Thursday, October 31, 2013
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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."
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."
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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'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
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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’.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
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.
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UPSC and othr competitive Exams on Facebook
Sunday, October 27, 2013
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 !
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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 !
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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"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.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
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.
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
Friday, October 25, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Israel considers threat from iran
Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding increase in pressure on Iran, so that Iran halts all enrichment of uranium. Enrichment of Uranium is a key step in producing a nuclear weapon.
Iran must remove its stockpile of enriched uranium from the country; it must close suspicious enrichment facilities and shut down a facility that could produce plutonium. Plutonium is another potential gateway to production of nuclear arms. Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran a threat to its very survival.
Iran's Nuclear Programme
Iran is consistently insisting that her neclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convinced that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and they are trying to trick the West into easing economic sanctions while still pushing forward with their nuclear program at the same time.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Ratangarh Temple Stampede
Datia(MP). It is 50 km from Gwalior. 115 pilgrims, including 30 children died and more than 100 injured in a stampede on narrow bridge on Sindh River , on way to the historic Ratangarh temple in Datia district. . Similar tragedy happened in 2006 tragedy at the same site when 50 pilgrims were washed away.
Over one lakh devotees from Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring UP had gathered to visit the temple on auspicious Navami day.
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Over one lakh devotees from Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring UP had gathered to visit the temple on auspicious Navami day.
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Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). ISRO has announced that Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) will be launched on 28 October as scheduled. ISRO further dismissed suggestions that NASA may not be in a position to offer it deep space network support following government shutdown in the U.S.
NASA has announced that it is going ahead with its own MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, slated for launch as early as November 18 which means that NASA would have to keep its DSN operational. DSN is an international network of antennas that track interplanetary spacecraft missions.
October 28 is the first day of the launch window which remains open till November 19.
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NASA has announced that it is going ahead with its own MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, slated for launch as early as November 18 which means that NASA would have to keep its DSN operational. DSN is an international network of antennas that track interplanetary spacecraft missions.
October 28 is the first day of the launch window which remains open till November 19.
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Saturday, October 12, 2013
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the Indonesian President . PM Manmohan Singh met him in Jakarta, capital on 11 October 2013 at Merdeka Palace.
Mee Seva
Mee Seva. This is service provided through computerised post offices in Andhra Pradesh, where 127 types of services offered by 42 government departments can be availed through the post offices. These include income certificates, caste certificates, revenue certificates etc by charging a small amount of Rs 25-30.
Asheervachanam schem
Asheervachanam scheme. The scheme is being implemented in Tirupati temple where the donor will get 'Akshatalu' and a photograph of Sri Venkateswara through post. Other major temples are also likely to get this facility thorugh postal department.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Whistleblower Award
The Sam Adams Award for Integrity in Intelligence. Also called whistleblowers award. Former CIA analyst Edward Snowden was given an American whistleblowers’ award for exposing massive U.S. surveillance snooping. The award was presented to Mr. Snowden by four former U.S. intelligence officials at a secret meeting in Moscow.
Snowden is presently living in asylum in Russia, which has strained US-Russia relationship to a great extent.
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Snowden is presently living in asylum in Russia, which has strained US-Russia relationship to a great extent.
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Nobel Peace Prize 2013
Nobel Peace Prize 2013. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons( OPCW) based in The Hague, Netherlands has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013. The OPCW was formed in 1997 to enforce the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Chemical Weapons Convention is the first international treaty to outlaw chemical weapons.
The organization has 189 member states and Syria has officially joined it just a couple of days before. OPCW inspectors are on a highly risky United Nations—backed disarmament mission in Syria to verify and destroy Syria’s store of poison gas and nerve agents arsenals, in face of civil war, which is taking its toll on a daily basis.
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The organization has 189 member states and Syria has officially joined it just a couple of days before. OPCW inspectors are on a highly risky United Nations—backed disarmament mission in Syria to verify and destroy Syria’s store of poison gas and nerve agents arsenals, in face of civil war, which is taking its toll on a daily basis.
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Phailin: Cyclone
Phailin. It is a very severe cyclonic storm, which is hitting east central Bay of Bengal and moving west-northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph. It is lying centred about 520km south-southeast of Paradip and 530km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha.
Phailin's wind speed is now upgraded 205-215 kmph on 11 October.
The Phailin may have similar devastating impact on coastal Odisha as was experienced in 1999 Super Cyclone.
Super Cyclone killed about 8000 people in the Odisha in 1999.Massive evacuation is being undertaken by district administrations of Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Jagatsinghpur of Odisha, which are likely to be hit by severe cyclonic storm Phailin.
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Phailin's wind speed is now upgraded 205-215 kmph on 11 October.
The Phailin may have similar devastating impact on coastal Odisha as was experienced in 1999 Super Cyclone.
Super Cyclone killed about 8000 people in the Odisha in 1999.Massive evacuation is being undertaken by district administrations of Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Jagatsinghpur of Odisha, which are likely to be hit by severe cyclonic storm Phailin.
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2013 Nobel prize in literature
2013 Nobel prize in literature. Canada's Alice Munro,82 has won the Nobel literature prize . She has won the award for her short stories that focus on the frailties of the human condition. She is the first Canadian to win the prestigious award ( instituted in 1901 ) and has also become the 13th woman to win Nobel prize in literature.
Hailed as "master of the contemporary short story", her story revolves around small town environments, where the struggle for a socially acceptable existence often results in strained relationships and moral conflicts.
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Hailed as "master of the contemporary short story", her story revolves around small town environments, where the struggle for a socially acceptable existence often results in strained relationships and moral conflicts.
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Nalanda University
The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill . Nalanda is a seat of ancient learniong. The bill is before a parliamentary committee. the bill seeks to have five EAS(East Asia Summit) countries members on the board to give the university a truly international character. The Nalanda University flourished between 5 th and 12 th century. India is the largest financier of this venture. China, Singapore and Australia and several other countries have also pledged money for the university.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has mentored the Nalanda University project since 2007. His is the current Chancellor, Nalanda University.
also read http://nalandauniv.edu.in/
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has mentored the Nalanda University project since 2007. His is the current Chancellor, Nalanda University.
also read http://nalandauniv.edu.in/
8th East Asia Summit
8th East Asia Summit. The summit opened at Brunei today.Leaders of ASEAN and eight dialogue partners gathered to discuss strategic issues of relevance to the region. The eight dialogue partners include China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.
Obama and Putin are not attending the summit and are being represented by their foreign ministers. Established in 2005, the EAS has served as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic issues of relevance to East Asia as well as other regional and global issues, with the focus on areas such as energy, infectious diseases, sustainable development, poverty reduction and environment.
Obama and Putin are not attending the summit and are being represented by their foreign ministers. Established in 2005, the EAS has served as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic issues of relevance to East Asia as well as other regional and global issues, with the focus on areas such as energy, infectious diseases, sustainable development, poverty reduction and environment.
Separate mission for ASEAN.
Separate mission for ASEAN. India has decided to open a seprate mission for ASEAN and PM may make announcement shortly. Presently, India’s diplomatic mission in Indonesia handles all the ASEAN-related work. It is pertinent to mention that the ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is agroup of 10 countries located in South east Asia. It was established on 8 August 1967. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand were founding members. Later, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam were included. . ASEAN aims at accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members and protection of regional peace and stability.
This years ASEAN meet is being held at Brunei from 9 oct. PM Nabmohan Singh is attending the meet. Obama has to drop at the last moment due to financial crisis in US. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is also attending the summit.
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This years ASEAN meet is being held at Brunei from 9 oct. PM Nabmohan Singh is attending the meet. Obama has to drop at the last moment due to financial crisis in US. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is also attending the summit.
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Brunei
Brunei. Brunei's official name is the Nation of Brunei meanig' the Abode of Peace' It is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Its Capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. It is governed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the absolute monarch. Malay is its Language.
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UPSC and other competitive Exama on facebook
Monday, October 7, 2013
Prithvi-II
Prithivi-II. India today successfully test-fired Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km . It is indigenously developed nuclear-capable missile capable of carrying 500kg to 1000kg of warheads from Chandipur test range in Odisha.The missile is thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
Rohan Bopanna
Rohan Bopanna. Rohan Bopanna with French partner Edouard Roger-Vasselinx lifted the Japan Open trophy, defeared Briton-Australian combo Jamie Murray and John Peers on Sunday.
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
World Habitat Day
World Habitat Day. 7 October was celebrated as World habitat Day. Urban Mobility to encourage people to shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation was the theme of the World Habitat Day 2013 .
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Ladakh
Ladakh. Ladakh means ' Land of Passes'. It is also known by many other names like 'roof of the world', 'Kanchanpa meaning land of snow' ' Land of Gompas' . it also large number of Buddhists monasteries called Gompa.
Ladakh became a part of India in 1947. It is a part of J&K , which has three completely different regions-Vale of Kashmir( predominantly Muslims) , Jammu regions with Hindu majority and Ladakh with a majority of Buddhist population. Ladakh is completely barren and mostly inaccessible. a large network of black top and all weather/ fair weather roads have come up after Independence, mostly to cater for requirement of maintaining lines of communication for army.. Pir Panjal ranges divide the valley form the plains/ hills of Jammu.
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Ladakh became a part of India in 1947. It is a part of J&K , which has three completely different regions-Vale of Kashmir( predominantly Muslims) , Jammu regions with Hindu majority and Ladakh with a majority of Buddhist population. Ladakh is completely barren and mostly inaccessible. a large network of black top and all weather/ fair weather roads have come up after Independence, mostly to cater for requirement of maintaining lines of communication for army.. Pir Panjal ranges divide the valley form the plains/ hills of Jammu.
UPSC and other competitive Exams
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
American diplomats ordered to be expelled from Venezuella
Nicolas Maduro , Venezuelan President,on Monday ordered to have three American diplomats expelled for allegedly plotting with the Venezuelan opposition to stir up violence in the country.
Maduro has said that there would be no "cordial ties" with the United States until they respects Venezuelan sovereignty.
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Maduro has said that there would be no "cordial ties" with the United States until they respects Venezuelan sovereignty.
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India's nuclear accord with Canada
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich in Ottawa announced that the India-Canada civil nuclear cooperation agreement has come into force.
India and Canada had signed the civil nuclear accord in June 2010 during Prime Minister's visit to Canada. After India conducted the nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974, the relationship between the two countries had taken a nosedive in the field of nuclear cooperation.
Now two countries have signed the Appropriate Arrangement pursuant to the India-Canada nuclear cooperation agreement on April 8, 2013.
The civil nuclear accord and the supporting Appropriate Arrangement will permit Canadian companies to export nuclear wares to India.
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India and Canada had signed the civil nuclear accord in June 2010 during Prime Minister's visit to Canada. After India conducted the nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974, the relationship between the two countries had taken a nosedive in the field of nuclear cooperation.
Now two countries have signed the Appropriate Arrangement pursuant to the India-Canada nuclear cooperation agreement on April 8, 2013.
The civil nuclear accord and the supporting Appropriate Arrangement will permit Canadian companies to export nuclear wares to India.
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BDCA (Border Defence Cooperation Agreement)
BDCA (Border Defence Cooperation Agreement) The accord is being finalised between China and India and likely to be signed in PM's forthcoming visit to China. BDCA focusses on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control(LAC)
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UPSC and other competitive Exams on Facebook
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