Wednesday, June 24, 2015

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Consumer complaint mobile app launched by Ad Council
India> Advertising
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the self-regulatory body for content in Indian advertising, has launched the country’s first consumer complaint mobile app — ASCIonline, where all grievances related to misleading advertisements can be conveniently lodged online. The app will also help track the status of the complaints which the customers register on the portal. The app is easy to use and a consumer can lodge a complaint by providing advertisement details and the objection. Users can also attach files like image or video or YouTube link of the advertisement.

First International Day of Yoga sets world records
Days > International Day of Yoga
On 21 June 2015 the world celebrated the first International Day of Yoga to spread awareness about yoga globally and saw participation from 192 countries. The celebrations of first International Yoga Day at Rajpath in New Delh ailso led to setting of new world records that include participation of most individuals and individuals from the largest number of nationalities performing asanas at a single venue.

China blocked India's move at UN for action against Pakistan over Lakhvi's release
India > Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi release
At the UN Sanctions Committee meeting convened at India's request, Chinese representatives blocked India's proposal for action by the UN against Pakistan over the release of jailed LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the Mumbai attacks. China, known to block India’s moves in the UN Security Council against terrorist groups based in Pakistani territory in the past said India didn't provide “sufficient information” regarding the matter. The incident is likely to affect India-China relations in future.

Karnataka government appeals in SC against the acquittal of Jayalalithaa in disproportionate assets case
India > Others
The Karnataka government has challenged the Tamil Nadu high court's decision of giving a clean chit to AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa in a case of disproportionate assets, which saw her return as the chief minister of the state. If stay order is levied on the TN high court's verdict, Jayalalithaa will be ineligible to contest assembly by-polls, which are due this month, thereby threatening her post as the CM. Jayalalithaa was convicted for amassing illegal wealth as a Bengaluru trial court sentenced her to four years in jail and slapped a fine of Rs. 100 crore in September 2014. She and four others accused in the case were acquitted on May 11 by the High Court.

Others

Pope Francis appeals to people to save the planet
World > Pope Francis
In the wake of “unprecedented destruction” that could soon be wreaked by climate change in a worldwide decree, Pope Francis has sent his encyclical to 5,000 bishops around the world regarding the same. He said that reliance on fossil fuels was aggravating the problem, alongside deforestation, and called for stringent policies to restrict greenhouse gas emissions and increase use of renewable energy. However, the energy lobby was quick to criticize the encyclical and its anti-fossil fuel message.

Global Peace Index for 2015 released by IEP
World> Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) on 16 June 2015 released the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2015 which measured peace, its causes and its economic value during 2014. The index ranked 162 nations according to their level of peacefulness and India stood at 143rd position. Iceland led the list for being the most peaceful country, followed by Denmark and Austria at second and third positions, respectively. The Index is composed of 23 indicators, ranging from a nation’s level of military expenditure to its relations with neighbouring countries and the percentage of prison population in 162 countries.

Police find Jitender Singh Tomar's migration certificate to be fake
Politics and Government > Jitender Singh Tomar
Former Delhi Law Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jitender Singh Tomar, who was arrested in a fake degree case, was taken to the Bundelkhand University to verify his migration certificate, which the police claim is fake. The certificate was used by Tomar to obtain his law degree from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University in Bihar.

Salt, sugar and fat to come under the regulation of FSSAI
India > FSSAI
The central food safety regulator, Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will issue guidelines to issue salt, sugar and fats. The decision was taken as junk food, which is high in all three ingredients – salt, sugar and fats are a serious health concern. The Delhi high Court has asked the FSSAI to form a panel in order to thoroughly examine salt, sugar and fat products in India.

Opposition reads between the lines of LK Advani's emergency statement
Politics and Government > Others
BJP leader LK Advani's interview with a leading English daily, where he revealed his apprehensions about another emergency has been cashed on by opposition parties. Advani also said that the BJP had moved apart from the ideals set by party veterans like, Shyam Prasad Mookerjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and etc. and is pursuing one man's interest, thereby taking a jibe at the current PM. The BJP stalwart's statement was echoed by parties like RJD, JD(U), AAP and the Congress to some extent.

IT department plans to take strict action against frequent tax evaders
Economy > Tax
The Income Tax department has decided to take stringent action against habitual tax evaders, after a meeting of top IT officials in New Delhi, which was held recently. The decision comes on the back of frequent cases of tax evasion engaged in by many defaulters and the willingness to curb black money circulation. There are many high net worth individuals who engage in fraudulent activities like under reporting their incomes, changing of addresses etc. to avoid huge tax payments, and the IT department plans to go hard against such people.

Afghanistan Parliament attacked
World > Terrorism
During a meeting of Afghan politicians inside the Afghan parliament to appoint a defence minister, the Taliban carried out an attack on the parliament building with a suicide car bomber and gunmen. All the six gunmen have been reported to have been killed during the attacks, which killed more than 30 people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attacks.

Trinity College, Kerala launches satellite building project
Science and Technology > College Satellite
Trinity College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has kicked off a student satellite project, which will be completed by 2018. The project has been named Trinity Adrak Student Satellite, since its funding has come from an Oman-based company called Al Adrak. The project will mainly be aimed at building CubeSats and NanoSats at a regular pace.

Government proposes tax rebate for card payments
Economy > Income Tax
With a view to surge towards a cashless economy and reduce tax avoidance, the government recently proposed rebates for consumers who pay a proportion of their expenditure through credit or debit cards. In order to make card payment more hassle-free the government is looking at the possibility of removing convenience fee, service charge, and surcharge for card payments at petrol pumps, gas agencies and for railway tickets. Even the merchants can benefit from this proposal by accepting electronic payments.

Mamta's nephew makes threatening remarks at an event
Politics and Government > Mamta’s nephew

While addressing a meeting of Trinamool Congress workers and leaders, Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek has warned that anybody harbouring “evil intentions” towards West Bengal will have their eyes gouged out and their hands chopped off. In his speech, he has criticized BJP accusing the Prime Minister of selling the country. Earlier fellow party lawmaker Tapas Pal had said “If you insult the mothers and daughters of Trinamool workers, then I won't spare you. I will let loose my boys in your homes and they will commit rape.” Abhishek Banerjee's remarks have received criticisms from various political parties.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

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Consumer complaint mobile app launched by Ad Council
India > Advertising > 17th June
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the self-regulatory body for content in Indian advertising, has launched the country’s first consumer complaint mobile app — ASCIonline, where all grievances related to misleading advertisements can be conveniently lodged online. The app will also help track the status of the complaints which the customers register on the portal. The app is easy to use and a consumer can lodge a complaint by providing advertisement details and the objection. Users can also attach files like image or video or YouTube link of the advertisement.

RBI governor Raghuram Rajan tells banks to use Hindi and other regional languages to promote banking
Banking and Insurance > Regional Languages For Banking > 20th June
The governor of RBI, Raghuram Rajan has urged banks to use Hindi and other regional languages to promote banking among the people of remote parts of the country. He said that vernacular languages would help people in remote areas, who have money but no access to banking channels, understand banking services better. The statement comes on the back of several fraudulent schemes, which rob people of their monies.

First International Day of Yoga sets world records
Days > International Day Of Yoga > 21st June
On 21 June 2015 the world celebrated the first International Day of Yoga to spread awareness about yoga globally and saw participation from 192 countries. The celebrations of first International Yoga Day at Rajpath in New Delh ailso led to setting of new world records that include participation of most individuals and individuals from the largest number of nationalities performing asanas at a single venue.

Others

Police find Jitender Singh Tomar's migration certificate to be fake
Politics and Government > Jitender Singh Tomar > 17th June
Former Delhi Law Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jitender Singh Tomar, who was arrested in a fake degree case, was taken to the Bundelkhand University to verify his migration certificate, which the police claim is fake. The certificate was used by Tomar to obtain his law degree from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University in Bihar.

Public sector bank examination to have three-phase selection process
Banking and Insurance > IBPS > 18th June
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has come up with a three-phase hiring process for selecting candidates for public sector banks from this year. The move comes as a result of increasing impersonation cases reported during the IBPS exam in the past years. In addition to the existing common written test and interview, the IBPS will introduce a preliminary exam aimed at eliminating non-serious candidates. Scores from the preliminary exam will not be carried forward.

Hindi writers Babusha Kohli and Upasana win 10th Navlekhan Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith
Awards > Hindi literature > 18th June
Hindi writers Babusha Kohli and Upasana won the 10th Navlekhan Award of the Bhartiya Jnanpith at a ceremony held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on the 16th of June, 2015. They were awarded for the poem 'Prem Gilhari Dil Akhrot' and the novel 'Ek Zindagi Ek Ek Script Bhar' respectively. The Navlekhan awards are presented with an objective to motivate young writers writing in Hindi.

Salt, sugar and fat to come under the regulation of FSSAI
India > FSSAI > 19th June
The central food safety regulator, Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will issue guidelines to issue salt, sugar and fats. The decision was taken as junk food, which is high in all three ingredients – salt, sugar and fats are a serious health concern. The Delhi high Court has asked the FSSAI to form a panel in order to thoroughly examine salt, sugar and fat products in India.

Mustafizur shines at India-Bangladesh ODI as Bangladesh win fist bilateral series against India
Sports > India-Bangladesh ODIs > 21st June
Bangladesh won the first two One Day Internationals (ODIs), getting their first-ever bilateral series win against India. The win also secured their place in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. India's poor batting and bowling stints at the match worked in favor of Bangladesh as they raised victory in only 38 overs with six wickets and nine overs to spare. Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh became the first bowler to pick up 11 wickets in the first two games of his ODI career. Mustafizur also joined Brian Vitori of Zimbabwe to become one of only two men to have taken two five-wicket hauls in their first two ODI.

India's 1st A/C DEMU train launched in Kochi
India > Railways > 21st June
India's first diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) train service with an air-conditioned coach was inaugurated in Kochi by railway minister Suresh Prabhu. The train service is expected to help reduce traffic congestion in the Kerala’s fastest growing city. The train is equipped with bio-toilets, reclining type comfortable cushion seats and fully vestibule for free movement of passengers between coaches.

Book titled 'Benazir Bhutto: A Multidimensional Portrait' authored by Dr Anna Suvorova released
Books > Benazir Bhutto: A Multidimensional Portrait > 22nd June
A book titled 'Benazir Bhutto: A Multidimensional Portrait' authored by Russian Dr Anna Suvorova was released on 26th May, 2015. The book chronicles the life and work of late prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto as the first female head of a Muslim state. The book consists of many of Bhutto's own writings, books, articles and interviews and is published by the Oxford University Press.

Trinity College, Kerala launches satellite building project
Science and Technology > College Satellite > 22nd June
Trinity College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has kicked off a student satellite project, which will be completed by 2018. The project has been named Trinity Adrak Student Satellite, since its funding has come from an Oman-based company called Al Adrak. The project will mainly be aimed at building CubeSats and NanoSats at a regular pace.


Thursday, June 18, 2015

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Landmark Motor Vehicles Agreement with 3 SAARC nations gets cabinet approval
Politics and Government > Motor Vehicles Agreement > Jun 11
The Union Cabinet gave nod to the signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) with three other nations, which are a part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The pact will be signed on 15th of June, 2015 in Bhutan and will facilitate an exchange of passenger, personal and cargo vehicles among the nations. The agreement will pave the way for a seamless movement of people and goods across the borders of the four countries and will benefit the integration among the region along with its economic development. The agreement was signed by the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Mr. Nitin Gadkari, he has also hinted at another agreement with two other nations Myanmar and Thailand, which are a part of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

India and Australia to hold first joint naval exercise this year
World > Military > Jun 14
India and Australia are set to hold their first joint naval exercise later this year with the possibility of Japan joining the two nations for a trilateral exercise. The exercise aims at strengthening the ties between the three nations in all sectors, especially maritime security. The naval exercise with Japan is likely to anger China as it had reacted sharply in 2007, when the three nations had carried out such joint talks with the US. The trio had held their first-ever high-level trilateral dialogue here last week which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries.

Sushma Swaraj drowned in controversy over helping Lalit Modi
Politics and Government > Sushma Swaraj - Lalit Modi > Jun 17
Speculations claiming ex- IPL chief Lalit Modi receiving help with British travel documents from Sushma Swaraj has been doing the rounds in India's political circle with oppositions demanding her resignation. Swaraj has maintained that she helped Modi on "humanitarian grounds" — to attend to his wife who was undergoing surgery for cancer in Lisbon and has found constant support in BJP. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has spoken in favor of Swaraj saying she acted with good intentions. With the support from government, RSS, NDA allies and even those from the opposition like Samajwadi Party, the official position of Sushma Swaraj remains as firm as it was for the moment.

Others

Reliance Industries may begin 4G services in December
Corporate > Telecom > Jun 12
Reliance Industries Ltd may enter the telecom sector in the start of December with 4G phone services, according to a statement by Mukesh Ambani. After facing difficulties in establishing a foothold in the telecoms sector, Relaince Industries is again gearing up to venture into the sector dominated by Airtel and Vodafone. Seeking to make its 4G services available to more Indian consumers, Reliance will offer its own 4G services for as little as 300 rupees a month.

US probes Infosys, TCS over H-1B visa violations
Corporate > H-IB Visa > Jun 12
Two of the biggest Indian outsourcing companies face probe from the US authorities for possible violations of H-1B visa. According to the reports, the two companies had recently laid off more than 500 technology workers, following which the terminated employees were made to train the immigrant workers on temporary H-1B visas who were to replace them. The immigrants were brought in by by the outsourcing firms based in India.

Consumer forums to get rate cards for public scrutiny
Politics & Government > Rate Card > Jun 15
Now district consumer forums will have to work efficiently as government launches a mechanism for giving rate card to forums based on their scores calculated keeping in mind speed of disposal of cases, period of adjournment, number of adjournments and average time taken for admission. A dashboard will be developed by Computerization and Computer Networking of Consumer Fora in Country (CONFONET) that will contain all these information and will be made public. The detailed performance of forums made public on a website will pressurize forums to fulfill the needs of consumers.

Delhi police allege former Delhi Law Minister non cooperative
India > Delhi Law Minister > Jun 15
The Delhi police have said that former Delhi law minister Jitender Singh Tomar was not cooperating in the investigation regarding a fake law degree scam. The police have said the ex-minister was reluctant to answer questions during interrogation during his police custody. The Delhi high court has extended the police custody of the AAP MLA by two more days, as the police could not take him to the concerned educational institutes for investigations, as they were closed on account of being a Sunday.

Bill to force-feed prisoners on hunger-strike passed in Israel
World > Israel > Jun 15
The Israeli government has faced a lot of flak for passing a bill, which allows the forceful feeding of prisoners who go on a hunger-strike and risk their health. The passing of the bill was led by Internal Security Minister, Gilad Erdan, who said that prisoners observing a hunger strike are mainly Palestinians and posed a “threat” to Israel. The bill was previously approved in June 2014, on the back of a mass hunger strike when 80 Palestinian prisoners were hospitalised, but it was eventually put on hold.

Cairn India to merge with Vedanta Ltd
Corporate > Vedanta > Jun 15
Metal and mining giant Vedanta Ltd and its subsidiary oil explorer Cairn India will merge in an all share swap deal, giving the parent company Vedanta complete control of decision making and access to Cairn India's treasure of $2.7 billion, which will help Vedanta to reduce debt. The merger has consolidated Vedanta's position as one of India's leading diversified natural resources company.

Reliance Communications talks about merger plans with Sistema Shyam
Corporate > M&A > Jun 16
The Anil Ambani owned Reliance Communications (RCOM) is in talks with Sistema, a Russian company to merge their Indian business Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd (SSTL). SSTL operates under the MTS brand and has around nine million subscribers. RCOM is India's fourth-largest telecom carrier, and has more than 110 million users. The deal is supposed to be an all-stock deal, where RCOM will buy out around 90% of SSTL's shares.

PAN-based information at the click of a button
Economy > PAN > Jun 17
Now all PAN-based information about a tax payer will be made available to assessing officers through a data mining tool known as the Income Tax Business Application. Through this new tool with “smart and intelligent database”, the tax department is expecting to address the problems of the tax payers and make the process of paying taxes simple.

Real Estate biggie Donald Trump to run for president of the US
Politics and Government > US Presidency > Jun 17
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump has officially announced his bid for 2016 US presidency putting all speculations to rest over his entry in politics. In a speech launching his run for presidency, he called the current crop of politicians stupid and vowed to make the US great again. However, in a recent poll just five percent of voters said would vote for Trump at the Republican primary.

Mohamed Morsi sentenced to death over jailbreak and other offences
Politics and Government > Egypt > Jun 17
In two separate court cases, deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was sentenced to death and life in prison on charges of killing, kidnapping and other offences during a 2011 mass jail break. The court last month convicted Dr Morsi and his fellow defendants of killing and kidnapping policemen, attacking police facilities and breaking out of jail during the 2011 uprising against Mubarak.

John Kerry calls Nawaz Sharif over India-Pak tension
Politics and Government > Bilateral Ties > Jun 17

Talks on bilateral ties and ongoing tension between India and Pakistan happened when US secretary of state John Kerry called Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Kerry told reporters that the rising public dispute between India and Pakistan has raised concerns from all over the world and the phone call was made to work out the issue together. He added that Sharif was very welcoming and had actually just finished a conversation with the Prime Minister of India.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Starred Articles

Landmark Motor Vehicles Agreement with 3 SAARC nations gets cabinet approval
Politics and Government > Motor Vehicles Agreement
The Union Cabinet gave nod to the signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) with three nations, which are a part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The pact will be signed on 15th of June, 2015 in Bhutan and will facilitate an exchange of passenger, personal and cargo vehicles among the nations. The agreement will pave the way for a seamless movement of people and goods across the borders of the four countries and will benefit the integration among the region along with its economic development. The agreement was signed by the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Mr. Nitin Gadkari, he has also hinted at another agreement with two other nations Myanmar and Thailand, which are a part of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

World Day against Child Labour observed globally
Days > World Day against Child Labour
12 June 2015 was observed as World Day against Child Labour with the theme “NO to child labour – YES to quality education”. The day is observed globally to spread awareness against child labour. Started by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002, the Day brings together governments, employers, workers, organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

India tops World Bank's growth list for the first time
World > Corporate Affairs
The World Bank growth report for the year 2015, has placed India at the first position and has also predicted that India is poised to overtake China's growth rate this year. The optimistic report has made its forecasts based on the booming growth in south Asia, the recovery of the Indian economy, decline in oil prices, subsidy reforms and easing in monetary policies. According to the report, all the above mentioned factors have facilitated towards the growth of business and investor confidence in India, which will help raise the growth rate to reach 7.5% compared to China's predicted rate of 7.1%.

Blood bank locator app launched by government
Politics and Government > Blood Bank locator app
The government has launched a mobile application that will provide information regarding the nearest blood bank in the country. The National Blood Transfusion Council has made available directory of all 2760 licensed blood banks at National Health Portal for the application. The app was launched on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day observed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the theme “Thank you for saving my life."

Others

ISRO presented with 2015 Space Pioneer Award for Mars Orbiter Mission
Awards > ISRO
The Space Pioneer award for the year 2015 in the Science and Engineering category was given to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during the 34th Annual International Space Development Conference held at Toronto in Canada during 20 May- 24 May 2015. The award was presented to ISRO in acknowledgment of its efforts in completing the Mars Orbiter Mission in its very first attempt. The award was presented by the National Space Society.

SBI: No processing fee for those switching home loans
Banking and Insurance > SBI
Owing to the slowdown in demand for loans from corporates, SBI has decided to scrap processing fee for those who are shifting to it from other lenders. However, the bank continues to charge legal and valuation fee of about Rs 8,000 for home loans. With the pre-payment penalty banned by RBI recently, the customers are seen switching from one bank to another for better rates on home loans. The new move of SBI along with its lowest rates on mortgages is expected to intensify the battle for market share in the home loan market.

Final guidelines for interest rate futures issued by RBI
Banking and Insurance > RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the final guidelines for 6-year and 13-year cash settled interest rate futures (IRF). For the 6 and 13 year contracts the underlying shall be a coupon bearing government security of the face value of Rs. 100. The residual maturity for a 6 year contract will be between 4 and 8 years on the expiry of futures contract and that for a 13 year contract will be between 11 and 15 years.

Railways decide to run Suvidha trains for confirmed and RAC passengers
India > Railways
Indian Railways has decided to run Suvidha trains on certain terms and conditions. Tickets shall be issued only for confirmed and RAC passengers accommodation. There shall be no provision for waiting list in the train. No concession shall be applicable on these trains. Full adult fare shall be changed for all passengers irrespective of their age. On the basis of demand pattern, Suvidha train services may run during peak seasons like winter rush, summer rush, Dussehara rush, Holi rush and on other occasions as jointly decided by COMs and CCMs of the zonal Railways.

Director of Indian Statistical Institute Bimal Roy fired
India > Indian Statistical Institute
The director of the illustrious Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) has been removed by the central government over apprehensions that he might indulge in alleged indiscipline and irregularities pertaining to financial frauds. The removal comes barely two months before the end of his tenure, which was scheduled to end on the 31st of July, 2015. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, who is the director-in-waiting, and is also a faculty member at the ISI, has been asked to discharge all duties of Roy, and she will hold the post of director from the 1st of August, 2015.

Hindi along with three other Indian languages added to Dubai driving test
World > Indian language in driving tests
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of the UAE, which currently conducts driving tests in three languages - English, Urdu and Arabic, will offer knowledge tests and lectures in seven more languages including four Indian languages from September, 2015. The seven new languages are Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, Chinese, Russian and Persian. Lectures and knowledge tests are required to obtain a driving licence, and they need to be passed by every candidate before moving on to the practical driving classes.

India and Australia to hold first joint naval exercise this year
Others > Military
India and Australia are set to hold their first joint naval exercise later this year with the possibility of Japan joining the two nations for a trilateral exercise. The exercise aims at strengthening the ties between the three nations in all sectors, especially maritime security. The naval exercise with Japan is likely to anger China as it had reacted sharply in 2007, when the three nations had carried out such joint talks with the US. The trio had held their first-ever high-level trilateral dialogue here last week which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries.

Free roaming for BSNL customers
India > Telecom
Indian state-owned telecommunications company BSNL has launched free roaming for its customers that will enable them to receive incoming calls at no cost. BSNL is putting up 5,000 Base Transceiver Station (BTS) towers across the country to provide better services to its customers. A statement from BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava says that BSNL has received permission both from the Minister of Communications & IT and telecom regulator TRAI.

World Blood Donor Day observed on June 14
Days > World Blood Donor Day
The 'World Blood Donor Day' was observed across the world on the 14th of June, 2015. The day is observed in order to express gratitude to blood donors who save lives by donating blood. It is also helpful in creating awareness of the need for safe blood for transfusion and to highlight the importance of blood donation. The theme for this year was 'thank you for saving my life'. The day is celebrated in honour of Karl Landsteiner who is noted for having first distinguished the main blood groups in the year 1900 and having developed the modern system of classification of blood groups.

Indian Railways renames Haridwar Mail as Yoga Express
India > Railways

The Indian Railways has decided to rename the Haridwar Mail as Yoga Express. However, no changes in its timings or composition are expected. The train runs between Ahmedabad and Haridwar will undergo the name change on the back of the 'International Yoga Day', which will be celebrated across the world on the 21st of June this year for the first time.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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18 armymen in Manipur killed by militants
India > Terrorrism > 5th June
Manipur witnessed one of the worst militant attacks on army men that killed 18 soldiers and injured 11. According to an official, Dogra Regiment team was on a routine road opening patrol (ROP) along Moltuk village, around 110 kilometres south of state capital Imphal, when the guerrillas attacked the group with rocket-propelled grenades and IEDs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the attack as 'mindless'.

India, Bangladesh sign historic land-boundary agreement
India > Indo-Bangladesh Land-boundary Agreement > 7th June
In a historic move, India and Bangladesh have signed a land-boundary agreement that will settle their 4,096-km long land boundary dispute after 41 long years. The Indian Parliament had passed a historic Constitution Amendment Bill which will operationalise the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary agreement that provides for exchange of 161 enclaves between the two countries. The land boundary agreement will end the misery of 50,000 stateless people struggling with their national identity. With the border agreement in place, India has now control of 510 acres of land while Bangladesh will have control of 10,000 acres of land. The two countries also signed 22 agreements, including on cooperation in maritime safety and to curb human trafficking and fake Indian currency.

TDP files multiple FIRs against Telangana CM in cash-for-vote scam
Politics and Government > Telengana Cash-For-Vote Scam > 8th June
TDP leaders filed multiple FIRs against Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for allegedly tapping the phones of Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. The TDP alleged a conspiracy by the Telangana government against the Andhra Pradesh government. TDP leaders lodged FIRs against Chandrasekhar Rao, officials of the Telanagana anti-corruption bureau (ACB) and some TV channels.

Government cancels registration of 4,470 NGOs in fresh crackdown
Politics and Government > NGOs > 9th June
A close monitoring of the activities of 4,470 NGOs by the Union Home Ministry resulted in cancellation of their licenses after they found out that their activities included non-filing of annual returns and other anomalies. All associations were given proper notice by the Foreigners Division of the Home Ministry with adequate time to reply before their FCRA licences were cancelled. The cancellation of licences of these NGOs which includes top universities of India including 'Kabir' floated by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, bars them from receiving foreign funds.

Others

US Freedom Act signed by Obama to protect privacy of citizens
World > US Freedom Act > 3rd June
Citizens of the USA will have some respite from America's most controversial surveillance program since 9/11, following the US Freedom Act signed by the US President Barack Obama. The surveillance program enabled National Security Agency (NSA) to collect and store telephone numbers, dates and times of calls from millions of Americans who have no connection to terrorism. This bill is a critical step in restoring America's reputation as the leader in protecting the privacy and security of user data.

10-year defence framework pact signed by India and the US
India > Defence > 3rd June
A 10-year defence framework pact envisaging joint development and manufacture of defence equipment and technology including jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction was signed between India and the US. The framework agreement was signed between India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and visiting US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and focuses on areas like maritime security and joint training. The new framework agreement provides a platform for high level strategic discussions, continued exchanges between armed forces of both countries, and strengthening of defence capabilities.

Nestle suffers a loss of Rs. 10,000 crores due to Maggi controversy
India > Maggi Ban > 4th June
The controversy surrounding the instant noodles brand Maggi has apparently cost FMCG major – Nestle a loss of Rs. 10000 crores. The share price of Nestle has gone down 15% from Rs. 7038 to Rs. 6010. Maggi was a big contributor to Nestle's profits in India and it came under scrutiny for high content of lead and mono-sodium glutamate or MSG (a taste enhancer).

Barcelona beat Juventus to claim Champions League Trophy
Sports > Football > 7th June
Spanish giants Barcelona FC defeated the Italian club Juventus FC 3-1 to win the much coveted title of the European Champions League Trophy at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Sunday's win is Barcelona's third major title this season after they won the La Liga and the King's Cup. The goals were scored by Croatian Ivan Rakitic in the fourth minute, Uruguayan Luis Suarez in the 68th and Brazilian Neymar in the final few minutes of the game. Juventus became the first team in the history of the league to lose the finals six times.

India and Bangladesh sign 22 agreements; Reliance Power signs MoU with Adani Power to build power plants in Bangladesh
World > India-Bangladesh > 7th June
India signed 22 agreements with Bangladesh during PM Narendra Modi's visit to the neighbouring country for co-operation in areas of trade, investment, education, climate change and Information and Communication Technology. Along with the agreements the two governments will also implement the Instruments of ratification of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and its 2011 Protocol.
Meanwhile, two powerhouses of the Indian energy sector – Reliance Power and Adani Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the the state run, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The two companies will build a 3000 MW power plant in the company, which will supposedly provide 35% cheaper power to the country.

Stanislas Wawrinka wins 2015 French Open title
Sports > French Open > 7th June
The 2015 French Open title was won by Stanislas Wawrinka who defeated Novak Djokovic to secure his second career major after the 2014 Australian Open. Wawrinka's stunning win put an end to Djokovic's dream to secure a career Grand Slam as he had aspired to win one title from each major tournament.

Nitish Kumar to be the CM candidate of the JD(U)-RJD alliance for the Bihar elections
Politics and Government > Nitish Kumar > 8th June
Nitish Kumar is set to become the chief ministerial candidate of the JD(U)-RJD alliance for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections said senior leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav. A hint with an alliance happening with the Congress Party was also made evident by the current chief minister of Biher, Nitish Kumar.

Political agreement solves constitutional crisis in Nepal
World > Nepal > 9th June
After a long period of dispute over the making of Constitution, Nepal can now expect one in the near future. An agreement was signed by four major political parties at Prime Minister Sushil Koirala's residence as they held a majority of votes in the 601-seat assembly that are needed to approve the draft.
Since the country was hit by earthquakes in April and May that killed more than 8,700 people, both the government and opposition have been under pressure to resolve the constitution crisis.

India to be 'country of honour' at South Asia Expo in China
Economy > South Asia Expo > 9th June
China's annual five-day South Asia Expo will have India as 'country of honour' and Thailand as the guest of honour of the Import and Export Fair. This is the third consecutive year that the South Asia Expo is being held by China to expand its trade and business footprints in South Asia where it is looking to firm up influence with huge investments in different countries. The title of 'country of honour' highlights the business potential of that country.

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi appoints chief of Anti-Corruption Branch
Politics and Governance > Delhi Lt. Governor > 9th June
Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi, Najeeb Jung appointed a joint commissioner of the Delhi Police as the chief of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), which the ruling government has described as a bureaucratic coup. The appointment of Mukesh Kumar Meena, an IPS officer of the 1989 batch was cleared by the Lt. Governor unilaterally without informing the chief minister or any member of the government.

ISIS carries out attacks in Iran and Libya, despite American air-strikes
World > Terrorism > 9th June
In the battle against the Islamic State, the US government plans to establish a new military base in Anbar Province to help Iraqi forces retake the city of Ramadi. Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar, is less than 70 miles from Baghdad; it borders Saudi Arabia and Jordan, two important members of the coalition against the Islamic State.
However, Islamic State militants have carried attacks in Baghdad and the Libyan city of Surt despite persistent bombings by American planes in the area.

Jitender Tomar resigns, AAP blames Modi
Politics and Government > AAP > 10th June
Delhi Law Minister and AAP leader Jitender Singh Tomar was slapped with forgery charges following the allegations of fake law degree by his rivals. The case was dragged to Delhi court which remanded him to four-day police custody, following this Tomar handed his resignation to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The arrest triggered a bitter war between the Centre and the State government with AAP leader Kejriwal blaming Modi for threatening his party members. The arrest comes at a time when Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and the Delhi government have locked horns over administrative control of the national capital.

HSBC Bank to lay-off 50,000 employees
Banking and Insurance > HSBC Bank > 10th June
On account of sluggish growth and diminishing profits across its business all the countries, and in a bid to pay more dividends, HSBC Bank has planned to lay off 50,000 employees across the world. HSBC will cut its assets by $290 billion by 2017, and cut off $140 billion from its investment banking business. It also plans to expand its business in Asia with a focus on China.

PVR buys off DLF's DT Cinemas for Rs. 500 crores
Corporate > PVR > 10th June
Film theatre giant PVR acquired real estate major DLF's DT Cinemas for a total of Rs. 500 crores. DLF will acquire a total of 39 screens with a total seating capacity of 9000 seats. DT Cinemas currently operates 29 screens with about 6,000 seats across eight properties in the National Capital Region and Chandigarh; PVR will now have a presence in 44 cities with 115 multiplexes and 506 screens after the acquisition.


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Starred Articles

World Environment Day observed globally
Days > World Environment Day
World Environment Day was celebrated throughout the world on the 5th of June, 2015 with a theme of '7 billion dreams, one planet. Consume with care'. The day is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme to raise global awareness, to take positive environmental action, to protect nature and the planet Earth. The first World Environment Day was celebrated in the year 1973 and is celebrated since with a different theme and in a different host city every year, the host city for this year was Milan.

Barcelona beat Juventus to claim Champions League Trophy
Sports > Football
Spanish giants Barcelona FC defeated the Italian club Juventus FC 3-1 to win the much coveted title of the European Champions League Trophy at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Sunday's win is Barcelona's third major title this season after they won the La Liga and the King's Cup. The goals were scored by Croatian Ivan Rakitic in the fourth minute, Uruguayan Luis Suarez in the 68th and Brazilian Neymar in the final few minutes of the game. Juventus became the first team in the history of the league to lose the finals six times.

Stanislas Wawrinka wins 2015 French Open title
Sports > French Open
The 2015 French Open title was won by Stanislas Wawrinka who defeated Novak Djokovic to secure his second career major after the 2014 Australian Open. Wawrinka's stunning win put an end to Djokovic's dream to secure a career Grand Slam as he had aspired to win one title from each major tournament.

Centre: 'Jal Kranti' campaign will have 'Jal Gram', 'Jal Mitra'
Politics and Government > 'Jal Kranti' campaign
As a part of the ambitious 'Jal Kranti' campaign for ensuring maximum utilisation of water in view of decreasing availability of water, the Centre has launched a 'Jal Gram Yojana' to zero in on areas which need immediate help. An index value would be provided to every village on the basis of demand and availability of water and village with maximum difference in the value would be included in the Abhiyan. Locals involved in water related vocations would be trained to be 'Jal Mitra' who would spread awareness about water related issues. Every village will have development scheme under which water bodies would be renovated and new ones would be constructed.

India, Bangladesh have a settled boundary after 41 long years
India > Indo-Bangladesh Land-boundary Agreement
In a historic move, India and Bangladesh have signed a land-boundary agreement that will settle their 4,096-km long land boundary dispute after 41 long years. The Indian Parliament had passed a historic Constitution Amendment Bill which will operationalise the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary agreement that provides for exchange of 161 enclaves between the two countries. The land boundary agreement will end the misery of 50,000 stateless people struggling with their national identity. With the border agreement in place, India has now control of 510 acres of land while Bangladesh will have control of 10,000 acres of land. The two countries also signed 22 agreements, including on cooperation in maritime safety and to curb human trafficking and fake Indian currency.

Others

US Freedom Act signed by Obama to protect privacy of citizens
World > US Freedom Act
Citizens of the USA will have some respite from America's most controversial surveillance program since 9/11, following the US Freedom Act signed by the US President Barack Obama. The surveillance program enabled National Security Agency (NSA) to collect and store telephone numbers, dates and times of calls from millions of Americans who have no connection to terrorism. This bill is a critical step in restoring America's reputation as the leader in protecting the privacy and security of user data.

10-year defence framework pact signed by India and the US
India > Defence
A 10-year defence framework pact envisaging joint development and manufacture of defence equipment and technology including jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction was signed between India and the US. The framework agreement was signed between India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and visiting US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and focuses on areas like maritime security and joint training. The new framework agreement provides a platform for high level strategic discussions, continued exchanges between armed forces of both countries, and strengthening of defence capabilities.

NSDC, Hindustan Coca-Cola join hands for skill development
Corporate > NSDC- Hindustan Coca-Cola
In order to elevate the employability potential of youth and women, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has entered into an agreement with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. with an aim to equip youth and women with retail skills. The pact is designed to impart skill training in retail programmes to 15,000 women through an initiative called PRAGATI to help prospective women entrepreneurs across the country.

SBI's 'Youth for India' rural programme gets 15,000 applications
Banking and Insurance > SBI
SBI's 'Youth for India' fellowship programme has received an overwhelming response from 15,000 youth indicating rising interest of youth in connecting with rural India. 100 shortlisted candidates will work with seven NGOs that have a partnership with the bank. Through the programme SBI gives a platform to connect urban youth with rural India.

Kotak Mahindra Bank, ING Vysya Bank sign MoU for cross-border business
Banking and Insurance > Kotak-ING Vysya MoU
With a view to meet varying client needs across several geographies, Kotak Mahindra Bank has signed a pact with ING Vysya Bank for cross-border business growth. The MoU will be mutually beneficial as it covers an array of co-operation in areas such as trade, finance, remittances and services related to non-resident Indians, funding to counter-parties' corporate relationships, fee-based products, direct banking and digital strategy, and cross-border debt capital markets and M&A. Earlier in April, Kotak Mahindra Bank had announced a merger with ING Vysya Bank.

TCS and Infosys make it to 'Asia's 100 most desirable brands'
Corporate > Asia’s 100 most desirable brands
Two Indian brands – Tata Consulting Services (TCS) and Infosys have made it to the list of 'Asia's 100 most desirable brands'. It is a list compiled by the World Consulting & Research Corporation (WCRC) along with iBrands 360 which includes the most significant brands in Asia such as Hyundai, Honda, Emirates Airlines, and Alibaba.com etc. All the brands were selected based on their robust performance and growth during the last five years.

India and Bangladesh sign 22 agreements; Reliance Power signs MoU with Adani Power to build power plants in Bangladesh
World > India-Bangladesh
India signed 22 agreements with Bangladesh during PM Narendra Modi's visit to the neighbouring country for co-operation in areas of trade, investment, education, climate change and Information and Communication Technology. Along with the agreements the two governments will also implement the Instruments of ratification of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and its 2011 Protocol.
Meanwhile, two powerhouses of the Indian energy sector – Reliance Power and Adani Power have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the the state run, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The two companies will build a 3000 MW power plant in the company, which will supposedly provide 35% cheaper power to the country.

Anshu Jain Co-Chief Executive of Deutsche Bank resigns amid regulatory woes
Corporate > Deutsche Bank

The co-chief executive of Deutsche Bank, Anshu Jain, quit from his position after regulator hindrances and paranoia among the the employees and investors of the bank over its performance. Jain is set to be replaced by John Cryan as the the co-chief executive until the other joint co-chief executive Juergen Fitschen resigns in May, 2016, which will also end Deutsche Bank's experimentation of having dual leadership. After which, John Cryan will become the sole CEO. The bank has faced several controversies related to regulator investigations pertaining to money laundering and the rigging of bench-marked interest rates.