GA QUESTIONS
1) Taufiq hidayat --- Indonesia
2) Cabinet Secretary- Ajit kumar seth
3)Asia pacific summit - Japan
4)World athletic 2017- London
5)GSAT 12 - India
6) CTBT- Nuclear
7)Literature- Saraswati Saman
8) financial term- Liquidity adjustment facility
9) Who among never been RBI Governer - Subir Gokaran
10) F in NEFT stands for - Funds
11)Who among the following is not prime minister- Hamid Karzai
12)Chief minister where election took place - Prakash singh badal
13)BHELUPUR VILLAGE - BIHAR
14)Country which will export uranium to India - Australia
15) Function of SIDBI- Micro and small scale industries
16)Function of RBI- Regulation of money forex govt securitie
17)Declining rupee - Maximum advantage for exporter
Sunday 29 April 2012
rbi ga evng session
rbi clerk ga ques
1) Solicitor General Of India---Rohintan Nariman
2) RBI Deputy Governor---Haroon Rashid Khan
3) USA Called Back Soldiers After 9 Years: IRAQ
4) Which Is Not Currency: ECUADOR
5) USA asked India To Stop Crude Oil Import From : IRAN
6) Cricket Term: SILLY POINT
7) Padma Vibhushan: TV RAJESHWAR
NATIONAL FILM AWARD: VIDYA BALAN
9) Who is a president of a nation? Nicolas Sarcozy
10) Nuclear Plant: JAITAPUR
11) TIANGPONG which country launched in orbit---CHINA
12) SEYCHELLES Project by China on Which Sea: INDIAN OCEAN
13) Against Which Country Sachin Scrored 100th Ton---Bangladesh
14) INDIAN CREDIT RATING AGENCY…CRISIL
15) BEST ACTRESS IN 2011(VIDYA BALAN)
16) CHIEF MINISTER OF UP---Akhilesh Yadav
17) MALGUDI DAYS AUTHOR: R K NARAYAN
18) KYOTO PROTOCOL: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
19) BRICS Country: SOUTH AFRICA
20) CROCODILE CUP, DIPIKA PALLIKAL : SQUASH
21) NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: TOMAS TRANSTROMER
22) Scheme to Attract More Children To Schools: MID DAY MEAL
23) Scheme To Make India Slum-FREE: RAJIV AWAS YOJNA
24) Which is not directly related to RBI---Public Debt Office
25) In which sector Govt wants to bring a new act---(I think it is Higher Education)
26) Meaning of alphabet F in NBFC? Financial
27) Essential requirement to involve poor people in Financial Inclusion? Bank A/C
28) Who among the following is the author of India Origin?—Kiran Desai
29) Functions of the NABARD Bank? To help Co operative & RRBs
30) Lawn Tennis? Davis Cup
31) 2018 Commonwealth Games? Australia
2) RBI Deputy Governor---Haroon Rashid Khan
3) USA Called Back Soldiers After 9 Years: IRAQ
4) Which Is Not Currency: ECUADOR
5) USA asked India To Stop Crude Oil Import From : IRAN
6) Cricket Term: SILLY POINT
7) Padma Vibhushan: TV RAJESHWAR
NATIONAL FILM AWARD: VIDYA BALAN9) Who is a president of a nation? Nicolas Sarcozy
10) Nuclear Plant: JAITAPUR
11) TIANGPONG which country launched in orbit---CHINA
12) SEYCHELLES Project by China on Which Sea: INDIAN OCEAN
13) Against Which Country Sachin Scrored 100th Ton---Bangladesh
14) INDIAN CREDIT RATING AGENCY…CRISIL
15) BEST ACTRESS IN 2011(VIDYA BALAN)
16) CHIEF MINISTER OF UP---Akhilesh Yadav
17) MALGUDI DAYS AUTHOR: R K NARAYAN
18) KYOTO PROTOCOL: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
19) BRICS Country: SOUTH AFRICA
20) CROCODILE CUP, DIPIKA PALLIKAL : SQUASH
21) NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: TOMAS TRANSTROMER
22) Scheme to Attract More Children To Schools: MID DAY MEAL
23) Scheme To Make India Slum-FREE: RAJIV AWAS YOJNA
24) Which is not directly related to RBI---Public Debt Office
25) In which sector Govt wants to bring a new act---(I think it is Higher Education)
26) Meaning of alphabet F in NBFC? Financial
27) Essential requirement to involve poor people in Financial Inclusion? Bank A/C
28) Who among the following is the author of India Origin?—Kiran Desai
29) Functions of the NABARD Bank? To help Co operative & RRBs
30) Lawn Tennis? Davis Cup
31) 2018 Commonwealth Games? Australia
Thursday 26 April 2012
achieve your dreams
Achieve your Dreams in 2012, Remember your
A to Z
A: Avoid Negative sources, people, places, things and Habits
B: Believe in yourself
C: Consider Things from every angle
D: Don't Give up and don't give in
E: Enjoy Life today yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come
F: Family and Friends are Hidden treasures, seek
them and enjoy the riches
G: Give more than you planned to
H: Hang on to your dreams
I: Ignore those who try to discourage you.
J: Just DO IT!!!!!
K: Keep trying no matter how hard it seems - it will
get easier
L: Love yourself first and MOST
M: Make it Happen
N: Never Lie, Cheat or Steal; always strike a fair deal
O: Open your eyes and see things as they really
are.
P: Practice makes PERFECT
Q: Quitters never win, and Winners never quit
R: Read Study and Learn About everything
important in your life
S: Stop Procrastinating
T: Take control of your own DESTINY
U: Understand yourself to better understand others
V: Visualize it!
W: Want it more than anything
X: Xcellerate your efforts
Y: You are unique of all God's creations,nothing can replace you.
Z: Zero in on your target and go for it! :)
A to Z
A: Avoid Negative sources, people, places, things and Habits
B: Believe in yourself
C: Consider Things from every angle
D: Don't Give up and don't give in
E: Enjoy Life today yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come
F: Family and Friends are Hidden treasures, seek
them and enjoy the riches
G: Give more than you planned to
H: Hang on to your dreams
I: Ignore those who try to discourage you.
J: Just DO IT!!!!!
K: Keep trying no matter how hard it seems - it will
get easier
L: Love yourself first and MOST
M: Make it Happen
N: Never Lie, Cheat or Steal; always strike a fair deal
O: Open your eyes and see things as they really
are.
P: Practice makes PERFECT
Q: Quitters never win, and Winners never quit
R: Read Study and Learn About everything
important in your life
S: Stop Procrastinating
T: Take control of your own DESTINY
U: Understand yourself to better understand others
V: Visualize it!
W: Want it more than anything
X: Xcellerate your efforts
Y: You are unique of all God's creations,nothing can replace you.
Z: Zero in on your target and go for it! :)
Wednesday 25 April 2012
set-8
1. As per a report, India received $2.21 billion in foreign direct investment in February 2012. Which among
the following countries is the top source of FDI to India?
[A]Singapore
[B]Mauritius
[C]USA
[D]Japan
Mauritius
2. Recently we read in the newspapers that Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) has been investigating some companies for alleged violations of provisions of FCRA, 2010. What is this FCRA
2010?
[A]Foreign Companies Regulation Act 2010
[B]Fiscal Control & Regulation Act 2010
[C]Foreign Commercial Representation Act 2010
[D]Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010
3. In India, the Foreign Exchange Reserves are kept in the custody of which among the following?
[A]Ministry of Finance
[B]EXIM Bank
[C]Reserve Bank of India
[D]Select Public Sector Banks
Reserve Bank of India
the following countries is the top source of FDI to India?
[A]Singapore
[B]Mauritius
[C]USA
[D]Japan
Mauritius
2. Recently we read in the newspapers that Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) has been investigating some companies for alleged violations of provisions of FCRA, 2010. What is this FCRA
2010?
[A]Foreign Companies Regulation Act 2010
[B]Fiscal Control & Regulation Act 2010
[C]Foreign Commercial Representation Act 2010
[D]Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010
3. In India, the Foreign Exchange Reserves are kept in the custody of which among the following?
[A]Ministry of Finance
[B]EXIM Bank
[C]Reserve Bank of India
[D]Select Public Sector Banks
Reserve Bank of India
4. Which among the following country has started paying Indian Exporters in Indian Rupees, after an arrangement to that effect has been done by Government of India?
[A]Pakistan
[B]Iran
[C]Myanmar
[D]South Korea
Iran India's exporters have begun receiving the first rupee payments from Iran, thus kicking off the
mechanism to skirt Western sanctions from March 2012.
5. Many banks in India have gone for ISO 27001:2005 certification for compliance with which among the following?
[A]Best Customer Service
[B]Best Security Practices
[C]Excellent Financial strength
[D]Excellent Business Values
Best Security Practices ISO/IEC 27001:2005 is for Information technology -- Security techniques --
Information security management systems -- Requirements
6. Which among the following data are released in India on monthly basis?
1. CPI2. WPI3 IIP Choose the correct option:
[A]Only 1 & 3
[B]Only 2 & 3
[C]Only 1
[D]1,2 & 3
1,2 & 3
7. Republic of Tatarstan was recently making news as an Indian company has
reportedly decided to invest in petrochemical or refining facility in the region. Which among the following statements is correct about Republic of Tatarstan?
[A]Its an independent Country in Central Asia
[B]It’s a foreign territory administered by UK
[C]It’s a federal subject of Russia
[D]It’s a sovereign country in Middle East
It’s a federal subject of Russia
8. Which of the following state Governments in India has recently launched the gram suraj abhiyan (village contact programme) to reach to the door of the people in the remote areas of the state?
[A]Rajasthan [
B]Madhya Pradesh
[C]Chhattisgarh
[D]Punjab
Chhattisgarh
[A]Pakistan
[B]Iran
[C]Myanmar
[D]South Korea
Iran India's exporters have begun receiving the first rupee payments from Iran, thus kicking off the
mechanism to skirt Western sanctions from March 2012.
5. Many banks in India have gone for ISO 27001:2005 certification for compliance with which among the following?
[A]Best Customer Service
[B]Best Security Practices
[C]Excellent Financial strength
[D]Excellent Business Values
Best Security Practices ISO/IEC 27001:2005 is for Information technology -- Security techniques --
Information security management systems -- Requirements
6. Which among the following data are released in India on monthly basis?
1. CPI2. WPI3 IIP Choose the correct option:
[A]Only 1 & 3
[B]Only 2 & 3
[C]Only 1
[D]1,2 & 3
1,2 & 3
7. Republic of Tatarstan was recently making news as an Indian company has
reportedly decided to invest in petrochemical or refining facility in the region. Which among the following statements is correct about Republic of Tatarstan?
[A]Its an independent Country in Central Asia
[B]It’s a foreign territory administered by UK
[C]It’s a federal subject of Russia
[D]It’s a sovereign country in Middle East
It’s a federal subject of Russia
8. Which of the following state Governments in India has recently launched the gram suraj abhiyan (village contact programme) to reach to the door of the people in the remote areas of the state?
[A]Rajasthan [
B]Madhya Pradesh
[C]Chhattisgarh
[D]Punjab
Chhattisgarh
9. Which among the following organization is largely funding the National Dairy Plan– Phase I ?
[A]International Development Association
[B]Asian Development Bank
[C]IBRD
[D]UNDP
[A]International Development Association
[B]Asian Development Bank
[C]IBRD
[D]UNDP
International Development Association The new central sector scheme, National Dairy Plan–Phase I (NDP-I) with an outlay of Rs 2,242 crore will be launched on April 19, 2012 at National Dairy Development Board, Anand by Sharad Pawar, union agriculture minister, government of India. Gujarat chief minister,
Narendra Modi will remain present at the event. The plan is for six years and will be implemented in the 14
major milk producing states. The scheme will be largely financed with loan from the International Development Association of the World Bank and implemented by NDDB through end implementing agencies.
Narendra Modi will remain present at the event. The plan is for six years and will be implemented in the 14
major milk producing states. The scheme will be largely financed with loan from the International Development Association of the World Bank and implemented by NDDB through end implementing agencies.
10. Which among the following is the short name of highest authority in India for Indirect Taxes?
[A]CBED
[B]CBDT
[C]CBEC
[D]CBIT
[A]CBED
[B]CBDT
[C]CBEC
[D]CBIT
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)
11. Which among the following can not be called an ant inflationary measure?
[A]Raising the Bank Rates
[B]Raising the Reserve Ratio Requirements
[C]Purchase of securities in the Open Markets
[D]Rationing of the Credit
Purchase of securities in the Open Markets The C is correct option. This is because Purchase of securities in the Open Markets would lead to more liquidity system and more liquidity means more money will chase the same goods.
[A]Raising the Bank Rates
[B]Raising the Reserve Ratio Requirements
[C]Purchase of securities in the Open Markets
[D]Rationing of the Credit
Purchase of securities in the Open Markets The C is correct option. This is because Purchase of securities in the Open Markets would lead to more liquidity system and more liquidity means more money will chase the same goods.
12. If the Reserve Bank of India wants to increase the Cash Reserves commercial
Banks, which among the following would be the most probable step taken by it ? [A]Release Gold from its reserves
[B]Buy bonds in the open market
[C]Prohibit the transactions that involve bill of exchange
[D]Increase the tranche reserves with the IMF
Buy bonds in the open market When RBI buys bonds in the open market, Banks get money and Cash Reserves would increase.
13. The Government of India has recently launched a “Youth to the Edge” pilot scheme in North East India for which among the following purposes?
[A]To encourage the youth of the North East India to take active participation in development programmes
[B]To provide laptops to the Youth of the North East India
[C]To introduce youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Culture
[D]To provide vocational education to the youth of North East
Banks, which among the following would be the most probable step taken by it ? [A]Release Gold from its reserves
[B]Buy bonds in the open market
[C]Prohibit the transactions that involve bill of exchange
[D]Increase the tranche reserves with the IMF
Buy bonds in the open market When RBI buys bonds in the open market, Banks get money and Cash Reserves would increase.
13. The Government of India has recently launched a “Youth to the Edge” pilot scheme in North East India for which among the following purposes?
[A]To encourage the youth of the North East India to take active participation in development programmes
[B]To provide laptops to the Youth of the North East India
[C]To introduce youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Culture
[D]To provide vocational education to the youth of North East
To introduce youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Culture The Pilot Scheme aims to introduce
youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Region (NER) and organise combined adventure activities along with the youth from NER. They will also be given exposure about local culture, traditions and life style. Conduct of adventure training will benefit the participants by inculcating spirit of adventure, environmental awareness, national integration, casualty evacuation, promotion of adventure tourism, channelizing youth energy in positive direction, sense of self employment and self recognition.
14. What is the approximate average fertilizer consumption in India per hectare of land?
[A]120 Kg
[B]140 Kg
[C]170 Kg [
D]200 Kg
youth from rest of India to the North Eastern Region (NER) and organise combined adventure activities along with the youth from NER. They will also be given exposure about local culture, traditions and life style. Conduct of adventure training will benefit the participants by inculcating spirit of adventure, environmental awareness, national integration, casualty evacuation, promotion of adventure tourism, channelizing youth energy in positive direction, sense of self employment and self recognition.
14. What is the approximate average fertilizer consumption in India per hectare of land?
[A]120 Kg
[B]140 Kg
[C]170 Kg [
D]200 Kg
140 Kg With average fertilizer consumption at 144.14 kg per hectare India is using much less quantities of
chemical fertilizers compared to other developing countries. But imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers
coupled with low addition of organic matter and neglect of micro and secondary nutrients over the years has resulted in nutrient deficiency and deterioration of soil health in many parts of the country, particularly in the intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic plains.
15. The new variety Rajarajan 1000 is of which among the following?
[A]Cotton
[B]Wheat
[C]Coffee
[D]Rice
chemical fertilizers compared to other developing countries. But imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers
coupled with low addition of organic matter and neglect of micro and secondary nutrients over the years has resulted in nutrient deficiency and deterioration of soil health in many parts of the country, particularly in the intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic plains.
15. The new variety Rajarajan 1000 is of which among the following?
[A]Cotton
[B]Wheat
[C]Coffee
[D]Rice
Rice Forty seven varieties of hybrid paddy have been developed and released/notified for cultivation in the
country. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is being promoted under National Food Security Mission - Rice for increasing the production and productivity of rice. SRI has been named as Rajarajan 1000 to commemorate 1000 years celebration of Tanjore Big Temple. SRI demonstrations under the scheme are being promoted for 0.4 ha each by providing the assistance of Rs.3000/- per demonstration. National Food Security Mission – Rice is being implemented in 144 districts of 16 States. (Ministry)
country. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is being promoted under National Food Security Mission - Rice for increasing the production and productivity of rice. SRI has been named as Rajarajan 1000 to commemorate 1000 years celebration of Tanjore Big Temple. SRI demonstrations under the scheme are being promoted for 0.4 ha each by providing the assistance of Rs.3000/- per demonstration. National Food Security Mission – Rice is being implemented in 144 districts of 16 States. (Ministry)
current affairs 8
Hans Raj Hans appointed varsity visiting fellow
Noted Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans has been appointed visiting professor at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar. This is the third time that Hans has been honored with similar fellowships. Earlier, California-based San Jose University had appointed him as the visiting professor of Sufism. Punjab University in Patiala had also conferred him with lifetime fellowship.
Mayawati among richest politicians
According to the details of her moveable assets submitted for the RS polls, the BSP president has Rs.10.20 lakh cash in hand. She has five savings bank accounts: in the Union Bank of India, Moti Bagh, New Delhi which has Rs.3.7 crore, Bank of India
Outgoing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday, is worth Rs. 111.64 crore, making her one of the richest politicians in the country. This has been revealed in the details of moveable and immoveable assets given by Ms. Mayawati.
Outgoing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday, is worth Rs. 111.64 crore, making her one of the richest politicians in the country. This has been revealed in the details of moveable and immoveable assets given by Ms. Mayawati.
Jnanpith Award
Noted Hindi litterateur Amarkant today received the prestigious Jnanpith Award. The 87-year-old writer was presented with the award by renowned critic Namvar Singh. Amarkant had been chosen for the 45th Jnanpith award jointly with another Hindi writer Shrilal Shukla, best known for his satirical novel ‘Raag Darbaari’. Shukla passed away on October 28 ,2011.
Vijay Bahuguna sworn in Uttarakhand CM
Vijay Bahuguna of the Congress was sworn in Uttarakhand’s seventh Chief Minister. Vijay Bahuguna, the 65-year-old former High Court Judge-turned politician representing Tehri in the Lok Sabha.
BSE lists first company on SME platform
BSE, on 12 March, launched operations of its SME Exchange platform with the first listing ceremony of BCB Finance Ltd. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had granted permission to BSE last September to launch SME Exchange to offer a platform to small and medium companies to raise capital. The Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) became operational with the listing of BCB Finance. Shares of BCB Finance opened at Rs 27 on the BSE SME Exchange, eight per cent higher than its issue price. The stock finally closed at Rs 25.70. Total traded quantity on the counter was 276,000 shares
Sanjay Jain is Educomp’s Group CEO
Education solutions provider Educomp appointed Sanjay Jain, former top executive of Tulip Telecom, as Group Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jain was working as CEO of Tulip Telecom, an enterprise communications service provider..
Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana to be transferred to MoRD
The Planning Commission has cleared the transfer of the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana(PMAGY) to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The decision to transfer the programme to the MoRD was proposed by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik.
Chameli Devi award
Tusha Mittal of news magazine Tehelka honoured with the prestigious Chameli Devi award as Outstanding Woman mediaperson at a function organised by the Media Foundation.
Parkash Singh Badal sworn in as Punjab CM
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parkash Singh Badal was on Wednesday sworn in as chief minister of Punjab for the record fifth time heading an SAD-BJP government for a second successive term. His son Sukhbir was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister by Governor Shivraj V Patil in Chappar Chiri, about 25km from Chandigarh. Sixteen other cabinet rank ministers, including four from the BJP, also took oath of office. Badal senior headed full two five-year terms from 1997 and 2007. His other terms were between 1977-1980 and 1970-71.
Suresh Arora new Chief Director Punjab Vigilance
Parkash Singh Badal government appointed Suresh Arora, a 1982 batch IPS officer, as Chief Director, Punjab Vigilance. He succeeded Sumed Singh Saini who was made Punjab Police DGP.
current affairs 7
Akhilesh Yadav sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Akhilesh Yadav,38, of Samajwadi Party, sworn in as the 33 rd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was administered the oath at Lucknow’s La Martiniere college ground by the UP Governor B L Joshi . Akhilesh, son of Samajawadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is the youngest chief minister of the state ever. A post-graduate in environmental engineering from Australia, Akhilesh successfully spearheaded his party to a massive victory in the UP assembly elections 2012.
Akhilesh Yadav,38, of Samajwadi Party, sworn in as the 33 rd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was administered the oath at Lucknow’s La Martiniere college ground by the UP Governor B L Joshi . Akhilesh, son of Samajawadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, is the youngest chief minister of the state ever. A post-graduate in environmental engineering from Australia, Akhilesh successfully spearheaded his party to a massive victory in the UP assembly elections 2012.
Saina Nehwal won the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Trophy
Indian ace badminton player and World no five Saina Nehwal retained the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold trophy by securing a victory over China’s Shixian Wang. With the victory at the Swiss Open GP she won her first title of 2012.
Indian ace badminton player and World no five Saina Nehwal retained the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold trophy by securing a victory over China’s Shixian Wang. With the victory at the Swiss Open GP she won her first title of 2012.
India world’s largest arms importer
India has become the world’s biggest importer of arms, displacing China by accounting for 10 per cent of global arms sales volumes. Over the past five years, India’s imports of major weapons increased by 38 per cent between 2007-11. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its new report said that India was closely followed by China and Pakistan whose weapons imports constituted 5 per cent each of global sales.
India has become the world’s biggest importer of arms, displacing China by accounting for 10 per cent of global arms sales volumes. Over the past five years, India’s imports of major weapons increased by 38 per cent between 2007-11. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its new report said that India was closely followed by China and Pakistan whose weapons imports constituted 5 per cent each of global sales.
Joachim Gauck elected as Germany’s New President
Joachim Gauck, a former East German dissident and Lutheran pastor, has been elected German president. He replaced Christian Wulff, who, after only 20 months in office, resigned last month amid scandal after he was accused of financial impropriety and doing political favors for associates while he was state premier of Lower Saxony.
Joachim Gauck, a former East German dissident and Lutheran pastor, has been elected German president. He replaced Christian Wulff, who, after only 20 months in office, resigned last month amid scandal after he was accused of financial impropriety and doing political favors for associates while he was state premier of Lower Saxony.
JetLite, Jet Airways Konnect merged under ‘JetKonnect’
Jet Airways merged the operation of JetLite and Jet Airways Konnect under one brand ‘JetKonnect’ from March 25. After this merger, now the passengers will be having the option of choosing full service on Jet Airways and also low-fare service on JetKonnect.
Jet Airways merged the operation of JetLite and Jet Airways Konnect under one brand ‘JetKonnect’ from March 25. After this merger, now the passengers will be having the option of choosing full service on Jet Airways and also low-fare service on JetKonnect.
Atwal elected Punjab Assembly Speaker
Former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal unanimously elected Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. The name of Atwal was proposed by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, seconded by BJP’s Bhagat Chunni Lal and Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Kumar Jhakar
Former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal unanimously elected Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. The name of Atwal was proposed by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, seconded by BJP’s Bhagat Chunni Lal and Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Kumar Jhakar
Endre Szemerédi gets 2012 Abel Prize
72-year-old Hungarian mathematician Endre Szemerédi of the Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics is the winner of the prestigious Abel Prize of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters for the year 2012.He is Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, and Department of Computer Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the United States. Szemerédi’s highly influential work has proved to be a game-changer in many areas of mathematics. The announcement was made by the President of the Norwegian Academy in Oslo.
72-year-old Hungarian mathematician Endre Szemerédi of the Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics is the winner of the prestigious Abel Prize of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters for the year 2012.He is Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, and Department of Computer Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the United States. Szemerédi’s highly influential work has proved to be a game-changer in many areas of mathematics. The announcement was made by the President of the Norwegian Academy in Oslo.
Soumitra Chatterjee won Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Iconic Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee won Dadasaheb Phalke award. The 77-year-old veteran, renowned globally for his exemplary performances in 15 Satyajit Ray films, was Bangla cinema’s biggest phenomenon along with the late Uttam Kumar in the sixties and seventies. He continues to work in films 52 years after he made his debut in Ray’s 1959 classic, Apur Sansar. The win fetches Chatterjee a Swarna Kamal medallion along with a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh and a shawl. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honour in cinema, conferred annually by the Indian government.
Iconic Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee won Dadasaheb Phalke award. The 77-year-old veteran, renowned globally for his exemplary performances in 15 Satyajit Ray films, was Bangla cinema’s biggest phenomenon along with the late Uttam Kumar in the sixties and seventies. He continues to work in films 52 years after he made his debut in Ray’s 1959 classic, Apur Sansar. The win fetches Chatterjee a Swarna Kamal medallion along with a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh and a shawl. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honour in cinema, conferred annually by the Indian government.
NBFC gold loans: RBI for stricter norms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to impose stricter norms for lending against gold by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) as huge growth in such loans in the past few years increased risks to the banking system as well as retail investors. In a notification RBI said it has directed NBFCs, especially those who have 50 per cent of their assets in gold should have a minimum equity capital of 12 per cent by April 2014. Further, the apex bank decided that all NBFCs shall, hereafter maintain a Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, not exceeding 60 per cent for loans granted against the collateral of gold jewellery and also disclose in their balance sheet the percentage of such loans to their total assets.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to impose stricter norms for lending against gold by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) as huge growth in such loans in the past few years increased risks to the banking system as well as retail investors. In a notification RBI said it has directed NBFCs, especially those who have 50 per cent of their assets in gold should have a minimum equity capital of 12 per cent by April 2014. Further, the apex bank decided that all NBFCs shall, hereafter maintain a Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, not exceeding 60 per cent for loans granted against the collateral of gold jewellery and also disclose in their balance sheet the percentage of such loans to their total assets.
Global Bird Wealth List: India ranks ninth
The global list of bird wealth has reportedly ranked India ninth, with the latter being blessed by the presence of 1,168 species of birds according to records. While a majority of Indian species belonged to the Least Concerned category indicating that they were relatively safe from threats, the country was ranked 6th in terms of globally threatened species.
The global list of bird wealth has reportedly ranked India ninth, with the latter being blessed by the presence of 1,168 species of birds according to records. While a majority of Indian species belonged to the Least Concerned category indicating that they were relatively safe from threats, the country was ranked 6th in terms of globally threatened species.
Pakistan won Asia Cup
Pakistan defeated host Bangladesh to lift Asia Cup Cricket Trophy on 22 March 2012. Pakistan while batting first scored 236. Bangladesh while chasing the target finished 2 runs short and scored 234.
Pakistan defeated host Bangladesh to lift Asia Cup Cricket Trophy on 22 March 2012. Pakistan while batting first scored 236. Bangladesh while chasing the target finished 2 runs short and scored 234.
Mukul Roy : New Union Railway Minister
Shri Mukul Roy sworn in as the new Union Railway Minister, replacing Shri Dinesh Trivedi. Prior to this, Shri Roy was the Minister of State for the Ministry of Shipping since 28th May 2009 onwards. He also served earlier as Minister of State for Railways. Shri Mukul Roy of All India Trinamool Congress was elected to Rajya Sabha in April 2006. During his Parliamentary career, Shri Roy was Member, Committee on Urban Development and Member of Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs during August 2006 to May 2009. Shri Roy was Permanent Special Invitee, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Railways during April 2008 to May 2009.
Shri Mukul Roy sworn in as the new Union Railway Minister, replacing Shri Dinesh Trivedi. Prior to this, Shri Roy was the Minister of State for the Ministry of Shipping since 28th May 2009 onwards. He also served earlier as Minister of State for Railways. Shri Mukul Roy of All India Trinamool Congress was elected to Rajya Sabha in April 2006. During his Parliamentary career, Shri Roy was Member, Committee on Urban Development and Member of Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs during August 2006 to May 2009. Shri Roy was Permanent Special Invitee, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Railways during April 2008 to May 2009.
Mukul Roy rolls back rail fare hike
Railway Minister Mukul Roy rolled back the fare hike, except for three high-end classes of travel, which Shri Dinesh Trivedi proposed. Mr. Roy also struck down the plan to restructure Railway Board. Mr. Roy withdrew the hike for second class suburban and non-suburban, and sleeper class travel fare by 2 paise, 3 paise and 5 paise per km. He also rolled back the hike of 10 paise per km for travel in AC chair car and AC 3-tier fare stating the middle class would be hit severely. The Railway Minister has also put on hold a proposal for expansion of Railway Board. Mr. Trivedi’s decision to raise platform ticket to Rs. 5 would stay. Roy’s budget earn a paltry Rs 300 crore from increased passenger fares instead of Rs 7,200 crore that Trivedi budgeted for. The hike announced by Trivedi was the first instance in 9 years when the fares had been raised.
Railway Minister Mukul Roy rolled back the fare hike, except for three high-end classes of travel, which Shri Dinesh Trivedi proposed. Mr. Roy also struck down the plan to restructure Railway Board. Mr. Roy withdrew the hike for second class suburban and non-suburban, and sleeper class travel fare by 2 paise, 3 paise and 5 paise per km. He also rolled back the hike of 10 paise per km for travel in AC chair car and AC 3-tier fare stating the middle class would be hit severely. The Railway Minister has also put on hold a proposal for expansion of Railway Board. Mr. Trivedi’s decision to raise platform ticket to Rs. 5 would stay. Roy’s budget earn a paltry Rs 300 crore from increased passenger fares instead of Rs 7,200 crore that Trivedi budgeted for. The hike announced by Trivedi was the first instance in 9 years when the fares had been raised.
Amended Marriage Laws Bill cleared by Cabinet
The Government on decided to amend the Hindu Marriage Act. The Union Cabinetdecided that the mandatory six-month clause for filing of divorce will now be waived off on grounds of irretrievable breakdown. The new clause also allows one-time settlement instead of monthly maintenance in case of divorce. Thecabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August two years ago and then referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel.Supporting the Bill which sought to make “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” a new ground for grant of divorce, the Standing Committee had in March last year opposed doing away with the prevailing waiting period before moving a joint motion for annulling marriage.
The Government on decided to amend the Hindu Marriage Act. The Union Cabinetdecided that the mandatory six-month clause for filing of divorce will now be waived off on grounds of irretrievable breakdown. The new clause also allows one-time settlement instead of monthly maintenance in case of divorce. Thecabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August two years ago and then referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice and Personnel.Supporting the Bill which sought to make “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” a new ground for grant of divorce, the Standing Committee had in March last year opposed doing away with the prevailing waiting period before moving a joint motion for annulling marriage.
Cabinet approves award of NELP IX blocks
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, approved the award of 16 exploration blocks and rejected bids for 10 blocks due to lower profit petroleum to the government under the Ninth Round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). The CCEA was presented with the recommendations of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS), which had recommended award of 16 blocks to the first ranked/single bidder.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, approved the award of 16 exploration blocks and rejected bids for 10 blocks due to lower profit petroleum to the government under the Ninth Round of the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). The CCEA was presented with the recommendations of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECS), which had recommended award of 16 blocks to the first ranked/single bidder.
Alonso won the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso won a dramatic Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix. Mexican Sergio Perez’s place was second. Pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton of McLaren finished third ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso won a dramatic Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix. Mexican Sergio Perez’s place was second. Pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton of McLaren finished third ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
Suzuki Motorcycle to set up second unit in Haryana
The Haryana Government, approved the proposal of Japanese major Suzuki Motorcycle to set up its second unit in the State to manufacture two-wheelers at IMT Rohtak. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
The Haryana Government, approved the proposal of Japanese major Suzuki Motorcycle to set up its second unit in the State to manufacture two-wheelers at IMT Rohtak. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Leung Chun-ying Wins Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Election
Leung Chun-ying, former convenor of the Non-Official Members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, was officially declared the winner of the election for the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Returning Officer Justice Poon Shiu-chor announced that of the 1,132 votes cast by members of the 1,200-member Election Committee, Leung Chun-ying won 689 votes. The two other candidates, Henry Tang Ying-yen, former chief secretary of the city government, and Albert Ho Chun-yan, a lawmaker who is also head of a local political party, got 285 votes and 76 votes respectively. A candidate must secure at least 601 votes to win the election.
Leung Chun-ying, former convenor of the Non-Official Members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, was officially declared the winner of the election for the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Returning Officer Justice Poon Shiu-chor announced that of the 1,132 votes cast by members of the 1,200-member Election Committee, Leung Chun-ying won 689 votes. The two other candidates, Henry Tang Ying-yen, former chief secretary of the city government, and Albert Ho Chun-yan, a lawmaker who is also head of a local political party, got 285 votes and 76 votes respectively. A candidate must secure at least 601 votes to win the election.
INA team wins sailing regatta
The Indian Naval Academy (INA) team won the triangular Sailing Regatta-2012, an enterprise class dinghy sail boat race for cadets of officer training academies, which concluded at the INA at Ezhimala on March 24.
The Indian Naval Academy (INA) team won the triangular Sailing Regatta-2012, an enterprise class dinghy sail boat race for cadets of officer training academies, which concluded at the INA at Ezhimala on March 24.
Pakistan switched over to a Negative List Regime for Trade with India
The Pakistan government issued a notification for switching over to a negative list regime for trade with India, under which the import of only 1,209 Indian products will be barred. The Commerce Ministry issued the Statutory Regulatory Order for trade with India under the negative list regime. According to the notification, a total of 1,209 items have been included in the negative list and will not be importable from India. Of the importable items from India, 137 products can be brought in from India through the Wagah land border crossing. Major items included in the list of items importable through Wagah are livestock, vegetables and newsprint in rolls or sheets.
The Pakistan government issued a notification for switching over to a negative list regime for trade with India, under which the import of only 1,209 Indian products will be barred. The Commerce Ministry issued the Statutory Regulatory Order for trade with India under the negative list regime. According to the notification, a total of 1,209 items have been included in the negative list and will not be importable from India. Of the importable items from India, 137 products can be brought in from India through the Wagah land border crossing. Major items included in the list of items importable through Wagah are livestock, vegetables and newsprint in rolls or sheets.
Tamil writer A A Manavalan chosen for Saraswati Samman
Tamil writer A A Manavalan has been chosen for the ‘Saraswati Samman’ 2011 for his book on Ramayana. Manavalan, 75, a retired professor and head of the department of Tamil in Madras University, will be bestowed with the prestigious award for his 2005 work ‘Irama Kathaiyum Iramayakalum’ (Ramakatha and Ramayanas). The award-winning book is a comparative study of 48 Ramayanas in the languages of Pali, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tibetan, Tamil, Old Javenese, Japanese, Telugu, Assamese, Thai and Kashmiri. The Saraswati Samman carries award money of Rs 7.5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
Tamil writer A A Manavalan has been chosen for the ‘Saraswati Samman’ 2011 for his book on Ramayana. Manavalan, 75, a retired professor and head of the department of Tamil in Madras University, will be bestowed with the prestigious award for his 2005 work ‘Irama Kathaiyum Iramayakalum’ (Ramakatha and Ramayanas). The award-winning book is a comparative study of 48 Ramayanas in the languages of Pali, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tibetan, Tamil, Old Javenese, Japanese, Telugu, Assamese, Thai and Kashmiri. The Saraswati Samman carries award money of Rs 7.5 lakh, a citation and a plaque.
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West Bengal frames Right to Education rules
The West Bengal Government has now framed rules for implementing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, Nearly two years after the legislation was implemented in the rest of the country on April 1, 2010
the age of admissions to Class I across the State has been raised from the existing five years to six years as per the provisions of the Act.
A Gazette notification on the legislation was issued on March 16.
the State Government will have to ensure the availability of a primary school(Classes I to IV) to a child within one km in rural areas and within half-a-km in the urban areas.
every child in rural areas should have access to an upper primary school(Classes IV to VIII) within two km of his/her residence and one km in the urban areas.
The notification proposes to set up a Right to Education Protection Authority (REPA) in the State till the Government comes up with State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) to supervise the implementation of the Act in West Bengal.
The West Bengal Government has now framed rules for implementing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, Nearly two years after the legislation was implemented in the rest of the country on April 1, 2010
the age of admissions to Class I across the State has been raised from the existing five years to six years as per the provisions of the Act.
A Gazette notification on the legislation was issued on March 16.
the State Government will have to ensure the availability of a primary school(Classes I to IV) to a child within one km in rural areas and within half-a-km in the urban areas.
every child in rural areas should have access to an upper primary school(Classes IV to VIII) within two km of his/her residence and one km in the urban areas.
The notification proposes to set up a Right to Education Protection Authority (REPA) in the State till the Government comes up with State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) to supervise the implementation of the Act in West Bengal.
Govind Singh Kunjwal elected new Speaker of Uttarakhand Assembly
Congress MLA Mr Govind Singh Kunjwal elected the new Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly after defeating BJP’s Mr Harbans Kapoor by eight votes in what is being seen as a major victory for chief minister Mr Vijay Bahuguna ahead of the trust vote.
Congress MLA Mr Govind Singh Kunjwal elected the new Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly after defeating BJP’s Mr Harbans Kapoor by eight votes in what is being seen as a major victory for chief minister Mr Vijay Bahuguna ahead of the trust vote.
Wage rate under MGNREGA revised
The Centre revised the wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and has decided to amend the Act to remove the existing disparity in minimum wage, even as the matter is scheduled to come up before the Supreme Court on April 9.
The revision is a paltry Re.1 in the case of a poor State like Odisha — from Rs.125 (2011-12) to Rs.126 for the next financial year, which means a negligible increase of 0.80 per cent. The maximum is Rs.30 in the case of Karnataka, where MGNREGA workers will now get Rs.155 as against the prevailing rate of Rs.125 — a 24-per-cent increase.
The Centre revised the wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and has decided to amend the Act to remove the existing disparity in minimum wage, even as the matter is scheduled to come up before the Supreme Court on April 9.
The revision is a paltry Re.1 in the case of a poor State like Odisha — from Rs.125 (2011-12) to Rs.126 for the next financial year, which means a negligible increase of 0.80 per cent. The maximum is Rs.30 in the case of Karnataka, where MGNREGA workers will now get Rs.155 as against the prevailing rate of Rs.125 — a 24-per-cent increase.
Marathi poet “Grace” passed away
Celebrated Marathi poet and author Manik Godghate, popularly known as ‘Grace,’ passed away. Godghat who wrote with the pen name ‘Grace’, won many awards for his literature that also included collections of free flowing individualistic articles.
He won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award last year for his book ‘Varyane halte raan’.
Grace was considered a path-breaking Marathi poet of his times. His collections of poems included ‘Sandhyakalchya Kavita’, ‘Rajputra and Darling’, ’Sanjbhayachay saajani’ and ‘Chandramadhaviche Pradesh”.
Celebrated Marathi poet and author Manik Godghate, popularly known as ‘Grace,’ passed away. Godghat who wrote with the pen name ‘Grace’, won many awards for his literature that also included collections of free flowing individualistic articles.
He won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award last year for his book ‘Varyane halte raan’.
Grace was considered a path-breaking Marathi poet of his times. His collections of poems included ‘Sandhyakalchya Kavita’, ‘Rajputra and Darling’, ’Sanjbhayachay saajani’ and ‘Chandramadhaviche Pradesh”.
SBI raises short-term FD rates by up to 1%
Country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has hiked deposit rates by up to 100 basis points (or one percentage point) on select maturities. All fixed deposits up to one-year maturity will now fetch you 8 per cent returns. Rate revision is on deposits up to one-year period. The new deposit rates are effective from March 28.
Country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has hiked deposit rates by up to 100 basis points (or one percentage point) on select maturities. All fixed deposits up to one-year maturity will now fetch you 8 per cent returns. Rate revision is on deposits up to one-year period. The new deposit rates are effective from March 28.
Anant Bajaj is Bajaj Electricals’ new JMD
Bajaj Electricals’ board has appointed Mr Anant Bajaj as Joint Managing Director, effective April 1, 2012. Mr Bajaj has been the Executive Director of the company since 2006.
Bajaj Electricals’ board has appointed Mr Anant Bajaj as Joint Managing Director, effective April 1, 2012. Mr Bajaj has been the Executive Director of the company since 2006.
Brahmos missile flight tested successfully
India on 28 March 2012 successfully flight-tested supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa.
The missile rose from a Tatra truck on the sea-side launch station and sped over the Bay of Bengal at 2.8 times the speed of sound (2.8 Mach) and covered its entire range of 290 km. This was the 29 test-flight of BrahMos, which had been deployed in two regiments of the Army. The missile has also been inducted into the Navy. The two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant, has already been inducted into the Army and Navy. While induction of the first version of the Brahmos missile system in the Indian Navy commenced from 2005 with INS Rajput, it is now fully operational with two regiments of the Army.
BrahMos is an anti-ship missile, it can be launched from land to land, sea to land and from land to sea. Steps are on to launch BrahMos from Sukhoi-MKI aircraft and a submarine.
India on 28 March 2012 successfully flight-tested supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Orissa.
The missile rose from a Tatra truck on the sea-side launch station and sped over the Bay of Bengal at 2.8 times the speed of sound (2.8 Mach) and covered its entire range of 290 km. This was the 29 test-flight of BrahMos, which had been deployed in two regiments of the Army. The missile has also been inducted into the Navy. The two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant, has already been inducted into the Army and Navy. While induction of the first version of the Brahmos missile system in the Indian Navy commenced from 2005 with INS Rajput, it is now fully operational with two regiments of the Army.
BrahMos is an anti-ship missile, it can be launched from land to land, sea to land and from land to sea. Steps are on to launch BrahMos from Sukhoi-MKI aircraft and a submarine.
HP to get $200 mn WB green loan
The World Bank has agreed in principle to extend the $200 million loan to Himachal Pradesh for undertaking a “carbon-smart growth” .World Bank has agreed to provide a $200 million loan to the State in order to enable it become the country’s first ‘carbon-neutral State’ by 2020.
Bangalore costliest Indian city to live in
The Consumer Price Index released by the RBI shows that Banglore is costliest city.The CPI is a measure of a standard basket of items, including food, clothing and transport, across cities. Bangalore leads with a CPI index of 200, followed by Mumbai (199) Chennai (187), Kolkata (184) , with New Delhi way behind at 181 thanks to the high rate of subsidies.
The World Bank has agreed in principle to extend the $200 million loan to Himachal Pradesh for undertaking a “carbon-smart growth” .World Bank has agreed to provide a $200 million loan to the State in order to enable it become the country’s first ‘carbon-neutral State’ by 2020.
Bangalore costliest Indian city to live in
The Consumer Price Index released by the RBI shows that Banglore is costliest city.The CPI is a measure of a standard basket of items, including food, clothing and transport, across cities. Bangalore leads with a CPI index of 200, followed by Mumbai (199) Chennai (187), Kolkata (184) , with New Delhi way behind at 181 thanks to the high rate of subsidies.
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Rail fares revised from April 1
The Union Railway Ministry has revised passenger fares from April 1 in air-conditioned first class, air-conditioned-2 tier, executive class and first class. There is no revision in other classes of travel. The revised fares in these classes would be applicable to all types of trains .Rail fare is revised for first time in last 10 years.
New rate of service tax came into effect on 1st April
New rate of service tax came into effect from 1st April 2012. The Union budget’s proposal to raise service tax to 12 per cent from current rate of 10 per cent. It will raise Rs.18,660 crore during 2012-13.
No tax liability on P-notes holders
A clarification from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the government will not tax holders of participatory notes provided a fillip to Indian stock markets. Indian tax authority would not go beyond financial investor (FIIs) to check the details about the P-Note holders. Under the P-Note mechanism, even those foreign institutional investors who are not registered with the market regulator — Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) — are permitted to invest in the Indian equitymarket.
Fertility rate in India drops by 19% in 10 yrs
India’s total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of children expected to be born per woman during her reproductive years – has fallen by19% over the past decade. Among bigger states, the percentage decline in TFR during this period the last decade varied from as high as 28% in Punjab to 5.6%in Kerala. Maharashtra saw the second highest dip in TFR between 2000-2010 at 26.9%, followed by Haryana and Andhra Pradesh (25%), Uttar Pradesh (23%), Rajasthan (22%), Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal (21%).
Suu Kyi won Myanmar election
Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi won a seat in parliament. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party claimed victories in at least 19 of the 45 available seats and announced to loud cheers that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had won in Kawhmu, southwest of the commercial capital Yangon.
Djokovic won Miami Masters
Novak Djokovic on the Miami Masters after beating Andy Murray in straight sets. He won his second straight ATP Miami Masters title and third overall. He became just the third man to win the title three or more times, along with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras.
ADB to provide $ 43.84 m loan for tourism infrastructure in TN, Uttarakhand
The Government of India, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and States of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand today signed a $ 43.84 million loan agreement for the second tranche of Infrastructure Development Investment Programme for Tourism. The agreement aims to enhance tourism environment in the two States with a view to draw increased volume of national and international tourists.
Sher-E-Punjab wins World Series Hockey (WSH)
Sher-E-Punjab beats Pune Strykers to win World Series Hockey (WSH). The first season champion earned Rs. 4 crore and second-placed team Rs. 2 crore. The losing semifinalists — Chandigarh Comets and Karnataka Lions — got Rs. 1 crore each.
Centre rewards 8 States for executing drinking water schemes
The Centre has rewarded eight States for performing well in executing rural drinking water schemes during 2011-12. Union Minister of Rural Development Jairam Ramesh has decided to provide bonus funds to Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for successfully expending 60 per cent of their annual allocation under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) by December 2011. A sum of Rs. 502.54 crore was released to the eight States as additional funds over and above their annual allocation. Assam and Gujarat have been given the highest bonus of Rs. 100 crore each, followed by Tamil Nadu with Rs. 98.20 crore, Arunachal Pradesh (61.01 crore), Punjab (46.82 crore), Haryana (Rs. 35 crore), Meghalaya (Rs. 31.50 crore) and Tripura (Rs. 30.01 crore).
SEBI allows listing of stock markets, PE firms, VC firms
Market regulator Sebi allowed stock exchanges and some specified alternate investment funds (AIFs) such as private equity funds and venture capital funds to list on the bourses with some riders. In a wide ranging reform, Sebi also brought all Indian AIFs, including PEs and VCs, under its ambit of inspection and investigation, and said all these funds have to register with the regulator now. At present, PE and VC funds have the option not to register with Sebi. However, considerable confusion existed about the rules of AIFs, since Sebi did not specifically say if these rules applied only to India domiciled funds or also those based outside India.
Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi Award
Kota-based Hindi poet Ambika Dutta received the prestigious Meera Award instituted by the Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi for 2011-12 for his collection of poems, “Aawon Mein Baarahon Maas” , relating travails and challenges of life in lyrics. The award carries a cash component of Rs.31,000.
Navy inducts N-powered INS Chakra
The first operational nuclear attack submarine Russian-origin ‘Nerpa’ into the INS Chakra has been inducted into the Indian Navy. Defence minister A K Antony commissioned the Akula II class Nerpa rechristened INS Chakra into the Navy. The navy has acquired the submarine on a 10-year lease from Russia for almost $1 bn (Rs 5,000 crore). Chakra is more than 100 metres long and can attain a maximum speed of 30 knots. It will be manned by a crew of 80. Powered by a 190MW nuclear reactor, the submarine has a dived displacement of 12,000 tonnes.
US announced $10 million award for Hafiz Saeed
The US has put Hafiz Saeed on its list of most-wanted terrorists and has announced a reward of $10 million. Hafiz Saeed, the founder of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and believed to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
Miss India World 2012
Vanya Mishra was crowned as the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2012 in 49th edition of the beauty pageant. The winners are Vanya Mishra (Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2012), Prachi Mishra (Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth 2012), Rochelle Maria Rao (Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2012).
current affairs 4
Under tougher immigration rules, coming into force from 8 April 2012, students from outside the European Union will be required to have a firm job offer of a minimum £20,000 a year from a government-approved employer if they wish to stay on in Britain after completing their studies. In a separate move, the government announced that it was freezing the annual cap on highly skilled workers for two years. It will remain at 20,700 till 2014. This follows criticism from the business sector that constant changes in rules created uncertainty and made it difficult for businesses to plan for future.
Srilata A Zaheer first Indian woman dean of top US Business School
Srilata A Zaheer, a former Chennai resident, has been named dean of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, becoming the first woman of Indian descent to be appointed the head of a top US business school. She graduated from Madras University and obtained her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad in 1975, joins a growing list of Indian-origin academics taking leadership roles in top global business schools.
CPI leader Pramode Gogoi passes away
Veteran Communist leader and president of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi passed away. He was member of the Central Secretariat and the National Executive of the Communist Party of India .Mr. Gogoi was Water Resources Minister during 1996-2001. He was one of the vice-presidents of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and was re-elected to the CPI National Executive at the recent party congress held in Patna from March 27 to 31.
Srilata A Zaheer, a former Chennai resident, has been named dean of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, becoming the first woman of Indian descent to be appointed the head of a top US business school. She graduated from Madras University and obtained her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad in 1975, joins a growing list of Indian-origin academics taking leadership roles in top global business schools.
CPI leader Pramode Gogoi passes away
Veteran Communist leader and president of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi passed away. He was member of the Central Secretariat and the National Executive of the Communist Party of India .Mr. Gogoi was Water Resources Minister during 1996-2001. He was one of the vice-presidents of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and was re-elected to the CPI National Executive at the recent party congress held in Patna from March 27 to 31.
Amitabh Bachchan to be honoured for polio campaign
Actor Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for Polio UNICEF campaign from 2005, will be honoured for his contribution to the cause.
He has fronted the polio eradication programme successfully.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan, who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for Polio UNICEF campaign from 2005, will be honoured for his contribution to the cause.
He has fronted the polio eradication programme successfully.
Serena Wins 2012 Family Circle Cup
Serena Williams won family circle cup by defeating Lucie Safarova 6-0 6-1 in the final of the Family Circle Cup. She won the 40th WTA title of her career.
Serena Williams won family circle cup by defeating Lucie Safarova 6-0 6-1 in the final of the Family Circle Cup. She won the 40th WTA title of her career.
(FIIs) can now invest up to 23 per cent in commodity exchanges
As per the new foreign investment norms announced by the Industry Ministry Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) can now invest up to 23 per cent in commodity exchanges without approval of the government. In a consolidated foreign direct investment (FDI) policy document, the government had decided to liberalise norms for overseas investments in commodity exchanges. It has now been decided to liberalise the policy and to mandate the requirement of Government approval only for FDI component of the investment. Such investment by FIIs, in commodity exchanges, will, therefore, no longer require Government approval. This change aligns the policy for foreign investment in commodity exchanges, with that of other infrastructure companies in the securities markets, such as stock exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations.
As per the new foreign investment norms announced by the Industry Ministry Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) can now invest up to 23 per cent in commodity exchanges without approval of the government. In a consolidated foreign direct investment (FDI) policy document, the government had decided to liberalise norms for overseas investments in commodity exchanges. It has now been decided to liberalise the policy and to mandate the requirement of Government approval only for FDI component of the investment. Such investment by FIIs, in commodity exchanges, will, therefore, no longer require Government approval. This change aligns the policy for foreign investment in commodity exchanges, with that of other infrastructure companies in the securities markets, such as stock exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations.
Shiva Thapa became the Youngest Indian Boxer to qualify for Olympics
The 18-year-old Shiva Thapa (56kg category) became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics by beating Japan’s Satoshi Shimizu 31-17 to enter the final of the Asian qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan
The 18-year-old Shiva Thapa (56kg category) became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics by beating Japan’s Satoshi Shimizu 31-17 to enter the final of the Asian qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan
ADB pegs 7% GDP growth for India in ’12-13
Asian Development Bank Manila-based bank has forecast 7% growth for the country in the current fiscal and 7.5% the next year. The finance ministry has projected a growth rate of 7.6% for the current fiscal.
Asian Development Bank Manila-based bank has forecast 7% growth for the country in the current fiscal and 7.5% the next year. The finance ministry has projected a growth rate of 7.6% for the current fiscal.
E-filing returns compulsory above Rs 10 lakh
The government has made it mandatory for individuals with income above Rs 10 lakh to file their tax returns 2011-12 onwards electronically. E-filing has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual, or a Hindu Undivided Family, if his or its total income, or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under the Act during the previous year, exceeds Rs 10 lakh for assessment year 2012-13 onwards. E-filing for such individuals was optional till 2010-11.
The government has made it mandatory for individuals with income above Rs 10 lakh to file their tax returns 2011-12 onwards electronically. E-filing has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual, or a Hindu Undivided Family, if his or its total income, or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under the Act during the previous year, exceeds Rs 10 lakh for assessment year 2012-13 onwards. E-filing for such individuals was optional till 2010-11.
Seventh Meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism
The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating International Terrorism was held on April 11 in New Delhi. The discussions were held in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. The parties emphasized that their cooperation in countering new challenges and threats is an integral part of the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership, expressed mutual concern about the continuous threat of cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this global scourge. Both the Countries also underlined the role of international efforts in preventing and suppressing terrorism including the consistent implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Combating International Terrorism was held on April 11 in New Delhi. The discussions were held in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. The parties emphasized that their cooperation in countering new challenges and threats is an integral part of the Indian-Russian special and privileged strategic partnership, expressed mutual concern about the continuous threat of cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this global scourge. Both the Countries also underlined the role of international efforts in preventing and suppressing terrorism including the consistent implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Mitsui Sumitomo to Buy 26% Stake in India’s Max New York Life
Tokyo-based MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings is buying 26 per cent in Max New York Life (MNYL). The stake buy is being done through Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, which is a subsidiary of MS&AD Group Holdings. In an all-cash transaction, MS&AD will pay Rs 2,731 crore ($535 million) for the 26 per cent stake, making it the second largest foreign investment in the Indian life insurance sector
Tokyo-based MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings is buying 26 per cent in Max New York Life (MNYL). The stake buy is being done through Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, which is a subsidiary of MS&AD Group Holdings. In an all-cash transaction, MS&AD will pay Rs 2,731 crore ($535 million) for the 26 per cent stake, making it the second largest foreign investment in the Indian life insurance sector
Moody’s downgrades ratings of ONGC, GAIL
Credit rating agency Moody’s has downgraded the local currency ratings of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and GAIL, as a reflection of the risks that these two entities share with the Indian government. Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the local currency rating of ONGC to Baa1 from A2 and that of GAIL to Baa2 from A3. The outlook for both the ratings is stable.
Credit rating agency Moody’s has downgraded the local currency ratings of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and GAIL, as a reflection of the risks that these two entities share with the Indian government. Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the local currency rating of ONGC to Baa1 from A2 and that of GAIL to Baa2 from A3. The outlook for both the ratings is stable.
Salman Bashir new Pak envoy to India
Pakistan government has appointed former foreign secretary Salman Bashir asnew envoy to India. 60-year-old Bashir will succeed Shahid Malik, who has completed a record five-and-a-half-year term as Pak envoy.
Pakistan government has appointed former foreign secretary Salman Bashir asnew envoy to India. 60-year-old Bashir will succeed Shahid Malik, who has completed a record five-and-a-half-year term as Pak envoy.
IGate accepts Patni delisting offer
IGate Corp (IGTE.O) accepted minority shareholders’ offer of 520 rupees per share to delist its Indian unit Patni Computer Systems (PTNI.NS) (PTI.N) from the Indian Stock Exchanges. , at a price higher than what it paid to buy a controlling stake in the company.
IGate Corp (IGTE.O) accepted minority shareholders’ offer of 520 rupees per share to delist its Indian unit Patni Computer Systems (PTNI.NS) (PTI.N) from the Indian Stock Exchanges. , at a price higher than what it paid to buy a controlling stake in the company.
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