Anju Bobby George appointed as the Chairperson of TOP Scheme

Former world long jump champion Anju Bobby George was appointed as the new Chairperson of Target Olympic Podium Scheme by the Union Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs.She will succeed Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament & Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India who had resigned from this post.
About Anju Bobby George:

• Anju Bobby George was 1st Indian athlete who had won bronze medal in the World Athletics Championships in Paris in 2003.


• She had won the silver medal at the World-Athletics Championships in Monte Carlo 2005. But in 2014, she was declared winner of this Championship after disqualification of Russian Gold Medalist Tatyana Kotova on doping charges.


• Prior to this appointment, Anju was member of the TOPS identification committee which includes eminent sports personalities like Pullela Gopichand, Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra and MC Mary Kom.

Awards and Honours:

• Arjuna award (2003), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award (2004) and Padma Shri (2004).


• About Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Formulated under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with an objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects sportspersons for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.


• The focused disciplines under this scheme are Boxing, Athletics, Badminton, Archery, Wrestling and Shooting.

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Anju Bobby George appointed as the Chairperson of TOP Scheme

26 November National Milk Day

26th November is being observed as National Milk Day (NMD) to birth anniversary Father of the White Revolution Dr.Verghese Kurien.
Background:

The idea of observing National Milk Day was 1st mooted by Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in 2014 on the lines of World Milk Day observed on June 1st under the aegis of UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO). The 1st NMD was observed on 26th November 2014 by all Indian diary sector majors including National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), IDA along with around 22 state level milk federations.

About Dr.Verghese Kurien:

Verghese Kurien was born on 26 November 1921 in Calicut in then Madras Presidency of British India. He had died on 9 September 2012.
Operation Flood:

As a social entrepreneur he had started billion-litre idea-Operation Flood which was the world’s largest agricultural development programme. Operation had helped to transform India from a milk-deficit country into the world’s largest milk producer.
Milk Co-operatives Movement:

He had founded around 30 co-operative institutions of excellence (like AMUL, GCMMF, IRMA, NDDB) which are owned, managed by farmers and run by professionals. As the founding chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Dr. Kurien was pioneer in establishment and success of the Amul brand of dairy products.
Milk powder:

Under his chairmanship, Amul achieved key invention of milk powder processed from buffalo milk. Awards and Honours: Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963), World Food Prize (1989), Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1999).

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26 November National Milk Day

MoU inked to set up Railway Chair on Sustainable Mobility at The Energy and Resources Institute University

The India Railways has inked a MoU to set up Railway Chair on Sustainable Mobility at New Delhi campus of The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) University. The chair would focus and promote research on various aspects including the sustainable mobility, green energy and use of energy efficient technology initiatives by the Railways.

Key facts: The Chair would facilitate research into finding innovative solutions to achieve sustainable development of railways which is crucial mode of transport in the country. TERI University would impart best knowledge and its professionals in all aspects of sustainability with a multidimensional perspective relevant to railways. It would also seek to strength the ongoing research in railways for sustainable development in order to open new vistas of research in the field of rail transport.

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MoU inked to set up Railway Chair on Sustainable Mobility at The Energy and Resources Institute University

New species of tree frog named as Ghatixalus magnus discovered in the Western Ghats

Researchers have discovered new species of tree frog named as Ghatixalus magnus in the Western Ghats in Kadalar district, Kerala. It was discovered by the team of researchers comprising of Robin Abraham & batrachologis Anil Zachariah during their recent exploration in the Western Ghats. The discovery has been published in the latest issue of International Taxonomic Journal Zootaxa. Ghatixalus magnus is species of Rhacophorid tree frog of the genus Ghatixalus. It is large in size and biggest known tree frog from the Western Ghats. In their exploration, researchers also have rediscovered Raorchestes flaviventris, an elusive rhacophorid bush frog species in the Kadalar High Ranges of Idukki district in Kerala. The rediscovered species was discovered by the George Albert Boulenger in 1882 in the Western Ghats.

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New species of tree frog named as Ghatixalus magnus discovered in the Western Ghats

Indo-Pak border lighted with Solar power in Jaisalmer

India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan has been successfully lighted with solar power generated form first ever project of its kind undertaken in the country. The floodlights, along with fencing and border posts managed by the Border Security Force were supplied with the solar power generated from Five MW solar power plant installed at Tata area, Jaisalmer.
Key facts:

• The solar energy vapour plant was installed by the Union Home ministry at a cost of 6,45,000 rupees in sarkari tala area of Jaisalmer.\


• The pilot project was set up the Solar Energy Corporation of India . Power generated from the plant would be sold by SECI at the rate of Five rupees 45 paise per unit.


• If this project is successful, all the international borders of the country will be powered with solar lighting and fencing by installing such solar plants.


• The major advantage of final implementation of this method would save crores of rupees on power bills of the government and end the huge diesel expenses for running the generator sets.

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Indo-Pak border lighted with Solar power in Jaisalmer

China building world’s largest animal cloning factory to recreate sniffer dogs

China is building the world’s biggest animal cloning factory to recreate sniffer dogs, racehorses & beef cattle. In this regard, Chinese scientists have signed deal to create a commercial animal cloning centre in Tianjin, north eastern China.
Key facts:

• The factory would be built in the Tianjin Economic & Technological Development Area which is a business development park sponsored by the government.


• It is the joint project of Chinese bio-technology firm Boyalife & South-Korea’s Sooam Biotech. Peking University or Tianjin International Joint Academy of Bio-medicine are also part of it.


• The cloning factory will include cloning laboratories, a gene bank and a science education centre and will be constructed at the cost of 31 million US-dollars.


• It would produce cloned animals such as pet & police dogs, racehorses and cow to be sold on the open market on an industrial scale.


• The factory would produce 100,000 cattle embryos annually and later expand the annual output to 1 million.


• It would help to produce enough beef to meet increasing demand. It should be noted that China’s 1st commercial animal cloning center was established in 2014 in the eastern Shandong Province. Since 2000, Chinese Researchers have cloned sheep, cattle & pigs but not for non scientific research.


• In 2009, South- Korea’s customs service had deployed the world’s 1st cloned dogs.

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China building world’s largest animal cloning factory to recreate sniffer dogs

Harshavardhan Neotia elected as a President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia group, was elected as the President of industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the year 2016.

Harshavardhan Neotia will succeed the current FICCI President Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of Bharat Hotels limited, during the chamber’s AGM in December 2015.

About Harshavardhan Neotia:

Currently, Neotia is the Senior Vice President (VP) of FICCI.

He is also a member of the Rajasthan Chief-Minister’s Advisory Council & West Bengal Chief Minister’s Core Committee on Industry.

Harshavardhan Neotia is the Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group that covers the entire spectrum of the Real Estate industry including housing, hospitality, health care & education.

In 1999, Neotia was conferred with Padma Shri for his outstanding initiative in social housing.

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Harshavardhan Neotia elected as a President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

ASEAN leaders sign declaration for launching ASEAN Economic Community(AEC)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders have signed a declaration for launching ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which would be similar to European Union (EU)-style regional economic bloc. In this regard, Kuala-Lumpur declaration on the establishment of the AEC was signed by the leaders of 10 nation grouping chaired by the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at its 27th Summit held in Kuala-Lumpur. It was signed in front of the world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon.
About ASEAN Economic Community:

AEC would make ASEAN a single market with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labour in the region. Integrate Southeast Asia’s diverse Ten economies which has combine population of 620 million peoples and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.4 trillion US dollars. Abolish tariffs on imports within the bloc member countries & promote the liberalization of service industries such as retailing & tourism. Calls for more free movement of and skilled labour within the region including of doctors, architects and others with special skills. Focus on creating an integrated and well connected economy of ASEAN member countries which would be business friendly, trade facilitative and market driven. The new economic bloc will be launched in December 2015 and would make ASEAN’s growing GDP, Fourth biggest in the world. ASEAN 2025 declaration Apart from this AEC, ASEAN leaders also adopted the declaration on “ASEAN 2025, forging ahead together”. The ASEAN 2025 document charts the path for building AEC over the next Ten years. The declaration calls for ASEAN members to work towards building a community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated & socially responsible. ASEAN 2025 declaration calls to work with external partners to strengthen co-operation in combating non traditional security challenges like terrorism, human trafficking, drug related crimes and maritime issues through various initiatives and projects.
About Association of South East Asian Nations

• ASEAN is a group of Ten South Asian nations which was brought into existence on August 8, 1967 after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok declaration).


• Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”


• 10 Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.


• Founder countries of ASEAN were: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines or Thailand


• Enlargement: The group was expanded by adding Five more nations which are Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Cambodia was the latest entry in the group in 1999.

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ASEAN leaders sign declaration for launching ASEAN Economic Community(AEC)

Indian Junior Hockey team wins 2015 Junior Asia Hockey Cup

India’s junior men’s hockey team has won the 8ht edition of Men’s Junior Asia hockey cup. In the finals played at Kuantan (Malaysia) India defeat the arch rivals Pakistan 6-2 goals. For Indian team Harmanpreet Singh scored highest 4 goals followed by Armaan Qureshi & Manpreet Singh scoring one goal each. Captain of Indian junior hockey team was Harjeet Singh, while Captain of Pakistan team was Ahmad Shakeel Butt.

In the history of this Cup which is considered as Asia’s Premier Junior tournament both arch rivals had reached the final of for record 6 times in the last 27 years. South Korea won the bronze medal by defeating Japan by 2-1 goal score in this edition of Cup. 8th international teams had participated including India, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Pakistan, Oman and Bangladesh in the 8ht Men’s Junior Asia Cup.
Other Awards of Cup

• Top goal scorer:Harmanpreet Singh of India. He had scored 14 goals.


• Man of the Match: Harjeet Singh (India).


• Best Player of the Tournament: Shahril Saabah (Malaysia).


• Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Vikas Dahiya (India).


• Fair Play Award: Japanese Team.

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Indian Junior Hockey team wins 2015 Junior Asia Hockey Cup

Novak Djokovic become the first tennis player to win ATP World Tour Finals

World number one Novak Djokovic from Serbia has become the 1st tennis player to win the ATP World Tour Finals for record 4th consecutive time. In the final match played in London, Djokovic defeated 3rd seed Roger Federer of Switzerland by 6-3, 6-4 score. With this win,Novak Djokovic surpassed previous record of Ivan Lendl’s set in 1987 after he had won his 3rd straight Tour Finals title. Overall, it was the 5th time that Djokovic won this tournament and earlier he had won it in 2008, 2012, 2013 & 2014. With this victory, he ends the 2015 tennis season with 11 titles including 3 Grand Slams, taking his total to 10 titles. Meanwhile, Dutch Romanian team of Jean Julien Rojer & Horia Tecau won the Men’s Doubles category title. In the title clash they had Indo Romanian team of Rohan Bopanna & Florin Mergea defeated by 6-4, 6-3 score It was Bopanna 2nd season-end appearing in the Finale of ATP World Tour Finals, earlier he had reached the final with Mahesh Bhupathi in 2012.

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Novak Djokovic become the first tennis player to win ATP World Tour Finals

Swachh Delhi Abhiyan has been launched in the national capital Delhi

Special cleanliness drive, in has been launched in the capital of india to remove debris & garbage lying in various localities. The drive was launched by the Urban-Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and shall continue in New-Delhi till the end of November 2015 month.
Key facts:

• Launched as part of Union-Government’s flagship Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.


• It is being undertaken up by the Union-Government, Delhi government and all the 3 Municipal Corporations of Delhi. Under the campaign, Three municipal bodies in new Delhi will clear the garbage & the concrete waste will be lifted by the Public Works Department of Delhi government.


• Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had launched a special Mobile App to give a push to the drive.


• Using this appilication people can send photographs of debris & garbage lying in their areas so that the concerned agencies could take steps to remove them.

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Swachh Delhi Abhiyan has been launched in the national capital Delhi

Swati Dandenkar appointed as the United State Director of the Asian Development Bank

India born Swati Dandekar has been appointed as the new United States (US) director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Swati Danaderkar was nominated to this position by the United State President Barack Obama and was designated with rank of an ambassador. Swati would replace Robert M Orr who has held this position since 2010. 3
About Swati Dandekar:

• Swati Dandekar was born on March 6, 1951 in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Along with her husband Arvind, Swati had migrated to the US in 1973.


• She had received her BS degree in Biology & Chemistry from Nagpur University and a graduate diploma from Mumbai University in dietetics.


• Swati Dandekar was the 1st Indian born American citizen to win a state legislature seat in the United States.


• Swati was a member of the Iowa-House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009 and was also member of the Iowa Senate from 2009 to 2011.


• Later, she had served on the Iowa Utilities Board from 2011 to 2013 and also member of the Vision Iowa Board of Directors from 2000 to 2003.

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Swati Dandenkar appointed as the United State Director of the Asian Development Bank

UP Government Clean UP, Green UP initiative earns place in Guinness Book of World Records

The Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious Clean UP, Green UP initiative has earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.The Under state govt green drive initiative Ten lakh saplings were planted in 1 day within a span of 8 hours On November 7, 2015 at Ten locations in the state. This new record has surpassed the earlier record for plantation of maximum number of tree that was 8 lakh 50 thousand trees in a single day. The certificate for Uttar Pradesh Government’s record setting performance was awarded to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the function held in Saifai in Etawah district. On the eve of state government’s ‘Clean UP, Green UP’ initiative Chief Minister himself had planted peepal plant at Maudaha dam in Hamirpur district. The initiative was executed through coordinated efforts of state forest, irrigation departments along with Noida & Greater Noida Authority. Apart from Cheif Minister, large number of women, teachers, students, armymen, villagers and others had planted sapling of as sheesham, pakar, neem, kanji, imli, aonla, bargad, arjun, chilbil or peepal at different predecided spots across state.

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UP Government Clean UP, Green UP initiative earns place in Guinness Book of World Records

10 day state of emergency declared in Mali by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after terrorist attack in Bamako

10 day state of emergency was delcared in the Mali by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita following the terrorist attack in country’s capital city Bamako. Apart from declaring state of emergency, President Ibrahim Boubacar also has declared 3 days of national mourning to condemn this terrorist attack.
Background:

• On 20th November 2015, Islamist militants in the Islamic Maghreb called al,Murabitoun group, affiliated to Al,Qaeda had attacked on a Radision Blu hotel in the capital Bamako killing 21 people.


• In this terrorist siege of hotel, more than 130 hotel guests and staff including 21 Indians were held hostage by the terrorists.


• Later they were freed when Malian Special Forces, French Special Forces and off duty US servicemen after they stormed the hotel to break the siege.

About Mali:

• Mali is a land-locked country in West-Africa and is the 8th largest country in the African continent.


• The country falls in unstable Sahel region of North Africa which comprises countries affected by terrorism, ethnic conflicts and instability.


• In 2012, a military coup led by ethnic Tuareg rebels in Mali had overthrown the democratically elected President and destabilised the northern half of the country by seizing it.


• The coup was followed by fighting between Tuareg & Islamist rebels. Later Malian government forces along with the Western troops under a United Nations (UN) mandate led by France were able to reduce the insurgency.


• They also had held a democratic election to replace the military govt. but the new government has little control in the northern part of country.

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10 day state of emergency declared in Mali by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after terrorist attack in Bamako

Russia inks deal to build Egypt’s 1st nuclear plant at Dabaa

 

Russia has signed 2 agreements with Egypt to finance and build its 1st nuclear power plant at Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest of the country. As per 1 of the agreement, Russia will extend a loan to Egypt to cover the cost of construction of the nuclear plant which is expected to be completed by 2022.

Under the agreement :

• Russia will grant a 35 year loan to the Egypt which is the Arab world’s most populous country.


• However in the agreement the loan has been not disclosed as the details of the credit agreement are still under discussion.


• Dabaa Nuclear plant will be 3rd generation plant with 4 reactors with total capacity of 1,200 MW.


• On completion the plant will make Egypt a regional leader in terms of civil nuclear technology.

Background:

• Since 1980s, Egypt has been pursuing its plan to have a peaceful nuclear programme for the production of electricity at Dabaa.


• But the North African country had frozen its nuclear programme plans after disputes with local residents due to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.


• However in 2006, under the dictatorial President ship of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt once again had announced plans to revive its dream of peaceful nuclear programme.


• But the President was overthrown in 2011 revolution and its nuclear programme plans were stalled.


• The newly elected President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in February 2015 had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to go ahead with the civil nuclear programme.

 

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Russia inks deal to build Egypt’s 1st nuclear plant at Dabaa

Asian Development Bank pledges 120 million Dollar loan to finance India, Bangladesh electricity link under SASEC Programme

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged to provide 120 million dollar loan in order to finance cross-border electricity link between Bangladesh and India under SASEC Programme. In this regard, loan agreement was signed by ADB Country Director Kazuhiko Higuchi and Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Senior Secretary of Bangladesh Finance Ministry. The loan fund would be used for Second Bangladesh-India Grid Inter connectivity project under the ambitious South Asia Sub-regional Economic Co-operation (SASEC) Programme. The projects under SASEC Programme aim to promote regional prosperity through improved cross border links in trade, power, road & rail links between India ,Bangladesh. The 2nd project under will double the existing capacity from 500 MW to 1000 MW of the inter-connectivity link connecting power grid at Bheramara in western Bangladesh and the grid of eastern India at Bahrampur (Odisha). It should be noted that the networks under the 1st project were connected in 2013 and was financed by the ADB under the SASEC Programme.
About South Asia Subregional Economic Co-operation (SASEC) Program:

Set up in 2001 to bring together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka in a project-based partnership. This sub-regional partnership aims to Strengthening regional economic cooperation Boosting trade among member countries. Promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border connectivity. Build a better quality of life for the people of the subregion.

Since its establishment, SASEC member countries have implemented over 37 regional projects worth more than 6.75 billion dollars in the energy, trade facilitation, transport and ICT sectors. Manila (Philippines) based Asian Development Bank (ADB) serves SASEC Secretariat for the member countries.

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Asian Development Bank pledges 120 million Dollar loan to finance India, Bangladesh electricity link under SASEC Programme

In Uttar Pradesh 50 districts declared drought-hit

50 districts out of total 75 in Uttar Pradesh have been declared drought hit by the state government led by the Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Decision in this regard was taken by the state government on the recommendation of a natural calamity committee. These 50 drought hit districts have received lesser than 60 % rain during the 2015 Monsoon period from the month June to September 2015. In these drought hit districts more than 33 % crops were ruined due to poor monsoon season. In order to provide relief to farmers from these districts, state govt has suspended recovery of all dues from them by the end of current financial year 2015-2016. State Govt has asked District magistrates of these districts to chalk out a plan to deal with the drought situation and ensure that farmers are not harassed in the name of revenue realization. State government also has directed respective departments to start relief works in the identified districts in order to provide all help to the farmers.

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In Uttar Pradesh 50 districts declared drought-hit

Nitish Kumar sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar

Senior Janta Dal United leader Nitish Kumar has sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar for the record 5th time. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind at oath taking ceremony that held at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Apart from him, Governor also administer oath of office to 28 ministers from Grand Alliance comprising RJD, JDU & Congress parties. 1st time MLA Tejaswi Prasad Yadav or Tej Pratap Yadav who are sons of RJD president Lalu Prasad were also sworn in as ministers.
Background:

• Grand Alliance comprising of RJD, JDU & Congress (INC) had emerged victorious in the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections by winning 178 seats of total 243 assembly seats.


• RJD led by former Union Minister Lalu Prasad had emerged as largest party in the Grand Alliance by winning 80 seats. It was followed by the JDU which had won 71 seats and Congress 27.

About Nitish Kumar :

Born on: 1st March 1951 in Bakhtiarpur District of Bihar.
Political career: He had started his political career by the taking part in the mass movement led by Jaya prakash Narayan between 1974 &1977.Nitish Kumar was elected to Bihar legislative assembly for 1st time in 1985. Nitish kumar was elected to Lok Sabha for Four consecutive times, 1st in 1989 than in 1991, 1996 and 1998.

Union Minister: In 1990, for a brief stint he had served as Union Minister of Agriculture. In 1998-99, he had served as Union Minister for Railways or Surface Transport & Minister for Agriculture in bihar. Nitish Kumar also had served as Union Cabinet Minister for Railways in the NDA Government led Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2001 to 2004.
CM of Bihar:

In 2000, he was made CM of Bihar for 1st time but had resigned with in seven days. In 2005 for 2nd time he was sworn in as the CM of Bihar and for 3rd time in 2010. For 4th time he was sworn-in as CM in February 2015.

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Nitish Kumar sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar

World Anti Doping Agency has suspends Russian anti doping agency

The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended Russia’s anti doping agency RUSADA for being non compliant with the global body’s anti-doping charter in sports. This decision was unanimously passed by the WADA’s foundation board and would possibly bar Russian track sports-persons from participating in 2016 Rio Olympics. WADA’s decision comes in lines with its report which had uncovered a state sponsored doping program in Russia. Since the release of report, RUSADA had been heavily implicated in the state-sponsored doping scandal and was accused of destroying samples requested for analysis by WADA. Earlier, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) had suspended Russia from international competition but had left the door open for the 2016 Olympics.
About the World Anti Doping Agency:

The WADA is global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that aims at harmonizing anti-doping regulations in all sports & countries. It is collective initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was established in 1999 in Lausanne Switzerland under so called Declaration of Lausanne to coordinate, promote and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. Its headquarters are located at Montreal, Canada.

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World Anti Doping Agency has suspends Russian anti doping agency

Union Government launches Technology Acquisition & Development Fund under National Manufacturing Policy

The Union Government has been launched the Technology Acquisition & Development Fund (TADF) under the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011. It was launched by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
Key facts:

• TADF will facilitate Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to acquire clean,


• green & energy efficient technologies.


• It will also catalyse the manufacturing growth in MSME sector with an aim to contribute to ‘Make in India’ initiative.


• Implementation:


• The scheme will be implemented through the Global Innovation & Technology Alliance which is a joint venture company of CII and Department of Science & Technology. GITA was launched in 2007-08 to stimulate private sector’s investment in Research & Development.


• Direct Support for Technology Acquisition:
  
  Proposals will be invited for reimbursement of 50 % or up to 20 lakh rupees of technology transfer fee from Indian industry.


• Indirect Support for Technology Acquisition through Patent Pool:
  
  TADF will provide financial support to MSME’s to acquire patent from across the world based on applications. Patent Technology would be licensed to selected MSME’s and they will get a subsidy of 50 % of mutually agreed value or upto 20 lakh rupees.

 

• Technology/Equipment Manufacturing Subsidies:TADF will support manufacturing of equipment for reducing energy consumption, controlling pollution or water conservation. In this regard, subsidy of up to 10% of capital expenditure and machinery will be provided to the manufacturing units subjected to a maximum of 50 lakh rupees.


• Green Manufacturing Incentive Scheme: TDAF seeks to facilitate resource conservation activities in industries located in National Investment & Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ).


• In this regard, financial support for under incentive or subsidy schemes will be provided for construction of green buildings, energy or water audits and implementation of waste treatment facilities.

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Union Government launches Technology Acquisition & Development Fund under National Manufacturing Policy

7th CPC submits report, proposes 23.55% salary hike in pay

7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) headed by the Justice AK Mathur has recommended 23.55 % hike in pay & allowances of govt. employees. In this regard the commission has submitted its report to Union Finance Ministry in New Delhi and the recommended pay revision will come into effect from 1st January 2016.

Recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission:

• Minimum basic pay of 18000 and maximum of 2.5 lakh per month. Abolition of grade pay & pay band structure.


• The rate of annual increment for employees will be 3 %. The pay will go up by 16 %, allowances by 63 % and pension by 24 %.


• Abolition of 52 allowances and introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme.


• One Rank One Pension scheme for central government staffers, para military as well as armed forces personnel.


• Increase in military service pay and revised pension formula for civil employees including Central Armed Police Forces and Defense Personnel retiring before 1st month of 2016.

Implications:

• The pay revision will impact 47 lakh serving employee and 52 lakh pensioners of the Central Government including in the Defence and Railways.


• It will cost public exchequer over 1 lakh crore rupees annually. The implementation of Pay Commission will impact fiscal deficit by 0.65 %.


• Finance Ministry is setting up committee headed by Expenditure Secretary to go through the report for its implementation.

Background :

The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) was set up in February 2014 to revise remuneration of employees and pensioners of central government including Defence and Railways. Its recommendations will also have a bearing on the salaries of the state government staff. The Central Pay Commission is constituted by the Union Govt. after almost every Ten years in order to revise the pay scales of employees. The 6th CPC under the Chairmanship of B.N.Srikrishna was approved in July 2006.

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7th CPC submits report, proposes 23.55% salary hike in pay

Second WCDM kicks off in Visakhapatnam

Second World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) has started in Visakhapatnam.The Four day conference was inaugurated by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and was attended by Union Urban-Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Kiran Rijiju.
Key facts:

• The Congress is being jointly hosted by Disaster Management, Infrastructure and Control Society and Andhra Pradesh government.


• It will address among a host of other issues which are interconnected, complex and along with emerging risks in today societies.


• It will also comprise technical sessions, paper presentations, exhibitions & cultural events. The 1st kind of such congress was held in Hyderabad in 2008. Address and discuss issues such as implementation of the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction.


• It will further explore various dimensions of natural & manmade hazards, vulnerabilities or exposures, their impacts across sectors.


• It will also explore the various efforts and initiatives for building resilience at all levels. It will also share the knowledge, experience and discussing operational and strategic level issues for reducing the risks of disasters.


• It is estimated that about 1,500 delegates and policy makers from about 100 countries are likely to participate in the 4 day global meet. The outcome of the congress will be presented to the government as recommendations.

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Second WCDM kicks off in Visakhapatnam

Russia successfully launched newest defence satellite EKS Kosmos-2510

Russia’s newest defence satellite EKS Kosmos-2510 successfully launched into space. It was launched using the Russian Soyuz 2.1b carrier rocket from the Plesetsk-Cosmodrome which is a military facility in north-western Russia’s Arkhangelsk region. After placing it in dedicated orbit, the control of satellite has been passed to the Titov Main Space Center of Russia’s Space Forces.
Key facts:

• EKS-2510 is early warning satellite and has been deployed as the 1st satellite in a new fleet of Ten EKS military satellites to be launched by 2018 to form new defence system to detect enemy missile heading towards Russian territory.


• It should be noted that EKS-2510 is a Russian acronym that translates to integrated space system. The EKS-2510 satellites fleet will replace Russia’s previous Oko early warning system which had its last satellite launch in 2012.


• This successful launch marked the 6th consecutive space mission to lift off from Plesetsk in year 2015. It was the 4th launch using a Soyuz booster and overall 13th launch of the Soyuz rocket family in 2015.

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Russia successfully launched newest defence satellite EKS Kosmos-2510

Justice T.S.Thakur appointed as new Chief Justice of India (CJI)

India’s President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Justice T.S. Thakur as the Chief Justice of India. Justice T.S. Thakur will be 43rd Chief Justice of India and his appointment will come into effect from 3rd December 2015. He will have tenure till January 3, 2017 i.e. till he attains the age of 65.
Background:

The incumbent Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu had recommended Justice Thakur’s name for this top most post of Indian Judiciary, as he was senior-most judge of the apex court. Following the recommendation, the Union Law Ministry had processed his file and sent it to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval. From the PMO after its approval the file was forwarded to the President of India for approval.
About Justice T. S. Thakur:

• Born on January 4, 1952.


• He is the son of D.D. Thakur, who was an renowned advocate and eminent judge in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court and later served as Union Minister.


• Judicial career: Justice Thakur had enrolled as a Pleader in October 1972. Later, he started practising in the J&K High Court.


• He also had worked in Karnataka High-Court, Delhi High-Court and Punjab and Haryana High-Court.


• He had worked as Chief Justice of both Delhi High Court and Punjab & Haryana High-Court. He was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court in 2009.


• In Supreme Court, Justice Thakur had headed of the bench which dealt with IPL spot-fixing scam. He also had headed of the bench which is monitoring the probe in the Saradha chit fund scam case.

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Justice T.S.Thakur appointed as new Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Senior diplomat Vijay Keshav Gokhale has beem appointed as India’s ambassador to China

Vijay Keshav Gokhale appointed as India’s Ambassador to China. Vijay Gokhale will replace Ashok Kantha, who was appointed as envoy to China in January 2014 for a 2 year term till January 2016. Presntly Mr.Gokhale is serving as the India’s Ambassador to Germany. Vijay Gokhale is a 1981 batch India Foreign Service officer. Before, to his appointment as India’s top envoy to Germany, he had served at different Indian missions including in Hong Kong, Hanoi, Beijing, New York. Mr.Gokhale also had held the posts of director and joint secretary (East-Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in New Delhi, . He is known to be one of the most knowledgeable Indian diplomat who is well versed with international affairs of China.

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Senior diplomat Vijay Keshav Gokhale has beem appointed as India’s ambassador to China

Indian Red Cross Secretary and neurosurgeon General Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal passes away

Well known neurosurgeon or Secretary General of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal passed away in New Delhi. Dr. Satya Agarwal was a well known public health administrator. Satya Paul had played pivotal role in execution of various disaster and emergency relief operations & control of disease and epidemics outbreak in the country. Satya Paul was serving as Secretary General of IRCS since 2005. He was also the Chair of the International Federation of Red Cross or Red Crescent Advisory Body on Sustainable Development & Health. Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal also had served as the Director General of Health Services for Union Government of India from 1996 to 2005. Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal was awarded with India’s 2nd highest civilian award with Padma Bhushan for his contributions to public services.
About Indian Red Cross Society:

• IRCS is a voluntary humanitarian organization to protect human life & health with the help of its network of over 700 branches throughout India.


• It was started in 1920 and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and shares its fundamental principles.


• The main target mission is to provide relief at the time of disasters emergencies and also promotes healthcare facilities among vulnerable people and the communities.

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Indian Red Cross Secretary and neurosurgeon General Dr. Satya Paul Agarwal passes away

CCI inflict Rs 258 Cr fine on Jet Airways, IndiGo And SpiceJet

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has slapped penalties worth Rs 258 crore on Jet Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet for cartelization in fixing cargo fuel surcharge. In this regard, it also issued a cease and desist order against these 3 airlines on the complaint filed by Express Industry Council of India (EICI). In its complaint EICI also had named Air India and GoAir apart from the three airlines. In its order, the CCI noted that:

• These three airlines acted in collusion to fix fuel surcharge rates which resulted in indirectly determining the rates of air cargo transport.


• Imposed penalties are 152 crores rupees upon Jet Airways, 64 crores rupees upon IndiGo and 42 crores rupees upon Spice Jet.


• The conduct of these airlines was contravention of the anticompetitive agreements in the air cargo industry and it undermined economic development of the country and ultimately affected the end consumers.


• Fuel surcharge was essentially introduced to mitigate the fuel price volatility. But cartelization of it by these leading airliners has harmed the fair competition in the market.


• CCI however has imposed no penalty upon Air India and Go Airlines as they were not found violating competitive norms. It has asked Jet Airways, IndiGo or SpiceJet to immediately stop indulging in such anticompetitive practices.

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CCI inflict Rs 258 Cr fine on Jet Airways, IndiGo And SpiceJet

India, China agree to deepen defence ties to maintain peace at Line of Actual Control

India and China decided to deepen bilateral defence ties and maintain peace and tranquillity at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both countries also have decided to strengthen co-operation to fight the menace of terrorism, including at the international level. These decisions were taken in a meeting between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Vice-Chairman of China General Fan Changlong, in New Delhi.
Key outcomes of meeting:

• India offered to share its expertise with China in fighting terrorism by way of joint exercises, among other initiatives.


• Both nations agreed to implement the consensus reached between india’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.


• Agreed to further enhance communications and exchanges between the two armed forces for maintenance of peace and tranquility.


• Both sides welcomed the operationalisation of additional border personnel meeting points and reviewed the ongoing exchanges and expressed satisfaction at the recently held bilateral military exercise ‘Hand in Hand 2015’.

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India, China agree to deepen defence ties to maintain peace at Line of Actual Control

Syed Akbaruddin has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations

Senior Indian diplomat Syed Akbaruddin has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) at New York. Syed Akbaruddin will succeed Asoke Kumar who will be retiring soon. In his new role,  Syed Akbaruddin’s main task would be to push India’s bid to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council and also strongly advocate its position on key issues. Syed Akbaruddin is 1985 batch officer of Indian Foreign Service.

Prior to this appointment Syaed was serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. Earlier he served as MEA’s high profile spokesperson and also was Chief Co-ordinator of successful third India Africa Foreign Summit held in New Delhi in October 2015. He also had served at the Geneva based International Atomic-Energy-Agency (IAEA) and is an expert on the West Asia where he had earlier served in various capacities.

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Syed Akbaruddin has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations

The Union Government declares NSCN as terror organization

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has declared Naga militant outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) NSCN-K as a terrorist organization. In this regard Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an official gazette notification mentioning that NSCN (K) and all its formations and front organisations have been declared as  terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities Act, 1967. NSCN (K) has resorted to terrorism by killing civilians and security forces in June 2015 it was engaged in other violent activities including the attack on  Army convoy in Chandel district of Manipur.
About the National Socialist Council of Nagaland(Khaplang)

• NSCN (K) came into existence in 1988 under the leadership of S.S. Khaplang.


• It is as an off-shoot of NSCN which was established with an objective of forming a sovereign state of Nagalim by unifying all the areas inhabited by the Naga peoples in North-east India & Myanmar.


• Presently NSCN(K) is active along the Indo-Myanmar border and has strength of around One Thousand cadres with several camps across the border in Myanmar.

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The Union Government declares NSCN as terror organization

India And Bangladesh sign SOP for operationalising Agreement on Coastal Shipping

India, Bangladesh have signed Standard Operating Procedure for operationalising the Agreement on Coastal Shipping.The agreement was signed in June 2015 in order to improve the bilateral trade by reducing the logistic costs of EXIM transport.
 Key facts of Standard Operating Procedure(SOP):

• The SOP has been framed as per the terms & conditions of the Agreement on Coastal Shipping and its provisions have been agreed by the both nations.


• It would pave the way to promote coastal shipping between India & Bangladesh and further enhance bilateral trade by bringing down the cost of transportation of import export (EXIM) cargo.


• It would in turn facilitate trade and transportation of goods between the two neighbours through coastal or inland waters.


• India And Bangladesh would stipulate same treatment to each other’s national vessels on similar grounds of national vessels used in international sea transportation. The two sides also have agreed to use of vessels of River Sea Vessel (RSV) category for Indo-Bangladesh coastal shipping.

Advantages of agreement Connectivity to North East India:

It would enable opening of coastal shipping between India & Bangladesh. Thus, help to enhance the movement of cargo to the land-locked North-East Indian states through coastal shipping up to Chittagong or thereafter by road & inland waterways.
Hub ports:

The deep draft ports on the eastern coast of India can be used as hub ports for the further onward transportation of cargo via coastal mode through RSV category of vessels to Bangladesh.
Attract enhanced cargo:

Indian ports will be able to attract enhanced cargo and help in reducing the overall transportation cost to Bangladesh.
Trans-shipment ports:

Indian ports can also serve as trans shipment ports for transportation of cargo from Bangladesh. Thus, it will enhance throughput as a result of Indo Bangladesh coastal trade.

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India And Bangladesh sign SOP for operationalising Agreement on Coastal Shipping

India, Australia seal N-deal procedures For Supply Of Uranium

India, Australia have sealed Nuclear-deal procedures for supply of uranium from later to energy starved India.  Nuclear-deal procedures were formally completed between both countries following a bilateral meeting between the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Malcolm Turnbull in Antalya, Turkey on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit. Following the conclusion of the agreement, India has become the 1st country to buy Uranium from Australia without being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Background:

India and Australia had started talks on the Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement in 2012 after Australia had lifted  long standing ban on selling uranium to energy starved India. The co-operation agreement was signed between both countries in September 2014 to sell uranium as a nuclear fuel for peaceful power generation. It should be noted that Australia has about a 40% of world’s recoverable uranium resource and annually exports around 7,000 tonnes of it. In India, nuclear energy contributes just 3 percent of its electricity generation and it has currently signed nuclear energy agreements with 11 countries.

Presently, India imports uranium from France, Russia & Kazakhstan to supply fuel to its 2 dozen small reactors at 6 sites with a total capacity of 4,780 MW which accounts for 2 percent of its total power capacity.

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India, Australia seal N-deal procedures For Supply Of Uranium

China Open 2015: Saina Nehwal wins silver medal

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has won the silver medal at 2015 China Open Super-series Premier Badminton tournament after finishing at 2nd position in the Women’s Singles category. In the final match played at the Haixia Olympic Sports Centre in Fuzhou, the defending champion and top seeded Saina lost to 6th placed Xuerui Li from China by 12-21, 15-21 score. Saina and Li had met 12 times against each other and Saina has won just Two of those games. The final of China Open tournament was overall Saina’s 5th final of the year 2015 and the 3rd instance in 2015 that the World No. 1 has come out 2nd best.

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China Open 2015: Saina Nehwal wins silver medal

Nico Roseberg wins Grand Prix title of F1

Nico Rosberg from Germany has won the 2015 Brazilian Grand Prix title of F1  held at Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Socorro district of Sao Paulo. It was Rosberg’s overall 30th championship title of F1 in his career and the 5th win in the 2015 season after Spain, Monaco, Australian and Mexican Grand Prix.
Result of Mexican Gand Prix:

1st Position: Nico Rosberg (Germany) of Mercedes team.

2nd Position: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) of Mercedes team.

3rd Position: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of Ferrari team.

4rth Position: Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) of Ferrari team.

5th Position: Valtteri Bottas (Finland) of Williams team.

6th Position: Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) of Force India team.

12th Position: Sergio Perez (Mexico) of Force India team.

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Nico Roseberg wins Grand Prix title of F1