current affairs: 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

South Sudan

Violence in South Sudan. Thousands have been killed and nearly 80,000 displaced internally in the civil war which is rapidly snowballing into a full-fledged ethnic conflict.
President Kiir belongs to South Sudan’s largest tribe, the Dinka tribe, while his deputy-turned-rival is from the Nuer tribe. The Army has been split along these tribal lines, with soldiers battling their own ranks and engaging in indiscriminate killing of civilians.
On December 19, the rebels attacked a U.N. base in Akobo, in the eastern Jonglei state, killing at least 30 civilians belonging to the Dinka tribe as well as two Indian peacekeepers the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
Soldiers are fighting rebels in Bor, the capital of Jonglei state. This town was taken over a week before by the army from rebel fighters. The United Nations and African Union are calling for an immediate end to the fighting in South Sudan.

Air Force Chief of India

Air Marshal Arup Raha has taken over as the Air Force chief succeeding Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne.He is expected to have a tenure of three years as the Chief of Air Staff. He is an ace fighter pilot and has held various command, staff and instructional appointment in his 39 years career.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Rajapaksa calls for home-grown solution for Tamils issue - The Hindu

Musharraf challenges treason trial in civilian court - The Hindu

Gunmen kill polio vaccination worker in Pakistan - The Hindu

Satellite images show progress on Pak's fourth reactor - The Hindu

China lashes out at Japan defence plans - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Thai opposition to boycott 2014 election - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Al-Qaeda in Yemen 'sorry' for hospital attack - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Envoys head to South Sudan as fighting rages - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Sunday, December 15, 2013

India, Canada aim for close partnership in civil nuclear deal - The Hindu

China chides Abe for criticising defence zone - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

'Green Energy Corridor' projects get international aid - The Hindu

Mandela: Beyond the myth - Features - Al Jazeera English

Dare to take risks, says astronaut Bernard Harris - The Hindu

Mandela laid to rest in childhood village - The Hindu

Mandela buried in his ancestral village - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Understanding Article 370 - The Hindu

Alleged Vote Rigging: Maoists point finger at EC, Army | Editor's Pick

EC puts Nepali airlines on blacklist | Business

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela died at 95. South Africa’s first elected black president , recipient of Nobel Prize in 1993 jointly with Mr de Klerk,he was also awarded with Bharat Ratna in 1990. He served 27 years prison term, but he forgave his white captors .

He was a high profile camaigner against HIV/AIDs, was also involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other countries in Africa and elsewhere.he helped secure his country's right to host the 2010 football World Cup, which was also his last public appearance.

He will be widely respected for fighting against racism.

Telangana

The Cabinet has approved a bill for the creation of a Telangana state with 10 districts.The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to give birth to the country’s 29th state is set into motion. The bill will now go to the President , who will make a reference to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly for its views.
The highlights of the bill are:-
1. Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh will have 13 districts.
2. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area will remain the common capital for both states for a period not exceeding 10 years.
3. An expert committee will identify the alternative capital for the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh within 45 days of the gazette notification.
4. A joint public service commission will be in place for the two states.
5. Both states will have special status under Article 371-D of the Constitution for equitable opportunities.

Finally, Cabinet approves Telangana with 10 districts - The Hindu

Nelson Mandela – Global statesman, peace icon - The Hindu

South Africa's Nelson Mandela dies in Johannesburg | Top Stories

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Welcome to GAIL (India) Limited

Sauce for the goose, but not the gander - The Hindu

Thailand violence eases ahead of King's birthday - The Hindu

Japan's Emperor Visit to India

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrive in New Delhi on 01 December. The six-day visit of Japan's imperial couple is the first by any Japanese emperor to India. Akihito had visited India in sixties as a royal prince.Akihito and Michiko had visited India 53 years ago in November-December 1960 for their honeymoon as the crown prince and princess of Japan.

‘Rayala-Telangana’ finds no traction - The Hindu

Mangalyan

Mangalyaan, India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), has crossed and gone beyond the Earth's sphere of influence( 9.25 lakh km).This is the first time that any Indian spacecraft has crossed this distance and the sun-centric orbit.

Game-changer at Geneva - The Hindu

Earth's Sphere of Influence

Earths Sphere of Influence-It extends upto 9,25,000 km, where primary gravitational forces of Earth is effective. Despite the much more massive but distant Sun, is the Earths Sphere of Influence is oblate-spheroid sphere where primary gravitational forces influences any orbiting object.

Mars spacecraft crosses sphere of influence of Earth - The Hindu

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Will Israel 'come to terms' with Iran deal? - Features - Al Jazeera English

Nigeria's fight against AIDS - Features - Al Jazeera English

An economic agenda for India 2020 - The Hindu

Centre will inquire into snooping issue: Shinde - The Hindu

Thai tumult keeps a fragile economy on edge - Features - Al Jazeera English

Modi seeks debate on Article 370 - The Hindu

Hopeful Georgia takes baby steps towards EU - Features - Al Jazeera English

Thai PM and protest leader meet after clashes - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Over 300,000 defy protest ban in Ukraine - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Modi seeks debate on Article 370 - The Hindu

Saturday, November 30, 2013

OPCW

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)is based in the Netherlands. The OPCW has adopted a final roadmap for destroying more than 1,000 tonnes of dangerous chemicals of Syria by mid-2014.

Destroying Syria's Chemical Weapons

Destroying Syria's Chemical Weapon. the US has offered to destroy 500 tons of 'priority chemical weapon' consisting of nerve agents. The process of destruction will be done aboard a ship off a Mediterranean coast.

The US vessel will use 'hydrolysis' technique and a ship is being modified for this purpose.

US offers to destroy Syria's chemical weapons - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Odantapuri

Odantapuri. Second oldest India's university, is located in Bihar Sharif, Bihar. It is close to Rajgir and Nalanda. It was established by King Dharmpala of Pala dynasty in 8 th century. It was a Buddhist vihara and 12,000 students studied there.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh. Hydro-electric power and tourism, have immense potential to carry out economic development of Arunachal Pradesh.

Our Ancient Universities

Our ancient universities. Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura and Odantapuri -- were renowned seats of learning that attracted scholars from outside in ancient times.

50 th Statehood Annivrsary Celebrations of Nagaland

50th statehood anniversary celebrations in Nagaland. President of India will attend the anniversary celebrations of Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, on 01 December.

The Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival is 10 days extravaganzas in Nagaland and one of the biggest cultural in the North East.

President Pranab Mukhejee, who arrived in Nagaland on a two-day visit , would inaugurate the Hornbill Festival .

Yellow Shirts

The Yellow Shirt, in Thailand, are a mix of royalists, southerners and the urban middle class. They are collectively known as the Yellow Shirt. Their movement is guided by their dislike for Thaksin Shinawatra, the controversial former prime minister, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and lives in self-imposed exile.

His younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra is the current prime minister .but Thanksin is widely believed to be the real power behind the government of Yingluk.A

Bangkok protesters besiege telecoms offices - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Doimukh in Arunachal Pradesh

Rajiv Gandhi University, formerly Arunachal University, issituated at Rono Hills, Doimukh under Papumpare district, about 35 kms from Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.

Education can help overcome moral challenges: Pranab - The Hindu

Stanene

Stanene , a new wonder material which could revolutionize computing by replacing the copper wires still used in modern computer chips. It will be made from a single layer of tin(stannum- latin for tin) atoms, could make history by becoming the world’s first electrical conductor to work at 100 per cent efficiency, even more conductive than Graphene.

Stanene could increase the speed and lower the power needs of future generations of computer chip

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Relief for Andhra as cyclone weakens - The Hindu

Troubled history hangs over Pakistan’s new Army chief - The Hindu

Taking the stigma out of sex crimes - The Hindu

Monday, November 25, 2013

Japan 'hypocritical and impudent' in air zone row: China media | World

Photo Gallery | 2013-11-25 | ekantipur.com

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Deal reached on Iran nuclear dispute - The Hindu

Thousands rally in Ukraine capital over EU deal | World

Egypt expels Turkey's ambassador - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Third round of Geneva talks

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that his country will not give up its "nuclear rights".

Iran has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which affords nations the right to civilian nuclear technology in exchange for not acquiring nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA has judged Iran to be in violation of its agreements. Iran is also not disclosing its nuclear activities fully and not allowing full inspections. Sanctions have been imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council which is crippling its economy.

Iran's continued enrichment of uranium to near a "weapons-useable" threshold, and work on its Arak heavy water reactor, which would produce plutonium, which can be used in a future nuclear bomb, is the main issue which has been bothering the international community.

Third round of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers( the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany ) has opened in Geneva on 20 November.

"I insist on stabilising the rights of the Iranian nation, including the nuclear rights," and "I insist on not retreating one step from the rights of the Iranian nation." Iran's supreme leader had said just a few hours before the start of the third round of Geneva talks.

Khamenei vows no retreat on nuclear programme - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Afghan grand council debates deal with US - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

BSA

Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA). It covers the presence of American troops beyond 2014 in Afghanistan. Bilateral Security Agreement is an effort to try to clarify for Afghans and for United States military forces exactly what the rules are with respect to role of US forces that are going to stay in Afghanistan. It will be a very limited role. It is entirely train, equip, and assist. There is no combat role for United States forces.

The crucial Loya Jirga has been convened in Kabul to put its final seal of approval on the Bilateral Security Agreement.

Ethnic groups of India

India is a crucible of ethnic group- so diverse from each other and so inextricably mixed to make it a perfect blend of Indian social system, art, architecture and literature. These ethnic groups are - pre - Aryans, the Indo-Aryans, The Greeks, the Scythians, the Huns, the Turks etc.

Ethnic groups of India

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Qatar vows to protect World Cup workers | World

First batch of Chinese aid arrives in typhoon-struck Philippines | World

Tear gas fired in fatal Cairo protests - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Tacloban: Dealing with the dead and dying - Features - Al Jazeera English

Syria troops seize strategic town of Qara - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Watchers term 2nd CA vote fairer | Top Stories

India hails poll success | Top Stories

UN urges Myanmar to grant rights to Rohingya - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Iran minister optimistic over nuclear deal - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Vote counting to begin shortly | Top Stories

Venezuela president granted sweeping powers - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Nepal holds elections key to peace process | Top Stories

Radicalism as a challenge to Ethiopia - The Hindu

From Sri Lanka, questions about wars - The Hindu

The importance of being Indonesia - The Hindu

From sounding rockets to Mars Orbiter - The Hindu

Syrian troops capture key town near Lebanon border - The Hindu

Yudhoyono calls Australia’s response on wiretapping ‘hurtful’ - The Hindu

As snooping row snowballs, man says daughter agreed to surveillance - The Hindu

Jailed persons can contest polls - The Hindu

Sunday, November 17, 2013

IT is not science; no scientific temper in the country: Rao | Business Standard

Inflation eroding savings of Indians living in metros: Assocham | Business Standard

Politicians are 'idiots', says Bharat Ratna awardee Rao | Business Standard

Abdulla Yameen

Abdulla Yameen. Abdulla Yameen, has been sworn in as President of Maldives in the capital, Male. In the delayed presidential run-off election, Abdulla Yameen was the winning candidate defeating former President Mohamed Nasheed. Mr Yameen secured 51.3% of the vote in the run-off election, compared with 48.6% for Mr Nasheed.

Mohamed Nasheed had won the 7 September polls with 45% of the vote. Abdulla Yameen, the half-brother of former ruler ( dictatator for 30 years) Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, came a distant second with 25%.
In third place was prominent businessman Gasim Ibrahim with 24%, while the incumbent president, Mohamed Waheed, only polled 5%.

The runoff election became been necessary after Nasheed won the first-round vote last Saturday by a wide margin but failed to secure the 50 percent needed.

India was among the first to congratulate Mr Yameen.
Maldives is an archipelago and a Sunni Muslim country that is best known as a luxury holiday destination. Maldives is also a member of SAARC.

INS Vikrmaditya

INS Vikramaditya will reach its home port at Karwar in Karnataka in January 2014. INS Vikramditya would bridge the time-gap between the retirement of the old and ageing carrier INS Viraat and the under-construction indigenous carrier INS Vikrant.

Boko Haram claims it kidnapped French priest - Africa - Al Jazeera English

There cannot be a time limit for reconciliation: Rajapaksa - The Hindu

Gujjar reservation, sops to farmers on Rajasthan Congress manifesto - The Hindu

State of emergency declared in Libyan capital - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Maldives swears in new president - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

13-year saga comes to an end - The Hindu

Friday, November 15, 2013

Albania's refusal to destroy chemical stockpile

Destroying Syria's Chemical Weapons. Albania, a staunch US ally and NATO member has rejected a US request to host the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons, saying it was ill-equipped to handle the disposal of thousands of tonnes of toxic waste.

The announcement is a great setback for a Russian-American plan to get rid of Syria's Sarin and other nerve agents .

Syria in September has agreed to destroy its entire chemical weapons stockpile in a deal brokered by Russia and the United States, after Washington threatened to use force in response to a Sarin gas attack that killed hundreds of people in Damascus on August 21.

Most chemical materials were to be removed from Syria in just six weeks, or by December 31, and for remaining chemical weapons facilities to be destroyed by March 2014.

Albania ( Capital Tirana ) is located in South Eastern Europe.Albania has experience of destroying its own small arsenal of chemical weapons in 2007, but the new PM Edi Rama, is not wanting to take a political risk, as there are protest against destroying chemical stockpile,which will hae to be carried to Albania and then treated suitably for which very extensive facilities need to be built.

Getting rid of 1,300 metric tons of Syria's sarin, mustard and other agents would be no easy job for the Adriatic republic !

Albania will not destroy Syria chemical arms - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Protest against Libya militias turns deadly - Africa - Al Jazeera English

In Jaffna, Cameron speaks up for devolution - The Hindu

CHOGM 2013

President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka has said that member nations of CHOGM should not turn the Commonwealth into a “punitive and judgemental” body and desist from introducing bilateral agendas.

Sri Lanka is hosting CHOGM( Commonwealth Heads of Government) meet. PM of India is not attending the meet to show solidarity of Indian Tamils on Sri Lankan Tamil issue. during the long civil war in Sri Lanka there are reports of gross human rights violations. India is being represented by Salman Khurshid .

Don’t make Commonwealth punitive body: Rajapaksa - The Hindu

Philippine govt defends typhoon response - The Hindu

Disaster Relief in Phillipine

Aftermath of major disaster( Typhoon Haiyan) in the Philippine. Government is struggling to deliver assistance to victims of the disaster. Over 10,000 persons have died and over 600,000 people have been displaced.

Many foreign governments have come to the aid of the victims and they are dispatching food, water, medical supplies and trained staff to the region.

A U.S. aircraft carrier, with a fleet of helicopters on board, is preparing for a major relief mission. The aircraft carrier is anchored off the Phillipine coast. They are expected to drop food and water to the worst affected areas.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Philippines in disaster

The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean. Taiwan lies to its north, Vietnam to its west across the South China, south west is the island of Borneo across the Sulu Sea, and to the south the Indonesia.The country is endowed with abundant natural resources and some of the world's greatest biodiversity.

The Philippines is the 73rd-largest country in the world,consisting of an archipelago of 7,107 islands. Manila is its capital city. Quezon City is the most populous city.

It has a population of 98 million people. 12 million Filipinos live overseas, comprising one of the world's largest and most influential diasporas. The nation's large size and economic potential have led it to be classified as a middle power.

Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and close to the equator make the country prone to earthquakes and typhoons.

Presently, Typhoon Haiyan has paralysed Philippine island and Thousands of people are believed to have been killed on the island of Leyte .

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Rescuers struggle in devastated Philippines - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Colonbo Summit

PM Manmohan Singh will boycott Commonwealth summit in Colombo but he will be represented by his foreign minister Salman Khursheed instead.

Mr Singh would be the second government head, after Canada's Stephen Harper, to boycott the summit.

The Commonwealth is an organisation of 53 former British territories.

A brutal 26-year war in which Sri Lanka's army defeated the ethnic-Tamil rebels. The war also claimed at least 100,000 people dead.

Mr Harper, PM of Canada said that he had taken the decision to boycott the meeting because of a lack of accountability for human rights abuses during and after the civil war, which is unacceptable.

Canada has the largest expatriate Sri-Lankan Tamil community. Many migrated during civil war period. India has a large Tamil community , which has been pressurising for a boycott. But India has a lot more at stake, especially when China is involved in lot of development of infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Are we not losing out in being a partner in development of post-war Sri Lanka ?

Why I believe Yasser Arafat was poisoned - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Saudi police clash with foreign workers - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Iran Nuclear deal

P 5 + 1 fail to seal Iran nuclear deal in Geneva. The issue of stopping construction of a plutonium-producing plant by Iran became was one of the key objectionable points. Iran was expected to agree to limitations on uranium enrichment in exchange for an lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the US and the EU.

The six countries are concerned that enriched nuclear material can easily be used in a nuclear warhead, while Iranian leaders insist the uranium will only fuel a research reactor. The group of P 5+ 1 aimed to halt Iran’s current efforts to enrich uranium to 20 per cent.

Next round of talks have been scheduled for November 20-21 in Geneva.

Philippines reels from Typhoon Haiyan havoc - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

World powers fail to seal Iran nuclear deal - The Hindu

Nitaqat related violence

Nitaqat. While 1,34,000 Indian workers from Saudi Arabia has returned home because of the new law, migrant workers from east Africa have not taken it lying down. They have clashed with the Saudi authorities in Riyadh. Rioting has cause two deaths and 68 people injured in the violence.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Cabinet to decide on climate talks parameters today - The Hindu

Swiss study: Polonium found in Arafat’s bones - Killing Arafat - Al Jazeera English

Thai royals mark cultural connection with Assam - The Hindu

Google celebrates Sir C. V. Raman’s birthday with doodle - The Hindu

‘India is not a nay-sayer on climate change’ - The Hindu

All set for CHOGM but will PM attend it? - The Hindu

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Mars Orbiter Mission: Those five minutes are crucial - The Hindu

DR Congo battles rage despite ceasefire offer - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Bolt hopeful of winning fifth annual award - The Hindu

India-origin scientist explains how life began on earth - The Hindu

300-day Mars odyssey begins today - The Hindu

Violence continues in Bangladesh strike - The Hindu

MEA recommends PM attend CHOGM - The Hindu

Forests of Manipur during British Rule (1891-1947)

Ningol Chakkouba : A colourful festival of Manipur

SSSC Nation wide stir

Sangai festival : UNC does a repeat act.... Asks all Nagas to stay away

Price of gambling ? Militants don moral police mantle, kill seven in Assam

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh on a five-day visit to Myanmar

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Government aware of voices of opposition on CHOGM: Chidambaram - The Hindu

Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud

Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud, was killed in a CIA-operated drone strike in Pakistan's North Waziristan.
Hakimullah Mehsud was one of the most wanted and feared men in Pakistan with a $5 million U.S. bounty on his head. He was leading an insurgency from a mountain hideout in North Waziristan. North Waziristan is on the Afghan frontier, is considered the Taliban's stronghold.

Hakimullah Mehsud buried in Pakistan - The Hindu

LIC

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)..LIC is India’s largest insurer, with 83 per cent market share in terms of the number of policies, and 71 per cent in premium. During 2012-13, LIC collected new business premium of Rs 76,245.63 crore.

Usha Sangwan

Usha Sangwan . Usha Sangwan is the first female managing director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). LIC can have four MDs, and a chairman.

City of Joy

City of Joy. Calcutta ( now Kolkata) is knwon as City of Joy. The city's Eden garden stadium is gearing up for Sachin's 199 th test match.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

SC asks Centre, States to give fixed tenure to bureaucrats | Business Standard

Bhubaneswar, Imphal airports get international status - The Hindu

'NSA broke into Yahoo, Google data centers' - The Hindu

Maldives Elections

Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is located 400 Km south west of India. Maldives is a presidential republic where after adopting new constitution in 2008, election takes place every five year.

The current president Mohammed Waheed Hassan has taken over in 2012, when the then President Mohammed Nasheed resigned or ousted in disputed circumstances ( or forced to resign amid violent protests and a mutiny by senior police officers, in disputed manner. some say that Nasheed resigned last year after weeks of public protests against his order to arrest a senior judge he perceived as corrupt and partial.)
As per the Maldives constitution the winning candidate in the presidential election must secure 50 % of votes. Nasheed led that Sept. 7 election with more than 45 percent of the vote against 5% for current President Mohamed Waheed and thus failed to secure a majority for an outright win. But on top of this the Supreme Court earlier annulled the results of the election , agreeing with a losing candidate that the voters' list had made-up names and names of dead people.

Maldives electoral officials have now set new dates for a presidential poll amid a growing row over the delayed vote.The first round of the elections will now be held on 9 November, and a run-off - if required - on 16 November. The country's constitution requires a president to be elected by 11 November, and it is not clear who would be in power in the interim if a second round is needed. Nasheed's election rivals will be Yaamin Abdul Gayoom, brother of Maldives' longtime autocratic ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and tourist resort owner Qasim Ibrahim.

The Maldives held its first multiparty election in 2008, with Nasheed defeating the country's 30-year autocratic ruler, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Mohammed Waheed Hassan, who was Nasheed's deputy, took over presidency. Nasheed has since accused Hassan of helping to orchestrate a coup.

Lets us hope that ( November election brings a lasting peace in this Indian Ocean archipelago, which has has seen much upheaval in the five years it has been a democracy and once again becomes a luxurious vacation destination, which it was !

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Navi Pillay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has criticised the Maldives Supreme Court for “excessively” interfering in the country’s Presidential election process.

The Maldives’ Supreme Court had nullified the first round of the Presidential election held on September 7 on the basis of alleged irregularities in the process.

UN Human Rights chief criticises Maldives Supreme Court - The Hindu

Nrityaroopa

Nrityaroopa. "Nrityaroopa", a fusion of six classical dances. Hamid Ansari, inaugurated ' Festival of India' in Havana. The festival began Nrityaroopa which was greeted with applause.

India's relation with cuba

Vice-President Hamid Ansari’s visit by any Indian VVIP to Cuba, during which the two countries also inked an agreement on cooperation in broadcasting.
Despite the two countries working closely in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), there was never any bilateral state visit from India to Cuba in the past six decades.

Ansari meets Castro

Vice-President Hamid Ansari called on legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro on 30 October. Mr. Castro is old has not been keeping well. The meeting was a high point of Ansari's Cuba visit and an appreciation of India’s special relations with Cuba.

Castro is a Cuban communist revolutionary and politician unparalleled in the history of Cuba. He was Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, President from 1976 to 2008 and the Commander in Chief of the country’s armed forces from 1959 to 2008.

Raúl Castro, present President of Cuba is his brother.

Hamid Ansari meets Fidel Castro - The Hindu

India's Mars Mission

Countdown for Mars Mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiates a dry run of the Mars Orbital Mission on board the PSLV C25 today. Mars Mission is scheduled for lift-off from the Launchpad 1, spaceport, Srihaikota on November 5.The dry run will simulate the entire command sequence based on which the Launch Authorisation Board will take the final call oncountdown, leading to lift-off at 2.38pm on November 5. ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said the mission had the scope for course correction at three stages — when the satellite leaves earth and enters Mars’ sphere of influence, a heliocentric middle phase that lasts 300 days and when the satellite is inserted into Martian orbit.

The XL variant of the four-stage PSLV — second and fourth featuring liquid propellants — is designed to first inject the spacecraft into an elliptical path around the earth in a geocentric phase, then a heliocentric phase, where the flight path is roughly one half an ellipse around the sun.

Mars exploration opportunities come once every 26 months. Such a rare trajectory — that occurs when the Earth, Mars and the Sun form an angle of 44 degrees — can offer substantial minimum energy opportunities and occur only at intervals of about 780 days, with the next window possible in January 2016 and then in May 2018.

On December 1, the satellite would be injected into trans-Martian orbit and begin a long cruise of 300 days. The ISRO will also depend on antennae-mounted ships Nalanda and Yamuna to track the spacecraft’s trajectory from locations on the South Pacific Ocean, when ground stations would briefly lose signal from the spacecraft for about 10 minutes after the fourth stage propulsion, burnout and separation of the satellite.

Once the satellite is injected into Martian orbit, the ISRO will go in for scientific observations that include investigating the Martian atmosphere for traces of methane to determine signs of life. One of the main objectives the first Indian mission to Mars is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission

PSLV is the XL variant of the four-stage— second and fourth featuring liquid propellants which has been designed to first inject the spacecraft into an elliptical path around the earth in a geocentric phase, then a heliocentric phase, where the flight path is roughly one half an ellipse around the sun.

Launchpad 1 in Sriharikota is now fully ready for the mission and PSLV-25 is fully integrated for its 25 th flight of whose the lift off mass is 1340 Kg. Mission is costing approximately Rs 450 crore. U.S., Russia and the European Union consortium has send 51 missions in the past with less than 50 % success rate.

Overall, it is a bold attempt of scientific exploration for India and I wish the mission and ISRO Best of luck!

Capitol Hill lights up for Diwali festival - The Hindu

Spying on allies is two-way street, says US intelligence chief - The Hindu

Spike in ceasefire violations has Pak support: Antony - The Hindu

India' s richest woman is new Haryana Minister - The Hindu

Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood's deputy leader - The Hindu

Syria dismisses deputy PM after US talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Jubilant crowds welcome Palestinian prisoners - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

India-Peru Pacts

India-Peru Pacts. India and Peru have signed four agreements to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, culture and defence and to set up a joint commission to diversify relations.

First. The pact on education encourages an exchange of research material, teaching aides, organisation of joint conferences, training programmes, setting up chairs on contemporary studies and providing scholarships for higher education.

Second. Agreement on defence cooperation. It aims at enhancing cooperation in the prevention of spread of weapons of mass destruction and tackling non-conventional threats like drugs and piracy; exchange of training expertise and personnel for military courses and collaboration in the spheres of defence equipment exports for mutual benefit.

Third. Joint commission to diversify relations. It will be an inter-governmental consultation mechanism at the Foreign Ministerial level, to promote, strengthen and diversify bilateral relations.

Fourth. Culture. It aims to create specific cooperation programmes for the exchange of experiences and training of specialists in the museum sector, organising temporary international exhibitions for the dissemination of information on cultural heritage of both countries.

Repo Rate

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today hiked repo rate by 25 basis points or 0.25 per cent to 7.75 %. This is likely to make home, auto and consumer loans costlier.

Repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks. This acts as a disincentive for banks to borrow money from the RBI. This ultimately reduces the money supply in the economy and thus helps in arresting inflation.

Repo rate has been used by monetary authorities to control inflation.RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has continued on the lines of his predecessor, D Subbarao to hike rates to fight inflation.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The CHOGM connection | Business Standard

FISA

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act( FISA) is a 35 year old act in United States which prescribes procedures for collection of intelligence and surveillance on powers and citizens suspected to be connected with espionage or terrorism.

The head of the National Security Agency, Gen. Keith Alexander, while deposing before a a House committee reviewing the agency's surveillance activities, denied that the United States collected telephone and e-mail records directly from European citizens. He called reports based on leaks by Edward Snowden "completely false."
"To be perfectly clear, this is not information that we collected on European citizens. It represents information that we, and our NATO allies, have collected in defense of our countries and in support of military operations," the NSA director told the House committee .

Alexander claimed that intelligence gathering activities has saved lives in US, Europe and around the world."

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

23rd CHOGM, the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is an organisation of former British colonies. it is due in Sri Lanka from November 15 to 17.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution ( MAVEN)

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution ( MAVEN) . It is a NASA's spacecraft and due to be launched on November 18 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and reach Mars on September 22, 2014. MOM is arriving there one day before.

MAVEN will focus on Mars' thin atmosphere, but rather than hunting methane, it is designed to help scientists figure out how the planet lost an atmosphere that at one time was believed to be thicker than Earth's.

MAVEN is going to explore the history of the atmosphere of Mars . whst it has been, how the climate has changed through time and how that has influenced the evolution of the surface and the potential habitability of any life or at least by microbes on Mars.

MAVEN will join two NASA rovers, two NASA orbiters and a European Space Agency satellite already studying Mars.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

INCHAM

INCHAM. Indian Chambers of Commerce (INCHAM) was launched by vice President Hamid Ansari at a special function jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Peru and INCHAM.

INCHAM will seek to increase awareness of either country's business opportunities in the other. It will offer information and advisory services. It will also provide the important bridge between businesses and governments.India-Peru bilateral trade is increasing very quickly and has gone up by 7 times in the last 5 years.

India and Peru are hoping to start negotiations soon for a Free Trade Agreement. Peru is very rich in minerals . It is also the fastest growing country in Latin America.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

'Festival of India' in Peru

LIMA:Vice-President Hamid Ansari inaugurated 'Festival of India' in Peru a Latin American country on Oct 27, 2013.The festival is also being held simultaneously in Cuba, the next stop of the Vice-President. Ansari's Peruvian counterpart is Marisol Espinoza. She was also present at the inaugural ceremony which saw the staging of "Nrityarupa" which was a mosaic of six Indian dances — Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathakali and Chhau.

Hamid Ansari was on a three-day official visit. 'Festival of India' comprises a film festival, a dance festival and a literary festival.Several old and new Indian movies, classics as also potboilers, ranging from Dadasaheb Phalke's 'Raja Harischandra' to Raj Kapoor's 'Bobby' and Aamir Khan's 'Taare Zameen Par' are being shown at the festival. Satyajit Ray's 'Ghare-Baire', Shahrukh Khan's 'Kabhi Haan, Kabhi Naa', Govind Nihlani's 'Ardh Satya' and Neeraj Pande's 'A Wednesday' were also included included in the list of films to be screened.
see http://www.ddinews.gov.in/Home%20-%20Headlines/PublishingImages/ansari_peru20131027.jpg

UPSC and other competitive Exams on facebook

Peru

Peru. It is a western south American country , located between Chile and Ecuador. It is bordering the South Pacific Ocean. Lima is its capital.

The Most distant Galaxy

Dr. Vithal Tilvi. Dr. Vithal Tilvi an Indian, born in Goa and attended Goa University. He is currently at the Texas A&M University.He, along with a team of astrologers, has discovered the most distant galaxy in the universe ever found which is said to be 13 billion light years away from the Earth.

Because of its extremely large distance of 13 billion light years, this galaxy is seen as it was 13 billion years ago or when it was only 700 million years old. The current age of the universe is about 13.7 billion years.

The scientists discovered that this galaxy is forming stars tremendously, roughly about 300 Sun-like stars every year, compared to only about one Sun-like star produced in our own Milkyway galaxy. It is possible that when the Universe was young, galaxies were more active then they are now.

The results of the latest findings of Dr Vithal and others have been published in the most prestigious international journal ‘the Nature’.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Thirty Meter Telescope

Thirty Meter Telescope . It is a ground based telescope being set up at Hawai and is a planned ground-based large segmented mirror reflecting telescope. It is much larger than existing telescopes.India is also a partner in the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. When completed, this will be the largest telescope in the world.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Thirty Meter Telescope

Gian Magellan telescope

Giant Magellan Telescope . It is a ground-based extremely large telescope, with a light gathering capacity of 5-10 times more than existing telescopes. It planned for completion in 2020 and it will be located at the site of Magellan telescope.

UPSC and othr competitive Exams on Facebook

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Astronomers’ team in US discovers most distant galaxy - The Hindu

AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board)

AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board). They are the regulatory authority who permit and limit power production capability of nuclear power plants.

INDRA 2013

INDRA 2013. The joint training exercise between India and Russia is aimed at improving bilateral defence cooperation between both the armies and enhancing their ability to operate as an integrated force within the framework of UN peace keeping operations.

Presently contingents of mechanised forces are practising in Mahajan Field Firing ranges in Rajsthan.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP)

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). KNPP is India's first pressurised water reactor belonging to the light water reactor type.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL)

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) . Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) generated 160 MW power at its first unit in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). Unit 1 was synchronised with the power grid on 22 Oct. The first unit attained criticality for the first time in July 2013. Criticality is the beginning of the fission process.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Supplying arms to Nepa

India has decided to end eight-year-old ban and start supplying arms to Nepal. The ban was imposed in 2005, when King Gyanendra had assumed executive powers.

Over 360 vehicles, including 25 mine-protected vehicles, have already reached Nepal ,while arms and ammunition are in the pipeline and will be despatched soon.

During the tenth meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues in April, India had agreed to provide these equipment.

Nepal has 62,000 thousand troops and equipment will help these troops to provide security for elections

Nepal has recently amended its constitution to allow the army to be mobilized to ensure free and fair polls.

In Nepal's 2008 elections of the first Constituent Assembly , there were a total of 485 political and election-related violent incidents like murder, kidnapping etc.

Elections of the second Constituent Assembly is scheduled for November 19 , and there is all possibility that this election would be no less violent.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Manna Day

Legendary singer Manna Day, 94, passed away. Recepient of Dada Sahab Falke award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shree awards, he had recorded more than 4000 songs.

National Security Agency

NSA Modus Operandi. National Security Agency has come under lot of criticism for carrying out surveillance of 35 world leaders Angela Merkel.

International communications being transmitted through undersea cables is intercepted by NSA who have tied up with a few telecom companies to get access. NSA also monitor root servers, majority of whom are located in the United States.

NSA keeps a tab on near and dears of their target. Osama bin laden never used a cell phone some of his wives, servants and couriers did use cellphones. And as they say, the rest is history !

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Self governing institutions of Ancient era in India

Self governing institutions of Ancient era- ( Circa 3000-1000BC).
1. Sabha- A smaller and select body of elders, like upper house in modern legislatures i.e. Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
2. Samiti- General assembly or house of the people like Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha.
3. These institutions are mentioned in Rigveda.
4. They can be said to contain rudiments of modern Parliament.
5. There are evidences in Vedic texts that the two bodies exercised authority, influence and prestige.
6. Free discussion and decision by majority was practised.
7. Fundamental principle of ancient Indian society was that no single person should conduct the affairs of the government.
8. Vedic political theory recognised Dharma as a true sovereign which meant Rule of Law and religion as is commonly interpreted these days.
9. Dharma or Rule of Law was upheld and enforced by the king.
10. Powers of the king were limited by the will of people, custom, usages and injunctions of Dharmashastras.
11 King was required to take oath of loyalty to law and constitution of the realm and to hold in trust the material and moral welfare of his people.
12. elective kingships and democratic institutions were found to be built in monarchical system.
13. Republic in Pos-Vedic history. Aitareya Brahaman, Panini's Ashtadhyayi, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Mahabharata , inscriptons on Ashoka's pillars, writings of contemporary Greek historians , Buddhist and Jain scholars and the Manusmriti give many examplesof functioning republics in post-vsdic history period. the republics were known as Sangha or Ganrajya and soverignty in these republics was vested in large assembly. these large assembly elected members of the Executives and military leaders.the assembly exercised control over the Executive and decided issues of peace and war and controlled foreign affairs.The assembly had its speaker called Vinadharma and whip called Ganapuraka who had sufficient knowledge of parliamentary procedures, resolutions , quorum, vote by majority . Purity freedom , frankness and fairness were practised in discussion. Complicated and serious matters were often referred to Special Committee elected from among the members of assembly.
14. Administration of Local Affairs. regional Councils ( janapadas) , City Councils( Paura Sabhas) and village assemblies ( Gram Sabhas) adminstered local affairs with complete freedom. arthshastra, Mahabharata and Manusmriti contain many examples references to the existing Gram Sabhas. Elective local bodies like Gram Sabhas, Gram Sanghas or Gram Panchayats wre common features of Indian polity in those days. Even after Sabha and Samitis disappeared gram Sanghas, Gram Sabhas , Gram Panchayts survived through rule of many Hindu and Muslim dynasties and fuctioned and flourished. Some survived even till the advent of British rule in some form or the other.( ref- Local Government in ancient India, Oxford, 1920)

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

Gadgil-Mukherjee formula

Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.DR Gadgil and Dr Pranab Mukherjee have been Deputy Chairman of planning commission. The formula was adopted in 1991 by the National Development Council (NDC). This formula was made for devolution of central assistance for state plans.

As per the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula , 30 per cent of the total funds are earmarked for Special Category States.

As against the composition of Central assistance of 30 per cent grant and 70 per cent loan for major states, special category states receive 90 per cent plan assistance as grant and just 10 per cent as loan.

Raghuram Rajan's panel has suggested to replace Gadgil-Mukherjee formula with Rajan Committee’s Multi Dimensial Index (MDI) for allocation funds to states.

also read http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Gadgil-Mukherjee_Formula

UPSC and other competitive exams on Facebook

Raghuram Rajan Committee

Raghuram Rajan Committee. Raghuram Rajan ( now RBI governor) is former Chief Economic Advisor. He submitted his report on the the criteria for granting special category status to states, on 26 september 2013.
The Committee has recommended a fresh approach and not the earlier practice of the ‘Special Category’ classification for states with high funding needs.Special status category states include the seven Northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura), Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The special category status is given depending on their resources and geography. Some of the features are Low Population density, Hilly and difficult terrain , Location of states, Economic and Infrastructural backwardness and Non viable nature of state finances .

According to the report depending upon their Multi Dimensional Index (MDI) scores 28 states should be divided into three categories.
• Least developed
• Less developed
• Relatively developed

According the criteria given by the report Goa and Kerala are most developed states and Odisha, Bihar least developed states.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook

"Virgin Earth Golden Feather Environment Award"

"Virgin Earth Golden Feather Environment Award" Part of Solar Panel Scam in Kerala, where several prominent persons were given this award to gain media coverage.

Solar Panel Scam

Solar Panel Scam. A scam in Kerala, in which The Team Solar Energy Company (Team Solar) collected huge advances from gullible persons . One lady actor was used as a' brand ambassador' to lure people . The scam collected crores of Rupees. Team Solar used two women to create political contact and even with Chief Minister's Office. This was all in the guise of installing alternate sources of energy. Team Solar failed to deliver the goods.

Oommen Chandy

Oommen Chandy. Oommen Chandy’s condition is stable . He was attacked by mob who were protesting against solar panel scam.Oommen Chandy is chief Minister of Kerala.

One more suspect arrested - The Hindu

Oommen Chandy’s condition stable - The Hindu

Egypt tunnel closure costs Gaza millions - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Saudi women defy driving ban across country - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Palestine's Mandela - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Israel to attend UN Human Rights Council - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Syrian rebels reject Geneva peace talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Wave of attacks kills scores in Iraq - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

UK braces for massive hurricane-force storm - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Argentina's Kirchner suffers election blow - Americas - Al Jazeera English

UN: Refugee numbers at highest in 19 years - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Who is the real threat: Iran or Israel? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Germany and Brazil seek UN privacy resolution - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Lawyers appeal to Obama on CIA secrets - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Clashes on Iran's South Eastern Border with Pakistan

Iran's 17 guards were killed early today in clashes with "armed bandits" on their southeastern boundary with Pakistan i.e. Sistan-Baluchistan province, probably fighting drug traffickers. As per other sources a group Jaish Ul Adl, or 'Party of Justice', was responsible for the violence. The area has Sunni majority on Iran's side which has complains against Shia rulers of Iran.

UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook