Civil Services Mentor November 2013

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Disclaimer:
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US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care
Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy
Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this?
UN General Assembly - Key Issues At the 68th Session
Selected Articles from Selected Articles from Selected Articles from Selected Articles from Selected Articles from
Various Newspapers & Journals Various Newspapers & Journals Various Newspapers & Journals Various Newspapers & Journals Various Newspapers & Journals 102
Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013
Index
AUGUST, 2012
NOVEMBER, 2013
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US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care US Government Shutdown: Why Dont Obama care
US GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: WHY DONT OBAMA CARE
The US government. entered a
shutdown suspending discretionary
services deemed !non-essential" by
the Antideficiency Act. As a result of
the governments failure to enact
regular appropriations or a continuing
resolution for the 2014 fiscal year.
Appropriations have lapsed and
approxi mately 800,000 federal
employees have been indefinitely
furloughed without pay, while a
further 1.3 mil lion !essential"
employees are required to report to
work indefinitely but will not be paid
until a budget is passed.
This is the first U.S. federal
government shutdown since the
shutdown of 1995 and 1996. The
United States federal government has
shut down on 18 occasions since
1976, although only the shutdown of
1995#96 both involved the entire
federal government and lasted
longer than four days.
Why this happened? Why this happened? Why this happened? Why this happened? Why this happened?
The Federal government had
no choice. The US financial year
ended on 30 September, and
politicians on Capitol Hill have failed
to agree a new budget for the 2013-
2014 financial year. Even a $stopgap
funding deal proved beyond them.
Without a budget deal approved by
both parts of Congress, the House of
Representative and the Senate,
theres no legal agreement to pay
non-essential staff.
The shutdown was a result of
political conflicts among Democratic
President Barack Obama, the
Democratic-controlled Senate and
the Republican-controlled House of
Representatives; specifically, the
Houses unwillingness to pass a
budget proposal without changes to
the implementation of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act
and the Presidents unwillingness to
sign into law a budget proposal with
those changes.
October 1, 2013, the first day
of the 2014 federal fiscal year, is also
the date many of the Affordable Care
Acts provisions were to take effect.
The health insurance exchanges
provided for by the Affordable Care
Act launched as schedul ed on
October 1.
Why doesnt it happen in Why doesnt it happen in Why doesnt it happen in Why doesnt it happen in Why doesnt it happen in
other countri es? other countri es? other countri es? other countri es? other countri es?
The shutdown situation is a
product of the US democratic system.
The president is both head of state
and head of the federal government,
without a guaranteed majority in
either of the legislative bodies where
new laws are debated and voted
upon (because presidents,
congressmen and women and
senators are elected separately). The
president cant simply ram laws
through Capitol Hill.
In Britain, for example, tax and
spending policies are outlined in the
budget, presented to parliament by
the chancellor of the exchequer.
These changes are brought into law
in a finance bill in the House of
Commons. Thats in effect a
confidence vote in the government,
and even the most fracti ous
backbench MP would bal k at
rebelling on it.
Finance bills are also one area
where the elected House of
Commons has the upper hand over
the unelected House of Lords. The
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Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy Right to Cast Negative Vote, will this improve democracy
Lords have no power to reject a
money bill; they can only delay it for
a month.
What is the history? What is the history? What is the history? What is the history? What is the history?
The United States Constitution
requires government spending to be
approved as legislation passed by the
United States Congress. Some
federal acts, such as Social Security
and Medicare, include their funding
within the enabling law itself. These
are known as !mandatory spending".
Other l aws, classified as
!discretionary spending", must have
their funding re-enacted once a year,
in l egislation known as an
appropriation. This requires the
approval of a majority of members in
both the House of Representatives
and the Senate, as well as the
approval of the president. When one
or both houses of Congress are
controlled by a different party than
controls the presidency, negotiating
a budget can be difficult. Prior to the
1990s, there were 12 or 13
appropriation bills for Congress to
consider each year. Gradually the
appropriation bills got combined into
!Omnibus" bills and eventually into
one, single !Continuing Resolution",
which theoretically funded the
existing programs at more-or-less the
current levels. Since 2000, Congress
has not passed a single
appropriation.
If no funding is appropriated by
Congress by the end of the fiscal year,
no discretionary money can be
spent, except as may be allowed by
the Antideficiency Act. This leads to
the shutdown of operations deemed
non-essential for those agencies
which have not been funded, in
accordance with the Antideficiency
Act. Prior to the 2013 shutdown,
federal government shutdowns had
occurred 17 times in U.S. history,
starting in 1976, most recently in
December 1995, though only the
shutdowns of 1995#96 both involved
the entire federal government and
were longer than four days.
Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Patient Protection and Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PPACA),
commonly called the Affordable Care
Act (ACA) or Obamacare, is a United
States federal statute signed into law
by President Barack Obama on March
23, 2010. Together with the Health
Care and Education Reconciliation
Act, it represents the most significant
regulatory overhaul of the countrys
healthcare system since the passage
of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
The ACA aims to increase the
quality and affordability of health
insurance, lower the uninsured rate
by expanding public and private
insurance coverage, and reduce the
costs of healthcare for individuals and
the government. The ACA provides
a number of mechanisms%including
mandates, subsidies, andinsurance
exchanges%intended to increase
coverage and overall affordability.
The law also requires insurance
companies to cover all applicants
within new minimum standards and
offer the same rates regardless of pre-
existing conditions or sex. Additional
reforms aim to reduce costs and
improve healthcare outcomes by
shifting the system towards quality
over quantity through increased
competi tion, regulati on, and
incentives to streamline the delivery
of healthcare. The Congressional
Budget Officeprojected that the
ACA will lower both future deficits
and Medicare spending.
On June 28, 2012, the United
States Supreme Court upheld the
constitutionality of most of the ACA
in the case National Federation of
Independent Business v. Sebelius.
However, the Court held that states
cannot be forced to participate in the
ACAs Medicaid expansion under
penalty of l osing their current
Medicaid funding. Since the ruling,
the law and its implementation have
continued to face challenges in
Congress, in federal courts, and from
some state governments.
Who will affected? Who will affected? Who will affected? Who will affected? Who will affected?
& State department will be able
to operate for limited time.
& Department of defence will
continue military operations.
& Department of education will
still distribute $22bn (13.6bn)
to public schools, but staffing
is expected to be severely hit.
& Department of energy - 12,700
staff expected to be sent home,
with 1,113 remaining to oversee
nuclear arsenal.
& Department of heal th and
human services expected to
send home more than half of
staff.
& The Federal Reserve, dept of
homeland security, and justice
dept wil l see li ttl e or no
disruption.
& US Postal Services continue as
normal.
& Smithsonian instituti ons,
museums, zoos and many
national parks will close.
What will economic impact ? What will economic impact ? What will economic impact ? What will economic impact ? What will economic impact ?
Moodys Analytics estimated
that a shutdown of three to four weeks
would cost the economy about $55
bi llion. Lost wages of Federal
employees will amount to about $1
billion a week. Goldman Sachs
esti mated that a three-week
shutdown would reduce the Gross
Domestic Product of the United
States by 0.9%. According to the Los
Angeles Times, a two-week
shutdown would reduce GDP growth
in the fourth quarter by 0.3 to 0.4
percentage points. By comparison,
the GDP has grown by less than 2% in
2013.
The economic impact of the
shutdown will be particularly severe
in the Washington D.C. metropolitan
area. Approximately 700,000 D.C.
area jobs could be affected at a cost
of $200 million a day. The State of
Maryland predicted that it would lose
approximately $5 million a day in tax
revenue. Local communities across
the country will also see a significant
economic impact, particularly those
communiti es that are heavi ly
dependent on the Federal
government. For instance, during the
month of October, tourists spend
about $2.7 million a day at the Grand
Canyon National Park and other
National Parks in Arizona.
Analysts are concerned that the
political gridlock will extend into
mid-October, when Congress and the
President must raise the debt ceiling
to avoid default. Following the
debate over the debt ceiling in May
2013, the Treasury Department was
forced to engage in extraordinary
measures to fund the government. In
August 2013, the Treasury informed
Congress that the extraordinary
measures would be insufficient
starting in mid-October and further
specified, in late September, that the
U.S. would begin to default on its
debts if a new debt ceiling was not
approved by October 17.
How will the UK be affected? How will the UK be affected? How will the UK be affected? How will the UK be affected? How will the UK be affected?
If the shutdown is short-lived,
probably very little; if it is prolonged,
then the uptick in sterling could
continue, and a stronger pound is the
last thing George Osborne wants as
he tries to rebalance the economy
towards exports, so that Britain can
!pay its way in the world". There is
also a risk that as investors turn their
minds to the dangers of debt-
burdened developed economies
struggling to generate a sustainable
upturn, they start to scrutinise the
policies of other such states #
including the UK.
George Osbornes grim pledge
in his Conservative party conference
speech that austerity will continue
until 2020 may partly have been
aimed at reminding international
markets that the UK system is
different to Americas, and he has no
intention of being diverted from his
deficit-cutting course.
What about the rest of the What about the rest of the What about the rest of the What about the rest of the What about the rest of the
world? world? world? world? world?
Any prolonged shutdown
woul d rapi dly start to hit US
consumer spending, as hundreds of
thousands of public sector workers
are furloughed; and that will crimp
Americas demand for imports from
the rest of the world. At the margins,
weaker investor confidence, and the
dollar depreciation that has so far
been the main financial impact of the
shutdown, could also slow the flood
of capital into the US that was one of
the key trends in international markets
over the summer. The switch from
riskier markets to the perceived safety
of America drove up exchange rates
and bond yields in many emerging
economies, forcing central banks in
several countries, including India and
Brazil, to take emergency action. A
renewed sense of crisis in the US is
likely to stem that flow, particularly
after the Fed had already raised
questions about the health of the US
economy when it declined to !taper"
QE in September.
What will China think? What will China think? What will China think? What will China think? What will China think?
Beijings attitude is the key to
one of the more subtle potential
implications of this latest budgetary
wrangle. China holds a mountain of
US assets, mostly Treasury bonds,
effectively IOUs from Washington #
the by-product of running huge trade
surpluses over the past decade and
a deliberate policy to keep the
Chinese currency, the yuan, cheap.
However, Chinese politicians
have repeatedly expressed concern
over recent years about the growing
risks of this large exposure to the US,
as Washington has appeared
increasingly unable to bring tax-and-
spending policy under control. When
the US was stripped of its AAA credit
rating by Standard & Poors in August
2011, after a previous partisan
wrangle over raising the governments
debt ceiling # not a problem suffered
in autocratic single-party states #
China reacted with fury. Xinhua, the
official news agency, said: !The days
when the debt-ridden Uncle Sam
could leisurely squander unlimited
overseas borrowing appear to be
numbered. To cure its addiction to
debts, the US has to re-establish the
common sense principle that one
should live within its means."
Simon Derrick, of BNY Mellon,
suggested the lack of outraged
comment over the current budget
impasse may suggest !the Chinese
government has already made its
mind up about what it needs to do
and sees little point in complaining
any further".
US Shutdowns : A short history US Shutdowns : A short history US Shutdowns : A short history US Shutdowns : A short history US Shutdowns : A short history
The US government has gone into shutdown after the failure to approve funding for the next financial year.
Nonessential services will be closed and 800,000 federal employees will not be allowed to work # but while this is
the first shutdown of the 21st century, it is far from unprecedented. Here is what has happened in the past:
1996 # Cl inton v Republi cans 1996 # Cl inton v Republi cans 1996 # Cl inton v Republi cans 1996 # Cl inton v Republi cans 1996 # Cl inton v Republi cans
There have been 18 shutdowns since 1976, but none for 17 years until Mondays midnight deadline to extend
Congressional spending authority passed with no agreement. The last occasion was when Bill Clinton and the
Republican-controlled House halted services for a total of 21 days. It began in November 1995, a temporary
spending bill was enacted, but then the shutdown restarted in mid-December and ran into 1996. The first shutdown
Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this? Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this? Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this? Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this? Manual Scavenging: Who can abolish this?
resulted in 800,000 workers eventually getting paid for staying home and the second led to 280,000 workers left
idle for three weeks. The Republicans took a drubbing in the polls and ended up accepting most of Clintons
conditions, making the president the adjudged winner of the tussle, even if the image of government as a whole
suffered. A historic footnote is that the second day of the initial shutdown # 15 November 1995 # was when Monica
Lewinsky said she began a sexual relationship with Clinton.
1981-1990 # short shutdowns 1981-1990 # short shutdowns 1981-1990 # short shutdowns 1981-1990 # short shutdowns 1981-1990 # short shutdowns
During Ronald Reagans two terms he regularly argued with congressional Democrats to the brink of shutdown.
The first occasion was in November 1981, nine months after he entered office. With Congress having approved
emergency spending to keep the government running, Reagan wielded his first veto, making a stand against
!budget-busting policies". Federal workers were streaming out of offices in Washington and across the nation but
it lasted only hours as Congress approved a three-week spending extension that was more to the presidents liking.
The estimated cost of the shutdown was more than $80m. Workers were sent home for half a day twice more during
his presidency. George Bush used the tactic once, during the budget wrangling that punctured his !no new taxes"
pledge, leading to a partial shutdown over the 1990 Columbus Day weekend.
1980 # Carter and his attorney general 1980 # Carter and his attorney general 1980 # Carter and his attorney general 1980 # Carter and his attorney general 1980 # Carter and his attorney general
When Jimmy Carter asked his attorney general for legal advice, Benjamin Civiletti told the president that
government employees could not work for free or with the expectation that they would be paid at some undefined
point in the future, despite a !look-the-other-way" system having worked for decades. Civiletti went further,
declaring that any agency chief who broke the law would be prosecuted. When five days later funding for the
Federal Trade Commission expired amid a congressional disagreement over limiting the agencys powers, the FTC
halted operations, cancelling court dates and meetings and sending 1,600 workers packing, apparently the first
agency ever closed by a budget dispute. Embarrassed, Congress made a quick fix and the FTC reopened the next
day. The estimated cost of the brouhaha was $700,000.
Carter, forever stymied by his own party in Congress, ordered the whole government to be ready to shut down
when the budget year ended on 1 October 1980, in case the deadline for appropriations bills was missed. It almost
happened. Funding for many agencies did expire, but just for a few hours, and nobody was sent home. Civiletti
later clarified that in a government-wide shutdown, the military, air traffic control, prisons and other work that
protects human safety or property would continue. So would things such as social security benefits, which Congress
has financed indefinitely.
Earlier 1900s # a time before full shutdowns Earlier 1900s # a time before full shutdowns Earlier 1900s # a time before full shutdowns Earlier 1900s # a time before full shutdowns Earlier 1900s # a time before full shutdowns
Congress routinely failed to pass most of each years dozen or so appropriations bills on time, with agencies
sometimes going a full year without a budget. Usually it would be smoothed over with a short-term money approval,
called a continuing resolution.
RIGHT TO CAST NEGATIVE VOTE, WILL THIS IMPROVE DEMOCRACY
Indias top court ruled that
voters should be given the right to
cast negati ve votes agai nst
candidates in future elections. The
Supreme Court ordered the Election
Commission to provide the option in
electronic voting machines and paper
ballots. The ruling came after a
petition was filed by the Peoples
Union for Civil Liberties, a rights
group. N. Gopalasami, a former chief
election commissioner, said the
courts decision would force political
parties to select clean candidates.
Negative votes will not impact
election results because they wont
be counted, but they will be made
public, Gopalasami sai d. The
Supreme Court has been trying to
clean up Indian politics. It ruled in
July that convicted lawmakers must
be removed from office.
The apex court directed the
Election Commission to provide
$none of the above options at the end
of the list of candidates in electronic
voting machines (EVMs) and ballot
papers to allow voters to reject those
contesting polls. A bench headed by
Chief Justice P Sathasivam said that
negative voting would foster purity
and vibrancy of elections and ensure
wide participation as people who are
not satisfied with the candidates in
the fray would also turn up to express
their opinion rejecting contestants. It
said that the concept of negative
voting would bring a systemic
change in the election process as the
political parties will be forced to
project clean candidates in polls. The
bench noted that the concept of
negative voting is prevalent in 13
countries and even i n Indi a,
parliamentarians are given an option
to press the button for abstaining
while voting takes place in the House.
The court said right to reject
candidates in elections is part of
fundamental right to freedom of
speech and expression given by the
Constitution to Indian citizens. It said
that democracy is all about choice
and significance of right of citizens
to cast negative voting is massive.
With the concept of negative
voting, the voters who are dissatisfied
with the candidates in the fray would
turn up in large number to express
their opinion which would put
unscrupul ous elements and
impersonators out of the polls, it said.
The bench, while reading out the
operative portion of the judgement,
did not throw light on a situation in
case the votes cast under no option
head outnumber the votes got by the
candidates. It said that secrecy of
votes cast under the no option
category must be maintained by the
Election Commission. The court
passed the order on a PIL filed by an
NGO, Peoples Union for Civi l
Liberties (PUCL) whi ch had
submitted that voters be given the
right to negative voting. Agreeing
with the NGOs plea, the bench
passed the path-breaking verdict and
introduced the concept of negative
voting in the election process, saying
that it would further empower the
voters in exercising their franchise.
The latest verdict is part of series of
judgements passed by the apex court
on the election process.
Earlier, the apex court had
restrained people in custody from
contesting elections. The apex court
has also ruled that MPs and MLAs
would stand disqualified after being
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convicted of serious crimes. The
government has brought an
ordinance seeking to negate the
courts judgement striking down a
provision in the electoral law that
protected convicted lawmakers from
immediate disqualification. A two-
judge bench of the apex court had
felt that the issue on negative voting
needed to be adjudicated by a larger
bench as there were certain doubts
over the interpretation of the ruling
passed by a Constitution Bench in the
Kuldip Nayar Vs Union of India case
relating to a voters right. Under the
existing provisions of Rule 49(O) of
the Representation of People Act, a
voter who after coming to a polling
booth does not want to cast his vote,
has to inform the presiding officer of
his intention not to vote, who in turn
would make an entry in the relevant
rule book after taking the signature
of the said elector. According to the
PUCL, Rule 49(O) was violative of the
constitutional provisions guaranteed
under Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of
Speech and Expression) and Article
21 (Right to Liberty) and violated the
concept of secret ballot.
There was always an option of
right of negative vote under the rule
49-O. But it had to be registered in
the name of the voter which took
away the secrecy behind the vote.
The new ruling allows a secret ballot
even while rejecting al l the
contestants. Will this ruling have a
profound impact on the quality of
candidates being put into fray by the
political parties? Well time will tell
but there is a chance that it may still
not have a major impact. Is there an
incentive for the people who are not
satisfied with the candidates to
actual ly come up and cast his
negative vote? Its not clear what role
the negative vote will play in the
outcome of the elections. So one may
register a negative vote to register
!protest" against the candidates, but
it doesnt affect the outcome of the
elections as a winner will still be
decided based on the positive votes.
So there is no incentive for a
disgruntled voter to stand in the
queue to cast his negative vote. There
has to be further clarity and rule
formations based on negative votes.
If for example if the NOTA registers
more votes than the candidate who
wins the max positive votes, will the
election be declared void as well as
all candidates disqualified and
barred from contesting again for say
a period of five years and lose their
deposit as well? If yes, then it will be
an incentive for the voters to come
and vote as well as political parties to
come up with better candidates. If
not, then NOTA will end up serving
as a vote splitter benefitting political
parties.
On the flip side, there is a
general disgruntlement against the
political parties. Most voters may not
even be informed about the
candidates in the fray and might just
come and register a negative vote just
because of the general anti politician
mindset that exists in the common
man. Another situation that comes to
mind is that a person may like a
candidate but doesnt appreciate he
views of his party at large and he
doesnt like the rest of the candidates.
He may still end up rejecting all the
candidates because of Party policies
at a higher level. While the ruling
appears good, without l arger
electoral reforms, it will be a move
that will not add any significant value
on its own.
Rajesh Manohar Rajesh Manohar Rajesh Manohar Rajesh Manohar Rajesh Manohar
MANUAL SCAVENGING: WHO CAN ABOLISH THIS?
The Prohibition of Employment
as Manual Scavengers and Their
Rehabilitation Bill, 2013 received
assent of the President of India,
Pranab Mukherjee. With this, the Bill
became an Act on 19 September
2013.
Lok Sabha, the Lower House of
the Parliament, on 6 September 2013,
passed the Prohi bition of
Employment as Manual Scavengers
and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2012.
The Bill was moved by the Minister
for Social Justice and Empowerment
Kumari Selja. The Bill seeks to prohibit
employment of individuals as the
manual scavengers, while at the same
time providing for the rehabilitation
of people involved in this kind of
work.
What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging?
Manual Scavenging refers to the
process of removal of human waste
or excreta from the unsanitary dry
toilets that do not have a connection
to the sewer system. This practice is
primarily archetypical to South Asia.
In the year 1933, legislation was
passed in India for banning manual
scavenging. However, the legislation
was not implemented widely. In
February 2013, Delhi became the first
state in India to ban manual
scavenging.
Lawmaking Procedure in India Lawmaking Procedure in India Lawmaking Procedure in India Lawmaking Procedure in India Lawmaking Procedure in India
The legislative proposals are
brought before either the Lok Sabha
or the Rajya Sabha in the form of a
bill. The bill is actually a draft of the
legislative proposal. After being
passed by both the Houses of the
Parliament, the Bill is sent to the
President of India for assent. After
receiving the assent from the
President of India, a bill becomes an
Act of the Parliament.
The Bill seeking prohibition of
manual scavenging was passed by
Lok Sabha on September 6; Rajya
Sabha followed suit by passing it the
next day, on the concluding day of
Parliaments monsoon session. Unlike
the existi ng law on manual
scavenging enacted 20 years ago, the
new proposed law also provides for
rehabilitation of manual scavengers,
but it sti ll has many
shortcomings.
What activists are saying? What activists are saying? What activists are saying? What activists are saying? What activists are saying?
Activists say the new Bill%The
Prohibition of Employment as Manual
Scavengers and their Rehabilitation
Bill, 2012%lacks teeth and clarity,
and, therefore, it is unlikely to secure
a living for manual scavengers. The
existing law, Employment of Manual
Scavengers and Construction of Dry
Latrines (Prohibition) or EMSCDL Act,
which was passed in 1993, also
banned manual scavenging, but till
date the practice of manual
scavenging continues in India. It was
hoped that the proposed law would
make up for the failings of the existing
law.
Both EMSDCL and the new Bill
are against manual scavenging, but
have different perspectives, says
Ashif of Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan, an
advocacy group based in Indore
which is working for complete
eradication of manual scavenging. He
explained the difference between
the two Acts. !The earlier Act was
from the sanitation perspective and
the ministry of housing and poverty
alleviation was supervising it. The law
did not fix the states liability. So,
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many states didnt even formulate
rules under the Act, claiming their
states are free of manual scavenging."
The new Bi ll looks at manual
scavenging from the point of view of
restoring human dignity and human
rights and talks about rehabilitation
and has been drafted by the ministry
of social justice and empowerment.
The new Bill was first
introduced in Lok Sabha on
September 3, last year. Thereafter it
was referred to a standing committee,
which submitted its report in March,
2013. The present draft of the Bill was
introduced in Lok Sabha by Union
mini ster for soci al justi ce and
empowerment, Mukul Wasnik, on
September 3 this session.
Dilution of clauses Dilution of clauses Dilution of clauses Dilution of clauses Dilution of clauses
In contrast, the new Bill dilutes
the significance of the clause that
prohibits the employment of persons
for hazardous cleaning of sewer and
septic tanks. It selectively mandates
that a person handling excreta with
the help of $protective gear shall not
be deemed a manual scavenger. This
is problematic insofar as such
$protective gear becomes a
mediating technology that helps
sustain, if not perpetuate, the
employment of persons for hazardous
cleaning. It contradicts the stated
intention of rehabilitating these
workers out of such dehumanising
squalor.
For specific Scheduled Caste
(SC) communities that are forced to
render manual scavenging labour, it
is the burden of caste % worsened
by casteist mindsets of those who
forcefully employ them and
aggravated on account of economic
necessity and unavail ability of
alternative jobs. Therefore, the
liberation of manual scavengers
cannot be conceptualised in isolation
(lest they lose their only source of
income), without a meticulous
roadmap for meani ngful
rehabili tation. The 2011 Draft
demonstrates sincerity and
thoughtful intent in proposing time-
bound, universal rehabilitation for
manual scavengers. , it
obl iges previous employers to
extend monthly pension to manual
scavengers in recognition of the long
years of service rendered to society
under adverse conditions; and assist
in securing alternative employment
for such pensioned elderly manual
scavengers who are unwilling to be
idle. It further recommends
rehabilitation (unconnected with
sanitation work) as service providers
and cooks for anganwadis and mid-
day meal schemes or as railway staff
assisting the elderly, the disabled or
children.
In addition to training them as
caretakers of public parks/gardens,
plumbers or electrical repair workers,
the 2011 Draft directs the Ministry of
Railways to set aside a quota to
absorb ex-scavengers as railway
catering staff.
It also duty binds the Central
and State governments to provide
proper housing wi th adequate
sanitation, road infrastructure and,
most importantly, quality schools up
to Class XII for the children of all SC
communities from which manual
scavengers are drawn. A remarkably
detailed rehabilitation plan in the
2011 Draft is motivated by a three-
fold realisation: (1) to restore the
dignity of life to the entire community
of sanitation workers; (2) to secure,
through educational opportunities,
better vocations for future
generations traditionally vulnerable
to being recruited as manual
scavengers; and (3) to clearly spell
out the tasks of every Ministry, PSU,
and private sector organisation in
order to make them enforceable.
Unlike the 2011 Draft, the clause
on rehabilitation in the new Bill is
similar to a checklist of items on offer.
It is seemi ngly benevolent i n
monetary terms but is measly in vision.
Moreover, it conceives rehabilitation
to be targeted and subject to
eligibility, based on identification
surveys in rural and urban areas.
Strikingly, it proposes that final lists
of urban manual scavengers born out
of the survey be displayed publicly
$to invite objections from general
public, further dictating inclusion or
exclusion of persons. This is akin to a
$public pillory, believes independent
law researcher Dr. Usha Ramanathan,
exposing the workers to public scorn
and ridicule, $for fear that a few extra
might get rehabilitated. The
government is relying on the MoRDs
Socio Economic and Caste Census
(SECC), 2011 enumerati on for
identification of manual scavengers
in rural India. The new Bill is silent on
the use of SECC (already under
criticism from the Right to Food
acti vists for its insensitive
methodology and high likelihood of
exclusion errors in identifying BPL
families).
A truly laudable provision in the
new Bill is its unsparing penalty for
offence (both cognisable and non-
bailable). It imposes an initial fine of
Rs. 50,000 or imprisonment up to one
year or both. Appallingly, no offender
has been prosecuted in the last two
decades under the 1993 Act. A
stringent penalty clause then ought
to entail retrospective punishment
for offences committed and not
exempt publ ic servants from
prosecution. For purposeful
enforcement, a body like the National
Monitoring and Enforcement
Authority, proposed in the 2011 Draft,
shoul d be insti tuted. Besi des
eminent social workers, including
Scheduled Caste persons, this body
should also provide representation to
the invisible workforce of devoted
individuals (members of the SKA,
Garima Abhiyan and similar
organisations) whose unwavering
struggle in fighting for the rights of
http://upscportal.com 11 11 11 11 11 http://www.civilservicesmentor.com
manual scavengers remains
unrecognised.
Doubts persist over Doubts persist over Doubts persist over Doubts persist over Doubts persist over
rehabi litati on cost rehabi litati on cost rehabi litati on cost rehabi litati on cost rehabi litati on cost
Cl ause 13 of the financial
memorandum in the Bill mentions that
Rs 4,825 crore would be needed to
eradicate manual scavengi ng
completely in one year. !The survey
and identification (of manual
scavengers and awareness campaign
about their rights and rehabilitation
programme would be completed
within nine months of the laws
notification," said Ashif. But it is
unclear how the government arrived
at this amount and what would be
the mechanism for spending the
money, he said.
There is something else the
activists are objecting to. The Bill
allows the Centre to issue by
notification for allowing manual
scavenging on railway tracks with
proper safety gear. According to the
2011 Census report, railways and
defence departments still employ a
large number of manual scavengers.
!Without discussing proper
mechani sm to repl ace manual
scavenging, how is it possible to
eradicate it? Every year, the Centre
will issue noti fication to
accommodate manual scavengers in
Railways," pointed out Ashif.
The new Bill repeats some of
the provisions of EMSCDL. As in the
case of the earlier law, the current
Bill also provides for vigilance
committees under the respective
district magistrates, but there is no
punishment or penalty if they fail to
act, said Bezwada. The Bill talks of
imposing penalty on any public
authority that employs manual
scavengers. !But again it doesnt
answer who is the public authority
and what is the time frame to collect
fine," said Ashif.
Implementing EMSCDL Act Implementing EMSCDL Act Implementing EMSCDL Act Implementing EMSCDL Act Implementing EMSCDL Act
In the meantime when water
scarcity in both cities and small towns
is increasing, converting all dry toilets
into flush toilets (as provided in
EMSCDL Act) is another challenge.
!Toilet is never a problem.
Problem is of mindset. Replacement
of one form of toilet with another is
not going to solve problem. Dry
toilets were already banned in 1993
but they still exist despite states
claim of having eliminated them," said
Bezwada.
The 1993 Act The 1993 Act The 1993 Act The 1993 Act The 1993 Act
The debasing inhumanity of
manual scavenging for a living drove
Dr. Bezwada Wilson to found the
Safai Karamchari Andolan (SKA), of
which he is now the National
Convener. An unorgani sed
movement (1986) turned
organisation (since 1996), the SKA
has relentlessly striven to educate the
State governments and courts on the
continuance of this practice across
the country.
The Employment of Manual
Scavengers and Construction of Dry
Latrines (Prohibi tion) Act was
enacted in 1993. The unfortunate
condition under this Act was that the
States had to formally adopt and
enforce it, a process that has taken
over two decades.
A few States have remained
silent on the matter, notwithstanding
the Public Interest Litigation petitions
filed by SKA in the Supreme Court in
2003 (with requisite photographic
evidence against States and PSUs,
including Indian Railways). The PIL
litigants sought to enforce their
fundamental right against
untouchability under Article 17 of the
Constitution, read together with
Articles 14, 19 and 21 that guarantee
equality, freedom, and protection of
life and personal liberty, respectively.
Drafted by the Ministry of Urban
Development under the Narasimha
Rao government, its legislation
under (public health and
sanitation) of the State List in the
Constitution of India is the major
lacuna in the 1993 Act. This is
because privileging public sanitation
accords only marginal importance to
the objective of liberating persons
employed as manual scavenging
labour.
And a tangential focus on
manual scavengers explains the other
lacunae in the Act: the narrow
definition of a manual scavenger and
the absence of a clause on
rehabilitation for them.
The decision to amend the Act
to fill the lacunae was foregone to
avoid a lengthy and painful
amendment process, since the
Ministry of Law is understood to have
objected to amendments to the 1993
Act under any other Entry but
. The new Bill % legislated under
Entry 24 (welfare of labour and
working conditions of the Concurrent
List) % may be appreciated for: (1) a
somewhat broadened definition of a
manual scavenger; (2) its clause on
prohibition of hazardous cleaning of
sewer and septic tanks; and (3)
clauses on severe penalties and
rehabil itation. However, these
provisions stop short of taking the bull
by the horns when compared to the
2011 Draft, thoughtfully titled Total
Liberation, Comprehensive
Rehabilitation & Humanisation of
Working Conditions Act, 2011.
Laudabl y, the opening
declaration of the 2011 Draft is a
national apology on behalf of the
state to the sanitation workers,
expressing deep regret for the
humiliation and untouchabilty to
which the l atter have been
subjected over centuries. The Draft
subsequently cauti ons against
interpreting manual scavenging thinly
and includes within its ambit, sewage
and septic tank cleaning (in the wake
of egregious human rights violations
associated with manhole deaths
across India).
Not too late to apologise Not too late to apologise Not too late to apologise Not too late to apologise Not too late to apologise
Different from most other draft
legislations, the 2011 Draft achieves
a tone of unparalleled sensitivity that
is a necessary prerequisite for any
legi sl ation seeki ng to remedy
historical exploitation rooted in caste.
Such sensitivity in the Draft conveys
neither pity nor empathy, but a
profound apology for the humiliation
faced by manual scavengers on
account of our indifference and the
ill-implementation of the 1993 Act by
the past and present governments.
The new Bill was rightly placed
in the care of the Union Minister of
Social Justice and Empowerment
with the intention of privileging not
sanitation for public but justice,
equality and dignity for the sanitation
worker. However, for the new Bill to
be effective, the government ought
to look at P.S. Krishnans 2011 Draft
as its guiding document and prepare
for, without further loss of time, the
total li beration and thoughtful
rehabilitation of manual scavengers
in India.
Madhuri Madhuri Madhuri Madhuri Madhuri
IAS PCS
K.UJJWAL
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International Issues International Issues International Issues International Issues International Issues
NATIONAL ISSUES
Death Sentence to Convicts Death Sentence to Convicts Death Sentence to Convicts Death Sentence to Convicts Death Sentence to Convicts
of 16 December Delhi of 16 December Delhi of 16 December Delhi of 16 December Delhi of 16 December Delhi
Gangrape Gangrape Gangrape Gangrape Gangrape
on 13 September 2013,
pronounced the maximum sentence
of death penalty to the four convicts
of the 16 December 2012 Delhi
gangrape case Akshay Thakur, Vinay
Sharma, Mukesh Singh and Pawan
Gupt a.
kept the
case under the rarest of rare category
It is important to note that the
fifth accused Ram Singh allegedly
committed suicide in the Tihar Jail on
11 March 2013.
The sixth accused, who was the
minor, was convicted by the Juvenile
Justice Board for murder and
gangrape and was awarded three
years jail term at the probation home.
The unnamed minor was tried
separately in the Juvenile Court.
declared to appeal in the
High Court against the verdict.
in the meanwhile
expressed satisfaction over the
verdict of the Saket court.
Verdict by the additional Verdict by the additional Verdict by the additional Verdict by the additional Verdict by the additional
sessions judge Yogesh Khanna sessions judge Yogesh Khanna sessions judge Yogesh Khanna sessions judge Yogesh Khanna sessions judge Yogesh Khanna
Besi des
di scussing others offences, I
straightaway come to
. This falls under
inhuman nature of the convicts and
the gravity of offence they committed
cannot be tolerated. Death sentence
is given to all the four convicts.!
warranting capital punishment. The
four accused were convicted by the
Saket court on 10 September 2013
for the gangrape as well as murder of
the 23-year-old paramedic student.
Apart from murder and gangrape,
they were also convicted for other
offences which included
.
Who is a Juvenile? Who is a Juvenile? Who is a Juvenile? Who is a Juvenile? Who is a Juvenile?
The
is a main legal framework
for the juvenile justice in India. The
Act facilitates special approach
towards treatment as well as
prevention of the juvenile. Under the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
of Children) Act, 2000, the juvenile!
or child! means a person who has
not completed eighteenth year of
age and juvenile in conflict! with law
means a juvenile who is alleged to
have committed an offence.
Meaning of Rarest of the Meaning of Rarest of the Meaning of Rarest of the Meaning of Rarest of the Meaning of Rarest of the
Ra r e Ra r e Ra r e Ra r e Ra r e
It is important to note that the
crime of rape itself does not amount
to the capital punishment under the
provisions of the Indian law. The
maximum punishment which can be
awarded is life imprisonment under
the Section 376 of the Indian Penal
Code. However, the Supreme Court
of India, which is the Apex Court, can
give death sentence to the accused
in the case which comes under the
category of rarest of the rare.
The i s
decided based upon the
. These
are the two categories of factors
which are considered and balanced
by the court while deciding upon the
verdict of a case.
Backgr ound Backgr ound Backgr ound Backgr ound Backgr ound
The 23-year old paramedical
student (also known as
) was gang raped in New
Delhi on 16 December 2012. She
passed away in Mount Elizabeth
Hospital i n Singapore on 29
December 2012. She was raped in
the moving bus by six men, one of
which included a minor. The 16
December gang rape led to massive
protests across the country. Former
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Altamas
Kabir inaugurated the first fast-track
court in Delhi on 2 January 2013 for
dealing with the crimes against
females. The first fast-track court in
Delhi was set up in the Saket Court
Complex and the first case to be
heard here was that of the Delhi
gangrape which took place on 16
December 2012.
Construction of the Rajaswa Construction of the Rajaswa Construction of the Rajaswa Construction of the Rajaswa Construction of the Rajaswa
Bhawan Approved Bhawan Approved Bhawan Approved Bhawan Approved Bhawan Approved
The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs on 24 September
2013 approved the construction of
the Rajaswa Bhawan as the National
Tax Headquarters at Kasturba Gandhi
Marg, New Delhi at an estimated cost
of 485.16 crore Rupees, which will
be incurred over a period of next
three and a half years. Apart from this,
15 crore Rupees will be incurred as
the annual recurring expenditure
after completion of the project.
About the Project About the Project About the Project About the Project About the Project
" The construction of the
Rajaswa Bhawan, the National
Tax Headquarters, in a plot of
land measuring 5.65 acre has
been undertaken with the
objecti ve of decongesti ng
North Block and consolidating
the establishment of Central
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
and the Central Board of Excise
and Customs (CBEC) at a
common platform.
" CBDT and CBEC, apart from
advising the Government on
tax policies, are responsible for
the overall administration of
field offices under them. Both
these boards are the largest
revenue collectors for the
Government of India.
" Because of the growth i n
revenue col lection, there
became a need of a larger
platform. Therefore, a
composite building bringing
together both the Boards and
associ ated offices was
proposed. This will help in
efficiency because of
appropri ate physi cal
i nfrastructure and work
environment for the purpose of
tax administration.
" The Defence Research and
Development Organization
(DRDO) was appointed as the
agency for construction of the
building in 2008 after obtaining
approval of the Ministry of
Defence and a No Objection
Certificate (NOC) of the
Ministry of Urban Development.
" A nation-wide architectural
desi gn competi ti on, was
conducted in 2010-2011 and
out of 58 final entries, the first
prize award winner M/s Vistaar
Archi tects and Pl anners,
Mumbai was selected by a
Board of Assessors and
appoi nted as the main
architect for the project for
provi di ng comprehensive
architectural services.
" The design of the building is a
modern, State-of-the-Art
centrall y located green
building incorporating features
of energy efficiency in
conformity with the Energy
Conservation Building Code
[ECBC] recommendation.
" The building also received
Green Buil di ng concept
leading to favorable Green
Rating for Integrated Habitat
Assessment [GRIHA]; fi re
protection and detection in
conformity with all regulations;
provision for seismic safety in
conformity with all applicable
Bureau of Indian Standards
[BIS] codes; comprehensive
waste management system;
sewage treatment and
recycling of water including
independent system for grey
and white water; minimal hard
landscape and maximum soft
landscape.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, The Waqf (Amendment) Bill,
2013 got Assent 2013 got Assent 2013 got Assent 2013 got Assent 2013 got Assent
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill,
2013 received the assent of the
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee
on 23 September 2013.
Highli ghts of The Waqf Highli ghts of The Waqf Highli ghts of The Waqf Highli ghts of The Waqf Highli ghts of The Waqf
(Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill
" The Bill amended the Waqf
Act, 1995. It strengthened the
Waqf Council powers, currently
an advisory body at the central
level. It can to issue directions
to waqf boards, who administer
waqfs in each state.
" The Bill also changed the
composition of Waqf boards.
It al so establ i shed the
procedure for removal of a
chairperson of a waqf board.
" Those states which have not yet
established a waqf board must
do so within one year. Further,
state-funded surveys of waqf
properties must be carried out.
" The Bill restricted the kinds of
powers that can be delegated
by a waqf board to the
chai rperson or any other
individual, including the Chief
Executive Officer of the Board.
" Under the Bill, the sale, gift, or
total transfer of a waqf property
will be treated as invalid. The
Bill extends the maximum
period of lease or mortgage of
such properties, whi le
establishing a more restrictive
procedure by which leases or
mortgages are approved by
waqf boards.
" The Bi l l provided for
imprisonment for those who
occupy waqf property without
authorisation.
" The Bil l restricted the
circumstances under which
state governments can issue
directions to waqf boards.
Boards cannot be superseded
unless there is prima facie
evidence of financial
irregularity.
No Clinical Trials for New No Clinical Trials for New No Clinical Trials for New No Clinical Trials for New No Clinical Trials for New
Drugs without a Proper Drugs without a Proper Drugs without a Proper Drugs without a Proper Drugs without a Proper
System System System System System
The Supreme Court of India on
30 September 2013 pronounced that
no clinical trials should be allowed
for new drugs till a mechanism is put
in place to monitor them and to
protect the lives of people on which
drugs are tested. While pronouncing
the judgment, the bench headed by
Justice R M Lodha told that a system
must be put in place to protect the
lives of people and asked the Centre
not to allow clinical trials for untested
medicines. The bench also directed
the Centre to consider suggestions
of various stakeholders in putting in
place the mechanism to avoid any
seri ous and adverse impact.
Government officials assured the
Supreme Court that Center will not
allow clinical trials for 162 drugs
permitted by it earlier. The Supreme
Court of India also earlier directed on
the issue of clinical trials. It directed
the Government to follow a certain
mandatory standards for clinical trials
of untested drugs on humans being.
In an affidavit the Centre admitted
that 2644 people died during clinical
trials of 475 new drugs between
2005 -12.It also presented that during
2005 to 2012 serious adverse events
of deaths during clinical trials of 2644
were 80 deaths. The judgment given
by the Supreme Court of India in the
background of hearing a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO
Swasthya Adhikar Manch ,alleging
large scale clinical drug trials across
the country by vari ous
pharmaceutical firms using Indian
citizens as guinea pigs in those tests.
The National Food Security The National Food Security The National Food Security The National Food Security The National Food Security
Bill , 2013 got Assent Bill , 2013 got Assent Bill , 2013 got Assent Bill , 2013 got Assent Bill , 2013 got Assent
The National Food Security Bill,
on 10 September 2013. With this
assent, the National Food Security Bill
2013 became the Act. It is important
to note that the Union Cabinet,
headed by Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, on 19 March 2013 approved
the National Food Security Bill. Lok
Sabha on 26 August 2013 passed the
National Food Security Bill 2013. The
Upper House of the Parliament, Rajya
Sabha on 2 September 2013 passed
this Bill. The primary objective of the
National Food Security Bill 2013 is to
provide for food and nutritional
security in human life cycle approach.
This will be done by ensuring access
to adequate quantify of quality food
at affordable prices to people so that
they can live a life with dignity and
matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto. The legislative
proposals are brought before either
the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha in
the form of a bill. The bill is actually a
draft of the legislative proposal. After
being passed by both the Houses of
the Parliament, the Bill is sent to the
Aadhar Card Not Mandatory Aadhar Card Not Mandatory Aadhar Card Not Mandatory Aadhar Card Not Mandatory Aadhar Card Not Mandatory
23 September 2013 held that
Aadhaar cards or Unique
Identification number (UID) will not
be mandatory for availing services or
benefits under Government schemes
like LPG subsidy, transfer benefits,
food security, vehicle registration,
scholarships, marriage registration,
salaries and provident fund etc. The
court#s order came on a petition
protesting the issuance of Aadhaar
cards to illegal migrants.
Direction given by SC to the Direction given by SC to the Direction given by SC to the Direction given by SC to the Direction given by SC to the
Union Government regarding Union Government regarding Union Government regarding Union Government regarding Union Government regarding
Aadhaar card Aadhaar card Aadhaar card Aadhaar card Aadhaar card
" While issuing Aadhaar card
Government should verify
whether the person is an Indian
citizen or not.
" These cards cannot be issued
to illegal migrants.
" Aadhaar not compulsory for
Government benefits.
Argument s Argument s Argument s Argument s Argument s
Bench of justice B S Chauhan
and justice S A Bobde said that even
in Aadhaar i ssui ng guidel ines
prepared by UIDIA mentioned that
Aadhaar card is voluntary. Bench also
asked the Union Government, on
what basis Aadhaar card made
mandate for Government services.
The peti tioner, Puttaswamy
Karnataka High Court judge told the
bench that Aadhaar scheme is
unconstitutional, there is no legal
base for this scheme. For giving
Aadhaar card they will col lect
biometric information and individual
details. It violates right to privacy of
individuals. Supreme Court
interpreted in different situations that
right to privacy is a fundamental right
(article 21) under the Constitution of
India. But the l aw officers of
government solicitor general Mohan
Parasaran and additional solicitor
general L Nageswar Rao argued that
centre never gave any direction
regarding Aadhaar card mandate for
government benefits. They also
argued that Aadhaar card was
voluntary and not mandatory.
Recently Delhi and Maharashtra made
Aadhaar must for all the government
facilities like bank account, cash
transfer and new gas connection etc.
The di rection may i mpact the
Governments who are planning to
implement the schemes like cash
transfer and subsidies directly by
linking Aadhaar card with their bank
account number.
Main Objective of UIDIA Main Objective of UIDIA Main Objective of UIDIA Main Objective of UIDIA Main Objective of UIDIA
Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme Scheme
" Unique identification project
was initially started by the
Planning Commission as an
initiative that would provide
identification for each resident
across the country.
" It would be used primarily as
the basis for efficient delivery
of welfare services. It would
also act as a tool for effective
monitoring of various programs
and schemes of the
Government.
" The government also created
and approved the position of
the Chairperson of the UIDAI.
" Mr. Nandan Nilekani appointed
first Chairpersonof UIDIA and
he holds the rank and status of
Cabinet Minister.
About Aadhaar Card About Aadhaar Card About Aadhaar Card About Aadhaar Card About Aadhaar Card
" Adhaar is a uni que
Identification number issued
by UIDAI to individuals for the
purpose of establishing unique
identification of every single
person. It serves as the proof of
identity and address any where
in India.
" Aadhaar is a 12-digit number.
" Aadhaar is not a compulsory, it
is voluntary based.
" The Aadhaar number can be
used while opening a bank
account, applying for passport,
booking, e-tickets and many
other places where there is a
need to give your identity.
Comment Comment Comment Comment Comment
Some eminent persons argued
that data collection should be done
through Ministry insisted identity
number i.e.National Population
Regi ster (NPR). The National
Population Regi ster is a
comprehensive identity database to
be maintained by the Registrar
General and Census Commissioner of
India , Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India .
NHAI (Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 NHAI (Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 NHAI (Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 NHAI (Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 NHAI (Amendment) Bi ll , 2013
got President#s Assent got President#s Assent got President#s Assent got President#s Assent got President#s Assent
The President of India, Pranab
Mukherjee gave assent to the National
Highways Authori ty of India
(Amendment) Bill, 2013. With this,
the Bill became an Act on 10
September 2013. The National
Highways Authori ty of India
(Amendment) Bill, 2011 was
introduced in the Lok Sabha by the
Minister of Road Transport and
Highways, C.P. Joshi on 19
December 2011. The Bill was then
referred to the Standing Committee
on Transport, Tourism and Culture on
13 January 2012.
The Nati onal Highways
Authority of India Act, 1988
established the National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) for the
development, maintenance and
management of national highways.
The NHAI consists of a chairman, up
to 5 full-time members and up to 4
part-time members.
The Bill facilitated expansion of
the National Highways Authority of
India. The Nati onal Highways
Authority of India will now consist of
a chairman, up to 6 full-time members
and 6 part-time members.
Out of the 6 part-time members,
at least two should be the non-
government professionals having
knowl edge or experience i n
financial management, transportation
planning or any other relevant
discipline. The National Highways
Authority of India (Amendment) Bill,
2012 was passed in the Rajya Sabha
on 13 August 2013. The bill was
passed in the Lok Sabha on 2
September 2013.
World#s Largest Solar Power World#s Largest Solar Power World#s Largest Solar Power World#s Largest Solar Power World#s Largest Solar Power
Project in Rajasthan Project in Rajasthan Project in Rajasthan Project in Rajasthan Project in Rajasthan
The Union Government of India
on 20 September 2013 finalised
setting up of the Ultra- Mega Green
Solar Power Project in Rajasthan in the
SSL (Sambhar Salts Limited; which is
a subsidiary of Hindustan Salts
Limited - a Central Public Sector
Enterprise under the Department of
Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy
Industries & Public Enterprises) area
close to Sambhar Lake, about 75 kms
from Jaipur.
The overall capacity of this
project would be 4000 MW, thereby
making it the largest solar power
project of the world.
About the Sambhar Ultra - About the Sambhar Ultra - About the Sambhar Ultra - About the Sambhar Ultra - About the Sambhar Ultra -
Mega Green Sol ar Power Mega Green Sol ar Power Mega Green Sol ar Power Mega Green Sol ar Power Mega Green Sol ar Power
Pr oj ect Pr oj ect Pr oj ect Pr oj ect Pr oj ect
" Praful Patel, Minister of Heavy
Industries and Publ i c
Enterprises, had earlier asked
the Department of Heavy
Industry (DHI) to initiate the
process of setting up the
Sambhar Ultra -Mega Green
Solar Power Project in the
23000 acre area of SSL.
" The first phase of the project,
which will be of 1000 MW
capacity, i s l ikely to be
commissioned in three years i.e.
by the end of 2016.
" The first phase of the project
will be implemented through a
joint venture (JV) company to
be formed with equity from
BHEL, Solar Energy
Corporation of India, Power
Grid Corporation of India Ltd.,
SJVN, SSL and REIL.
" The rest of the capacity of this
project will be implemented
through a variety of models.
" After complete commissioning
of the 4000 MW of project,
there will be a generation of
6000 million units of power per
annum.
" The project will supply power
to the distribution companies
of various States through the
National Grid.
" Being the first project of this
scale anywhere in the world this
project is expected to set a
trend for large scale solar
power development in the
world.
Life Imprisonment is the Rule Life Imprisonment is the Rule Life Imprisonment is the Rule Life Imprisonment is the Rule Life Imprisonment is the Rule
and Death Penalty an and Death Penalty an and Death Penalty an and Death Penalty an and Death Penalty an
Except i on Except i on Except i on Except i on Except i on
10 September 2013 held that life
imprisonment is the rule and death
penalty an exception. The apex court
advised the courts to consider socio-
economic compulsions such as
poverty while awarding the extreme
sentence to a convict. The
observations of the Supreme Court
came in a judgement delivered by a
bench of justices S.J.Mukhopadhaya
and Kuri an Joseph in which it
commuted the death sentence into
life imprisonment of a man who was
convicted for killing his wife and two
sons. The court noted that the
condemned convict had intended to
wipe out the whole family including
himself on account of abject poverty
and these aspects were not
considered by the courts below while
awarding him death sentence. The
appellant suffered from economic
and psychic compulsions.
Land Acquisition, Land Acquisition, Land Acquisition, Land Acquisition, Land Acquisition,
Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and
Resettl ement Bil l, 2013 got Resettl ement Bil l, 2013 got Resettl ement Bil l, 2013 got Resettl ement Bil l, 2013 got Resettl ement Bil l, 2013 got
President#s Assent President#s Assent President#s Assent President#s Assent President#s Assent
The Right to Fair Compensation
and Transparency in Land
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Bill 2013, received
assent of the President of India on 27
September 2013.The bill has now
become law.
The Bill was passed in the 2013
Monsoon Session of Parliament. (The
Lok Sabha passed the bill on 29
August 2013 and Rajya Sabha passed
the bill on 4 September 2013).
Under the new Land
Acquisition law, farmers and
landowners are entitled to get
compensation of up to four times of
the market value for land acquired in
rural areas, and two times the market
value in urban areas.
The consent of 80 per cent of
land owners is mandatory for
acquiring land for private projects
and of 70 per cent landowners for
public-private projects. The law also
brings transparency in the process of
land acquisition and lays down
measures for rehabilitation of those
displaced.
Aim of the Land Acquisition, Aim of the Land Acquisition, Aim of the Land Acquisition, Aim of the Land Acquisition, Aim of the Land Acquisition,
Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and Rehabili tati on and
Resettl ement Bi ll , 2013 Resettl ement Bi ll , 2013 Resettl ement Bi ll , 2013 Resettl ement Bi ll , 2013 Resettl ement Bi ll , 2013
The aim of the bill is providing
fair compensation to people whose
land has been taken away for setting
up the buildings or factories. The aim
of the bill is to bring in more
transparency to the process of land
acqui sition, thereby bringi ng
assurance of rehabilitation to the
affected people.
Primary Features of the Land
Resettlement Bill, 2013.
CCEA Gave Nod for Shale Gas CCEA Gave Nod for Shale Gas CCEA Gave Nod for Shale Gas CCEA Gave Nod for Shale Gas CCEA Gave Nod for Shale Gas
Explorati on and Exploi tation Explorati on and Exploi tation Explorati on and Exploi tation Explorati on and Exploi tation Explorati on and Exploi tation
2013 approved the proposal of the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
on the policy on exploration and
exploitation of shale gas and oil by
National Oil Companies (NOCs) on
acreages under the nomination
regime. The policy will facilitate
NOCs to carry out exploration and
exploitation of unconventional hydro-
carbon resources particularly shale
gas and oil in their already awarded
on land Petroleum Exploration
License and Petroleum Mining Lease
(PEL/PML) acreages under the
nomination regime.
The policy also contains the
terms as well as conditions for guiding
these activities. NOCs shall apply for
grant of shale gas and oil rights in their
interested PEL or PML acreages and
are required to undertake a
mandatory mini mum work
programme.
NOCs are permitted three
assessment phases of a maximum
period of three years each. Royalty,
Cess and Taxes would be payable at
par with conventional oil and gas
being produced from the respective
areas. It is important to note that the
production requirements and profile
for shale oil and gas is different from
conventional gas and oil. Therefore,
there was a need of the policy in
order to achieve early development
of these resources and to address
issues arising out of E&P activities in
shale gas and oil.
The Constituti on (Schedul ed The Constituti on (Schedul ed The Constituti on (Schedul ed The Constituti on (Schedul ed The Constituti on (Schedul ed
Tribes) Order (Second Tribes) Order (Second Tribes) Order (Second Tribes) Order (Second Tribes) Order (Second
Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 Amendment) Bi ll , 2013 Amendment) Bi ll , 2013
The Constitution (Scheduled
Tribes) Order (Second Amendment)
Bill, 2013 was passed by the Rajya
Sabha on 6 September 2013. The
Constitution (Scheduled Tribes)
Order (Second Amendment) Bill was
introduced in the Lok Sabha on 14
December 2012 by the Minister of
Tribal Affairs, V. Kishore Chandra Deo.
The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha
on 24 August 2013.
Objective of the Bill Objective of the Bill Objective of the Bill Objective of the Bill Objective of the Bill
The Bill seeks to amend the
Constitution (Scheduled Tribes)
Order, 1950 to modify the list of
Scheduled Tribes in the states of
Kerala and Chhattisgarh.
Major highlights of the Bill Major highlights of the Bill Major highlights of the Bill Major highlights of the Bill Major highlights of the Bill
" Article 342 of the Constitution
of India states that the President
may noti fy the Scheduled
Tri bes in a state after
consultation with the Governor
of the state. The President
issued the 1950 Order, in
accordance with this Article.
" According to the Article 342
of the Constitution of India,
Scheduled Tribes means such
tribes or tribal communities or
parts of or groups within such
tribes or tribal communities as
are deemed under Article 342
to be Scheduled Tribes for the
purposes of India Constitution.
" The Bi ll amended the
Schedule of the 1950 Order to
incl ude certai n groups as
Scheduled Tribes. The Marati
communi ty is being re-
i ncl uded i n the l ist of
Scheduled Tribes in Kerala.
" Scheduled Tribe status is being
granted to the Particularly
Vul nerabl e Tribal Groups
namely Abujh Maria and Hill
Korwa in the list of Scheduled
Tribes in Chhattisgarh.
Three Proposals of National Three Proposals of National Three Proposals of National Three Proposals of National Three Proposals of National
Early Childhood Care & Early Childhood Care & Early Childhood Care & Early Childhood Care & Early Childhood Care &
Education Policy Approved Education Policy Approved Education Policy Approved Education Policy Approved Education Policy Approved
The Union Cabinet on 20
September 2013 approved three
proposals of the National Early National Early National Early National Early National Early
Childhood Care and Education Childhood Care and Education Childhood Care and Education Childhood Care and Education Childhood Care and Education
(ECCE) Policy. (ECCE) Policy. (ECCE) Policy. (ECCE) Policy. (ECCE) Policy. The policy is to
promote inclusive, equitable and
contextualized opportunities for
promoting optimal development and
active learning capacity of all children
below six years.
The three proposals The three proposals The three proposals The three proposals The three proposals
1. The first proposal i s to
implement and monitor the
policy through National and
State Early Childhood Care and
Education Councils.
2. The second one is to develop
National Early Childhood Care
and Education Curriculum
Framework and Quali ty
Standards and circulate to the
States and Union Territories for
preparation of Action Plans and
implementation by them.
3. The thi rd proposal i s to
delegate power to the Union
Ministry of Women and Child
Development to make
necessary changes.
The Policy would help to 158.7
million children under six years of age
who need holistic and integrated
early childhood care. In particular it
would enable preschool education
inputs for thei r opti mum
devel opment to realize their
potential. The vision of the National
ECCE Policy is to promote inclusive,
equi tabl e and contextualized
opportunities for promoting optimal
development and active learning
capacity of all children below six
years of age. The Policy focus is on
early preschool learning for every
child below six years. The key areas
of this policy are universal access with
equity and inclusion, quality in ECCE,
strengthening capacity, monitoring
and supervision, advocacy, research
and review. The Union Ministry of
Women and Child Development is
the nodal Ministry to implement the
National ECCE Policy.
Gandhi Gandhi Gandhi Gandhi Gandhi
Heri tage Portal launched Heri tage Portal launched Heri tage Portal launched Heri tage Portal launched Heri tage Portal launched
Prime Minister of India Dr.
Mamohan Singh on 2 September
2013 launched the Gandhi Heritage
Portal in New Delhi. The Gandhi
heritage Portal is set up to preserve,
protect and disseminate original
writings of Gandhiji. The Gandhi
Heritage Portal is an initiative of Union
Ministry of Culture.
About About About About About
The Gandhi Heritage Portal The Gandhi Heritage Portal The Gandhi Heritage Portal The Gandhi Heritage Portal The Gandhi Heritage Portal
" The Gandhi Heritage Portal is a
technology-driven initiative
aimed at making Gandhiji
accessible all over the world on
an electronic platform. It would
be one of the most authentic
open source archives on the life
and work and thought of
Mahatma Gandhi.
" The portal has 5 lakh pages of
authenti c and veri fi ed
information and is expected to
have over 15 lakh pages of
i nformati on i n multipl e
languages.
" The fundamental works of
Mahatma Gandhi would be
available on the portal includes
Hind Swaraj, The Story of My
Experiments wi th Truth
(autobi ography), From
Yervada Mandir, Ashram
Observances i n Action,
Constructive Programmes: Their
Meanings and Plan, Key to
Health and Gandhij i# s
translation of the Gita. It will
also provide an opportunity to
enthusiasts, Gandhians and
research schol ars to read
original journals like Hind
Swaraj, Harijan. Harijan Bandhu,
Indian Opinion and Young
India. The Gandhi Heritage
Portal has been developed at
the Sabarmati Ashram in
Gujarat with the help of Union
Ministry of Culture. The project
was initially recommended by
the Government of Indi a-
appointed panel headed by
Gopal Krishna Gandhi. The
Mi ni stry of Cul ture had
sanctioned 8 crore rupees as a
corpus fund to the Sabarmati
Ashram Preservati on and
Memori al Trust (SAPMT),
Ahmedabad to create the
portal. The Sabarmati Ashram
is the largest repository of
Gandhiji#s original writings.
16th Meeting National 16th Meeting National 16th Meeting National 16th Meeting National 16th Meeting National
Integrati on Counci l Integrati on Counci l Integrati on Counci l Integrati on Counci l Integrati on Counci l
The resolution was adopted by
t h e
in its 16th Meeting held in
New Delhi on 23 September 2013.
The Resolution included some of the
crucial points and measures.
The National Integration The National Integration The National Integration The National Integration The National Integration
Counci l unanimousl y resol ved Counci l unanimousl y resol ved Counci l unanimousl y resol ved Counci l unanimousl y resol ved Counci l unanimousl y resol ved
the following points: the following points: the following points: the following points: the following points:
" To condemn violence in any
form committed to disturb
communal harmony and to
deal with all those indulging in
such violence in a prompt and
resolute manner under the law.
" It further resolved to ensure
that all women enjoy the fruits
of freedom, to pursue their
soci al and economi c
development wi th equal
opportunities, and to safeguard
their right of movement in the
public space at any time of the
day or night.
" To take al l measures to
preserve, sustain and
strengthen the harmonious
rel ationship between all
communities and enable all
citizens to lead their lives in
freedom as equal citizens with
dignity and honour.
" It also resolved that the Union
Government of India and all
stakeholders shall take all
measures for resolving
differences and di sputes
among the people within the
framework of law and
institutions set up thereunder
in order to strengthen our
secular and pluralistic society.
" It further resolved to work
i ndefatigabl y for thei r
complete integration with the
rest of the society on equal
terms.
" The Counci l resolved to
eradicate the dehumanising
practice of manual scavenging
and other forms of undignified
labour and ensure for the
peopl e engaged i n thi s
practice alternate forms of
employment that assures a life
of di gnity and honour for
them.
" To condemn the sexual abuse,
molestation and violent attacks
on women and to ensure
prompt and firm action against
the cul pri ts by the law
enforcement agencies as well
as speedy prosecution of such
cases under the criminal justice
system.
" To condemn the repeated
atrocities on the Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes,
and take stringent action on the
perpetrators of such crimes
under the various laws and
special acts enacted.
Lok Sabha Passed the Rajiv Lok Sabha Passed the Rajiv Lok Sabha Passed the Rajiv Lok Sabha Passed the Rajiv Lok Sabha Passed the Rajiv
Gandhi National Aviation Gandhi National Aviation Gandhi National Aviation Gandhi National Aviation Gandhi National Aviation
University Bil l, 2013 University Bil l, 2013 University Bil l, 2013 University Bil l, 2013 University Bil l, 2013
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation
University Bill, 2013 was passed by
the Lok Sabha on 6 September 2013.
The purpose of the bill is to establish
the fi rst-ever nati onal aviation
university in India, called Rajiv Gandhi
National Aviation University, which is
named after Rajiv Gandhi. The
University would train the cabin crew,
pilots as well as aircraft engineers.
Primary features of the Primary features of the Primary features of the Primary features of the Primary features of the
proposed uni versi ty- Raji v proposed uni versi ty- Raji v proposed uni versi ty- Raji v proposed uni versi ty- Raji v proposed uni versi ty- Raji v
Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation
Uni versi ty, under the Raji v Uni versi ty, under the Raji v Uni versi ty, under the Raji v Uni versi ty, under the Raji v Uni versi ty, under the Raji v
Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation Gandhi Nati onal Avi ation
Uni versity Bill, 2013 Uni versity Bill, 2013 Uni versity Bill, 2013 Uni versity Bill, 2013 Uni versity Bill, 2013
" The Uni versi ty, which i s
proposed under the Bill, will
come up at Rae Bareli in Uttar
Pradesh, whi ch is the
constituency of Sonia Gandhi.
" Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation
University Bill, 2013 which
provides for the formation of
this central university on the
area of 26 acre plot at the Indira
Gandhi Rashtri ya Udaan
Academy at Fursatganj in Rae
Bareli.
" Under this Bill, it was proposed
that although the airports in
India will be owned by the
Airports Authority of India, but
the construction or
development of the airports
which are existing, shall be
undertaken on the basis of
Publi c-Pri vate Partnership
(PPP).
" The proposed university will
be an autonomous body under
administrative control of the
Civil Aviation Ministry.
" The university would have the
estimated funding of 202 crore
Rupees during the 12th Plan
period. Out of this, 80 crore
Rupees was already sanctioned
by the Union Government of
India.
" The purpose of the university
would be promotion of aviation
studies, training and research
and the focus would remain on
the emerging areas such as
aviation medicine, aviation
safety and security, aviation
law, avi ati on science and
engineering, aviation history,
aviation regulation and policy
and aviation management.
" The University will also be a
knowledge partner to safety
and security regulators by
providing required academic
inputs to help them execute
their enforcement
responsibility better.
Continuation of Powerloom Continuation of Powerloom Continuation of Powerloom Continuation of Powerloom Continuation of Powerloom
Cluster Development Scheme Cluster Development Scheme Cluster Development Scheme Cluster Development Scheme Cluster Development Scheme
Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved
Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 20
September 2013 approved the
proposal for continuation
o f Comprehensive Powerloom Comprehensive Powerloom Comprehensive Powerloom Comprehensive Powerloom Comprehensive Powerloom
Cluster Development scheme Cluster Development scheme Cluster Development scheme Cluster Development scheme Cluster Development scheme in
the 12th Plan period to promote the
textiles sector. The scheme with an
outlay of 110 crore rupees will be
implemented through a Publ ic
Private Partnership mode.
Obj ecti ve of the Scheme Obj ecti ve of the Scheme Obj ecti ve of the Scheme Obj ecti ve of the Scheme Obj ecti ve of the Scheme
The scheme is aimed at creating
a world class infrastructure to assist
entrepreneurs to set up their units
with modern infrastructure, latest
technology and adequate training
and human resource development
inputs along with appropriate market
linkages.
About t he Comprehensi ve About t he Comprehensi ve About t he Comprehensi ve About t he Comprehensi ve About t he Comprehensi ve
Powerloom Cl ust er Powerloom Cl ust er Powerloom Cl ust er Powerloom Cl ust er Powerloom Cl ust er
Devel opment Scheme (CPCDS) Devel opment Scheme (CPCDS) Devel opment Scheme (CPCDS) Devel opment Scheme (CPCDS) Devel opment Scheme (CPCDS)
The Government of India in
November 2008 launched the
Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster
Development Scheme (CPCDS) for
development of Powerloom Mega
Clusters at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra)
and Erode (Tamil Nadu) as a Central
Sector Plan Scheme during the 11th
Five Year Plan. The scheme started,
with a budget provision of 70 crore
rupees for each cluster to assist the
entrepreneurs to set up world-class
units with modern infrastructure and
latest technology. Government of
India further announced
devel opment of two more
Powerloom Mega Clusters at Bhilwara
(Rajasthan) in 2009-10 and at
Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra) in 2012-13.
Citizens Have Right to Cast Citizens Have Right to Cast Citizens Have Right to Cast Citizens Have Right to Cast Citizens Have Right to Cast
Negative Vote Negative Vote Negative Vote Negative Vote Negative Vote
27 September 2013 held that citizens
have the right to reject all candidates
contesting an election. The Supreme
Court also directed the Election
Commission of India to provide none
of the above options at the end of
the list of candidates contesting an
election in a constituency. A bench
headed by Chief Justice P
Sathasivam while pronouncing the
judgment viewed that negative
voting would foster purity and
vibrancy of elections .It also ensure
wide participation as people who are
not satisfied with the candidates in
the fray would also turn up to express
their opinion rejecting contestants.
While pronouncing the judgment he
also talked about democracy.
Democracy is all about choices. So,
voters will be empowered by this
right of negative voting. Negative
voting will send a clear signal to
political parties and candidates as to
what the voters think about them. The
bench noted that the concept of
negative voting is prevalent in 13
countries. Even in India
parliamentarians are given an option
to press the button for abstaining
while voting takes place in the
Parliament. The bench also observed
that right to reject candidates in
elections is part of fundamental right
given by the Constitution in article 19
(freedom of speech and expression).
The court passed this order on a
Public Interest Litigation(PIL) filed by
an NGO, People#s Union for Civil
Liberties (PUCL), whi ch had
submitted that voters be given the
right to negative voting.
Existing Provisions in Existing Provisions in Existing Provisions in Existing Provisions in Existing Provisions in
Representation of People Act Representation of People Act Representation of People Act Representation of People Act Representation of People Act
Under the existing provisions of
Section 49(O) of the Representation
of People Act, a voter who after
coming to a polling booth does not
want to cast his vote, has to inform
the presiding officer of his intention
of not voting, who in turn would make
an entry in the relevant rule book after
taking the signature of the said
elector. It violates the concept of f
secret ballot.
C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft C-17 Globemaster III Aircraft
inducted in Indian Air Force inducted in Indian Air Force inducted in Indian Air Force inducted in Indian Air Force inducted in Indian Air Force
Union Defence Minister AK
Antony on 2 September 2013
formally inducted IAF#s biggest 70-
tonneheavy-lift transport aircraft C- C- C- C- C-
17 Globemaster III 17 Globemaster III 17 Globemaster III 17 Globemaster III 17 Globemaster III into service at
the Hindon Air Base near Delhi. The
C-17, with a capability to carry around
80 tonnes of load and around 150
fully geared troops, will replace the
Russian IL-76 as the biggest aircraft
in the IAF inventory till now.
The IL-76 had the capability to
carry loads upto around 40 tonnes.
The aircraft is expected to enhance
the operational potential of the IAF
with its payl oad carriage and
performance capability and would
augment the strategic reach during
disaster relief or any similar missions.
This will also help in bolstering the
IAF#s capability to swiftly transport
combat troops and equipment such
as tanks to the front. The aircraft will
be inducted into the newly-formed
81 Skylord Skylord Skylord Skylord Skylord Squadron.
The C-17 Globemaster III
aircraft has been procured from the
US under a deal expected to be over
20000 crore rupees. The C-17 plane
will be operated from the advanced
landing grounds in the north-eastern
states as well as from high altitude
bases in north and Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. The IAF has placed
orders with the US for ten C-17
aircraft under the deal signed in 2011
and three of them have already been
delivered. The US Air Force is
scheduled to complete the delivery
of all the 10 planes by the end of
2014. This aircraft will enhance the
operational potential of the IAF with
its payload carriage and performance
and would augment the strategic
reach of the nati on duri ng
Operations, Disaster Relief or any
similar mission. The induction of the
C-17 is a major milestone in the
modernization drive of the IAF.
Presently three aircrafts have been
delivered and are operational. The
newly inducted C-17 Squadron (81
Squadron) will be based in Hindan.
CCEA Approved Setting Up CCEA Approved Setting Up CCEA Approved Setting Up CCEA Approved Setting Up CCEA Approved Setting Up
of ITIR in Hyderabad of ITIR in Hyderabad of ITIR in Hyderabad of ITIR in Hyderabad of ITIR in Hyderabad
2013 approved the setting up
o f Informati on Technol ogy Informati on Technol ogy Informati on Technol ogy Informati on Technol ogy Informati on Technol ogy
Investment Region (ITIR) Investment Region (ITIR) Investment Region (ITIR) Investment Region (ITIR) Investment Region (ITIR) nea r
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The
ITIR, spread over 50000 acres, with
an investment potential of about
2.19 lakh crore Rupees in Information
Technology and Electronic Hardware
manufacturing over 25 years. The
Union Ministry of Road Transport &
Highways, Union Ministry of Urban
Development and Union Ministry of
Railways would initiate the detailed
feasibility of the project. The total
investment for the ITIR will be about
2.19 lakh crore Rupees of which the
IT or ITES (Information Technology
or Information Technology Enabled
Services) Sector is to attract
investments.The major investment
will be from Publ ic-Private
Partnerships. Government of India
has also proposed upgradation of
three radial roads and extension of
the Metro Rail from Falaknuma to
Shamshabad International airport at
total cost of 3275 crore Rupees.
The ITIR is expected to
generate direct employment of 14.8
lakh and indirect employment of 55.9
lakh. The ITIR will be implemented
in two phases. The Phase I will from
2013 to 2018 and Phase II will be from
2018 to 2038. The ITIR is expected
to develop into a key industrial region
IT, ITES and Electronic Hardware
manufacturing sectors. Special
consideration wi ll be given to
accommodate Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in the proposed
ITIR. The Department of The Department of The Department of The Department of The Department of
Electroni cs and Information Electroni cs and Information Electroni cs and Information Electroni cs and Information Electroni cs and Information
Technology (DeitY) Technology (DeitY) Technology (DeitY) Technology (DeitY) Technology (DeitY) is the nodal
Department of the Government of
India to process proposals relating to
setting up of ITIRs.
Indi a Granted Authori zing Indi a Granted Authori zing Indi a Granted Authori zing Indi a Granted Authori zing Indi a Granted Authori zing
Nation Status Nation Status Nation Status Nation Status Nation Status
India, on 19 September 2013
was recognised as the Authorizing
Nation under the International
Common Criteria Recogni tion
Arrangement (CCRA) to test and
certify Electronics and IT products
with respect to cyber security. With
this, India became the 17th country
to be given such recognition. The
International Common Cri teria
Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) at
present has 26 member countries
which have received Authorizing
Nation recognition. Some of these
include USA, UK, Germany, South
Korea, France, Japan, Canada,
Australia, Turkey and Malaysia. As of
now, India had the status of
Consuming Nation with respect to
certification of Electronics and IT
products. The benefit of having the
status of Authorizing Nation will help
India to test the IT and Electronics
products and issue Certificates which
will be acceptable internationally.
The recognition would also remove
the bottleneck which as of now had
prevented international companies
from submitting their products for
testing and certification in India.
Bharat Nirman- Public Bharat Nirman- Public Bharat Nirman- Public Bharat Nirman- Public Bharat Nirman- Public
Information Campaign Information Campaign Information Campaign Information Campaign Information Campaign
l aunched l aunched l aunched l aunched l aunched
Bharat Nirman- a Public
Information Campaign launched at
Viramgam block of Ahmedabad
District in Gujarat on 23 September
2013 to spread the information of
Government flagship programmes like
MGNREGA, NRHM etc.
This Bharat Nirman -Public
Information Campaign has been
organised by the various media units
of Union Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting- includi ng Press
Information Bureau, Diroctorate of
Field Publicity, Directorate of Audio
Visual Publicity, All India Radio,
Doordarshan etc.
777 Days of Incredible Indian 777 Days of Incredible Indian 777 Days of Incredible Indian 777 Days of Incredible Indian 777 Days of Incredible Indian
Himalayas-Campaign Himalayas-Campaign Himalayas-Campaign Himalayas-Campaign Himalayas-Campaign
Launched Launched Launched Launched Launched
Union Ministry of Tourism on 27
September 2013 launched - 777 777 777 777 777
Days of Incredi ble Indian Days of Incredi ble Indian Days of Incredi ble Indian Days of Incredi ble Indian Days of Incredi ble Indian
Himalayas Himalayas Himalayas Himalayas Himalayas- campaign to promote
virgin peaks of Himalayas and make
India a favoured tourist destination.
The campaign is aimed at attracting
more foreign tourists for round the
year and reminding the world that a
major part of the Himalayan range is
in India. Minister of State for Tourism
K.Chiranjeevi launched the 777 days
of Incredible Indian Himalayas
campaign in New Delhi to mark the
World Tourism Day- 27 September.
The Ministry of Tourism also decided
to meet 50 percent of Peak fee
chargeable by Indian Mountaineering
Foundati on from the cl imbi ng
expeditions during the period of 777
days of the campaign.
SEBI (Amendment) Bil l, 2013 SEBI (Amendment) Bil l, 2013 SEBI (Amendment) Bil l, 2013 SEBI (Amendment) Bil l, 2013 SEBI (Amendment) Bil l, 2013
The Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Amendment) Bill,
on 13 September 2013. The
Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was
passed by the Rajya Sabha on 5
September 2013. The Bill will widen
the area for eligible candidates for
the post of presiding officer at the
Securities Appellate Tribunal. The Bill
was already approved by the Lok
Sabha on 27 August 2013.
Rubber Plantation in Maoist Rubber Plantation in Maoist Rubber Plantation in Maoist Rubber Plantation in Maoist Rubber Plantation in Maoist
Affected States Affected States Affected States Affected States Affected States
Union Government on 25
September 2013 approved a
proposal of funding Rubber
Plantation in over 50000 Acres of Land
in Maoist-Affected States under a
special funded Central project. The
move aims at preventing youth from
joining the naxal movement by
providing them a sustainable source
of income. 3
The proposal was formulated
jointly by the Union Ministries of
Home and Commerce. The Union
Ministry of Commerce had earlier
sought the Home Ministry#s help to
fund the Rubber Board#s project for
the cash crop across 50000 hectares
of land in five Naxal affected states
over a period of 16 year. A proposal
to this effect was approved at a high-
level meeting, chaired by Union
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde
in New Delhi. The day-long meeting
also revi ewed the anti-Naxal
operations and development works
being undertaken in these states.
Bill to Ban Manual Scavenging Bill to Ban Manual Scavenging Bill to Ban Manual Scavenging Bill to Ban Manual Scavenging Bill to Ban Manual Scavenging
The Prohibition of Employment
as Manual Scavengers and Their
Rehabilitation Bill, 2013 received
assent of the President of India,
Pranab Mukherjee. With this, the Bill
became an Act on 19 September
2013. Lok Sabha, the Lower House
of the Parliament, on 6 September
2013, passed the Prohibition of
Employment as Manual Scavengers
and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2012.
The Bill was moved by the Minister
for Social Justice and Empowerment
Kumari Selja. The Bill seeks to prohibit
employment of individuals as the
manual scavengers, while at the same
time providing for the rehabilitation
of people involved in this kind of
work.
What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging? What is Manual Scavenging?
Manual Scavenging refers to the
process of removal of human waste
or excreta from the unsanitary dry
toilets that do not have a connection
to the sewer system. This practice is
primarily archetypical to South Asia.
In the year 1933, legislation was
passed in India for banning manual
scavenging. However, the legislation
was not implemented widely. In
February 2013, Delhi became the first
state in India to ban manual
scavenging.
158 Eklavya Model Residential 158 Eklavya Model Residential 158 Eklavya Model Residential 158 Eklavya Model Residential 158 Eklavya Model Residential
Schools for Tribal Students Schools for Tribal Students Schools for Tribal Students Schools for Tribal Students Schools for Tribal Students
sanct i oned sanct i oned sanct i oned sanct i oned sanct i oned
Union Government on 16
September 2013 sanctioned a total
of 158 Eklavya Model Residential
Schools (EMRSs) for Tribal students
out of grants under Article 275(1) of
the Constitution of India in 23 states.
out of these 111 schools have
become fully functional with all
facilities. Highest number of 22
schools have been sanctioned for
Gujarat followed by Madhya Pradesh
(20) and Rajasthan (17). Chhattisgarh
and Odisha have been sanctioned 16
schools each. All the facilities for a
proper study atmosphere l ike
sufficient number of class rooms,
computer and science laboratory,
library, recreation room, hostels for
students and housing facilities for the
teaching and other supporting staff
are made available in the EMRSs.
Further, the school buildings have
been made accessible to students
with disabilities.
About Eklavya Model About Eklavya Model About Eklavya Model About Eklavya Model About Eklavya Model
Resi denti al Schools (EMRS) Resi denti al Schools (EMRS) Resi denti al Schools (EMRS) Resi denti al Schools (EMRS) Resi denti al Schools (EMRS)
The objective of EMRS is to
provide quality middle and high level
education to Scheduled Tribe (ST)
students in remote areas, not only to
enable them to avail of reservation in
high and professional educational
courses and as jobs in government
and public and private sectors but
also to have access to the best
opportunities in education at par
with the non ST population.
HPCL Refinery-Petro Chemical HPCL Refinery-Petro Chemical HPCL Refinery-Petro Chemical HPCL Refinery-Petro Chemical HPCL Refinery-Petro Chemical
Complex in Rajasthan Complex in Rajasthan Complex in Rajasthan Complex in Rajasthan Complex in Rajasthan
The UPA Chairperson Sonia
Gandhi laid the foundation stone for
HPCL Rajasthan Refinery and
Petrochemical Complex at
Pachpadra in Barmer district on 22
September 2013. The refinery-cum-
petrochemical complex to be set up
with an estimated cost of 37230 crore
rupees, the refinery is likely to start
production by 2017-18. The total
capacity of refinery is 90 lakh matric
tonnes per year. After completion,
this refinery will generate an income
of 8 lakh 78 thousand crore rupees
and provide employment to one lakh
forty thousand people. Setting up
of the refinery facilitates direct and
indirect economic benefit to the
economy of Rajasthan, which shall,
besides industrialization, result in
substantial increase in income,
output, employment and tax earnings
of the State. The refinery which is
considered to change the entire
scenario of Rajasthan will also prove
instrumental in development of
drastic, automotive, pipe, tyre and
other industries in the State.
Constitution of Seventh Constitution of Seventh Constitution of Seventh Constitution of Seventh Constitution of Seventh
Central Pay Commission Central Pay Commission Central Pay Commission Central Pay Commission Central Pay Commission
Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved Appr oved
The Finance Mi nister
P.Chidambaram announced on 25
September 2013 that the Prime
Minister of India Manmohan Singh
approved the constitution of
t h e
. The average time
taken by a Pay Commission to submit
its recommendations is around 2
years. In context with this, it is
expected that the recommendations
of 7th CPC will be implemented with
effect from 1 January 2016. The
names of the Chairperson as well as
the members along with their terms
of reference (ToR) will be finalised
and announced after consultation
with the major stakeholders. Since the
year 1947, six pay commissions have
been set up from time to time in order
to revi ew as well as make
recooemndations on the work and
pay structure of civil and military
divisions of the Government of India.
About the Central Pay About the Central Pay About the Central Pay About the Central Pay About the Central Pay
Commission Commission Commission Commission Commission
" The fi rst Central Pay
Commission was constituted in
May 1946 and its report was
submitted by 1947 under the
Chai rmanship of Sri nivasa
Varadachariar. The first Central
Pay Commission was based on
the basic idea of living wages
to employees.
" The approval of last or the sixth
Central Pay Commission was
gi ven in Jul y 2006. The
commission was established
under the Chairmanship of
B.N.Srikrishna with the time
duration of 18 months.
" The consti tution of the
Seventh Pay Commission will
include salaries, allowances
and pensions of around 80 lakh
empl oyees as well as
pensioners.
" Recommendations of the
Commission wil l provi de
benefi t to around 50 lakh
empl oyees of the Central
Government, who also include
defence and railways. Apart
from this, it will also provide
benefit to 30 lakh pensioners.
" The Union Government of
India constitutes the Pay
Commission after almost 10
years time frame in order to
revi se the pay scales of
empl oyees. The
recommendati ons of Pay
Commissi on are always
adopted by all the states in
India after a few modifications.
Compulsory l icensing Compulsory l icensing Compulsory l icensing Compulsory l icensing Compulsory l icensing
required for Bristol-Myers required for Bristol-Myers required for Bristol-Myers required for Bristol-Myers required for Bristol-Myers
Squibb Co. #s anti -cancer drug Squibb Co. #s anti -cancer drug Squibb Co. #s anti -cancer drug Squibb Co. #s anti -cancer drug Squibb Co. #s anti -cancer drug
Dasat i ni b Dasat i ni b Dasat i ni b Dasat i ni b Dasat i ni b
An expert committee on
compulsory licensing recommended
to the Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion (DIPP) to issue a
compulsory li cence for the
manufacture of Bristol-Myers Squibb
Co.#s anti-cancer drug Dasatinib. This
drug is used in the treatment of
chronic myeloid leukaemia. Dasatinib
became the second drug
recommended by the DIPP for
compulsory licence. In March 2012,
India issued its first compulsory
licence to Natco Pharma Ltd. for the
manufacture of Bayer AG#s Nexavar
anti-cancer drug. The Health Ministry
approached DIPP in January 2013 for
compulsory licences of three anti
cancer drugs namely Roche Holding
AG#s breast cancer treatment
Herceptin (Trastuzumab) , Bristol
mayers Squibb#s lekeamia medicine
Sprycle (Dasatinib) and Ixempora
(Ixabepilone). The proposal was
made by the health ministry to the
DIPP to make the cancer drug
cheaper. Now a month#s dose cost is
1.6 lakh rupees. According to
Section 85 of the Indian Patents Act,
1970 a compulsory licence for
manufacture of a patented
pharmaceutical product can be
issued, if the drug is considered
unaffordable by the Government.
http://www.flipkart.com
http://upscportal.com/civilservices/books
INTERNATIONAL I SSUES
100 Billion US Dollars Fund 100 Billion US Dollars Fund 100 Billion US Dollars Fund 100 Billion US Dollars Fund 100 Billion US Dollars Fund
by BRICS by BRICS by BRICS by BRICS by BRICS
Leaders of the BRICS (Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa)
group of nations on 5 September
2013 announced to set up a 100
billion US dollar fund to steady
currency markets destablised by an
expected pullback of US monetary
stimulus. The announcement was
made at the meeting of BRICS leaders.
Brazil, India and Russia committed 18
billion dollars each while China
announced 41 billion US dollars.
South Africa announced 5 billion US
dollars. BRICS had earlier planned to
set up 240 billion US dollars fund.
Earlier this year, BRICS nations had
discussed the formation of a new
devel opment bank to fund
infrastructure and development
projects throughout the developing
nations.
Chinese Leader Bo Xilai Chinese Leader Bo Xilai Chinese Leader Bo Xilai Chinese Leader Bo Xilai Chinese Leader Bo Xilai
Sentenced to Li fe Sentenced to Li fe Sentenced to Li fe Sentenced to Li fe Sentenced to Li fe
Top China Communist Party
l eader Bo Xil ai Bo Xil ai Bo Xil ai Bo Xil ai Bo Xil ai was on 22
September 2013 sentenced to life
imprisonment by a Chinese court
which upheld the charges of bribery,
embezzlement and abuse of power
against him. The Jinan Intermediate
Court in east China#s Shandong
province, which conducted an
unprecedented open trial in August
2013, convicted the former Politburo
member and Chongqing city
Communist Party chief on all the three
charges. In its judgement, court
sentenced Bo Xilai to life in prison on
the bribery charges, 15 years for
embezzlement and seven years for
abuse of power. The court also
stripped Bo of all political rights and
ordered the confiscation of his
property. Bo Xilai, 64, was sacked as
the head of the Chongqing city in
2013 and removed from the ruling
party following allegations of bribery,
embezzlement and abuse of power
against him. He was accused of
receiving 20 million Yuan (3.5 Million
US Dollars) as bribes and owning a
luxury villa in France. The hearing
was regarded as the Communist
China#s most sensitive political trial
after the 1981 $Gang of Four# trial
involving Mao Zedong#s widow Jing
Qing.
About Bo Xilai About Bo Xilai About Bo Xilai About Bo Xilai About Bo Xilai
Bo Xilai is a former Chinese
politician. He came to prominence
through his tenures as the mayor of
Dalian and then governor of Liaoning.
From 2004 to November 2007, he
served as Minister of Commerce.
Between 2007 and 2012 he served
as a member of the Central Politburo
and secretary of the Communist
Party#s Chongqing branch.
68th Session of the UN 68th Session of the UN 68th Session of the UN 68th Session of the UN 68th Session of the UN
General Assembly held in General Assembly held in General Assembly held in General Assembly held in General Assembly held in
New York New York New York New York New York
The United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) started on 17
September 2013 its 68th session at
the UN Headquarters in New York,
with setting a new development
agenda beyond 2015 as its priority.
President of the 68th session - UN
ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda
John Ashe John Ashe John Ashe John Ashe John Ashe opened the assembly
with a speech that introduced the
themes of the year and the issues to
be focused on, including human
rights, the rule of law and how to work
towards and ensure stable and
peaceful societies ensuri ng
accessible institutions of justice and
reducing violence.
The Assembly is set to the
backdrop of the eight Millennium
Development Goal s (coveri ng
poverty, women#s rights, the
environment, child mortality, primary
education, HIV/AIDS, development
and maternal health) which were set
in 2000 with the goal to achieve them
by the end of 2015. President of the
68th session John Ashe called this
year#s Assembly pivotal as member
states work in the face of the looming
deadline. The goals will be discussed
in three high-level talks and three
thematic debates in order for leaders
to offer ideas on how to achieve them
and define them post-2015. The
General Assembly is the UN#s largest
committee in which all 193 member
states have equal representation. UN
General Assembly meets annually to
address a set number of issues and
current crisis of the world.
Theme of the session: Theme of the session: Theme of the session: Theme of the session: Theme of the session: The
Post-2015 Development Agenda:
Setting the Stage
Beauty Pageants for Chi ldren Beauty Pageants for Chi ldren Beauty Pageants for Chi ldren Beauty Pageants for Chi ldren Beauty Pageants for Chi ldren
below 16 Years Banned by below 16 Years Banned by below 16 Years Banned by below 16 Years Banned by below 16 Years Banned by
The French Senate The French Senate The French Senate The French Senate The French Senate
The French Senate (Upper
House of the Parliament in France)
on 18 September 2013 voted 197-
146 overnight in order to approve the
ban on beauty pageants for children
below the age of 16 years. Also, the
Legislation included imposing the
fine as well as punishment in form of
imprisonment.
This amendment was taken up
on the basis of a report entitled
Against Hyper-Sexualisation: A New
Fight For Equality. The Senate
suggested that anyone entering the
child into the contest of this kind will
have to face a fine of 30000 Euros as
well as two years of imprisonment. The
amendment is a part of the proposed
broader bill on women#s rights. The
Bill will now go to the National
Assembly, French Parliament#s lower
house, for another round of vote as
well as debate.
The senators argued that the
amendment in the Bill is aimed at
protecting the children from being
sexualised before their apt age,
because of the use of provocative
attire as well as loud make up. The
report- Against Hyper-Sexualisation:
A New Fight for Equality, on the
whole, called for a complete end on
the pageants of these kinds and also
encouraged a ban on the adult-styled
clothing for the children. The author
of this report is former sports minister
and current senator Chantal
Jouanno. In case the Bill becomes a
law, the pageants such as Mini-Miss
in Paris will be banned completely.
Michel Le Parmentier, the creator of
Mini-Miss, which is held annually,
protested that certain regulations
instead of the complete ban would
be more appropriate. Mini-Miss
pageant is organised in France since
the year 1989.
Sarin Gas Used in Syria Attack Sarin Gas Used in Syria Attack Sarin Gas Used in Syria Attack Sarin Gas Used in Syria Attack Sarin Gas Used in Syria Attack
U.N. chemical investigators on
16 September 2013 confirmed the
use of Sarin nerve agent in 21 August
2013 poison gas attack outside the
Syrian capital Damascus. The
investigation team headed by Ake
Sellstrom of Sweden submitted its
report to UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki -moon. The U.N. team was
investigating only whether chemical
weapons were used in a deadly
assault on the rebel-held Damascus
suburb of Ghouta. It was not charged
with concluding who launched the
attack. On the basis of the evidence
obtained during the investigation of
the Ghouta incident, the conclusion
is that chemical weapons have been
used in the ongoing conflict between
the parti es in the Syrian Arab
Republic, also against civilians,
including children, on a relatively
large scal e. In particular, the
environmental, chemical and
medical samples provided clear and
convincing evidence that surface-to-
surface rockets containing the nerve
agent Sarin were used.
The report also stated the
weather conditions on 21 August
2013 ensured that as many people as
possible were injured or killed.
Temperatures were falling between
2 a.m. and 5 a.m, which meant that air
was moving downwards toward the
ground. Chemical weapons use in
such meteorological conditions
maximizes their potential impact as
the heavy gas can stay close to the
ground and penetrate into lower
levels of buildings and constructions
where many people were seeking
shelter. Erlier, U.S. Secretary of State
John Kerry also announced that sarin
had been used in the chemical
attack on the Ghouta region. The
United States stated 1400 people
were killed, including more than 400
children. The United Nations Mission
has now confirmed, unequivocally
and objectively, that chemi cal
weapons have been used in Syria.
About Sarin Gas About Sarin Gas About Sarin Gas About Sarin Gas About Sarin Gas
" Sarin is a man-made chemical
warfare agent classified as a
nerve agent. (chemical formula:
C4H10FO2P)
" Nerve agents are the most toxic
and rapidly acting of the known
chemical warfare agents. They
are similar to certain kinds of
i nsectici des call ed
organophosphate insecticides
in terms of how they work and
what kind of harmful effects
they cause; however, nerve
agents are much more potent
than insecticides.
" Sarin originally was developed
in 1938 i n Germany as an
insecticide.
" Sarin is a clear, colorless, and
tasteless liquid that has no odor
in its pure form. However, sarin
can evaporate into a vapor
(gas) and spread i nto the
environment.
" Sarin is also known as GB.
Third Term for Angela Merkel Third Term for Angela Merkel Third Term for Angela Merkel Third Term for Angela Merkel Third Term for Angela Merkel
Chancellor Angela Merkel won
a third term by a landslide victory in
German elections on 22 September
2013. Chancellor Angela Merkel#s
conservative Union bloc - the
Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
and Bavarian Christian Social Union
(CSU) won 41.5 percent of vote, but
finished just short of an absolute
majority. The elections were held for
the Bundstag, the German#s
parliament. The Bundestag (Federal
Diet) is a constitutional and legislative
body in Germany. In practice, the
country is governed by a bicameral
legislature, but not a bicameral
parliament. The centre-left Social
Democrats (SPD) won 25.7 percent
of votes and the ecologist Greens
won 8.4 percent votes. Final results
gave the CDU/CSU 311 seats, the
Social Democrats 192, the centre-left
Social Democrats (SPD) 64 seats and
the ecologist Greens 63 seats.
G20 Summit 2013 took Place G20 Summit 2013 took Place G20 Summit 2013 took Place G20 Summit 2013 took Place G20 Summit 2013 took Place
in St. Petersburg, Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia
The G20 Leaders# Summit took
pl ace i n St.Petersburg on 5-6
September 2013 presided by Russia.
The G20 nations discussed ways to
ensure economic growth and
financial stability, create jobs and
combat unemployment, stimulate
investment and promote multilateral
trade, international development and
anti-corruption. The members of the
Group of Twenty (G-20) are:
Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Great
Britain, Germany, European Union,
India, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, China,
Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi
Arabia, USA, Turkey, France, South
Africa, Republic of Korea, and Japan.
The presidency of the G20 rotates
annually among its members.
The G20 Leaders took notice of
the final recommendations that the
Business 20, Civil 20, Labour 20, Think
20 and Youth 20. To continue and
expand dialogue, the G20 Leaders
met with the representatives of
business community and trade unions
on the sidelines of the Summit.
A number of round tabl e
discussions were held in the Summit#s
International Media Centre (IMC),
including: Experts# vision of the
significance of the G20, G8 and BRICS
for Russia; Issues of Development of
the Global and Russian Economy on
the G20 Agenda; G20 Initiatives to
Reform the International Monetary
System and Financial Regulation:
Problems and Solutions; Fighting
unemployment and creating jobs - a
universal goal for the G20 countries;
and The G20 Efforts on Fighting
Protectionism and Trade Barriers. The
Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier
forum for international cooperation
on the most important issues of the
global economic and financi al
agenda.
The objectives of the G20 refer
to:
1. Policy coordination between
its members in order to achieve
global economic stability,
sustainable growth;
2. Promoting financial regulations
that reduce risks and prevent
future financial crises;
3. Modernizi ng international
financial architecture.
The G20 brings together
finance ministers and central bank
governors from 19 countri es:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada,
China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic
of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the
United Kingdom, the United States
of America plus the European Union,
which is represented by the
President of the European Council
and by Head of the European Central
Bank. The G20 was formal ly
established in September 1999 when
finance ministers and central bank
governors of seven major industrial
countries (Canada, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and
the United States) met in Washington,
D.C. in the aftermath of the financial
crisis of 1997-1998, which revealed
the vulnerability of the international
fi nancial system i n context of
economic globalization and showed
that key developing countries were
insufficiently involved in discussions
and decisions concerning global
economic issues.
Finance ministers and central
bank governors started to hold annual
meetings after the inaugural meeting
on December 15-16, 1999, in Berlin.
The first meeting of the G20 Leaders
took place in Washington, D.C., on
November 14-15, 2008, where the
Leaders agreed to an action plan to
stabilize the global economy and
prevent future crises.
At the Leaders# level, Mexico
was the second episode, following
the Republic of Korea, that an
emerging country hel d the
Presidency of the Group.
1. 90% of global GDP.
2. 80% of international global-
trade.
3. 2/3 of the world#s population
lives in G20 member countries.
4. 84% of all fossil fuel emissions
are produced by G20
countries.
At their first meeti ng in
Washington, the G20 Leaders
achieved general agreement
amongst the G20 on how to
cooperate in key areas so as to
strengthen economic growth, deal
with the financial crisis and agreed
upon three key objectives:
" restoring global economic
growth;
" strengthening the international
financial system;
" reforming international
financial institutions.
U.S. Cl eared Venezuelan U.S. Cl eared Venezuelan U.S. Cl eared Venezuelan U.S. Cl eared Venezuelan U.S. Cl eared Venezuelan
President Nicolas Maduro#s President Nicolas Maduro#s President Nicolas Maduro#s President Nicolas Maduro#s President Nicolas Maduro#s
Fl i ght Fl i ght Fl i ght Fl i ght Fl i ght
The U.S. on 19 September 2013
approved a flight plan for Venezuelan
President Nicolas Maduro Nicolas Maduro Nicolas Maduro Nicolas Maduro Nicolas Maduro to fl y
over Puerto Rico on his way to China.
A last-minute authorisation was issued
late on 19 September 2013 for the
request lodged a day earlier, rather
than the three days# notice required.
Earlier, Venezuela Government
accused the U.S. Government of
denying permission for Nicolas
Maduro#s jet to fly through i ts
airspace.
Diplomatic Strai ns Diplomatic Strai ns Diplomatic Strai ns Diplomatic Strai ns Diplomatic Strai ns
The US also stated the approval
was made more complicated by the
fact the Nicolas Maduro#s flight was
not on a state plane, which required
further dipl omatic clearance.
Venezuela#s relations with the US
have been often been strained, both
under Maduro#s predecessor Hugo
Chavez and since his own election in
April 2013. Nicolas Maduro, who has
had a rocky relationship with the U.S.
since winning an election in April
2013 triggered by the death of
President Hugo Chavez, also stated
that US authorities had barred his
pl ane from travell ing over the
Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a US
territory, on his way to China. In July
2013 Venezuela announced that it
had ended steps towards restoring
diplomatic ties with the US, after a
top American diplomat referred to a
crackdown on civil society i n
Venezuela. Washington had also
angered Caracas by backing the
Venezuelan opposition#s demand for
a ful l recount of 2013 Apri l#s
presidential election which was
narrowly won by Nicolas Maduro. The
two countries last had ambassadors
in each other#s capitals in 2010.
Hun Sen reelected as the Hun Sen reelected as the Hun Sen reelected as the Hun Sen reelected as the Hun Sen reelected as the
Prime Minister of Cambodia Prime Minister of Cambodia Prime Minister of Cambodia Prime Minister of Cambodia Prime Minister of Cambodia
The ruling Cambodian People#s
Party (CPP) of incumbent Prime
Minister Hun Sen on 8 September
2013 was reelected to power after
winning the Parliamentary Elections
held on 28 July 2013. The National
El ection Committee (NEC)
announced the results and declared
Cambodian People#s Party as the
winners with 68 seats. The NEC also
declared that the opposition party,
Cambodian National Rescue Party
(CNRP) was successful in securing 55
seats. The Prime Minister Hun Sen
(61) has ruled the country for 28 years.
With this win his rule has extended
for a period of another five years in
the country. The ruling Cambodian
People#s Party got 48.79 percent of
the votes and CNRP won 44.45
percent of votes. Other parties
namely, Funcinpec Party and League
of Democratic Party won 6.3 percent
of votes (combined) with zero seats.
About Hun Sen About Hun Sen About Hun Sen About Hun Sen About Hun Sen
" Hi s ful l honorary ti tl e is
Samdech Akeak Moha Sena
Padey Decho Hun Sen
" He was the l eader of the
Cambodian People#s Party and
Prime Minister of Cambodia,
since 1979, the time Khmer
Rouge was overthrown by the
Vietnamese-backing
UNSC Voted to Eliminate UNSC Voted to Eliminate UNSC Voted to Eliminate UNSC Voted to Eliminate UNSC Voted to Eliminate
Syria#s Chemical Weapons Syria#s Chemical Weapons Syria#s Chemical Weapons Syria#s Chemical Weapons Syria#s Chemical Weapons
The United Nations Security
Council on 27 September 2013
approved unanimously a resolution
with binding obligations on the Syrian
government to eliminate its chemical
weapons. The resolution was
passed by a voice vote by all 15
members of UN Security Council that
paved the way for dismantling the
weapons of mass destruction in
Syria.The UNSC resolution enshrines
the plan approved by the
Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons, making it legally
binding. The agreement allows the
start of a mission to rid Syria#s regime
of its estimated 1000-tonne chemical
arsenal by mid-2014, significantly
accelerating a destruction timetable
that often takes years to complete.
The resolution makes it legally
binding for Syria to comply with the
US-Russia plan on elimination of
Syria#s chemical weapons arsenal.
The resolution also asks the
organisati on for Prevention of
Chemical weapons Director General
and the U.N. secretary-general to
report non-compli ance to the
Security Council. If there is non-
compliance, the Security Council by
another resolution impose measures
under Chapter VII of the United Chapter VII of the United Chapter VII of the United Chapter VII of the United Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter Nations Charter Nations Charter Nations Charter Nations Charter which allows for
sanctions and or use of military force.
According to estimates Syria has
more than 1000 tonnes of Sarin,
Mustard and VX gases which have to
be destroyed by Mid 2014.
Microsoft Joined Google in Microsoft Joined Google in Microsoft Joined Google in Microsoft Joined Google in Microsoft Joined Google in
the Spying Lawsuit Filed in the Spying Lawsuit Filed in the Spying Lawsuit Filed in the Spying Lawsuit Filed in the Spying Lawsuit Filed in
the Federal Court the Federal Court the Federal Court the Federal Court the Federal Court
Microsoft on 30 August 2013
declared that the battle to solve the
secret US government requests for
the Internet user data would be
sorted out in the court of law.
Microsoft as well as Google filed the
suits in the federal court in the month
of June 2013. The argument was the
right to make public, the information
about the user data requests which
were made under the auspices of the
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act. Both Google as well as Microsoft
agreed si x different times for
extending the deadline for the US
Government in order to react to the
lawsuits, but it all ended without the
conclusion. The US officials, in the
meanwhile, on 29 August 2013
declared that they would start
publishing the annual tallies of
national security requests for the
Internet user data. The argument in
context with this was that apart from
providing the number of requests, it
was also important to disclose the
context regardi ng whi ch the
information was being sought.
Egypt Court Banned Muslim Egypt Court Banned Muslim Egypt Court Banned Muslim Egypt Court Banned Muslim Egypt Court Banned Muslim
Br otherhood Br otherhood Br otherhood Br otherhood Br otherhood
The Egypt Court on 23
September 2013 banned the Muslim
Brotherhood from carrying out any
activities in the country. The court also
ordered the interim government to
seize the Brotherhood#s funds and
form a panel to administer its frozen
assets until any appeal has been
heard. The administrative court gave
the ruling after a lawsuit was filed by
the leftist Tagammu Party to review
the Islamist group#s status as a non-
governmental organisation. The 85-
year-old Islamist movement was
banned by Egypt#s military rulers in
1954, but registered itself as an NGO
in March 2013. The Brotherhood also
has a legally registered political wing,
the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP),
which was set up in 2011 as a non-
theocratic! group after the uprising
that forced President Hosni Mubarak
from power.
On 2 September 2013, Egypt#s
State Commissioners Authority, a
body that advises the government on
legal issues, recommended the
Brotherhood#s dissolution after claims
circulated of its links to armed militias.
The authority#s recommendations,
which are non-binding, were made
in accordance with an Egyptian law
that prohibits non-government
organisations and institutions from
forming paramilitary groups. Egyptian
authorities launched a crackdown
against the group following the ouster
of president Morsi, who hails from the
group, by the military on July 3 after
mass protests against him and the
group.
About Musl im Brotherhood About Musl im Brotherhood About Musl im Brotherhood About Musl im Brotherhood About Musl im Brotherhood
The Muslim Brotherhood
movement is the country#s oldest and
largest Islamist organisation, meaning
its ideology is based on the teachings
of the Koran. Founded by Hassan al-
Banna i n 1928, the Musl im
Brotherhood - or al-Ikhwan al-
Muslimun in Arabic - has influenced
Islamist movements around the world
with its model of political activism
combined with Islamic charity work.
The movement initially aimed simply
to spread Islamic morals and good
works, but soon became involved in
politics, particularly the fight to rid
Egypt of British colonial control and
cleanse it of all Western influence.
USA and Russia agreed on the USA and Russia agreed on the USA and Russia agreed on the USA and Russia agreed on the USA and Russia agreed on the
Process of dismantling Syria#s Process of dismantling Syria#s Process of dismantling Syria#s Process of dismantling Syria#s Process of dismantling Syria#s
Chemi cal Weapons Chemi cal Weapons Chemi cal Weapons Chemi cal Weapons Chemi cal Weapons
The United States and Russia on
14 September 2013 agreed on the
process of dismantling Syria#s
chemical weapons arsenal. The
breakthrough was announced after
three day talks between the US
Secretary of State John Kerry and
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
in Geneva. The USA and Russia have
agreed that Syria#s chemical weapons
must be destroyed or removed by
mid-2014. USA outlined a six-point
framework under which Syria must
hand over a full list of its stockpile
within a week. If Syria fails to comply,
the deal could be enforced by a UN
resolution backed by the threat of
sanctions or military force.
The USA-Russia deal sets a
deadline of mid-2014 for dismantling
of Syria#s chemical weapons and an
outline for compliance of
requirements by Syria. It also has a
clause stating that in case Syria falls
short of its commitments, both Russia
and the United States would jointly
seek review at the United Nations
Security Council.
USA stated that in case of non-
compliance US and Russia might
request a Security Council resolution
under Chapter 7, whi ch can
authorize both military and non-
military sanctions. The agreement did
not include any automatic use of
force if Damascus fails to comply. It
added that violations by Syria would
be referred to the UN Security
Council for review which if approved,
would take the required concrete
measures.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-
moon welcomed the US-Russian deal
on Syria#s chemical weapons and
hoped it will lead to efforts to end
the appalling suffering of Syrians.
India Gave One Million Dollars India Gave One Million Dollars India Gave One Million Dollars India Gave One Million Dollars India Gave One Million Dollars
Aid to UNRWA for Palestinian Aid to UNRWA for Palestinian Aid to UNRWA for Palestinian Aid to UNRWA for Palestinian Aid to UNRWA for Palestinian
Refugees Refugees Refugees Refugees Refugees
on 4 September 2013 gave one
million US dollars to the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency
(UNRWA) for providing food and
medicines to Palestinian refugees.
The financial assistance to the UN
agency was given as a part of India#s
annual contribution to it. UNRWA is
funded almost entirely by voluntary
contributions from the UN member-
states.
About UNRWA About UNRWA About UNRWA About UNRWA About UNRWA
" After 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict,
UNRWA was established by
Uni ted Nations General
Assembly resolution 302 (IV) of
8 December 1949 to carry out
direct reli ef and works
programmes for Palestinian
refugees.
" UNRWA provides assistance,
protection and advocacy for
some 5 mill ion regi stered
Palestinian refugees in Jordan,
Lebanon, Syri a and the
occupied Palestinian territory,
pending a solution to their
plight.
" UNRWA is the main provider of
basic services % education,
health, relief and social services
% to 5 mi ll ion regi stered
Palesti ne refugees i n the
Middle East.
Iraq Ratified Comprehensi ve Iraq Ratified Comprehensi ve Iraq Ratified Comprehensi ve Iraq Ratified Comprehensi ve Iraq Ratified Comprehensi ve
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT)
Iraq Government on 27
September 2013 ratifi ed the
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) at 68th session of UN
General Assembly at New York, US.
Iraq#s ratification of the treaty raised
the number of countries that have
adhered fully to the treaty to 161. To
enter into force, the CTBT must be
signed and ratified by 44 specific
states, only 36 of which have done so
including France, Russia and Britain.
The remaining eight are China, the
United States, India, Pakistan and
North Korea; Israel, widely believed
to have atomic weapons; Iran,
suspected of wanting them; and
Egypt.
About Comprehensi ve About Comprehensi ve About Comprehensi ve About Comprehensi ve About Comprehensi ve
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT) (CTBT)
1. The Comprehensive Nuclear-
Test-Ban Treaty was adopted
by the United Nations General
Assembly as a resolution (A/
RES/50/245) on 10 September
1996.
2. The Comprehensive Nuclear-
Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans
nucl ear explosi ons by
everyone, everywhere: on the
Earth#s surface, i n the
atmosphere, underwater and
underground. So far 183 States
have signed the Treaty of which
161 have now also ratified it.
3. The Treaty establishes a CTBT
Organization (CTBTO), located
in Vienna, Austria to ensure the
i mpl ementati on of its
provisions, including those
provisions for international
verification measures
50-Member Panel to amend 50-Member Panel to amend 50-Member Panel to amend 50-Member Panel to amend 50-Member Panel to amend
the Constitution of Egypt the Constitution of Egypt the Constitution of Egypt the Constitution of Egypt the Constitution of Egypt
Egyptian President Adl y
Mansour on 1 September 2013
approved a 50 member panel to
amend the suspended 2012
Constitution. The panel is comprised
of representatives from among the
jurists, experts, academicians, armed
forces, journalists, writers, labour
unions, public figures, and the
political parties among others.
Islamists would be represented by
the Al Nour party. The panel is tasked
with carrying out amendments in the
2012 Constituti on which was
prepared by the Islamist regime
under Mohamed Mursi. A group of
10 eminent legal experts has already
identified areas for amendment and
prepared the draft. The 50-member
panel will give final shape to the
Constitution within 60 days, keeping
in mind the interests of various
sections of Egyptian society.
Sri Lanka heading in an Sri Lanka heading in an Sri Lanka heading in an Sri Lanka heading in an Sri Lanka heading in an
Authori tarian Di rection Authori tarian Di rection Authori tarian Di rection Authori tarian Di rection Authori tarian Di rection
Navi Pillay Navi Pillay Navi Pillay Navi Pillay Navi Pillay, the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights,
who is on a seven-day fact finding
Mission to Sri Lanka on 31 August
2013 stated that the country was
heading in the authoritarian direction.
Pillay in her conclusion revealed that
although Sri Lanka has an opportunity
to develop into a complete new
vibrant state after the end of the civil
war was displayi ng complete
different signs of authoritarianism.
During her visit to the nation she
visited to Jaffana, Kilinochchi,
Mullivaika and some districts of
Trincomalee region. Pillay called on
for a need of investigation into
allegations of civilian causalities and
summary execution. She also
highlighted a need to the question
the disappearances and the extent
of militarization. To prove her point
about Sri Lanka heading towards
authoritarianism, she presented the
examples of impeachment of the
Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Sri
Lanka that shook the independence
of judiciary in the country and was
controversial. She also pointed out
the regular and increased attacks on
religious minorities in the country.
Sri Lanka#s northern region was
badly worn out because of 30 years
of civil war between the military and
the Tamil Tigers.
About the Sri Lankan Civil War About the Sri Lankan Civil War About the Sri Lankan Civil War About the Sri Lankan Civil War About the Sri Lankan Civil War
Sri Lankan Civil War was a civil
war fought on the island of Sri Lanka.
It started on 23 July 1983. The war
was actually the movement of
insurgency against the Government
by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam (the LTTE, also known as the
Tamil Tigers). LTTE was a separatist
militant organisation which fought for
the creation of Tamil Eelam, the
independent Tamil state. The civil war
continued for almost 30 years and
after years-long military campaign,
the Tamil Tigers were defeated by
the military of Sri Lanka in May 2009.
The civil war in Sri Lanka caused
hardships not just for the population,
but also for the economy and
environment of Sri Lanka. Around
80000 to 100000 people were killed
during the war.
Grameen Bank to be brought Grameen Bank to be brought Grameen Bank to be brought Grameen Bank to be brought Grameen Bank to be brought
under Central Bank under Central Bank under Central Bank under Central Bank under Central Bank
Juri sdiction Juri sdiction Juri sdiction Juri sdiction Juri sdiction
Bangladesh Government on 22
September 2013 decided to bring
Nobel Prize winning Grameen Bank
under the central bank#s jurisdiction
to give the authorities more powers
over the microcredit organisation. The
decision is in line with the proposals
of the government-sponsored
Grameen Bank Commission, which
About General Assembly of About General Assembly of About General Assembly of About General Assembly of About General Assembly of
the United Nations the United Nations the United Nations the United Nations the United Nations
" It the deli berati ve,
pol icymaki ng and
representative organ of the
United Nations.
" It has all 193 Members of the
United Nations.
" It provides a unique forum for
multilateral discussion of the
full spectrum of international
issues covered by the Charter.
War Crime Convicts to be War Crime Convicts to be War Crime Convicts to be War Crime Convicts to be War Crime Convicts to be
dropped from Voting List in dropped from Voting List in dropped from Voting List in dropped from Voting List in dropped from Voting List in
Bangl adesh Bangl adesh Bangl adesh Bangl adesh Bangl adesh
The Bangladesh cabinet on 3
September 2013 approved a law
under which names of war-crime
convicts will be dropped from the
national voting list. The cabinet has
approved an amendment to the
Electoral Roll Act under which war-
criminals under the International
Crimes Tribunal Act 1973 and the
Bangladesh Collaborators Special
Tribunal Act 1972 will be
defranchised with their names
dropped from the National Voters
List. The amendment will be
introduced i n the forthcomi ng
parliamentary session beginning 12
September 2013.Trial of war crimes
have been going on and the two war
crimes tribunals have so far convicted
six war criminals.
The Bangladesh Home Ministry
has also received a list of names of 47
collaborators of the Pakistani Army
during the 1971 Bangladesh
Liberation War. The ICT awarded
capi tal punishment for former
Jammat Rokan Moulana Abul Kalam
Azad, Nayebe Amir of Jammat E
Ismali Delwar Hossain Sayeeede,
Jamat Secretary General Ali Ahsan
Mohammad Mujahid and Assistant
Secretary General Mohammad
Qamruzzaman for their crimes against
humanity. Besides, former Jamat Amir
Golam Azam awarded 90 years
imprisonment while assistant
recommended bringing the bank
under the regulatory control of either
the Bangladesh Bank or the
Microcredit Regulatory Authority to
better monitor its activities. The three-
member commission was constituted
in 2012 to review Grameen Bank#s
governing structure. The Grameen
bank is being run by Grameen Bank
Ordinance 1983 since its inception
in 1983 and it does not directly fall
under the jurisdiction of the Banking
Companies Act. The central bank of
Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Bank, on
28 February 2011 removed Nobel
Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the
Managing Director of Grameen Bank.
About Grameen Bank About Grameen Bank About Grameen Bank About Grameen Bank About Grameen Bank
Grameen Bank is an institution
that provides microcredit (small loans
to poor people possessing no
collateral) to help its clients establish
creditworthiness and financial self-
sufficiency. In 2006 Dr. Muhammad
Yunus and Grameen received the
Nobel Prize for Peace.
UNGA UNGA UNGA UNGA UNGA Signed a Decl aration Signed a Decl aration Signed a Decl aration Signed a Decl aration Signed a Decl aration
Against Sexual Vi ol ence Against Sexual Vi ol ence Against Sexual Vi ol ence Against Sexual Vi ol ence Against Sexual Vi ol ence
The 68th session of General
Assembly of the United Nations on
25 September 2013 signed a
declaration pledging new action to
end sexual violence in conflict zones.
The declaration was titled $Time To
Act#. Ministers from 113 countries
signed the declaration in General
Assembly of the United Nations held
in New York. It also declared that it
will adopt a new International
Protocol in 2014 to help and ensure
that evidence collected can stand up
in the court. The declaration adopted
in the background of recent increase
in the number of rape cases and
sexual violence against women.
secretary General Abul Qader Mollah
got life term.
Ukraine Signed Natural Gas Ukraine Signed Natural Gas Ukraine Signed Natural Gas Ukraine Signed Natural Gas Ukraine Signed Natural Gas
Production-Sharing Production-Sharing Production-Sharing Production-Sharing Production-Sharing
Agreement with Exxon and Agreement with Exxon and Agreement with Exxon and Agreement with Exxon and Agreement with Exxon and
Shel l Shel l Shel l Shel l Shel l
Ukraine on 26 September 2013
announced that it entered into the
natural gas production-sharing
agreement with a consortium which
was led by Exxon and Shell. This will
help Ukraine towards energy
diversification as well as reduced
dependence on Russi a. The
consortium also included Petrom, the
Romanian energy group as well as
Ukraine#s state-owned Nadra
Ukrainy.
Nadra Ukrainy will be
responsible for extraction of natural
gas on the Skifski site near the
Ukraine#s Black Sea coast. The initial
accord was signed by the Ukrainian
Energy Minister Eduard Stavytsky and
representatives of Exxon, Shell, and
Petrom on the sidelines of the UN
General Assembly in New York. The
formal production-sharing agreement
will be signed by October 2013 in
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. Skifski
is situated in the north-west part of
the Black Sea, near Romania. It is
expected that Skifski will provide 8-
10 billion cubic metres of natural gas
annually. The agreement will help
Ukraine in diversification of its energy
sources. The Shell and Exxon deal
was a result of the recent moves by
Ukraine to attract European Union as
well as retract from Russia. It is
important to note that Russia
threatened trade sanctions as well.
Ukraine, in the meanwhile, may also
sign the association agreement with
the EU in November 2013.
Bank of Beijing Opened Bank of Beijing Opened Bank of Beijing Opened Bank of Beijing Opened Bank of Beijing Opened
China#s First Direct Bank China#s First Direct Bank China#s First Direct Bank China#s First Direct Bank China#s First Direct Bank
The Bank of Beijing on 18
September 2013 launched China#s
first direct bank in Beijing, Xi#an and
Jinan. It started direct bank services
with the cooperation of Netherlands-
based ING Group. The Bank of
Beijing will provide its services
remotely via online banking and
telephone banking. Meaning, it does
not rely on entity outlets. It will also
provide access via Automated teller
Machines (ATMs) (often through
interbank network alliances) mail and
mobile. The new direct banks will
basically provide services to retail
clients, small and micro enterprises
by providing financial products and
services. Direct banking system was
already successful in European
markets and U.S. markets.
Primary features of Direct Primary features of Direct Primary features of Direct Primary features of Direct Primary features of Direct
Banki ng Banki ng Banki ng Banki ng Banki ng
" Direct banking does not rely on
entity outlets.
" It provides financial products
and services through Internet,
Telephones and Automated
teller Machines (ATMs).
" Direct bank performs almost all
kinds of services provided by
traditional bank outlets.
" Direct banking also requires
lower operation cost. So, it can
offer higher rates of return for
customers and enjoy greater
competitiveness.
Russia and China held Joint Russia and China held Joint Russia and China held Joint Russia and China held Joint Russia and China held Joint
Mil itary Exercise Mil itary Exercise Mil itary Exercise Mil itary Exercise Mil itary Exercise
Russia and China held a joint
anti-terrorism military exercise
called from 27
July 2013 to 15 August 2013.
The military exercise was held
in both the Shenyang military area
command of the PLA (Peoples
Liberation Army) and the
Chebarkulsky range. It was divided
into three phases-troop deployment,
battle pl anning and si mulated
combat. The Chinese troops
deployed to Russia will be equipped
with various models of armed
vehicles, self-propelled guns, as well
as fixed-wing and rotating-wing
aircraft. A total number of 1500
military personnel from both Russia
and China will participate during the
anti-terrorism exercise. The exercise
aims to boost cooperation between
China and Russia to maintain regional
stability. Through this joint military
exercise Russia and China are trying
to expand their sphere of influence
in Northeast Asia. It also shows signs
of a deepening partnership between
Russia and China.
Tony Abbott Sworn in as Tony Abbott Sworn in as Tony Abbott Sworn in as Tony Abbott Sworn in as Tony Abbott Sworn in as
Australia Prime Minister Australia Prime Minister Australia Prime Minister Australia Prime Minister Australia Prime Minister
Tony Abbott was sworn in as
Australia#s new Prime Minister on 18
September 2013. Tony Abbott is the
28th Prime Minister of Australia. Tony
Abbott, 55, took the oath at
Government House in Canberra in
front of Governor-General Quentin
Bryce.
His Conservative Party defeated
former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd#s
centre-left Labor Party in 7
September 2013 elections. Tony
Abbott has immediately ordered the
scrapping of Australia#s carbon tax
and the halting of asylum-seeker
boats after being sworn in as Prime
Minister. The elections were held for
The House of Representatives. The
House of Representatives is one of
the two Houses of Parliament of
Australia. The other one is senate.
About Tony Abbott About Tony Abbott About Tony Abbott About Tony Abbott About Tony Abbott
" Tony Abbott was Born i n
Engl and in 1957 to an
Austral ian mother and an
English-born father and he
graduated in economics and
law from Sydney University.
" Leader of Liberal Party and
main opposi ti on Li beral-
National coalition.
" Rhodes Scholar, former student
boxer and Catholic priest
trainee.
" Held employment and health
and ageing portfolios in John
Howard Government from
2001 -2007.
" Tony Abbott was el ected
Member for Warringah at a by-
election in March 1994. Prior to
entering Parliament he was
Executive Director of
Australians for Constitutional
Monarchy from 1993-94.
" From 1990-93 he was press
secretary and political advisor
to the Leader of the
Opposition, Dr John Hewson.
His previous career was in
journalism, where he wrote as
a feature wri ter for $ The
Bulletin# and $The Australian#.
" Tony Abbott became Leader of
the Opposition on 1 December
2009.
Economy Economy Economy Economy Economy
INDIA & THE WORLD
INDIA AND USA
India and United States of
America (USA) si gned a joint
declaration on 27 September 2013
in defence cooperation in research
in defence, defence technology
transfer, co-development and co-
production of defence articles and
services and protecting each others
sensitive technology and information.
Highli ghts of the Joi nt Highli ghts of the Joi nt Highli ghts of the Joi nt Highli ghts of the Joi nt Highli ghts of the Joi nt
decl aration i n defence decl aration i n defence decl aration i n defence decl aration i n defence decl aration i n defence
cooperati on cooperati on cooperati on cooperati on cooperati on
and, where applicable, follow
expedited license approval
processes to facilitate this
cooperation.
! The U.S and India are also
committed to protecting each
others sensitive technology
and information.
! The two sides will continue
their efforts to strengthen
mutual understanding of their
respecti ve procurement
systems and approval
processes, and to address
process-related difficulties in
defence trade, technology
transfer and collaboration.
! The two sides look forward to
the identification of specific
opportunities for cooperative
and collaborative projects in
advanced defence
technologies and systems,
wi thi n one year. Such
opportunities will be pursued
by both sides in accordance
with their national policies and
procedures, in a manner that
would reflect the full potential
of the relationship.
! The United States and India
share common securi ty
interests and place each other
at the same level as their closest
partners. This principle will
apply with respect to defence
technology transfer, trade,
research, co-development and
co-production for defence
articles and services, including
the most advanced and
sophisticated technology.
! Both countries will work to
improve licensing processes,
! The U.S. continues to fully
support Indi a" s full
membershi p i n the four
international export control
regimes, which would further
facilitate technology sharing.
An Investigati on into Indian An Investigati on into Indian An Investigati on into Indian An Investigati on into Indian An Investigati on into Indian
Trade Poli cies Trade Poli cies Trade Poli cies Trade Poli cies Trade Poli cies
A Federal Agency of United
States in last week of August 2013
launched an investigation into the
trade policies of India. The federal
agency has alleged that the Indian
trade policies has discriminated the
American trade and investment
sector.
A joint Senate Committee on
Finance and the House Committee
on ways and means requested for the
i nvestigati on named Trade, Trade, Trade, Trade, Trade,
Investment and Industrial Investment and Industrial Investment and Industrial Investment and Industrial Investment and Industrial
Policies in India: Effects on the Policies in India: Effects on the Policies in India: Effects on the Policies in India: Effects on the Policies in India: Effects on the
U.S. Economy. U.S. Economy. U.S. Economy. U.S. Economy. U.S. Economy. An investigation
report on recent policies and
measures in India that affects the U.S.
exports and investment would be
presented by the United States
International Trade Commission
(USITC). The USITC will also evaluate
the effects of such barriers on U.S.
fi rms and the economy. Whi le
examining the Indian policies, the
USITC will also produce details of
restrictive trade and investment
policies maintained or adopted by
India in recent past to figure out the
sectors that have been affected the
most out of the policies. It will also
provide the case studies of US firms
that have seen the impact of Indian
policies in forms of restrictions.
The Process of Investigation The Process of Investigation The Process of Investigation The Process of Investigation The Process of Investigation
A sample of US firms would be
surveyed by the USITC for
measurement of the sensitivity if
Indian policies and its impact on US
firms. The results of the survey would
be based on the quantitative analysis
trade policy effects, investment and
US economy.
INDIA & RUSSIA
Russia and Government of India
on 21 September 2013 agreed on
collaboration to jointly develop and
manufacture civilian aircraft and
heli copters for especially for
emergency reli ef and medi cal
purposes. Russian Government also
offered to set up manufacturing
faci lities in the India for joint
production of defence hardware.
Russia and Government of India also
reached an understanding for setting
up two major projects in a joint
venture for producing civil choppers
and aircraft.
This was decided during the
7th India Russian Forum on Trade and
Investment meet between Union
Commerce and Industry Minister
Anand Sharma and Deputy Prime
Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin and
Russias Industry and Trade Minister
Denis Manturov in St. Petersburg.
Anand Sharma and Dmitry Rogozin
agreed on collaboration to jointly
develop and manufacture civilian
aircraft and helicopters for especially
for emergency relief and medical
purposes.
And both Russia and India
stated that these two aircraft projects
should not be seen only for domestic
use but will also explore the
possibilities of third country exports.
For production of Civilian For production of Civilian For production of Civilian For production of Civilian For production of Civilian
Ai rcrafts Ai rcrafts Ai rcrafts Ai rcrafts Ai rcrafts
! One of the projects under
coll aboration for civil ian
ai rcrafts or hel icopters
envisages the setting up of the
joint venture for manufacturing
in Indian factories different
modi fications of l ight
heli copters Ka-226T for
medical, rescue and other
purposes. The
Russi angovernment also
mooted a new proposal
involving IL-112V.
For Setting up of For Setting up of For Setting up of For Setting up of For Setting up of
manufacturing facili ty manufacturing facili ty manufacturing facili ty manufacturing facili ty manufacturing facili ty
! Russia also proposed to India
for setting up manufacturing
facilities in the country for
producti on of defence
equipment in various fields.
The opportunity could also be
used to make India as the
export base for such defence
hardware.
India and Russia have also
developed a framework for tracking
key priority projects at the Ministerial
level. The sectors covered under
this joint understanding include
automobile, industrial and road-
building machinery, chemical and
petrochemical industry, civil aircraft
construction, ferti lizers,
pharmaceuticals, energy, diamonds,
IT, automobil es, and agro and
processed foods.
7th India-Russi a Trade 7th India-Russi a Trade 7th India-Russi a Trade 7th India-Russi a Trade 7th India-Russi a Trade
Investment Forum held in St. Investment Forum held in St. Investment Forum held in St. Investment Forum held in St. Investment Forum held in St.
Peter sburg Peter sburg Peter sburg Peter sburg Peter sburg
7th India Russia meeting on
trade and investment was held at St.
Petersburg , Russia on 20 September
2013. A high level delegation of 120
Indian business leaders led by Union
Minister of Commerce and Industry
participated in the meeting. It
di scussed various business
opportunities with their Russian
counterparts. The special focus was
on Pharmaceutical and Medical
Industry, Tourism and Medical
Tourism and Trade in goods, services
and innovative products.
At the forum Pharmaceutical
sector received major attention as
India is looking at the opportunities
that the 2020 Pharma programme
offers. India sought regulatory
simplifications for Indian companies
who not only want to have market
access but also look for establishing
manufacturing base in Russia. In
recently concluded 19th India Russia
Working Group on Trade and
Economic Cooperation (IRWGTEC)
meeting in Moscow Indian side had
conveyed the details of barriers in the
trade of pharmaceutical products to
Russia. These barriers included
substantial delay in all approvals and
dossier evaluation due to insufficient
number of competent specialists,
huge number of backlog of dossiers
accumulated by the Russian health
authorities, lack of information about
stage of approval etc. All this leads to
avoidable delay in suppl ies,
commencement of production, and
launch of new product in the market.
Fertilizer sector has al so
attracted Indian interest for setting
up manufacturi ng in Russi a.
Production of Phosphate and Potash
in Russia by way of JV with Indian
Fertilizer entities was discussed.
There exist compl imentarity
between availability of fertilizer
resources in Russia and growing
fertilizer demand in India which
should result in strategic partnership
in this field. AKRON and ORGSINTEZ,
the two Russian companies are in
discussion with IFFCO as they have
Potassic and Phosphatic resources.
Both side discussed the need to
support the proposal of M/s AKRON
of Russia for setting up of facilities for
production of Phosphate and Potash
in Russia by way of JV with Indian
Fertilizer entities. Furthermore, In
January 2013, Secretary (Fertilizer)
met the Russian Ministry of Industry
and Trade and Russian fertilizer
companies to expl ain new
investment policy changes in urea
production in India and invite them
to invest in India under the new
policy. A non-paper was also shared
with the Russian side. During this visit
Shri Sharma was informed of Russian
companies expressing interest in the
proposition and companies on both
sides are expected to identify
opportunities for investment in urea
production in India.
The Forum in its 7th edition
with specific purpose of "encouraging
discussion among the businesses of
the two sides to increase economic
engagement for common benefits
concluded that fresh initiatives need
to be taken to further exploit
complementarities in other sectors
such as fertil izers, industri al
machinery, diamonds etc. Other new
areas such as automobiles, electrical
equipment, chemicals, mining and
processed foods need to be
explored as they have immense
potential in both countries. Another
area identified for focused approach
between India and Russia is IT
Services. This conclusion is an
endorsement of the sector that have
been identi fied in Joint
Understanding & Intenti on on
Possible Plans and Priority Investment
Projects for Enhancing Indo-Russian
Economic & Investment Cooperation
Under which a total of 15 high value,
high tech proj ects have been
selected for special attention for
ministerial supervision.
Some of the projects are as Some of the projects are as Some of the projects are as Some of the projects are as Some of the projects are as
following following following following following
! The establishment of India-
Russian Joint venture with
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
(HAL) as joint centre of
development the helicopters.
! Production of Nitrogen Tetra
Oxide for Space programme
! Possible future cooperation
between MMTC and ALROSA
for long term supply of rough
diamonds
! ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL)s
prospects for further
hydrocarbon collaboration
with Russian energy companies
! Joint proj ect of Ranbaxy
Laboratories Limited (RLL) and
Government of Yaroslavl region
! Parti ci pati on of Russian
companies in urea production
in India under new investment
policy.
! Plant construction for
manufacturing butyl rubber
with capacity of 100000 tons
per year at the production site
of Rel iance Industriesin
Jamnagar (India).
INDIA AND JAPAN
India and Japan on 12
September 2013 agreed to expand
co-operation in the films sector
particularly in co-production of
animation films. The agreement
between India and Japan was signed
by the Minister for Information and
Broadcasting Manish Tewari and
visiting Japanese Mi nister for
Economy, Trade and Industry
(METI), Toshimitsu Motegi in New
Delhi.
Major highlights of the Major highlights of the Major highlights of the Major highlights of the Major highlights of the
Agr eement Agr eement Agr eement Agr eement Agr eement
! The two countries agreed to
form a Joint Working Group in
order to tap the huge business
potential in the co-production
of films and animation, skill
development, exchange
programs between training
institutes and such other areas
which are mutually beneficial
to both sides.
! During the meeting, Manish
Tewari extended the invitation
for Japanese partnership in
setting up of the proposed
National Centre for Excellence
in Animation, Gaming and
Special Effects (NCOE) in
Mohali, Punjab.
! At the same time, the Japanese
expertise was welcomed for
developing special training
courses at the Fil m and
Television Institute of India,
Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film
and TV Insti tute (SRFTII),
Kolkata.
! It was decided during the
meeting that Japan would be
the Focus Country in the
International Film Festival of
India to be held in Goa this
year. For this purpose, personal
invitati on to the Japanese
Minister to attend IFFI, 2013
was extended.
! As a part of the beginning, co-
production of films, particularly
animation films has already
been started.
! Joint Working Group in context
with this agreement would be
established in the near future.
development of Japanese development of Japanese development of Japanese development of Japanese development of Japanese
Electronics Manufacturi ng Electronics Manufacturi ng Electronics Manufacturi ng Electronics Manufacturi ng Electronics Manufacturi ng
Township Township Township Township Township
India and Japan on 10
September 2013 agreed to look
forward for the development of a
Japanese Electronics Manufacturing
Township (JEMT) in New Delhi. The
township will play a role in reducing
the imports of electronic goods to
India, which woul d hel p i n
containing the Indian trade deficit.
Japan will make an investment of 4.5
billion US dollars in the Project. The
Union Cabinet had approved an
expenditure of 18500 crore Rupees
on development of infrastructure for
the project. The decision for setting
up of JEMT was taken in a meet
between the Commerce and Industry
Minister of India, Anand Sharma and
Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade
and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi. Last
year, India imported electronic goods
worth 32 billion U.S. dollars.
Other important projects of Other important projects of Other important projects of Other important projects of Other important projects of
Japan i n Indi a Japan i n Indi a Japan i n Indi a Japan i n Indi a Japan i n Indi a
! Chennnai-Bengaluru Industrial
Corridor (CBIC) project
initiated in 2011
! Del hi -Mumbai Industrial
Corridor (DMIC) project is
under implementation. The
project will cover seven states
and cover a total distance of
1483 ki lometers. Japan i s
provi di ng a fi nanci al and
techni cal support to the
project.
During the same meet, both
sides agreed on deepening the
engagements between the two
nations and enhance investments for
creation of a netter business
environment in partnership with state
governments.
Economic Engagement of Economic Engagement of Economic Engagement of Economic Engagement of Economic Engagement of
Japan in India in recent Past Japan in India in recent Past Japan in India in recent Past Japan in India in recent Past Japan in India in recent Past
! The bilateral trade between
India and Japan in 2012-13 was
18.51 US dollars
! India has received 14.75 Billion
US dol lar in form of FDI
between April 2000 and June
2013
! Japan has made 7 percent
investment in India of Indias
total FDI
Bilateral trade between the two
was USD 18.51 billion in 2012-13.
Besides, India has received USD
14.75 billion FDI from Japan between
April 2000 and June 2013. The
Japanese investment accounts for 7
per cent of Indias total FDI.
INDIA & CHINA
The 4th meeting of the Working
Mechanism for Consultation and
Coordination on India-China Border
Affairs was held in Beijing on 29-30
September 2013. The Indi an
delegation was led by Gautam
Bambawale, Joint Secretary (East
Asi a) and compri sed of
representatives of the Ministries of
External Affairs, Defence and Home
Affairs as well as members of the
Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan
Border Pol ice. The Chi nese
delegation was led by Ouyang Yujing,
Director General, Department of
Boundary and Oceanic Affairs,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
comprised of representatives of the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs and
National Defence of the Peoples
Republic of China. The talks were
held in a candid, constructive and
forward looking atmosphere.
Reviewing recent developments in
the India-China border areas,
especially in the Western Sector, the
two nations agreed that peace and
tranquility on the border is the basis
for the continued expansion of India-
China relations. To this end, both
sides discussed further measures to
maintain stability on the border,
building on existing understandings
and arrangements. The 5th meeting
of the Working Mechanism will be
held in India at a mutually convenient
time.
Sixth Financi al Dial ogue Sixth Financi al Dial ogue Sixth Financi al Dial ogue Sixth Financi al Dial ogue Sixth Financi al Dial ogue
India and China held sixth
Financial Dialogue in Beijing. The
annual dialogue was held on 25 and
26 September 2013 ahead of Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhs
proposed visit to Beijing in October
2013. During this Dialogue, the two
sides held in-depth discussions on
new challenges facing the global
economy, macro-economic
situations and policies in China and
India, progress on structural reforms
in both countries, cooperation under
multilateral frameworks as well as
bilateral financial cooperation. Both
nations agreed to strengthen regular
communication and coordination at
various levels on macro-economic
policies and major international
economic and financial issues. Both
sides agreed to strengthen regular
communication and coordination at
various levels on macro-economic
policies and major international
economic and financial issues.
At the end of the dialogue they
issued a joint statement which called
for early conclusion of IMF quota
reforms. The statement stated that the
two nations agreed to intensify
cooperation with other BRICS nations
to push for reforms in international
institutions. They will also work for
implementation of the commitment
to i mplement IMF Quota and
Governance Reforms. Both nations
agreed to work together to promote
the implementation of the important
consensus reached in the G-20 St.
Petersburg summit, strengthen the
momentum of global recovery, push
for faster economic growth, generate
better jobs, and build on the
foundation for long-term growth.
Both nations agreed to hold the
7th India-China Financial Dialogue in
2014 in New Delhi.
5 MoUs for Procuring 338 5 MoUs for Procuring 338 5 MoUs for Procuring 338 5 MoUs for Procuring 338 5 MoUs for Procuring 338
Million USD Indian Products Million USD Indian Products Million USD Indian Products Million USD Indian Products Million USD Indian Products
India and China on 23
September 2013 signed total of 15
Memorandum of Understanding
(MoUs) in a structured process of
procurement of Indian products
worth value of 338 million US Dollar.
The MoU was signed at the India-
China Busi ness Matchmaki ng
Symposium for promoting exports
from India to China held on 23
September 2013 in New Delhi.
The products regarding which
procurement MoUs were signed
incl ude zi nc concentrates and
copper concentrates, cotton yarn,
frozen fish/ linter, cotton and cotton
yarn, menthol, castor oil and guar
gum, acrylic tow, Indian granite block
and cedrus deodara seed. It is
important to note that the
Department of Commerce of India in
co-ordination with Mini stry of
Commerce, Peoples Republic of
Chi na is facilitating visit of an
important Chinese business
del egation to Indi a to explore
procurement opportunities with their
Indian Counterparts companies. The
local co-organiser of this is CII. The
delegation is led by Jia Guoyong, Vice
Director General of Trade
Development Bureau, MOFCOM with
representatives from 27 national level
Chinese companies. The sectoral
composition of the delegation
included companies from various
sectors such as Textile, Infrastructure,
Minerals and Metals, Chemicals,
Plastics, Light Industrial Products,
Aero technology, Steel, Glassware
and Arts and Crafts. From Indian
side, around 60 companies from
vari ed sectors attended the
Symposium and the B2B meetings.
Nearly 150 B2B interactions between
Indian and Chinese enterprises were
scheduled at the Symposium. The
inaugural session was followed by
B2B meetings between Chinese and
Indian companies.
Cooperation in the Media Cooperation in the Media Cooperation in the Media Cooperation in the Media Cooperation in the Media
Sect or Sect or Sect or Sect or Sect or
India and China on 16
September 2013 agreed to initiate
steps to include Media cooperation
as part of 2014 celebrations being
observed to commemorate Friendly
Exchanges between these two
countries. The agreement was a part
of the first meeting of the India-China
Media Forum being held in New
Delhi. The meeting took place
between Manish Tewari, Minister for
Information & Broadcasting of India
and Cai Ming Zhao, Minister of State
Council Information Office of China.
Major points agreed upon Major points agreed upon Major points agreed upon Major points agreed upon Major points agreed upon
duri ng the meeting duri ng the meeting duri ng the meeting duri ng the meeting duri ng the meeting
! As a part of the agreement,
India and China agreed to
proactively consider steps to
promote hi gh level medi a
exchanges and facilitation
between the two nations.
! Apart from this, it was also
agreed to outline a roadmap to
include specific projects and
proposals as part of the initiative
under the Media domain to be
considered under activities to
mark the commemoration of the
Friendly Exchanges.
! Duri ng the di scussions
between the two delegations
it was also agreed to explore
possible areas of cooperation
in the field of Capacity Building,
Co-production Agreements
related to Films, sharing of the
experience of institutionalizing
Digitisation in the Broadcasting
sector and enhanced
participation during the Film
Festivals being held in both
countries.
! It was also suggested that all
possi bl e areas coul d be
identified under the aegis of
the Working Group set up
between the two countries.
! In view of the vibrant Media and
Entertainment industry in both
countries, both sides also
agreed to share experiences
with regard to strategy, policy
initiatives, innovation and
i mpl ementati on across
different media platforms.
During the meeting, Cai Ming
Zhao, Minister of State Council
Information Office of China also
extended an invitation to Manish
Tewari (Minister of I&B, India) to visit
China in 2014 as part of the
celebrations to observe 2014- as the
Year of Friendly Exchanges. It is
important to note that the Chinese
minister is on the visit to India to
participate in the first meeting of the
India-China Media Forum being held
in New Delhi on 16 September 2013.
INDIA & GERMANY
Germany, i n the month of
September 2013 extended financial
and technical assistance to India for
the Green Energy Corridors.
This assistance includes
Financial Assistance of Euro 250
Million as Reduced Interest Loan.
Salman Khurshids ongoing visit to Lao
PDR (Laos) to participate in the 7th
India-Lao Joint Commission Meeting
(JMC) on Bilateral Cooperation. An
Agreement under Line of Credit for
four Irrigation Projects in three
provinces in the Lao PDR for 30.94
million US dollars was signed and
conversion of another Line of Credit
to substitute the Nam Boun-2 hydro
power plant by the extension of
transmission lines to Thasala-Laksao
amounting to 35.25 million US dollars
was approved. The projects will
contri bute to socio-economic
development in Lao PDR.
During the JCM, (Joint
Commission Meeting) both Ministers
expressed satisfaction with the
development in bilateral relations and
noted that close cooperation and
partnership between the two
countries have expanded rapidly for
mutual benefit, in recent years. India
reiterated i ts preparedness to
continue to provide assistance to the
areas of water management and
irrigation, energy generation and
transmission and capacity building.
It was recognized that our soft credit
and grant projects have improved
the visibility of India and Indian
products in Lao. The two nations
identified agriculture, defence, ICT,
culture, education, health, trade and
investment promotion, mining as
priority areas of cooperation between
the two countries that would give
further impetus to bilateral relations.
A number of new initiatives were
taken to promote people-to-people
contacts, training and scholarship
Technical Assi stance Technical Assi stance Technical Assi stance Technical Assi stance Technical Assi stance
The technical assistance
extended by Germany includes:
! Euro 2 million for Indo-German
Energy Programme # New
component on Green Energy
Corridors
! Euro 2 million for Integration of
Renewable Energies into the
Indian Electricity System (I-RE)
The information about financial
and technical assistance was
disclosed during the Indo-German
Annual Negotiation meeting held in
New Delhi in July 2013.
Germany, in the meanwhile, also
indicated towards concessional loans
from KFW of up to one billion euro
for financing the Green Energy
Corridors project under Indo-
German Bil ateral Development
Cooperation Programme over the
next six years. The Green Energy
Corridors proj ect wi ll help i n
integrating renewable energy into the
National grid. It comprises of both
inter-state and intra-state schemes for
evacuation of power from wind and
solar projects.
INDIA & LAOS
The 7th India-Lao Joint
Commission Meeting on bilateral
cooperation was held in Vientiane on
9 September 2013. The JMC was held
during External Affairs Minister
opportunities and expansion of
private sector participation in trade
and investment, as well as in health
and education.
India and Lao PDR al so
exchanged views on a wide range of
bilateral, regional and international
issues of mutual interest. They agreed
to strengthen coordi nation on
ASEAN and multilateral issues. Lao
has extended financial support to the
Nalanda University, which is being
developed as a centre of international
excellence. Lao reiterated its support
to India on UN and other multilateral
issues. The 2nd Roundtable of the
ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks
was inaugurated on 10 September
2013 during the meeting.
INDIA & AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan in the month of
September 2013, for the first time
directly sent Afghan dry fruits to India
using the Chabahar port .Before this,
Afghanistan used to send their goods
using Karachi port of Pakistan.
Because of the political restrictions
and high storage cost, Afghanistan
was facing problems in exporting
their goods to India. To overcome this
problem the Indian embassies in
Kabul and Tehran had been working
closely with the Governments of
Afghanistan and Iran for the past few
months to ensure that the shipment
goes through the Iranian Chabahar
port. India officially confirmed
participation in the Chabahar port
project in May 2013, when External
Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid
visited Tehran for the 17th meeting
of the India-Iran Joint Commission.
About Chabahar port About Chabahar port About Chabahar port About Chabahar port About Chabahar port
! Chabahar port is a sea port in
Chah Bahar in southeastern
Iran.
! It is located between Indian
Ocean and Omen Sea.
! The port was partially funded
by India.
India-Iran Joint Commission India-Iran Joint Commission India-Iran Joint Commission India-Iran Joint Commission India-Iran Joint Commission
India and Iran hold regular
bilateral discussions on economic
and trade related issues within the
framework of India-Iran Joint
Commission. The 17th India-Iran Joint
Commission meeting was held from
3-5 May 2013 in Tehran.
Seat for Sikh and Hindu Seat for Sikh and Hindu Seat for Sikh and Hindu Seat for Sikh and Hindu Seat for Sikh and Hindu
Nationals in Lower House of Nationals in Lower House of Nationals in Lower House of Nationals in Lower House of Nationals in Lower House of
Afghan Parl iament Afghan Parl iament Afghan Parl iament Afghan Parl iament Afghan Parl iament
President of Afghanistan,
Hamid Karzai on 4 September 2013
approved, through a legislative
decree, a special seat allocated for
Sikh and Hindu Afghan Nationals in
the Lower House of the Afghan
Parliament. As per the provisions
mentioned in Article 79 of the
Constitution of Afghanistan, President
Karzai approved the Cabinet
amendments of 26 August 2013 to
the Election Law, designating a
particular seat in the Lower House of
the Parliament for Sikh and Hindu
nationals of Afghanistan. In the
Presidential decree, the President
assigned the Ministers of Justice and
Parliamentary Affairs to submit the
decree within 30 days after the
National Assembly of Afghanistan
resumes its first session. The Afghan
President has the power to issue
legi sl ative decrees when the
Parliament is on vacation. The decree
was issued after the lawmakers
declined to reserve a special seat for
Hindus and Sikhs through a law. The
decree further adds that the
amendments to the Election Law that
came into force upon signature by
the President. It would be published
along with the relevant Cabinet
resolution in the official gazette.
About the National Assembly About the National Assembly About the National Assembly About the National Assembly About the National Assembly
of Afghani stan of Afghani stan of Afghani stan of Afghani stan of Afghani stan
The Nati onal Assembl y of
Afghanistan is a bicameral body
comprises of two chambers, Wolesi
Jirga (House of the People or Lower
Hosue) with 249 seats and Meshrano
Jirga (Upper House or House of
El ders) wi th 102 seats. The
designated seat has increased the
number of seats in Afghanistans
lower house to 250.
INDIA & CHILE
India and Chil e on 13
September 2013 agreed to enhance
their cooperation in the field of
Renewable Energy at Ankara during
Indias Minister of New and
Renewable Energy Farooq
Abdullahs visit to Chile. India plans
to add over 30 GW of renewable
energy to its energy mix in the next 5
years alone. He also dwelt on the
success of the wind programme as
well as the significant cost reductions
in solar energy through the Jawahar
Lal Nehru National Solar Mission
(JNNSM). Chile is almost entirely
dependent on imports for its energy
needs and is therefore extremely
keen to diversify its energy mix by
introducing a large component of
renewables. It has considerable
potential in wind, hydro, solar and
geothermal energy. Indi a has
considerable achievements and
strengths in the sector of renewable
energy and noted that India had
made large strides in the same. India
offered its support and expertise to
Chile in setting up renewabl e
projects. It offered the services of
Indian experts and institutions like
Centre for Wind Energy, Solar Energy
Centre, Alternate Hydro Energy
Centre for resource assessment of
renewable energy sources, training
of personnel and also preparation of
projects for exploi ting these
technologies in Chile. It also offered
training slots in India to Chilean
scientists, engineers and technicians
through the Indian Technical And
Economic Cooperation (ITEC)
Programme.
INDIA & BHUTAN
The Prime Minister of Bhutan,
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay paid an
official visit to India since 30 August
2013 to 4 September 2013. During
this visit, India and Bhutan discussed
all areas of mutual interest and
cooperation.
The main outcomes of the The main outcomes of the The main outcomes of the The main outcomes of the The main outcomes of the
discussi ons were: discussi ons were: discussi ons were: discussi ons were: discussi ons were:
1. Government of India reiterated
its commitment to Bhutans
socio-economic development.
The two countries agreed to
work together to further
strengthen bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay
thanked India for the support
extended for Bhutan s
development and expressed
keenness to strengthen
people-to-people links.
2. Government of India s
Assi stance Package for
Bhutans 11th Five Year Plan for
the period 1 July 2013 to 30
June 2018, was agreed upon.
At Bhutans request, India will
contribute 4500 Crores rupees
towards Bhutans 11th Plan, as
well as 500 Crores rupees
towards an Economic Stimulus
Package.
3. The importance of continued
cooperation in developing
hydroelectric projects in
Bhutan was also agreed upon.
India reiterated its commitment
to install an additional 10000
MW of generating capacity.
The two si des expressed
satisfaction at the progress in
the three ongoing projects.
4. India expressed its satisfaction
at being a privileged partner of
Bhutan in its socio-economic
development, and reassured
the Bhutanese Prime Minister of
its commitment to capacity
building in Bhutan.
5. India and Bhutan reaffirmed
the trust and confi dence
between the two countries and
their mutual security interests.
They agreed to continue their
cl ose coordination and
cooperation with each other on
issues relating to their national
interest.
INDIA AND ARMENIA
India and Armenia held their
seventh round of Foreign Office
Consultations along with the sixth
meeting of the Inter-Governmental
Commission in New Delhi on 25-26
September 2013. Sergey D.
Manassarian, Deputy Foreign Minister
of Armenia and Ashok K. Kantha,
Secretary (East) in the Ministry of
External Affairs held wide-ranging
Foreign Office level consultations on
25 September. The nations reviewed
the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
They also discussed regional and
international matters and exchanged
views on the current international
situation. They expressed satisfaction
at the cl ose cooperation i n
international fora between the two
countries.
The sixth session of the India-
Armeni a Inter-Governmental
Commission (IGC) on Trade,
Economic, Scientifi c and
Technologi cal, Cul tural and
Educational Cooperation was also
hel d in New Del hi on 25-26
September 2013.
Discussions included a review
of ongoing cooperation in various
fields like Information Technology,
Science and Technology, Health,
Development Cooperation, Tourism
& Civil Aviation and Culture. Both
decided to intensify bilateral efforts
to implement various project related
proposals. They also agreed that
bilateral agreements currently under
di scussion would be finalized
expeditiously. Both co-chairs Sergey
D. Manassarian and Mr. Ashok K.
Kantha signed a Protocol on the
outcome of the IGC session.
INDIA AND MOZAMBIQUE
Bil ateral security matters
between India and Mozambique
were reviewed at the Ministers level
meeting held in New Delhi on 12
September 2013. At the meeting,
Indian side was led by Mullappally
Ramachandran, Union Minister of
State for Home Affairs and the
Mozambique side by Jose Mandra,
Deputy Minister of Interior.
Issues revi ewed during the Issues revi ewed during the Issues revi ewed during the Issues revi ewed during the Issues revi ewed during the
meeti ng meeti ng meeti ng meeti ng meeti ng
During the meeting, the Union
Minister of State for Home Affairs of
India and Deputy Minister of Interior
of Mozambique reviewed the
following issues:
! training of police personnel
! supply of security related
equipment
! visa for the citizens of India and
Mozambique
! immigration issues
! disaster management
During the meeting, India and
Mozambique resolved to strengthen
their bilateral security cooperation.
INDIA & LESOTHO
The second meeting of the
India-Lesotho Joint Bil ateral
Commission of Cooperation (JBCC)
was held during 12-13 September
2013 in Maseru, Lesotho to discuss
the current state of bilateral relations
and the follow up of decisions taken
at India Africa Forum Summit.
This was the first meeting of the
JBCC to be held in Lesotho. India and
Lesotho enjoy close and friendly
bi lateral relations which are
multifaceted. There is a strong
cooperation in bilateral matters and
excellent coordination of views in
regional and international fora. India-
Lesotho cooperation has developed
through capaci ty bui ldi ng
programmes, training and sharing of
experience in diverse fields including
defence and security.
During the discussions, both
nations also reviewed
implementation of decisions taken at
the first meeting of the JBCC in March
2009 as well as those under the two
India Africa Forum Summits. Both
nations held extensive discussions on
bilateral, regional and multilateral
issues of common interest.
Cooperation under the India Africa
Forum Summit, defence and security
cooperation and Lines of Credit
offered by the Government of India
were also discussed at length. It was
also agreed to propose that the next
JBCC meeting will be held in New
Delhi on mutually convenient dates.
INDIA AND LATVIA
The Government of India on 18
September 2013 signed an
agreement with Latvia on Double Tax
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and
the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
respect to Taxes on Income.
The Agreement and the Agreed
Note were si gned by Sal man
Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of
India and Mr. Edgars Rinkevics,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.
Latvia is the third Baltic country with
which DTAA has been signed by
India. Earlier DTAAs were signed
with Lithuania and Estonia. The DTAA
provides that business profits will be
taxable in the source if the activities
of an enterpri se constitute a
permanent establishment (PE) in the
source state. The Agreement
provides for fixed place of permanent
establishment (PE), building site,
construction or assembly PE, service
PE, Off-shore expl oration/
exploitation PE and agency PE.
Double Tax Avoidance Double Tax Avoidance Double Tax Avoidance Double Tax Avoidance Double Tax Avoidance
Agreement contai ns fol lowing Agreement contai ns fol lowing Agreement contai ns fol lowing Agreement contai ns fol lowing Agreement contai ns fol lowing
provisi ons provisi ons provisi ons provisi ons provisi ons
! Di vidends, interest and
royalties and fees for technical
services income will be taxed
both i n the country of
residence and in the country
of source. The low level of
withholding rates of taxation for
di vi dend, i nterest and
r oyal t i es and f ees f or
technical services (10 percent)
wi ll promote greater
investments, flow of technology
and techni cal services
between India and Latvia.
! The Agreement incorporates
provi sions for effective
exchange of i nformati on
between tax authorities of the
two countries in line with latest
i nternati onal standards,
including exchange of banking
information and supplying of
information without recourse to
domestic interest.
! The Agreement included an
article on assi stance in
collection of taxes. This article
also included provision for
taking measures of conservancy
.The Agreement incorporates
anti -abuse (li mi tati on of
benefits) provisions to ensure
that the benefits of the
Agreements are availed of by
the genuine residents of India
and Latvia.
! The Agreement will provide
tax stability to the residents of
India and Latvia. It will also
facilitate mutual economic
cooperation between India
and Latvia.
ECONOMY
Economi c Outl ook 2013-14 Economi c Outl ook 2013-14 Economi c Outl ook 2013-14 Economi c Outl ook 2013-14 Economi c Outl ook 2013-14
Rel eased Rel eased Rel eased Rel eased Rel eased
The Economi c Advisory
Council to the Prime Minister (of
India) on 13 September 2013
released the document Economic
Outlook 2013-14 in New Delhi. The
economic growth forecast of India for
the current fiscal 2013-14 was
lowered to 5.3 percent from 6.4
percent projected earl ier. The
PMEAC had in April 2013 projected
6.4 percent growth for Indi an
economy for current financial year.
RBI too had earlier lowered its growth
projection for this fiscal to 5.5 percent
from 5.7 percent. The Economic
Outlook condition listed out host of
measures includi ng further
liberalisation of FDI norms to improve
economy.
The other major highlights The other major highlights The other major highlights The other major highlights The other major highlights
of Economic Outlook India are of Economic Outlook India are of Economic Outlook India are of Economic Outlook India are of Economic Outlook India are
as following: as following: as following: as following: as following:
! The PMEAC expects the
agriculture sector to grow by
4.8 percent in the current fiscal
up from 1.9 percent, while the
industrial growth has been
pegged at 2. 7 percent as
against 2.1 percent in 2012-13.
! The growth of services sector,
however, i s proj ected to
decelerate to 6.6 percent in
current fiscal from 7.1 percent
a year ago.
! In order to promote growth, the
advisory council suggested
that the government should
liberalise FDI investment norms,
resolve tax concerns of the
industry, fast track public
sector investment and initiate
measures to contain fiscal
deficit.
! Referring to the external
sector, the advisory council
expressed hope that the
Current Account Deficit (CAD)
in 2013-14 will come down to
70 billion US dollars or 3.8
percent of GDP, from 88.2
billion US dollars or 4.8 percent
a year ago.
! As regards rupee, it was hoped
at the current level it is well
corrected. Stability is returning
to the foreign exchange
market. As capital flows return
and as CAD begins to fall, this
tendency will strengthen.
! Admi tti ng that rupee
depreciation will put some
pressure on infl ation, the
advisory council stated that On
balance, WPI inflation by end
March 2014 will be around 5.5
percent as against the average
of 7.4percent in 2012-13 and
5.7 percent for March end
2013. The wholesale and retail
inflation widened in recent
months primarily on account of
higher weightage of food items
in CPI. The retail inflation in
August 2013 stood at 9.52
percent, whi le the WPI
numbers in July was at 5.79
percent.
! The trade deficit, PMEAC said,
would come down to around
185 billion US dollars in 2013-
14, against an estimated 195.7
billion US dollars in 2012-13.
! Between 2010-11 and 2012-
13, the combined impact of
higher net oil and net gold
imports on the CAD (Current
Account Deficit) was almost 57
billion US dollars or 3 percent
of GDP.
! The CAD may go even below
70 billion US dollars in 2013-
14 i f the recent trends in
exports and i mports are
maintained through the year.
! Net Capital flows are projected
to fall to 61.4 billion US dollars
in 2013-14 against an estimated
89.4 billion US dollars in 2012-
13 putting pressure on the
countrys forex reserves.
FMCs Administrative Control FMCs Administrative Control FMCs Administrative Control FMCs Administrative Control FMCs Administrative Control
shi fted to Finance Ministry shi fted to Finance Ministry shi fted to Finance Ministry shi fted to Finance Ministry shi fted to Finance Ministry
The administrative control of
Forward Markets Commission (FMC),
the chief regulator of Forwards and
Futures Commodity Markets in India
on 9 September 2013 was transferred
to Ministry of Finance following the
orders of Government of India.
Earlier, the FMC was under the
control of the Department of
Consumer Affairs under the Ministry
of Food. With this decision, the
regulators of financial sector like SEBI,
RBI, IRDA and PFRDA, all have been
brought under one roof and that is
Ministry of Finance. The Government
notified its decision to bring the
commodity markets regul ator
Forward Markets Commission (FMC)
under the ambit of the Finance
Ministry on 6 September 2013. The
proposal to this effect was moved in
August 2013 in the wake of the
alleged scam in the National Spot
Exchange Limited (NSEL) of 5600
crore rupees. NSEL stopped its
functioning in the month of August
2013 following the Governments
orders which were issued in the wake
of violation of certain rules.
About Forward Markets About Forward Markets About Forward Markets About Forward Markets About Forward Markets
Commission (FMC) Commission (FMC) Commission (FMC) Commission (FMC) Commission (FMC)
Forward Markets Commission
(FMC) headquartered at Mumbai, is
a statutory body set up in 1953 under
the Forward Contracts (Regulation)
Act, 1952. It is a regulatory authority
which was overseen by the Ministry
of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution, Govt. of India. Recently,
with the decision of Government of
India the administrative control of
FMC was shifted to Union Finance
Ministry. FMC under its ambit
regulated futures trading on 21
commodity bourses that includes
MCX and NCDEX.
The Governments decision on
FMC would help in increasing the
coordination between the market
regulators. It will also be helpful for
the government in resolving the NSEL
payment crisis of 5600 crore rupees.
Government notified GAAR Government notified GAAR Government notified GAAR Government notified GAAR Government notified GAAR
The Union government of India
on 26 September 2013 notified
GAAR (General Anti Avoidance
Rul es). It seeks to check tax
avoidance by investors routing their
funds through tax havens. It will come
into effect from 1 April 2016. The
GAAR will apply to entities availing
tax benefit of at least 3 crore rupees.
It will apply to foreign institutional
investors, FIIs that have claimed
benefits under any Double Tax
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
Investments made by a non-resident
by way of offshore derivative
instruments or P-Notes through FIIs,
will not be covered by the GAAR
provisions. The notification said,
investments made before 30 August
2010, will not be scrutinised under
GAAR.
RBI appealed agai nst RBI appealed agai nst RBI appealed agai nst RBI appealed agai nst RBI appealed agai nst
currency garl ands currency garl ands currency garl ands currency garl ands currency garl ands
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
on 11 September 2013 appealed the
public not to use bank notes for
making garlands, decorating pandals
and places of worshi p or for
showering on personalities in social
events etc. RBI while issuing the
appeal explained that using notes in
these activities deface the banknotes
and shorten their life.
Banknotes should be
respected as the symbol of the
Sovereign and public should not
misuse them. People should help in
increasing the life span of banknotes.
The Reserve Bank of India is taking all
measures to supply clean banknotes
across the country and urged the
members of public to contribute their
mite to its efforts in pursuing a clean
note policy for the country. There is
no specific provision under the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949, or
under RBI Act, 1934 to check or
prevent such misuse of currency
notes.
Foundation of MEMU Coach Foundation of MEMU Coach Foundation of MEMU Coach Foundation of MEMU Coach Foundation of MEMU Coach
Factory was laid at Bhilwara Factory was laid at Bhilwara Factory was laid at Bhilwara Factory was laid at Bhilwara Factory was laid at Bhilwara
The foundation stone of
Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit
(MEMU) Coach Factory was laid on
22 September 2013 at near Rupaheli
Station, Bhilwara District, Rajasthan.
MEMU Coach Factory had been
approved in the Rail Budget 2013-
14 at an estimated cost of 800 crore
rupees. This factory is a joint effort of
Indian Railways, Government of
Rajasthan and BHEL. MOU between
Ministry of Railways and BHEL was
signed for setting up for this factory
on 25 February 2013.
MOU between Ministry of
Rail ways and Government of
Rajasthan for providing 518 acres of
land free of cost for setting up for this
factory was signed on 21 September
2013. Once operational, this factory
will meet the demand of MEMU
Coaches on Indian Railways to a large
extent. Besides, it will generate direct
and indirect employment & give
thrust to area development. With
establishment of the factory Bhilwara
will now have a new identity that of
MEMU Coach Factory, besides being
a textile city.
Entire cost of this factory will be
incurred by BHEL. Presently the only
source manufacturing of the MEMU
coaches is Rail Coach Factory (RCF),
Kapurthala of Indian Railways, which
has been manufacturing about 112
coaches per year. The new factory in
Bhilwara will further facilitate the
supply of additional MEMU coaches
required by Indian Railways.
MEMU Trains MEMU Trains MEMU Trains MEMU Trains MEMU Trains
MEMU trains are very popular
in non suburban sections. These trains
are usually used by local commuters
to commute from nearby rural areas
and small towns to bigger cities for
work. They have higher carrying
capacity. MEMU trains ensure a better
and economical mode of transport
for people to commute daily for the
livelihood. These trains are more
powerful and have faster acceleration
and deceleration as compared to
conventional trains. This results in less
running time resulting in saving of 30
percent in energy consumption.
These trains are equipped with toilet
and are vestibuled for greater
passenger comfort.
Austerity Measures to Contain Austerity Measures to Contain Austerity Measures to Contain Austerity Measures to Contain Austerity Measures to Contain
Rising Fiscal Deficit Rising Fiscal Deficit Rising Fiscal Deficit Rising Fiscal Deficit Rising Fiscal Deficit
Announced Announced Announced Announced Announced
The Union Minister of Finance,
P. Chidambaram, on 18 September
2013 announced the strictness
measures such as a complete ban on
the creation of non-plan and plan
posts, as well as a slash in the non-
plan expenditure by 10 percent. The
austerity measures were announced
in order to contai n the non-
developmental expenditure as well
as for the promotion of fiscal
discipline. In order to cut the rising
fiscal deficit of 4.8 percent of the
GDP in 2013-14, the strictest of all
measures include an overall halt on
the new appointments. It is important
to note that this is the strictest measure
on the part of the UPA Government
despite being in the election year. In
the recent job-slashing drive, even
the Indian Railways, this is the biggest
Government job provider, has not
been spared. The Finance Ministry
issued a 4-page memorandum which
stated, $Posts that have remained
vacant for over a year are not to be
revived except under very rare and
unavoidable circumstances and after
seeking the cl earance of the
Department of Expenditure.% This
implies that there will be no
recruitment now till the betterment
of the economy.
In the meanwhile, the Finance
Ministry also stated that there should
be maintenance of discipline in the
fi scal transfers. The Union
Government of India from now will
not be transferring any funds for the
schemes whi ch are under the
planned expenditure, until and
unless the States release the funds of
equal amount. The Finance Ministry
issued warning that even the release
of the grants-in-aid will be monitored
very strictly. Apart from this, all the
State Governments will have to now
on, furnish the monthly returns of Plan
expenditure on Central, Centrally-
sponsored and State plans together
with the reports on the amount which
is outstanding i n the Publ ic
Accounts. The Central Government
as well as its employees were asked
to travel in the economy class, apart
from the officials in upper scale. The
upper scale officials are allowed to
travel through the executive class.
However, all the employees have
been issued advice to travel with the
cheapest tickets available. Other
instructions issued by the Finance
Ministry included not buying the new
cars, not rushing for procuring
avoidable items and no advance
payment unless sanctioned by the
Dept of Expendi ture on
compassionate grounds. The Union
Minister of Finance explained that by
ti ghtening the belt, the Indi an
economy would pick up by 2014.
These measures have been
announced at the time when the
fiscal deficit of India reached 62
percent of the Budget target in
merely four months time period, i.e.,
from April-July 2013-14.
RBI issued norms for Currency RBI issued norms for Currency RBI issued norms for Currency RBI issued norms for Currency RBI issued norms for Currency
Swap Wi ndow Swap Wi ndow Swap Wi ndow Swap Wi ndow Swap Wi ndow
Reserve Bank of India on 8
August 2013 i ssued norms for
currency swap window from
Mumbai.
The Reserve Bank also cleared
that the facility of currency swap
woul d be made available to
scheduled commercial banks
(excluding regional rural banks) for
fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident
Bank (FCNRB) deposits, which would
be mobilized for a minimum tenure
of three years.
The Reserve Bank al so
mentioned that the deposits can be
made in any permitted currency, but
the swaps would be made available
only in dollars.
The Swap Window would
remain functional and under
operations on all working days at
Mumbai on daily basis but a particular
bank can access the facility of
currency swap only once in a week.
The Swap Window would remain
operation from 10 September to 30
November 2013.
Currency Swap Currency Swap Currency Swap Currency Swap Currency Swap
A foreign exchange agreement
between the two institutions for
exchange aspects of a loan in one
current for equivalent aspects of an
equal in net present value loan in
another currency is Currency Swap.
RBI Banned Zero Percent RBI Banned Zero Percent RBI Banned Zero Percent RBI Banned Zero Percent RBI Banned Zero Percent
Interest Rate Schemes for Interest Rate Schemes for Interest Rate Schemes for Interest Rate Schemes for Interest Rate Schemes for
Purchase of Consumer Goods Purchase of Consumer Goods Purchase of Consumer Goods Purchase of Consumer Goods Purchase of Consumer Goods
September 2013 banned zero per
cent i nterest rate schemes for
purchase of consumer goods. The
decision has taken in order to protect
consumer interest. In this regard
Reserve Bank of India issued a
notification to all the Schedule
Commercial Banks and local area
banks.
Reserve Bank of India Reserve Bank of India Reserve Bank of India Reserve Bank of India Reserve Bank of India
Di r ecti ves Di r ecti ves Di r ecti ves Di r ecti ves Di r ecti ves
1. The very concept of zero per
cent interest is non-existent
and such schemes only serve
the purpose of alluring and
expl oi ting vulnerabl e
customers. Banks should
neither resort to any practice
that would distort the interest
rate structure of a product nor
hide any processing fees.
2. With regard to subvention, the
loan amount sanctioned for any
purchase should be only after
all the benefits and discounts
are passed on to the customer
fully and indi scri minatel y,
without tampering with the
applicable rate of interest.
3. The consumers should not be
levied any additional charge for
payments made through debit
cards.
4. All banks must stop these
practices as they violate the
very pri nciple of fair and
transparent pricing of products
which beholds customer rights
and protection, especially, in
the more vulnerable retail
segment.
In the zero percent EMI
schemes offered on credit card
outstandings, the interest element is
often camouflaged and passed on to
customer in the form of processing
fee.
RBI Increased the Repo Rate RBI Increased the Repo Rate RBI Increased the Repo Rate RBI Increased the Repo Rate RBI Increased the Repo Rate
on 20 September 2013 increased the
repo rate or the short term lending
rate by 25 basis points to 7.5 per cent
from 7.25 per cent with immediate
effect. This means that the Repo rate
has been increased by 0.25 percent.
The Governor of RBI, Raghuram Rajan
while reviewing the monetary policy
for the first time as a Governor,
however, brought down the marginal
standing facility (MSF) rate by 0.75
per cent to 9.5 per cent. The MSF
rate is the one at which the other
banks can borrow from the Central
Bank. The cash reserve ratio (CRR)
remained unchanged at 4 percent.
The cash reserve ratio (CRR) is the
portion of the deposits which the
banks need to maintain in cash with
the RBI. The RBI, in the meanwhile,
also brought down the minimum daily
maintenance of CRR from 99 percent
of the requirement to 95 percent with
effect from 21 September 2013. All
these changes were a part of the
monetary policy review for
September 2013. The next monetary
policy review of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) is scheduled for 29
October 2013.
CCEA Took Steps For CCEA Took Steps For CCEA Took Steps For CCEA Took Steps For CCEA Took Steps For
Operational isati on of Operational isati on of Operational isati on of Operational isati on of Operational isati on of
Infrastructure Debt Funds Infrastructure Debt Funds Infrastructure Debt Funds Infrastructure Debt Funds Infrastructure Debt Funds
September 2013 took some steps to
promote the operationalisation of
Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs).
Steps taken by The Cabinet Steps taken by The Cabinet Steps taken by The Cabinet Steps taken by The Cabinet Steps taken by The Cabinet
Committee on Economic Committee on Economic Committee on Economic Committee on Economic Committee on Economic
Affai rs (CCEA) Affai rs (CCEA) Affai rs (CCEA) Affai rs (CCEA) Affai rs (CCEA)
! Cappi ng of the annual
Guarantee Fee payable to the
Concession Authority at 0.05
percent per annum, of
outstanding debt financed by
the IDF NBFC (Non Banking
Financial Companies) for the
first three years of operation of
the IDF NBFC.
! Now Infrastructure Debt
Funds (IDF) will get the status
of Public Financial Institutions
(PFI). Infrastructure Debt
Funds are permitted to file
Shel f Prospectus under
Section 60 A of the Companies
Act, 1956 and access to
provisions of the SARFAESI
Act, i ncludi ng to the
adjudicatory process through
Debt Recovery Tribunals.
! Post-successful COD PPP
(commercial Operati on
Declaration) projects shall now
be eligible for investment by
Insurance Compani es,
Provident Funds (PFs), EPFO,
Mutual Funds (MFs), etc.
About Infrastructure Debt About Infrastructure Debt About Infrastructure Debt About Infrastructure Debt About Infrastructure Debt
Funds (IDF) Funds (IDF) Funds (IDF) Funds (IDF) Funds (IDF)
! IDFs are investment vehicles
which can be sponsored by
commercial banks and NBFCs
in India in which domestic/
offshore institutional investors,
speci al ly i nsurance and
pensi on funds can i nvest
through units and bonds issued
by the IDFs.
! IDFs would essentially act as
vehicles for refinancing existing
debt of i nfrastructure
companies, thereby creating
fresh headroom for banks to
lend to fresh infrastructure
projects.
! IDF-NBFCs would take over
l oans extended to
infrastructure projects which
are created through the Public
Private Partnership (PPP) route
and have successfull y
completed one year of
commercial production. Such
take-over of loans from banks
woul d be covered by a
Tripartite Agreement between
the IDF, Concessionaire and
the Proj ect Authori ty for
ensuring a compulsory buyout
with termination payment in the
event of default in repayment
by the Concessionaire.
Expert Committee to revise Expert Committee to revise Expert Committee to revise Expert Committee to revise Expert Committee to revise
and strengthen Monetary and strengthen Monetary and strengthen Monetary and strengthen Monetary and strengthen Monetary
Poli cy Framework Poli cy Framework Poli cy Framework Poli cy Framework Poli cy Framework
September 2013 constituted an
expert committee forexamining its examining its examining its examining its examining its
Current Monetary Poli cy Current Monetary Poli cy Current Monetary Poli cy Current Monetary Poli cy Current Monetary Poli cy
Framework Framework Framework Framework Framework. The committee would
be responsible to recommend the
measures to revise and strengthen the
Monetary Policy Framework, by
making it transparent and
predictable.
Dr . Urj i t Patel , Dr . Urj i t Patel , Dr . Urj i t Patel , Dr . Urj i t Patel , Dr . Urj i t Patel , Deputy
Governor of Reserve Bank of India has
been appointed as
the Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman of the Committee.
The terms of reference of The terms of reference of The terms of reference of The terms of reference of The terms of reference of
the Committee are: the Committee are: the Committee are: the Committee are: the Committee are:
! To review the objectives and
conduct of monetary policy in
a globalised and highly inter-
connected environment.
! To recommend an appropriate
nominal anchor for the conduct
of monetary policy.
! To review the organisational
structure, operating framework
and instruments of monetary
policy, particularly the multiple
indicator approach and the
l iqui di ty management
framework, with a view to
ensuring compatibility with
macroeconomic and financial
stability, as well as market
development.
! To identify regulatory, fiscal
and other impediments to
monetary policy transmission,
and recommend measures and
institutional pre-conditions to
improve transmission across
financial market segments and
to the broader economy.
! To carefull y consi der the
recommendations of previous
Committees/Groups in respect
of all of the above.
The Committee is expected to
submit its report within three months.
RBI allowed the Non-Resident RBI allowed the Non-Resident RBI allowed the Non-Resident RBI allowed the Non-Resident RBI allowed the Non-Resident
Investors to buy Shares under Investors to buy Shares under Investors to buy Shares under Investors to buy Shares under Investors to buy Shares under
FDI Scheme FDI Scheme FDI Scheme FDI Scheme FDI Scheme
The Reserve Bank of India on 6
September 2013 allowed the Non-
Resident Investors including NRIs to
purchase shares of Indian entities
Under FDI Scheme. The investment
can be made as per the mentioned
conditions. RBI has allowed the NRIs
to make investment under the FDI
scheme only on the listed entities, on
recognized stock exchanges.
The Reserve Bank of India has
decided to i nclude the non-
residents, including the NRIs to
acquire the shares of domestic
companies listed under FDI scheme,
on the stock exchanges through a
registered broker, if the investor has
already acquired and continues to
hold control in accordance with SEBI,
Substantial Takeover Code. RBI has
also cleared that the inward
remittance using the normal banking
channels can be used for payment of
the transfer of shares to non-residents
consequent to purchase. The debit
to the NRE pr FCNR account of a
person with authorized dealer or
bank can also be considered for
making the payment of the transferred
shares. Escrow Accounts (non-
interest bearing) maintained in India
can also be used to debit the
payment.
The prices of the transfer of the
shares for the non-resident
shareholders would be made in
accordance to the pricing guidelines
mentioned under, FEMA. Till now,
the FIIs (Foreign Institutional
Investor), QFIs (Qualified Foreign
Investors) and NRIs were eligible to
invest and acquire the shares on the
recognized stock exchanges of India
in compli ance with the FEMA
(Foreign Exchange Management
Act) regulations. But the NRIs were
not allowed to acquire shares on
exchange (bourses) under the FDI
Scheme.
Import Duty on Gold Import Duty on Gold Import Duty on Gold Import Duty on Gold Import Duty on Gold Hiked Hiked Hiked Hiked Hiked
on 17 September 2013 hiked the
import duty on gold from 10 percent
to 15 percent. The hike is aimed at
protecting the domestic industry. The
import duty on Silver was also
increased from 10 percent to 15
percent.Before the hike in import
duty, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took
several steps to limit the imports to
meet genuine domestic demands for
jewellery and export purposes.
Gold jewellery imported during
2012-13 stood at 5.04 billion US
Dollar. In the April-June quarter of the
current financial year 2012-13, it was
112 million US Dollar. Value of the
gold imports decreased to 650 million
US Doll ar in August 2013 i n
comparison to 2.2 billion US Dollar in
July 2013. The government hiked the
import duty on gold August 2013 for
the third time in 2013 as a part of the
measures to contain the widening
current account deficit. The duty on
silver and platinum were also
increased to 10 per cent in August
2013.Earlier the import duty on gold
was hiked from 4 percent to 6
percent in January 2013. India is the
largest importer of gold in the world,
which is mainly utilised to meet
demand from the jewellery industry.
Import of gold is mainly responsible
for the rise in Current Account Deficit
(CAD) and impacts the foreign
exchange reserves of the country as
well as the value of rupee. Current
Account Deficit (CAD) touched a
high of 4.8 per cent of GDP in the
2012-13.
What is Current Account What is Current Account What is Current Account What is Current Account What is Current Account
Defi ci t ? Defi ci t ? Defi ci t ? Defi ci t ? Defi ci t ?
Current Account Deficit occurs
when a countrys total imports of
goods, services and transfers are
greater than the countrys total export
of goods, services and transfers.
SEBI relaxed KYC norms for SEBI relaxed KYC norms for SEBI relaxed KYC norms for SEBI relaxed KYC norms for SEBI relaxed KYC norms for
foreign i nvestors foreign i nvestors foreign i nvestors foreign i nvestors foreign i nvestors
Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI) on 12 September
2013 issued the new Guideline to
make Know Your Client requirements
(KYC) easy for foreign investors.
These guidel ines related to
registration and disclosure norms for
low risk foreign investors. SEBI
classified foreign investors into three
categories depending on their risk
profile like category I, category II and
category III.
Category I i ncludes Category I i ncludes Category I i ncludes Category I i ncludes Category I i ncludes
Government and Government
related foreign investors such as
Foreign Central Banks, Governmental
Agencies, Sovereign Wealth Funds,
International, Mul til ateral
Organizations and Agencies.
Category II includes Category II includes Category II includes Category II includes Category II includes
! Regulated broad based funds
such as Mutual Funds,
Investment Trusts, Insurance /
Reinsurance Companies.
! Appropri ately regulated
entities such as Banks, Asset
Management Compani es,
Investment Managers/ Advisors,
Portfolio Managers.
! Broad based funds whose
i nvestment manager i s
appropriately regulated.
! University Funds and Pension
Funds
! University related Endowments
already registered with SEBI as
FII/Sub Account .
Category III incl udes Category III incl udes Category III incl udes Category III incl udes Category III incl udes
All other el igible foreign
investors investing in India under PIS
route not eligible under Category I
and II such as Endowments,
Charitable Soci eties/Trust,
Foundations,
Corporate Bodies, Trusts, Corporate Bodies, Trusts, Corporate Bodies, Trusts, Corporate Bodies, Trusts, Corporate Bodies, Trusts,
Individuals, Family Offices Individuals, Family Offices Individuals, Family Offices Individuals, Family Offices Individuals, Family Offices
Category I investors have been
exempted from submi ssion of
documents like financial statements
and board resolution papers. Their
top management, partners, directors,
trustees and authorised signatories
would not be required to submit
proof of identity, proof of address and
photographs, submission of the list,
identity proof, address proof and
photographs for their ultimate
beneficial owners.
SEBI decision to reclassify
foreign investors as per their risk
profiles was recommended by a
commi ttee headed by former
Cabinet secretary K M
Chandrasekhar.
These measures come at a time
when concerns are being raised
about outflows of foreign capital and
weakening of the rupee against the
dollar and other foreign currencies.
The new norms are expected to
make it much easier for the foreign
investors to enter the country and
make investment decisions.
Government Notified Changes Government Notified Changes Government Notified Changes Government Notified Changes Government Notified Changes
in the FDI Policy in the FDI Policy in the FDI Policy in the FDI Policy in the FDI Policy
on 10 September 2013 notified
changes in the FDI policy under
FEMA regulations, paving the way for
larger overseas investments in sectors,
such as multi-brand retail and
telecom.It is effective from 22 August
2013. As per the revised guidelines,
the government relaxed norms for
multi-brand retail trading and eased
the mandatory 30 per cent local
sourcing norms for companies. It has
also widened the definition of the
term control for mergers and
acquisitions, involving overseas
companies, a move that will provide
more clarity to foreign investors.The
government notification follows the
Cabinet decision of 2 August 2013
to relax overseas investment norms.
As per the notification, control will
include the right to appoint a majority
of directors or to control the
management or policy decisions
includi ng by virtue of their
shareholding or management rights
or shareholders agreement or voting
agreements. The expanded reach of
the term control will help calculate
the total foreign investment; direct
and indirect in Indian companies.
Prior to this, control was considered
the entity with the power to appoint
the majority of directors in a company.
CCEA approved the CCEA approved the CCEA approved the CCEA approved the CCEA approved the
Methodology for Coal Block Methodology for Coal Block Methodology for Coal Block Methodology for Coal Block Methodology for Coal Block
Auction Auction Auction Auction Auction
Cabi net Commi ttee on
September 2013 approved the
methodology for aucti on by
competitive bidding of the coal
blocks. The methodology provides
for auctioning the fully explored coal
blocks and also provides for fast
tracking the auction by exploration
of regionally explored blocks through
up gradation of geological data to a
reasonable level of certainty. The
methodology approved by the
Government provides for production
linked payment on rupee per tonne
basis, plus a basic upfront payment
of 10% of the intrinsic value of the
coal block. The intrinsic value of coal
block will be calculated on the basis
of Net Present Value (NPV) of the
block arrived at through Discounted
Cash Flow (DCF) method. To
benchmark the selling price of coal,
the international FoB price from the
public indices like Argus/Platts will
be used by adjusting it by 15% to
provide for inland transport cost
which would give the mine mouth
price. In order to avoid short term
volatility the average sale price will
be calculated by taking prices during
the last 5 years. For the regulated
power sector, it has been decided
to provide for 90% discount on the
intri nsic value for tariff based
bidding. This methodology will help
in rationalizing the power tariff.
In order to ensure firm
commitment, there would be an
agreement between Ministry and the
bidder to perform agreed minimum
work programmes at all stages. There
woul d be development stage
obligations in terms of milestones to
be achieved such as getting mining
lease, obtaining environment/forest
clearances etc. The bidder will have
to give performance guarantee
during the developmental stage. The
successful bidder will get 2 years for
exploration (for regionally upgraded
blocks) and 5 years for development
of coal blocks. The new policy also
provides for relinquishment of the
block without penalty provided, the
bidder has carried out minimum work
programme sti pulated in the
agreement. Ministry of Environment
and Forest will review the details of
the coal blocks and communicate its
findings before the blocks are put to
auction. However, final approval will
be subject to the statutory clearances
under the law. Exploration activities
in identified coal blocks are at
advanced stage and are likely to be
completed shortly. Thereafter these
blocks would be put to auction under
the Competitive Bidding of the Coal
Mines Rules, 2012, which were
notified on2 February 2012.
RBI liberalised norms for RBI liberalised norms for RBI liberalised norms for RBI liberalised norms for RBI liberalised norms for
banks to open branches in banks to open branches in banks to open branches in banks to open branches in banks to open branches in
Tier I ci ties Tier I ci ties Tier I ci ties Tier I ci ties Tier I ci ties
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on
19 September 2013 announced that
banks can open their branches in tier
1 centers without taking its permission
in each case .But RBI imposed some
conditions to open branches.
According to 2011 census Tier I
center are those with population
above 1 lakh.
Conditions Imposed by Conditions Imposed by Conditions Imposed by Conditions Imposed by Conditions Imposed by
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
RBI passed the guidel ines
under following conditions:
! Banks should open 25 percent
of their branches in a financial
year in Un-banked tier-V and
tier-VI centers as earlier.
! Total number of branches in tier
#I centers cant exceed the
number of branches opened in
tier-2 to tier-6 centers during a
year.
! If the banks are unable to open
all tier # 1 branches during that
year, they can carry it over for
next two years
! If the banks unable to open
requisite branches in tier- II to
tier- VI centers for some reason,
it should necessary rectify the
shortfall in the next financial
year.
Russia Lifted Ban on Import of Russia Lifted Ban on Import of Russia Lifted Ban on Import of Russia Lifted Ban on Import of Russia Lifted Ban on Import of
Non-Basmati Rice and Non-Basmati Rice and Non-Basmati Rice and Non-Basmati Rice and Non-Basmati Rice and
Oilseeds from India Oilseeds from India Oilseeds from India Oilseeds from India Oilseeds from India
Russia lifted the ban on import
of non-basmati rice from India on 10
September 2013, which wil l
eventually lead to an increase in the
export of non-basmati rise from India.
Russia also lifted the ban on the
oilseeds apart from non-basmati rice.
It is important to note that the Russian
Federation had imposed ban on
these commodities in December
2012 because of the presence of
khapra beetles pest in rice and
aflatoxin contamination of peanuts.
Thereafter, from 23 June 2013 to 30
June 2013, Federal Service for
Veteri nary and Phytosanitary
Surveillance (FSVPS) delegation
from Russia inspected the processing
units in India, which eventually led
to a lift on the ban and resumption of
the trade on these commodities
between India and Russia. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Russian Federation submitted its
report on the inspection.
India, at present, is the second
largest producer of rice in the world
with the output of 104.40 million
tonnes in the 2012-13 crop year (July-
June). India exports a considerable
quantity of basmati as well as non-
basmati rice in foreign markets. The
International Grain Council (IGC) in
the recent past however estimated
that the rice export of India in 2013-
14 would be 8.5 million tonnes,
which is around 10 percent lower
than the 9.4 million tonnes exported
in 2012-13. The overall export of
basmati rice to Russia was 789.19
tonnes during 2012-13 fiscal year
before the imports were suspended.
It is important to note that khapra
beetle, also known as Trogoderma
granarium was discovered in certain
consignments in early 2012. Khapra
beetle is one of the most destructive
pests of the world found in the stored
products as well as seeds.
RBI relaxed Trade Credi t RBI relaxed Trade Credi t RBI relaxed Trade Credi t RBI relaxed Trade Credi t RBI relaxed Trade Credi t
Norms to raise Funds from Norms to raise Funds from Norms to raise Funds from Norms to raise Funds from Norms to raise Funds from
Abr oad Abr oad Abr oad Abr oad Abr oad
The Reserve Bank of India on
24 September 2013 relaxed trade
credit norms to raise funds from
abroad. In a notification, the RBI
stated that all types of companies can
avail trade credit facility now from
overseas for import of capital goods.
The RBI further added that on a
review, it has been decided to allow
companies in all sectors to avail trade
credit not exceeding 20 million US
Dollars up to a maximum period of
five years for import of capital goods
as classified by the Director General
of Foreign Trade. Earli er, only
companies in the infrastructure
sector were allowed to raise such
trade credits. Banks are, however, not
permitted to issue Letters of Credit/
guarantees/Letter of Undertaking
(LoU) /Letter of Comfort (LoC) in
favour of overseas supplier, bank and
financial institution for the extended
period beyond three years.
RBI Announced Committee to RBI Announced Committee to RBI Announced Committee to RBI Announced Committee to RBI Announced Committee to
Frame Vision for Financial Frame Vision for Financial Frame Vision for Financial Frame Vision for Financial Frame Vision for Financial
Incl usi on Incl usi on Incl usi on Incl usi on Incl usi on
on 23 September 2013 announced
the appointment of a Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee
on Comprehensive Fi nancial on Comprehensive Fi nancial on Comprehensive Fi nancial on Comprehensive Fi nancial on Comprehensive Fi nancial
Services for Small Busi nesses Services for Small Busi nesses Services for Small Busi nesses Services for Small Busi nesses Services for Small Busi nesses
and Low-Income and Low-Income and Low-Income and Low-Income and Low-Income
Households Households Households Households Households under the
Chairmanship of Nachiket Mor Nachiket Mor Nachiket Mor Nachiket Mor Nachiket Mor,
who is a Member on the Central Board
of Directors of RBI.
Objectives of the Committee Objectives of the Committee Objectives of the Committee Objectives of the Committee Objectives of the Committee
The 15-member committee has
been asked to frame a clear and
detailed vision for financial inclusion
and financial deepening in India.
Committee is to lay down a set of
design principles that will guide the
devel opment of institutional
frameworks and regulation for
achieving financial inclusion and
financial deepening in India.
Committee will review existing
strategies and develop new ones that
address specific barriers to progress,
and that encourage participants to
work swiftly towards achieving full
inclusion and financial deepening,
consi stent with the desi gn
principles. Further, Committee is to
devel op a comprehensive
monitoring framework to track the
progress of the financial inclusion and
deepening efforts on a nationwide
basis.
The committee has been asked
to submit its final report by 31
December 2013. The committee
members are: Bindu Ananth
(President, IFMR Trust); Prakash
Bakshi (Chairman, Nabard); Bharat
Doshi (Chai rman, Mahindra &
Mahindra Financial Services); A. P.
Hota (Managing Director and CEO,
National Payments Corporation of
India); Sunil Kaushal (CEO, Standard
Chartered Bank India); Roopa Kudva
(MD and CEO, Crisil); Zia Mody
(Managing Partner, AZB & Partners);
S. S. Mundra (CMD, Bank of Baroda);
Vi kram Pandi t (former CEO,
Citigroup); Ramesh Ramanathan
(Chairman, Janalakshmi Financial
Services) and Shikha Sharma (MD &
CEO, Axis Bank). A. Udgata, Principal
Chief General Manager, RBI is the
Member Secretary. Karuppasamy and
Deepali Pant Joshi, both Executive
Directors, RBI will be the expert
observers.
Bhartiya Mahila Bank Started Bhartiya Mahila Bank Started Bhartiya Mahila Bank Started Bhartiya Mahila Bank Started Bhartiya Mahila Bank Started
Recrui tment Process Recrui tment Process Recrui tment Process Recrui tment Process Recrui tment Process
Bhartiya Mahila Bank, the first
nationali sed bank for women
expected to be operational from
November 2013.Bhrtiya Mahila Bank
In its first advertisement on 18
September 2013 announced that the
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) will
recruit 115 vacancies from female
candidates only.
Main Objective of Bhartiya Main Objective of Bhartiya Main Objective of Bhartiya Main Objective of Bhartiya Main Objective of Bhartiya
Mahila Bank Mahila Bank Mahila Bank Mahila Bank Mahila Bank
The main objective of Bhartiya
Mahila Bank is to focus on the banking
needs of the women and promote
economic empowerment. It will also
addresses the gender related issues
and helpful in financial inclusion.
Headquarter of Bharitiya Headquarter of Bharitiya Headquarter of Bharitiya Headquarter of Bharitiya Headquarter of Bharitiya
Mahila Bank and branches Mahila Bank and branches Mahila Bank and branches Mahila Bank and branches Mahila Bank and branches
! The proposed bank will be
headquartered in New Delhi.
! It will start with 6 branches in
North, South, West, Central and
North Eastern part of the
country. Bharatiya Mahila Bank
proposes to complete the first
six branches at Mumbai, Delhi,
Kolkata, Chennai, Indore and
Guwahati by October 15.
About Bharitiya Mahila Bank About Bharitiya Mahila Bank About Bharitiya Mahila Bank About Bharitiya Mahila Bank About Bharitiya Mahila Bank
! The bank ai ms to service
women and women-run
businesses, support womens
self-help groups and their
l iveli hoods and promote
further financial inclusion in a
country where only 35 percent
of Indian adults have access to
a bank account.
! An only-for-women bank first
time in India.
! The announcement to set up
all Womens bank was made by
Finance Minister of India P
Chidambaram in the Budget
speech 2013-14.
! The Cabi net cleared the
proposal for setting up of all-
women bank on August 2013.
! The government has approved
1000 crore Rupees seed capital
for Bhartiya Mahila Bank.
! Reserve Bank of India gave its
in-principal approval for the
Bharatiya Mahila Bank in June
2013 and the banking company
is being set up.
Sports Sports Sports Sports Sports
SCI ENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GSAT7 Successfull y Pl aced GSAT7 Successfull y Pl aced GSAT7 Successfull y Pl aced GSAT7 Successfull y Pl aced GSAT7 Successfull y Pl aced
in the Geosynchronous Orbit in the Geosynchronous Orbit in the Geosynchronous Orbit in the Geosynchronous Orbit in the Geosynchronous Orbit
India!s advanced multi-band
communication satellite GSAT-7,
launched from Kourou, French
Guiana on 30 August 2013, was
successful ly placed in the
Geosynchronous Orbit with an
altitude of about 36000 km above
Earth!s surface on 3 September 2013.
French Guiana is an overseas region
of France on the North Atlantic coast
of South America. GSAT-7 was
placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit
after successfully completing the last
of the three orbit-raising manoeuvres
commanded from ISRO!s Master
Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.
Later, on the same day, the
communication antennae of GSAT-
7, including the UHF Helix antenna,
" Its solar arrays generate 2900
W of electrical power.
What is Geosynchronous What is Geosynchronous What is Geosynchronous What is Geosynchronous What is Geosynchronous
Orbi t? Orbi t? Orbi t? Orbi t? Orbi t?
Geosynchronous Orbit is also
abbreviated as GSO. It is the orbit
around Earth which has the orbital
period of one sidereal day or around
23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds.
This sidereal day matches the Earth!s
sidereal rotation period.
Battery that Uses Microbes for Battery that Uses Microbes for Battery that Uses Microbes for Battery that Uses Microbes for Battery that Uses Microbes for
Turning Sewage into Energy Turning Sewage into Energy Turning Sewage into Energy Turning Sewage into Energy Turning Sewage into Energy
A team of US scientists from
Stanford University developed a new
and better method of making use of
the microbes for harnessing the
electricity from the wastewater. The
US scientists created a new battery
were deployed successfull y.
Thereafter, the GSAT-7 was put in its
final orbital configuration, stabilised
on its three-axis by the momentum
wheels.
The GSAT-7 Satellite would
reach its assigned orbital slot of 74
degree East longi tude in the
Geostationary Orbit within the next
10 days. It is planned that on 14
September 2013, the
communication transponders in UHF,
S, C and Ku bands will be switched
on. The GSLV Vehicle assembly and
checkout would be completed at the
Vehicle Assembly Building by the
first week of December 2013 and the
launch woul d take place by
December 2013.
About GSAT7 About GSAT7 About GSAT7 About GSAT7 About GSAT7
" It i s an advanced
communication satellite that
will help by providing low bit
rate voice to high bit rate data
communication.
" Payload of the GSAT7 is
desi gned to provi de
communication capabilities to
users in distant oceanic regions.
for this purpose. The new study
published in the Proceedings of the
National Acadamy of Sciences
(PNAS) on 16 September 2013
revealed that the scientists
discovered a new methodology for
producing clean energy by making
use of the dirty water. The US
scientists explained that their new
technique can be used at the
wastewater treatment facilities as well
as for breaking down the organic
pollutants in dead zones of the lakes
and oceans where the fertilizer runoff
has caused depleted oxygen,
leading to suffocating marine life.
About the newly devel oped About the newly devel oped About the newly devel oped About the newly devel oped About the newly devel oped
bat ter y bat ter y bat ter y bat ter y bat ter y
" The team of US scientists from
Stanford University started off
with a prototype which is
equivalent to the size of the D-
cell battery.
" The battery comprises of two
electrodes, one negative and
one positive, and it is pushed
into the bottle of wastewater
which i s fi ll ed wi th the
bacteria.
" As and when the organi c
material is consumed by the
bacteri a, all the mi crobes
accumul ate around the
electrode which is negative,
thereby throwing off the
electrons, which are captured
by the positive electrode. This
process is called fishing for
electrons.
A step Closer to regenerative A step Closer to regenerative A step Closer to regenerative A step Closer to regenerative A step Closer to regenerative
medi ci ne medi ci ne medi ci ne medi ci ne medi ci ne
A landmark study published
today (Sept 12) in shows that
reprogramming of adult cells that
behave like stem cells can be
achieved right inside the body (
). Till now, reprogramming of
adult cells has been achieved only in
l abs ( ). This opens a
promising window to repairing
tissues right inside the body. #This is
still speculation. We can imagine
transitory reprogramming could help
in the natural regeneration of a
damaged ti ssue,$ sai d Manuel
Serrano from the Spanish National
Cancer Research Centre (CNIO),
Madrid, and the senior author of the
study. #This in principle has several
advantages. This does not require
manipulation and [therefore]
does not require engraftment.$ Dr.
Serrano said. #Engraftment is usually
very inefficient.$ Reprogramming of
adult cells (induced pluripotent stem
cells % iPS cells), say skin cells, to
become embryonic-like stem cells
capable of becoming any of the
specialised cells like liver cells or heart
cells has tremendous therapeutic
benefits. #The main surprise of our
work is, it is possible to produce
pluripotent stem cells within living
organisms,$ Dr. Serrano said. #This
was a surprise as so far this has been
done only . $
If reprogramming of adult cells
inside the body is a stupendous
achievement, the researchers
crossed another milestone by making
the reprogrammed adult cells exhibit
totipotency. Aside from having the
potential to become any of the
specialised cells, totipotent cells can
also differentiate into extraembryonic
cells of the placenta. Even embryonic
stem cell s onl y rarel y exhibit
totipotency. They most often only
exhibit pluripotency % ability to
become any of the specialised cells
but not the extraembryonic cells of
the placenta. A blastocyst, a bunch
of cells that is formed a few days after
the fertilised egg starts dividing, has
an inner cell mass and an outer cell
mass. The inner cell mass, which
contains the embryonic stem cells,
becomes the foetus, while the outer
cell mass, called the trophoblast,
develops into extraembryonic tissue
of the placenta. The study was thus
able to produce totipotent cells that
are seen in human embryos at the 72-
hour stage of development, when
they are composed of just 16 cells.
For the study, the researchers
used genetically modified mouse
models that had all the four cell-
reprogramming factors used in adult
cell reprogramming; these factors
could express themselves in the
presence of a drug. Several weeks
after the factors were exposed to the
drug, teratomas #emerged from
multiple organs.$ The emergence of
teratomas was proof that
reprogramming had occurred inside
the body of the mice. #Teratomas
consist of disorganised tissues of all
three embryonic germ layers,$ notes
an accompanying news piece.
#Occasionally, they di splay a
remarkable degree of organisation,
containing whole organs.$ They
found the totipotent primitive cells
in major organs like the stomach,
intestine, pancreas and kidney. Even
the iPS cells circulating in the blood
were found to exhibit totipotency.
Ovarian Tissue Transplant Ovarian Tissue Transplant Ovarian Tissue Transplant Ovarian Tissue Transplant Ovarian Tissue Transplant
A team of doctors at Melbourne
IVF and The Royal Melbourne
Hospital, i n the first week of
September 2013, managed to help
an infertile woman conceive with the
world!s first IVF technology where
new eggs were grown in the ovarian
tissue and transplanted in woman!s
abdomen. The doctors declared that
the treatment will revolutionise the
fertility treatment. The woman called
Vali is now 26 weeks pregnant. Vali
was earlier rendered as infertile after
her treatment for the ovarian cancer.
The team of doctors helped the
woman in growing egg follicles and
producing two healthy eggs after
transplanting her own frozen ovarian
tissue i nto her abdomen. It i s
important to note that earlier only one
baby was born in Australia after the
ovarian tissue transplant. Less than 30
babies have been grown like this
across the world, but it is for the first
time that the tissue was successfully
transplanted at a completely different
site in a body to where it was taken
from. Gab Kovacs, the international
medical director of Monash IVF,
which did first successful Australian
ovarian tissue transplant explained
that this was a breakthrough
treatment.
The sample of the ovarian tissue
of Vali was extracted from her cancer-
free ovary through keyhole surgery.
It was then frozen. After seven years,
the tissue was grafted on the left and
right sides of the front wall of her
abdomen. The tissue started
functioning after a few months and
also produced follicles and two single
eggs with the mild dose of hormone
treatment. Both these eggs were
fertilised, implanted as well as
became viable pregnancies. Over
1300 women are diagnosed with the
ovarian cancer every year in Australia.
Of these, 39 percent are under the
age of 60 years.
Research says Tuberculosis Research says Tuberculosis Research says Tuberculosis Research says Tuberculosis Research says Tuberculosis
Originated in Humans Originated in Humans Originated in Humans Originated in Humans Originated in Humans
An i nternational team of
researchers led by Swiss Tropical and
Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)
revealed in the month of September
2013 that the origins of human
tuberculosis traced back to the
African hunter-gatherers who lived
around 70000 years ago. The study
conducted by the international team
of researchers suggested that the
origin of Tuberculosis (TB) was not
in the animals that lived around 10000
years ago, as it is believed commonly.
It is important to note that TB is one
of the deadliest infectious diseases
of humans and it kills 50 percent of
the individuals who are left
untreated. In the devel opi ng
countries, it is found that even today,
TB leads to 1-2 million deaths. The
major threat in fighting against the
disease is multidrug-resistance. The
researchers have now identified
about the origin in space and time of
this disease. The researchers made
use of the whol e-genome
sequencing of 259 Mycobacterium
tuberculosis strains, which were
collected from various parts of the
world. These were used for
determining the genetic pedigree of
the deadly bugs. The comparison of
the genome i ndicated that TB
mycobacteria originated around
70000 years ago in Africa.
During the study, the
researchers compared the genetic
evolutionary trees of mycobacteria
and humans alongsi de. The
phylogenetic trees of humans and the
TB bacteria had a lot of similarity. The
evolutionary paths of TB a well as
humans had a striking similarity. The
researchers explained that TB
bacteria and humans did not emerge
in same region of the world but they
migrated outside Africa together.
Both these, thereafter, expanded
across the world. It was the migratory
behaviour of modern humans, along
with their lifestyle changes, that led
to favourable conditions for TB. The
researchers also explained that
because of this, the diversity of
tuberculosis bacteria enhanced
remarkably when the expansion of
human populati on took pl ace.
Human expansion is also known as
Neolithic Demographic Transition
(NDT) period. This NDT is combined
with the new human lifestyles which
lived in the larger groups as well as
village-like structures, which in turn
would have created the conditions
for human-to-human transmission of
TB. The results also pointed out
towards the fact that it is unlikely that
TB would have been communicated
from the domesticated animals to the
humans, like in the case of other
infectious diseases.
Why Some times our body Why Some times our body Why Some times our body Why Some times our body Why Some times our body
parts and our eyes twitch parts and our eyes twitch parts and our eyes twitch parts and our eyes twitch parts and our eyes twitch
invol untarily? invol untarily? invol untarily? invol untarily? invol untarily?
Muscle twitching is a
phenomenon by itself, and it is due
to aberrant conduction of nerve
impulses or due to problems in the
muscle working itself. A muscle reacts
to a nerve impulse, because the
electrolyte changes in the membrane
of the muscle causes equal transport
of sodium, potassium, and calcium,
depending on the similar induction
on the surface membrane, by a
chemical called acetyl choline.
Acetyl choline is released as particles
out of a nerve end, which attach
themselves to the muscle membrane
receptors, and cause a cascade of
chemical changes inside the muscle.
When calcium enters the cell it causes
a reaction on the muscle protein
called actin and myosin, making them
combine, which shortens the muscle
fibres. This is the phenomenon of
contraction of the muscle. But when
individual muscle fibre ( not as a
group ) have aberrations due to
abnormal volleys of nerve impulses
like in a disease called Motor Neuron
Disease, or due to inflammatory
muscle disorders like myositis, this
mechani sm of regulari ty and
rhythmicity fails.
Occasionally it can happen
physiologi cally owi ng to fear,
emotional imbalance, stress and
anxiety disorders, and also during
conditions where el ectrolyte
di sturbance of the blood l ike
dehydration etc. Why it is common in
eyes, i s because of the di rect
observability of visibility to others,
and greater perception of the muscle
twi tchi ng in the eye lids. It is
prominent in tongue but no body
notices, unless one inspects,
especially in motor neuron disease.
This condition is called fasciculation.
Except in pathological diseases, it
can be controlled. With adequate
hydrati on, proper intake of
electrolytes like fruit juices, salt etc,
one can avoid it. Of course one
should avoid stress full situation and
other precipitating events.
Most Powerful Super Most Powerful Super Most Powerful Super Most Powerful Super Most Powerful Super
Computer of Australia Computer of Australia Computer of Australia Computer of Australia Computer of Australia
Australia unveiled its most
powerful super computer Raijin in
Canberra on 31 July 2013. Raijin, is
named after the Japanese God of
thunder and rain. It did cost 45.2
million US dollars to build and will
cost 10.85 million US dollars a year to
run. Raijin is considered the 27th most
powerful computer in the world. The
supercomputer can perform the
same number of calculations in one
hour that 7 billion people with
calculators could perform in 20 years.
Raijin forms a part of the new National
Computational Infrastructure (NCI)
facility at the campus. The computer
itself is bigger than the size of a house.
The key features of Rajin The key features of Rajin The key features of Rajin The key features of Rajin The key features of Rajin
are as following: are as following: are as following: are as following: are as following:
" It has 57000 processing cores
which is something like 15000
ordinary personal computers.
" It has 160 terabytes of memory
which is equal to memory of
40000 ordinary PCs together.
" It has 10000 terabytes of disk
which is like 10000 ordinary
PCs.
New Super-Heavy Element New Super-Heavy Element New Super-Heavy Element New Super-Heavy Element New Super-Heavy Element
Ununpenti um Ununpenti um Ununpenti um Ununpenti um Ununpenti um
Scientists from Lund University,
Sweden in the last week of August
2013 discovered a new super-heavy
chemical element, which can be a
part of the periodic table in the
coming future. The atomic number
of the super-heavy element is 115
and is made by combining atoms of
calcium americium. The scientists
have not named it yet but for time
bei ng it wi ll be referred as,
Ununpentium. The element was
discovered by an international team
of researchers, who conducted an
experiment at GSI Research facility
in Germany for confirmation of the
earlier measurements done by the
Russian research group.
Process of Creation Process of Creation Process of Creation Process of Creation Process of Creation
Scientists shot a beam of
calcium (with 20 protons) into a thin
strip of americium (with 95 protons),
for creation of the element. Till the
time it doesn!t get a name, scientists
will refer it as Ununpentium (a greek
and latin combination of the words
that represents atomic number of an
element, one-one-five).
Ununpentium belongs to the group
of manmade elements. Before being
acknowledged, the findings of the
research of the newly discovered
super-heavy element wi ll be
reviewed by a committee that
comprises members of international
unions of pure and applied physics
and chemistry. The researchers
have also identified the structure as
well as the properties of the super-
heavy element!s atomic nuclei. In
2011, scientists approved three new
elements for being added into the
Periodic Table with their atomic
numbers 110, 111 and 112. and were
named Darmstadtium (Ds),
Roentgenium (Rg) and Copernicium
(Cn), respectively.
Ring for Protecting Women Ring for Protecting Women Ring for Protecting Women Ring for Protecting Women Ring for Protecting Women
against Sexual Assualt against Sexual Assualt against Sexual Assualt against Sexual Assualt against Sexual Assualt
Imran Khan, the Karnataka
pharmacist devised a protective ring
which stings the women assaulter like
a honey bee. The new ring is known
as Sting Bee silver ring. The device
inventor created the ring in the
backdrop of the Delhi gangrape
which took place on 16 December
2012. Imran khan explained that the
safety ring can be worn by the
women in their right index finger in
order to defend themselves from a
potential rapist or killer.
Features of the Sting Bee Features of the Sting Bee Features of the Sting Bee Features of the Sting Bee Features of the Sting Bee
silver ring silver ring silver ring silver ring silver ring
" The Sting Bee silver ring is said
to be a reliable device for self
defense.
" It has l iqui d chemi cal
compound (Capsaicin) in the
head of the ring, which is
released from the micro tank
and weakens the offender. It
then halts the offender from
attacking or assaulting any
woman or girl.
" The ring also has RFID (radio
frequency identification) tag
on the top most side as well as
dual lock mechanism. The dual
lock mechanism prevents the
misuse of the ring and it can be
made out of any safe metal.
" Imran Khan explained that the
device is easily operational as
well as tamper-proof.
" The micro tank which has 0.2ml
of the drug (Capsaicin) has the
capability of being injected
into even 5 people at the same
time by unlocking it.
" It is important to note that trials
have been conducted to study
the safety of the device on the
one who wears the ring and the
one on whom it is used. Barring
pain, itching, burning sensation
and inflammation, the chemical
used in the ring is not life-
threatening.
What i s Capsaicin? What i s Capsaicin? What i s Capsaicin? What i s Capsaicin? What i s Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is four times hotter
than Bhut Jolokia (pepper) and 300
times spicier than Guntur red chillis
(from Andhra Pradesh). The
Capsai cin sti mulates the
chemoreceptor nerve endings in skin
and then leds to shooting pain which
lasts for 45-60 minutes when injected
into someone!s body from the micro
tank of the ring.
Nano Medicine for Blood Nano Medicine for Blood Nano Medicine for Blood Nano Medicine for Blood Nano Medicine for Blood
Cancer Devel oped Cancer Devel oped Cancer Devel oped Cancer Devel oped Cancer Devel oped
The Kochi-based Amrita Centre
for Nanosciences and Molecular
Medicine on 22 September 2013
announced it!s newly developed a
nano-medicine for drug-resistant
bl ood cancer. Thi s invention
expected to dramatically improve the
capillaries which are visible in fair
individuals, through the nail like a
ground glass. There i s a smal l
semicircular white area under the
base of the nail, called lunula, which
is the growing part. Nail lives with the
man. Many diseases are identified
through nail, as it reflects health, and
does not behave like dead tissue. For
example, diseases like anemia of
various types, chronic arsenic poising,
psoriasis, neuro-cutaneous markings,
jaundice, etc. If it is a dead tissue it
will not reflect the health. Only the
terminal portion of the nail which
protrudes away from the tip of the
finger, has no sensation and no blood
supply which is equivalent to a horn
of animals.
Dextrose Gel Treatment Can Dextrose Gel Treatment Can Dextrose Gel Treatment Can Dextrose Gel Treatment Can Dextrose Gel Treatment Can
Help Reverse Hypogl ycaemia Help Reverse Hypogl ycaemia Help Reverse Hypogl ycaemia Help Reverse Hypogl ycaemia Help Reverse Hypogl ycaemia
in Premature Babies in Premature Babies in Premature Babies in Premature Babies in Premature Babies
Researchers from the University
of Auckland, New Zealand revealed
in the last week of September 2013
that the dose of sugar in the form of
gel can help premature babies
against the risk of brain damage. This
is known as Dextrose gel treatment.
The sugar gel should be rubbed in
the inside of cheeks and this is proven
as the effective and cheapest
possible way. It is important to note
that around one out of every ten
premature baby faces the risk of low
blood sugar level, which eventually
affects them. If left untreated, it can
lead to permanent harm. For their
study, the researchers tested the
sugar gel therapy on 242 babies
under care. Based on results of their
findings, it was revealed that this
shoul d become the first-li ne
treatment of drug-resistant Chronic
Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), when
used in combination with Imatinib,
the standard drug for the disease.
In another significant invention,
the institute has devised a mechanism
that can effectively prevent
recurrence of glioma or brain tumour.
This deadly disease affects about four
out of every 100000 people in India.
The life expectancy of high-grade
glioma patients is about one to two
years. Chroni c Myelogenous
Leukemia (a form of blood cancer)
annually affects approximately two
out of every 100000 Indians. Almost
40 per cent of these cases are
resistant to Imatini b. For such
patients, treatment options are
extremely limited.
If nails are dead tissue, how If nails are dead tissue, how If nails are dead tissue, how If nails are dead tissue, how If nails are dead tissue, how
are they able to grow? are they able to grow? are they able to grow? are they able to grow? are they able to grow?
Nail is not made up of dead
tissue. It is a part of a living tissue, like
bone internally. Nail has a nail bed,
and root from which it grows. It
contains a thick keratin protein, which
is equivalent to animal nails, or horns.
It grows from its root, like a hair grows
from root. Cutting the hair is painless,
but we do not call it dead tissue. It is
the outgrwoth of the living nail bed,
which is meant to protect the soft tip
of the finger from the injury, which
we touch. Patients with removed nail,
subject themselves to severe injury,
since a sense of deep sensation is
passed by the nail to the underlying
nervous tissue, called Pacinian
corpuscles and free nerve endings
underneath. There is enormous blood
circulation beneath the nail ,
treatment. The cost of Dextrose gel
treatment is merely 1 Pound per baby
and is also simple to administer in
comparison with the glucose through
the drip. Prof Jane Harding and her
team at the University of Auckland
explained that the present treatment
involved extra feeding as well as
repeated blood tests in order to
measure the blood sugar level.
However, there are a lot of babies
who need to be admitted in the
intensive care as well as given the
intravenous glucose. This is done
because their blood sugar level
remains very low. This condition is
medically known as hypoglycaemia.
In the study, the researchers
assessed whether the treatment
involving dextrose gel was better and
effective than the feeding alone, for
the purpose of reversi ng
hypoglycaemia. Andy Cole, chief
executive of premature baby charity
Bliss explained that the research was
interesting and that this had the
potential of improving the outcomes
for the babies who are sick or
premature. However, despi te
showing the early positive signs of
benefit to the premature babies with
low blood sugar level, it is important
to note that further research was
required for implementation of the
treatment.
Evidence of Water on Lunar Evidence of Water on Lunar Evidence of Water on Lunar Evidence of Water on Lunar Evidence of Water on Lunar
Sur face Sur face Sur face Sur face Sur face
NASA-funded lunar research
conducted by NASA Lunar Science
Institute (NLSI) on 27 August 2013
unveiled about the evidence of water
which was locked in the mineral
grains on the surface of the moon from
of the lunar surface. It had also
discovered the water molecules in
polar areas of the Moon. The water
found on the lunar surface is
considered to be the thin layer
formed from solar wind which hits the
Moon. Bullialdus crater lies in the
region with unfavorable environment
for solar wind in order to produce
huge amounts of water on lunar
surface. The detection of water
from lunar orbit will enable the
scientists to test some other findings
from sample studies in much broader
sense. For years, scientists believed
that rocks from the Moon were dry
and that there was no water. The
water detected in Apollo samples
was thought to be contaminated from
Earth.
Who conducted the research? Who conducted the research? Who conducted the research? Who conducted the research? Who conducted the research?
APL or Applied Physics
Laboratory is the non-profit division
of Johns Hopkins University. The
paper which described about the
detected of water on the Moon was
co-authored by Joshua Cahill and
David Lawrence of APL and Justin
Hagerty of the U.S. Geological
Survey!s Astrogeology Science
Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. The
research was supported by NASA!s
Lunar Advanced Science and
Engineering Program, the NASA
Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) at
Ames and the NASA Planetary Mission
Data Analysis Program. NLSI is the
virtual organization jointly funded by
NASA!s Science Mission Directorate
and NASA!s Human Exploration and
Operations Mission Directorate in
Washington.
Oldest infectious disease of Oldest infectious disease of Oldest infectious disease of Oldest infectious disease of Oldest infectious disease of
humans humans humans humans humans
Modern humans (or homo
sapiens) emerged out of the
#hominid$ group almost two million
years ago, and began wandering out
of Africa about 70,000 years ago to
populate the world. How healthy
were these people? What kind of
unknown source that was present
beneath the surface of the Moon.
The scientists remotely detected
about the presence of magmatic
water, using the data from NASA!s
Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3)
instrument aboard the Indian Space
Research Organizati on!s
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. Magmatic
water is the water which has the
source of origin from within the
interior of the moon or on the surface
of Moon. The findings represented
the first detection of this form of
water on the Moon. The previous
studies had shown existence of the
magmatic water in the lunar samples
which were brought on the Earth by
the Apollo program. M3 instrument
imaged the lunar impact crater
Bullialdus. The Bullialdus lies near
lunar equator. The scientists wanted
to study this particular area because
it would have enabled them to
quantify the amount of water in the
rocks, in a better form. The crater!s
location as well as the kinds of rocks
on it enabled the scientists to get a
better understanding about this. The
central peak of Bullial dus is
composed of the kind of rock which
forms deep inside the lunar crust and
mantle when magma is captured
underground.
Rachel Kl ima, a planetary
geologist at the Johns Hopkins
University Applied Physics Laboratory
(APL) in Laurel, Md, explained that
the rock which usually lives beneath
the surface was excavated from the
depths of the lunar surface. In
comparison with its surroundings, it
was found that central portion of
Bullialdus contained considerable
amount of hydroxyl - a molecule
consisting of one oxygen atom and
one hydrogen atom. This proved that
the rocks in the Bullialdus contained
water which had the source
somewhere beneath the surface of
the Moon. In the year 2009, M3 had
provided the first mineralogical map
illnesses affected them? Do we carry
these affli ctions to thi s date?
Questions such as these form the
main research themes for a group of
scientists who cal l themselves
paleopathologists % f or
ancient and pathology to define and
describe the kind of illness. One such
paleopathologist, Dr. Charlotte
Roberts of Durham University, U.K. has
written the book #The Archaeology
of Disease$, where she argues that
analysis of the DNA found in ancient
human samples would hel p i n
understanding the origin and history
of diseases that have affected us
since antiquity.
Dr. Garth Sundem writes in his
luci d essay #10 ol dest known
diseases$ that in such studies, one
should distinguish between diseases
caused by external agencies
(addiction, poisoning, infection) and
age-dependent bodily dysfunctions
(arthri tis, epilepsy and such
#conditions$) which are innate natural
process of systemic malfunctions. The
clue to zone in on the most ancient
infection comes from both a study of
bone abnormal ities (seen i n
excavated bodies and mummies)
and from analysis of all the DNA
present in them. He points out that,
contrary to the oft-quoted statement,
dead men do tell tales. Such a double
analysis, plus information contained
in ancient texts from across the world
suggest the presence of ten diseases
to be among the oldest to affect
mankind. These are: tuberculosis (or
TB), leprosy, cholera, smallpox,
rabies, malaria, pneumonia, trachoma
(chronic infection of the eyelid),
influenza, measles and the black
plaque. This list has been compiled
by analysing information available
from ancient texts and books such as
the Vedas, the Bible, Greek history,
oriental texts and oral history. The
Rigveda (about 1500 BC) refers to TB
and leprosy, the Egyptian #Ebers
papyrus$ (about 1500 BC) mentions
leprosy, Thucydides of Greece (430
BC) mentions the plague, the Bible
(Leviticcus 13.2) talks about leprosy
and the Romans describe malaria.
Aboriginal skeletons (800 BC) have
shown skull lesions around the eyes,
later suggested by circumstantial
evidence as due to trachoma.
Sundem also refers to the
analysis in Israel of the fossilized
bones of a mother and child
(estimated to be about 9000 years
old) revealing the infection as due to
TB, and also to a Turkish sample even
older (50,000 years old!) again with
the suggestion of TB affliction. It
would thus seem that mycobacterium
tuberculosis (MTB) may well be the
oldest pathogen to have infected
humankind.
MTB comes not as single strain
but there are as many as 259 varieties
that we know of today. Yet, DNA
analysis of these strains has revealed
not a great deal of diversity or
heterogeneity, but very few
mutations and nearly identical DNA
sequences. Earlier work on such low
level genetic variation, studied in
2005 by Dr. Veronique Vincent and
colleagues at the Pasteur Institute,
Paris, suggests that the present-day
bacteri um origi nated form a
precursor or progenitor species %
cal l i t
, which could be as old
as 3 million years. And the question is
% when did this divergence from the
single ancestor progenitor occur,
how closely related in their DNA
these 250 strains are and how
sensitive or resistant each set of these
strains is towards anti-tubercular
drugs that we have today.
It is here that the recent paper
by an international group led by Dr.
Sebastien Gagneux of the Swiss
Tropical and Public Health Institute,
published in the 1 September 2013
issue of is of value.
The group anal ysed the DNA
sequences of 259 TB strains from
around the world, and showed that
genetic diversity arose in them
roughly around 70,000 years ago,
concurrent with the outward
migration from Africa of anatomically
modern humans. When interviewed,
Dr Gagneux pointed out that #the
evolutionary path of humans and the
TB bacteria show striking similarity.
We see that diversity of MTB has
increased markedly when human
population expanded.$ In other
words, what was dormant and
restricted largely to the Rift Valley of
Africa, where our far remote ancestors
lived, became active and diverse as
they started living in communities and
passed on infection from person to
person. And contrary to conventional
wisdom, rather than getting infected
from domesticated animals, we may
even have passed on the TB germ to
our pet animals.
Chi na Launched First Ever Chi na Launched First Ever Chi na Launched First Ever Chi na Launched First Ever Chi na Launched First Ever
Deep UV Laser Device Deep UV Laser Device Deep UV Laser Device Deep UV Laser Device Deep UV Laser Device
The Chinese Academy of
Sciences (CAS) on 10 September
2013 l aunched a Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
UltraViolet (DUV) UltraViolet (DUV) UltraViolet (DUV) UltraViolet (DUV) UltraViolet (DUV) solid-state laser
device. The Deep UV Laser Device
would help to detect the biological,
chemical agents and explosives.
The device marks the world!s
first-ever output of 1064-nanometer!s
6 harmonic frequency multiplication,
shortening the diode-pumped solid-
state laser (DPL)!s wavelength to
177.3 nm. China is the first-ever
country in the world to possess such
technology.
About Deep UV laser device About Deep UV laser device About Deep UV laser device About Deep UV laser device About Deep UV laser device
A DUV wave refers to the light
wave whose wavelength is shorter
than 200nm. Synchrotron radiation
and gas discharge are among the
main non-coherent light sources to
produce DUV lasers. A KBBF prism
coupling device-based DPL source
features a smaller size, higher energy
resolution and higher photon influx
density. Potassium beryllium fluoro
borate (KBBF) is a non-linear optical
crystal that can transform laser light
into DUV for use in solid state lasers.
Applications of Deep UV Applications of Deep UV Applications of Deep UV Applications of Deep UV Applications of Deep UV
Laser Devi ce Laser Devi ce Laser Devi ce Laser Devi ce Laser Devi ce
" Improved detecti on of
ai rborne chemical and
biological agents.
" Enhanced detection of
expl osi ves and explosive
residuals.
" Significant improvement in the
ability to inspect microchips
with solid state metrology.
" Advanced research and
development of new
semiconductor materials and
applications.
" Deep ultraviolet (UV) light can
be used to sterilise bacteria and
vi ruses, decontaminate
drinking water and in
fluorescence sensors to detect
chemicals.
Universal Flu Vaccine Universal Flu Vaccine Universal Flu Vaccine Universal Flu Vaccine Universal Flu Vaccine
di scover ed di scover ed di scover ed di scover ed di scover ed
A team led by a scientist of
Indian origin made a roadmap to
develop universal flu vaccine. The
influenza virus that causes flu is
considered to be one of the world!s
most rapidly changing organisms. Flu
vaccines tend to be ineffective after
every season and can!t cure cough,
col d and other compli cations.
Therefore, scientists planned new
vaccines with new strains of the virus
each year. A team led by professor
Ajit Lalvani from the National Heart
and Lung Institute at Imperial College
London used a 2009 pandemic virus
strain to analyse why some people
appear to resist severe illness, to
create the world!s first universal flu
vaccine. The volunteers were asked
to donate blood samples just as the
swine flu pandemic was in progress
so that their response could be
analysed over the next two flu
seasons.
The scientists discovered those
who avoided severe illness had more
CD8 T cells in their blood at the start
of the pandemic. CD8T cells are a
type of virus killing immune cell. A
vaccine that stimulates the body to
produce more of these cells could
be effective at preventing flu viruses,
including new strains that infect
humans from birds and pigs. The
immune system produces these CD8
T cells while responding to usual
seasonal flu. Unlike antibodies, they
target the core of the virus, which
doesn!t change, even i n new
pandemic strains. This provided the
blueprint for developing a universal
flu vaccine. Scientists planned to
stimulate the immune system to make
CD8 T cells by vaccination. The flu
vaccines make the immune system
produce antibodies that identify
structures on the surface of the virus
to stop infection with the most
common circulating strains. However
they have to be replaced each year
as new viruses with different surface
structures evolve.
Scienti sts identified Genes Scienti sts identified Genes Scienti sts identified Genes Scienti sts identified Genes Scienti sts identified Genes
Key to Human Longevity Key to Human Longevity Key to Human Longevity Key to Human Longevity Key to Human Longevity
A new scientific study showed
that ageing works through a special
set of genes that everyone has, the
rDNA genes. The international team
led by Dr Takehiko Kobayashi from
the National Institute of Genetics in
Mishima, Japan, found that if we
improve the stability of the rDNA
genes, which are quite unstable, the
lifespan of baker!s yeast could be
extended. It could help in studying
cell ageing. The scientists tried to
understand how the Sir2 gene
reduces aging in yeast. Sir2 genes
gained prominence as potential
human anti-ageing genes with the
di scovery that resveratrol, a
component found in red wine,
activates them. However, subsequent
research has shown that resveratrol
doesn!t extend lifespan in mammals.
The yeast Sir2 gene controls rDNA
stability, but also has many other
targets in the cell. The breakthrough
came when the scientists found a way
to separate Sir2!s effect on the rDNA
from its other effects. This allowed
them to show that Sir2!s anti-ageing
effect comes exclusively through
stabilisation of the rDNA genes.
Kobayashi originally proposed a role
for rDNA instability in ageing five
years ago, but unequivocal support
for this theory has been lacking until
now. These new results suggest that
finding a way to artificially improve
rDNA gene stability may delay the
ageing process in humans too.
However, Ganley cautions that the
role of the rDNA genes in human
ageing still needs to be clarified.
Computer-like ways of the Computer-like ways of the Computer-like ways of the Computer-like ways of the Computer-like ways of the
br ai n br ai n br ai n br ai n br ai n
The working of the human brain
has always fascinated scientists. One
of the questions concerning the brain
is whether it works like a classical
computer or not. University of
Colorado researchers now seem to
have an answer to this question. In a
study published in the
, of the U.S., they have
described experiments that show a
similarity of the working of the human
brain to computers.
In particular, our ability to make
sense of known objects placed in
unfamiliar contexts % recognising a
familiar face in a new crowd, for
example. The brain employs a system
very similar to the #pointer$ system
used by computers % a pointer
indicates to a computer in which
location a piece of information is
stored. To perform the test, the team
made up sentences in which known
words are used in an unfamiliar way,
not even necessarily used in a
sensible way, and tested the brains
ability to recognise them in this
unfamiliar context.
For instance in the sentence #I
am going to desk you$ the noun
#desk$ is used as a verb; even though
the sentence does not mean
anything, we recognise the word
#desk$ and that it is used as a verb
here. So it is clear that the brain
processes sentences in terms of its
parts. But the way it does this has not
been understood so far. The scientists
in the University of Colorado, Trenton
Kriete et al, show that the
connections in the brain between the
prefrontal cortex and the basal
ganglia perform the role of the
pointers. The brain, however differs
from a computer in the sense that
while a computer can simply be
programmed to use a pointer, this
ability has to be learned by the brain.
Civil Services Mentor
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India Retained Number One India Retained Number One India Retained Number One India Retained Number One India Retained Number One
Position in ICC ODI Rankings Position in ICC ODI Rankings Position in ICC ODI Rankings Position in ICC ODI Rankings Position in ICC ODI Rankings
India retained its top position
in the latest One Day International
(ODI) rankings which were released
by the International Cricket Council
(ICC) in Dubai on 17 September
2013. India occupied the number
one position with 123 rating points
followed by Australia with 115 and
England with 111 points. India!s Virat
England 3-2 at home to regain the
top place.
Life Ban Lalit Modi Life Ban Lalit Modi Life Ban Lalit Modi Life Ban Lalit Modi Life Ban Lalit Modi
The Board of Control for Cricket
in India (BCCI) on 25 September
2013 imposed a life ban on former
IPL Comissioner Lalit Modi from
participating in any of its activities.
The decision to this effect was taken
at the special general meeting under
the chairmanship of BCCI President
N.Srinivasan at Chennai.
The meeting which was
attended by 30 members of the
Board, discussed the findings of the
disciplinary committee and found
Modi guil ty on ei ght charges
including financial irregularities,
indiscipline and misconduct. The
Kohli is at number four while skipper
Dhoni is at number seven. Ravindra
CRICKET
Jadeja tops the list of ODI bowlers
along with Caribbean Sunil Narine
and is followed by Pakistan!s Saeed
Ajmal. In the All rounders category,
Ravindra Jadeja is placed third after
Pakistan!s Mohammed Hafeez and
Sakib Ul Hassan of Bangladesh. India
is at the top of ODI format since
February 2013 when it defeated
official statement issued by the BCCI
said the Board members will again
meet on the 29 September 2013 for
the annual general meeting to elect
its Chairman.
Earlier, Lalit Modi had appealed
to the Supreme Court to issue a stay
on BCCI!s meeting. The case was
dismissed by the Court.
Life Ban for S Sreesanth and Life Ban for S Sreesanth and Life Ban for S Sreesanth and Life Ban for S Sreesanth and Life Ban for S Sreesanth and
Ankeet Chavan Ankeet Chavan Ankeet Chavan Ankeet Chavan Ankeet Chavan
Cricketers S Sreesanth and
Ankeet Chavan on 13 September
2013 were handed life ban for IPL
spot-fixing by BCCI (The Board of
Control for Cricket in India). Amit
Singh banned for five years, while
Siddharth Trivedi got banned for one
year. Harmeet Singh has been
excused, while a decision of Ajit
Chandila will be taken later. An
internal probe conducted by the
Board of Control for Cricket in India
found, Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan
guilty on multiple accounts, including
conceding a pre-determined
number of runs per over in exchange
for bribes. Amit Singh, who played in
the IPL till last year, was seen as the
conduit between the cricketers and
bookies. S Sreesanth and Ankeet
Chavan were found guilty of spot-
fixing during sixth season of the
Indian Premier League. They had
played for Rajasthan Royals.
N. Srinivasan Re-El ected As N. Srinivasan Re-El ected As N. Srinivasan Re-El ected As N. Srinivasan Re-El ected As N. Srinivasan Re-El ected As
the BCCI President for the the BCCI President for the the BCCI President for the the BCCI President for the the BCCI President for the
Third Term Third Term Third Term Third Term Third Term
Narayanaswamy Srinivasan was
on 29 September 2013 re-elected as
the President of the Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a third
term at its 84th annual general
meeting (AGM) held at Chennai. He
was unanimously re-elected as the
president of BCCI for the term of
2013-14.
Other office bearers were also
elected on the same day. Others who
were elected at the 84th annual
general meeting (AGM) included
Sanjay Patel (honorary secretary),
Anurag Thakur (joint secretary),
Anirudh Chaudhry (hon treasurer), S
P Bansal (vice-president - north
zone): Rajeev Shukla (vice-president
- central zone) Shivlal Yadav (vice-
president - south zone), Ravi Savant
(vice-president - west zone) and
Chitrak Mitra (vice-president - east
zone). However, N. Srinivasan will not
assume charge of the office
immediately because of the directive
of the Supreme Court of India. Other
office bearers will assume the charge
of the office with an immediate
effect. N. Srinivasan had taken over
as the 30th BCCI President i n
September 2011. The election of the
BCCI President i s done on the
rotational system where each region
of the south, east, west and north
holds the Chair of the President for
three years time period. The Southern
Region had its chance of choosing
the President this time, according to
the rotational system.
The Supreme Court of India had
allowed the Annual General Meeting
to be held but directed that in case
N. Srinivasan was elected as the BCCI
President, he should be restrained
from taking charge of the office.
The direction of the Apex Court
came as a result of the petition by the
Secretary of the Cricket Association
of Bihar (CAB), which had sought to
restrain N. Srinivasan from getting re-
elected as the BCCI President.
The final verdict on this case will
come on 30 September 2013. CAB
in turn had pleased the Supreme
Court to not allow N. Srinivasan from
contesting for the post of BCCI
President because his son-in-law
Gurunath Meiyappan, the team
principal of Indian Premier League
(IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings,
was charge-sheeted for betting in
sixth edi tion of IPL Twenty20
tournament. It is
important to
note that CAB is
not recognised
by the BCCI.
The owner
of Chennai
Super Kings is
India Cements
and N.
Srinivasan is also
the vice-
chairman of
CSK. It is
important to
note that N.
S r i n i v a s a n
stepped down
from the post on
2 June 2013,
while Jagmohan Dalmiya of the
Cricket Association of Bengal took
charge of the BCCI!s everyday affairs.
Despite stepping down, N. Srinivasan
remained the signing authority at the
BCCI.
ITF Men!s Doubles Title in ITF Men!s Doubles Title in ITF Men!s Doubles Title in ITF Men!s Doubles Title in ITF Men!s Doubles Title in
Egypt Egypt Egypt Egypt Egypt
The Indian duo of N. Sriram
Balaji and Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan
won the ITF Men!s Doubles Title at
Sharam-Al-Sheikh, Egypt on 15
September 2013. In the title clash,
the top seeded Indian duo defeated
the fourth seeded Egyptian pair of
Karim Hossam and Karim-Mohamed
Maamoun, 6-4, 7-6. The Indian pair
Balaji Murugesan won their doubles
title in 10000 dollar prize money
category.
US Open Title 2013 US Open Title 2013 US Open Title 2013 US Open Title 2013 US Open Title 2013
Serena Williams on 8 September
2013 won the Women!s Single Title
at US Open 2013 and the pair of
Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek
secured the Men!s Doubles Title 2013
at the same tournament. Serena
Williams on 8 September 2013
emerged as the winner of the US
Open Tennis Tournament 2013 by
defeating Victoria Azarenka of
Belarus during the women!s singles
final at New York. Serena defeated
the second seeded, Azarenka with
7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-1 points. With this win,
top-seeded, Serena Williams secured
her fifth US Open title and 17th
Grand Slam title of the overall
career. On the other side, in the
Men!s Doubles Championship of the
US Open tennis tournament 2013 at
New York!s Arthur Ashe stadium, the
pair of Leander Paes of India and
Radek Stepanek of the Czech
Republic emerged as winners by
defeating the Alexander Peya of
Austria, and Bruno Soares of Brazil in
the final match with 6-1, 6-3 win.
With this win, Leander Paes
secured his eighth Men!s doubles
Grand Slam title and 14th overall. Paes
has earlier won the US open title two
times and both the titles came while
playing with Chez partners, namely
Martin Damm in 2006 and Lukas
Dlouhy in 2009. Earlier, the fourth
seeded Indo-Czech pair of Paes and
Stepanek won the Winston Salem
Open and this is their second major
title playing together after the
Australian Open in 2012. In the 2012
US Open, the Indo-Chez pair lost to
Bryan Brothers and ended their race
in the tournament as a runner-up. It
was third US Open title for 40-year-
old Paes and the previous two had
also come with Czech partners. In
2006, the Indian won with Martin
Damm and in 2009 with Lukas Dlouhy.
ITF Women!s Tennis ITF Women!s Tennis ITF Women!s Tennis ITF Women!s Tennis ITF Women!s Tennis
Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament
India!s Bhuvana Kalva won her
maiden 10000 US dollars ITF women
singles title on 31 August 2013 after
she registered an impressive 6-4, 7-5
victory over sixth-seeded Akari Inoue
of Japan at the Delhi Lawn Tennis
Association complex. Bhuvana Kalva
is from Andhra Pradesh. She is 18-
year-old. She also defeated top seed
Ankita Raina and third seed Keren
Shlomo of Israel en route final. Her
title win fetched her 12 ranking points
while Akari, won 8 ranking points.
Akari, had won the doubles title along
with Hua-Chen Lee on 30 August
2013.
Non-Playing Captain of Indian Non-Playing Captain of Indian Non-Playing Captain of Indian Non-Playing Captain of Indian Non-Playing Captain of Indian
Davis Cup Team Davis Cup Team Davis Cup Team Davis Cup Team Davis Cup Team
Former Indian tennis player
Anand Amritraj on 21 September
2013 appointed as non-playing
captain of the Indian Davis Cup by
All India Tennis Association. The 61
year old Amritraj replaced S P Misra,
who lost his job after eight top players
revolted, calling for changes in Davis
Cup playing conditions. The decision
to appoint Amritraj was taken at All
India Tennis Association!s Executive
Committee meeting in Goa on 21
September 2013. He will remain in
job for year 2014. The committee
deci ded that Zeeshan Ali wil l
continue as the coach. The venue for
the Chinese Taipei tie has not been
decided as yet. The committee also
decided that Davis Cup venue should
be rotated from state to state to allow
more states to get an opportunity to
host the Davis Cup Tie.
About Davis Cup About Davis Cup About Davis Cup About Davis Cup About Davis Cup
The Davis Cup is the premier
international team event in men!s
TENNIS
tennis. It is run by the International
Tennis Federation (ITF) and is
contested annually between teams
from competing countries in a knock-
largest annual international team
competition in sport, with 130 nations
entering in 2013.
out format. Davis Cup began in 1900
as a competition between USA and
Great Britain. It!s now the world!s
HOCKEY
Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey
Tournament 2013 Tournament 2013 Tournament 2013 Tournament 2013 Tournament 2013
India defeated Malaysi a 3-
0 to win 3rd Under-21 Sultan of
Johor Cup hockey tournament in
Johor Bahru on 29 September 2013.
The goals from the Indian side were
scored by Amon Mirash Tirkey
(22nd), Affan Yousuf (52nd) and
Manpreet Singh (64th). The match
was played at the Taman Daya
Syadium.
8th Asia Cup Women Hockey 8th Asia Cup Women Hockey 8th Asia Cup Women Hockey 8th Asia Cup Women Hockey 8th Asia Cup Women Hockey
Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament
India won bronze medal in the
8th Women!s Asia Cup 2013 as they
defeated China 3-2 via penalty
shootout in the 3rd/4th place play-
off played at the National Stadium in
Kual a Lumpur, Malaysia on 27
September 2013. The two teams
had ended 2-2 in the regulation time.
Ritu Rani captained Indian side in the
tournment, whereas Weilin Mao
captained the China team. India had
to win this tournament to qualify for
the 2014 World Cup at The Hague,
Holland.
However, it came at the third
place. Meanwhile, Japan stunned
defending champions Korea 2-1 in
the final to win the Asia Cup and
secure a place in next year!s World
Cup. The 8th Women!s Hockey Asia
Cup 2013 Held at Kualalumpur
(Malaysia) from 21 to 27 September
2013.
Asia Cup Hockey Asia Cup Hockey Asia Cup Hockey Asia Cup Hockey Asia Cup Hockey
South Korea defeated India 4-
3 in the final of the Asia Cup Hockey
at Ipoh, Malaysia on 1 September
2013. Wi th this, South Korea
confirmed its place in the World Cup
at The Hague.
In the meanwhile, the Asian
Hockey Federation gave the details
of the participants for the next AHF
Champions Trophy to be held in
Kakamigahara (Japan) from 1
November 2013 to 10 November
2013. In the men!s section, the
participants will be China, India,
Japan, Malaysia, Oman and Pakistan.
In the women!s secti on, the
participants include China, India,
Japan and Malaysia. The women!s
development conference will be
held in Kuala Lumpur in context with
the next Asia Cup for women from
21 September 2013 to 27 September
2013.
Pl ayer of the Pl ayer of the Pl ayer of the Pl ayer of the Pl ayer of the
Tournament: Tournament: Tournament: Tournament: Tournament: V. R. Raghunat h
(India); Man of the final: Kang Moon
Kweon (Korea); Top scorer: Jang
Jong (8 goals) Korea; Best goal-
keeper: Sreejesh (India); Fair play:
Japan.
Final Rankings: Final Rankings: Final Rankings: Final Rankings: Final Rankings: 1. Korea, 2.
India, 3. Pakistan, 4. Malaysia, 5.
Japan, 6. Oman, 7.Bangladesh, 8.
Chinese Taipei.
FOOTBALL
Durand Foot Ball Cup Durand Foot Ball Cup Durand Foot Ball Cup Durand Foot Ball Cup Durand Foot Ball Cup
Kol kata!s Mohammedan
Sporting club won the 126th Durand
Foot ball tournament as it defeated
ONGC 2-1 in the final at the Ambedkar
Stadium i n New Delhi on 19
September 2013. They have lifted
the cup after 73 years having won it
back in 1940. In the 35th minute of
the game Tolgay scored the first goal
for Sporting with the passing assist
from forward Ajay Singh. The next
goal was also scored by Tolgay in the
45th minute. Mohaamedan Sporting
came back to the hut at half time with
a 2-0 lead. In the latter half ONGC
came back storngly. Leavono
Fernendes scored in the 55th minute
with a header to make the score 2-1.
But Sporting maintained its lead and
won the cup. The last time Sporting
won Durand Cup was before
Independence in 1940 by defeating
Warwickshire Regiment, and the last
time they played a final in the capital
was back in 1992.
About Durand Cup About Durand Cup About Durand Cup About Durand Cup About Durand Cup
The Durand Football
Tournament was started at Simla in
the year 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer
Durand, who was then, the Foreign
Secretary to Government of India.
Durand is the third oldest football
tournament in the world and oldest
in Asia and India.
SAFF Champi onshi p 2013 SAFF Champi onshi p 2013 SAFF Champi onshi p 2013 SAFF Champi onshi p 2013 SAFF Champi onshi p 2013
Trophy Trophy Trophy Trophy Trophy
Afghanistan won the South
Asian Football Federations (SAFF)
Championship 2013 on 11
September 2013 by defeating India,
the defending champions by 2-0 at
Dashrath Rangashala stadium in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
This is maiden international
trophy lifted by Afghanistan in
Football. In the 2011 edition of
SAFF Championship India defeated
Afghanistan by 4-0 in the finals. Sri
Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Maldives and hosts Nepal were the
other teams in the tournament,
regarded as the symbol of football
supremacy in South Asia.
Indian History in SFAA Indian History in SFAA Indian History in SFAA Indian History in SFAA Indian History in SFAA
Football Championship Football Championship Football Championship Football Championship Football Championship
" Indi a has won the
championship six times 1993,
1997, 1999, 2005, 2009,
2011)
" This is the first time that India
faced a defeat by Afghanistan
" India won the first edition of the
SAFF championship in 1993
held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka
was the runner up team. In
1993, the championship was
named as Asian Association of
Regional Co-operation Gold
Cup.
The next edition of the SAFF
Championship will be held in India
in 2015.
Super Cup 2013 Super Cup 2013 Super Cup 2013 Super Cup 2013 Super Cup 2013
Bayern Muni ch defeated
Chelsea in the final at the Eden
stadium in Prague on 30 August 2013
to win UEFA Super Cup 2013. The
final was decided through a 5-4
penalty shoot-out which went in the
favour of Bayern Munich. The match
was evenly poised at 2-2 even after
extra time.]
Bayern Munich had lost their
2012 Champions League final to
Chelsea. Fernando Torres had given
Chelsea the lead before Franck
Ribery equalised. Eden Hazard
restored Chelsea!s lead. Bayern!s Javi
Martinez scored a dramatic 121st-
minute equaliser to take the game to
penalties.
David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Philipp
Lahm, Franck Ribry and Xherdan
Shaqiri scored penalties on behalf of
Bayern Munich. Romelu Lukaku!s
failed to turn penalty into goal for
Chelsea.
BADMINTON
Indian Badminton League Indian Badminton League Indian Badminton League Indian Badminton League Indian Badminton League
The Hyderabad Hotshots won
the inaugural edition of the Indian
Badminton league (IBL) 2013 played
at Sardar Patel Stadium, Mumbai by
defeating Awadhe Warriors in the
fi nals. Saina Nehwal helped
Hyderabad hotshots on level terms
after defeating PV Sindhu. Ajay
Jayaram defeated Gurusai Dutt 10-
21, 21-17, 11-7 in the third tie to
secure the Men!s singles title of IBL
2013. Saina Nehwal was awarded
as the player of the tournament,
because of her undefeated feat in the
complete tournament. She received
a prize amount of 1000 US dollars for
being the player of the tournament.
The winni ng team Hyderabad
hotshots received 3 crore 25 lakh
rupees, whereas, the runner up team
Awadhe Warriors received 1 crore 75
lakh rupees. Earlier, Hyderabad
Hotshots defeated the Pune Pistons
by 3-0 in the first semi-finals, while
Mumbai Masters were defeated in the
second semi-finals by the Awadhe
Warriors by 3-2.
The league has emerged as one
of the richest event of Badminton.
St ar t ed St ar t ed St ar t ed St ar t ed St ar t ed
The first season of the Indian
Badminton League (IBL) started on
14 August 2013 at New Delhi. The
IBL is the franchise league which is
proposed by Badminton Association
of India (BAI). The schedule of the
IBL is 14 August 2013 to 31 August
2013. The league will include Indian
as well as foreign badminton players.
Important Facts about the Important Facts about the Important Facts about the Important Facts about the Important Facts about the
( I BL) ( I BL) ( I BL) ( I BL) ( I BL)
" Deepika Padukone and Aamir
Khan are the brand
ambassadors of the IBL.
" The franchise cities include
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,
Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur and
Lucknow.
" The opening ceremony of the
event took place at Delhi on 13
August 2013 and the final will
be held at Mumbai on 31
August 2013. The semi-final
matches will take place at
Bangalore and Hyderabad.
" The six teams at the inaugural
include Jwala Gutta (Krrish
Del hi Smashers), Ashwi ni
Ponnappa (Pune Pistons), Lee
Chong Wei (Mumbai Masters),
P Kashyap (Banga Beats), Saina
Nehwal (Hyderabad Hotshots)
and PV Si ndhu (Awadhe
Warriors).
IBL are Krrish Delhi Smashers,
Pune Pistons, Banga Beats
(Bangalore), Awadhe Warriors
(Lucknow), Hyderabad
Hotshots and Mumbai Masters.
Each franchise will consist of
11 players- 4 foreign, 6 Indians
and 1 junior Indian.
" The overall prize money of the
event is 1 million US dollar. This
is the richest tournament of
badminton in the world.
" Five matches will be played per
tie which will include two
men!s singles, one each of
women!s si ngles, men! s
doubles and mixed doubles.
" Six icon players from India
ARCHERY/SHOOTING
Women!s 25-Metre Sports Women!s 25-Metre Sports Women!s 25-Metre Sports Women!s 25-Metre Sports Women!s 25-Metre Sports
Pistol Pistol Pistol Pistol Pistol
Sonia Rai won the gold in
women!s 25-metre sports pistol on
the opening day of the 10th Sardar
Sajjan Singh Sethi Masters shooting
championship at the Dr. Karni Singh
Range, Tughlakabad on 31 August
2013. Sonia Rai is 32 years old. Sonia
was the first Indian piston shooter to
win a World Cup medal which she
won in Resende, Brazil in 2006. She
repeated her performance to clinch
the gold medal in the All India Kumar
Surendra Singh Championship in July
2013.
Anisa Sayyed won the bronze
as she beat national champion
Sushma Singh. She had topped the
qualifiers with 579. In men!s air rifle,
Ravi Kumar of Air Force won the gold
medal after he beat Aribam Dicky
Sharma of Army 208.2 to 205.9.
He had topped the qualifiers
with a score of 620.4. In men!s 50-
metre free pistol, Jitu Rai of Navy
stayed won the gold medal while
Dharmendra Singh and Amit Kumar
Pilaniya won the silver and bronze
respectively.India!s Deepika Kumari
on 22 September 2013 settled for a
silver medal at the Archery World Cup
in Paris, France.
Paris Archery World Cup Paris Archery World Cup Paris Archery World Cup Paris Archery World Cup Paris Archery World Cup
In the final, Deepika lost to the
Korean Olympic champion Ok-Hee
Yun, 6-4, and had to settle for a Silver
in the showpiece annual fixture, held
after four stages. This was Deepika!s
fourth successive World Cup Final
appearance and second loss to Yun.
Deepika Kumari had finished fifth in
2010 and won silver medals in both
2011 and 2012. She is from Ranchi,
Jharkhand. She is 19-year-old.
Deepika Kumari had defeated
Ajejandra Valencia of Mexico in
semifinal.
GOLF
Deutsche Bank Title 2013 Deutsche Bank Title 2013 Deutsche Bank Title 2013 Deutsche Bank Title 2013 Deutsche Bank Title 2013
Henrik Stenson, the golfer from
Sweden on 2 September 2013 won
the Deutsche Bank title after shooting
a five under 66. This is his first win at
any PGA tour in three years, where
he finished at 22-under 262 to tie the
tournament at the Tournament Players
Club (TPC), Boston. To win the title,
he surpassed American Steve
Stricker with two shots, who finished
second in the tournament. Sergio
Garcia of Spain and Graham DeLaet
of Canada finished at the thiord
position in the tour.
Earlier he had been the runner-
up of the two PGA tour in 2013 against
Phil Mickelson at a Major and Tiger
Woods at a World Golf
Championship.
About Henrik Stenson About Henrik Stenson About Henrik Stenson About Henrik Stenson About Henrik Stenson
" Stenson was born i n
Gothenburg and turned up to
be a professional golfer in 1999.
" In 2001, he joined the major
European Tour and till date has
own seven major European
tour events
" In European Order of Merit, he
finished under the list of top
ten, from 2005 to 2008
" From 2005 to 2008 he finished
each year in the top 10 of the
European Order of Merit
About Deutsche Bank About Deutsche Bank About Deutsche Bank About Deutsche Bank About Deutsche Bank
Championshi p Championshi p Championshi p Championshi p Championshi p
Deutsche Bank Championship
is a golf PGA tour that is held every
year over the Labor Day weekend at
the Tournament Players Club of
Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. The
tournament for the first time was held
in 2003. The basic difference of this
event from other events of the PGA
tour is that it is held from Friday to
Monday, whereas other events are
held from Thursday to Sunday. Its
final round is played on Labor Day
(first Monday of September is a Labor
Day in US).
At present this event is managed
by Tiger Woods Foundation.
CHESS
World Junior Chess World Junior Chess World Junior Chess World Junior Chess World Junior Chess
Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi won
the bronze medal in the World Junior
Chess Championship (U 20) after
settling for a quick draw with Yu
Yangyi of China in the 13th and final
round that concluded at Kocaeli,
Turkey on 26 September 2013. With
Yu Yangyi winning the gold, the silver
went to
Alexander
Ipatov of
T u r k e y
w h o
defeated
Aleksander
Indjic of
Serbia in the final round. With this win
Vidit Gujrathi joined the list of elite
Indians winning medals in the world
junior champions starting from a gold
medal won by world champion V
Anand in 1987, gold by Harikrishna
in 2004, gold by Abhijeet Gupta in
2008 and Bronze by Sahaj Grover in
2011.
WRESTLING
Senior World Wrestling Senior World Wrestling Senior World Wrestling Senior World Wrestling Senior World Wrestling
Indian wrestler Sandeep Tulsi
Yadav on 22 September 2013 won
bronze medal in the 66kg Greco-
Roman category at the Senior World
Wrestli ng Championships i n
Budapest. Sandeep Tulsi Yadav
defeated Serbia!s Aleksandar
Maksimovic, 4-0 to bag the bronze
medal. This bronze medal is India!s
first ever medal in the 66kg Greco-
Roman category at the Senior World
Wrestling Championships. In the
elimination round, Sandeep Tulsi
Yadav got a bye. In the second round
he defeated Spani sh Wrestler
Navarro Sanchez Isamel by 5-0
points. The next round was with the
Moldova wrestler Cosniceanu Mihali
which won by 6-2
points. Unfortunately, in the next
bout with the Korean Wrestler Ryu
Han Su he lost by 0-10. Since the
Korean wrestler entered in the final,
the Indian got the chance to qualify
for the repechage. This is India!s
best-ever show at the World
Championships with three medals.
Freestyle wrestlers, Amit Kumar
Dahiya and Bajrang Kumar had,
earlier, won a silver and a bronze in
their respective weight categories
(55kg and 60 kg). The freestyle
wrestlers finished a commendable
sixth in the overall team rankings,
which also earned the country its
maiden berth in the World Cup to be
held in March 2014.
Indian wrestler Bajrang Kumar
has bagged a bronze medal in the 60
kilogram freestyle category at the
World Wrestling Championships in
Budapest, Hungary on 17 September
2013. Bajrang Kumar recorded an
overwhelmi ng 9-2 win over
Mongolia!s Nyam-Ochir Enkhsaikhan
to bag the Bronze. Earlier, Bajrang
Kumar lost to Vladimir Vladimirov
Dubov of Bulgaria, the eventual silver
medallist, but came back strongly in
the repechage. This is the first time
India has won two medals in the Men!s
events at the World Championship
level. Earlier, Amit Kumar had won a
Silver medal in the 55 Kg freestyle
category, after losing to Iranian
Hassan Farman Rahimi.
The Indian wrestler Amit Kumar
bagged Silver Medal in 55 Kg Free
Style category in the 2013 Senior
World Wrestling Championship being
held at Budapest, Hungary on 16
September 2013. In the first round,
he got a bye. In the second round,
he defeated Japanese wrestler
Yasuhiro Inaba by 10-2 points. In the
next round, he defeated France!s
wrestler Zoheir Elo Arraque by 8-0
points and quali fied for the
quarterfinal. In the quarterfinal round,
he defeated USA Wrestler Agelo
Alesmo Escobedo by 6-0 points and
qualified for the semifinal. In the
semifinal round, he defeated Turkish
Wrestler Sezar Akgul by 8-0 points
and quali fied for the final .
Unfortunately, in the final, he lost the
bout to Iranian wrestler Rahimi Hassan
Farma by 1-2 points and won the
Silver Medal. India!s last medal, in
men!s section, came in 2010 when
Sushil Kumar had grabbed the Gold
medal. After London Olympics silver
medallist Sushil Kumar failed to take
the mat due to fitness issues.
Wrestling voted back for 2020 Wrestling voted back for 2020 Wrestling voted back for 2020 Wrestling voted back for 2020 Wrestling voted back for 2020
and 2024 Olympics Games and 2024 Olympics Games and 2024 Olympics Games and 2024 Olympics Games and 2024 Olympics Games
The International Olympic
Committee (IOC) on 8 September
2013 announced that wrestling to be
the part of Olympics in the 2020 and
2024 Games. Wrestling was approved
by the IOC on Sunday as an additional
sport for 2020 and 2024. Wrestling a
sport as ancient as the games
themselves is back in the Olympics
after seven months. It was dropped
by the IOC executive board in
February 2013. Wrestling got the
majority of 49 votes in a secret ballot
among 95 member of the
International committee. Wrestling
easily defeated bids from baseball/
softball and squash to regain its
Olympic status. The joint bid of
baseball/softball was second with 24
votes and squash received 22. The
IOC approved the 25 core sports at
Summer Games with a 77-16 majority.
Rugby sevens (made up of seven
players, instead of the usual 15) and
golf will be added in 2016 Olympic
Games (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). With
wrestling being back to Olympics the
total number of sports in the world!s
biggest sports fair will have go up to
28 sports i n the li st. The
announcement came after six months
campai gn by Wrestling body
International Federati on of
Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) to
keep Olympic status.
VARIOUS
Women!s World Boxing Women!s World Boxing Women!s World Boxing Women!s World Boxing Women!s World Boxing
Former Junior World Champion
Nikhat Zareen (54kg) won silver in the
AIBA World Youth Boxi ng
Championshi p held in Albena,
Bulgaria on 28 September 2013. In
the title clash Nikhat Zareen lost to
Yunzi Yuan of China. Nikhat Zareen
registered a comprehensive victory
over Desire Galli from Italy in the
quarters to advance to the round of
four. In the semifinals, the India boxer
was up against another junior world
champion Viktoriya Virt of Ukraine. At
the age of 15, Nikhat Zareen won the
gold medal in flyweight division at the
inaugural edi tion of the AIBA
Women!s Junior & Youth World
Boxing Championship in 2011. Nikhat
Zareen belongs to Andhra Pradesh.
In 2013 championship Nikhat Zareen
moved into the youth category and
fought in the bantamweight division.
The 2013 International Boxi ng
Association (AIBA) Women!s Junior
and Youth Worl d Boxi ng
Championships held in Albena,
Bulgaria from 20 to 29 September
2013.
15th Asian Senior Rowing 15th Asian Senior Rowing 15th Asian Senior Rowing 15th Asian Senior Rowing 15th Asian Senior Rowing
Championship in China Championship in China Championship in China Championship in China Championship in China
Olympian Swaran Singh Virk led
Indian rowers to win the Gold medal
at 15th Asian Senior Rowi ng
Championship at Luan, China on 29
September 2013. Apart from one
Gold medal, India also clinched two
Silver and bronze medals in the 15th
Asian Senior Rowing Championship.
The 15th Asi an Seni or Rowi ng
Championship concluded on 29
September 2013. Swaran Singh Virk
moved ahead of Iran and China in
7:31.88 minutes to clinch the Gold.
In the meanwhile, the team of Anil
Kumar, Robin P Ulahannan, Olympian
Bajrang Lal Thakar, Ranjit Singh, Kapil
Sharma, Mohammed Azad, Maninder
Singh and Davinder Singh took
6:12.47 minutes to clinch the Silver
medal at Men!s Eights event. Also,
Kapil Sharma, Mohammed Azad,
Maninder Singh and Davinder Singh
won the Men!s Fours silver in 6:03.50
minutes. Bronze came i n the
Lightweight Men!s Double Sculls with
Sonu Laxmi Narian and Shokindar
Tomar victory in 6:57.13 minutes.
Apart from this, Monalisha, Dittymol
Varghese, Chaoba Devi m and
Amusana Devi also won the Bronze
in Lightweight Women!s Quadruple
Sculls with 7:03.33 minutes. In yet
another category of Men!s Quadruple
Sculls, Rakesh Raliya, Deepak Rana,
Dushyant and Olympian Manjeet
Singh were at the fourth position with
6:01.03 minutes. Swaran Singh Virk
finished at the sixteenth position after
completing his fourth in a minor
placings race in the men!s single
sculls event at the London Olympics.
He had secured his 2012 London
Games berth by winning the major
qualifying event at the FISA Olympic
Continental Qualification Regatta for
Asia in Chung Ju, Korea.
Women!s Women!s Women!s Women!s Women!s
Table Tennis World Cup Table Tennis World Cup Table Tennis World Cup Table Tennis World Cup Table Tennis World Cup
Chinese paddler Liu Shiwen on
23 September 2013 won women!s
table tenni s World Cup after
defeating teammate Wu Yang in four
sets. The tournament was held in
Kobe, Japan. Liu Shiwen is presently
ranked world number 1. She
defeated Wu Yang 11-3, 11-7, 11-7,
11-2. Liu had won the World Cup in
Guangzhou in 2009 and in Huangshi
one year ago. It was her third world
cup. Wu Yang and Liu are training
partners.
Meanwhile, Singapore!s Feng
Tianwei secured the third place after
overcoming Hong Kong veteran Jiang
Huajun in 11-6, 13-11, 12-10, 11-2.
Guangzhou Asian Youth Guangzhou Asian Youth Guangzhou Asian Youth Guangzhou Asian Youth Guangzhou Asian Youth
Games Games Games Games Games
Venkat Rahul Ragala from
Andhra Pradesh on 7 September
2013 won weightlifting gold at Asian
youth Games in Guangzhou. He won
the gold in 77 kg category. He won
with a lift of 142 kg in snatch and 168
kg in clean and jerk. Prior to this
achievement, he won three golds at
the Asian Championships in Yangon
and a silver at the World Youth
Championships in Tashkent. Ragala!s
father Madhu was also a weightlifter.
He competed at national level.
53rd National Open Athletics 53rd National Open Athletics 53rd National Open Athletics 53rd National Open Athletics 53rd National Open Athletics
Sudha Singh of Railways won
gold medal in women!s 3000m
steeplechase on the thi rd and
penultimate day of the 53rd National
Open Athletics Championship on 9
September 2013. She doubled her
achievement by improving her own
meet mark. Significantly, she is
National record holder besides
being a silver medallist at Asian
Championship. Sudha, clocked 10
minutes 9.04 secs to better her own
old meet record of 10:09.56 set in
2010. Her Railways teammate Lalita
Babar was second 10:33.40 whereas
Kiran Tiwari of Haryana was third in
10:52.75. The championship was
held at Birsa Munda Athletics
Stadium, Ranchi.
Indian Team Earned Maiden Indian Team Earned Maiden Indian Team Earned Maiden Indian Team Earned Maiden Indian Team Earned Maiden
Wrestling World Cup Berth Wrestling World Cup Berth Wrestling World Cup Berth Wrestling World Cup Berth Wrestling World Cup Berth
India wrestling team on 20
September 2013 earned a maiden
Wrestling World Cup berth on the
back of its best-ever sixth-place finish
in men!s freestyle at the World
Championships in Budapest,
Hungary. India fi nished the
tournament in the men!s freestyle
category with 23 points, which has
catapulted the country to sixth in
rankings behind Iran, Russia, Georgia,
Ukraine and the USA. As per FILA
rules, the top eight teams in the World
Championship automatically qualify
for the World Cup and Amit Kumar
Dahiya!s silver medal in the 55kg and
Bajrang Kumar!s bronze in the 60kg
freestyle category ensured India its
maiden World Cup appearance in
2014. Earlier, India!s best-ever finish
in the World Championship in men!s
category came in the year 2009 when
it finished 10th, while year 2010 and
2011 saw them finish 13th and a lowly
31st.
Steering Commi ttee to Steering Commi ttee to Steering Commi ttee to Steering Commi ttee to Steering Commi ttee to
manage Sports Events Till manage Sports Events Till manage Sports Events Till manage Sports Events Till manage Sports Events Till
2020 2020 2020 2020 2020
The Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports on 11 September 2013
deci ded to form a Steeri ng
Committee to monitor and coordinate
the work related to major
international sports events till the
Tokyo Ol ympics in 2020. The
Committee wil l deci de core
probables and revi ew their
performance every three months for
deciding who needs to be retained,
dropped or added. It will also be
responsible for taking up the cases
where quick decisions are required
on the part of the Ministry including
arrangements of additional funds.
The ten-member panel will be
headed by Secretary (Sports) and
Executive Director (Teams) and
Sports Authority of India will be its
Convener.
Thomas Bach elected as the Thomas Bach elected as the Thomas Bach elected as the Thomas Bach elected as the Thomas Bach elected as the
President of Internati onal President of Internati onal President of Internati onal President of Internati onal President of Internati onal
Olympic Committee Olympic Committee Olympic Committee Olympic Committee Olympic Committee
Thomas Bach of Germany on 10
September 2013 was elected as the
ninth President of the International
Olympic Committee (IOC). He is the
successor of Jacques Rogge of
Belgium, who headed the IOC, since
2001 to 10 September 2013. He was
the eighth President of IOC. He was
elected as the President of IOC after
two rounds of votes at the 125th IOC
Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The President is elected by the IOC
members by secret ballot for a term
of eight years, with the possibility to
stand for re-election for a second,
four-year term. IOC is a 119 years old
sport!s governing body.
Tokyo won the Right to Host Tokyo won the Right to Host Tokyo won the Right to Host Tokyo won the Right to Host Tokyo won the Right to Host
the 2020 Summer Olympic the 2020 Summer Olympic the 2020 Summer Olympic the 2020 Summer Olympic the 2020 Summer Olympic
Games Games Games Games Games
Tokyo on 7 September 2013
won the right to host the 2020
Summer Olympic Games. Members
of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC) meeting in Buenos
Aires chose the Japanese capital
Tokyo, over Istanbul, after Madrid was
dramatically eliminated following a
first-round tie with the Turkish city.
Japan won the right to host Olympic
Games for the second time. It had
previously hosted the Games in 1964.
Olympic is considered world!s
biggest sporting event. Concerns
over Fukushima, seriously damaged
in the devastating 2011 earthquake
and tsunami that killed more than
18000 people, had dogged Japan!s
bid in the final days. The final result
was 60 votes for Tokyo against 36 for
Istanbul. The decision means it will
be the fourth time that Japan plays
host to the Olympics, having also
organized hosted Olympic winter
Games in Nagano (1998) and
Sapporo (1972). Asia will also see
successive Olympics, as the South
Korean resort of Pyeongchang is
hosting the 2018 winter edition.
Stephen Lee Banned from Stephen Lee Banned from Stephen Lee Banned from Stephen Lee Banned from Stephen Lee Banned from
Snooker Snooker Snooker Snooker Snooker
Stephen Lee, a snooker player
from England banned for 12 years
after being found guilty of seven
charges of match-fixing on 25
September 2013. Stephen Lee (38)
was found guilty of seven match-
fixing charges by an independent
tribunal and Lee was also ordered to
pay 40000 pounds towards the
considerable costs of the
investigation and hearing.
The ban will run from 12
October 2012, when an interim
suspension was imposed, and means
Lee will not be able to compete as a
professional snooker player before 12
October 2024, the date of his 50th
birthday.
Stephen Lee, the former world
Number 5, was found guilty of match-
fixing charges relating to seven
matches in 2008 and 2009. The
matches in question were three in the
Malta Cup in 2008, two in the UK
Championship in the same year, one
in the 2009 China Open and one in
the 2009 world championship.
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In the News In the News In the News In the News In the News
AWARDS & PRI ZES
Moortidevi Award for 2012 Moortidevi Award for 2012 Moortidevi Award for 2012 Moortidevi Award for 2012 Moortidevi Award for 2012
Haraprasad Das was conferred
the Moortidevi Award for 2012 for
Vamsha. Vamsa is a poetic recreation
of the Mahabharata in contemporary
idiom, which has been recognised as
a post-modern masterpiece. Das has
done eleven works of poetry, four of
prose, three translations and one
piece of fiction. He was given the
award at Shastri Bhavan by the
Moortidevi Award Selection Board,
chaired by oil minister Veerappa
Moily.
Moortidevi Award Moortidevi Award Moortidevi Award Moortidevi Award Moortidevi Award
Moortidevi award is presented
by the Bhartiya Jnanpith organization
is presented by the Bhartiya Jnanpith
Organisation. It carries cash prize, a
nationality or other aspects. It consists
of award worth 2.5 million Rupees as
well as trophy along with citation.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberian
President on 12 September 2013 was
conferred with the Indira Gandhi
Prize for Peace, Disarmament and
Development 2012 by the President
of India, Pranab Mukherjee at a
function orgainsed in Rashtrapati
Bhavan.
Sirleaf aged 74 was conferred
with the award for being an inspiration
to women and ensuring return of
peace and democracy in her country,
Liberia. The award was conferred on
Sirleaf during her four day visit to
India, from 9-12 September 2013. Ela
Ramesh Bhatt, a renowned Women
social worker was the winner of the
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development
Award 2011 and in the year 2010 it
was given to Lula de Silva.
About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first
democratically elected women
head of Liberia (an African
nation) and this is her second
plaque, a statue of goddess of
learning Saraswati and a shawl. This
is the second Moortidevi award given
for Odia literature. In 1991, Dr
Pratibha Ray received the award for
her novel Yagnaseni.
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Disarmament and Disarmament and Disarmament and Disarmament and
Devel opment Devel opment Devel opment Devel opment Devel opment
The Indira Gandhi Prize for
Peace, Disarmament and
Development was instituted in the
name of former Prime Minister of
India, Indira Gandhi. It celebrates the
values that she stood and fought for
in the service of our nation and its
people. The award is conferred upon
the person or an organisation
irrespective of race, rel igion,
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In The News In The News In The News In The News In The News
term in the office of President
in Liberia.
She is the 24th President of
Liberia
She served as the Finance
Mi ni ster under Presi dent
William Tolbert from 1979 and
her tenure ended as the
finance minister in 1980 after
the coup
She won the 2011 Nobel
Peace Prize for securing peace
i n Liberi a and promoting
economic and social
development, and to
strengthening the position of
women. She recei ved the
Nobel Prize jointly with Leymah
Gbowee of Liberi a and
Tawakel Karman of Yemen.
About Indira Gandhi Pri ze About Indira Gandhi Pri ze About Indira Gandhi Pri ze About Indira Gandhi Pri ze About Indira Gandhi Pri ze
The Indira Gandhi Prize for
Peace, Disarmament and
Development was instituted in the
name of former Prime Minister of
India, Indira Gandhi. It celebrates the
values that she stood and fought for
in the service of our nation and its
people. The award is conferred upon
the person or an organisation
irrespective of race, rel igion,
nationality or other aspects. It consists
of award worth 2.5 million Rupees as
well as trophy alongwith citation.
Best Director Award at Best Director Award at Best Director Award at Best Director Award at Best Director Award at
Norway Bollywood Film Norway Bollywood Film Norway Bollywood Film Norway Bollywood Film Norway Bollywood Film
Festival Festival Festival Festival Festival
Tigmanshu Dhulia won the best
director award for Paan Singh Tomar
movie at the 11th Norway Bollywood
Film Festival at Loreskog cinema
center in Oslo on 17 September
2013. While filmmaker Rahul Mittra
Biochemistry)-Indian Institute of
Science (IISc), Bangalore
Chemi cal Sciences Chemi cal Sciences Chemi cal Sciences Chemi cal Sciences Chemi cal Sciences
Dr Yamuna Kri shnan Dr Yamuna Kri shnan Dr Yamuna Kri shnan Dr Yamuna Kri shnan Dr Yamuna Kri shnan
(National Centre for Biological
Sciences)-(TIFR) UAS-GKVK,
Bangalore
Engi neeri ng Sci ences Engi neeri ng Sci ences Engi neeri ng Sci ences Engi neeri ng Sci ences Engi neeri ng Sci ences
Dr Bikramjit Basu { Dr Bikramjit Basu { Dr Bikramjit Basu { Dr Bikramjit Basu { Dr Bikramjit Basu {Materials
Research Centre-Indian Institute of
Sci ence (IISc)}, Bangal ore Dr Dr Dr Dr Dr
Suman Chakraborty Suman Chakraborty Suman Chakraborty Suman Chakraborty Suman Chakraborty{Department
of Mechanical Engineering-Indian
Institute of Technology (IITKgp)},
Kharagpur
Mathemati cal Sciences Mathemati cal Sciences Mathemati cal Sciences Mathemati cal Sciences Mathemati cal Sciences
Dr Eknath Prabhakar Dr Eknath Prabhakar Dr Eknath Prabhakar Dr Eknath Prabhakar Dr Eknath Prabhakar
Ghate Ghate Ghate Ghate Ghate{School of Mathematical
Sciences-Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research}, Mumbai
Medi cal Sci ences Medi cal Sci ences Medi cal Sci ences Medi cal Sci ences Medi cal Sci ences
Dr Pushkar Sharma Dr Pushkar Sharma Dr Pushkar Sharma Dr Pushkar Sharma Dr Pushkar Sharma {National
Institute of Immunology (NII)}, New
Delhi
Physical Sci ences Physical Sci ences Physical Sci ences Physical Sci ences Physical Sci ences
Dr Amol Dighe Dr Amol Dighe Dr Amol Dighe Dr Amol Dighe Dr Amol Dighe { {{ {{ Department
of Theoretical Physics-Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research (TIFR),
Mumbai
Dr Vi jay Bal akrishna Dr Vi jay Bal akrishna Dr Vi jay Bal akrishna Dr Vi jay Bal akrishna Dr Vi jay Bal akrishna
Shenoy Shenoy Shenoy Shenoy Shenoy{Department of Physics-
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)},
Bangalore
The Shanti SwarupBhatnagar
Award is the most coveted national
recognition for young scientists and
engineers for their R&D work done in
India.
The Award was instituted in
1957 in the honour of late Dr. Shanti
Swarup Bhatnagar, an eminent
scientist, founder Director and
principal architect of CSIR. The
award carries a cash component of
five lakh rupees. It is given annually
to young scientists below the age of
45 who have made outstanding
contributions in any field of science
and technology.
bagged the Best Producer award for
his Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns,
Jimmy Sheirgill got the best actor
award for the same film.
About Norway Bollywood Film About Norway Bollywood Film About Norway Bollywood Film About Norway Bollywood Film About Norway Bollywood Film
Festival Festival Festival Festival Festival
Norway Bollywood Film Festival
aimed to create cultural
understanding within people living
in Norway, and help to increase the
cultural exchange in Norway. The film
festival inaugurated in 2003. Each
year the Bollywood Film festival is
held at Oslo, Norway and features a
rich mix of film programs designed
to build and support the growing
interest in the Indian entertainment
industry. This includes programming
that cultivates an audience for Hindi
films while supporting the cause of
promoting Indian films in the country.
The festival is one of the biggest film
festivals in Scandinavia, attracting
hundreds of Indians, Pakistanis and
Norwegians each year, apart from top
names from Bollywood.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
Awards 2013 Awards 2013 Awards 2013 Awards 2013 Awards 2013
Eight eminent scientists on 26
September 2013 selected for Shanti
Swarup Bhatnagar Award for the year
2013. The awards were announced
during the 71st Foundation day of
CSIR on 26 September 2013 in New
Delhi. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
Award is country!s top most award
for excell ence in Science and
Technology.
The winners are:"
Biol ogi cal Sci ence Biol ogi cal Sci ence Biol ogi cal Sci ence Biol ogi cal Sci ence Biol ogi cal Sci ence
Dr Sathees Chukkurumbal Dr Sathees Chukkurumbal Dr Sathees Chukkurumbal Dr Sathees Chukkurumbal Dr Sathees Chukkurumbal
Raghavan Raghavan Raghavan Raghavan Raghavan (Department of
National Communal Harmony National Communal Harmony National Communal Harmony National Communal Harmony National Communal Harmony
Awar d Awar d Awar d Awar d Awar d
The President of India Pranab
Mukherjee on 20 September 2013
presented the National Communal
Harmony Award for the year 2011 and
2012.
National Communal National Communal National Communal National Communal National Communal
Harmony Award for 2011 Harmony Award for 2011 Harmony Award for 2011 Harmony Award for 2011 Harmony Award for 2011:
Odisha!s MD Janab Haji Abdul
Bari and Mizoram!s Khamliana jointly
awarded for the year 2011 individual
category. Both are social activists.
The Jury has not found any
organisation suitable for this award for
the year 2011.
National Communal National Communal National Communal National Communal National Communal
Harmony Award for 2012 Harmony Award for 2012 Harmony Award for 2012 Harmony Award for 2012 Harmony Award for 2012:
The Foundation for Amity and
National Solidarity, Delhi awarded
for Organisational category. The
foundation formed in 1984.The
Foundation works for spreading amity
and communal harmony
Lowland shortlisted for Man Lowland shortlisted for Man Lowland shortlisted for Man Lowland shortlisted for Man Lowland shortlisted for Man
Booker 2013 Booker 2013 Booker 2013 Booker 2013 Booker 2013
The Lowland, the book of
Jhumpa Lahiri was shortlisted among
the six books for the Man Booker Prize
2013. Lowland was published by
Bl oomsbury. The other fi ve The other fi ve The other fi ve The other fi ve The other fi ve
novels shortlisted for the award novels shortlisted for the award novels shortlisted for the award novels shortlisted for the award novels shortlisted for the award
i ncl ude: i ncl ude: i ncl ude: i ncl ude: i ncl ude:
We Need New Names by
NoViolet Bulawayo published
by Chatto & Windus
The Luminaries by Eleanor
Catton published by Granta
also poets, politicians and actors, all
with a passion for quality fiction. The
winner of the Man Booker Prize
receives 50,000 and, like all the
shortlisted authors, a cheque for
2,500 and a designer bound copy
of their book. Fulfilling one of the
objectives of the prize - to encourage
the widest possible readership for the
best in literary fiction - the winner and
the shortlisted authors now enjoy a
dramatic increase in book sales
worldwide.
National Sports Awards National Sports Awards National Sports Awards National Sports Awards National Sports Awards
conf er r ed conf er r ed conf er r ed conf er r ed conf er r ed
The President of India, Pranab
Mukherjee on 31 August 2013
conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel
Ratna Award, Dronacharya Awards,
Arjuna Awards, Dhyan Chand
Awards, Tenzing Norgay National
Adventure Awards, Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad Trophy and Rashtriya
Khel Protsahan Puraskar at a function
organised at Rashtrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi. Among the awards, the
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was
given to Ronjon Sodhi for shooting.
The Harvest by Jim Crace
published by Picador
A Tale for the Time Being by
Ruth Ozeki publ ished by
Canongate
The Testament of Mary by Colm
Tibn published by Penguin
The Man Booker Prize The Man Booker Prize The Man Booker Prize The Man Booker Prize The Man Booker Prize
The Man Booker Prize promotes
the finest in fiction by rewarding the
very best book of the year. The prize,
was launched in 1969, aims to
promote the finest in fiction by
rewarding the best novel of the year
written by a citizen of the United
Kingdom, the Commonwealth or the
Republic of Ireland. To maintain the
consistent excellence of the Man
Booker Prize, judges are chosen from
a wide range of disciplines, including
critics, writers and academics, but
List of other awards and awardees: List of other awards and awardees: List of other awards and awardees: List of other awards and awardees: List of other awards and awardees:
Arjuna Awards Arjuna Awards Arjuna Awards Arjuna Awards Arjuna Awards
Sl . No. Sl . No. Sl . No. Sl . No. Sl . No. Na me Na me Na me Na me Na me Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne
1. Chekrovolu Swuro Archery
2. Kavita Chahal Boxing
3. Rupesh Shah Billiards & Snooker
4. Virat Kohli Cricket
5. Abhijeet Gupta Chess
6. Gagan Jeet Bhullar Golf
7. Saba Anjum Hockey
8. Rajkumari Rathore Shooting
9. Joshna Chinnappa Squash
10. Mouma Das Table Tennis
eminence in the field of sports. The
different Committees made their
recommendations after duly
considering all the nominations.
About the Award About the Award About the Award About the Award About the Award
National Sports Awards are
given every year to recognize and
reward excellence in sports. Apart
from a medal and a citation, the Rajiv
Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee received
a cash prize of Rs.7.5 lakh. Arjuna,
Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand
Awardees received statuettes,
citations and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh
each. Recipients of Rashtriya Khel
Protsahan Puruskar were given
Trophies.
Allard Prize for Allard Prize for Allard Prize for Allard Prize for Allard Prize for
Internati onal Integrity Internati onal Integrity Internati onal Integrity Internati onal Integrity Internati onal Integrity
The Uni versity of Briti sh
Columbia!s Faculty of Law on 25
September 2013 presented Anna
Hazare with the inaugural Allard Prize
for International Integrity at
Vancouver, Canada. The Allard prize
is one of the world!s largest awards
recognizi ng efforts to combat
corruption and to promote human
rights.
About Allard Prize About Allard Prize About Allard Prize About Allard Prize About Allard Prize
The Allard Prize established in
October 2012 by UBC Law alumnus
Peter A. Allard, QC and the Allard
Prize is awarded to an individual,
movement or organization that has
shown exceptional courage and
leadership in combating corruption,
11. Neha Rathi Wrestling
12. Dharmender Dalal Wrestling
13. Amit Kumar Saroha Athletics (Para)
Dronacharya Awards for 2013 Dronacharya Awards for 2013 Dronacharya Awards for 2013 Dronacharya Awards for 2013 Dronacharya Awards for 2013
1. Poornima Mahato Archery
2. Mahavir Singh Boxing
3. Narinder Singh Saini Hockey
4. K.P. Thomas Athletics*
5. Raj Singh Wrestling*
* Lifetime contribution in coaching
Dhyan Chand Awards Dhyan Chand Awards Dhyan Chand Awards Dhyan Chand Awards Dhyan Chand Awards
1. Mary D'souza Sequeira Athletics
2. Syed Ali Hockey
3. Anil Mann Wrestling
4. Girraj Singh Para Sports (Athletics)
Tenzi ng Norgay National Adventure Awards-2012 Tenzi ng Norgay National Adventure Awards-2012 Tenzi ng Norgay National Adventure Awards-2012 Tenzi ng Norgay National Adventure Awards-2012 Tenzi ng Norgay National Adventure Awards-2012
S. No. S. No. S. No. S. No. S. No. Na me Na me Na me Na me Na me Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne Di s c i pl i ne
1. Basant Singh Roy Mountaineering
2. Major Ranveer Singh Jamwal Mountaineering
3. Lt. Cdr. Abhilash Tomy Sailing
4. Naib Subedar Paramjeet Singh Siddhu Hang Gliding
5. Prem Singh Mountaineering
6. Hari Ram Mountaineering
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
S N. S N. S N. S N. S N. Cat egor y Cat egor y Cat egor y Cat egor y Cat egor y Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Rashtriya Khel Protsahan
Puruskar, 2013 Puruskar, 2013 Puruskar, 2013 Puruskar, 2013 Puruskar, 2013
1. Community Sports Identification and Dr. U.K. Mishra, Founder and
Nurturing of Budding Young Talent President, National Sports
Academy, Allahabad
2. Financial Support for Sports Excellence Services Sports Control Board
3. Establishment and Management of Sports Pullela Gopichand Academy of
Academies of Excellence Badminton, Hyderabad
4. Employment of Sportspersons and sports Petroleum Sports Promotion
welfare measures. Board
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy
S N. S N. S N. S N. S N. Y e a r Y e a r Y e a r Y e a r Y e a r
1. Guru Nanak Dev Vishwavidyalay, Amritsar 2010-11
2. Punjabi Vishwavidyalay, Patiala 2011-12
3. Punjabi Vishwavidyalay, Patiala 2012-13
P.V. Sindhu, Badminton who
was declared a winner of Arjuna
Award 2013 was not present at the
award ceremony. The nominations
received for various categories of
awards were considered by the
select panel s of eminent
sportspersons and sports
administrators of impeccabl e
integrity. The Selection Committee for
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and
Arjuna Awards was headed by Shri
Michael Ferreira and other members
of the Committee from the sports
fraternity were Shri Limba Ram, Shri
V. Devarajan, Shri Zafar Iqbal, Ms.
Vandana Rao, Ms. Anjali M. Bhagwat,
Ms. Indu Puri, Shri Shakti Singh, Shri
Ravi Shastri, Shri Kripa Shankar Patel
and Shri Surinder Khanna..Similarly,
the Committees for other awards too
comprised of men and women of
especi ally through promoti ng
transparency, accountability and the
rule of law. The prize money for the
award is 100000 US Dollars.
Vishwakarma Rashtriya Vishwakarma Rashtriya Vishwakarma Rashtriya Vishwakarma Rashtriya Vishwakarma Rashtriya
Puraskar and National Safety Puraskar and National Safety Puraskar and National Safety Puraskar and National Safety Puraskar and National Safety
Awards for the Year 2011 Awards for the Year 2011 Awards for the Year 2011 Awards for the Year 2011 Awards for the Year 2011
Union Labour and Employment
Mini ster Sis Ram Ola on 18
September 2013 presented the
Vishwakarma Rashtriya Puraskar &
National Safety Awards for the
Performance Year 2011 at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Del hi . 194
applications for Vi shvakarma
Rashtriya Puruskar and 187
applications for National Safety
Awards were recei ved for the
Performance Year 2011. 116 awards
were for Vishvakarma Rashtriya
Puruskar, and in different categories
of National Safety awards there are
63 winners and 35 runners-up
awardees.
About the Vishvakarma About the Vishvakarma About the Vishvakarma About the Vishvakarma About the Vishvakarma
Rashtriya Puraskar and Rashtriya Puraskar and Rashtriya Puraskar and Rashtriya Puraskar and Rashtriya Puraskar and
National Safety Awards National Safety Awards National Safety Awards National Safety Awards National Safety Awards
The Vishvakarma Rashtriya
Puraskar and National Safety
Awards scheme was launched
in 1965 to motivate the brilliant
workers and industrial units
who deliver their best to curb
mishaps and increase in the
industrial (occupational) safety
measures and work for the
promotion of the interests of
both the management.
The Vishvakarma Rashtriya
Puraskar (VRP) was earlier
known as Shram Vir National
Awards. The Vi shvakarma
Rashtriya Puraskar and National
Safety Awards are operated by
the Ministry of Labour and
Employment.
These awards were started off
in the year 1965.
These Award schemes are
operated by its technical wing,
i.e., the Directorate General
Factory Advice Service and
Labour Institutes (DGFASLI),
Mumbai. DGFASLI renders the
advice as well as services to the
workers, their representatives
as well as managements in the
factories.
VRP is awarded in recognition
of outstanding suggestions
given by a worker or group of
workers and implemented by
the management during the
previous calendar year resulting
in improvement in quality,
producti vi ty and working
conditions such as safety,
heal th and environmental
conservation in the industrial
undertaki ngs where
Suggestion Schemes are
operational.
The recipients of the award are
gi ven cash pri ze and a
certificate of merit in three
categories
VRP is awarded in the form of
cash prize and a certificate of
merit in three categories: Class
#A! " Five (5) of 75000 Rupees
each, Class #B! " Eight (8) of
50000 Rupees each and Class
#C! " Fifteen (15) of 25000
Rupees each.
There are 28 puraskars being
shared by 116 winners out of a
total of 194 appl icati ons
received from di fferent
industries for the Performance
Year 2011.
The NSA is given in recognition
of outstanding safety
performance of i ndustrial
establishments, construction
sites, ports and installations
under AERB to stimulate and
maintain the interests of both
the management and the
workers in accident prevention
programmes.
The awards are given under
twelve schemes, out of which
ten are meant for Factories,
Construction si tes and
Installations under AERB and
two are for Ports.
Under each award, a Shield and
a Certificate of Merit is given to
each of the Award Winners and
Runners-up. The
establishments are classified in
different schemes on the basis
of working of highest man-
hours.
Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Patrick Kavanagh Poetry
Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013
Rafiq Kathwari, an Indian-
American poet on 29 September
2013 selected for 2013 Patrick
Kavanagh Poetry Award for the
collection of his debut poems. Rafiq
Kathwari is the first non-Irish person
to win the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry
Award. Rafiq Kathwari!s collection of
20 unpublished poems In Another
Country was selected for the coveted
award amidst 112 contestants from
across the world.
About Rafiq Kathwari About Rafiq Kathwari About Rafiq Kathwari About Rafiq Kathwari About Rafiq Kathwari
Rafiq Kathwari, a Kashmiri by
descent has become the first
non-Irish to have won the
award and will recieve 1000
euros as the prize money.
He has translated selected
Urdu poems of Alama Iqbal,
creating his own version. His
poems are mostly inspired by
loss of innocence in Kashmir
and from his mother!s long time
illness.
Rafiq Kathwari graduated from
the University of Kashmir in
1969 before studying at the
New York Uni versi ty and
Columbia University.
Most of his working life has been
spent with Ethan Allen, a large
manufacturer and retailer of
home furnishings based in the
United States.
Many of his works have been in
print and online in the US,
Ireland and Asia.
About Patrick Kavanagh About Patrick Kavanagh About Patrick Kavanagh About Patrick Kavanagh About Patrick Kavanagh
Poetry Award Poetry Award Poetry Award Poetry Award Poetry Award
The award was founded by the
Patrick Kavanagh Society in
1971 to commemorate the Irish
poet Patrick Kavanagh.
The Patrick Kavanagh Poetry
Award meant for a first
unpubl ished collection of
poems in English is open to
poets, born in the island of
Ireland, or of Irish nationality,
or long term resident in Ireland.
The award is now in its 41st
year. Previous winners include
Eilen Ni Chuilleanin, Paul
Durcan, Thomas McCarthy,
Peter Sirr, Sinead Morrissey,
Conor O!Callaghan, Celia de
Freine and Joseph Woods.
First Sree Narayan Guru First Sree Narayan Guru First Sree Narayan Guru First Sree Narayan Guru First Sree Narayan Guru
Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace
Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013 Award 2013
The Vice President of India M.
Hamid Ansari presented the First Sree
Narayan Guru Global Secular & Peace
Award 2013 to Dr. Shashi Tharoor,
Minister of State for Human Resources
Development, Government of India
at a function in Thiruvananthpuram,
Kerala on 10 September 2013.
About the Sree Narayan Guru About the Sree Narayan Guru About the Sree Narayan Guru About the Sree Narayan Guru About the Sree Narayan Guru
Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace Global Secular & Peace
Awar d Awar d Awar d Awar d Awar d
The Sree Narayan Guru Global
Secular & Peace Award is named
after Sree Narayana Guru. Sree
Narayana Guru during his lifetime in
the late 19th and early 20th century
taught and propagated the message
of social justice and equality,
secularism, freedom from oppression
and empowerment of the poor and
marginalised through socio-
economic upliftment and education.
Sree Narayan Guru transformed the
social fabric of Kerala by teaching
unity and equality of all human
beings, irrespective of caste, creed
or religion.
Purpose of the Award Purpose of the Award Purpose of the Award Purpose of the Award Purpose of the Award
The Vice President of India
explained that the purpose of award
was to honour an eminent public
personality who has made important
contribution towards building a
secular and democratic society as
envisaged by Sree Narayana Guru.
Cl i nton Cl i nton Cl i nton Cl i nton Cl i nton
Global Citizens Awards Global Citizens Awards Global Citizens Awards Global Citizens Awards Global Citizens Awards
India environmentalist Bunker
Roy and Pakistan!s teenage
education activist Malala Yousafzai on
23 September 2013 declared as
winners of the Cli nton Global Cli nton Global Cli nton Global Cli nton Global Cli nton Global
Citizens Awards Citizens Awards Citizens Awards Citizens Awards Citizens Awards for the year
2013.
About Bunker Roy About Bunker Roy About Bunker Roy About Bunker Roy About Bunker Roy
Bunker Roy is the founder of the
Barefoot College, which has been
providing solutions to problems in
rural communities for more than 40
years.
As a result of Barefoot!s work,
one million litres of rainwater have
been harvested to provide clean
drinking water to over 239000 school
chi ldren i n more than 1300
communi ties worldwi de. The
Barefoot Approach is a proven
community-based model, providing
basic infrastructure for power and
water in remote, rural areas, as part of
an integrated solution to alleviating
global poverty.
The model of community-
owned, managed, and financially
sustained household solar light
systems is replicated in more than 54
countries, empowering more than
600 Women Barefoot Solar Engineers
and providing clean energy access
to 450000 people in nearly 1650
communities throughout India,
Africa, Latin America, the Pacific, and
Asia. Bunker Roy also named one of
the 50 environmentalists who could
save the planet by the Guardian and
one of the 100 most influential people
in the world by TIME magazine.
About Malala Yousafzai About Malala Yousafzai About Malala Yousafzai About Malala Yousafzai About Malala Yousafzai
Sixteen-year-old Mal al a
Yousafzai, who, after being shot by
the Tali ban for her outspoken
support for girls! education, has co-
founded the Malala Fund to continue
advocating for universal access to
education.
The Clinton Global Citizen
Awards were launched in 2007 to
honour outstanding individuals for
their visionary leadership,
demonstrated impact, and
sustainable and scalable work in
solving global issues.
Indira Gandhi Official Indira Gandhi Official Indira Gandhi Official Indira Gandhi Official Indira Gandhi Official
Language Award for Language Award for Language Award for Language Award for Language Award for
Propagation of Rajbhasha Propagation of Rajbhasha Propagation of Rajbhasha Propagation of Rajbhasha Propagation of Rajbhasha
National Thermal Power
Corporation (NTPC) was awarded
Indira Gandhi Official Language
Award for propagation of Rajbhasha
( Official Language) in the company
by the Union Government of India on
Hindi Divas on 14 September
2013.On 14 September Hindi was
adopted as an official language of the
country.
About Indira Gandhi Official About Indira Gandhi Official About Indira Gandhi Official About Indira Gandhi Official About Indira Gandhi Official
Language Award Language Award Language Award Language Award Language Award
To promote the official
Language in the country, the
Government of India introduced
Indira Gandhi Official Language
Award from 1986-82.This award
grants to the various Ministries/
Departments, Banks and Financial
Institutions, Public Sector
Undertakings and employees.
INDEX Desi gn Award INDEX Desi gn Award INDEX Desi gn Award INDEX Desi gn Award INDEX Desi gn Award
Indian American Kavita Shukla
in the first week of September 2013
won INDEX design award for her
innovative design, FreshPaper. It
helps keep food fresh for a longer
period. The award carries 500000
Euro award. It recognizes the best of
innovations addressing problems
facing the world. The Award is given
biennially in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kavita Shukla was among the five
winners in categories such as Home,
Body, Work, Play and Community.
Kavita!s design won in the Home
category. It succeeded the jury with
its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
FreshPaper is simple, low-tech and
hyper affordable, with the potential
to scale into new markets. The
FreshPaper is compostable and
infused only with organic spices.
Kavita founded a social enterprise,
Fenugreen, in 2010 to provide her
product to needy people across the
globe. It is already available in the US.
Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian
Award by Harvard University Award by Harvard University Award by Harvard University Award by Harvard University Award by Harvard University
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani
schoolgirl and education rights
campaigner presented with the 2013
Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award
(Harvard Humanitarian of the year) by
Harvard University on 27 September
2013. 16 years old Malala received
the award by Dr Allen Counter,
Director of the Harvard Foundation
for her contribution in promoting the
education among girls.
Miss Muslimah World 2013 Miss Muslimah World 2013 Miss Muslimah World 2013 Miss Muslimah World 2013 Miss Muslimah World 2013
Ti tl e Ti tl e Ti tl e Ti tl e Ti tl e
Miss Nigeria, Obabiyi Aishah Obabiyi Aishah Obabiyi Aishah Obabiyi Aishah Obabiyi Aishah
Ajibola Ajibola Ajibola Ajibola Ajibola, 21, won the Miss Muslimah
World contest which was organised
by the World Muslimah Foundation
in Jakartha, Indonesia on 18
September 2013. The annual Muslim
event was held exclusively for Muslim
women, who are assessed not only
for their appearance (in Islamic
dress) but also for their piety, religious
knowledge and understanding of the
Quran. More than 500 Muslim women
entered the contest online, with 20
finalists chosen by judges. Entrants
were asked to talk people through
their path to the religion and what
wearing a headscarf meant to them.
Previour winners Previour winners Previour winners Previour winners Previour winners
Nina Septiani- Miss World
Muslimah 2012
Dika Restiyani- Miss World
Muslimah 2011.
Zubin Mehta was Conferred Zubin Mehta was Conferred Zubin Mehta was Conferred Zubin Mehta was Conferred Zubin Mehta was Conferred
Tagore Award for Cultural Tagore Award for Cultural Tagore Award for Cultural Tagore Award for Cultural Tagore Award for Cultural
Harmony, 2013 Harmony, 2013 Harmony, 2013 Harmony, 2013 Harmony, 2013
Presi dent of India Pranab
Mukherjee i n New Delhi on 6
September 2013 conferred
on Maestro Zubin Mehta. The
award carries an amount of One Crore
Rupees, a citation in a scroll, a plaque
as well as an exquisite traditional
handicraft/handloom item. Zubin
Mehta is an Indian Parsi conductor of
western classi cal musi c. The
Government of India previously had
honoured Zubin Mehta with the
Padma Bhushan and with India!s
second highest civilian award, the
Padma Vibhushan.
The annual award was instituted
by the Government of India during
the commemoration of 150th Birth
Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath
Tagore. The award is open to all
persons regardless of nationality,
race, language, caste, creed or sex.
The first Tagore Award was
conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the
Indian Sitar Maestro in 2012.
A High-level Jury under the
Chairmanship of Prime Minister, Dr.
Manmohan Singh and comprising the
Chief Justice of India, Justice Altamas
Kabir, Leader of Opposition in Lok
Sabha, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Shri
Gopalkrishna Gandhi after detailed
di scussions on 4 July, 2013,
unanimously decided to select Zubin
Mehta to be the second recipient of
the Tagore Award, 2013 i n
recognition of hi s outstandi ng
contribution to cultural harmony.
Fifth Deutsche Bank Pri ze Fifth Deutsche Bank Pri ze Fifth Deutsche Bank Pri ze Fifth Deutsche Bank Pri ze Fifth Deutsche Bank Pri ze
Reserve Bank of India governor
Raghuram Rajan was awarded on 27
September 2013 with the Fifth
Deutsche Bank Prize for Financial
Economics 2013.They gave this
award in recognition of his macro
economics research whi ch
influenced financial and macro-
economic policies around the world.
Raghuram Rajan was chosen for the
prize from more than 260 nominations
from top universities, central banks
and research centres in 37 countries.
While presenting the prize Jurgen
Fitschen, Co-Chairman of the
Management Board explained that
Raghuram Rajan revealed the
relationship between the financial
sector and the rest of the economy is
so complex and it is not good enough
to simply look at the size of the
financial sector in relation to the gross
domestic product (GDP), as is done
so often at present. Jurgen Fitschen
also explained that Raghuram Rajan
also expected the financial crises of
2008 in 2005 three ahead of global
financial crises.
About Raghuram Rajan About Raghuram Rajan About Raghuram Rajan About Raghuram Rajan About Raghuram Rajan
Raghuram Govinda Rajan is the
current and the 23rd Governor
of the Reserve Bank of India.
He worked as chief economic
adviser to India!s Ministry of
Finance .
He acted as Chief economist at
the International Monetary
Fund from 2003 to 2007.
He co-aut hor ed
wi th Lui gi
Zingales in 2003.
He wrote
publ i shed i n
2010.For this book he won the
Financial Times and Goldman
Sachs Business Book of the Year
Award for 2010.
Best film Award at Ladakh Best film Award at Ladakh Best film Award at Ladakh Best film Award at Ladakh Best film Award at Ladakh
Internati onal Film Festi val Internati onal Film Festi val Internati onal Film Festi val Internati onal Film Festi val Internati onal Film Festi val
Abhinav Shiv Tiwari!s OASS, a
movie on human trafficking, was
named the best film at the second
edition of the Ladakh International
Film Festival (LIFF) on 15 September
2013. It also won the best screenplay,
and Divya Chhetri was awarded the
best actress for the same movie.
The Snow Leopard trophy for
Best Film comprises a cash prize of
200000 rupees to be shared
between the di rector and the
producer of the film. Sewan Sing Yein
won the best actor for KO:Yad, for
which Manju Patra Borah clinched
the best director award at the Ladakh
International Film Festival (LIFF). The
international jury of the fest was
chaired by acclaimed filmmaker
Aparna Sen. The other jury members
included Canadian filmmaker and
South Asian Film Festival co-founder
T.C. McLuhan. The second edition of
the Ladakh International Film Festival
was held from 13 to 15 September
2013 in Leh, Ladakh.
TV Show Award by America TV Show Award by America TV Show Award by America TV Show Award by America TV Show Award by America
Abroad Media (AAM) Abroad Media (AAM) Abroad Media (AAM) Abroad Media (AAM) Abroad Media (AAM)
Bollywood superstar Aamir
Khan on 21 Septmber 2013 selected
for a US award for his television
show Satyamev Jayate Satyamev Jayate Satyamev Jayate Satyamev Jayate Satyamev Jayate along with
eminent Ameri can
di r ect or Kathryn Bigel ow Kathryn Bigel ow Kathryn Bigel ow Kathryn Bigel ow Kathryn Bigel ow and
the Internati onal Center on the Internati onal Center on the Internati onal Center on the Internati onal Center on the Internati onal Center on
Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC). The
awards were constituted by a US
Media Organisation, America Abroad
Media (AAM) and the awards will be
given at the inaugural awards dinner
by the America Abroad Media (AAM)
in Washington DC on 28 October
2013.
Multimedia Award at the Miss Multimedia Award at the Miss Multimedia Award at the Miss Multimedia Award at the Miss Multimedia Award at the Miss
Worl d 2013 Worl d 2013 Worl d 2013 Worl d 2013 Worl d 2013
Pond!s Femina Miss India World
2013 Navneet Kaur Dhillon on 27
September 2013 won the Multimedia
Award at the Miss World 2013 in
Indonesia. India won this award for
the second time in a row. The award
was first introduced by the Miss
World Organization in 2012 and
India!s Vanya Mishra was its first
winner. The Multimedia Award is
given on the basis that how
contestants presented their web
section of the Miss World website and
a Facebook page wherein they
interact with fans through status
updates, photos and videos. The
contestants earn fast track points
through maximum updates,
interactions, likes and shares by fans
and it ultimately helps the contestant
win the Multimedia Award. Navneet!s
active interaction with her fans, her
regular updates about the
experiences at the Miss World 2013
contest through self-clicked photos
and videos on the assigned Facebook
page were the main reasons to help
her win Multimedia Award. Navneet
also created awareness about the rare
Sumatran Tiger by posting its pictures
and videos. As of today, Navneet!s
page boasts of 120000 active fans and
the posts reaches to 1000000 people
a week. Navneet!s close competitors
were Miss Thailand and Miss Nepal
for the Multimedia Award. Navneet,
formed partnership with Hindustan
Unilever Ltd, Pureit Brand to create
awareness about the importance of
safe drinking water in India. This also
helped her winning the award.
Pride of the Nation Award Pride of the Nation Award Pride of the Nation Award Pride of the Nation Award Pride of the Nation Award
Bollywood actor John Abraham
was on 16 September 2013
conferred thePri de of the Pri de of the Pri de of the Pri de of the Pri de of the
Nation Nation Nation Nation Nation award for his attempt to raise
the sensitive issue of former Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi!s assassination
through his role as a RAW agent in
Madras Caf film.
The award was presented by
Anti Terrori st Front chairman
Maninderjeet Singh in New Delhi. All-
India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) is
an anti-terrorist organisation led by
Maninderjeet Singh Bitta. In Madras
Cafe film John Abraham made a
courageous attempt to unravel the
conspiracy behind the assassination
of Rajiv Gandhi.
The film $Madras Cafe% is set in
the late 80s and early 1990s, during
the time of Sri Lankan civil war and
the assassination of then Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Madras Cafe
is Indian political action thriller film
directed by Shooj it Sircar and
produced by John Abraham and
Ronnie Lahiri. The main role of an
Indian intelligence agent in the film
is played by John Abraham, while
Nargis Fakhri, who is the female lead,
plays an international reporter. The
film also deals with the subject of
terrorism, and was shot in India and
Sri Lanka.

Study Kit for Preliminary Examinations:

H IAS (Pre) GS Paper 1
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IN THE NEWS
Ranji b Bi swal Ranji b Bi swal Ranji b Bi swal Ranji b Bi swal Ranji b Bi swal
NCA Chairman Ranjib Biswal
was on 29 September 2013
appointed as chairman of the IPL
during the Annual General Meeting
of the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) at Chennai. Prior to this
appointment Ranjib Biswal was
manager of the Indian Cricket team
during the ICC World Cup 2011 and
the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
He is also the head of Orissa
Cricket Association. Ranjib Biswal was
replaced Rajeev Shukla as chairman
of Indian Premier League (IPL). Rajiv
Shukla, who resigned at the end of
his tenure.
Director General (media and
communi cati ons); Press
Information Bureau; Director
General, DD News; Director
General (news), All India Radio.
Thereafter, she took over as the
Information Commissioner in
the year 2009.
She also represented India at
the international Film Festivals
in Cannes, Berlin, Venice and
Tokyo, Internati onal
Conference on Terrorism and
Electroni c Mass Media at
Glendzhik (Russia) and Cyprus
besi des Heads of News
Meetings at Atlanta, USA and
Beijing.
The Central Information The Central Information The Central Information The Central Information The Central Information
Commission (CIC) Commission (CIC) Commission (CIC) Commission (CIC) Commission (CIC)
The Central Information
Commission was established
under the Right to Information
Act, 2005.
CIC was established under the
Government of India for acting
on complaints of the people.
Deepak Sandhu Deepak Sandhu Deepak Sandhu Deepak Sandhu Deepak Sandhu
Deepak Sandhu became the
fi rst woman Chi ef Information
Commissioner on 5 September 2013.
She was administered the oath of the
office by the President of India,
Pranab Mukherjee. Deepak Sandhu
took over the office from Satyananda
Mishra. Mishra served the 5 year term
in the office.
Life Sketch of Deepak Sandhu Life Sketch of Deepak Sandhu Life Sketch of Deepak Sandhu Life Sketch of Deepak Sandhu Life Sketch of Deepak Sandhu
Deepak Sandhu, 64, is the
former Indian Information
Service officer of 1971 batch.
She was born on 19 December
1948.
She served at various crucial
positions such as Principal
APPOINTED
Raghuram Rajan Raghuram Rajan Raghuram Rajan Raghuram Rajan Raghuram Rajan
Rajan took over the charge as
the 23rd Governor of Reserve Bank
of India on 4 August 2013 as a
successor of outgoing Governor of
RBI, Dr. Subbarao. Manmohan Singh,
the Prime Minister of India on 4
August 2013 approved the
appointment of Raghuram Rajan (50)
as the new Governor of Reserve Bank
of India for next three years.
Justice Vangala Eswarai ah Justice Vangala Eswarai ah Justice Vangala Eswarai ah Justice Vangala Eswarai ah Justice Vangala Eswarai ah
Government of India appointed
Justice Vangala Eswaraiah, former
Acting Chief Justice of Andhra
Pradesh High Court as the
Chairperson of the National
Commission for Backward Classes
(NCBC) on 23 September 2013.He
was succeeded by Justice M. N. Rao,
a retired Chief Justice of Himachal
Pradesh High Court.
About National Commission About National Commission About National Commission About National Commission About National Commission
for Backward Classes for Backward Classes for Backward Classes for Backward Classes for Backward Classes
The National Commission for
Backward Classes has been set up
under the National Commission for
Backward Classes Act, 1993,
pursuant to the direction of the
Supreme Court in the Mandal case
judgement for setting up a national
body for Backward Classes at the
Centre as a permanent body. The
Commission shall consist of five
Members, compri sing of a
Chairperson who is or has been a
judge of the Supreme Court or of a
High Court, a social scientist, two
persons, who have speci al
knowledge in matters relating to
backward classes, and a Member-
Secretary, who is or has been an
officer of the Central Government.
Ahmad Toameh Ahmad Toameh Ahmad Toameh Ahmad Toameh Ahmad Toameh
Syria!s opposition National
Coalition on 14 September 2013
elected Ahmad Toameh as its interim
Prime Minister to run the regions in
the country under rebel control. A
moderate Islamist and a dentist by
profession, 48 year old Toameh
replaces Ghassan Hitto who resigned
in July 2013 since he was not able to
form a cabinet due to the division
among rebel factions. The Syrian
Opposition National Coalition also has
a new chief, Ahmad Al-Jarba who
took over in July 2013. Ahmad
Toameh received 75 votes, with 10
voting against him and 12
representatives filing blank ballots.
Ahmad Al-Jarba is the new chief of
the Syrian Opposition National
Coalition. He took over in July 2013.
He led the National Council since
early July 2013 by Ahmad al-Jarba, a
tribal chief and veteran dissident who
fled abroad in August 2012 after
being released from a second stint in
the regime!s jails.
Raj nath Si ngh Raj nath Si ngh Raj nath Si ngh Raj nath Si ngh Raj nath Si ngh
Rajnath Singh, the Bharatiya
Janata Party President became the
campaign committee chief for the
2014 Lok Sabha polls on 29
September 2013 in New Delhi. He
was appointed as the campaign
commi ttee chief after the
parliamentary board meeting of BJP.
He replaced the Prime Ministerial
candidate of BJP- Narendra Modi.
Modi was declared as the PM
candidate of BJP on 13 September
2013. He proposed the name of
Raj nath Singh for the El ection
Campaign Committee Chief post.
BJP general secretary Ananth Kumar
explained that 20 sub-committees
have already been formed under the
Election Campaign Committee. All
these committees are headed by the
senior BJP leaders and therefore, it
was important that Rajnath Singh took
over as the campaign committee
chief. The Parliamentary Board
meeting of BJP, in the meanwhile, also
held discussions about the ordinance
on the convicted MPs and MLAs. BJP
appealed to the President of India to
not sign this ordinance. Other issue
discussed during the meeting was
the Right to Reject by the voter.
Nancy Gibbs Nancy Gibbs Nancy Gibbs Nancy Gibbs Nancy Gibbs
Veteran Time magazine writer
Nancy Gibbs on 17 September 2013
appointed as the Managing Editor of
Time Magazine. Nancy Gibbs, 53,
would be TIME!s 17th managing
editor since its 1923 founding. She is
the first woman to hold the position.
Nancy Gibbs has been with Time
Magazine since 1985 and she also
served as deputy managing editor.
Nancy Gibbs, who has co-authored
two best-selling books about the
modern presidency (the Preacher
and the Presidents; Billi Graham in the
Whi te House(2007) and the
President club: Inside the World!s
Most Exclusive Fraternity (2012)). she
has written 174 cover stories - more
than any other writer in TIME!s history
across a range of subjects from
politics to parenting.
She succeeded Richard
Stengel as managing editor, TIME!s
top editorial position. Richard
Stengel was named President Barack
Obama!s nominee to serve as under
secretary for public diplomacy and
public affairs at the Department of
State. Since 2011, Gibbs has served
as deputy managing editor, TIME!s
number two post, where she has
helped reshape TIME. It now reaches
more than 50 million people across
its digital and print platforms. Time is
an American weekly news magazine
published in New York City. It was
founded in 1923. Time has the
world!s largest circulation for a
weekly news magazine, and has a
readership of 25 million, 20 million of
which are in the US.
Randall Ol iphant Randall Ol iphant Randall Ol iphant Randall Ol iphant Randall Ol iphant
Randall Oliphant appointed on
25 September 2013 as the Chairman
of the World Gold Council (WGC) .He
was succeeded by Ian Telfer.
About Randall Oliphant About Randall Oliphant About Randall Oliphant About Randall Oliphant About Randall Oliphant
Randall Oliphant is Executive
Chairman of the Canadian gold
producer New Gold Inc.
He worked in the industry in
many capacities for almost 30
years, and he serves on the
boards of a number of public
and private companies and
not-for-profit organizations.
About the World Gold About the World Gold About the World Gold About the World Gold About the World Gold
Counci l (WGC) Counci l (WGC) Counci l (WGC) Counci l (WGC) Counci l (WGC)
It is located in United Kingdom
(UK).It is operating in India, the
Far East, Europe and the US.
The World Gold Council is the
market devel opment
organi sation for the gold
industry.
It is working for the investment,
jewellery, technology sectors
and engaging in government
affairs.
The main purpose of WGC is to
provide industry leadership,
whil st sti mulati ng and
sustaining demand for gold.
We provide insights into the
international gold markets,
helping people to better
understand the weal th
preservation qualities of gold
and its role in meeting the
social and environmental needs
of society.
The World Gold Council has 23
members who include the
worl d!s l eadi ng and most
forward thinking gold mining
companies.
Puneet Talwar Puneet Talwar Puneet Talwar Puneet Talwar Puneet Talwar
Puneet Tal war, an Indo
American was nominated as the
Assistant Secretary of State for
Political-Military Affairs by the US
President Barack Obama on 11
September 2013. Political Military
Affairs is the Department of State!s
principal link to the Department of
Defence. He is the second Indian-
American to be nominated as the
Assistant Secretary position in the
State Department. In July, Nisha Desai
Biswal became the first person of
Indo-American origi n to be
nominated as the Assistant Secretary
of State for South and Central Asia.
Rakesh Sood Rakesh Sood Rakesh Sood Rakesh Sood Rakesh Sood
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
in first week of September 2013
appointed Rakesh Sood as his new
Special envoy for Disarmament and
Non-Proliferation. Rakesh Sood
retired from the Indian Foreign
Service in March 2013.
About Rakesh Sood About Rakesh Sood About Rakesh Sood About Rakesh Sood About Rakesh Sood
Rakesh Sood, a 1976 batch IFS
officer and he held different positions
including, India!s former Ambassador
to Nepal, Afghanistan and France and
the country!s first Ambassador in
charge of Disarmament in Geneva.
Rakesh Sood served in New Delhi for
nine years as Joint Secretary DISA
(Disarmament and International
Security Affairs) from 1992 to 2000.
In that post he oversaw the
negoti ati ons concerni ng the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) and the Chemical Weapons
Convention (CWC) and the
deliberations on the Fissile Materials
Cutoff Treaty (FMCT).
Ravindra Kumar Ravindra Kumar Ravindra Kumar Ravindra Kumar Ravindra Kumar
Ravindra Kumar, Editor of
was elected as President
of The Indian Newspaper Society for
the year 2013-14 at its 74th Annual
General Meeting held in Bangalore
on 27 September 2013. Ravindra
Kumar succeeded K N Tilak Kumar
of At
the meeting, Kiran B Vadodaria
( ) was elected as
Deputy President and P V Chandran
of as Vice President.
Sanj ay Gupta (
) was chosen as the honorary
treasurer of INS for the year 2013-14.
V Shankaran is the Secretary General
of the Society. The executive
committee of INS represents the
current 990 members from
newspapers, journals, periodicals and
magazines.
Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Justice Nuthalapati Venkata
Ramana Ramana Ramana Ramana Ramana
Justice Nuthalapati Venkata
Ramana, judge of the Andhra Pradesh
High Court was on 30 August 2013
appointed as the new Chief Justice
of the Delhi High Court. He was
appointed by the President of India,
Pranab Mukherj ee. Justi ce
Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana took
over from Justice Badar Durrez
Ahmad, who is the Acting Chief
Justice of the Delhi High court since
June 2013. Justice Nuthalapati
Venkata Ramana will take over the
office in the first week of September
2013.
Justice Darmar Murugesan Justice Darmar Murugesan Justice Darmar Murugesan Justice Darmar Murugesan Justice Darmar Murugesan
Justice Darmar Murugesan, the
former Chief Justice of Delhi High
Court on 21 September 2013
appointed as member of the National
Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
for a five-year term.
and commissioning. He is closely
involved with the control and
automation systems of all the
operating nuclear power plants of the
country. He had successfully led the
execution of Command Control
Systems of Akash and BrahMos missile
programmes. He is associated with a
number of projects of strategic
importance for the nation undertaken
by ECIL.
About El ectronics About El ectronics About El ectronics About El ectronics About El ectronics
Corporation of India Limited Corporation of India Limited Corporation of India Limited Corporation of India Limited Corporation of India Limited
(ECI L) (ECI L) (ECI L) (ECI L) (ECI L)
Electronics Corporation of
India Limited (ECIL) is a Public
Sector Undertaking under the
Department of Atomic Energy,
Government of India. ECIL
situated at Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh.
ECIL was setup on 11 April,
1967 with a view to generate a
strong indigenous capability in
the field of professional grade
electronics.
The initial accent was on total
self-reliance and ECIL was
engaged in the Desi gn,
Development, Manufacture
and Marketing of several
products with emphasis on
three technology lines viz.
Computers, Control Systems
and Communications.
ECIL pi oneered the
development of vari ous
complex electronics products
wi thout any external
technological help and scored
several #firsts! in various fields.
Ruchira Kamboj
Ruchira Kamboj was appointed
as the Permanent Representative of
India to UNESCO, Paris with the rank
of Ambassador. The government
made this announcement on 25
September 2013. She will succeed
VS Oberoi. At present, Ruchira is joint
secretary in Ministry of External
Affairs. She is expected to take up
her assignment shortly. Kamboj
Justice Darmar Murugesan (62)
was a Judge of the Madras High Court
from March 2000 before his elevation
as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
in September 2012. He retired in
June 2013.
P. Sudhakar P. Sudhakar P. Sudhakar P. Sudhakar P. Sudhakar
P. Sudhakar took over as the
Chairman & Managing Director of the
Electronics Corporation of India
Limited (ECIL) on 16 September
2013. He was working with ECIL since
1979 and was holding the Office of
the Director (Technical) and acting
CMD, prior to this appointment. P.
Sudhakar is a graduate in Electrical
Engineering from National Institute of
Technol ogy, Warangal, Andhra
Pradesh and holds a Masters in
Integrated Electronics and Circuits
from Indian Institute of Technology,
Delhi. He also had extensive training
abroad on Automation Systems. He
specialised in the areas of design,
development, manufacturing, testing
joined the Indian Foreign Service in
1987. She last served as the Deputy
Head, in the offi ce of the
Commonwealth Secretary-General,
London. Prior to that, she served as
the Mini ster & Head, Hi gh
Commission of India, Cape Town,
South Africa. In addition, she served
as a Counsellor in the Permanent
Mission of India to the United Nations
in New York.
She also served at the High
Commission of India, Mauritius and at
the Indian embassy in Paris. She held
the positions of Director/Deputy
Secretary (Forei gn Servi ce
Personnel) and Under Secretary
(Europe West) in the Ministry of
External Affairs, New Delhi. Ruchira
Kamboj is married to a businessman
from India and has one daughter.
Sri Srinivasan Sri Srinivasan Sri Srinivasan Sri Srinivasan Sri Srinivasan
Sri Srini vasan was on 26
September 2013 sworn in as judge
of the US Courts of Appeal for the
District of Columbia Circuit. It is the
second most powerful court of the
United States. He is the first Indian-
American to be on the bench of the
US Courts of Appeal for the District
of Columbia Circuit. He was
administered oath of office by Justice
Sandra Day O! Connor. He is 46 years
old. He was born in Chandigarh. His
parents migrated to the United States
in 1970s. He was confirmed by the
US Senate by a huge 97-0 vote for
this job. Srinivasan was first nominated
by US President Barack Obama on
11 June 2012. On 2 January 2013 his
nomination was returned to the
President, due to the sine die
adjournment of the Senate. On 3
January 2013, Obama re-nominated
him for the same office. Prior to this
appointment, Srinivasan was the
principal deputy solicitor general of
the United States. Srinivasan started
his legal career by serving as a law
clerk for Judge J Harvie Wilkinson on
the US Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Circuit from 1995 to 1996.
DEATH
Hiroshi Yamauchi Hiroshi Yamauchi Hiroshi Yamauchi Hiroshi Yamauchi Hiroshi Yamauchi
Hiroshi Yamauchi, the third
president of Nintendo, died on 19
September 2013 in Japan. He was 85
years old and died because of
pneumonia. He is the mastermind
behind the most popular Nintendo
game, Super Mario. Nintendo is a
maker of Super Mario and Pokemon
games along with Wii U home
console. Nintendo was formed in the
year 1889. He is survived by Katsuhito
Yamauchi, his eldest son.
Life History of Hiroshi Life History of Hiroshi Life History of Hiroshi Life History of Hiroshi Life History of Hiroshi
Yamauchi Yamauchi Yamauchi Yamauchi Yamauchi
Hiroshi Yamauchi was born in
Kyoto on 7 November 1927.
He ran Nintendo for over 50
years. During his link with
Nintendo, he transitioned the
Japanese company from
traditional playing-card maker
to video game giant.
He owned the Seattle Mariners,
the major league baseball club.
He later sold it the US unit of
Nintendo in the year 2004.
Hiroshi Yamauchi remained the
President of Nintendo from
1949 to 2002.
He devel oped Game Boy
portables as well as Family
Computer consoles.
Hiroshi Yamauchi is one of the
richest men in Japan. As of April
2013, according to the Forbes,
his net worth was 2.1 Billion US
Dollar. He was the 491st richest
man of the world.
He is the man behind creating
some of the most popular
Nintendo characters such as
Super Mario and Donkey Kong.
A. K. Kut t y A. K. Kut t y A. K. Kut t y A. K. Kut t y A. K. Kut t y
Renowned athletic coach A. K.
Kutty, who trained some of country!s
leading track-and-field stars like M.
D. Valsamma, died on 25 September
2013 in Palakkad, Kerala. A. K. Kutty
(75) had been keeping indifferent
health for quite some time. He was
the coach of Asiad silver medal
winning long jumper Mercy Kuttan.
He had also served as trainer for the
Railways.
A.K. Kutty was conferred the
Dronacharya Award in 2010. Kutty
showed splendid skills in spotting
tal ent and training them in a
systematic manner to extract the best
from his wards.
A.K. Kutty served in the Indian
Air Force, where he left a mark as an
athlete. On retirement from service,
he joined the Kerala sports council
as a trainer.
Sal ustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Sal ustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Sal ustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Sal ustiano Sanchez-Blazquez Sal ustiano Sanchez-Blazquez
The Guinness World Records
stated that former musician and coal
miner Salustiano Sanchez-Blazquez
of Spain certified as the world!s
oldest man died at the age of 112 on
13 September 2013. Sanchez-
Blazquez died at a nursing home in
Grand Island, New York. He became
the world!s ol dest man when
Jiroemon Kimura died in June 2013
at the age of 116. He was born on 8
June 1901 in village of El Tejado de
Bejar, Spain. He was known for his
talent on the dulzaina( a double-reed
wind instrument). He played dulzaina
at weddings and village celebrations.
He moved with his older brother
Pedro and a group of friends to Cuba
to work in the cane fields.The world!s
oldest person is a woman, 115-year-
old Misao Okawa of Japan. Arturo
Licata of Italy is now the leading
candidate to be officially recognized
by Guinness as the current world!s
oldest man. He is 111 years old.
Ken Norton Ken Norton Ken Norton Ken Norton Ken Norton
Ken Norton, the former
heavyweight champion died on 18
September 2013 at Nevada, US. He
was 70 years old. He was struggling
through the poor health from past
few years. He is known most
commonly for his 12-round victory
over Muhammad Ali by breaking his
jaw in 1973. It is important to note
that he was the only second
heavyweight champion to defeat
Muhammad Ali as the professional.
The first one to do so was Joe Frazier
in the 15-round competition in the
year 1971.
About Ken Norton About Ken Norton About Ken Norton About Ken Norton About Ken Norton
He won the heavyweight title
eliminator in the year 1977 and
was al so declared as the
champion by the World Boxing
Council.
He finished off with the record
of 42-7-1 and 33 knockouts.
He later became an actor and
also the commentator at various
fights.
He began his boxing career
during his presence at the
United States Marine Corps
from 1963 to 1967.
He was inducted at the World
Boxing Hall of Fame in the year
1989 and at the International
Boxing Hall Of Fame in the year
1992. In 2004, he was inducted
into the United States Marine
Corps Sports Hall of Fame and
in 2008, into the WBC Hall of
Fame.
In the year 2001, he was
inducted into the Breitbard Hall
of Fame by the San Diego Hall
of Champions.
He was also inducted into the
California Sports Hall of Fame
in 2011.
Ray Dolby Ray Dolby Ray Dolby Ray Dolby Ray Dolby
Ray Dolby, the Ameri can
Engineer and the pioneer of noise
reduction in audio recordings died
on 12 September 2013. He was the
founder of Dolby Laboratories. The
80 year aged Ray Dolby in his end
days suffered from Alzheimer
disease. Hi s works in noi se
reduction and surround sound has
been appreciated across the world
and have won recognitions too.
About Ray Dol by About Ray Dol by About Ray Dol by About Ray Dol by About Ray Dol by
Ray Dolby was born in Portland,
Oregon in 1933 and grew up
in San Francisco.
He started his career working
in Ampex Corporation, when
he was a student. He helped in
the earl y development of
videotape recording systems
In 1963, Ray took up a two-year
appoi ntment as a United
Nations advisor in India
He returned to England in 1965
to establish Dolby Laboratories
in London
Ray served as chairman of
Dolby!s Board of Directors from
1965 until 2009, and retired
from the board in 2011.
He holds more than 50 US
patents, and has written papers
on videotape recording, long-
wavelength X-ray analysis, and
noise reduction.
Sushmita Banerjee Sushmita Banerjee Sushmita Banerjee Sushmita Banerjee Sushmita Banerjee
An Indian woman wri ter
Sushmita Banerjee was killed by
unidentified gunmen outside her
home in eastern Paktika province of
Afghanistan on 4 September 2013.
The attackers shot her dead outside
the house. The militants dumped her
dead body outside a madarasa. 49-
year old Sushmita was married to an
Afghan businessman Jaanbaz Khan
and recentl y moved back to
Afghanistan to live with him. Her book
entitled ,
became a bestseller in 1995. The
memoi r was based on her
experiences in Afghanistan and her
escape from the Taliban captivity in
the 1980s. The book was also a
theme for a Bollywood film
in 2003. Banerjee was
also known as Sayed Kamala after she
converted to Islam. She was working
as a health worker in Paktika and had
been filming the lives of local women
as part of her work.
Jaywant Lel e Jaywant Lel e Jaywant Lel e Jaywant Lel e Jaywant Lel e
Former BCCI Secretary Jaywant
Lele passed away on 19 September
2013 in Vadodara after he sufferred
a heart attack. He was 75. Jaywant
Lele had become the BCCI secretary
in 1996 and stayed in this post till
2001. He was also in charge when
the match-fixing scandal broke out
in 2000. In that period, the board first
set up the Justice Chandrachud
Commission to probe the match-
fixing charges and then asked the
CBI to step in after the former South
African captai n Hansie Cronje
admitted to fixing. The investigation
led to life bans on the former India
captain Mohammad Azharuddin and
batsman Ajay Sharma. Jaywant Lele
lost his post as secretary to Niranjan
Shah duri ng the 2001 board
elections.
Mohan Singh Mohan Singh Mohan Singh Mohan Singh Mohan Singh
Mohan Si ngh, the veteran
Samajwadi Party politician died on 22
September 2013 in New Delhi. He
was suffering from cancer. He was 68
years old. He is survived by his wife
and two daughters.
About Mohan Singh About Mohan Singh About Mohan Singh About Mohan Singh About Mohan Singh
He was one of the founder
members of Samajwadi Party.
Mohan Singh remained the
member of the UP legislative
assembly from 1977 to 1985.
He served as the minister in the
UP government from 1979 to
1980.
In the year 1991, he was
elected to the Lok Sabha for the
first time. Thereafter, he was re-
elected two times in the year
1998 and 2004.
In the year 2010, he was also
elected for the Rajya Sabha.
In the year 2008, he won the
Best Parliamentarian Award for
this year.
He also served as the General
Secretary of the Samajwadi
Party.
Apart from all these positions,
he also remained the member
of various Parli amentary
Committees such as Committee
on Rural Development, House
Committee, Consultative
Commi ttee, Commi ttee of
Privileges, Committee on Public
Undertaki ngs, Busi ness
Advisory Committee,
Committee on Home Affairs
and i ts Subcommi ttee on
Swatantrata Sainik Samman
Pension Scheme, Uttar Pradesh
Legislative Council, Committee
on Official Language and
Committee of Privileges.
Eiji Toyoda
Eiji Toyoda, who helped steer
Toyota Motor Corporation!s global rise
and pioneered the automaker!s
vaunted production system, died on
17 September 2013. He was 100. Eiji
Toyoda, a cousin of the Japanese
automaker!s founder Kiichiro Toyoda,
died of heart failure in Toyota City. A
graduate of the prestigious University
of Tokyo with a degree in mechanical
engineering, he joi ned Toyoda
Automatic Loom Works in 1936. Eiji
Toyoda served as president of the
Toyota Motor Corporation between
1967 and 1982. He was chairman until
1994 and remained an honorary
advisor at Toyota up until the time of
his death. Eiji Toyoda was also
instrumental in developing what
became the automaker!s much-
imitated method of producing cars
with as little waste as possible and
continual quality improvements, a
system that became known as the
$Toyota Way%. Over his career, Eiji
Toyoda presided over Toyota!s rise
in the US market from the launch of
the Corolla in the late 1960s to the
decision to begin making cars in the
United States in the late 1980s.
Rochus Misch Rochus Misch Rochus Misch Rochus Misch Rochus Misch
Rochus Misch, the former
bodyguard of the Nazi dictator Adolf
Hitler died at the age of 96 on 6
September 2013 in Germany. He was
the person, who witnessed the final
hours of Hitler and was also the last
survivor of the Hitler!s bunker in
Berlin.
About Rochus Mi sch About Rochus Mi sch About Rochus Mi sch About Rochus Mi sch About Rochus Mi sch
Rochus Misch was the
tel ephone operator in the
bunkers of Hitler
He was a member of the
Fuehrer!s inner circle, as a
bodyguard, a courier and
telephone operator
He was born on 1917 in Alt
Schalkowitz, Poland
Before being inducted into
Hitler!s personal staff, he served
Poland in 1939
Towards, the end of the war
and defeat of the Nazis, Hitler
moved back for retreat in his
Berlin Bunker and Mish became
the final witness, when Hitler
killed himself on 30 April 1945
He was captured by the Soviet
Forces in May 1945 and spent
9 years of his life in the Soviet
Prisoner of War Camp and
returned back to Berlin in 1953
After his return to Berlin, he
came up wi th a home
decoration business from which
he retired in mid 1980s
He became the last witness to
see Hitler!s end of life in the
Third Reich Bunker after the
death of Ottp Gunsche in 2003
A book named Misch!s Memoir
" The Last Wi tness was
published in German
ACCUSED/RESIGNED/CONTROVERSY
Charles Taylor Charles Taylor Charles Taylor Charles Taylor Charles Taylor
A UN-backed special court in
The Hague upheld war crimes
convictions of Liberian President
Charles Taylor.
It ruled that his convictions had
been proved beyond doubt. He was
sentenced in May 2012 for helping
rebels who committed atrocities in
Sierra Leone during its civil war. His
lawyers argued that there were legal
errors during his trial.
Taylor was accused of supplying
weapons to the Revolutionary United
Front rebels in lieu for a constant flow
of so-called blood diamonds. He was
found guilty at his trial of 11 crimes
which includes terrorism, rape,
murder and the use of child soldiers
by rebel groups in neighbouring
Sierra Leone during the civil war of
1991-2002. Charles Taylor became
the fi rst former head of state
convicted by an international war
crimes court since World War II.
Yogendra Yadav Yogendra Yadav Yogendra Yadav Yogendra Yadav Yogendra Yadav
The Union Government on 18
September 2013 removed social
scientist Yogendra Yadav from the
membership of the University Grants
Commission (UGC) for joining the
Aam Admi Party. The Government
stated his association with the apex
body of higher education may give a
scope for its future politicisation.
Earlier, Yogendra Yadav was served
a show cause notice on 4 September
2013 by the Union HRD Ministry citing
conflict of interest as his antecedents
and credentials at the time of his
appointment in July 2011 and now
stand substantially altered. In its
order, the Union HRD Ministry stated,
the Government in pursuance of
powers vested under Rule 6 of UGC
(Disqualification, Retirement and
Conditions of Servi ce of the
Members) Rules 1992 hereby retires
Yogendra Yadav from the post of
member UGC with i mmediate
effect. The order also stated,
Yogendra Yadav, an officer bearer of
AAP and his association with UGC as
a member, having created a conflict
of interest, may not only set a
dangerous precedent, it may even
scope for future politicisation of UGC
and its academic decision making.
Three Members Resigned from Three Members Resigned from Three Members Resigned from Three Members Resigned from Three Members Resigned from
NGRBA NGRBA NGRBA NGRBA NGRBA
Three expert members-
Rajendra Singh, Ravi Chopra and
Rashid Siddiqui resigned from the
National Ganga River Basin Authority
(NGRBA) on 20 September 2013.
The National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NGRBA), which was
constituted with the objective of
protecting the Ganga from pollution
and overuse. The National Ganga
River Basin Authority is chaired by
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The
members were distressed over the
fact that the National Ganga River
Basin Authority has not met since 17
April 2012, especially in wake of
continued government apathy about
101st day of professor GD Agrawal!s
fast for Ganga, three of its expert non-
official members have resigned.
About the National Ganga About the National Ganga About the National Ganga About the National Ganga About the National Ganga
River Basin Authority River Basin Authority River Basin Authority River Basin Authority River Basin Authority
(NGRBA) (NGRBA) (NGRBA) (NGRBA) (NGRBA)
The Government of Indi a
constituted the National Ganga River
Basin Authority (NGRBA), on 20
February 2009, for the
comprehensive management of the
river. The NGRBA will adopt a river-
basin approach and has been given
a multi-sector mandate to address
both water quantity and quality
aspects. The Prime Minister of India
is ex-officio Chairperson of the
Authority, and it has as its members,
the Union Ministers Concerned and
the Chief Ministers of states through
which Ganga flows, viz., Uttarakhand,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and
West Bengal, among others. The
objective of the Authority is to ensure
effective abatement of pollution and
conservation of the river Ganga by
adopting a holistic approach with the
river basi n as the uni t of
pl anni ng. The functions of the
Authority include all measures
necessary for planni ng and
execution of programmes for
abatement of pollution in the Ganga
in keeping with sustainabl e
development needs.
BOOKS/AUTHORS
Gandhi Before India Gandhi Before India Gandhi Before India Gandhi Before India Gandhi Before India
Historian and author
Ramchandra Guha wrote a book on
early years of Mahatma Gandhi. The
book titled with Gandhi Before India.
The Penguin!s publishers told on 25
September 2013 that the book will
be available in the market on 1
October 2013. In thi s book
Ramachandra Guha outlined the life
of Mahatma Gandhi from his birth on
2 October 1869 at Porbandar, Gujarat
to till his return to India from South
Africa in 1915.
About Ramchandra Guha About Ramchandra Guha About Ramchandra Guha About Ramchandra Guha About Ramchandra Guha
He is a historian and Author.
He was appointed the Philippe
Roman Chair of International
Affairs and History at the
London School of Economics
for 2011"12.
He also wrote books titled
Patriots and Partisans, Makers of
Modern India and India after
Gandhi.
He received Padma Bhushan in
2009.
He received the Sahi tya
Akademi award for India After
Gandhi in 2011.
He is also a columnist in the
newspapers The Telegraph and
Hindustan Times and also pens
for the magazines The Caravan
and Outlook.
India and Malaysia: India and Malaysia: India and Malaysia: India and Malaysia: India and Malaysia:
Intertwi ned Strands Intertwi ned Strands Intertwi ned Strands Intertwi ned Strands Intertwi ned Strands
Hami d Ansari released a book
entitl ed India and Mal aysi a:
Intertwined Strands at New Delhi on
9 September 2013. The book is
authored by former Diplomat Veena
Sikri.
About the book- India and About the book- India and About the book- India and About the book- India and About the book- India and
Malaysia: Intertwined Strands Malaysia: Intertwined Strands Malaysia: Intertwined Strands Malaysia: Intertwined Strands Malaysia: Intertwined Strands
India and Malaysia: Intertwined
Strands is authored by former
Diplomat Veena Sikri.
The book is written for the
Institute of South East Asian
Studies (ISEAS), Singapore.
It is a comprehensive book on
a very useful subject of
relationship between India and
Malaysia.
The book offers a panoramic
yet in-depth historical analysis
of the inter-linkages between
India and Malaysia. The analysis
is a microcosm of the much
larger relationship between
South Asia and South East Asia,
as these have evolved for more
than two millennia.
How Not to Make Money How Not to Make Money How Not to Make Money How Not to Make Money How Not to Make Money
Raj Kundra, the millionaire
businessman has written a book
titled, How Not to Make Money. This
is the first book written by Raj Kundra
and it narrates a story of three
childhood friends " Jai, Mike and Aziz
" who made a decision to get rich
quick. The Book is based on a
research of the Missing Trader Fraud,
who cheated billions of Euros in the
early 2000s, depriving the UK
Government and Europe.
The book is being published by
Random House India and would be
released in October 2013.
Ikea on the Road to the Ikea on the Road to the Ikea on the Road to the Ikea on the Road to the Ikea on the Road to the
Fut ur e Fut ur e Fut ur e Fut ur e Fut ur e
A newly released book
entitled
revealed how the founder of
the company, Ingvar Kamprad was
compeled to hand over billions of
Dollars to the sons after the family
fued. The new book, which is
scheduled to go on sale from 27
September 2013, is
. The book is in
contradiction with the official release
of Ikea!s history which explains that
Ingvar Kamprad handed over the
complete empire to overseas
foundations in the year 1982.
However, the authors of the book
claimed that Ingvar Kamprad, who
founded Ikea in the year 1943,
retained a certain percentage of sales
depending upon his intellectual
property rights for himself, which in
turn triggered battle with his three
sons. Ingvar Kamprad since 1970s
has been living a self-imposed tax
exile in Switzerland. However, in
June 2013, he announced that he
wanted to come back to Sweden. 87-
year old Ingvar Kamprad hardly shares
the podium in front of media with his
sons.
Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Kri shnah Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Kri shnah Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Kri shnah Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Kri shnah Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Kri shnah
Hamid Ansari released the book titled
Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Krishnah at
New Delhi on 4 September 2013. At
the release function, the Vi ce
President of India called people of
India to stay in connection with the
cultural roots for the purpose of
overall development.
About the book Ahmev About the book Ahmev About the book Ahmev About the book Ahmev About the book Ahmev
Radha, Ahmev Krishnah Radha, Ahmev Krishnah Radha, Ahmev Krishnah Radha, Ahmev Krishnah Radha, Ahmev Krishnah
Ahmev Radha, Ahmev Krishnah
is the collection of poems in
Sanskrit language. The book is
written by Gulab Kothari, Chief
Editor of Hindi newspaper
Rajasthan Patrika.
The book, according to M.
Hamid Ansari, is written in a
creati ve manner i n both
Sanskrit as well as Hindi langu-
ages. It is important to note that
Sanskrit is one of the most
ancient languages of India.
The book Ahmev Radha,
Ahmev Krishnah describes the
compli cated issue of
personality development in
very simple and interesting
words.
Bhartiya Gyanpith has also
honoured this book with the
prestigious Moortidevi Prize.
VARIOUS
Si ddi qa Parveen Si ddi qa Parveen Si ddi qa Parveen Si ddi qa Parveen Si ddi qa Parveen
An Indian woman from south
Dinajpur i n West Bengal was
declared the world!s tallest woman.
Siddiqa Parveen received the title
from the Guinness World Records.
This was announced in the new
record book launched in the second
week of 2013 in London. The entry
said, the tallest woman living is
Siddiqa Parveen, who was measured
to be at least 7 feet 3.5 inches. The
doctor estimates her standing height
to be at 7 ft 8 inches. India already
holds the record for being home to
the world!s shortest woman. Standing
at 24.7 inches, Jyoti Amge has held
the Guinness world record title for
Shortest Living Woman since her 18th
birthday on 16 December 2011.
Ahi msa Messenger Ahi msa Messenger Ahi msa Messenger Ahi msa Messenger Ahi msa Messenger
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi
l aunched Ahimsa Messenger Ahimsa Messenger Ahimsa Messenger Ahimsa Messenger Ahimsa Messenger
Programme- an initiative to curb
violence against women on 31
August 2013 at New Delhi. Ahimsa
Messenger is the initiative of the
Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development to address the violence
against women in all forms through a
mass movement by creati ng
numerous Ahimsa Messengers in
various parts of the country.
The Union Ministry of Women
and Child Devel opment has
conceptualised this programme for
empowering women against violence
named Ahimsa Messenger.
About Ahimsa Messenger About Ahimsa Messenger About Ahimsa Messenger About Ahimsa Messenger About Ahimsa Messenger
Programme Programme Programme Programme Programme
1. The Ahi msa Messenger
programme aims at preventing
violence against women and
chil dren and generating
awareness about basic legal
rights, procedures and
provisions amongst women and
children at the grassroots.
2. The programme involves both
men and women including
youths to address and eliminate
all forms of violence against
women and chi ldren at
grassroots and facilitate social
or community mobilization to
fight social evils.
3. Ahimsa Messengers would also
serve as link workers in case of
any violence and also facilitate
the women to approach the
concerned authorities in case
of incidences of violence for
suitable redressal and follow
up on the case.
4. The programme envisages
generating awareness amongst
the community and giving
intensive training to the various
cadres of grass root level
workers under vari ous
programmes across the country,
besides generating awareness
amongst the communi ty
especially adolescent girls and
boys about their ci vi c
responsibilities and duties.
5. The Ahimsa messengers will
faci li tate an enabl ing
environment for safety and
security of women and children
in the community. They will also
create women and chi ld
friendly environment in villages
through communi ty
participation, especially of
local leaders, adolescent boys
and men, opinion makers,
village elders etc.
6. This programme wil l be
i mplemented through all
Anganwadi Centres, all
Panchayati Raj Institutions,
Sabla Girls (in the age group of
16-18 years) and Poorna Shakti
Kendras (PSK) coordinators
under the National Mission for
Empowerment of Women
(NMEW) will be trained as
Ahimsa Messengers.
Terrorist Attack in Nairobi Terrorist Attack in Nairobi Terrorist Attack in Nairobi Terrorist Attack in Nairobi Terrorist Attack in Nairobi
Armed terrorists allied with
attacked the
Kenyan capi tal
of on 21 September 2013.
In the terrorist attack, around 300
people, which included four Indians
as well, were severely wounded.
The Kenya Red
Cross revealed about the number of
dead in the terrorist attack on the
Westgate mall. Estimated of 10-15
gunmen attacked the mall. Among
the dead, most of the people were
Kenyans. Apart from these, there
were four British, one Dutch, two
Indians, two French, one Australian,
one Netherlands woman and one
Peruvian, two Canadians and one
Swiss, Chinese, South African and
New Zealander each. During the
attack, Ghanaian poet and former UN
envoy Kofi Awoonor was also killed.
The attack is the worst in Nairobi since
the year 1998 when Al-Qaeda
bombing at the US embassy had
killed over 200 people.
What is al-Shabab? What is al-Shabab? What is al-Shabab? What is al-Shabab? What is al-Shabab?
The Kenya Chief of Defense
forces Gen. Julius Karangi
explained that the attack was
carried out by the al-Shabab
terrorist group.
It is a Somali group loyal to al-
Qaeda.
Al-Shabab has been fighting
since years in Somalia in order
to enable conversion of people
to an Islamic theocracy.
The Kenyan Government has
al so sent its forces to
Mogadishu, Somalia for fighting
with the group.
Return of the Yogini Return of the Yogini Return of the Yogini Return of the Yogini Return of the Yogini
The Union Minister for Culture,
Chandresh Kumari Katoch and the
Minister of External Affairs, Salman
Khurshid inaugurated the exhibition
Return of the Yogini in New Delhi on
19 September 2013.
About the exhibiti on- Return About the exhibiti on- Return About the exhibiti on- Return About the exhibiti on- Return About the exhibiti on- Return
of the Yogini of the Yogini of the Yogini of the Yogini of the Yogini
Return of the Yogini is jointly
organised by the National
Museum, New Delhi and the
National Museum Institute of
History of Art, Conservation and
Museology, New Delhi.
Yoginis are a group of powerful
female divinities, which are
associated with the tantric
mode of worship.
They are worshipped as a group
(often sixty-four) and seldom
individually.
They acquire formi dabl e
dynamism as goddesses who
could impart magical powers to
their worshippers.
This exhibition is important
because it celebrates the return
of rare heritage sculpture that
was stolen from India.
The Good Road Movie The Good Road Movie The Good Road Movie The Good Road Movie The Good Road Movie
Gyan Correa!s debut Gujarati
movie The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road was on 21
September 2013 nominated as
India!s official entry to 2014 Oscars
in the Best Foreign Film category. The
Good Road is a 2013 Indian drama
film written and directed by Gyan
Correa. The film has been chosen
over films like The Lunchbox , Bhaag
Milkha Bhaag, English Vinglish,
Malayalam film Celluloid and Kamal
Haasan!s Vishwaroopam.
The film, The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road The Good Road, the
story of a boy who is lost and found
while his family is on a holiday trip to
the Kutch. Gujarat. The Good Road
movie is produced by the National
Film Development Corporation
(NFDC), the film stars Keval Katrodia
as seven-year-old Aditya who loses
his way in the desert. The movie also
stars Sonali Kulkarni and actor Ajay
Gehi as Aditya!s parents. The story of
three individuals on a highway, The
Good Road, widely shot in Kutch
district in Gujarat, had clinched the
National Award for Best Feature Film
(Gujarati) in 2013.
India has never won a Foreign
Language Film Oscar. So far in the
history of Indian cinema, only three
Bollywood films, including Mehboob
Khan!s Mother India (1957), Mira
Nair!s Salaam Bombay (1988) and
Ashutosh Gowariker!s Lagaan (2001),
have made it to the nomination stage
of the Oscar.
Nina Davuluri Nina Davuluri Nina Davuluri Nina Davuluri Nina Davuluri
Indian-origin American, Nina
Davuluri on 15 September 2013
became the first Indi an-origi n
contestant to win the Miss America
pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
She was initially named the Miss New
York 2013 and subsequently won Miss
America 2014 title. She is the first
Indian-origin woman to be chosen as
Miss America. It is important to note
that Nina Davuluri is the second
consecutive Miss New York to win the
Miss America crown. She succeeded
Mallory Hagan. Nina Davuluri, 24,
received the tiara as well as 50000
US Dollar scholarship cash. She
performed the Bollywood fusion
dance and al so answered the
question about plastic surgery.
Agni - 5 Agni - 5 Agni - 5 Agni - 5 Agni - 5
India!s most deterrent nuclear
capable ballistic missile, Agni-5 was
successfully test fired from Chandipur
Test Range in Balasore district off
Odisha coast on 15 September 2013.
Developed by the Defence Research
colossus deep beneath the Pacific
Ocean. The single largest volcano is
called Tamu Massif. It is 310000
square kilometers in area and can be
compared with Mars! vast Olymus
Mons volcano, the largest in the Solar
System. The volcano was located
some 2 km below the sea. The Mauna
Loa in Hawaii was the previous largest
volcano on Earth. The massif is located
some 2km below the sea. It is located
on an underwater plateau known as
the Shatsky Rise, about 1600km east
of Japan. Its formation took place
about 145 million years ago when
massive lava flows erupted from the
centre of the volcano to form a broad,
shield-like feature.
Tamu Massif was constructed in
a short (geologically speaking) time
of one to several million years and it
was extinct since. The Tamu Massif
extends some 30 km (18 miles) into
the Earth!s crust.
Virat Kohli Virat Kohli Virat Kohli Virat Kohli Virat Kohli
Indian cricketer
(BSF) on 22
September 2013. It is important to
note that any central force in India
has appointed its brand ambassador.
and Development Organisation
(DRDO), the Agni-5 can carry a single
nuclear warhead of over 1000 kg and
can strike with precision targets in
China and Europe. The complex
missile weighs about 50 tons and is
17.5 meters long. The first test flight
of the Agni-5 on 19 April 2012 was a
phenomenal success after which
India joined the select club of the
United States, Russia, France, Britain
and Chi na who have such
capabilities. Agni-5 will give India the
ability hit back or have second-strike
capability even after a nuclear attack.
The missile is India!s fastest-travelling
object and the first one to cross the
Equator when launched from India.
The versatile missile system has the
capacity to be launched from a road
mobile vehicle or even from a special
railway bogey where it can be kept
hidden and moved around at will.
Agni-5 can be a very fast
reacting missile which is a major asset
for response to a nuclear strike.
After about half a dozen
successful tests, this latest missile
system will be ready to be inducted
into the arsenal of India!s strategic
forces.
Tamu Massif Tamu Massif Tamu Massif Tamu Massif Tamu Massif
Scientists discovered the single
largest volcano in the world, a dead
BSF is the second largest paramilitary
force of India that guards two crucial
Indian borders with Pakistan and
Bangladesh. Virat Kohli was roped in
for bolstering the appeal of 2.5 lakh
personnel capable strong BSF.
BSF director general Subhas
Joshi explained that he was
appointed as the brand ambassador
because his name (Virat) meant huge
and symbolised the force. Virat
Kohli was honoured in the presence
of Minister of State for Home Affairs
R.P.N. Singh. The BSF director
general, in the meanwhile, also
expl ained that Virat Kohl i!s
association with BSF will play a key
role in enhancing the public image
of BSF. Virat Kohli is the 25-year old
cricketer who made his debut in the
year 2011 in the Test series against
the West Indies.
Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and
Earn) Progrmme Earn) Progrmme Earn) Progrmme Earn) Progrmme Earn) Progrmme
Union Ministry of Minority
Affairs, Government of India on 23
September 2013 launched a central
sector scheme for Skill Development
of Minorities.
Mai n Objecti ves of the Mai n Objecti ves of the Mai n Objecti ves of the Mai n Objecti ves of the Mai n Objecti ves of the
scheme Learn and Earn scheme Learn and Earn scheme Learn and Earn scheme Learn and Earn scheme Learn and Earn
To bring down unemployment
rate of minorities during 12th
Plan period (2012-17).
To conserve and update
traditional skills of minorities
and establish their linkages
with the market.
To improve employability of
existi ng workers, school
dropouts etc. and ensure their
placement.
To generate means of better
livelihood for marginalised
minorities and bring them in the
mainstream.
To enable minorities to avail
opportunities in the growing
market.
To develop potential human
resource for the country.
Key features of Learn and Key features of Learn and Key features of Learn and Key features of Learn and Key features of Learn and
Earn scheme Earn scheme Earn scheme Earn scheme Earn scheme
Placement l inked training
programme for modern trades.
Skills Training Programme for
Traditional Trades.
The training programme also
includes soft skills training,
basic Information and
Technology (I.T) and English
training.
Project implementing agencies
to ensure 75 percent
employment and out of that 50
percent in organized sector.
Mechanism for placement and
post placement support.
100 percent assistance by
Ministry of Minority affairs of
The scheme will be
implemented for the benefit of the 5
notified minority communities under
National Commission for Minorities
Act 1992(Muslims, Christians, Sikhs,
Buddhists and Parsis). However, in
the States/UTs where some other
minority communities notified by
respective State/UT Governments
exist, they may also be considered
for the programme but they will not
occupy more than 5 percent of the
total seats.
Committee for Evaluation of Committee for Evaluation of Committee for Evaluation of Committee for Evaluation of Committee for Evaluation of
Research And Ranki ngs Research And Ranki ngs Research And Ranki ngs Research And Ranki ngs Research And Ranki ngs
on 24 September 2013 constituted a
committee for evaluation of research
and rankings by promoting healthy
competition among institutions,
departments and individual
researchers. The committee will
revi ew the existing funding of
research and it will also prepare a
strategy for selective approach in
allocation of funds to academic
institutions to encourage research. It
will also aims at ensuring that some of
the institutions reach the global
standards in research performance.
The committee consists of 18
members. The commi ttee was
chaired by K. Vijay Raghavan,
Secretary of Department of
Biotechnology.
The committee was appointed
in background of performance by
India!s higher educational institutions
in world rankings this year is not
encouraging.
First Customized Pin Code First Customized Pin Code First Customized Pin Code First Customized Pin Code First Customized Pin Code
The Department of Posts,
Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology of India
allotted Customized Pin Code to the
Supreme Court of India for the first
time on 26 September 2013.The
Customized Pin Code of the Supreme
Court is 110 201. The event took place
on the occasion that marked the
completi on of 41 years of the
introduction of Pin Code in the
country.
The PIN was introduced on 15
August 1972 in India. The
Department of Posts also started a
Locality Based Online Pin Code
Search Directory of Delhi on this
occasion for the first time in India.
About Postal Index Number About Postal Index Number About Postal Index Number About Postal Index Number About Postal Index Number
(PI N) (PI N) (PI N) (PI N) (PI N)
Postal Index Number (PIN) or
PIN Code is a 6 digit code of
Post Office numbering used by
India Post.
The PIN was introduced on 15
August 1972.
There are 9 PIN regions in the
country.
The first 8 are geographical
regions.
The digit 9 is reserved for the
Army Postal Service.
The first digit indicates one of
the regions. The first 2 digits
together i ndicate the sub
region or one of the postal
ci rcles. The fi rst 3 digits
together indicate a sorting /
revenue district. The last 3
digits refer to the delivery Post
Office.
Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes
President of Republi c of President of Republi c of President of Republi c of President of Republi c of President of Republi c of
Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
vi sited Indi a vi sited Indi a vi sited Indi a vi sited Indi a vi sited Indi a
The President of the Republic
of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid
an official visit to India since 9
September 2013 to 13 September
2013 at the invitation of the President
of India. During this visit, India and
Liberia held discussions on bilateral,
regional and international issues of
mutual interest with the Prime Minister
of India.
On 12 September 2013, the
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development for
the year 2012 was conferred upon
President Sirleaf. The Prize was
awarded to her for serving as an
example and inspiration to women
in Africa and beyond and for ensuring
the return of peace, democracy and
development in Liberia.
The fol lowing agreements The fol lowing agreements The fol lowing agreements The fol lowing agreements The fol lowing agreements
were signed during the visit: were signed during the visit: were signed during the visit: were signed during the visit: were signed during the visit:
a) Agreement on Establishment
of Joint Commission between
India and Liberia
b) MoU between Foreign Service
Institutes of India and Liberia
c) MoU on cooperation in the
field of Oil and Gas between
India and Liberia
d) Agreement between Exim
Bank and Government of
Liberia for a Line of Credit of
144 million US dollars for
funding a power transmission
and distribution project in
Liberia
Kanoon Lugat Kanoon Lugat Kanoon Lugat Kanoon Lugat Kanoon Lugat
Kanoon Lugat, an Urdu law
dictionary, a first of its kind in the
country was released on 15
September 2013 in Mumbai. The
dictionary, encompassing 52000 legal
terms, has been translated in Urdu for
the first ti me. Supreme Court
advocate Muhammad Irshad Hanif
authored the translation of this
dictionary. The Urdu legal dictionary
has a foreword written by former
Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir.
Advocate Hanif has al so
translated Indian Penal Code and
Indian Evidence Act in Urdu, besides
publishing two books Taziraat-e-
Hi ndand Qanoon Shahadat-e-
Hind. With these books, the litigants
would be more empowered with
correct knowledge of the laws and
would be in a better position to
understand their lawyers, rights and
liabili ties, as well as the l egal
proceedings in the courts.
Rohan Kokane Rohan Kokane Rohan Kokane Rohan Kokane Rohan Kokane
Rohan Kokane, a 12 year old
Indian roller skating enthusiast, made
it into the 2014 edition of the
Guinness Book of World Records
released on 12 September 2013.
He is one of the youngest new
record breakers to make it into the
Guinness Book.
Ryan Campbel l Ryan Campbel l Ryan Campbel l Ryan Campbel l Ryan Campbel l
Ryan Campbell (19) of Australia
on 7 September 2013 became the
youngest person to fly a single engine
aircraft, solo around the globe.
Campbell began his journey across
the globe on 30 June 2013 from
Wollongong in Southern New South
Wales.
He completed his journey after
flying for 200 hours through 14
different countries and ended the
journey a Wollongong. In 70 days his
flight recorded a distance of 44448
kilometers. Before, Ryan Campbell,
Jack Weigand (21) of America held
the world record of journeying across
the globe. Weignad booked the
world record in May 2013. The first
solo flight was completed by Ryan at
the age of 15 and he obtained his
commercial license as a pilot at the
age of 18 years.
Anjana Padmanabhan Anjana Padmanabhan Anjana Padmanabhan Anjana Padmanabhan Anjana Padmanabhan
Anjana Padmanabhan from
Bangalore became the first winner of
the Sony TV!s singing reality show
Indian Idol Junior on 1 September
2013. She was crowned by
Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan
as the winner. The contest was held
in Mumbai. Anjana won a prize money
of 25 lakh rupees from Sony
Entertainment Television, a Nissan
Micra Car and fixed deposit of 5 lakhs
rupees from Kotak and 2 lakh rupees
from Horlicks. Debanjana Mitra, Anmol
Jaswal and Nirvesh Dave got the first
and the second runners-up positions
respecti vely.There were 86
contestants from across India and
after three months and millions of
votes, Anjana was declared the
show!s first winner.Shreya Ghoshal,
Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani
were the judges of the reality show.
Jiyo Parsi Jiyo Parsi Jiyo Parsi Jiyo Parsi Jiyo Parsi
Jiyo Parsi, the Central Sector
Scheme for containing population
decline of Parsis in India launched
on 23 September 2013 by the
Mini stry of Minority Affairs,
Objective of the Jiyo Parsi Objective of the Jiyo Parsi Objective of the Jiyo Parsi Objective of the Jiyo Parsi Objective of the Jiyo Parsi
scheme scheme scheme scheme scheme
The main objective of the Jiyo
parsi scheme is to reverse the
declining trend of Parsi population
by adopting scientific protocol and
structured interventions, stabilize the
Parsi population and increase the
population of Parsis in India.
Mai n features of the Jiyo Mai n features of the Jiyo Mai n features of the Jiyo Mai n features of the Jiyo Mai n features of the Jiyo
Parsi scheme Parsi scheme Parsi scheme Parsi scheme Parsi scheme
100 percent funded by
Ministry of Minority Affairs,
Medical interventions under
Standard Medical protocols in
empanelled hospitals/clincs.
Confidentiality of the patients
to be given utmost importance.
Target groups Target groups Target groups Target groups Target groups
The scheme is meant for only
Parsis community.
Parsi married couples of child
beari ng age who seek
assistance.
Adults/young men/women/
adol escent boys/gi rl s for
detection of diseases resulting
with consent of parents/legal
guardians.
Exclusive Khadi Mark Exclusive Khadi Mark Exclusive Khadi Mark Exclusive Khadi Mark Exclusive Khadi Mark
The
announced on 29
September 2013 that wi l l
get a new push in context with its
brand identity with the introduction
of an from 2014
onwards. KVIC president Devendra
Desai explained that the Union
Government of India along with Asian
Devel opment Bank deci ded to
launch various programmes for
development of Khadi. It was also
announced that all the Khadi clothes
being sold at the Khadi Bhandars
across India should carry the
exclusive mark from the year 2014.
Devendra Desai is also the Saurashtra
Rachnatmak Samiti (SRS) President.
The mark will be dedicated on 30
September 2013 in New Delhi.
Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid Rahul Dravid
The Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare on 5 September 2013
announced former Indian cricket
team captain Rahul Dravid as brand
ambassador for its National Tobacco
Control Campaign. The national anti-
tobacco control campaign has to
continue till it achieves desired
results.
It shows that India is committed
towards tobacco control. World
Health Assembly aims a target of 30
per cent relative reduction in tobacco
use by 2025. With support from the
MoHFW and World Health
Organisation, Public Health
Foundation of India and Health
Related Information Dissemination
Amongst Youth organi sed the
International Conference on Public
Health Priorities in the 21st Century:
The Endgame for Tobacco from 10
September to 12 September 2013.
Nearly 500 participants from over 50
nations participated in fighting the
global tobacco epidemic.
Hawk Mk-132 Hawk Mk-132 Hawk Mk-132 Hawk Mk-132 Hawk Mk-132
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
on 23 September 2013 delivered the
firstHawk Mk-132 advanced jet Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet
trainer aircraft trainer aircraft trainer aircraft trainer aircraft trainer aircraft to the Indian Navy
in Bangalore. India!s state-owned
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) produced the trainer under a
license from BAE Systems of UK. HAL
plans to deliver a total of 17 of the
naval variants over the next three
years. The Navy will get a total of 17
Hawk Mk-132s out of the 57
additional aircraft that were ordered
from UK vendor BAE Systems in
2010. The Hawk is a dual-seat multi-
purpose aircraft powered by a single
Rolls-Royce Adour Mk.871 engine. It
is primarily used for basic, advanced
and weapons training, but can also
be adapted as a ground attack or air
defense platform. India has ordered
a total of 123 Hawk advanced jet
trainers, of which 70 have been
delivered to the Indian Air Force.
After receiving the aircraft, India
became the third naval operator of
the Hawk along with the US Navy and
the Royal Navy (British Navy).
TECHNOTEX- 2014 TECHNOTEX- 2014 TECHNOTEX- 2014 TECHNOTEX- 2014 TECHNOTEX- 2014
The Union Minister of State for
Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi launched
the TECHNOTEX-2014: International
Exhibi tion and Conference i n
Mumbai. TECHNOTEX-2014:
Internati onal Exhibiti on and
Conference will be held from 20
March 2014 to 22 March 2014 at the
Bombay Exhibition Centre,
Goregaon, Mumbai. It is important to
note that the market size of technical
textiles in India grew from 42000
crore Rupees in 2007-08 to 91236
crores in 2013-14 at a CAGR of about
11 percent. The sector carries a
potential to reach 1.58 lakh crore
Rupees by 2016-17 at the year-on-
year growth rate of 20 percent during
12th Five Year Plan.
Objective of TECHNOTEX " Objective of TECHNOTEX " Objective of TECHNOTEX " Objective of TECHNOTEX " Objective of TECHNOTEX "
2014 2014 2014 2014 2014
Promotion of the technical
textiles sector is the primary
objective of TECHNOTEX "
2014.
TECHNOTEX " 2014 wil l
provide the necessary impetus
for the growth of this sector in
India.
TECHNOTEX " 2014 TECHNOTEX " 2014 TECHNOTEX " 2014 TECHNOTEX " 2014 TECHNOTEX " 2014
The third edition of
TECHNOTEX, organized by FICCI in
Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes
collaboration with the Ministry of
Textiles, Government of India, is
expected to see large participation
of industry leaders, exporters and
policy makers to identify new
business opportunities and find
innovative solution.
The Royal Mail The Royal Mail The Royal Mail The Royal Mail The Royal Mail
The British government on 12
September 2013 announced that it
was planning to sell a majority of its
stake in the Royal Mail (the postal
service of UK) through an initial
public offering (IPO). Royal mail is
one of the U.K.!s largest and oldest
postal service in decades. The initial
public offering is expected to take
place in the coming weeks and the
stock will be listed on the London
Stock Exchange.
About Royal Mail About Royal Mail About Royal Mail About Royal Mail About Royal Mail
Royal mail is the postal service
in United Kingdom (UK).
It is 497 years old and it was
owned by the Government of
UK
Royal Mail is the only company
currently capable of providing
postal service.
Megan Young Megan Young Megan Young Megan Young Megan Young
Megan Young of Philippines on
28 September 2013 was crowned
Miss World 2013 at the Bali Nasa Dua
Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia.
Miss France, Mari ne Lorpheli n
finished as the first runner-up, Miss
Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter
was the second runner up. Megan
Young won the competition after
beating 130 contestants across the
globe. She is 23 years old.
She is a student of filmmaking.
Megan was born in US and she moved
to the Philippines, when she was 10.
Megan wants to become a director
after gaining experience and finishing
her qualifications. India!s Navneet
Kaur Dhillon finished among the top
20 finalists but couldn!t reach final
ten. She won the ti tle of Miss
Multimedia.
Ratan Tata Ratan Tata Ratan Tata Ratan Tata Ratan Tata
India!s industrialist Ratan Tata on
18 September 2013 nominated as a
member of the board of trustees of
the Carnegi e Endowment for
International Peace. The Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace
is a foreign-policy think tank. It is a
private, non-profit organization
dedicated to advancing cooperation
between nations and promoting
active international engagement by
the United States.
About Carnegi e Endowment About Carnegi e Endowment About Carnegi e Endowment About Carnegi e Endowment About Carnegi e Endowment
for International Peace for International Peace for International Peace for International Peace for International Peace
Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace is the foreign
policy think tank located in United
States. It was established in 1910. It
is also globally renowned with policy
research centres in Moscow, Beijing,
Beirut, and Brussels as well as a
program in Almaty, Kazakhstan in
addition to its headquarters in
Washington, DC.
Diana Nyad Diana Nyad Diana Nyad Diana Nyad Diana Nyad
Diana Nyad, 64-year old
American long-distance swimmer
became the first person to cross
Florida Straits from Cuba without any
shark cage on 2 September 2013. This
was her fifth attempt to cross the 110-
mile (177-km) distance. Diana Nyad
completed the 110-mile or 177-km
distance. She departed from Havana
on 31 August 2013. With this, she
now has the record of the longest
ocean swim without a shark cage.
Diana Nyad was trying to cross the
ocean since 35 years. The expedition
was referred to as the Xtreme Dream
by her.
Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse
The Union Tourism Minister K
Chiranjeevi reveal ed on 28
September 2013 that the Kanhoji
Angre lighthouse off the Mumbai
coast wi ll be the new touri st
attraction. The announcement was
made in Mumbai by the Union
Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi along
with Minister of State for Shipping
Mili nd Deora at the Port Trust
Headquarters. For this purpose, the
Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry
of Shipping also drew the plans for
the development of 15 light houses
across India, which will eventually
become the places of touri st
attraction.
About Kanhoj i Angre Li ght About Kanhoj i Angre Li ght About Kanhoj i Angre Li ght About Kanhoj i Angre Li ght About Kanhoj i Angre Li ght
House House House House House
Kanhoji Angre Light House is
named after the famous
Maratha Admiral " Kanhoji
Angre.
It is located on Kanhoji Angre
Island, which was previously
known as Kennery Island or
Khanderi Island.
It is an off shoot hillock of the
western ghats and is situated
opposite the Thal fishing port
near Alibaug, 9 nautical miles
away from the Gateway of India.
It serves as an important land
mark at the entrance of the
Mumbai harbour.
History of the Kanhoji Angre History of the Kanhoji Angre History of the Kanhoji Angre History of the Kanhoji Angre History of the Kanhoji Angre
Li ght House Li ght House Li ght House Li ght House Li ght House
In 1852, a beacon was
constructed on Khanderi
Island but had to be
demolished immediately due
to its similarity to the Colaba
lighthouse.
The work on construction of the
new 17 metre high octagonal
masonry light house began in
October 1866 and the light was
first lit in June 1867.
The initial large wick lamp and
optic assembly was supplied
by Chance Brothers,
Birmingham.
In 1930, the wick lamp was
replaced by a PV burner.
There is also a fort on the island,
which was buil t by the
Portuguese and later occupied
by the Marathas.
Kanhoji Angre took command
of the Maratha Navy in 1708 and
won a number of sea battles till
his death in 1729.
Khanderi Island was renamed
in his honour in 1998 on the
occasion of the
Quasquicentennial (125th)
Anniversary of the Mumbai Port
Trust.
Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals Selected Articles from Various Newspapers & Journals
SELECTED ARTI CLES FROM VARI OUS
NEWSPAPERS & J OURNALS
Charge of the Charge of the Charge of the Charge of the Charge of the
Unenli ghtened Bri gade Unenli ghtened Bri gade Unenli ghtened Bri gade Unenli ghtened Bri gade Unenli ghtened Bri gade
Bhagwati tries to position himself
as a proponent of growth that would
benefit the poor through later
redistribution. In contrast, Sen is
portrayed as being anti-growth, and as
advocating only for redistributing! the
meagre resources that are available.
This is a complete misdiagnosis, based
on a number of serious misattributions.
Instrument for progress Instrument for progress Instrument for progress Instrument for progress Instrument for progress
First, Sen has never denounced
economic growth. On the contrary, he
has repeatedly argued for the
importance of economic growth as an
instrument for economic progress (but
not as an end in itself), beginning with
his first publication, in the
in 1957. More
recently, in ,
published in 1989, Jean Drze and Sen
outline in some detail the strategy of
growth-mediated security,! which calls
for promoting economic growth and
directing the greater general affluence
and also larger public revenues to
combat deprivation and enhance health
care and education. In a recent interview
t o Jonathan Derbyshire, Sen
has reaffirmed his position: Economic
growth is important precisely because
means to expanding the freedoms
enjoyed by the members of the society
" Viewing development in terms of
expanding substantive freedoms directs
attention to the ends that make
development important, rather than
merely to some of the means that, inter
alia, play a prominent role in the
process.!
Education and Nutri tion Education and Nutri tion Education and Nutri tion Education and Nutri tion Education and Nutri tion
Third, Sen has consistently
championed health, education and
nutrition because they are intrinsically
significant as well as an important means
to boost economic growth. There is, in
fact, no contradiction here: the
advancement of human capability is
both a part of enhancement of human
freedom and well-being and a significant
way of promoting and sustaining high
levels of economic growth. An
educated and healthy labour force is
both a contributor to good human living
and freedom, and to advancing and
sustaining a dynamic and expanding
economy. In their recent book,
, Drze and Sen note: It
is necessary to recognize the role of
growth in facilitating development in the
form of enhancing human lives and
freedoms, but it is also necessary in this
context to appreciate how growth
it can help people to lead better lives.
But to take growth itself to be a
fetishistic object of admiration is part
of the problem. I think we have to
understand that, ultimately, not having
an educated, healthy population is not
only bad for well-being but also bad, in
the long run, for sustaining our economic
growth.! Sen has never been against
growth in general, but has shown the
inadequacy of the type of growth that
fails to improve the lives of ordinary
people.
Second, he has consistently argued
that economic growth is an important
means of development but the intrinsic
ends or goals of development have to
be more than simply material
advancement . His
opens with the following
sentences: Development can be seen,
it is argued here, as a process of
expanding the real freedoms that
people enjoy. Focusing on human
freedoms contrasts with narrower views
of development, such as identifying
development with the growth of gross
national product, or with the rise in
personal incomes, or with
industrialization, or with technological
advance, or with social modernization.
Growth of GNP or of individual incomes
can, of course, be very important as
possibilities of a country depend in turn
on the advancement of human
capabilities (through education, health
care and other facilities), in which the
state can play a constructive role.!
Fourth, Sen is not against the
provision by the private sector! of
food, education and health! to the
deprived. Nor has he ever said or let
alone insisted! that the government
alone must provide them,! as Bhagwati
claims. Drze and Sen discuss in An
Uncertain Glory , the limitations of an
exclusive reliance on private markets for
promoting human development.
[A]symmetric information between
buyers and sellers, and more generally
a lack of adequate knowledge on the
part of the uninformed patients or
customers limits their ability to choose
sensibly and opens them up to
exploitative practices. The drive for
private profits can diverge from the
goals of social welfare. Since
profitability is conditional on the ability
of the purchaser, or the consumer, to
pay, private profits can often be a very
inadequate guide to the priorities of
public need.! At the same time, they
discuss the importance of improving the
delivery and reach of public services and
suggest various ways of promoting
accountability and efficiency in
governmental operations (which is an
important focus of their joint book). To
take state action to be hopelessly
doomed and neglecting the means of
bettering them, which often
masquerade as realism,! is, in fact, a
resignation to the lethargy of doing
nothing. It is a smugness based on
cynicism,! as Sen said in a public speech
in Delhi.
Health Care Health Care Health Care Health Care Health Care
Fifth, while acknowledging that
private schools offer a legitimate
alternative, Drze and Sen argue that this
cannot in any way, take over the role
that state schools are meant to play and
have played in the educational
transformation of most countries.!
Worldwide experience has
demonstrated the power of public
education in equitable educational
development. There are at least four
problems with private schools:
affordability; asymmetry in information
and knowledge of families and
the health care of the people in Kerala
# supported by the rapid growth in
incomes (closely related to the
expansion of human capabilities). They
go on to draw an important lesson.
There is a world of difference,!
according to Drze and Sen, between
(1) allowing # and even encouraging
# the auxiliary facilities of private health
care to enrich a reasonably well-
functioning state system (as happened
in Kerala), and (2) trying to rely on
private health care when the state
provides very little in terms of health
facilities (as in many other states,
particularly in north India).!
Sometimes, heat can generate
more smoke than light, obscuring the
real issues that need to be discussed.
Endless repetition of confused # and
false # attributions cannot alter the
nature of the real questions that have to
be faced.
Justice and the juvenile Justice and the juvenile Justice and the juvenile Justice and the juvenile Justice and the juvenile
Calls to dilute the Juvenile Justice
Act in light of what is perceived as
lenient punishment to the juvenile
offender in the Delhi gang rape case are
understandable but misplaced. The
crime shook the country$s conscience,
brought forth an unprecedented
outpouring of anger and triggered
collective introspection on the safety
of women and girls. But even though
there is a view that the young perpetrator
has been able to get away lightly, this is
not reason enough to question or do
away with the principles underlying
juvenile justice. Separate legislation has
existed in many countries around the
world since the early 20th century for
the care and protection of children,
including child offenders. The present
system in India was introduced by a 1986
Act and improved upon in 2000. The JJ
Act, 2000, a progressive legislation,
replaced the regular judicial process
with a reformatory regime, favouring
supervised probation or stay in an
observation home over imprisonment.
The law tries to reform a young
offender$s conduct rather than confine
him for decades in a prison with adult
criminals, which only works to fan
recidivist tendencies.
While refusing to allow the Delhi
gang rape juvenile offender to be tried
students; insufficient competition even
from government schools; and the
externalities of school education as well
as indivisibilities of acquired
knowledge. Similarly, health is also a
case of asymmetric information.! Given
that patients generally know much less
than the doctors about what they are
suffering from and what the best
treatment is, the possibility of severe
exploitation of patients by profit-
seeking private providers is a real
danger. And quite often it is also the
actual experience of vulnerable people.
Drze and Sen point out that given
the limitations of market arrangements
and of private insurance in the field of
health care, public provision of health
services has an important foundational
role to play in the realisation of universal
health coverage (as it has done in nearly
every country in the world that has
achieved universality of health
coverage). They draw attention to the
fact that India has moved towards
reliance on private health care without
developing the solid rock of support of
basic public health facilities that has
been the basis of almost every successful
health transition in the history of the
world # from Britain to Japan, from
China to Brazil, from South Korea to
Costa Rica.! They argue that
transforming India$s health care system
to fulfil the commitment to universal
health coverage would require, first of
all: to stop believing, against al l
empirical evidence, that India$s
transition from poor health to good
health could be easily achieved through
private health care and insurance. This
recognition does not, of course, imply
that there is no role at all for the private
sector in health. Most health care
systems in the world have space for
private provision, and there is no
compelling reason for India to dispense
with it.!
Keral a model Keral a model Keral a model Keral a model Keral a model
Drze and Sen acknowledge and
appreciate the contribution made by the
plentiful presence of the private sector
in medicine in Kerala today.! But they
also point out that Kerala$s health
transition started with a commitment
by the State to universal coverage. It
was only later that the private sector in
health became a major contributor to
as an adult, the Supreme Court pointed
out in its order that underage crime still
forms only a tiny percentage of the large
body of crime in the country. However,
merely going through a differential
process for juvenile offenders is not
enough. It is obvious that the social
contract underlying a lenient regime
requires equal attention to be paid to
the design and implementation of a
proper rehabilitation process. Society
will only countenance shielding young
offenders guilty of great brutality from
the rigours of adult justice if it is
confident that they will indeed benefit
from the rehabilitative approach to
juvenile justice. In India, we need to guard
against the complacent belief that a
stint in a remand home is enough for
their rehabilitation. The atmosphere in
many such facilities is not conducive for
reformation, and in fact may toughen
or entrench criminal propensities. The
system should not end up creating a new
underclass that combines a sense of
triumph over avoiding a prison term
after committing heinous crimes, with
the psychological effects of staying
under bleak, hope-denying conditions.
Making juvenile correctional facilities
more humane is one part of the answer.
But to address the need for
proportionality # not so much in
punishment as in the necessity of socio-
psychological repair # when a young
offender commits truly heinous crimes,
a longer period of sustained counselling
and rehabilitati on ought to be an
essential part of the juvenile justice
process even after the maximum period
of remand is over.
A marriage of necessity A marriage of necessity A marriage of necessity A marriage of necessity A marriage of necessity
The seeds of Microsoft$s recent
acquisition of Nokia$s mobile phone
business were probably sown two years
ago when the Finnish handset maker
jumped aboard the Microsoft train by
adopting Windows Mobile as the
operating system for its smartphones.
Analysts were quibbling even then over
whether it was in Nokia$s best interest
to do so. It is clear now, however, that
the $7.2 billion deal is a marriage born
out of necessity; both companies are
one-time pioneers that are fighting a
losing battle to maintain, let alone grow,
their market share in the all-important
smartphone market. Yet, it needs to be
pointed out that even with the
respective combined hardware and
software capabilities of the two
companies, the deal faces an uncertain
future. Between the two, however, Nokia
is likely to benefit far more in the long
term as the acquisition is in effect a
bailout package. Nokia$s liabilities are
now Microsoft$s headache. Canadian-
born Stephen Elop was appointed, with
much fanfare, as the first foreign CEO
of Nokia in 2010.Three years later, he$s
headed back to Microsoft with half of
Nokia in hand and a clear shot at
succeeding Microsoft CEO Steve
Ballmer.
However, this is the sort of
wheeling and dealing one would expect
when a company falls to ruin. Nokia$s
share in the handset market has slipped
considerably over the past ten years and
in the smartphone market, it is in the
single digits. At least part of this is due
to Nokia$s slow adoption of innovations
like the touch-screen. With a fresh
infusion of cash and a renewed vision, it
is altogether possible that Nokia$s
handset business, now under Microsoft$s
care, has a shot at reliving its glory days.
Microsoft, on the other hand, could do
with some risk-taking. The company,
which is sitting on a cash mountain in
the range of $70 billion, a remnant of its
monopoly-driven software days, has
struggled to make the transition into the
smartphone age. Even with Nokia in
hand, Microsoft is treading uncertain
waters as it leaps forward without a
proven strategy; a risk that seems all
the more deadly in light of its poor
management succession plan. Its next
steps as it looks to take on Apple and
Google are bound to have repercussions
in India. After all, one of Nokia$s largest
plants is in Chennai and if Microsoft
chooses to exit the feature handset
business, it will have a negative effect
on its India employee base and
consequent investment. While the deal
is a bittersweet ending for Nokia,
Microsoft still has a chance at the
smartphone crown. After all, the only
constant in the world of technology is
that landscapes change at the speed of
a mouse click.
Curtains for a Curtains for a Curtains for a Curtains for a Curtains for a
Tragedy in five acts Tragedy in five acts Tragedy in five acts Tragedy in five acts Tragedy in five acts
For the Australian Labor Party, a
crushing defeat on Saturday night was
the finale of a tragedy in five acts.
Because the result is more a repudiation
of Labor infighting than endorsement of
Coalition philosophy, it does not mark
a shift to the right. For new Prime
Minister-elect Tony Abbott, the results
were just rewards for leading a
disciplined, stable and united team
through three years of national political
turmoil and global economic
turbulence. In foreign policy, the results
may portend subtle shifts in nuance and
emphasis but not a fundamental
reorientation. For India, an Abbott
government is likely to provide greater
ballast.
Kevin Rudd$s convincing victory
in 2007 produced high initial popularity,
but a shambolic management style and
an autocratic-narcissistic personality
were the backdrop to Act One. In 2010,
with plummeting polls and an alienated
cabinet, the party caucus replaced him
with Julia Gillard.
Between Gillard and Rudd Between Gillard and Rudd Between Gillard and Rudd Between Gillard and Rudd Between Gillard and Rudd
Act Two was consumed by the
fallout. Australia$s first woman Prime
Minister never recovered legitimacy
from the back-stabbing that catapulted
her into the post. Mr. Rudd undermined
her during the 2010 campaign and
stalked and destabilised her non-stop
until June 2013. She also had a tin ear,
rejecting responsibility for policy errors
and mismanagement. Instead of
responding to voter concerns, she
retreated into a gendered bunker
mentality from where all criticisms were
blamed on misogyny. This alienated
voters even more.
Act Three opened in June when a
long, unbroken sequence of disastrous
polling led Labor to dump Ms Gillard
and return to Mr. Rudd to limit the
electoral damage. On being replaced by
Mr. Rudd, she showed the grace and the
dignity that he had lacked three years
earlier and she notably refrained from
undermining his 2013 campaign by word
or deed, a contrast noted by most
commentators. He was reconsidered
only to be found wanting once again.
The early bounce i n polls soon
dissipated as the old undisciplined Rudd
returned and the campaign was soon in
a shambles. He led Labor to its lowest
vote in over a hundred years, claimed
vindication nonetheless for having
stopped the haemorrhaging under Ms
Gillard, but will relinquish party
leadership.
Act Four was an abandonment of
values and principles that entrenched
public perceptions that Labor has been
captured by unionists and careerists
who hold no principles they will not junk
to cling to power. Nothing symbolised
this more than the effort to outflank Mr.
Abbott in heartlessness on the
desperate asylum seekers coming to
Australia on dangerously unseaworthy
boats.
Act Five of the tragedy was
cementing a reputation for policy chaos
and incompetent management of the
ship of state. Labor$s dominant
campaign theme was a relentlessly
negative attack on Mr. Abbott that
preyed on people$s fears. Labor failed
to give voters any reason to vote for
them instead of against the Coalition.
The more the people saw Mr.
Abbott, however, the more they were
reassured by the calm and steady
performance of a committed family
man. Highlighting Labor as at war with
itself, he pointedly asked how a party
that could not govern itself could be
trusted to run the country. His sharpest
product differentiation was on promises
to repeal a carbon tax that was a potent
symbol of a broken election promise
by Ms Gillard, to stop the tide of asylum
seeker boats and to jettison a mining
tax. He also intends to return the budget
to surplus, reduce the national debt and
in general shrink government and
strengthen efficient governance.
On Syria On Syria On Syria On Syria On Syria
One of the few foreign policy
issues to intrude in the election
campaign was Syria. Mr. Rudd signed
on early and strongly to U.S. President
Barack Obama$s policy of military
strikes on Syria as punishment for its
alleged use of chemical weapons on
August 21. Counter-intuitively, Mr.
Abbott proved to be the more
circumspect and cautious in recognising
the complexities and risks and promised
to keep Australia out of any military
action. The Abbott government will
likely invest more in defence and key
bilateral relations and downplay
multilateralism. His first official visits as
prime minister will be to Asian not
western capitals. Julie Bishop, the
incoming foreign minister-to-be, has
promised a new Colombo Plan of two-
way educational exchanges with Asia
as a signature new policy.
Looking to India Looking to India Looking to India Looking to India Looking to India
Australia$s own pivot! to India
had begun under the Howard
government but was interrupted by
Labor Party restrictions on selling
uranium to non-NPT countries. It took
Labor five years to change policy. The
new foreign secretary is of ethnic Indian
background, took up the post in
December after a successful stint as
High Commissioner to India, and has
previously served as head of Howard$s
international policy unit. But if India$s
economic future is mortgaged to bad
governance rooted in populist politics,
Australia, like others, will return India to
the basket of benign neglect.
G for going it alone in Syria G for going it alone in Syria G for going it alone in Syria G for going it alone in Syria G for going it alone in Syria
The failure of the G-20 meet at St.
Petersburg to effectively address the
Syrian crisis indicates that it is now
headed for its short-term denouement
in the form of an American military
attack in the coming days. Leaving aside
its allies, the United States$s plan was
met with scepticism at St. Petersburg:
Russia was openly hostile, with President
Putin actually accusing the U.S.
Secretary of State of lying to the U.S.
Congress. The U.N. Secretary General,
Ban Ki-moon, felt compelled to urge the
U.S. to seek the approval of the U.N.
Security Council (UNSC). The EU$s
response was mixed with Britain, France
and Germany pulling in different
directions. China was against any
military strike, and preferred to keep
quiet on the issue, while India made it
clear that there should be no action
without U.N. authorisation.
The division was reflected by a
joint statement issued on the margins
of the summit by America$s allies who
constituted 10 of the 20 members of G-
20. In the statement, Australia, Canada,
France, Italy, Japan, the Republic of
Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, the
United Kingdom, and the U.S.
condemned the Syrian government for
the chemical weapons attack of August
21, bluntly blaming the Syrian
government for breaching the
international norm against the use of
chemical weapons.! It demanded a
tough response from the world
community, observing that the U.N.
Security Council remains paralyzed as
it has been for two and a half years.!
At the formal level, the G-20 was
set up to deal with economic issues in
the wake of the 2008-2009 economic
crisis. But like its predecessor, the G-8,
it was also expected to be a global high
table where the political issues could
also be resolved in a collegial manner.
Its failure on Syria reveals the persistent
failure of the international system to
create an effective mechanism for
global governance. In such
circumstances, we are back to old-
fashioned power politics where the rules
of the game are set by the global
hegemon, in this case, the U.S.
U.S. position U.S. position U.S. position U.S. position U.S. position
The U.S. plan to attack Syria is
rooted in imperial hubris. When you are
the sole superpower, you are expected
to take the lead. Battered by
Afghanistan, befuddled by Egypt and
pressed by the rise of China, the U.S.
feels that it needs to assert its global
leadership. The breaching of a weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) taboo is an
opportune pretext. This is the time to
make an example out of a country, to
prevent the next one from crossing the
threshold. The subtext is the Iranian
nuclear programme which affects key
American allies like Israel, the Gulf
sheikhdoms and Saudi Arabia. So,
President Barack Obama finds himself
bound by his own declared red line of
August 2012 when he explicitly warned
Syria against the use of chemical and
biological weapons. There are several
problems with the U.S.$s position. First,
we know that chemical weapons were
used, but it is not at all clear as to who
employed them. The U.N. inspectors
returned from Syria a week ago, but it
will be some more time before their
report is made available to the public.
However, their mandate is to merely
report on whether or not chemical
weapons were used; not who employed
them or why.
In May in Switzerland, a U.N.
human rights investigator, Carla del
Ponte, revealed that testimony made
available to U.N. investigators in an
earlier investigation, had revealed that
Syrian rebels had used chemical
weapons, specifically the deadly sarin
gas. It is no secret that some of the caches
of Syrian chemical weapons are under
the control of rebel forces. It would be
counter-intuitive to suggest that the
Syrian government forces used them
now, because in recent months the tide
of the civil war was turning distinctly in
their favour. This is the argument being
made by the Russians as well who,
insofar as Syria is concerned, also have
good intelligence sources there.
Legal i t y Legal i t y Legal i t y Legal i t y Legal i t y
Second, like it or not, the manner
in which the U.S. and the U.K. fudged
the evidence to wage war against Iraq
in 2003 has undermined the credibility
of their intelligence services. This was
not just a matter of one report being
misused or misinterpreted, but a pattern
of deception which went all the way up
from the bottom to the highest levels of
the two governments.
The third and not unimportant
issue has to do with legality. Under the
U.N. Charter, the use of force against
another State in almost all
circumstances must be authorised by
the UNSC. Given Russia$s stated position
on the issue, the U.N. is unlikely to
authorise any action against Syria.
Another route could be the
Responsibility to Protect (RtoP)
resolution of the U.N. General Assembly
of 2005 which enjoins states to protect
their populations from mass-killings and
ethnic cleansing, but its enforcement
mechanism against states who shirk this
responsibility rests with the U.N.,
specifically its Security Council.
Syria is a party to the Geneva
Protocol of 1925 prohibiting the use of
poison gases, but the treaty is relevant
to interstate conflict, and does not
expressly prohibit their use during civil
war. There is another treaty, the
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
which bars the stockpiling, production
and use of chemical weapons; 189
countries have signed the CWC, but
Poisoned by the Poisoned by the Poisoned by the Poisoned by the Poisoned by the
Lure of Money Lure of Money Lure of Money Lure of Money Lure of Money
Who is ultimately responsible for
the school lunch deaths of 23 innocent
children between 5 and 12 on July 16,
2013 in Bihar$s Dharmasati Gandaman
village, in Saran district? While
investigations have discovered who is
immediately responsibl e for the
tragedy, the bigger questions are, who
is manufacturing this toxic venom, and
is allowing the sale and use of it? They
are also the people to be included as
guilty of 23 counts of murder.
Acts on nervous system Acts on nervous system Acts on nervous system Acts on nervous system Acts on nervous system
Let$s start with what was
responsible for these fatalities:
Monocrotophos. Monocrotophos is a
highly toxic organophosphate pesticide.
Organophosphates inhibit an enzyme
necessary for the nerves to work. They
work as a pesticide by paralysing the
nervous system of insects. They also
take effect in birds and bees in the same
way. In humans too. Symptoms of
organophosphate poisoning in humans
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
abdominal cramps, tearing, salivation,
sweating, slurred speech, tremors,
involuntary urination and defecation,
psychosis, irregular heart rhythms,
seizures, coma, and even death.
Ingesting as little as 120 mg of
monocrotophos can be fatal. These
children ate a meal laced with this
poison.
Monocrotophos was developed
by Ciba-Geigy (now Novartis) in 1965.
Novartis has now stopped making it. Its
use has been banned in 27 countries
including the United States, the
European Union, and Canada. Its import
is not allowed in 46 countries. The World
Health Organization (WHO) and the
Food and Agricultural Organization of
the United Nations have been urging for
a global phase out of this nerve poison.
The Rotterdam Convention, an
international treaty to ensure proper
information disclosure about dangerous
chemicals in the international
marketplace, has monocrotophos on its
list of highly toxic substances.
Common and inexpensive Common and inexpensive Common and inexpensive Common and inexpensive Common and inexpensive
India not only has ignored
recommendations by the WHO urging a
Syria, along with Angola, North Korea,
Egypt and South Sudan, has not signed
it. The prominent Arab holdouts #
Egypt and Syria # argue that they have
signed the NPT as non-nuclear states,
but Israel has not and is believed to
possess nuclear weapons. So, they
would not sign up to the CWC.
Therefore, from the legal point of
view, the U.S. cupboard is bare. It could
have, as in the case of 9/11 invoked the
doctrine of self-defence as in the case
of Afghanistan, but it would be a tough
sell to claim that it has been attacked
by Syria. Even in Afghanistan, the U.S.
did get U.N. authorisation two months
after it launched Operation Enduring
Freedom in 2001.
For India For India For India For India For India
As far as India is concerned there
are several issues that we need to take
into account. Legality is certainly one
of them, though we need not get our
knickers in a twist over them. When push
comes to shove, regional powers like
India have shown little inclination to
heed the U.N. India has intervened in
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives,
without U.N. authorisation. On the other
hand though, paradoxically, as a weak
global actor, it is in India$s interest to
emphasise the importance of the U.N.
when it comes to the use of military
force internationally.
As a global actor it is in our interest
to prevent the use of WMD by any party
against anyone. But in this case, there
seems to be a genuine problem as to
whether the issue can be untangled from
the geopolitics of the region. Equally
important for India are worries that the
conflict could spiral out of control and
disrupt oil supply lines from the Persian
Gulf. This is a serious matter as it could
have a devastating impact on our
economy which is already reeling from
the effects of an economic slowdown.
The one big lesson of every war is
that it is easy to start it, but very difficult
to predict the course or consequences.
But the main lesson from the sorry
events in Syria is that the taboo against
the use of weapons of mass destruction
was breached, and the world
community has been found wanting in
providing a tough, but legal response to
it.
CAG are the non-receipt of nearly 73
per cent of lands earmarked for
reforestation, poor work outcomes, and
failure to assess and levy stiff penalties
on defaulting companies to whom
forest wealth was handed over. The funds
collected for transfer of forest land,
totalling around Rs 30,000 crore, have
been misused, not accounted for or
badly managed. The CAG has recorded
the arbitrariness in the deployment of
funds by the Union government, the
States and the CEC. Environment and
Forests is in the concurrent list of the
Constitution. This was meant to make
the States and the Centre co-trustees of
natural resources. Instead, it has become
an excuse to shun responsibility. As a
consequence, monitoring of forests and
projects that use forest land has all but
collapsed. In more than 1,000 cases that
the CAG test-checked, it found projects
continued to use forests in violation of
regulations and conditions laid down
while securing clearances. Today,
market forces, and the government, are
jointly usurping the forest commons,
aided by experts and officers sitting
behind closed doors at the Centre, in
the States, and in the judiciary. Their
private decision-making should not
decide the fate of India$s forests and
the millions who depend on it for
survival. Given the scale of the CAG$s
findings, it would be reasonable to call
for a moratorium on projects involving
diversion of forests. A comprehensive
reform of the monitoring mechanism is
needed to ensure democracy and
transparency.
In Muzaffarnagar, back to the In Muzaffarnagar, back to the In Muzaffarnagar, back to the In Muzaffarnagar, back to the In Muzaffarnagar, back to the
future future future future future
For someone # and I say it with
some shame and embarrassment # who
cut his teeth in journalism on a hefty
diet of communal riots in western Uttar
Pradesh in the 1970s-1980s, reading
about the events in Muzaffarnagar and
seeing i mages of violence and
destruction is like watching history
replayed in slow motion. There are the
same conflicting versions of who
started it first!; the same self-righteous
assertion of innocence by both sides;
the same familiar-sounding allegations
of high-handedness/one-sidedness
ban on monocrotophos, but has also
become a major manufacturer. It is a
very common pesticide easily available
in India. It is cheap too. It is also one of
the most common causes of accidental
occupational poisoning. The WHO has
said, Pesticides whose handling and
application require the use of personal
protective equipment that is
uncomfortable, expensive or not readily
available should be avoided, especially
in the case of small-scale users in
tropical climates.! Monocrotophos
qualifies as this sort of pesticide and
India qualifies as this sort of setting. Not
only that, many farmers cannot read the
labels on the containers and have not
been properly informed about their
dangers. Given the situation, it was no
surprise to find out that cooking oil was
being stored in an empty
monocrotophos container at the school
in Bihar.
Monocrotophos is one of the
main agents used in the current
epidemic of farmer suicides. According
to the National Crime Records Bureau,
every year since about 2006
approximately 17,000-18,000 poor
Indian farmers have been taking their
own lives by ingesting an insecticide.
Farmers are lured by the promises of
higher yields through genetically
modified seeds and chemically
intensive farming methods. They despair
under the weight of the debts incurred
by the costs and the failed assurances.
The lives of 23 children have been
sacrificed to bring the world$s attention
to the scourge of death by pesticide
ingestion in India, accidental or
intentional. But life is cheap in India. The
accidental deaths of 23, or even more
than 20,000 people (the current estimate
for the cumulative death toll in the 1984
gas disaster in Bhopal), doesn$t cause
the government to take a strong stand
or make a meaningful move.
Extent of trade Extent of trade Extent of trade Extent of trade Extent of trade
Nevertheless, according to a 2012
report by Research and Markets, India
is emerging as the sixth largest producer
of pesticides. The Pesticides
Manufacturers and Formulators
Association of India (PMFAI) is up in
arms over the European Union$s ban on
endosulfan. It is likely do its best to make
sure monocrotophos doesn$t get banned
in India, even if the rest of the world is
on the bandwagon to ban it. The Indian
domestic market itself is $1.36 billion.
PMFAI is also committed to promoting
the export of pesticides made in India.
I n an intervi ew wi th
the president of PMFAI said
that since 1997, pesticide exports from
India have gone from $50 million to $1.32
billion. The entire global market for
pesticides is worth around $44 billion
and is projected to grow to $65 billion
in the next few years.
While the police and media are
pointing fingers at the headmistress of
the school where those children ate their
last meal, and the invaluable school
lunch programme is being harshly
criticised, let$s not forget the
responsibility of the people making the
murderous chemical agents, the
government that allows its ubiquitous
use and our collective responsibility for
allowing it all to take place right under
our nose.
Protecting forest Lands Protecting forest Lands Protecting forest Lands Protecting forest Lands Protecting forest Lands
The report of the Comptroller and
Auditor General underscoring the
blatant violation of conservation laws
and Supreme Court orders i n the
diversion of forests for destructive non-
forestry use confirms what former
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh
said about the system: it$s a bit of a
joke. The compensatory afforestation
mechanism instituted to balance the
devastating loss of natural forests has
failed abysmally. The CAG$s report is
proof that India$s environmental health
has been in free fall since the dawn of
economic reforms. The Union
government as well as the States have
played an active role in this decline. The
Supreme Court$s Central Empowered
Committee (CEC) stepped in where
governments failed and set up a
framework for monetisation of forests.
But what was meant to ration the use of
forest land has only served to justify its
usurpation. With the possible exception
of designated protected areas, judicial
scrutiny and oversight did not result in
an effective regime to either reduce
deforestation or to green alternative
lands.
Among the major findings of the
levelled against the police; and, most
nauseatingly, the same political blame
game.
Back then it was simpler to pick a
villain. There were only two main
political parties # the Congress and the
Jana Sangh (later renamed the Bharatiya
Janata Party). Or two and a half if you
counted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh whose shadow always hovered
in the background. Now, there are
enough parties to fill a planet. So, in the
past few days we have seen the
Congress, the BJP, the Samajwadi Party,
the Bahujan Samaj Party and the
Rashtriya Lok Dal # to name a few #
busy finger-pointing when they should
have been trying to restore peace and
sanity.
Past and present Past and present Past and present Past and present Past and present
Generally, Hindu-Muslim relations
are a great deal more robust today than
they were in the 1970s when tension was
always simmering under the surface #
and a riot waiting to happen. While
researching a book on the subject, I
found a refreshing change in the
attitudes of both communities. Young
Hindus and Muslims say they have no
wish to carry on with old grudges and
simply want to get on with their lives.
But what has not changed and may, in
fact, have become worse as electoral
politics has become more fiercely
competitive, is the cynical use of religion
and caste for votes. The pattern of
events in Muzaffarnagar has an all-too-
familiar ring: an incident, whose
provenance itself is uncertain, blows up
into a full-scale communal conflagration
with a little help from an assortment of
political interests united by an obscene
greed for votes.
In the U. K. In the U. K. In the U. K. In the U. K. In the U. K.
Divisive politics is not unique to
India. Political parties even in the most
advanced countries thrive on divisions,
mostly along race lines, but the mark of
a civilised political discourse is to know
when and where to draw the line. In the
more civilised societies, the line is drawn
at the point where there is a danger of
tipping into violence # and a loss of
human lives. In Britain, for instance, even
the most rabidly racist group would not
be caught crossing the line between
legitimate propaganda and incitement
to violence. They would not be allowed
to # plain and simple. Moreover, there
is evidence that British voters don$t
reward hate politics.
I n I ndia$s crude
laissez faire political culture, there
are no redlines and political parties get
away literally with murder. Worse, voters
often reward them for bad behaviour if
they believe such behaviour has been
exercised on their behalf. There is a
certain chief minister who after State
riots, went on to win three successive
elections despite questions about his
role in one of India$s worst examples of
sectarian violence. And he could be
your next prime minister!
In such a climate, it is a miracle
and ultimately a tribute to the good
sense of the overwhelming majority of
Indians that they are not easily
provoked. But how long can they resist?
The drip-drip of inflammatory rhetoric
and provocative acts finally finds a
spark somewhere. The Muzaffarnagar
flare-up was the culmination of as many
as 27 communal incidents in the past
one year. Each incident would have
contributed to ratcheting up the tension
which slowly built up to a point where it
needed just one slight push for it to
explode.
Along with Aligarh, Meerut and
Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar is part of a
region where, historically, Hindu-Muslim
relations have been fragile. North Indian
journalists of a certain generation spent
disproportionately long periods of their
early careers making sense of the
frequency with which communal riots
broke out in this part of western U.P. It
became almost a routine to be woken
up by an early morning call from the
office and told to pack and leave for
one of these towns because another riot
had erupted.
Once there, we would be greeted
by grieving victims from both sides,
each blaming the other as is happening
in Muzaffarnagar now. Again # as now
# it was never clear how a riot started.
It could have been sparked by a minor
quarrel between members of two
communities (those days we were not
supposed to mention their religious
affiliation and refer to them only as
members of the minority or majority
community); a road accident involving
members of rival! communities; a love
affair between a Muslim boy and a
Hindu girl or vice versa; unconfirmed
reports of a cow slaughter; or a pig$s
head al legedly found in a
mosque"Nobody knew for sure.
Everyone had heard it from somebody
else.
Differences in coverage Differences in coverage Differences in coverage Differences in coverage Differences in coverage
Rumours flew thick and fast amid
allegations of administrative failures
and police excesses that each side
claimed was directed against them #
exactly what is happening in
Muzaffarnagar now.
My experience of such situations
is that the l ocal Urdu and Hindi
newspapers, usually owned by
interested parties invariably tend to take
partisan positions and fuel passions. This
casts a special responsibility on the
national media which, to be fair, has
acquitted itself well in the past. Indeed,
rather bizarrely, at least one prominent
Delhi newspaper used to go to the
extent of sending a Muslim and a Hindu
reporter together to cover the same
incident in the interest of balance.!
Public comments, likely to inflame the
situation, were heavily moderated.
But this is the era of 24/7 television
news # live! images and instant sound
bites. Some Indian TV channels have
shown burnt houses, identifying them
as belonging to a particular community.
Of course, truth must be told but in a
way that is not seized by mischief-
makers to create more trouble.
Self-censorship is not a bad idea
when lives are at stake.
But I digress. This is not so much
about the media as about India$s
notorious riots politics! which, as
Muzaffarnagar shows, remains as much
a threat to national unity as it was 40
years ago. And, as an Urdu saying goes,
( A
plague on all your houses!).
Can India be a rule shaper? Can India be a rule shaper? Can India be a rule shaper? Can India be a rule shaper? Can India be a rule shaper?
As India moves toward its seventh
decade of independence, it faces a
defining period. As the world$s biggest
democracy with an economy among the
world$s ten largest, India$s status as a
re-emerging global power is now not
just recognised but increasingly
institutionalised: a seat in the G-20,
increasing clout in international financial
institutions, growing acceptance as a
nuclear-armed state, and impressive
peacekeeping credentials under the
United Nations.
Meanwhile, geopolitical shifts
have created simultaneous
opportunities and challenges: the
opening with the United States; the rise
of China; the global financial crisis; the
so-called Arab Spring; the mounting
crisis between Iran and the West as well
as key Gulf states; and the growing
international tussles over energy,
climate, food, cyber and the oceans.
India$s rapid growth came through
participation in the multilateral order,
and now its development strategy
makes it dependent on a stable
globalisation. India has growing
economic, trade and energy stakes in
literally every corner of the globe. Much
of that trade and energy flows via the
Indian Ocean, where India is an
established maritime player but where
it also faces new threats and pressure
to ramp up its engagement.
At this stage in its history, India
has critical interests in every major
multilateral regime, and vital interests
in several emerging ones. The
boundaries between Indian self-interest
and the contour of the multilateral order
have blurred. In short, India has no
choice but to seek to influence the
evolving multilateral order to sustain
itself.
As Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh acknowledged in his
Independence Day address, India$s
economic well-being is now directly
linked to ensuring a healthy world
economy: Countries today are more
integrated with each other than ever
before. We have endeavoured that our
foreign policy exploits this fully to
India$s benefit.! Thus it has become
imperative for India to not only govern
itself better but also to contribute to
shaping the evolving multilateral order.
Criti ci sm Criti ci sm Criti ci sm Criti ci sm Criti ci sm
Commentary on India$s posture on
the multilateral order asserts that it has
often been little more than a defensive
crouch; that non-alignment was rooted
in a geopolitical strategy, but Indian
policy has not fully reacted to changing
geopolitics and geo-economics; that
India has not yet genuinely sought to
shape the resulting global order. What
is certainly true is that India$s posture
on the multilateral order has not
changed as quickly or dramatically as
the order itself.
While India has always been a key
international actor since Independence
it had little choice but to be content
with being a rule taker # adhering to
existing international norms and
institutions. After the Cold War New
Delhi has flirted with being a rule breaker
# challenging the present order
primarily for effect and seeking greater
accommodation in existing global
institutions. This is apparent in its quest
for permanent membership of the U.N.
Security Council, membership in the
various technology control regimes and
desire to play a greater role in
international financial institutions.
Uneven poi se Uneven poi se Uneven poi se Uneven poi se Uneven poi se
India is unevenly poised in the
international system. On the one hand it
increasingly has the people, the tools,
ideas and financial strength to bear
costs while on the other its per capita
GDP is not just the lowest in the G-20
but more than 50 per cent lower than
the next lowest member, Indonesia; and
a mere three per cent of that of the
United States. What does it mean for
India$s global role that only 32.4 million
of its total population of 1.2 billion pays
taxes and that the total tax revenue
collected as a percentage of the GDP is
among lowest in the G-20? Or that India
ranks last among the G-20 in terms of
police officers per capita? Or that India$s
900 or so diplomats are around the
same number as those of Singapore or
New Zealand?
Notwithstanding these limits,
India$s interests dictate that it take on
the role of a rule contributing
in partnership with others to shape
emerging norms and regimes. India has
already played this role on climate
change, where it fought hard for the
principle of %common but differentiated
responsibilities$ to be woven into the
fabric of climate negotiations. That still
holds, though it$s starting to be ever
more necessary to differentiate among
the differentiated # the yawning gulf
between China$s energy realities and
India$s, for example, are starting to strain
the two nations$ tactical alliance. On
other issues like food, oceans, and cyber
security, India has as yet had little to
say # but it has deep interests at stake.
Now is the time for India to invest
domestically and wield its influence
internationally to help shape an
effective multilateral order for the
coming era.
From Russia, a plea for From Russia, a plea for From Russia, a plea for From Russia, a plea for From Russia, a plea for
cauti on cauti on cauti on cauti on cauti on
Recent events surrounding Syria
have prompted me to speak directly to
the American people and their political
leaders. It is important to do so at a
time of insufficient communication
between our societies.
Relations between us have passed
through different stages. We stood
against each other during the Cold War.
But we were also allies once, and
defeated the Nazis together. The
universal international organisation #
the United Nations # was then
established to prevent such devastation
from ever happening again.
U. N.$s role U. N.$s role U. N.$s role U. N.$s role U. N.$s role
The United Nations$ founders
understood that decisions affecting war
and peace should happen only by
consensus, and with America$s consent
the veto by Security Council permanent
members was enshrined in the United
Nations Charter. The profound wisdom
of this has underpinned the stability of
international relations for decades.
No one wants the United Nations
to suffer the fate of the League of
Nations, which collapsed because it
lacked real leverage. This is possible if
influential countries bypass the United
Nations and take military action without
Security Council authorisation.
The potential strike by the United
States against Syria, despite strong
opposition from many countries and
major political and religious leaders,
including the Pope, will result in more
innocent victims and escalation,
potentially spreading the conflict far
beyond Syria$s borders. A strike would
increase violence and unleash a new
wave of terrorism. It could undermine
multilateral efforts to resolve the Iranian
nuclear problem and the Israeli-
Palesti nian conflict and further
destabilise the Middle East and North
Africa. It could throw the entire system
of international law and order out of
balance.
Syria is not witnessing a battle for
democracy, but an armed conflict
between government and opposition in
a multireligious country. There are few
champions of democracy in Syria. But
there are more than enough Qaeda
fighters and extremists of all stripes
battling the government. The United
States State Department has designated
Al Nusra Front and the Islamic State of
Iraq and the Levant, fighting with the
opposition, as terrorist organisations.
This internal conflict, fuelled by foreign
weapons supplied to the opposition, is
one of the bloodiest in the world.
Mercenaries from Arab countries
fighting there, and hundreds of militants
from Western countries and even Russia,
are an issue of our deep concern. Might
they not return to our countries with
experience acquired in Syria? After all,
after fighting in Libya, extremists moved
on to Mali. This threatens us all.
Protecti ng l aw Protecti ng l aw Protecti ng l aw Protecti ng l aw Protecti ng l aw
From the outset, Russia has
advocated peaceful dialogue enabling
Syrians to develop a compromise plan
for their own future. We are not
protecting the Syrian government, but
international law. We need to use the
United Nations Security Council and
believe that preserving law and order in
today$s complex and turbulent world is
one of the few ways to keep
international relations from sliding into
chaos. The law is still the law, and we
must follow it whether we like it or not.
Under current international law, force is
permitted only in self-defence or by the
decision of the Security Council.
Anything else is unacceptable under the
United Nations Charter and would
constitute an act of aggression.
No one doubts that poison gas
was used in Syria. But there is every
reason to believe it was used not by the
Syrian Army, but by opposition forces,
to provoke intervention by their
powerful foreign patrons, who would
be siding with the fundamentalists.
Reports that militants are preparing
another attack # this time against Israel
# cannot be ignored.
It is alarming that military
intervention in internal conflicts in
foreign countries has become
commonplace for the United States. Is
it in America$s long-term interest? I
doubt it. Millions around the world
increasingly see America not as a model
of democracy but as relying solely on
brute force, cobbling coalitions together
under the slogan you$re either with us
or against us.!
But force has proved ineffective
and pointless. Afghanistan is reeling,
and no one can say what will happen
after international forces withdraw.
Libya is divided into tribes and clans. In
Iraq the civil war continues, with dozens
killed each day. In the United States,
many draw an analogy between Iraq and
Syria, and ask why their government
would want to repeat recent mistakes.
No matter how targeted the
strikes or how sophisticated the
weapons, civilian casualties are
inevitable, including the elderly and
children, whom the strikes are meant to
protect.
New opportunity New opportunity New opportunity New opportunity New opportunity
The world reacts by asking: if you
cannot count on international law, then
you must find other ways to ensure your
security. Thus a growing number of
countries seek to acquire weapons of
mass destruction. This is logical: if you
have the bomb, no one will touch you.
We are left with talk of the need to
strengthen non-proliferation, when in
reality this is being eroded.
We must stop using the language
of force and return to the path of
civilised diplomatic and political
settlement.
A new opportunity to avoid
military action has emerged in the past
few days. The United States, Russia and
all members of the international
community must take advantage of the
Syrian government$s willingness to place
its chemical arsenal under international
control for subsequent destruction.
Judging by the statements of President
Obama, the United States sees this as
an alternative to military action.
I welcome the President$s interest
in continuing the dialogue with Russia
on Syria. We must work together to keep
this hope alive, as we agreed to at the
Group of 8 meeting in Lough Erne in
Northern Ireland in June, and steer the
discussion back toward negotiations.
If we can avoid force against
Syria, this will improve the atmosphere
in international affairs and strengthen
mutual trust. It will be our shared success
and open the door to cooperation on
other critical issues.
My working and personal
relationship with President Obama is
marked by growing trust. I appreciate
this. I carefully studied his address to
the nation on Tuesday. And I would
rather disagree with a case he made on
American exceptionalism, stating that
the United States$ policy is what makes
America different. It$s what makes us
exceptional.! It is extremely dangerous
to encourage people to see themselves
as exceptional, whatever the motivation.
There are big countries and small
countries, rich and poor, those with long
democratic traditions and those still
finding their way to democracy. Their
policies differ, too. We are all different,
but when we ask for the Lord$s blessings,
we must not forget that God created us
equal.
Indi a$ s muddled Indi a$ s muddled Indi a$ s muddled Indi a$ s muddled Indi a$ s muddled
Thinking on punishment Thinking on punishment Thinking on punishment Thinking on punishment Thinking on punishment
Advocating the abolition of the
death penalty in the immediate
aftermath of the sentencing in the Delhi
rape case may appear morally dubious.
What rights do people guilty of so
heinous a crime lay claim to, and what
do they deserve but death, you might
be inclined to ask. But when you apply
an immoral law to monstrous criminals,
it becomes easier to make comparably
iniquitous laws for the rest of us. Capital
punishment, perfectly legal as it may be
under India$s laws, even if only in a
prescriptive sense, runs counter to the
core objectives of the criminal justice
system. Equally, its application in the
rarest of rare cases!# as mandated by
the Supreme Court # speaks to a larger,
underlying incoherence in India$s
penology.
Beccaria$ s treatise Beccaria$ s treatise Beccaria$ s treatise Beccaria$ s treatise Beccaria$ s treatise
Today$s debate over capital
punishment has its broad genesis in 1764
when the Italian jurist, Cesare Beccaria,
published his treatise, An Essay on
Crimes and Punishments.! In it, Beccaria
argued that abolishing the death penalty
was crucial to a society$s progress from
barbarity to civilised refinement. Is it
not absurd,! he asked, that the laws,
which detect and punish homicide,
should, in order to prevent murder,
publicly commit murder themselves?!
Beccaria$s thesis was founded on
two central arguments. One, that the
objectives of punishment were dual: to
deter the future commission of crimes,
which the death penalty decidedly did
not achieve, and to reform the
offenders, which the death penalty
decidedly cannot achieve. And two,
that the state$s right to take the life of a
citizen was illusory, and opposed to the
social contract from which it derived
its sovereignty.
Beccaria$s assertion at the first
level, therefore, comes down to whether
capital punishment, by a measure above
common imprisonment, deters people
from committing crime. Every act of
authority of one man over another that
does not derive from absolute necessity
is tyrannical,! he wrote. For punishment
to be just it must have only that degree
of intensity that suffices to deter men
from crime.!
After centuries of debate, the
answer to Beccaria$s question remains
as clear as it did when he published his
thesis. There is no empirical evidence
evincing the death penalty$s ability to
deter crime; if anything, the converse
has been shown to be true. In the United
States, for instance, death penalty States
have far worse homicide rates than
abolitionist States. So given that capital
punishment does not act as a deterrent,
and given that it cannot reform an
offender (who will be too dead to be
reformed), the only logical argument in
its favour is on retributive grounds.
Yet it wasn$t for such objectives
that the death penalty was instilled as
punishment for some offences (viz.
murder and the highest offences against
the state) under the Indian Penal Code
1860. In fact, the only reason murder
was punishable with death, while rape
was punishable with mere
imprisonment, was on deterrent
grounds. Lord Macaulay, who drafted
the code with painstaking precision,
wrote in his notes to the statute that no
argument that has been brought to our
notice has satisfied us that it would be
desirable wholly to dispense with [the
death penalty].! But, according to him,
while many were of the opinion that
gang-robbery and rape were offences
that ought to be punishable with death,
atrocious as the crimes may be, they
cannot be placed on the same class with
murder. These offences, he wrote, are
almost always committed under such
circumstances that the offender has it
in his power to add murder to his guilt.!
If the punishment of the crime already
committed were the same as the
punishment for murder, the offender,
said Macaulay, would have no
restraini ng motive. A law which
imprisons for rape and robbery, and
hangs for murder,! he wrote, holds out
to ravishers and robbers a strong
inducement to spare the lives of those
whom they have injured.!
Macaulay$s argument, in spite of
its chilling moral nuances, is lucid and
logical assuming the death penalty acts
as a deterrent. But in the several decades
since the Indian Penal Code$s drafting,
capital punishment$s deterrent effect
remains, at best, unproven. Yet, India
continues to retain the punishment. And
in doing so, it has muddled a largely
rational penology that stood as the basis
for its substantive criminal law.
Retaining the death penalty on
grounds of retribution alone is flawed
at many levels beyond its inherent
immorality. In India, while murder is
punishable with death, theft is not
punishable with a corresponding theft
nor is rape punishable with rape.
Although retribution does not always
envisage an eye for an eye, we see it
used as the theoretical basis for the
punishment of some offences, while for
others the law reverts to deterrence and
reformation for justification.
Rarest of rare! cases Rarest of rare! cases Rarest of rare! cases Rarest of rare! cases Rarest of rare! cases
Further widening this penological
schism is the Supreme Court$s dictum
that the death penalty be applied only
in the rarest of rare cases.! In 1982, a
bench of five judges, in
, uphel d t he
constitutionality of Section 302 of the
IPC, which prescribes the death penalty
as punishment for murder. And in so
upholding its validity, the court
prescribed that the penalty be accorded
only in the rarest of rare cases.! The
Court referenced Macaulay, who in
drafting the code said capital
punishment ought to be sparingly
inflicted. But his intentions weren$t to
instil in judges discretion in determining
which were the rarest of rare cases.!
On the contrary, he was providing a
rationale for why the death penalty was
restricted only to murder and the highest
offences against the state.
Justice Krishna Iyer$s
concern,
, that " it
is unfortunate that there are no
penological guidelines in the statute for
preferring the lesser sentence, it being
left to ad-hoc forensic impressionism
to decide for life or for death,! went
unheeded in . The rarest
of rare cases! doctrine has, on the other
hand, exacerbated the confusion over
which cases merit the death sentence.
By its fundamental ethos, as Justice P.N.
Bhagwati put it in his dissenting opinion,
the doctrine is constitutionally flawed.
The question may well be asked,! wrote
Bhagwati, by the accused: Am I to live
or die depending upon the way in which
the Benches are constituted from time
to time? Is that not clearly violative of
the fundamental guarantees enshrined
in Articles 14 and 21?!
Irrevocabil i ty Irrevocabil i ty Irrevocabil i ty Irrevocabil i ty Irrevocabil i ty
The strongest, practical argument,
however, against capital punishment is
its irrevocability. The dangers are most
evident from the Supreme Court$s
judgment in 2009 in
. Here, a bench
comprising Justices S.B. Sinha and Cyriac
Joseph ruled that previous judgments
of the Court, in which 13 death sentences
were validated, were rendered
, or in other words were
rendered in ignorance of the law laid
down in Bachan Singh$s case. Out of
these 13 convicts, whose sentences were
confirmed by a decision that was
admittedly incorrect, two have already
been hanged. Such episodes are too high
a price to pay for a punishment that, all
else apart, is ineffectual. What$s more,
in a country where an accused$s right to
free legal counsel is, at best, a mockery,
retaining capital punishment sounds a
virtual death knell to the Constitution.
That this debate is still alive in India,
however, speaks to an even broader
problem: an underlying incoherence in
the country$s penology. Hang the
murderers and the rapists and we will
deter all future crime, seems to be the
attitude. I have raised the demand to
award capital punishment to these four
convicts,! said the Leader of the
Opposition, Sushma Swaraj, after the
four men were found guilty in the Delhi
case. If they are awarded the death
sentence, it would become a model for
the country and effectively curb
incidents of rapes.! Such demands for
the guillotine shift the focus from far
more significant considerations: the
maintenance of law and order through
better policing, effective, efficient
prosecutorial conduct and, most
importantly, the need to reform the
country$s prisoners. The death penalty
is not only barbaric and immoral, it also
contradicts the criminal justice system$s
core objectives: to reform and
rehabilitate offenders while ensuring that
the accorded punishment deters others
from committing crime.
Diplomacy works Diplomacy works Diplomacy works Diplomacy works Diplomacy works
The Unites States-Russia
agreement to provide a framework! for
the inspection, removal and eventual
destruction of Syria$s chemical weapons
proves diplomacy is not a spent force
in international politics: it has been
creatively deployed in this case to not
only stave off potentially disastrous
military intervention, but also break new
ground in troubleshooting the Syrian
crisis politically. The deal # signed
Saturday in Geneva by Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov and his U.S.
counterpart John Kerry # requires
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to
allow for immediate on-site
inspections of all declared sites! which
produce and stockpile chemical
munitions. The agreement proposes to
eliminate! all WMD material in Syria
within the first half of 2014.! With Syria
having formally acceded to the
Chemical Weapons Convention, the
inspection will be supervised by the
treaty$s watchdog, the Organization for
the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,
as well as the U.N. These remarkable
developments, which come barely a
week after a West-led attack on Syria
seemed all but inevitable, represent a
stunning victory for Russian President
Vladimir Putin, who urged the U.S. via
an op-ed in the t o
stop using the language of force and
return to the path of [...] diplomatic
settlement.! His attempt marks one of
the most politically savvy gestures by a
head of state to reach across the aisle
to a foreign audience in recent years.
Saturday$s deal is a game-changer
in more ways than one. On the one hand,
it could prevent further escalation of
violence, including the use of WMDs, in
Syria. On the other, weapons inspection
necessitates a cease-fire agreement
between the government and the rebels
in many parts of the country, which can
only help the case for political dialogue.
That said, the power struggle between
the U.S. and Russia on this issue will
continue unabated. If the West has been
saved the blushes of going to war
without domestic support, it will now
exploit any claim of Syria$s non-
compliance to initiate a military strike.
Moscow seems amenable to a Chapter
VII resolution at the U.N. Security Council
to goad Syria into cooperating, but will
insist on a tight draft that eschews the
use of force against Assad$s regime.
Syria$s accession to the CWC leaves Israel
and Egypt, staunch American allies, as
the only two holdouts in the region to
remain outside major treaties banning
WMDs. To counter this strategic
imbalance, Russia has sought to push
the Syrian deal as a precursor to a WMD-
free Middle East!. Laudable though that
goal is, this should not deter multilateral
efforts to seize the momentum the
Geneva deal has offered to nudge the
Syrian conflict$s principal actors toward
the negotiating table.
In West Asia, surreal is the In West Asia, surreal is the In West Asia, surreal is the In West Asia, surreal is the In West Asia, surreal is the
new normal new normal new normal new normal new normal
Russia and the United States have
shown their continuing importance to
West Asia with the deal they reached
over Syria in Geneva on September 14.
Syria now has to remove or destroy its
entire stockpile of chemical weapons
by mid-2014, or face a United Nations
resolution enforcing the agreement with
the threat of force in the event of non-
compliance. Yet, the deal could be
undermined by the conflicting and
shifting alliances and interests among
all the West Asian countries involved.
At least one of the alliances or
collaborations remains unlikely. Had
President Barack Obama sent U.S.
troops to Syria, they would have found
themselves on the same side as the
extreme Sunni faction Jabhat al Nusra,
whi ch has links to al-Qaeda. This
prospect may not have occurred to
hawkish Congressional Republicans
demanding war, but veterans of the
Afghanistan and Iraq invasions are very
angry about it.
Among the actual collaborations,
one took place in Washington when Mr.
Obama # who has never been publicly
supportive of the Zionist lobby in the
United States and whose administration
has criticised Israel$s illegal settlements
in the occupied territories # had a long
conference call with, among other
bodies, the lobby$s best-known group,
the American Israel Public Affairs
Committee (AIPAC), after which AIPAC
mounted a strong but fruitless campaign
asking members of Congress to vote for
military intervention in Syria.
For interventi on For interventi on For interventi on For interventi on For interventi on
The other alliances are only too
real. Certain West Asian countries have
been putting pressure on Washington to
use force against Syria; Secretary of
State John Kerry says there is support
from Saudi Arabia for a strike, and from
Qatar for foreign intervention. Various
countries in the region have also offered
to pay for a U.S.-led invasion of Syria.
The rulers concerned, neither
propose to invade Syria themselves, nor
do they seek U.N. intervention # their
aims go beyond removing the Syrian
regime. They are deeply troubled by the
Arab awakening, which has undermined
their entire sense of order in the region,
with some peculiar consequences. Saudi
Arabia is directing its current aid
specifically to al-Qaeda allies al Nusra
and not to the whole Syrian National
Coalition.
I r an I r an I r an I r an I r an
Furthermore, many West Asian
countries are much more fearful about
Iran than they are about Syria, and
particularly fear the kind of influence
they think Iran might wield in the region,
either on its own or through Shia
movements in Syria, Lebanon, Saudi
Arabia and Iraq. Needless to say, the
West Asian monarchies and
dictatorships consider the Assad
government, which is made up almost
exclusively of the country$s Alawite Shia
minority, to be nothing but Iranian
clients.
The same holds for Israel, often
thought to be the greatest U.S. ally in
West Asia and the strongest regional
influence on Washington. Yet, this
influence is not all it might seem to be;
the Zionist lobby cannot control any U.S.
President who is determined to speak
directly to the public, especially over
matters of national interest. Second,
even within Israel there are significant
differences between the U.S. Zionist
lobby and Israeli concerns. Prime
Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been
uncharacteristically quiet about Syria
and has asked his cabinet to follow suit,
possibly because comments could put
Mr. Obama off intervening.
Furthermore, within Israel a wide range
of views obtains. The daily ,
in an editorial on September 10, states
that AIPAC has every right to express its
views and to lobby in the U.S., but that
AIPAC is not Israel and has no right to
express Israeli policy! # or to send
others to conduct military operations,
much less in the indirect service of the
Syrian rebels and Al-Qaida.!
Third, the strength of Saudi
Arabian influence on Washington is often
underestimated. Riyadh has no
organised lobby there, but it is one of
the biggest buyers of U.S. weaponry #
an important matter for elected officials
whose seats could depend on
employment levels in their own
constituencies # and has extensive
networks among the military and
intelligence services. Furthermore, Saudi
Arabian arms purchases put a
proportion of oil profits back into the
U.S. economy, and the oil majors have
themselves long made enormous sums
from their operations in the kingdom.
Factor of a democracy Factor of a democracy Factor of a democracy Factor of a democracy Factor of a democracy
It is here that the most startling
confluence of concerns emerges. Israel
fears that if the Syrian regime surrenders
or destroys its chemical weapons, Mr.
Assad will be strengthened; that in turn
would help both Iran and Hezbollah,
which has sent troops to help the Assad
forces. Saudi Arabia almost certainly
feels the same, if for primarily sectarian
reasons and for fear of losing its relative
dominance among the Muslim-majority
countries in the region. Tel Aviv and
Riyadh may want the Syrian regime
removed, but they do not want a
democracy instead, either there or
elsewhere in West Asia, because that
would bring challenges to their own
legitimacy as well as public demands
that they actively work towards a just
and equitable solution in Israel-
Palestine. In effect, the strongest
potential collaboration here is that
between the hardline Salafist monarchy
of Saudi Arabia and the Zionist state of
Israel. That might give satirists
or good material, but any
graphic representation of the situation
would probably look like a painting by
Maurits Cornelis Escher or Salvador
Dal. This state of affairs, however, could
not have been invented.
Ratify this convention Ratify this convention Ratify this convention Ratify this convention Ratify this convention
The entry into force of the
landmark global convention that legally
recognises domestic work as
economically productive activity makes
it even harder to countenance the long
official neglect of this sector in India.
This new standard adopted by the
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
mandates states to promote the
freedom of association and the right to
collective bargaining between domestic
workers and their employers, and the
effective abolition of child labour in this
sector. But the task of mobilising
domestic workers to assert their rights
to fair terms of employment is most
formidable. The workpl ace is an
extremely amorphous term in this
particular context, as it typically
connotes more than one household. The
isolated and unprotected nature of the
activity exposes workers, more than 80
per cent of whom are women, to greater
vulnerability. A high rate of attrition is
also a factor, as migrant groups
constitute the mainstay of domestic
labour. Not surprisingly, barely 10 per
cent of domestic workers around the
world are covered by general labour
legislation in comparison with those in
other sectors. A 2013 ILO report shows
that the Asia-Pacific region has the
maximum prevalence of domestic
labour, about 41 per cent. But it is the
weakest in terms of legal protection #
only three per cent of workers are
entitled to a weekly day off as compared
to the global average of 50 per cent.
Just one per cent of the Asia-Pacific
domestic workforce is entitled to
stipulated maximum hours of work a
week. Rights to minimum wages and
maternity benefits that are norms in
Latin America are a far-cry in Asia.
In India, which has eight per cent
of the world$s domestic workers,
attempts to extend legal protection to
this sector date back to a private
member$s bill in Parliament in the 1950s.
But the closest any legislature has
moved to realise the objective is the
recent inclusion of this category in the
Tamil Nadu Manual Workers Act, besides
legally guaranteed minimum wages in
Kerala and Karnataka. Entitlements to a
weekly day off, paid leave and other
long term benefits are no less legitimate
demands and are important steps to
augment their social status as workers.
The demand for domestic workers is
said to be on the increase given the
changing profile of the Indian family, the
ageing process and urbanisation. The
ratification of the ILO convention will
be an important step in improving the
lot of the millions employed in this
sector. But it will also need enabling
domestic legislation. As a first,
Parliament should consider acting
expeditiously on the 2008 draft bill
proposed by the National Commission
for Women that seeks to regulate
working conditions for domestic
workers.
A novel way to curb free A novel way to curb free A novel way to curb free A novel way to curb free A novel way to curb free
speech speech speech speech speech
The Kannada novel created
history of sorts in Karnataka when, on
August 29, its author was arrested on
the charge of outraging the religious
sentiments of Hindus. Though
controversies around books are not new
in Karnataka, Yogesh Master became the
first writer to be arrested under IPC 295A
(deliberate acts intended to outrage
religious feelings) and IPC 298 (uttering
words with intent to wound religious
feeling).
Following another case filed by
Pramod Muthalik, founder of Sri Rama
Sene, a City Civil and Sessions Court
passed an interim order of injunction
on the sale and distribution of the novel
until September 28.
After poli ti cal change After poli ti cal change After poli ti cal change After poli ti cal change After poli ti cal change
That the arrest took place under
the newly-elected Congress government
in Karnataka led by Chief Minister
Siddaramaiah # he is known to be a
man with secular! credentials # and
not during the previous Bharatiya Janata
Party regime marked by communal
tensions # has left many baffled.
The unprecedented arrest has led
to a reversal of sorts in Karnataka$s
intellectual circles: while the liberal and
progressive voices that had openly
supported Mr. Siddaramaiah have been
highly critical of the handling of the issue,
right wing groups have congratulated the
secular! government for its swift action.
Earli er examples Earli er examples Earli er examples Earli er examples Earli er examples
Karnataka has had a long history
of caste and religious groups protesting
against what they perceive as offensive!
characterisations of their communities
or their heroes and gods. Kuvempu$s
portrayal of the Shudra Shambuka
episode from Ramayana was seen by
some back in the 1940s as an insult to
the epic, and Masti Venkatesh Iyenger$s
historical novel on King Chikkaveera
Rajendra saw the numerically strong
Lingayat community demanding its
withdrawal in the 1980s. Controversies
around by H. S.
Shivaprakash, by P.V.
Narayana, by
Banjagere Jayaprakash and
by H. Nagaveni have resulted in
them being withdrawn from circulation
or from university syllabi.
On the other side of the divide,
cases were filed against M. Chidananda
Murthy, a scholar with an unequivocal
right-wing position, for his writings on
Tipu Sultan. The portrayal of the Muslim
community in the S.L. Bhyrappa
novel resulted in heated
debate. But the works of the two authors
have never been withdrawn from
circulation.
Based on reports Based on reports Based on reports Based on reports Based on reports
What sets the controversy
apart, however, is not just the arrest of
its author, but also that the book was
withdrawn from sale and circulation
within 10 days of its release, even before
it was read and an opinion formed. The
complaint and the court petition were
based on reports in a section of the
Kannada media that were clearly fuelled
by the right wing propaganda machinery.
The articles and television debates
quoted from the book selectively and
out of context and went to the extent of
conducting a media trial of the author,
projecting him as a pervert.!
Author Yogesh Master was
unknown except in theatre circles before
the controversy erupted. A former
schoolteacher and a theatre activist
(which has earned him his second name
Master!), he chose a wide canvas for
his novel that revolves around the
character of Dhundi Ganapathi. He
described the novel as the story of how
an Aranyaka (forest dweller or tribal)
became Ganapathi (a valiant clan
leader) and eventually god.
The novel is set in a period of great
churning in ancient India when different
migrant groups and natives fought for
survival and supremacy. The novel
centres around the newly-arrived Aryans
slowly establishing control over the
natives like Aranyakas, Shudras and
Dasyus. The subjugation takes place
partly through coercion and partly
through manipulation and co-option of
the local elite. At a cultural level, the
moral codes and sexual mores of these
groups are often in conflict with those
of the Aryans. The prime objection
against the book is the perceived
obscenity and disrespect in the
portrayal of characters like Rudra,
Parvathi and Dhundi Ganapathi and their
relationships, disregarding the
reverential places they occupy in the
Hindu pantheon today.
Not new Not new Not new Not new Not new
While there can always be debates
on the literary merits (or the lack of it)
of a fictional work and the extent of its
historicity, the core subject of this novel
is not an explosive new idea. Historians
such as D.D. Kosambi, Debiprasad
Chattopadhyaya, Rahul Sankrityayan,
P.V. Kane and several others have written
extensively on this phase of history, with
the materialist interpretation of Indian
mythology forming an important part.
Broadly on these lines, the novel
fictionalises the conflict-ridden period
of ancient Indian history from a
perspective that is subaltern and critical
of hegemonic Brahminism. Yogesh
Master lists the books of these scholars
and historians as his reference material.
Quite ironically, the angry responses
t o appear to be in continuation
of the subject of the novel itself,
stemming essentially from a highly
puritanical and Brahminical value
system.
At a broader level, the controversy
ar ound has once agai n
rekindled the old debate on freedom of
expression and its limits. The protest by
liberal intellectuals against the arrest of
Yogesh Master has been dubbed by their
detractors as hypocritical! with a
predictable taunt on whether they would
react similarly if the novel was offensive
to non-Hindus.
In turn, the defenders
of have questioned the high-
decibel defence by the same people of
Bhairappa$s novels in the name of
historical accuracy! and freedom of
expression. Clearly, there is a need for a
carefully nuanced argument that can tell
a hate speech from a creative
interpretation of history and mythology.
Brazil shows the way Brazil shows the way Brazil shows the way Brazil shows the way Brazil shows the way
In cancelling her state visit to the
United States on account of the National
Security Agency$s spying excesses,
President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil has
taken a principled position that most
leaders around the world have shown
little appetite for. While every major
power affected by the NSA$s intrusive
surveillance programme # with the
honourable exception of Germany #
has gone out of its way to brush U.S.
highhandedness under the carpet, Brazil
has expressed its displeasure at the
highest diplomatic level. Ms Rousseff$s
state visit, originally scheduled next
month, would have been the first by a
Brazilian head of state to Washington,
D.C. in nearly two decades. Evidently,
the symbolism attached to it meant little
for the President in the face of
allegations that her office, and other
institutions, including Brazil$s largest
company Petrobras, had been bugged
by the NSA.
That these revelations follow the
arbitrary detention of David Miranda #
the Brazilian partner of journalist Glenn
Greenwald who published the NSA leaks
# by British authorities at Heathrow has
alienated her government further.
Former President Lula da Silva suggested
in an interview to that U.S.
President Barack Obama must
apologise! for the NSA$s snooping. The
Rousseff administration is even mulling
relocating! to Brazil its citizens$ data
hosted by major U.S. companies.
Compare this commendable
response to that of India, another
emerging power which, like Brazil, has
enjoyed cordial ties with the United
States. India too was affected by the
NSA$s schemes: it is now on record that
our embassies, government leaders and
ordinary citizens were spied upon. When
NSA documents were made public,
Foreign Minister Sal man Khurshid
sought to justify the Agency$s conduct
as commonplace.
And where Ms Rousseff chose to
cancel her visit, there are indications that
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh might
end up making concessions on a host of
issues that are of great concern to
American businesses when he meets
with President Obama on September
27. earlier reported U.S.
attempts to get India to phase out
refrigerant gases under the Montreal
Protocol. Apart from pressing for
speedier progress on the purchase of
American nuclear reactors, the Obama
administration is also likely to demand
protection for American patents in the
pharmaceutical and renewable energy
sectors over and above that required
by Indian law. Prime Minister Singh need
not call off his visit la Rousseff; but
the least he could do is to publicly
register India$s anguish at NSA$s spying,
while buffeting U.S. attempts to wrest
uneven concessions on the economic
front.
%Wret ched of the earth$ %Wret ched of the earth$ %Wret ched of the earth$ %Wret ched of the earth$ %Wret ched of the earth$
In India, the overwhelming
majority of Dalits and other
marginalised sections of society are
extremely poor. So, it is not surprising
that these wretched of the earth,! who
earn their living through a hard day$s
labour, get attracted to the egalitarian
slogans of socialism.
U.P.$s two principal parties, the SP
and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), owe
their power to these wretched of the
earth.! While the former party is a self
anointed custodian of the Muslims, the
latter proudly asserts its Dalit power.
The BSP considers the roots of its politics
embedded in the writings and teachings
of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. For the SP,
the roots lie in the ideas of Ram
Manohar Lohia. Both Ambedkar and
Lohia deeply believed in socialist ideals
and both had, albeit, different visions
of forming a caste and classless society
in India. For instance, Ambedkar$s vision
of socialism is inconceivable unless a
rigorous struggle is waged against
Brahmanism along with capitalism.
Ideol ogical devi ati on Ideol ogical devi ati on Ideol ogical devi ati on Ideol ogical devi ati on Ideol ogical devi ati on
But the politics of the
marginalised in U.P. is completely in the
hands of the upper castes, whose
primary interest is not to challenge
caste-ism but to get further benefits out
of existing caste divisions. Hence, it is
no wonder that this same class can be
seen riding the elephant! when the BSP
is in power or cycling! around while
the SP rules the roost.
It is due to the increasing political
influence of the Hindu upper castes, that
the elephant! becomes the Ganesha!
and the Cycle! celebrates Parshuram.!
The privileged sections among the
Muslims have succeeded in influencing
U.P. politics in two ways. First, by
restricting the politics to the domain of
religion and second, by limiting the
political rise of the lower and backward
sections among the Muslims.
Both Ambedkar and Lohia firmly
believed that politics must be based in
the concrete analysis of people$s social
and economic conditions. If we follow
the precept, the chief problem which
Dalit, backward and other marginalised
sections face is of dignity, education,
employment and housing. Neither the
BSP, nor the SP, has done anything
In the name of socialism In the name of socialism In the name of socialism In the name of socialism In the name of socialism
My recent arrest has superbly
exposed the well crafted illusion of
sociali sm as professed by the
Samajwadi Party (SP). I was arrested
under Sections 153 and 295 A of the
Indian Penal Code for criticising the Uttar
Pradesh government$s decision to
suspend IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal.
I was also charged under Section 66A of
the IT Act, a fact that became known to
me only after I received a copy of the
Police FIR from the district court.
Surely, there must have been
something particularly malicious in what
I wrote on my Facebook wall to invite
such stringent charges. Malicious enough
that I now share the above two charges
with none other than the young
demagogue of the Bharatiya Janata
Party # Varun Gandhi. The fact that the
charges against Mr. Gandhi have since
been withdrawn and that it has been
done through the active complicity of
the SP is well known, thanks to a sting
investigation by .
Azam Khan$s hegemony Azam Khan$s hegemony Azam Khan$s hegemony Azam Khan$s hegemony Azam Khan$s hegemony
What has irked the government the
most is not the criticism I levelled against
the U.P. government on the issue of
suspending an IAS officer, but another
comment of mine on Facebook that
exposed the government$s hypocrisy
during a similar incident which took
place in Rampur.
On July 23, a 200-year-old Islamic
Madrasa! was brought down in the
foulest manner possible in Rampur.
Regardless of the fact that the building
was a historically important one, it was
demolished without following any due
process of law. Raising this issue on my
Facebook post of August 2, I questioned
that if an IAS officer could be suspended
on allegations of demolishing a mosque
wall in Noida, then pray, why was no
action taken against any official for a
similar action in Rampur?
The reason was the complete
hegemony enjoyed by the SP$s Muslim
face, and Minister for Minority Affairs,
Mr. Azam Khan, in Rampur. The
demands for booking me under the
National Security Act, stirred at the
behest of Mr. Khan, brought to the fore
the unabashed and authoritarian style
of the Rampur MLA$s functioning.
substantial to address these issues. They
have no programmatic understanding of
dealing with the growing influence of
neo-liberal policies, and have long
succumbed to the logic of market
economy.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav
must understand that socialism does not
follow from merely distributing various
allowances and laptops, or hobnobbing
with goons and all kinds of anti-social
elements. He must understand that
suppressing democratic voices and
curbing the free expression of the
citizens can be anything but Lohia$s
teachings.
Heritage at stake Heritage at stake Heritage at stake Heritage at stake Heritage at stake
The Comptroller and Auditor
General has indicted the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI), the premier
institute mandated to protect national
monuments, for its miserable
performance. The evidence of failure
revealed is shocki ng, and the
conclusions drawn about the state of
conservation are depressing. Instead of
seriously reviewing the performance
audit fi ndings and implementing
corrective measures, the Ministry of
Culture is squabbling over a remark on
the number of missing monuments. After
inspecting about 1655 protected sites,
the CAG reported that 92 are missing.
The ministry has contested this, stating
that only 21 are untraceable. It has
speciously argued that another 26
monuments, though submerged under
reservoirs, encroached upon and
affected by urbanisation, cannot be
classified as missing. It is yet to verify
the existence of six more monuments,
but has nevertheless given an assurance
that the remaining ones are physically
present. If this claim is correct, then the
CAG may have to revise its estimates
and categories for the sake of accuracy.
But the number of missing monuments
is not the only issue. There are other
critical shortcomings.
The ASI has not satisfactorily
completed the basic and simple task of
maintaining an error free inventory of
monuments that is fundamental for
regular monitoring. There are serious
discrepancies between the data
available at the circle and sub-circle
offices, and the headquarters of the ASI.
To sort out such issues and provide a
reliable data base, the government
created the National Mission on
Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) in
2007. Disappointingly, at the end of its
five-year tenure, the NMMA had
managed to document only 80,000 of
the 5 lakh monuments targeted. The ASI
has also not fared well in another core
task: excavating potential sites and
expanding the horizon of history. Sadly,
this premiere institute spends less than
one per cent of its total expenditure on
this important activity. Even where it
has conducted excavations, the ASI has
not completed the projects. In 2010, the
ministry amended the Ancient
Monuments, Sites and Remains Act and
promised to regulate development
around the monuments better. This has
not yet happened. So far, it has drafted
site-specific building regulations for
only two of the 3678 protected
monuments and sites. Earlier
committees that reviewed the
functioning of the ASI had also pointed
out some of these inadequacies. It
appears that not much has changed.
Unless the government restructures the
ASI, improves institutional infrastructure
and regularly monitors its performance,
India$s priceless heritage will slowly be
lost.
Dangers of chilling on climate Dangers of chilling on climate Dangers of chilling on climate Dangers of chilling on climate Dangers of chilling on climate
change change change change change
The forthcoming Intergovern-
mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Summary for Policymakers, it has been
reported, states that the rate of global
warming has slowed over the last 15
years. It also argues that estimates of
eventual warming from a doubling of
carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
are lower than was earlier thought.
Taken individually, each of these
assertions is a partial narration of
ongoing climate processes. Read
together, they carry the danger of
fostering complacency, both about the
current rate of global warming and the
urgency in avoiding dangerous levels of
warming.
Three theori es Three theori es Three theori es Three theori es Three theori es
There have been at least three
theories in recent climate science
literature seeking to explain the
slowdown, or hiatus,! in global
warming. Global warming is measured
by taking an average of near-surface air
temperatures all over the globe
throughout the year, but this does not
account for the heat trapped by
greenhouse gases that is transported
into the deeper oceans. Warming of the
ocean waters below 700 metres has
been exceptional in recent years. A
st udy i n
says that depths below 700
metres have become much more
strongly involved in the heat uptake after
1998, and subsequently account for 30%
of the ocean warming,! precisely the
period in which surface warming has
slowed down. But despite being
transported into the deeper oceans,
much of this heat energy will show up
as warming sooner or later.
Aerosols Aerosols Aerosols Aerosols Aerosols
Another proposition is that a
prolonged La Nia-like cooling in the
tropical Pacific has lessened the impact
of greenhouse gases by 0.15 Celsius
globally in the recent decade. It is a
natural variability and, if this is the cause,
the slowdown will be temporary, as a
recent paper argues (Yu Kosaka and
Shang-Ping Xie, %Recent Global Warming
Hiatus Tied to Equatorial Pacific Surface
Cool i ng$ , , doi: 10. 1038/
nature12534). A third theory is that near-
surface warming is being masked by an
increased generation of aerosols,
caused by greater manufacturing
occurring in China in this period and, to
a lesser degree, India. This particulate
pollution is harmful to human health but
has a cooling effect in climate terms. In
the decades after World War II as well,
aerosols from dirty manufacturing
processes # then in the developed
world # slowed surface warming
despite one of the most rapid rates in
carbon dioxide emissions growth. Unlike
CO{-2}though, aerosols have a lifespan
of a few days; clean up your industrial
act, and their cooling effect promptly
disappears.
These varied explanations help
form a more complete picture of
ongoing climate processes. One
assumes that this more complex picture
would be presented, if not in the AR5
Summary for Policymakers, then in the
Technical Summary, which in IPCC$s AR4
2007 was over four times as long as the
former. It would be premature to rush
to a definite opinion before seeing what
these documents say, and hearing
independent scientific opinion on them.
The half has not been told us.
The second major revelation is
that the lower end of eventual warming
from a doubling of carbon dioxide levels
has been reduced from 2C in the IPCC$s
2007 AR4 report, to 1.5C. Some have
argued, though, that most such estimates
do not include slow feedbacks.
Feedbacks, in the climate context, are
ecosystem responses to global warming
that usually cause further warming. The
effects of slow feedbacks # such as
reduced albedo reflectivity from the
great ice sheets in Antarctica and
Greenland, and greenhouse gas releases
from the oceans on their getting warmer
(in contrast to absorbing them now) #
take much longer to play out. Including
slow feedbacks in their analysis led
James Hansen, among the world$s most
respected climate scientists, and others
to conclude that global climate
sensitivity including the slow surface
albedo feedback is " 6 degrees Celsius
for doubled CO{-2}!. Carbon dioxide
may be much more potent than we
realise. Again, perhaps it is best to keep
conclusions in abeyance until we fully
hear what the IPCC has to say.
Melting in the Arctic Melting in the Arctic Melting in the Arctic Melting in the Arctic Melting in the Arctic
What is really worrying is the
complacency that these two points #
that warming is slowing and CO{-2}is
less potent # read together may
engender. As it is, sections of the Indian
political class are not exactly known for
their alacrity in responding to crises
faced by the poor. Making them respond
with greater urgency becomes all the
more difficult if complacency about
global warming spreads among political
organisations and members of the public
at large. I have already been asked, at
two talks in the last one week: but the
warming is slowing down, isn$t it? Even
as we speak, the world is facing the
dead-certain prospect of largely ice-free
Arctic summers for the first time in at
least 2.5 million years. Ice-free Arctic
summers will nudge us even closer to
dangerous or even irreversible warming.
The need for that urgency has never been
greater.
More than baby steps More than baby steps More than baby steps More than baby steps More than baby steps
required required required required required
One more health-status indicator
has recently been published, and as
expected, India brings up the rear.
Despite reducing under-five mortality
from 2.5 million in 2001 to 1.4 million in
2012, India still holds the dubious
distinction of having the highest number
of deaths in the world in this vulnerable
age group # 22 per cent. Further, the
2013 UNICEF report on infant mortality
highlights our notorious track record. Of
the 2.1 million deaths in the entire
southern Asian region, India$s share
alone is 1.4 million deaths. Being highly
populous cannot be cited as a reason;
the death rate, which refers to the
number of deaths per one thousand live
births, is much higher in India than a few
South Asian countries. In 1990,
Bangladesh and Nepal had death rates
of 144 and 142 respectively, compared
with 196 in India. But these two countries
have performed dramatically by bringing
down the rate of deaths to 41 and 42
respectively, and, as a result, surpassed
India$s (56) in 2012. Even as these two
countries are quite close to achieving
the 2015 Millennium Development Goal
for under-5 mortality (of less than 38
deaths per one thousand live births),
India would be able to reach that distant
goal only in the mid-2020s. Unlike India,
these two countries are reaping the
benefits of heavy investments they
made in health-care systems in the last
two decades. One need not look outside
for lessons. By emulating the Tamil Nadu
model, which has well equipped public
health centres manned by doctors and
well-trained staff present round the
clock, India can beat down the under-
five mortality rate.
Two-thirds of neonatal deaths
occur in just 10 countries, and India
accounts for more than a quarter of
those. The well-being of the mother and
the newborn in the first 24 hours is very
critical. Nearly half of all newborn
deaths globally occur during this time.
With over three lakh newborn deaths,
India ranks number one in terms of death
on the very first day of birth. One of the
major reasons for neonatal deaths is a
lack of good delivery practices resulting
in prolonged labour. This, in turn, results
in birth asphyxia, the single-most
important cause of mortality; even in
Tamil Nadu, 16 per cent to 18 per cent
of neonatal deaths are caused by this.
Childhood anaemia is another critical
area that needs immediate attention.
Anaemia during the early years of life
leads to repeated respiratory infection
and makes the child more prone to
diarrhoea. Even while steps are taken
to address health issues, open defecation
and the lack of clean drinking water #
both of which have a direct link to the
health of children # have to be tackled
on a war footing.
RBI focus still on currency RBI focus still on currency RBI focus still on currency RBI focus still on currency RBI focus still on currency
stabi l i ty stabi l i ty stabi l i ty stabi l i ty stabi l i ty
Reserve Bank of India governor
Raghuram Rajan$s maiden monetary
policy announcement has evoked
contrary responses. India$s financial
markets and a section of the business
community have reacted adversely to
his decision to increase the repo rate in
his policy statement. This is
understandable. Dr. Rajan had been in
favour of lowering interest rates during
his brief stint at the Finance Ministry.
That and the terrific buzz that
accompanied his assumption of office
had led to expectations in some
quarters that a rate cut was likely. Others
in the business community and many in
the media, who had pilloried Dr.
Subbarao for his anti-inflationary
stance, have made something of a
. They have been quick to portray
Dr. Rajan as an inflation hawk.
Reading of the policy Reading of the policy Reading of the policy Reading of the policy Reading of the policy
Both Dr. Rajan$s detractors and
admirers may be wrong in their reading
of the monetary policy statement. It
appears more plausible that Dr. Rajan$s
policy stance is aimed at shoring up the
rupee ahead of a change in the U.S. Fed$s
policy about three months from now.
The RBI may find it prudent not to say
so for fear of adding to nervousness in
the currency markets. It may choose to
couch its stance in anti-inflationary
terms. But currency stability seems to
weigh more heavily on the RBI than its
statement would suggest. Sustaining
growth also appears to be a
consideration.
Consider the changes effected in
the policy statement. Banks can today
borrow from the RBI in two ways. One
is the repo route but only to the extent
of 0.5 per cent of their liabilities. Any
requirement in excess of what can be
financed by repos can be met through
the Marginal Standing Facility (up to 2
per cent of liabilities). In its policy
statement, the RBI cut the MSF rate by
75 basis points and raised the repo rate
by 25 basis points. The governor
claimed that the net effect would be to
reduce the cost of bank financing
substantially.! This is debatable.
Analysts estimate that the MSF and
the repo account for about 55 per cent
and 45 per cent respectively of bank
borrowing from the RBI. Factoring in the
changes in the two rates, yes, the cost
of bank borrowings from the RBI can be
expected to decli ne. The cost of
certificates of deposit (CD), which are
of maturity of one year or less, has also
fallen. However, a cut in the MSF rate
only impacts short-term interest rates.
Long-term rates are influenced by the
repo rate. We should expect long-term
rates to rise following the RBI statement
# and this is already reflected in a rise
of about 30 basis points in 10-year
government securities.
It is not just yields on long-term
government securities that will rise.
When the RBI raises the repo rate, it is a
signal that rates across the spectrum will
go up, including rates on term deposits.
The overall cost of a bank$s deposits
will be determined by the composition
of its deposits # how much of these
are short-term and how much long-term.
Once long-term yields rise, deposits will
veer towards the long end.
It is more than likely than the total
cost of deposits will increase and that
this increase will overwhelm the
decrease in the cost of borrowing from
the RBI. The overall cost of funds for
banks may, therefore, be expected to
go up. Several bankers have been
quoted as saying that they see the
overall cost of funds rising for their own
banks. Indeed, an anti-inflationary
stance, in order to be effective, must
necessarily mean a rise in banks$
aggregate funding costs and hence in
lending rates. There is a contradiction in
claiming that the recent moves are
intended to fight inflation but will end
up lowering banks$ cost of funds.
For banks, short-term costs of
borrowing had risen sharply following
the RBI$s tightening of liquidity in July. It
was only a matter of time before long-
term rates began to catch up. If fighting
inflation was the overriding priority, the
RBI might have simply persisted with
t he . What considerations,
then, underlie the measures in the latest
policy statement?
One is maintaining the present
tempo of growth. The sharp rise in short-
term rates was having a big impact on
firms$ working capital costs. There was
the danger that this could cause growth
to fall even below the modest 5 per cent
that is expected in 2013-14. Moreover,
the MSF rate was in danger of becoming
t he policy rate. This could
have caused long-term rates to rise to
stratospheric levels. It was important,
therefore, to lower the MSF rate and
bring it closer to the repo rate.
Inflation and growth Inflation and growth Inflation and growth Inflation and growth Inflation and growth
The hike in the repo rate has been
positioned as an anti-inflationary stance.
Of course, it is so. What is overlooked,
however, is that the measures
announced last July, put together, were
even more anti-inflationary in their
potential impact. What is attempted
now is a better balance between
inflation and growth.
The more important consideration
in hiking the repo rate appears to be to
push up yields on long-term government
securities. This will help maintain a
desirable differential with respect to
U.S. interest rates ahead of the tapering
of QE (quantitative easing) due in about
three months from now. Evidently, the
RBI takes a serious view of the impact
the impending taper could have on the
rupee and the Indian economy.
The RBI$s caution is well-merited
in light of the debate on the taper in the
U.S. itself. It is becoming evident that
the calibrated reversal of QE, which the
Fed would like, may not be easy to
accomplish. Financial markets are
forward-looking in nature. Once they
know that taper has begun, they will
immediately price in the final outcome.
This means that the gradual increase in
interest rates, which the Fed would like
to engineer, may not happen. Instead,
yields will rise sharply right away to
reflect the end of the taper. It appears
that the Fed is trapped in a Chakravyuha
of its own making.
A sharp rise in interest rates in the
U.S. is bad news for emerging markets,
including India, which the rating agency,
Moody$s, sees as among the most
vulnerable. It spells a sudden and large
exodus of funds and a sharp
depreciation in the currency. This is the
contingency for which the RBI would like
to keep the Indian economy in
readiness. It would like to nudge the
rupee to a level that it feels comfortable
with in preparation for the buffeting that
may lie ahead.
What would that level be? Well,
the Economic Affairs secretary has said
that the right level for the rupee today is
Rs 59-60. The rupee today is close to Rs
63. The RBI may want to move it up to
Rs 60 before the taper begins. It is
banking on two initiatives to achieve this
outcome. One is the swap facility it has
provided to banks to bring in foreign
currency NRI deposits with a minimum
tenure of three years. The RBI is offering
the swap at a cost of 3.5 per cent, which
is well below the hedging cost in the
market.
The other is the swap facility for
banks$ foreign currency borrowings up
to 100 per cent of their tier I capital at a
concessional rate of one per cent below
the market rate. The two schemes
together are estimated to bring in about
$15 bn -20 bn in the next six months;
$1.4 bn has already come in. This inflow
of foreign exchange, if accompanied by
signs that the economy is moving
towards the current account deficit
target of $790 bn, has the potential to
cause the rupee to move closer to Rs
60.
The RBI$s monetary policy
statement is not only or even primarily
about inflation. It has more to do with
currency stability, and it also has to do
with growth. It does not address another
important objective, financial stability,
but Dr. Rajan has promised to do so in
the weeks ahead. Many will find the
RBI$s stance altogether reassuring. It
reinforces the RBI$s commitment to
multiple objectives for monetary policy,
as distinct from the single objective of
price stability. It is a welcome assertion
of the RBI$s distinctive perception of the
current economic situation.
It has been said of many who
joined the RBI from the ministry that the
RBI has a way of quickly converting
them to its own view. If Dr. Rajan has
indeed been subject to a quick
conversion, it bodes well for the
autonomy for which the RBI has come
to be respected.
Spying on a strategic partner Spying on a strategic partner Spying on a strategic partner Spying on a strategic partner Spying on a strategic partner
It is not actually snooping,! was
External Affairs Minister Salman
Khurshid$s response in July when
t he , based on Edward
Snowden$s leak of U.S. National Security
Agency documents, reported how the
Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. had
been spied on by the United States. Then,
the Indian government mouthed the U.S.
position that monitoring patterns of
communication! through the Internet did
not amount to espionage. In the past
few days, has revealed how
the NSA systematically tapped
conversations between Indian
government officials and elected
representatives, whether it be through
phone calls, e-mail, texts, chat or Skype
videos. The Snowden files also reveal
Indian embassies in Washington and
New York were bugged, facilitating the
NSA$s easy access to confidential and
classified information on India$s military
secrets, negotiating positions, and
overseas commercial ventures. As many
as four different electronic devices were
used to eavesdrop on our diplomatic
outposts in the U.S., some of which
could copy entire hard drives from
computers. Our revelations cut through
the express assurance offered by U.S.
Secretary of State John Kerry that raw
data # such as individual e-mails or
telephone conversations # is not
monitored.
During the long journey from New
Delhi to Washington, presumably his last
as the chief executive of this
government, Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh would have had ample
opportunity to mull over India$s ties with
the U.S. There is no denying the fact that
the natural alliance! has run into choppy
waters. The main reason for this is that
the U.S. believes it has the right to collect
economic and strategic rent from India
in return for the lifting it did on the
nuclear deal between 2005 and 2008. In
the face of relentless American
demands, the Indian government has
yielded ground across a wide range of
issues, from civil nuclear energy, the
Montreal Protocol, and greater
intellectual property protection, to
defence purchases, NATO$s intervention
in Libya, and sanctions on Iran. In return,
Washington has only intensified its effort
to spy on India, suggesting this
relationship is a one-way street. In his
meeting with Barack Obama, and then
in his speech at the U.N., the Prime
Minister will have an opportunity to air
publicly, for the first time, India$s protest
against the NSA$s outrageous
surveillance programmes. Brazilian
President Dilma Rousseff has led the
way, calling U.S. actions a breach of
international law.! If there was ever a
talking line on NSA snooping that the
government could parrot, it is Brazil$s:
that the U.S. cannot carry on with its
illegal activities and pretend everything
is normal by simply endorsing India as
its strategic partner.
Not above the law Not above the law Not above the law Not above the law Not above the law
The United Progressive Alliance
has brazened it out on another piece of
legislation aimed at cosseting and
mollycoddling the political class. The
Representation of the People
(Amendment and Validation) Ordinance,
2013, which overturns a Supreme Court
order mandating the disqualification of
lawmakers immediately upon their
conviction, offends for two reasons.
First, the ordinance marks the backdoor
entry of a bill that faced opposition in
the monsoon session of Parliament. And
second, it aims to create a class of
people who can legitimately claim to
be special in the eyes of the law # and
even when convicted by a court of law.
The apex court ruling was itself based
on the sound principle that there cannot
be two sets of citizens: A convicted
legislator could not claim immunity
from disqualification when this
relaxation was not available to a
convicted citizen aspiring to contest
elections. Section 8(4) of the
Representation of the People Act
protects a convicted legislator from
disqualification provided he or she
appeals before a higher court within
three months. The court struck down this
clause, which carves out a saving in the
case of sitting members of Parliament
or State Legislature,! even as it held that
Parliament was obliged under Articles
102(1)(e) and 191(1)(e) of the
Constitution to make one common law
for both ordinary citizens and sitting
legislators.
The court order is by no means a
case of judicial overreach. The
disqualification is restricted to MPs and
MLAs convicted in criminal cases where
the offences are punishable by a jail
sentence of two years or more. This
automatically excludes not just those
convicted on lesser grounds but also
those charge sheeted for grave offences.
The Association for Democratic
Reforms, which examined the sworn
affidavits of a total of 4,807 sitting MPs
and MLAs, found 14 per cent had
declared serious criminal charges
against themselves. Obviously the
presumption of innocence must and
does apply in these cases. A conviction,
however, is a very serious matter.
Besides, the appeal process could take
years, leading to the untenable situation
of a convicted legislator completing his
or her full term. It is clear enough that
the ordinance has been rushed through
with political motives # to bail out
convicted Congress MP Rashid Masood
and possibly also Rashtriya Janata Dal
chief Lalu Prasad, one of whose cases is
soon to come up for judgment. In the
face of public pressure, the government
had to put off an attempt to shield
political parties from coming under the
purview of the Right to Information Act.
One more such self-serving effort is
unlikely to go down well with citizens
gearing up to vote in the coming State
and general elections.
Yes to the no-vote option Yes to the no-vote option Yes to the no-vote option Yes to the no-vote option Yes to the no-vote option
By ordering that voting machines
in future should have an additional
provision for voters to record a %none-
of-the-above$ (NOTA) option to reject
all candidates in the fray, the Supreme
Court has ushered in a key electoral
reform that has found favour in the past
with the Election Commission of India
and even the Law Commission. The idea
of according to a negative vote the same
sanctity and secrecy as a vote in favour
of a particular candidate is indeed
laudable in a parliamentary democracy.
Advocates of electoral reforms have
encouraged voters to make greater use
of Rule 49-O, the provision by which
one can record a %no-vote$ option by
signing a form in the presence of election
officials, in the hope that a large number
of such negative votes would induce
political parties to field candidates
known for their integrity. The verdict
holds that the rule violates election law
and the voters$ freedom of expression
alike by denying voters who exercise
that choice the required secrecy. The
Court believes that the extra provision
in the voting machines would promote
free and fair elections, ensure greater
voter participation and reduce bogus
voting.
In recent times, the Supreme Court
has struck down a provision to prevent
immediate disqualification of
convicted legislators and, more
controversially, barred those in custody
from contesting elections. The NOTA
ruling fills a significant lacuna in electoral
law, and is a welcome addition to the
series of decisions it has rendered to
protect the integrity of our elections. A
doubt arises as to what will happen if a
very large percentage of voters go in
for the no-vote option. Even a meagre
turnout is considered good enough to
declare a valid result now, but a heavy
quantum of negative votes may affect
the legitimacy of the election process.
Perhaps, the EC could fix a limit beyond
which the percentage of NOTA votes
would entail re-polling. All this raises a
question: why has Parliament left
electoral reforms to the courts instead
of deliberating over and passing
appropriate laws? Thanks to an assertive
EC, the potential for irregularities by the
political class has been effectively kept
under check, but this i nherently
adversarial relationship may have
prevented the ushering in of sweeping
reforms through legislation. There is no
agreement on some reforms mooted by
the Election Commission, such as
making the framing of charges in serious
criminal cases the basis for
disqualification instead of conviction.
Ranging from the need to check money
power and paid news to the need for
transparency in the funding of political
parties, there are a host of issues that
ought to be addressed through
comprehensive legislation rather than ad
hoc adjudication.
Lessons in statecraft from the Lessons in statecraft from the Lessons in statecraft from the Lessons in statecraft from the Lessons in statecraft from the
U.N. high tabl e U.N. high tabl e U.N. high tabl e U.N. high tabl e U.N. high tabl e
Within hours of the time of writing,
the United Nations Security Council will
pass a resolution that not only paves
the way for the elimination of Syria$s
chemical weapons but also sets its crisis
on track for a politically mediated
settlement. For all intents and purposes,
this will be the first time the Council
would adopt substantive measures to
tackle Syria, since conflict first broke
out two years ago. The Council$s
permanent members have signed off on
the draft resolution, and its contents
were discussed at a full-house meeting
of all UNSC members on Thursday night.
The UNSC draft resolution, which will
be cleared without amendment,
represents an unmitigated victory for
Russi an diplomacy: Moscow has
extracted every pound of flesh from its
bargain with the United States to
destroy Syria$s weapons of mass
destruction (WMD), and more.
Separating the issues Separating the issues Separating the issues Separating the issues Separating the issues
The draft resolution was thrashed
out by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
and his Russian counterpart Sergei
Lavrov in New York. First, Mr. Lavrov
ensured the draft would not call on the
Council to refer the Syrian conflict to
the International Criminal Court # this
provision, which France was especially
keen to incorporate, would have led to
the trial and likely conviction of Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad for the
commission of war crimes.
Second, Russia has succeeded in
convincing the U.N. Security Council that
the use of chemical weapons in Syria
and its ongoing humanitarian crisis are
to be treated separately. The U.S. and
its allies intended this exercise to
condemn Mr. Assad for allegedly using
chemical weapons. The West also sought
to introduce Chapter VII measures under
the U.N. Charter to threaten the Syrian
regime into disarmament. The use of
WMDs in Syria provided a legitimate!
pretext to intervene militarily, and thus
tip the balance of power in favour of
the rebels fighting the Assad regime. Mr.
Lavrov first undercut this plan in Geneva
earlier this month # the framework
agreement! signed between him and Mr.
Kerry ensured Chapter VII measures
would only be invoked only after non-
compliance, and not as a tool to
command Assad$s obedience. This went
against French and British efforts at the
U.N. Security Council, but once Mr.
Lavrov had won over Mr. Kerry, there
was little the Europeans could do.
In negotiations, Russia conceded
the use of chemical weapons in Syria
would constitute a threat to
international peace and security! &
under the U.N. Charter, such a threat is
a for the Council to
approve the use of force. But Mr.
Lavrov$s deft diplomatic manoeuvring
has virtually ensured intervention in Syria
is all but off the table for now. The same
draft that suggests the use of WMDs is a
grave threat to international security
also stresses the only solution to the
current crisis! in Syria is political
reconciliation based on the Geneva
Communiqu of 2012. What$s more, the
draft resolution now reads like a general
denunciation of the use and
proliferation of chemical weapons, not
just in Syria but anywhere in the world.!
The resolution also suggests
individuals! responsible for the use of
WMDs be held accountable.! Any
attempt to prosecute the Syrian regime
for its alleged use of chemical weapons
will find it next to impossible to prove
Mr. Assad himself authorised these
attacks.
If the Syrian President has been let
off the hook for now, Russia has also
managed to turn the spotlight on the
Syrian rebels. The draft resolution
requires all Syrian parties to work
closely! with the U.N. to arrange for
the security! of the WMD inspection
team. The provision effectively
mandates a ceasefire in Syria, which the
rebels are extremely reluctant to support
given that violence has now become
their only bargaining chip. The draft
resolution also addresses the possibility
of chemical weapons being transferred
to the rebels and requires all States to
refrain from the same.
It was clear from the beginning
there was little appetite for military
intervention in Syria both in the
international community as well as
domestic peoples in the West. But what
explains the dramatic turnaround in
Russia$s fortunes? For the most part of
the last two years, Moscow, along with
China has been branded by the West as
a persistent objector! at the Security
Council, standing in the way of resolving
this humanitarian crisis. But now, Russia
has been able to push through a draft
resolution that ensures Mr. Assad will
be in power for the conceivable future,
while slapping down all of the western
proposals at once. What gives?
American acti ons American acti ons American acti ons American acti ons American acti ons
The answer does not have to do
with Russia$s sudden popularity as much
as the negative publicity that the U.S.
has attracted at this year$s U.N. General
Assembly meetings. The UNGA opened
with a blistering attack by Brazil$s
President Dilma Rousseff on the U.S.
National Security Agency$s surveillance
programmes, terming them a breach
of international law.! Her speech has
resonated widely with heads of state
and foreign ministers in attendance. At
the Council, Pakistan sharply criticised
U.S. drone attacks on its north-western
border and suggested they ran
counterproductive! to the objective of
defeating terrorism.
To complicate matters for the
West, Iran, a major ally of the Syrian
regime, has moderated its defence of
Bashar al-Assad, choosing instead to
oppose military intervention for its
disastrous spillover effects. Iranian
President Hassan Rouhani has even
expressed his country$s willingness to
join the Geneva-II conference to initiate
political dialogue among Syria$s warring
constituents.
In this climate, the U.S. has found
it extremely difficult to push its brief on
Syria through the Security Council. The
Obama administration$s bluff on
military intervention has been called,
and its alienating posture on Iran has
its head in some form or the other in
Indian electoral politics. The Supreme
Court$s recent and controversial ruling
in the Jan Chowkidar case that any
person confined in prison or in lawful
custody of the police would be
disqualified from contesting elections
to Parliament or the State legislatures
has further illuminated this argument.
But what$s novel in the IOC-IOA standoff
is the involvement of a foreign entity.
The natural response of the IOA,
as evinced by its president Abhay Singh
Chautala$s statement # We can$t go
beyond the law of our land. We will make
our constitution according to the law of
the land! # is to use the shield (in this
case, fig leaf) of Indian sovereignty. The
fundamental issue with this argument is
that it simply skirts the problem at hand.
The rule is demonised solely on the
grounds of pedigree # it is foreign, it is
forced upon on us, and hence it must be
bad. Such arguments carry emotive
appeal in India, and are difficult to
counter.
However, as the global struggle
against corruption in recent years has
shown, sustained, international pressure
works. Efforts by NGOs such as
Transparency International have had
path-breaking effect. The business
community has taken off from the
NGO$s lead, and has launched significant
actions including the World Economic
Forum$s Partnering Against Corruption
Initiative.!
The limitations of the grassroots
anti-corruption movement in India have
been exposed over the past year. Such
efforts are easily derailed by
parliamentary disruptions,
governmental harassment of anti-
corruption activists, and deflecting
referrals to parliamentary committees.
Moreover, these movements often lack
focus on the details. In contrast,
international organisations are more
nuanced with the good governance
requirements they impose, and,
significantly, are in superior bargaining
positions to ensure that these
requirements are enforced.
It isn$t only international
organisations that the movement can
look toward. Even other countries,
acting individually, could make
beneficial interventions. The United
cut no ice at the U.N. Above all, the
chickens from its intrusive, worldwide
surveillance programme have come to
roost in New York. The draft resolution
on Syria is a severe setback to its
reputation as the primary agenda-setter
in the Security Council.
A foreign hand that we could A foreign hand that we could A foreign hand that we could A foreign hand that we could A foreign hand that we could
use use use use use
India$s full participation in the next
Olympics is in jeopardy over a
commitment effectively to bad ethics.
In the eye of the storm is Lalit Bhanot, a
long-time aide of Suresh Kalmadi, who
was indicted in the 2010 Commonwealth
Games corruption scandal. Barely a day
after the International Olympic Council
(IOC) suspended the Indian Olympic
Association (IOA) over its failure to
disqualify candidates facing charges, Mr.
Bhanot was elected unopposed as the
IOA$s secretary-general. The IOC has,
however, remained resolute. And in so
doing, it has highlighted a critical avenue
that the stalled anti-corruption
movement in India can wield to its
advantage. The crusade against graft,
apart from driving domestic reform,
must also explore the potential of
importing good governance, through the
legal and regulatory frameworks of
international organisations and even
other countries.
The IOC$s own history is no doubt
riddled with charges of corruption. But
since the bribery scandal involving Salt
Lake City$s successful bid to host the
2002 Winter Olympics, it has
substantially cleaned up its governance,
and has expelled members implicated
in ethics violations. To this end, as the
apex body of the Olympics movement,
the IOC has recommended that the IOA
introduce into its charter a clause that
those facing charges or convicted of a
criminal or corruption offence be barred
from contesting elections.
Playing to the galleries Playing to the galleries Playing to the galleries Playing to the galleries Playing to the galleries
The IOA does not dispute that
convicts ought to be weeded out from
its composition. But it sees no reason
why those against whom charges have
been framed ought to be disqualified.
This debate over the innocent until
proven guilty! principle has often reared
Kingdom$s Bribery Act, for example, is
an ambitious piece of legislation with a
near-universal jurisdiction. The Act
allows the U.K. to prosecute an
individual or a company having links to
the country, no matter where the
offence was committed. The law could
potentially be used to indict Indian
companies or individuals with even a
casual link to the U.K., for acts of bribery
that they may commit in India.
Cauti ous approach Cauti ous approach Cauti ous approach Cauti ous approach Cauti ous approach
However, not all foreign attempts
to influence domestic legal norms need
be blindly welcomed. For instance,
attempts to influence the patents regime
in India through the TRIPs framework,
and the United States$ efforts to limit
recourse under Indian law against
foreign suppliers of defective nuclear
material are cases to be viewed with
great circumspection.
But we must invite, where we can,
such external interventions that would
clearly work to the benefit of India$s anti-
corruption drive. After identifying these
forces, the movement must throw its
weight behind them, just as it did behind
Anna Hazare and his crusade for the
Lokpal Bill. This can be done in various
ways: from simply providing information
to international organisations to
launching and aiding criminal
prosecutions abroad. Ultimately, the
fight to completely rid India of its graft
may have to come from within. But,
given how ingrained corruption is in the
country, the battle, as the IOC-IOA
impasse demonstrates, cannot be won
purely through domestic efforts.
Why the land wars won$t end Why the land wars won$t end Why the land wars won$t end Why the land wars won$t end Why the land wars won$t end
The UPA has claimed that the Land
Resettlement (LARR) Bill 2013 passed
by Parliament in the last session will
reduce forcible acquisition and help
tackle Naxalism in mineral-rich areas.
But with legislation such as the
Coal Bearing Areas Acquisition and
Development (CBA) Act 1957, Land
Acquisition (Mines) Act 1885, Damodar
Valley Corporation Act 1948 and 10
other laws exempt from the land Bill,
the Central government$s acquisitions in
mineral-rich areas such as Jharkhand
will not come under the Bill$s purview.
Almost 85 to 90 per cent
acquisition # over 20,000 acres # is
on [in Jharkhand] under these central
laws and for highways and railways,
exempt under the land bill. Only around
4,000 acres being acquired for public-
private projects and State projects will
come under land Bill,! said a senior
revenue official.
Jharkhand holds nearly a third of
India$s coal, a quarter of its iron-ore, 16
per cent of copper, and is rich in cobalt,
bauxite, uranium, manganese and
limestone. In a 2009 paper, economist
Dr. Ramesh Sharan noted that between
1951 and 1995, industrial and mining
projects displ aced over 3.34 lakh
persons. Massive public resistance
against the Koel Karo dam and the
army$s field firing range in Netarhat
which would have displaced another 3.1
lakh # over 87 per cent of whom were
tribal # forced the government to drop
the projects in the 90s.
The 1908 Chotanagpur Tenancy
Act was meant to protect tribal land by
restricting the sale of Adivasi land to
non-Adivasis in 16 of Jharkhand$s 24
districts. But in 1996 it was amended to
allow acquisition of tribal land for
mining and industry # a provision that
will continue under the land Bill.
The Panchayat (Extension to
Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996 has
provisions allowing the gram sabha to
be consulted before acquisition of land
in Scheduled Areas for developmental
projects. But this was not incorporated
in the Jharkhand Panchayat Raj Act 2001
leaving gram sabhas with no effective
say in public or private acquisition # a
situation that will remain unchanged
under the new Bill.
In recent years, several private
companies have opted for purchase
from farmers and tribals in mineral-rich
areas on terms that have sometimes
provoked resistance for years
afterwards where farmers found
themselves cheated by middlemen
working for the company. But in
instances where the land is purchased,
not acquired with the State
government$s help as in the case of
public-private projects (PPPs), the Right
to Fair Compensation and Transparency
provisions of LARR do not apply.
Police firings Police firings Police firings Police firings Police firings
Among recent protests against
land acquisition in Jharkhand, one of the
most violent was in Keredari in
Hazaribagh, 125 km from Ranchi, where
National Thermal Power Corporation
(NTPC) is acquiring land to mine coal.
More than 10,000 families in 23 villages
are opposing NTPC$s acquisition. A
section of the villagers have demanded
Rs.25 lakh and a job, instead of Rs.10
lakh and Rs.3,000 annuity offered by
NTPC.
On July 23 when NTPC contractor
Pradeep Singh began work on 0.42-acre
plot at Pagar village, over 200 farmers
gathered to stop him. Facing hostile
villagers, the contractor$s son, Vikas
Singh, hit a villager on the head with an
axe before calling the police for help.
Six policemen arrived and fired eight
rounds into the crowd. Fifty-year old
farmer Keshar Mahto died on the spot.
The bullets injured three others. Villagers
surrounded Keshar Mahto$s body at
Keredari chowk till midnight, refusing
to allow it to be taken away by officials.
Speaking on the land Bill in New
Delhi on September 8 Minister for Rural
Development Jairam Ramesh referred
to the Keredari police firing as an
instance of forcible acquisition by PSUs
that has worsened conflict in Maoist-
areas. Ironically, the land Bill will not
apply to NTPC$s acquisition, which is for
mining coal under CBA Act 1957.
According to data submitted by
NTPC to the Revenue Department, it is
acquiring 5,729 acres in Keredari,
Chattibariatu, North Karanpura and Pakri
Barwadih under the CBA Act, and 1,255
acres under the Land Acquisition Act,
1894. Will different norms for consent
and rehabilitation apply within the same
project$s affected areas? Will a farmer
whose land falls under two projects
where different laws apply, accept
varying compensation?
A year$s delay A year$s delay A year$s delay A year$s delay A year$s delay
The Bill sets a base for norms of
consent but exempts acquisition by
PSUs in its current form. Section 106 (3)
of LARR Bill 2013 says that within a year
from the commencement of the Act the
government may allow LARR$s
provisions of rehabilitation to apply
even in acquisition under the 13 laws
that are currently exempt, though this
will be subject to Parliament$s approval.
But why wait a year?
The land Bill is meant to
discourage such imbalances but it will
allow PSUs to continue to squat on
thousands of acres of land that could
be used to resettle displaced persons
or to give land to the landless.
There is at present massive
resistances against Coal India Limited
subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited
(CCL)$s acquisition for the Magadh-
Amrapali-Pachra project in Chatra in
central Jharkhand. CCL plans to acquire
17,141 acres of land under CBA Act to
triple production from 48 MT annually
to 127 MT by 2015. In this largest
acquisition on in Jharkhand, the land Bill
will not apply.
Curiosity can$t kill life on Mars Curiosity can$t kill life on Mars Curiosity can$t kill life on Mars Curiosity can$t kill life on Mars Curiosity can$t kill life on Mars
As if the news on earth weren$t
depressing enough, the latest dispatches
from Mars are also gloomy. It turns out
the red planet doesn$t have any
atmospheric methane. Earthlings
longing for inter-galactic
companionship may have to set their
sights elsewhere, for the gas is an
important chemical signature of
microbial activity. On earth, more than
90 per cent of methane is produced by
living organisms. A series of tests
conducted by Curiosity, NASA$s rover
on Mars, indicates an insignificant
amount of methane on the planet: 1.3
parts per billion by volume. This tiny
amount # about six times lower than
previous estimates # greatly reduces
the probability! of ongoing microbial
activity and, possibly, of any microbial
life in the past. The results, published
i n , come as a surprise as a
series of observations made from
satellites and earth-bound telescopes
had found evidence of higher amounts
of methane. But some of these studies
were mired in controversy, and recent
measurements had lowered the upper
limit. Although most of the studies
found seasonal abundance or sudden
spikes, it has not been established that
the spikes were associated with seasons
on a repetitive basis. Also, given that
the methane molecule has a lifetime of
about 300-600 years in the atmosphere,
its near absence is a setback for seekers
of life on Mars.
The consolation, however, is that
its absence does not automatically rule
out the existence of life. Even on earth,
not all organisms necessarily produce
methane. Unlike the evidence collected
earlier, every find of Curiosity has
strengthened the possibility that Mars
had been a habitable environment in the
past. Two definite, separate sources
have confirmed the presence of liquid
water, the most essential prerequisite
for habitability. The presence of carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen has
further increased the habitability
quotient. Going by this, more tests at
several other locations need to be
undertaken before methane$s absence
can be fully confirmed. Aside from
further tests by Curiosity, the 2016
launch of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
by the European Space Agency and
Curiosity$s successor in 2020 may
possibly settle the matter. The search
for life on Mars has been based on our
understanding of life as seen on earth.
While all life forms on earth are based
on carbon, science does not rule out
the tantalising possibility of silicon-
based organisms in our universe, though
the theme has held more attraction for
sci-fi writers than scientists. One thing$s
for sure: such is our fascination for other
forms of life that the search for
extraterrestrials will never end. Let$s just
call it curiosity.
Voluntarily mandatory Voluntarily mandatory Voluntarily mandatory Voluntarily mandatory Voluntarily mandatory
The Supreme Court$s interim order
making it clear that no person should
be disadvantaged because she does not
possess an %Aadhaar$ card may appear
to address the basic question in the
average citizen$s mind as to whether this
card is mandatory or voluntary. In reality,
there is no doubt about its voluntary
nature. At the same time, registration of
citizens is indeed mandatory. It is a sign
of the confusion that marks governance
in the country that there is lack of
conceptual clarity among the people
about what Aadhaar is, how it is related
to the population register and whether
having a number is essential to receive
benefits, subsidies and entitlements. To
put matters in perspective, Aadhaar is a
number, not a card, given by the Unique
Identification Authority of India. The
long queues that one sees in the
neighbourhood for enrolment and
capture of photographs and biometric
data are meant for the National
Population Register administered by the
Registrar-General and Census
Commissioner of India. The NPR data is
sent to the UIDAI for generation of
Aadhar numbers, and, if one already has
such a number given earlier by UIDAI, it
is %de-duplicated$. Enrolment in the NPR
is mandatory under the Citizenship Act,
whereas getting an Aadhaar number is
voluntary.
Some authorities have done great
mischief by linking delivery of services
and transfers to the possession of an
Aadhaar number; for example, the
subsidy for cooking gas cylinders will
be available only to those who have
linked their Aadhaar numbers with their
bank accounts and gas agencies. This
has caused understandable alarm. The
issues before the Supreme Court pertain
to the UIDAI scheme and not to the NPR,
although the legality of taking
biometrics, a feature of the Register, is
also under challenge. There are serious
questions concerning the possible
invasion of privacy when one parts with
personal information and images of
irises and fingerprints, especially in an
era of transnational snooping and digital
crime.
Further, the present legal
framework provides only for taking
photographs but not biometric data.
Linking the Aadhaar number to benefits
and services is also causing great
hardship. Some contend that unverified
allotment of Aadhaar numbers poses a
threat to national security, and the
Supreme Court now wants to ensure that
immigrants lacking proper documents
do not get them. But insistence on
documentary proof from the poor and
homeless may lead to denial of benefits
to a significant segment of the
population. The ongoing case gives the
country an opportunity to revisit its
entire policy on identification and
registration so that the twin objectives
of knowing who a citizen is and ensuring
effective delivery of services are not
undermined.
Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013 Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013 Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013 Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013 Real Estate Regulation Bill, 2013
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY - KEY ISSUES AT THE 68TH SESSION
The 68th session of the United
Nations General Assembly ended on
Oct 1, as i ts other meetings
continued for a couple of weeks. The
main debate ended on a heated
address by Israels Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu. Piling pressure
on Iran, Netanyahu said he did not
believe the new President of Iran,
Hassan Rouhani, who had submitted
that Iran was developing nuclear
energy for peaceful and civilian
purposes. Netanyahu said he would
never accept nuclear weapons in the
hands of a !rogue regi me" or
contemplate the threat of nuclear war
against Israel, even if Israel had to
stand alone against the whole world.
On Palestine, he said he wanted a
demilitarized Palestine, peaceful and
existing as a state side by side with
Israel, and a Palestine that would
recognize Israel as Jewish state. On
the !right to respond", Iran said it had
signed non-proliferation treaty on
nuclear weapons (which it said Israel
had not) and that its nuclear
programme was under scrutiny and
verifiable by the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA).
Chaired by the assembl y
President, Mr John Ashe (of Antigua
and Barbuda), the 68th UN session
ran under the theme !Post-2015
development agenda". The session
is one in series held annually since
the first one held on January 10, 1946
in London, UK. Out of the ashes of
the second world-war, which had
ended a year earlier, the UN had just
been formed to keep peace, to
develop friendly relations among
nations, to help nations work together
to improve peoples lives, and to be
the centre of harmonizing actions in
achieving these tasks.
The UN consists of 5 bodies:
General Assembly of 193 member
countries, Security Council ,
Economic and Social Council ,
Trusteeshi p Counci l, and
International Court of Justice. The
main theme was overshadowed by
emerging and re-emerging issues of
terrorism, chemical weapons, the
targeting of African leaders by the
International Criminal Court (ICC), the
ideology of !openness", different
world views about economic and
social systems, UN reforms, and the
ongoing conflicts in Syria, Israel/
Palestine, Armenia/Azerbaijan, and
North / South Korea. On MDGs, most
countries reported remarkable
progress in al l MDGs but
acknowledged that the current
MDGs did not cover all aspects of
development. And even within the
MDGs, there were numerous
challenges and that they were an
incomplete agenda.
The session is one in series held
annually since the first one held on
January 10, 1946 in London, UK. Out
of the ashes of the second world-war,
which had ended a year earlier, the
UN had just been formed to keep
peace, to develop friendly relations
among nations, to help nations work
together to improve peoples lives,
and to be the centre of harmonizing
actions in achieving these tasks. The
UN consists of 5 bodies: General
Assembly of 193 member countries,
Security Council, Economic and
Social Council, Trusteeship Council,
and International Court of Justice.
The main theme was overshadowed
by emerging and re-emerging issues
of terrorism, chemical weapons, the
targeting of African leaders by the
International Criminal Court (ICC), the
ideology of !openness", different
world views about economic and
social systems, UN reforms, and the
ongoing conflicts in Syria, Israel/
Palestine, Armenia/Azerbaijan, and
North / South Korea.
Most countries condemned
terrorism in !all its forms", basing on
the recent and fresh example of the
Westgate hold-up in Kenya, which
ended up in many deaths, injuries and
destruction of property. They urged
UN to put more effort on its role of
!drug control, crime prevention, and
combating terrorism". UNs other
recentl y defined roles i nclude
promoting sustained economic
growth and development,
maintenance of peace, development
of Africa, promotion of human rights,
coordi nati on of humani tarian
assistance, promotion of justice and
international law, and disarmament.
The session was also marked by
expositions of different world views
on global economy, politics and
social life, as exemplified by UK,
China, Russia and the Civil Society.
The deputy Prime Minister of the UK
(fully registered at the UN as United
Ki ngdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland) Mr Nick Clegg
spoke !in defense of openness". He
warned that those who thought that
liberal societies had fallen out in the
ongoing global financial crises,
claiming this to be the proof that the
western model had failed, were
wrong. On the contrary, he said, open
societies had demonstrated
remarkable resilience to these crises
and upheavals. He said the values
of democracy (free speech,
participation, equality before the law,
right to peaceful protests, etc) were
not western values but were
freedoms sought by people
everywhere.
He said UK was a leading open-
society that would support
democracy and political stability in
North Africa and Middle East. He said
UK recognizes poverty as a threat to
social stability and freedoms just as
much as the threat of conflict and
oppression are to social stability and
freedoms. He said UK had
announced to provide USD 1.6 bn
for Global Fund against Aids, TB and
Malaria; and to support women and
girls education, end gender
inequality and violence against
women. UK would use multilateral
forums to seek to tackle the biggest
global challenges such as climate
change.
Russias minister of foreign
affairs, Sergey Lavrov warned that the
desire to !portray in a simplified way
the developments in the Arab world
as a struggle for democracy against
tyrannies or good against evil has
obscured the real problem#of
extremism". That is why Russia-US
agreement had to make Syria to join
the Convention on the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons, and fulfillment of
its due obligations. Lavrov advised
that negotiations be used with respect
to Iranian and North Korean nuclear
programmes, and !we must stop
using the language of force and
return to the path of civili zed
diplomatic and political settlement".
Chinas minister of foreign affairs
Mr Wang Yi said China always
embraced trade not forei gn
aggression and expansionism. It
adhered to patriotic duty to defend
its home land, rather than the
colonialist doctrine to seize new
territories. He said China was now the
second largest economy in the world,
but China woul d never seek
hegemony in the world. Yi said China
was moving to harvest four dividends:
1) industrialization with new IT
applications, new types of
urbanization, and agricultural
modernization; 2) reforms and
innovation; 3) structural adjustment;
and 4) opening up farther. Civil
society convened on September 22
and proposed wide ranging and
radical changes of the UN and of the
national and global economic, social
and political systems. International
policies should not be through G8
and G20, and the power to veto
collective decisions should be
abolished, they said.
The IMF and the World Bank
should be subjected to reforms and
close oversight. The proposed
stringent regulation of trade and
investment, reform of financial and
development architecture, promote
redistribution through progressive
taxation and subsidies, and scale up
social and solidarity enterprises and
groups. The focus on people with
disabilities featured prominently in
the post-2015 development agenda.
So did migration. It was argued that
well managed migration could bring
about poverty reducti on and
development. It was estimated that
230million migrants around the world
supported one billion people in
developing countries. Key points
about migration were protection of
migrants human rights, lowering the
costs of migration, addressing the
pl ight of stranded mi grants,
integrating migrati on into
development programmes, and
strengthening evidence on
migration.
Dr. A Q Shekh Dr. A Q Shekh Dr. A Q Shekh Dr. A Q Shekh Dr. A Q Shekh
REAL ESTATE REGULATI ON BI LL, 2013
The Real Estate (Regulation and
Development) Bill, 2013 has been
introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Housing minister Girija Vyas said the
bill seeks to establish the Real Estate
Regulatory Authority to protect the
interest of consumers in the real estate
sector. Vyas also said the bill is for
regulation and promotion of the real
estate sector and to ensure sale of
plot, apartment of building, as the
case may be, in an efficient and
transparent manner.
The Real Estate (Regulation and
Development) Bill , 2013 is a
pioneering initiative to protect the
interest of consumers, to promote fair
play in real estate transactions and to
ensure timely execution of projects.
The Bill has been prepared by the
Government after extensive
consultations with States, experts and
stakeholders. The Bill has been
supported by the States along with
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the
Competition Commission and Tariff
Commission among others.
The Bill is being proposed
under Entries 6, 7 and 46 of the
Concurrent List of the Constitution of
India, which deals with Transfer of
Property, Registration of Deeds and
Documents, and Contracts.
It contains elaborate provisions
to bri ng in the much needed
transparency in real estate dealings
through provisions for registration of
real estate projects and real estate
agents with the Real Estate
Regulatory Authority; functions and
duties of promoters and agents;
rights and duties of
al l ott ees etc. , The Bi l l once
enacted will lead to establishment of
Real Estate Regulatory Authority
and Real Estate Appel l ate
Tri bunal i n every State for
registration of all real estate projects
and for speedier dispute
resolution. Stringent penalties have
been sought to be imposed on
habitual offenders. This it is believed
will act as a deterrent for those few
erring builders who bring bad name
to the developer community at large.
Currently, the real estate and
housing sector is largely unregulated
and opaque, with consumers often
unable to procure complete
information, or enforce
accountability against builders and
developers i n the absence of
effective regulation. The Bill is
expected to ensure greater
accountability towards consumers,
and to significantly reduce frauds and
delays. The Bill aims at restoring
confidence of the general public in
the real estate sector; by instituting
transparency and accountability in
real estate and housing transactions
which in turn will enable the sector
to access capital and financial markets
essential for its long term growth.
The Bill is also expected to
promote regulated and orderly
growth through effi ciency,
professionalism and standardization.
It seeks to ensure consumer
protection, without adding another
stage in the procedure for sanctions.
The salient features of the The salient features of the The salient features of the The salient features of the The salient features of the
draft Bill are as under: draft Bill are as under: draft Bill are as under: draft Bill are as under: draft Bill are as under:
Applicability of the Bill: Applicability of the Bill: Applicability of the Bill: Applicability of the Bill: Applicability of the Bill:
The proposed Bill applies to
residential real estate i.e. housing and
any other independent use ancillary
to housing. However it shall not apply
where the area of land proposed to
be developed does not exceed 1000
square meters or the number of
apartments proposed to be
developed does not exceed 12,
inclusive of all phases, or an area or
number of apartments as notified by
the Central Government on
recommendations from the
appropriate Government, which may
be different for different States or
Union territories but not more than
1000 square meters or 12 apartments.
Important Defini tions: Important Defini tions: Important Defini tions: Important Defini tions: Important Defini tions:
The Bil l wi ll bring about
standardization in the sector leading
to healthy and orderly growth of the
industry through introduction of
definitions such as $apartment,
$common areas, $carpet area ,
$advertisement, $real estate project,
$prospectus etc. Introduction of the
concept of using only $carpet area
for sale, which has till now been
ambiguously sold as super area, super
built up area etc., will curb unfair
trade practices.
Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real
Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority:
Establishment of one or more
$Real Estate Regulatory Authority in
each State/UT, or one Authority for
two or more States/UT, by the
Appropriate Government, with
specified functions, powers, and
responsibilities to exercise oversight
of real estate transactions, to appoint
adj udicating officers to settle
disputes between parties, and to
impose penalty and interest;
Registration of Real Estate Registration of Real Estate Registration of Real Estate Registration of Real Estate Registration of Real Estate
Projects and Registration of Real Projects and Registration of Real Projects and Registration of Real Projects and Registration of Real Projects and Registration of Real
Estate Agents: Estate Agents: Estate Agents: Estate Agents: Estate Agents:
Mandatory registration of real
estate projects and real estate agents
who intend to sell any immovable
property, with the Real Estate
Regulatory Authority on real time
basis without adding another layer of
approvals.
Mandatory Publi c Mandatory Publi c Mandatory Publi c Mandatory Publi c Mandatory Publi c
Disclosure of all project details: Disclosure of all project details: Disclosure of all project details: Disclosure of all project details: Disclosure of all project details:
Mandatory public disclosure
norms for all registered projects,
including details of the promoters,
project, l ayout plan, plan of
development works, land status,
carpet area and number of the
apartments booked, status of the
statutory approvals and disclosure
of proforma agreements, names
and addresses of the real estate
agents, contractors, archi tect,
structural engineer etc.;
Functions and Duties of Functions and Duties of Functions and Duties of Functions and Duties of Functions and Duties of
Promoter: Promoter: Promoter: Promoter: Promoter:
Duty of promoters towards
disclosure of all relevant information
and adherence to approved plans
and project specifi cations,
obligations regarding veracity of the
advertisement for sale or prospectus,
responsibility to rectify structural
defects, and to refund moneys in
cases of default;
Compulsory deposit of seventy
percent or such lesser percent as
notified by the Appropriate
Government, to cover the
construction cost of the project, of
funds received by the Promoter, in a
separate bank account:
Functions of Real Estate Functions of Real Estate Functions of Real Estate Functions of Real Estate Functions of Real Estate
Agents: Agents: Agents: Agents: Agents:
Real estate agents not to
facilitate the sale of immovable
property which are not registered
with the Authority required under the
provisions of the Act, obligation to
keep, maintain and preserve books
of accounts, records and documents,
obligation to not involve in any unfair
trade practices, obligation to
faci litate the possession of
documents to allottees as entitled
at the time of booking, and to comply
with such other functions as specified
by Rules made in that regard;
Ri ghts and Duti es Ri ghts and Duti es Ri ghts and Duti es Ri ghts and Duti es Ri ghts and Duti es
of Al l ot tees: of Al l ot tees: of Al l ot tees: of Al l ot tees: of Al l ot tees:
Right to obtain information
relating to the property booked, to
know stage-wise time schedule of
project completion, claim possession
of the apartment or plot or building
as per promoter declaration, refund
with interest in case of default by the
promoter, and after possession
entitled to necessary documents and
plans. Duty of allottees to make
necessary payments and carry out
other responsibilities as per the
agreement;
Promotional role of Real Promotional role of Real Promotional role of Real Promotional role of Real Promotional role of Real
Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority: Estate Regulatory Authority:
The Authority to act as the
nodal agency to co-ordinate efforts
regarding development of the real
estate sector and render necessary
advice to the appropriate
Government to ensure the growth and
promotion of a transparent, efficient
and competitive real estate sector;
Fast Track Dispute Fast Track Dispute Fast Track Dispute Fast Track Dispute Fast Track Dispute
Settlement Mechani sm: Settlement Mechani sm: Settlement Mechani sm: Settlement Mechani sm: Settlement Mechani sm:
Establishment of fast track
dispute resolution mechanisms for
settlement of disputes, through
adjudicating officers (an officer not
below the rank of Joint Secretary to
the State Government) to be
appointed by the Authority, and
establishment of an Appellate
Tribunal to hear appeals from the
orders of the Authority and the
adjudicating officer;
Establi shment of Central Establi shment of Central Establi shment of Central Establi shment of Central Establi shment of Central
Advisory Council: Advisory Council: Advisory Council: Advisory Council: Advisory Council:
Establishment of Central
Advisory Council to advise the Central
Government on matters concerning
implementation of the Act, with a
mandate to make recommendations
on major questions of poli cy,
protection of consumer interest and
to foster growth and development of
the real estate sector. The Council to
have among others, five
representati ves of State
Governments, to be selected by
rotation;
Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real Establi shment of Real
Estate Appellate Tri bunal: Estate Appellate Tri bunal: Estate Appellate Tri bunal: Estate Appellate Tri bunal: Estate Appellate Tri bunal:
Establishment of Real Estate
Appellate Tribunal, by the State
Government to hear appeals from the
orders or decisions or directions of
the Authority and the adjudicating
officer. The Appellate Tribunal is to
be headed by a sitting or retired
Judge of the High Court with one
judicial and one administrative/
technical member;
Punitive Provisions: Punitive Provisions: Punitive Provisions: Punitive Provisions: Punitive Provisions:
Punitive provisions for non Punitive provisions for non Punitive provisions for non Punitive provisions for non Punitive provisions for non
regi strati on of a real estate regi strati on of a real estate regi strati on of a real estate regi strati on of a real estate regi strati on of a real estate
hou s i n g pr oj ect - hou s i n g pr oj ect - hou s i n g pr oj ect - hou s i n g pr oj ect - hou s i n g pr oj ect - P en a l t y
which may extend up to 10% of the
estimated cost of the real estate
project as determined by the
Authority .
For continued violation or For continued violation or For continued violation or For continued violation or For continued violation or
non-compli ance of order for non-compli ance of order for non-compli ance of order for non-compli ance of order for non-compli ance of order for
regi strati on - regi strati on - regi strati on - regi strati on - regi strati on - punishment with
imprisonment for a term which may
extend up to three years or with fine
which may extend to a further 10%
of the estimated cost of the real estate
project, or with both as determined
by the Authority .
For knowi ngl y providing For knowi ngl y providing For knowi ngl y providing For knowi ngl y providing For knowi ngl y providing
false i nformation or wil lful false i nformation or wil lful false i nformation or wil lful false i nformation or wil lful false i nformation or wil lful
contraventi on at the time of contraventi on at the time of contraventi on at the time of contraventi on at the time of contraventi on at the time of
appl yi ng f or regi st rati on and appl yi ng f or regi st rati on and appl yi ng f or regi st rati on and appl yi ng f or regi st rati on and appl yi ng f or regi st rati on and
for other contraventions under for other contraventions under for other contraventions under for other contraventions under for other contraventions under
the law % the law % the law % the law % the law % A penalty which may
extend up to 5% of the estimated
cost of the real estate project as
determined by the Authority.
Benefits and Advantages of Benefits and Advantages of Benefits and Advantages of Benefits and Advantages of Benefits and Advantages of
Real Estate Bill, 2013 Real Estate Bill, 2013 Real Estate Bill, 2013 Real Estate Bill, 2013 Real Estate Bill, 2013
& The Bil l wi ll bring
about standardization in the
sector leading to healthy and
orderly growth of the industry
through i ntroducti on of
definitions such as $apartment,
$common areas, $carpet area,
$advertisement, $real estate
project , $ prospectus etc.
Introduction of the concept of
using only $carpet area for sale
which has til l now been
ambiguously sold as super area,
super built up area etc., will
curb unfair trade practices.
& The Bill like other sectors such
as telecom, electricity, banking,
securi ti es, i nsurance etc.
provi des for speciali zed
regul ati on and
enforcement which includes
both curative and preventive
measures, with powers to
enforce specific performance,
not avai labl e under the
consumer laws. The Authority
has powers to give directions
for speci fic performance
powers to impose penalty for
non-registration of projects
including imprisonment for
continuous violation upto 3
yrs and impose penalty in case
of other contraventions.
& The Bill proposes to register
real estate agents which have
hitherto been un-regulated,
with clear responsibilities and
functions, thereby leading
to money trail and curbing
money laundering.
& The Bi l l ai ms to ensur e
consumer protecti on, by
making it mandatory for
promoters to register all
projects, prior to sale; and only
after havi ng received all
approvals from development/
municipal authorities thereby
protecting buyer investments.
& The Bi l l wi l l pr omot e
transparency and fair and
ethical business practices,
relating to transactions, through
disclosure of project details
and contractual obligations vis-
-vi s the project and the
buyer, promoting informed
choice for the buyers. This will
substanti al l y reduce t he
power asymmetry prevalent in
real estate transactions.
& The Bill seeks to establish a
regulatory oversight
mechani sm, through Real
Estate Authority(s) and
Appel l ate Tribunal in the
States, to enforce
accountability norms for the
promoter buyer and the real
estate agents.
& The Bi l l wi l l i nfuse
professionalism and promote
planned development of the
real estate sector through
the promotional role of the
Regulatory Authority.
& The Bill will ensure timely
completion of projects, and
prevent fund diversion.
& The Bill provides for a speedy
and specialized adjudication
mechani sm to settle
di sputes between t he
promoter, buyer and real estate
agents, thereby de-clogging
the civil courts and consumer
forums, from disputes in the real
estate sector.
& The Bill will catalyze domestic
and foreign investment into the
sector, thereby contributing to
enhanced acti vity, and
increase in GDP growth.
K P Singh K P Singh K P Singh K P Singh K P Singh
S.NO. NAMEOFTHEBOOKS Pages ISBN PRICE
1 A01-ENGLISHLANGUAGECOMPREHENSIONSKILL 9789382732006 195
2 A02-Data Interpretation 9788192051765 225
3 A03-Basic Numeracy 9789381362013 240
4 A04-Logical Reasoning&Analytical Ability. 9788192051796 230
5 A05-General Knowledge Manual ( 2013) 9789381362600 180
6 A06-English Grammer &Usage(2012) 9789381362006 220
7 A11-UPSCPre General Science 9789381362327 250
8 A12-UPSC Pre Indian History 9789381362297 395
9 A13-UPSCPre Environment 9789381362341 250
10 A14-UPSCPre Indian Polity 9789381362310 350
11 A15-UPSCPre Geography 9789381362303 315
12 A16-UPSCPre Economy 9789382732105 260
15 A20-SAMANAYGAYAN2013 (Hindi) 9789381362631 70
16 A21-SAMANAYGAYAN DIGDARSHIKA 9789381362617 265
17 A22-THE VALTOFESSAY 9789381362648 340
18 A23-CONCISEGENERALKNOWLEDGE 9789381362624 75
19 A25-CURRENTAFFAIRS2013 9789382732358 410
20 A26-INDIA2013 9789382732365 195
21 A27-ECONOMYSURVEYGOVERNMENTPOLICIES 9789382732372 205
22 B01-CSATPAPER-1GENERALSTUDIESQUESTIONBANK 9789382732266 185
22 B03-CSATCOMPREHENSIVEMANUALIAS
PRELIMINARYEXAMINATIONPAPER-2 9789382732624 775
23 B04-UPSCPRE:G.S.SolvedQ.Paper(1998-2012) 9789382732112 250
24 B05-UPSCPRE:SAMANYAADHYANPRARAMBHIKAPARIKSHA(2001-2012) 9789382732129 190
25 B06-2013CSATGENERALSTUDIESMANUALIAS
PRELIMINARYEXAMINATIONPAPER-1 9789382732617 1275
26 B07-GSPREQUESTIONS(2006-2012) 9789381362891 130
27 C01-UPSCMAINS:G.S.Papers(2013) 9789381362365 150
28 C02-UPSCMAINS:G.S. Papers HINDI(2013) 9789381362358 220
29 C03-UPSCMains:- GeographyQuestions Papers 9789382732440 155
30 C04-UPSCMains:- SociologyQuestions Papers 9789382732433 120
31 C05-UPSCMAINS:ENG.Hindi EssayQuestions Papers 9789382732464 155
32 C06-UPSCMAINS:- LAWQuestions Papers 9789382732426 150
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33 C07-UPSCMAINS: PublicAd. Questions Papers 9789382732457 155
34 C09-UPSCMAINS:- HistoryPapers 9789382732136 155
357 C11-UPSCMAINS:G.S. SolvedPaper 9789382732679 290
36 C12-UPSCMAINS:Hindi Literature Paper 9789381362525 140
37 C13-IASMAINS HISTORYSOLVEDPAPER2002-2012 9789382732686 275
38 C14-THEVAULTOF1,2,3 &5MARKER(PART1) 9789381362808 295
39 C15-THEVAULTOF1,2,3 &5 MARKER(PART- II) 9789381362815 225
40 D02-SSCCGLGUIDE2012 9789381362051 360
41 D03-ACOMPLETEGUIDEFORSSC10+2LEVELEXAMINATION 9789381362679 340
42 D04-SSCPRACTICEPAPERS 9789382732075 175
43 D05-SSCSOLVED PAPERS 9789382732082 175
44 D06- SUCCESSBOOKSERIES GEOGRAPHY 9789382732181 80
45 D07-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESHISTORY 9789382732174 80
46 D08-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESINDIANPOLITY 9789382732228 75
47 D09-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESGENERALSCIENCE 9789382732198 80
48 D10-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESGENERALKNOWLEDGE 9789382732204 75
49 D11-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESINDIANECONOMY 9789382732211 80
50 D12-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESBHARTIYARAJVYAVASTHA 9789382732303 80
51 D13-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESBHARTIYAITIHAS 9789382732297 85
52 D14-SUCCESSBOOKSERIESBHUGOLPARYAVARAN 9789382732310 70
53 D15-AnAuthentic Book for SSCTier - 2 Examination 9789382732600 250
54 E03-SBI. Guide 9789381362105 210
55 E04-IBPSGuide for Clerk Grade 9789381362266 280
56 E05-ACOMPLETEGUIDEFORSBIAND
ASSOCIATEBANKCLERKEXAMINATION 9789381362655 295
57 E06-BHARTIYASTATEBANKCLERKBHARTI PARIKSHA 9789381362662 290
58 E07-IBPSWORKBOOKFORCLERK EXAMINATION 9789381362884 90
59 E08-SBIBANKPOEXAMINATIONPRACTICESETPAPERS 9789382732235 265
60 E09-I.B.P.S. P.O. Guide (Hindi) 9789382732488 265
61 E10-I.B.P.S. Practice Papers (English) 9789382732495 170
62 E11-I.B.P.S. Practice Papers (Hindi) 9789382732501 165
63 E12I.B.P.S. Solvedpapers (English) 9789382732518 170
64 E13-I..B.P.S. Solvedpapers (Hindi 9789382732525 165
65 E14-I.B.P.S.P.OGUIDE(ENGLISH) 9789382732471 365
66 F01-CDSSolved Paper 9789381362129 295
67 F02-NDA NASolved Paper 9789381362136 325
68 F03-SCRA-Practice BookSolved Papers 9789381362280 325
69 F04-ACOMPREHENSIVEGUIDEFORCAPF 9789381362785 310
70 F05-NDAPRACTICEPAPERS 9789382732013 200
71 F06-SCRAPRACTICEPAPERS 9789382732051 220
72 F07-CDSPRACTICEPAPERS 9789382732037 200
73 F08-LICAAO 9789382732341 390
74 F09-DSSSB(HINDI) 9789382732273 290
75 F10-DSSSB(ENGLISH) 9789382732280 320
76 F11-AAuthentic Practice Book for Delhi Police
S.I. &CAPFs S.I. | CISF(A.S.I) Examination 9789382732396 170
77 F12-AAuthentic Guide for Delhi Police
S.I. &CAPFs S.I. | CISF(A.S.I) Examination 9789382732389 375
78 F13-GICAssistants in Public Sector: General Insurance Companies 9789382732594 380
79 F14-UTTERPRADESHLEKHPALBHARTI PRARIKSHA 9789382732693 150
80 F15-utter pradesh arakshi bharti parikasha 2013 9789382732662 155
81 G01-Geography&Environment MCQ 9789381362402 160
82 G02-General Science MCQ 9789381362433 120
83 G03-IndianPolityMCQ 9789382732259 95
84 G04-Indian HistoryMCQ 9789382732327 95
85 G05-BasicNumeracyMCQ 9789381362464 130
86 G06-Indian Economy&Year Book MCQ 9789381362440 120
87 G07-ReasoningAnalytical AbilityMCQ 9789381362488 130
88 G08-DIDSMCQ 9789381362471 130
89 G09-Bhartiya Itihas 9789381362587 95
90 G10-Bhartiya Rajyavyavastha 9789381362570 80
91 G11-SSCMCQ 9789381362686 80
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Civil Services Mentor November 2013

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