZs have applied for de-notification and cancellation of approval following the Governmentsdecision to levy the minimum alternate taxand dividend distribution taxon SEZ investors.

Hockey India appoints Roelant Oltmans as High Performance DirectorJanuary 22nd, 2013

Legendry Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans has been appointed as High Performance DirectorbyHockeyIndiato oversee the affairs of its senior and junior national teams.

Oltmans brings with him an experience of 14-years of coaching Dutch team, which under his guidanceclinched the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, two FIH World Cups, three FIH Champions Trophyand the Euro Hockey League.

Indian researcher to receive Alzheimers drug discovery awardJanuary 22nd, 2013

Mahaveer Golechha, a London-based Indian researcher will be honored with Alzheimers DrugDiscovery Foundations Young Investigator Scholarship Award at the 7th Annual Drug Discovery forNeurodegeneration Conference San Francisco.

Why this award?

The award is being given to him to recognize his outstanding research on Naringin,a bioflavonoidfound in grape fruits and citrus fruits. He has discovered thatnaringin bears significant "anti-

Alzheimer activity"and will form the basis of further research to develop as a cure for thedegenerative disease related to old age, which worsens as its progresses and eventually leads todeath.

It is estimated that by 2025 at least 34 million people worldwide will be affected by the disease

CCEA nod to continuation of JNNURM to sanction new projects till March 31, 2014January 22nd, 2013

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)has been given approval bythe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) to continue to sanction new projects andcapacity building activities till March 31, 2014 under UrbanInfrastructureand Governance (UIG)and Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns(UIDSSMT) components of JNNURM.The decision will enable provisioning of creation of urban infrastructure, especially in small and

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medium towns, in all States and UTs. These projects would be subsumed in the next phase of theJNNURM for the 12thFive Year Plan.

BRICS identify areas of tax policy and administration for mutual cooperationJanuary 22nd, 2013

TheBRICS(Brazil,Russia,India,China, and SouthAfrica) substantiated their commitment to

encourage closer coordination and identified seven areas of tax policy and administration forbroadening mutual cooperation.

Key areas identified for cooperation:

Development of global standards on Internationaltaxation and transfer pricing Strengthening of the enforcement processes Sharing of best practices and capacity building Sharing of anti-avoidance and non-compliance practices Promotion of effective exchange of information Capacity building, improvement of systems Sharing of resources, knowledge and best practices

Cabinet approval to reduction of CDMA base price by halfJanuary 22nd, 2013

The Union Cabinet has given nod to 50 % reduction in the 800 MHz band (reserve) price which was

fixed earlier at Rs 18,200 crore for 5 MHz. Auction for the CDMA radio-waves is expected to begininMarch 2013.

What does this mean?

With this cut in the price, existing CDMA operators will have to pay a one-time fee on the revised base

price. The existing CDMA operators holding spectrum beyond 2.5 Mhz will be charged at the revisedreserve price, effecting from January 1, 2013, till such time as auction determined price becomesavailable.

However, the move is being opposed by the GSM operators bodyCOAI (Cellular OperatorsAssociation ofIndia)is of the view that the decision will lead to non-level playing field in the sectorand it may approach court in the matter.

Iran allows IAEA only partial access to ParchinJanuary 22nd, 2013

Iran gave only partial access to IAEA delegation which visited countrys military facility in Parchin. It issuspected by the IAEA that that Parchin facility may have been used for high explosives testing thatcan be used to trigger a nuclear explosion, based on satellite imagery of the base. Iran has put acrossthat it would allow complete inspection of the military complex only after striking a political deal basedon dialogue with the six global powers, which comprise the five Security Council membersandGermany(P5+1). The meeting b/w Iran and P5+1 is slated to be held at the end of Jan 2013.

What is Parchin?

Parchinis an Iranian military complex, located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of Tehran. It issuspected that Iran is advancing with its nuclear enrichment program for making nuclear weapons.Iran is not allowed to do so as it is a signatory to Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Jharkhand comes under Presidents ruleJanuary 22nd, 2013

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President Pranab Mukherjee imposed Presidents rule inJharkhandfollowing its approval by the Union

Cabinet. The imposition of Presidents Rule in Jharkhand draws its power from Article 356(1) of theConstitution.

What does Article 356 (1) of the Indian Constitution say?

Continue readingISRO to launch SARAL on February 14, GSLV in AprilJanuary 21st, 2013

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has planned to launchSARAL (Satellite with Argos

and Altika)on February 14, 2013. The launch, which was planned for 12-12-12, was deferred due tosome technical issues and to carry out additional to improve reliability. Along with Indo-French SARAL,the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will put into orbit six small experimental satellites builtby western universities for a fee. SARAL would be similar to ISROs Oceansat-2, but with an altimeterto measure heights. InOctober 2012,NASA depended upon Oceansat-2 to get details of HurricaneSandy that brought huge devastation on the eastern U.S.

Forthcoming Launches of ISRO:

In April 2013, ISRO expects to resume flying the GSLV rocket. The GSLV-D5 will lift thecommunications satellite GSAT-14 into orbit. GSLV programme was put on hold after it suffered twosuccessive failures in April and December 2010.

In May 2013, the first of the national navigational satellites or navsats the IRNSS-1 isexpected to be launched on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. IRNSSor the Indian RegionalNavigation Satellite System with its seven satellites will beIndias own regional GlobalPositioning System.

GSAT-7, a satellite dedicated for the Navy, will be launched around May on a European Arianerocket.

INSAT-3D and GSAT-10, will be launched in the second half of this year.For more on SARAL:Click Here

Special court to try Italian guards accused of killing Kerala fishermenJanuary 20th, 2013

Regarding the case of shooting of Indian fishermen by Italian naval guards, the apex court has ruledthatKeralagovernment or police have no jurisdiction to deal with the case. The court called theincident a federal crime and hence only the central government can have jurisdiction to deal with thecase.The guards had killed the two fishermen fearing a pirate attack. The court has, however, allowed the

vessel to leave Indian coast along with crew members and remaining naval guards, subject to thecondition that they make themselves available whenever required by authorities during theinvestigation and prosecution of the two arrested naval guards. The ship owner has been ordered toexecute a bond of Rs 3 crore before the registrar general of the Kerala high court as a surety for thepresence of crew members and the vessel, whenever required. The court clarified that ruling wouldnot affect the right of the Kerala government to carry on the investigation and the prosecution of the

naval guards.

2,000 judges to be appointed for fast-track courtsJanuary 20th, 2013

The law ministry has sanctioned Rs 80 crore for recruitment of 2,000 more judges across the countryfor fast-track courts. The central govt has asked state governments and high courts to enhance thestrength of subordinate judiciary from the current 18,000 to 20,000 with the additional judges to bedeployed in fast-track courts.Despite all these endeavors, 3.20 crore cases are still pending in different courts of the country

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Wei Wei is new Chinese Ambassador to IndiaJanuary 20th, 2013

Chinahas appointed Wei Wei(57) as new ambassador toIndia, succeeding Zhang Yan.The appointment was made by President Hu Jintao in accordance with a decision made bythe Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress (NPC), Chinastop legislature

SBI to set up by-invitation-only branches to serve Super-rich and NRIsJanuary 20th, 2013

Indias largest public sector bank, StateBank of India(SBI), along with its associates, plans to setup by-invitation-onlybranches under the Kohinoor brand in 20 cities to serve uber-rich customersand Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

What would be so special with these branches?

These branches will be operational 24X7 and have amenities like lounges, conference rooms,personalbusinesscentres and cafeterias. The branches will offer all thebankingproducts and services

of SBI and its subsidiaries. The bank will assign personal banker to each client. Clients can either visitthe branch or interact with staff over video chat for their banking needs. SBI had launched first such

branch Kohinoor Banjara inHyderabadin 2010. While the bank has not specified any minimumdeposit requirement, it expects customers to have at least Rs 1 crore of deposits in the branch.

SBI had launched first such branch Kohinoor Banjara in Hyderabad in 2010.

SEBI prohibits companies from trade in ESOS, ESPS sharesJanuary 20th, 2013

Market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia(SEBI) has brought changes in

its Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOS) and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS)Guidelines, 1999,prohibiting companies from dealing in their own shares in the secondary marketunder these schemes, with immediate effect.

Why this measure?

It was apprehended that some companies may frame such employee benefit schemes with thepurpose of dealing in its own securities with the object ofinflating, depressing, maintaining orcausing fluctuation in the price of the securities by engaging in fraudulent and unfair tradepractices.These sorts of trading also raise regulatory concerns regarding compliance with SEBI(Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to the Securities Market)Regulations, 2003, and SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992.

National Green Tribunal orders halt to all constructions going in Noida and Greater NoidaJanuary 20th, 2013

The National Green Tribunal has ordered an interim injunction on all the construction activities running

in Noida and Greater Noida.

Why this ban?

The Tribunal noticed that construction activities have violated environmental standards as it willrequire huge underground water drawing for construction which will further deplete and pollute watertable in this area which has already gone down tremendously. The Tribunal also noted that theunderground water used by builders for construction hardly re-percolates into earth for the fact that itis a tree-free zone, has a concrete base, and water largely is wasted as it flows into the drains. Theconstructions have also violated the guidelines by the Central Ground Water Authority and builders

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had no proof of receiving environmental clearance from the state government as it is necessary forbuilders who are raising the construction of 20,000 square metres and above to take

Air pollution in Beijing reaches to dangerous levelsJanuary 20th, 2013

A yellow alert was issued by Chinese meteorological authority indicating dangerous levels of smog

inChinas northern and western regions, including major cities like Beijing and Chengdu.

The density of PM2.5 particulates had surpassed 700 micrograms per cubic meter in many parts of thecity, much above than the daily safety level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter as considered by theWorldHealthOrganization.

What is PM2.5?

PM is the short of Particulate Matter which describes condensed phase (solid or liquid) particlessuspended in the atmosphere. Their potential for causing health problems is directly associated withthe size of the particles. As per WHO standards, PM less than 2.5 m in diameter (PM2.5),are

more closely linked to adverse health effects than other metrics such as PM10 (particles with adiameter less than 10 m).

BRICS to setup TWG to bolster cooperation in fighting diseasesJanuary 20th, 2013

Indiaand otherBRICSnations have decided to set up Technical Working Group (TWG) to identify

best practices and models along with potential areas of mutual benefit and collaboration to fightwithdiseases.

In theDelhiCommunique adopted in the BRICS meeting ofHealthMinisters it was stressed on fighting

communicable, non-communicable disease and mental disorders together. As per the action plan, themember nations will nominate their respective Nodal officers to jointly form a TWG. This TWG willexchange information regarding the prevailing systems and institutional mechanisms throughmeetings and other means.

Pakistan apex court orders arrest of PMJanuary 20th, 2013

Thesupreme courtofPakistanhas ordered the arrest of the PM, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, on the charges

ofcorruption. The sudden announcement was made as Islamic scholar Tahir-ul-Qadri who ledmillion-man marchin protest to alleged corruption in the government. Many see this as an attemptby army and judiciary to oust the current civilian government led by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).Both the judiciary and the military are highly antagonistic towards the countrys civilian politicians,whom they regard as corrupt and unable to deal with Pakistans acute crises of domestic terrorism anda tumblingeconomy.

Ashraf became PM after the supreme court forced the previous PM Yousaf Raza Gilani to resign in

2012 on the charges of contempt of court.

Saina Nehwal becomes world No. 2January 19th, 2013

Indianbadmintonstar Saina Nehwal once again attained world no.2 position inthe latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings. Previously, she hadachieved this feat in 2010.

Deccan Chronicle to be delisted from BSE-500

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January 19th, 2013

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has decided to delist Deccan

Chronicle Holdings (DCHL) from the BSE-500 Index. BhartiInfratelwill be included in the BSE-500 effective from January 21.

Why this exclusion?

DCHL is being excluded as the company failed to submit financial results and shareholding patterndata.

Chinas economy registers slowest growth in 13 yearsJanuary 19th, 2013

TheeconomyofChinaregistered a growth of 7.8% which is slowest in last 13 years. Its growth was

9.3% and 10.4% in 2011 and 2010 respectively. However the current growth rate has managed tomarginally surpass the 7.5% target fixed by the government by generating a gross domestic productof 51.93 trillion yuan ($8.28 trillion) in 2012.

Proceeds of NIF allowed to be used to fund bank recapitalization: CCEA

January 19th, 2013

In a move made to enhancedisinvestmentpolicy, theCabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA)chaired by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh has permitted the National Investment Fund (NIF) to buy

shares of public sector enterprises, including banks and insurance companies.

Now the fund will be use for subscribing to the shares being issued by the Central Public SectorEnterprise (CPSE) including Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Public Sector Insurance Companies, onrights basis so as to ensure that 51% ownership of the government is not compromised.

National Investment Fund (NIF)

NIF was established in 2005 to channelize the proceeds generated through the sale of minority

shareholding of CPSEs. The Fund would be maintainedoutside the Consolidated Fund ofIndia.

For what purposes the fund is being used currently? Who manages the Fund?

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Axis Bank offers e-Gift Card serviceJanuary 19th, 2013

Axis Bankhas launched Axis Bank e- Gift Cardwhich is an online versionof physical plastic gift cards.

What does it offer?

The e-Gift card allows the customers to buy gift cards in an alternate way.The card carrying a particular value can be bought by using debit or credit card. This card can begifted via email or SMS to the recipient who can use it to purchase anything online across categorieslike apparels, airline tickets,booksetc. It also saves the sender from the puzzling situation of what tobuy for gift. All purchase transactions shall be limited to sites that support verified by Visa andMasterCard secure code for two factor authentication

Black Holes are growing faster than previously believedJanuary 19th, 2013

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Scientists from Swinburne University have revealed that the growth of super massive black holes,

which are present at the centers of galaxies, does not occurs in the same way as it was previouslythought.

Previous Thoughts and New Discovery:

Continue readingDiktat by Khap Panchayats on dress code for women illicit: Supreme Court January 19th, 2013

The apex court ofIndiahas ruled that diktat on dress code for women and barring them from carrying

cellphone is unlawful. As per the ruling, such diktats are against the fundamental right to life and KhapPanchayats have been asked to file their replies on the issue.

Right to Life:It is enshrined in the constitution of India under Article 21which provides forProtection of life and personal libertyto all, except according to procedure established by law.

Facebook launches new graph search toolJanuary 19th, 2013

Facebook has unveiled a new friends-based search tool graph searchwhich will help itsusers search for people and places within the social network.

The new tool which is available as a beta versionwill initially let users browse mainly photographs,

people, places and members interests. Users will also be able to tailor their searches, such as b yspecifying music and restaurants that their friends like. The reverse will also be possible, such assearching friends who have common interest in a particular topic. The tool also addresses privacyconcerns as it allows users to sort through only content that has been shared with them.

RBIs multiple roles create conflict: IMFJanuary 19th, 2013

As perInternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) report,India,despite its recent successes in developing a

stable financial system, its financial sector still faces up obstacles to its ability to support growth andstability.

As per report, which is part of IMFs Financial Stability Assessment Programme (FSAP):Continuereading

Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri New face in Pakistan PoliticsJanuary 19th, 2013

Mohammad Tahir ul-Qadriis a Pakistani politician, former lawprofessor and a Sufi scholar.He was the former professorofinternationalconstitutional law at the University of thePunjab.Qadri isalso the founder and Chairman of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. He iscurrently in news for running a political campaign for a democratic

revolution. He called for a "million-men"march in Islamabad toprotest governmentcorruption.

Govt imposes 2.5% duty on import of crude edible oilsJanuary 19th, 2013

In a move aimed at protecting domestic oilseed farmers, the government imposed 2.5% import dutyon crude edible oils without any hike in duties on refined cooking oil fearing rise in retail prices.

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The decision, however, was not supported by the Industry which said that such a move will adversely

affect the sector as well as farmers.

Currently there is no duty on crude edible oil while it is 7.5% on refined edible oil.

The domestic edible oil refining industry is already facing tough time due to inverted duty structure

ofMalaysiaandIndonesia, major suppliers of crude and refined palm oil.The industry hadrequested the government to increase import duty on crude palm oil to 10 % and refined palm oil to20% to protect soyabean and mustard farmers who are facing a tough time in fetching good pricesdue to heavy oil imports.

Indiaimports about half of its total domestic requirement of cooking oil.

The total imports of vegetables oils (edible and non-edible oil) in 2011-12 oil year were at all-timehigh of 10.19 million tonnes. TheAgricultureMinistry had suggested raising the duty on crude edibleoil to defend the interest of palm growers, particularly fromAndhra Pradesh.

Patiala House court unveils e-stamping

January 19th, 2013

Patiala House court complex, one of the six district courts inDelhiswitched to e-stamping facilitycompletely.

With this the court became the first district court to fully switch over to the e-stamping process and

eliminate stamp papers.

Why this switch over?

The change to e-stamping is aimed at ensuring hassle-free transactions and keeping a check onfraudulent practices.

The e-stamping facility, which was introduced in April 2008, is now available in all denominations. The

e-stamping facility fetches city government average revenue of Rs. 200 crore monthly.

World Bank cuts Global Growth estimates for 2013

January 19th, 2013

World Banksharply slashed the global growth outlook for 2013 to 2.4%from earlier estimate of 3%.

As per World Bank, major economies around the world are still facing hurdles towards recovery,despite improved conditions in financial markets. It also cut its forecast for developingcountries,which last year grew at their slowest pace in a decade, to 5.5 % in 2013from 5.9% in aJune, 2012 forecast. The growth in these countries should slowly gather up, touching 5.7% in2014 and5.8% in 2015.

As per projections, growth in advanced economiesshould reach 1.3 % in 2013dragged down by

spending cuts, high unemployment and weak consumer andbusinessconfidence. It would touch 2%in 2014and 2.3% in 2015.

The Bank called on the developing countries to focus on internal productivity-enhancingpoliciesto give growth a fillip.

Air India halts operations of all its DreamlinersJanuary 19th, 2013

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AirIndiahas grounded its entire six Boeing 787 Dreamliners aircrafts. The move came following the

decision ofEurope,the U.S. andJapanto put Boeing 787 Dreamliners out of action. The aircraft willnot be allowed to fly until a formal clearance is given by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the air-worthiness of the Dreamliner.

Why Lithium batteries? What is the issue with Lithium batteries:

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Battery safety concerns ground Boeing 787 and the issue with using Lithium-ion BatteriesJanuary 19th, 2013

The USandJapanhave grounded their Boeing 787Dreamliner aircrafts due to concerns over it batterysafety. Recently, a battery-fault warning on an AllNippon Airways Dreamliner in Japan forced anemergency landing. A battery overheated and starteda fire in an empty 787 operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) at Bostons Logan InternationalAirport. Theaviation authority of the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered that 787s in the UnitedStates be grounded until their batteries are shown to be safe, the first such action since 1979. United

Airlines reported a problem in one of its six 787s with the wiring in the same area as the battery fireon JALs airliner.

The Matter:

Why Lithium batteries?1. Unusually high energy density2. Can be moulded into a variety of shapes

Although all air-planes have batteries, but the Dreamliner requires powerful batteriesbecause Dreamliners control systems are driven entirely by electrical signals in place of thehydraulic controls found in traditional generations of jets.So, Boeing depends in part on

lithium-ion batteries, whichprovide quick and powerful charges.Designers needed something which islight in weight and at the same time gives high power output. So, they opted for Lithium-iontechnology batteries which have an unusually high energy density,which means the units can besmaller and thus lighter for a given amount of power than traditional batteries.

Lithium-ion technology is the same technology that we see in in the batteries of most modern

smartphones and laptop computers, where the demands are rather similar, but on a much smallerscale.

Another big advantage of using Lithium-ion units: These can be moulded into a variety ofshapesand thus, provide flexibility to design and fit them in awkward places, which is a key concernwhen space is at a premium.

Airbus A380 superjumbo also uses the same technology in batteries but in the Drealiners thesebatteries are used on a much more extensive scale.

Now, with advantages, there is a potential disadvantage of using lithium-ion batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries require more careful management than other types of battery due tothe Thermal Runaway problem.

We all remember the reports in Newspapers, TV Channels about batteries in laptops and mobile-phones smoking and catching fire.Thus, Lithium ion batteries can be prone to what is referred to