2014 CURRENT AFFAIRS-NOVEMBER

November 2014

01 November 2014 

Names of 12 cities in Karnataka changed

On 31st October 2014, NDA government cleared the proposal of renaming 12 cities and towns of Karnataka. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh gave his approval to the proposal of the Karnataka government made on October 27, 2006 to change the names of the 12 towns and cities. The home minister’s nod came after Survey of India, Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, Ministry of Science and Technology and Intelligence Bureau have given their No Objection and clearance for the change in the nomenclature of the identified cities. List of renamed cities with their new names Bangalore- Bengaluru, Mangalore- Mangaluru, Bellary- Ballari, Belgaum- Belagavi, Bijapur- Vijapura, Hospet- Hosapete, Hubli- Hubballi, Chikmagalur- Chikkamagaluru, Mysore- Mysuru, Tumkur- Tumakuru, Gulbarga- Kalaburagi, Shimoga- Shivamogga.

First Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed on October 31, 2014

First Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed, people across India participate in ‘Run for Unity’ On 31st October 2014, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was observed nationwide to commemorate the 139th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The decision to observe 31 October as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Integration Day was taken by the Union Government. The day was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel and also flagged off the Run For Unity in New Delhi. 

Chairman of Union Carbide Warren Anderson dies at 92

Former Chairman of Union Carbide Corporation, Warren M Anderson died on 29th September 2014 at a nursing home in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 92. Anderson was blamed for the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy as he was Chairman and CEO of the Union Carbide Corporation at the time of the disaster. His death was not announced by his family in public but it was confirmed from public records.

02 November 2014

Government cuts import tariff on Gold and Silver

The government cut the import tariff value on gold to US $391 per 10 gm and the tariff on silver to US $551 per kg. Last fortnight, the tariff on imported gold was fixed at $401 per 10gm and on silver at $575 per kg. Tariff values on gold and silver are notified by the Central Board of Excise and Customs. Tariff values on other items such as crude oil, palm oil, soyabean oil etc have also been cut. Gold is the second largest import after petroleum for India. The government has imposed several restrictions to curb imports in an attempt to contain the current account deficit. Last year, it raised gold import duty to 10%, and made it mandatory for the importing parties to export back 20% of the imported gold. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been pitching for easing of the gold import restrictions since it will boost gems and jewellery exports, which declined by 10.31% in August 2014.

Jashne Bachpan: ‘Special’ children’s theatre festival begins at National School of Drama

The National School of Drama (NSD) has announced that it will be conducting the 12th edition of its children’s theatre festival, Jashne Bachpan. The event this year coincides with the silver jubilee year of NSD, and will focus on bringing children from underprivileged sections of the society to watch the plays free of cost. The 14 day-long festival began on November 2. It is organized by NDS’s TIE (Theatre In Education) Company. Jashne Bachpan will include 30 plays from 18 States in 12 Indian languages. The plays of Jashne Bachpan will be presented by over 30 groups from across the country, of which 14 consist of only children. Some of the plays, involve revival of the old method of adults playing for children. A puppet play and a play for special children will also be enacted. 

Government extends the term of 14th Finance Commission

The Cabinet has approved the extension of the deadline for the submission of the Report of the 14th Finance Commission by two months to December 31, 2014. The Commission had sought extension of its earlier deadline of October 31 in order for it to ‘examine financial projections and carry out consultations with the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.’ The Commission was to submit its report on the basis of its terms of reference by October 31, 2014 covering a period of five years from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020.

03 November 2014 

Government to set up National Cultural Audio-Visual Archives at Jodhpur

 The Ministry of Culture will be setting up a National Cultural Audio-Visual Archives in Jodhpur in an effort to preserve India’s cultural heritage. The project will involve collaboration between the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture and the Rupayan Sansthan. A MoU for the pilot project has been signed between the two bodies. The project aims to digitise and make 10,000 hours of digital audio and video accessible by March 31, 2017. A committee of experts in audio-visual archiving will guide the IGNCA in this endeavor.

Central Zone wins Duleep Trophy 

The Central Zone team defeated the South Zone team to win the 2014 edition of the Duleep Trophy. The Central Zone team was led by Piyush Chawla, who helped clinch the narrow win. Of the total 13 games played by the five teams, the South Zone dominated 10 , but the 3 dominated by the Central Zone changed the game. The Central Zone beat the South Zone by a very small margin of 9 runs to claim the Trophy at the Ferozshah Kotla Ground in New Delhi. The South Zone were chasing the Central Zone set-target of 301. On the last day of the match, the South Zone needed 117 runs with nine wickets intact. However, South Zone lost 7 wickets for just 39 runs, giving an easy win to the Central Zone

04 November 2014 

Hasmukh Adhia appointed as Union Financial Services Secretary

Hasmukh Adhia was appointed as the Union Financial Services Secretary (FSS) on 3 November 2014. He is the 1981-batch IAS officer of Gujarat-cadre. 

At the time of being appointed as FSS, Adhia was working as Additional Chief Secretary in the Finance Department of Gujarat government. 

He succeeded GS Sandhu who was made the Chairman of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention. Sandhu is a 1980-batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer.

India-Sri Lanka started joint military exercise, Mithra Shakti

The special forces of Indian and Sri Lankan armies on 3 November 2014 began a three-week long mock war drill at the Uva-Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School near Colombo in the island nation. The exercise will continue till 23 November 2014. 

This exercise is a part of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in the island nation. 

Mallikarjun Kharge inducted into the three-member CIC selection committee

Mallikarjun Kharge, a leader of Congress in Lok Sabha on 3 October 2014 was inducted into the three-member CIC selection committee. The committee will select the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). 

The other two members of the committee are Prime Minister Narendra Modi (as head) and Union Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitely. 

Kharge was inducted in the selection committee by virtue of being the leader of the single largest party in the opposition in Lok Sabha as there as there was a lack of clarity on the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. 

05 November 2014

 

World's first inhalable Ebola vaccine passed animal tests

Scientists from the University of Texas on 4 November 2014 confirmed that the World’s first inhalable Ebola vaccine passed animal tests.

Professor Maria Croyle along with Dr Gary Kobinger at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed the tests.

The vaccine has shown a long-term protection for non-human primates against the deadly Ebola virus. Results from a recent pre-clinical study represent the only proof to date that a single dose of a non-injectable vaccine platform for Ebola is long lasting, which could have significant global implications in controlling future outbreaks.

HDFC became first listed Indian company to have 75% shareholding by FIIs

The mortgage financier HDFC became the first listed Indian company among the 30 SENSEX firms to have more than 75 percent shareholding by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).

It happened after the FIIs raised their stake in the company to a record-high of nearly 78 percent during the July-September 2014 quarter.

Mumbai recorded the largest number of Internet users in India in 2014

Mumbai recorded the largest number of internet users in India in 2014. This was revealed by a study conducted by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and released on 4 November 2014.

According to the study, Mumbai recorded 16.4 million internet users surpassing Delhi and Kolkata. Delhi recorded 12.15 million internet users and Kolkata recorded 6.27 million internet users.

06 November 2014

Sajid Javid is first Indian-origin Cabinet Minister in Britain

 

On 5th November 2014, Sajid Javid Britain’s secretary of state or cabinet minister for culture, media and sport, has disclosed that his father was from India and his mother from Pakistan. So it makes him half-Indian and the first person of Indian origin to be a cabinet minister in Britain. He made this announcement at British Asian dinner, which released a ‘Power 101 Britain’s Most Influential Asians 2015′ list which had him at top position. Earlier, he was always been described as being of Pakistani origin, which he partially is, but his Indian connection was unknown publicly. Previously, Indian origin MP, Keith Vaz was a minister of state in a Labour government. But no one of Indian descent has ever been appointed a cabinet minister in Britain until now. In 2010, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who is of Pakistani origin, became a cabinet minister, the first Asian to be thus elevated.

Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to formulate defence products investment policy

On 5th November 2014, Madhya Pradesh state government approved its ambitious Defence Products Investment Policy. Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to formulate such a policy in the country. The cabinet meeting was chaired by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Government to launch separate drug controller for traditional medicines

On 6th November 2014, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan announced that government has decided to set up a separate Central drug controller for traditional medicines on the lines of that for the allopathy medicines to ensure quality production standards. He made this announcement after inaugurating the four-day 6th Arogya Expo organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the World Ayurveda Congress in New Delhi.

07 November 2014

 

World Chess Championship 2014 begins at Sochi, Russia

The World Chess Championship 2014 will be a match between the current world champion, Magnus Carlsen, and challenger Viswanathan Anand, to determine the 2014 World Chess Champion. It will be held from 7 November to 28 November 2014, under the auspices of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in Sochi, Russia. In this tournament, eight players will compete against Carlsen in the World Chess Championship.

Government to launch modified direct cash subsidy transfer for LPG consumers from January 1, 2015

NDA government is launching, the modified version of Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG ( DBTL) scheme in 54 districts from 15th November 2014 and all over the country from 1st January 2014. The petroleum ministry is working on this in order to ensure that there is coordination between the oil companies and banks so that consumers smoothly get the LPG subsidy in their bank accounts, Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL) scheme is expected to save the government upto Rs 14,000 crores in subsidies and aims curbing leakages, preventing black-marketing and sending gas subsidy to the consumers’ bank accounts.

Jet Airways bans shipment of shark fins to protect declining shark population

 

As per press release from Human Society International (HSI) India, Jet Airways Cargo has instituted a policy to ban the shipment of shark fins. Jet Airways by instituting this policy has joined group of major international carriers committed to protect declining shark populations and marine ecosystems. Other growing league of environmentally conscious airlines are  Emirates, Philippines Airlines, Korean Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Qantas and Air New Zealand, all of whom have made a public commitment to stop carrying shark fins

08  November 2014

 

Kerala’s Ashtamudi clam fishery to first in India to receive MSC certification

Clam fishery in the Ashtamudi estuary in Kolam district of Kerala is the first in India to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This certification will help to boost sustainable fisheries while protecting the ecosystem in this Wetland area. It has become the third in Asia to receive this recognition. It is a joint effort of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, the Kerala State Fisheries Department and the World Wildlife Fund, along with the local fishing community.

 

Canine Distemper Virus pushing tigers towards extinction

According to a new study from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), canine distemper virus (CDV) has the potential to be a significant driver in pushing the tigers towards extinction. This deadly virus is adding a new threat to tiger populations along with to the existing pressures of habitat loss, poaching and depletion of prey species. Researchers have evaluated these impacts on the Amur tiger population in Russia’s Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Zapovednik (SABZ), where tiger numbers declined from 38 individuals to 9 in the years 2007 to 2012.

World’s tallest hybrid wind turbine installed in Kutch

 

Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Energy has installed the world’s first and tallest hybrid wind generator turbine in Kutch, Gujarat. This installation was part Gujarat’s focused approach on enhancing Renewable Energy Portfolio in order to meet the dual objective of Sustainable Development and ensuring India’s Energy Security. In 2008, the Suzlon Energy had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat Government to set up 2000 MW of wind energy capacity in the state.

 

India and Bhutan signed MoU to develop Nalanda University

India and Bhutan on 7 November 2014 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Nalanda University in Bihar as an international centre of excellence.

The MoU states that the objectives and functions of Nalanda University includes the establishment of an international institution of learning that will bring together the brightest and the most dedicated students from all countries irrespective of gender, caste, creed, disability, ethnicity or socioeconomic background.

According to the MoU, the Nalanda University will be located at Rajgir in Bihar and will have the power to confer degrees, diplomas and certificates. 

It focuses on building an Asian community of learning where the intellectual potential of every student can be developed to the fullest extent possible.

As per the MoU, India will provide appropriate visa to students, faculty and staff for travelling to India to study or work in the University. The funding for the establishment and operations of the University will be on a voluntary basis.

 

09 November 2014

 

India test fires Agni-II missile

On 9th November 2014, India test fired nuclear-capable Agni-II ballistic missile. This successful test was conducted from Wheeler Island, Odisha. The test was a part of training exercise to the Army with logistic support provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

 

Laxmikant Parsekar sworn-in as Chief Minister of Goa

 

Goa Health Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was sworn-in as 18th Chief Minister of Goa on 8th November. He succeeded Manohar Parrikar who resigned on 8th November 2014 in order to take charges of Union Defence Minister. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha. Along with Parsekar, seven other BJP ministers were also sworn-in. They are: Francis D’Souza, Dayanand Mandrekar, Ramesh Tawadkar, Mahadev Naik, Dilip Parulekar, Milind Naik, and Alina Saldanha. Two Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) ministers Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar and Pandurang Deepak Dhavalikar were also sworn-in.

 

China pledges $40 billion for Silk Road plan

On 8th November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed $40 billion to give a push for reviving the ancient Silk Road of China and break the connectivity bottleneck in Asia. This sum was announced at a summit attended by leaders of neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Tajikistan. The summit was hosted by China in order to strengthen its connectivity and improve cooperation neighbouring country and firming up support for its mega 21st Century Silk Road Economic Belt and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

10 November 2014

 

Communist Leader M V Raghavan Passes away

Communist Marxist Party (CMP) founder in Kerala and leader Melathu Veettil Raghavan died on 9th November 2014. He was 81. He died after a prolonged illness due to Parkinsons disease. He had served as Minister for Co-operation of Kerala for two terms in 1991-1996 and 2001-06 in United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition government.

Jnanpith award 2013 conferred on Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh

 

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 49th Jnanpith Award (for year 2013) to eminent Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh for his outstanding contribution towards Indian literature.  He was conferred this award at a function held at Balyogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building in New Delhi. Kedarnath Singh as a poet has offered a rare assimilation of rhymes and lyrical prose, exploring both the realms of reality and fantasy with equal felicity. His poetry presents a collage of meaning, colours and acceptance. He is the 10th Hindi writer to receive the award.

 

Virat Kohli became fastest cricketer to reach 6000 ODI runs

 

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has become the fastest cricketer in the history to reach 6000 one-day international run mark. He achieved this run mark during his 53-run knock in India’s third ODI against Sri Lanka. He overtook legendary West Indian Vivian Richards’ record. Virat Kohli made this debut, while playing his 144th match and 136th innings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal, Hyderabad. Vivian Richards had reached the milestone in 1989 by playing 141 innings in 156 matches.  He is the eighth Indian cricketer to have scored 6000 or more runs and 47th overall.

11 November 2014

 

Russia and Iran sign agreements to build nucelar reactors in Iran

Russia and Iran have signed an agreement to build two nuclear reactors in Iran, which will be followed with another six. The agreement was signed by CEO of Russia’s Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, Sergey Kirienko and head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi in Moscow, Russia.

Sri Lanka Supreme Court gives nod to Mahinda Rajapaksa for third time contest

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has given nod to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest for third term as President. Sri Lankan President’s decision to go for a third term was publicly questioned by former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sarath Silva, on the grounds that he was elected President for the second term before the enactment of the 18th constitutional amendment, which removed the cap on the number of times an incumbent President could contest. Retired Justice Silva’s contention was that Rajapaksa had contested and won the election on January 27, 2010, prior to the enactment of the 18th Amendment, at a time when there was a limit of two terms. And a President’s term begins on the day he gets elected. Therefore, Rajapaksa could not bid for a third term.

Noted Producer and Director Ravi Chopra Passes away

Ravi Chopra, best known for directing the classic television series Mahabharata has died in Mumbai. He was 68. He was suffering from lung cancer from last few years. He was born on 27th September 1946 and was the son of legendary film producer & director B R Chopra and nephew of producer & director late Yash Chopra. Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra are his cousins. He started his career in film industry by assisting his father B R Chopra in films like, Dastaan (1972) and Dhund (1973). He also assisted his uncle Yash Chopra in Ittefaq (1969). He made his independent directorial debut with Zameer (1975), produced under the family banner, B.R. Films.

12 November 2014

 

Fadnavis Government wins trust vote in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

BJP Government led by Devendra Fadnavis has won the trust vote in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly through voice vote. The decision of voice vote was made by newly elected speaker Haribhau Bagde. The confidence motion by the voice vote was moved by senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar. Earlier on that day, BJP’s leader Haribhau Bagde was elected unanimously as speaker of Maharashtra assembly, after Shiv Sena and Congress withdrew the nominations of their candidates. On the same day, Speaker Haribhau Bagade had announced that Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde will be the opposition leader of the house. Speaker’s decision of voice vote was criticised by Shiv Sena and Congress. Congress has decided to meet the Governor and demand to take the trust vote again through division vote instead of voice vote.

 

Haribhau Bagde of BJP elected as new Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

 

Senior BJP legislator Haribhau Bagde was unanimously elected as new Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. His name was announced by Protem Speaker Jiva Gavit in the newly-constituted Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He was elected unanimously after Shiv Sena and Congress withdrew their candidates. Bagde is the MLA from Phulambhari in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. He had held several important posts in the BJP as well as the Sena-BJP government in 1995.

13 November 2014

 

Rohit Sharma breaks record for highest one-day international score ever

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has made history by scoring the highest ODI score of 264 runs.  He achieved this distinction during the 4th ODI between India and Sri Lanka played at Kolkata. Rohit surpassed several records including Virender Sehwag’s 219 and his own 209 – scored against Australia in Bangalore in November 2013. He made this record score in 173 which included 33 fours and 9 sixes. He got to his 50 off 72, 100 off 100, 150 off 125, 200 off 151 and 250 off 166. He also became only the fifth Indian batsman after Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar to post two or more scores in excess of 150 in ODIs.

Rosetta mission’s Philae probe landed on Comet 67P

Rosetta mission of European Space Agency (ESA) has landed its Philae probe on the surface of Comet 67P/ Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Philae probe landing on Comet 67P made a Space history, as for the first time probe has landed on a comet. The landing site of Philae probe has been named as Agilkia and is located on the head of the bizarre double-lobed object of Comet.  Name Agilkia was chosen by ESA in honour of Agilkia Island, in a public contest.

14 November 2014

 

India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile

India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile, from Chandipur test range in Odisha. It was fired from a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of Integrated Test Range. In the test, missile’s trajectory was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha. This test was part of a regular training exercise of Strategic Force Command of Defence (SFC) and monitored by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The purpose of the test was clearly to indicate India’s operational readiness to meet any eventuality and also establishes the reliability of this deterrent component of India’s Strategic arsenal.

Radio Kashmir Jammu won Gandhian Philosophy and Public Service Broadcasting award 2014

Radio Kashmir Jammu won prestigious Gandhian Philosophy and Public Service Broadcasting award 2014 for its programme Jeevan Rekha.

 

15 November 2014

 

Ratan Tata appointed to the board of Interpol Foundation

 

Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata has been appointed to the board of Interpol Foundation to contribute to its two new global initiatives aimed at combating organised crime and terrorist activities by the international police organisation. He will be on its board of trustee and contribute to the success of two new global initiatives of Interpol – Protecting Cultural Property and Modernising Channels of International Judicial Cooperation initiatives. The two initiatives are among the five global initiatives backed by Interpol, aimed at combating organised crime and terrorist activities. The board of Interpol Foundation will be headed by Prince Albert II of Monaco and ex-Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Elias Murr. Along with Ratan Tata, HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver, Credit Agricole Chairman Jean-Marie Sander, Abraaj Capital Chairman and CEO Arif Naqvi and Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn will be the members of the board.

 

HRD Ministry decides to replace German as third language in KV’s with Sanskrit

 

Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has decided to replace German as a third language in schools of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVs) with Sanskrit right away instead of waiting for the new academic session to effect the changes. The decision to discontinue German was taken on 27th October 2014, after the meeting of Board of Governors of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) headed by Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani. HRD ministry has preferred gradual phasing out of German as the third language by 2017-18. HRD Ministry has mentioned that not teaching Sanskrit as third language in KV schools is the violation of the Constitution and National Policy on Education. They even have launched an investigation on the MoU signed between KV’s and Goethe Institute in 2011.

16 November 2014

Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth Win China Open Titles

Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth have won women’s and men’s singles title of China Open Super Series Premier of Badminton in Fuzhou, China. Kidambi Srikanth of India defeated two-time Olympic champion and five time world champion Lin Dan of China in straight game 21-19, 21-17 in the men’s singles final. This was maiden Super Series title for Srikanth. This is the first time that any Indian male shuttler has won a Super Series Premier event since the Super Series and Premier tournaments were introduced. Indian Olympic bronze-medalist Saina Nehwal defeated Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the women’s singles final. In her sixth appearance in the prestigious tournament, World No. 5 Saina prevailed over the Akane 21-12, 22-20 in the women’s singles final.

 

Senior Congress leader of Odisha Mohan Nag passes away

 

Senior Congress leader and former Odisha Minister of Health & Family Planning Mohan Nag died at Bhubaneswar. He was 89. Mohan Nag had joined Congress party and active politics after leaving Government job. He was the Deputy Minister of Health & Family Planning of Odisha in 1976. He had been General Secretary of District Congress Committee Sambalpur and General Secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee Orissa in 1979-80. He was elected to the State Assembly from Bhatli constituency in Bargarh district of Odhisa for four times. He also had represented Bhatli and Bijepur constituencies in the Odhisa state assembly.

17 November 2014

 

Akash missile test fired successfully

Akash- surface-to-air missile was test fired by Indian Air Force (IAF) from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near Balasore, Odisha.  It was test fired as part of user trial by the Air Force. In the test flight, the missile flew at a supersonic speed over a distance of 14 km and destroyed a target called Para flare at a low altitude of 1.2 km. The dummy target Para-flare was dropped by a MiG-27 aircraft of IAF.

NSDC signed MoU with Tata Motors for skill development programmmes in automotive sector

NSDC signed MoU with Tata Motors for collaboration on various skill development programmes in the automotive sector.

 

 

FDA withdrew previously granted marketing approvals for anti-ulcer and HIV infection drug of Ranbaxy

FDA withdrew the previously granted tentative marketing approvals for the Ranbaxy’s anti-ulcer drug Nexium and HIV infection drug Valcyte.

 

18 November 2014

IEP released Global Terrorism Index 2014

Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) on 18 November 2014 released Global Terrorism Index 2014. The Index 2014 provides ranks for 162 countries and provides a fact-based understanding of terrorism and its impact.

According to the report, terrorism has become a global phenomenon with a 61 percent increase in the number of people killed in terrorist attacks in 2013.

 

19 November 2014

9th East Asia Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

9th East Asia Summit was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 13 November 2014. The summit was held on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The Summit was chaired by the President of Myanmar, U Thein Sein.

The summit adopted 4 outcome documents namely: (1) East Asia Summit Declaration on Combating Wildlife Trafficking; (2) Statement on EAS Guidelines for Rapid Disaster Response; (3) Joint Statement on Regional Response to the Outbreak of Ebola/Spread of Ebola; and (4) EAS Statement on the Rise of Violence and Brutality Committed by Terrorist/Extremist Organizations in Iraq and Syria.

 

PM Narendra Modi announced measures to strengthen relationships with Pacific Islands

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced number of measures to strengthen relationships with Pacific Islands. He announced the measures at the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in Suva, Fiji on 19 November 2014.

Modi announced the measures during his day long visit to Fiji. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Pacific countries after Indira Gandhi who visited in 1981.

 

12th ASEAN-India Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

 

12th ASEAN-India Summit was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on 12 November 2014. The summit was held on the sidelines of 25th ASEAN Summit.

The summit was attended by the President of Myanmar, Thein Sein, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and by all Heads of State/ Government of ASEAN Member States.

During the summit, ASEAN countries and India reiterated their commitment to reach the trade target of 100 billion US Dollar by 2015. The total trade between ASEAN and India reached 67.9 billion US dollar in 2013.

The leaders appreciated the signing of two milestone agreements; the Agreement on Trade in Services and the Agreement on Investment of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and India.

Along with the other commitments, the ASEAN leaders also underscored the importance of India's cooperation in implementing the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).

 

20 November 2014

 

10 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas of India in serious danger: BNHS study

At least 10 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) are in serious danger of being lost forever.  This was revealed by a study released by the conservation society Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in the second week of November 2014.

The study revealed that the IBAs including famous Flamingo City of Kutch, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Solapur-Ahmednagar of Maharashtra and Sewri-Mahul Creek in Mumbai are among the most threatened habitats in India.

Flamingo City is possibly the only breeding ground of the migratory bird in a great magnitude in Asia.

The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. The population of birds at Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary has plummeted from 27 birds in 2006 to 12 in 2012 and a mere three birds in 2013.

 

Zomato raised 60 million dollars of Fund from Info Edge, Vy Capital & Sequoia

Online restaurant guide Zomato raised 60 million US dollars of fund from Info Edge, Vy Capital & Sequoia. The fund will be used to accelerate the company's global expansion and new product development.

Zomato has raised a total of 113 million US dollars (about 700 crore rupees) till date.

Zomato claimed to see over 30 million visits across its web and mobile platforms every month and planned to expand to 14 more countries across Europe, South-East Asia, Australia, and the America.

The current valuation of Zomato is more than four times its 150-million US dollars valuation when it raised 37 million US dollars in November 2013 led by Sequoia Capital.

India announces $80 m assistance and VoA for Fiji

During his recent visit to Fiji, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Lines of Credit and development assistance of around USD 80 million for Fiji and. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme has also been announced for all the 14 Pacific Island countries. A number of measures have also been announced to strengthen India’s relationships with Pacific Islands. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit these Pacific countries after Indira Gandhi who visited in 1981.

Sri Lanka released 5 death-sentenced Indian fishermen

Sri Lanka on 19 November 2014 released five Indian fishermen who were sentenced to death. They were released after President Mahinda Rajapaksa used his executive powers to commute their death penalty. 

The five fishermen who hail from Tamil Nadu are Emerson, P Augustus, R Wilson, K Prasath and J Langlet. All these fishermen were handed over to Indian High Commission after their release from Welikada Prison in Colombo.

Presidential pardon was given after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian High Commission and Union and State government made several efforts to get them released and grant them the pardon. 

Besides, India on 11 November 2014 had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka against a verdict of the high court awarding death sentence to the fishermen.

Y K Sinha, the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo thanked Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the humanitarian gesture expressed the hope that this gesture will further strengthen the strong and multi-faceted relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Nanavati Commission submits final report

Justice Nanavati Commission has submitted its final report on the 2002 Gujarat riots to state chief minister Anandiben Patel. The final report of the commission on the 2002 riots, in which more than 1,000 people, mostly of minority community, were killed, comes after extensive investigation which ran over a period of more than 12 years and has more than 2,000 pages. The commission members: Retired d Supreme Court justice G T Nanavati and Retired High Court Justice Akshay Mehta. In 2008, the inquiry panel had submitted one part of its finding with regard to the Godhra train burning incident. In the part one report, the commission had concluded that the burning of S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra railway station was a planned conspiracy. Initially, the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the commission were to inquire into the facts, circumstances and course of events that led to the burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express.

21 November 2014

 

The Supreme Court has removed CBI Director Ranjit Sinha from 2G case investigation

 

The Supreme Court has removed CBI Director Ranjit Sinha from 2G case investigation and ruled that CBI’s senior most officer will now oversee 2G probe after removal of Sinha from the case. This judgment was given three members SC bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu and comprising justices M B Lokur, A K Sikri on a plea filed by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation. However while ruling this decision the SC refused to pass an elaborate order on the issue saying that it would tarnish the image and reputation of the India’s premier investigative agency. After the court’s decision to ousted CBI Director from 2G probe, Additional Director of CBI Rupak Kumar Dutta will now head the CBI probe in the 2G spectrum scam. R K Dutta is a 1981-batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, and now he is the overall incharge of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the CBI which is probing the 2G cases.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited to Australia from 15 November to 18 November 2014. He visited Australia as part of G-20 summit and bilateral summit with Australia. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Australian Parliament.

During the summit, he met all the G-20 leaders of the world. He attended the Business Breakfast with the economic leaders of Queensland that was hosted by Premier of Queensland Newman.

During the visit he reconstituted the CEO Forum and both the leaders agreed to speed up negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

He visited the Australian War Memorial with Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott to strive together for a better world. He also addressed the Indian diasporas in Australia.

During his visit the following agreements were signed by the both the countries 

• The Social Security Agreement

• Agreement concerning Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners

• MoU on Combating Narcotics Trafficking and Developing Police Cooperation 

• MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture

• MoU in the Field of Tourism

Union Cabinet approves three big power schemes

The Union cabinet has approved three major projects for the power sector. They are Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Integrated Power Development Scheme and the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project. Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) It aims to strengthen the transmission and distribution (T&D) networks, 100 per cent metering urban areas and smarten it with information technology. In this scheme IT enablement will help in reduction in AT&C losses, establishment energy accounting /auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.

Mathematician Alexander Grothendieck died

Mathematician Alexander Grothendieck died in France on 13 November 2014. He was 86. He was one of the greatest mathematical minds in algebraic geometry of the twentieth century.

He received the Fields medal, the most prestigious honour in mathematics, in 1966. The Grothendieck-Riemann-Roch theorem was one striking result to emerge in 21st century.

22 November 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Fiji

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited to Fiji on 19 November 2014. He had a meeting with Pacific Island Leaders and announced measures to strengthen partnership with Pacific Islands.

He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Pacific countries after Indira Gandhi who visited in 1981. He met the Prime Minister of Fiji, Bainimarama and he is also first Indian Prime Minister to address the Fiji Parliament.

The following are the measure 

• A Special Adaptation Fund of 1 million US dollars

• Pan Pacific Islands Project

• Indian Visa on arrival to all the fourteen Pacific Island Countries

• Increased Grant-in-Aid to Pacific Island Countries

• Establish Trade Office in India

• Deputation of ITEC experts

• Distinguished Visitors Programme

• Space Cooperation

During his visit three MoUs were also signed

• MoU on Cooperation on exchange of information on structure and content of training programs for diplomats.

• MoU on earmarking of land for the Diplomatic Missions in respective capitals.

• MoU for extending 70 million US dollars Line of Credit for establishing a Co-Generation Plant at Rarawai Sugar Mills in Fiji.

 

 

World Fisheries Day observed across the world on 21 November

 

World Fisheries day on 21 November 2014 was observed across the world by the fisher folk communities. The day will remind the world to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries and healthy oceans ecosystems.

The day also helps to highlight the problems like over fishing and mechanization and moves towards finding solutions to the increasingly inter-connected problems that world facing and in the longer term, to sustainable means of maintaining fish stocks.

Fishing communities across the world celebrated through rallies, workshops, public meetings, cultural dramas, exhibition, music show, and demonstrations to highlight the importance of maintaining the fisheries of world.

As a part of World Fisheries Day celebrations, Union Government of India announced to launch Blue Revolution to increase in fish production and productivity in India.

 

 

US President Barak Obama to be chief guest on Republic Day

 

US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on 26th January 2015. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited him for this occasion. By accepting PM Narendra Modi’s invitation, Mr. Barack Obama has become the first US President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guest. This visit of US President to India will help to strengthen and expand the US-India strategic partnership. This will be US President Obama’s second visit to India during his tenure as the US President. Last time Mr Obama had visited India in November 2010 during the UPA Government’s regime when Dr Manmohan Singh was the PM. In 2010, Mr Obama’s stay in India was one of his longest foreign trips, during which he addressed a joint session of Parliament, declared a major policy shift and the support of United States for India’s permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.

 

India to launch E-Visa Facility for 40 countries

Visitors from over 40 countries, including Germany, the US, Israel and Palestine, will soon be able to avail the electronic visa (E-Visa) facility of India. The tourism ministry along with the home ministry will launch the facility on 27th November 2014.

 

India clinches third South Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship

 

India has clinched their third South Asian women’s football (SAFF) championship. This hatric win for India comes after defeating Nepal by 6-0 goals in a one-sided final match held in Islamabad. This is the first time that India has won SAFF Women’s Championship in Pakistan. Ngangom Bala Devi of India was the star of the match as she scored 4 goals in the final match. This win cements India’s place as the dominant force in women’s football in the region as they have won all three editions of the championship since it was launched in 2010. In all last three finals of this Championship, Nepal was been India’s companion and was defeated by India.

 

Maharashtra Government set up all-party committee to review issue of Maratha reservations

The Maharashtra Government on 21 November 2014 set up an all-party committee to review the issue of Maratha reservations.

The appointment of committee came up after Bombay High Court stayed 16 percent reservation to Maratha community and 5 percent to Muslims in education and jobs.

The committee is headed by state Education Minister, Vinod Tawde will study the court order thoroughly and point out discrepancies. It will be corrected by amending the law in the upcoming winter session of Maharashtra Assembly.

 

 

23 November 2014

 

66th anniversary of NCC observed on 23 Nov, 2014

 

National Cadet Corps (NCC) is celebrated its 66th anniversary on 23rd November 2014 with traditional fervour. 23rd November is traditionally celebrated as the ‘NCC Day’ to mark the function of raising the first NCC Unit at Delhi which was presided over by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru held in 1948.

 

2015 to be celebrated as Year of Water Conservation in India 

The year 2015-16 will be observed as water conservation year in India.  Recently, it was announced by the Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti while inaugurating an international seminar on water risk and water stewardship held at New Delhi. To mark this conservation year, a public movement will be launched. The cooperation of state governments, NGOs, civil society, youth and retired personnel will be taken to meet efforts aimed at conserving water. As per minister, public movement has become a necessity for conservation of water and river in the country as it is an important element of development.

 

24 November 2014

 

Magnus Carlsen of Norway won FIDE World Chess Championship 2014

Magnus Carlsen of Norway on 23 November 2014 won FIDE World Chess Championship 2014 played at Sochi, Russia.

He defeated Viswanathan Anand of India with a score of 6.5 – 4.5. Out of a total of 12 games played, he won the Game 2, Game 6 and Game 11. Anand only managed to win the Game 3 whereas Game 4 and Game 5 were drawn between the two.

Thus, Carlsen became the first player to score 6.5 points to win the FIDE World Championship.

With this he retained the FIDE World Championship which he had won in Chennai in 2013. In 2013 he had won the game in just 10 games against Anand.

 

Government to open three new Child helpline Centres

 

Government has decided to open three new child helpline centres in Kolkata, Gurgaon and Chennai which will cover 500 cities and towns to provide prompt help to distressed children across the country. In 1996, Childline-the 24-hour helpline was started in Mumbai. Currently, it reaches out to 282 locations across India with the help of 543 partners, among which are the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Tata Consultation Services (TCS). But, it is becoming difficult for the Mumbai centre to attend to all the calls made to the helpline, resulting in many calls getting abandoned. It only covered calls from North and West (India) effectively. Now by introducing 3 more centres, will help to reduce burden of Mumbai centre and help to cater all calls from children in the South and East. Thus, help to cover entire country effectively. The three new centres would be nodal bases providing service to the rest of the locations. The service reach of the new centres will be expanded to 500 cities and towns in next two years. This Childline, can be reached on the number-1098 and so far this year received 38,22,081 calls of which 4 per cent were about missing children. With all the regional centres in place, the service would become more prominent as anyone can immediately contact the nearest NGO to reach out to the child to provide prompt help.

 

Two Indians from Kerala conferred Sainthood at Vatican

 

Two Kerala-born Indian Catholics Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia have been canonised by Pope Francis at St Peter’s Square in Vatican. Pope Francis pronounced them as saints at a special mass held at St Peter’s Square, Vatican. The ceremony included a Latin hymn and a recommendation by a representative of the Congregation for the Saints. Earler, in April this year, Pope had cleared their names for sainthood. With these canonisation of sainthood, the centuries-old Syro Malabar Church, Kerala now has three Saints, the first being Sister Alphonsa, who was declared a saint in 2008 by the Vatican.

                                                     

Indian cyclist Deborah won four gold medals at Track Asia Cup 2014

Indian Cyclist Deborah on 23 November 2014 won four gold medals at the Track Asia Cup Cycling Championship 2014. The Track Asia Cup Cycling Championship was held from 21 to 23 November 2014 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi.
 
Deborah won two gold medals - in the women's elite keirin (8 laps) and sprint finals (3 laps) - on the concluding day of the championship for an overall individual tally of four gold medals.

Earlier, Deborah had won a combined gold with Kezia Varghese in the team sprint final on 22 November 2014. She won the 500 metre time trial gold in women's elite section on the opening day of the Track Asia Cup 2014. 

Apart from this, in the championship India finished with medal tally of total 18 medals (5 Gold, 4 Silver and 9 Bronze).

 

Iran and six world powers extend deadline for nuclear talks

 

The deadline to reach a comprehensive agreement for a Iran’s Nuclear Programme deal with six world powers i.e. P-6  or P-5 +1 countries has been extended to the end of June, 2015 after recent talks in Vienna, Austrian failed. P-6 countries include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council viz., USA, Russia, China, UK, France and non- permanent member Germany. Failure in the talks came after intensive five-day diplomatic push in Vienna involving the foreign ministers of Iran, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. It is the second extension this year as Iran and P-6 nations failed to reach any agreement over Iran’s Nuclear Programme deadlock.

 

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women observed on 25 November

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women observed across the world on 25 November 2014. The day was observed to raise awareness about violence against women and discuss solutions that would work for women community.

The campaign called Orange Your Neighbourhood to raise awareness against Gender-Based Violence will be held from 25 November to 10 December 2014.  The campaign is part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's campaign UNiTE to End violence against Women.

The campaign was taken to local streets shops and businesses, and organizes Orange Events in their own neighbourhoods. Orange events includes from marches, marathons and panel discussions to radio and television programmes, concerts and film festivals.

25 November 2014

 

Sarjubala Devi gets Silver medal in World Women’s Boxing Championships

 

Indian Women Boxer, Sarjubala Devi has won Silver medal in the World Women’s Boxing Championships held in Jeju City, Korea.   In the final match of the 48kg division, she lost to Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan by 0-3.

First Commonwealth Science Conference is inaugurated in Bengaluru

 

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated First Commonwealth Science Conference (CSC) held in Bengaluru. It is organised for the first time in nearly after 50 years. Special guest at the inaugural event was Duke of York Prince Andrew. This four-day conference is being organised by Royal Society, London and is supported by the Union Government, Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and Bengaluru based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCAR). Indian scientist and Bharat Ratna awardee Prof C N R Rao, is co-chair of the steering committee of the conference.

 

Iran Nuclear deal deadline extended by 7-months to 30 June 2015

Iran and P5 + 1 Countries on 24 November 2014 agreed to extend the deadline on Iran Nuclear deal by 7-months to 30 June 2015. The deadline, which was to be met by 24 November 2014, was extended after both the parties failed to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme at an emergency meeting held in Vienna, Austria.

As per the agreement, Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany would seek to strike an outline deal by 1 March 2015 and a full technical accord by 1 July 2015.

Adani Power signed binding agreement with Avantha group to buy its Korba West Power Co Ltd unit

Adani Power 24 November 2014 signed a binding agreement with Gautam Thapar-led Avantha Group to buy its Korba West Power Co Ltd (KWPCL) unit. Adani will buy the 600 MW coal based power plant unit of Avantha group in at 4200 crore rupees.  The 600-MW’s coal based power plant is at Korba in Chhattisgarh.

With this deal, Adani Power became the largest private sector power utility in India with an installed capacity of 11040 MW. The company has set a target of 20000 MW capacities by 2020.

In August 2014, Adani group acquired the 1200-MW coal-fired Udupi plant from the debt-laden Lanco Infra for 6000 crore rupees.

Delhi-Kathmandu bus service flagged off

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off the Delhi-Kathmandu bus service from Delhi. This bus service aims to boost trade and tourism and will also strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Nepal. The bus will run between Delhi and Kathmandu daily. It will cover the distance of 1,250 km in around 30 hours.

26 November 2014

Labour Laws Amendment Bill, 2011 passed in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha has passed Labour Laws Amendment Bill, 2011 which simplifies labour law procedures for establishments employing up to 40 workers. This bill amends the Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishments) Amendment and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1988.

 The Amendment Bill, proposes to change the original Act of 1988 by

 Increasing the number of laws under which small establishments are exempted from furnishing returns and maintaining registers. Amending the definition of “small” establishments to cover units employing between 10 to 40 workers as against the limit of 19 workers at present.

The seven Acts that are added to the list includes Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.

Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996.

Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966. Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986.

 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. The Bill also adds that the employer may maintain the returns filed and the registers on a computer, computer disk or other electronic media.

India and Nepal signed 10 pacts during visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal

India and Nepal signed 10 pacts on 25 November 2014 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Nepal. The pacts included five Agreements and five memorandum of understandings (MoUs). PM Modi also attended two events.

The agreements were signed after talks between Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. During the talks the two leaders discussed key strategic issues like defence and security. Modi also inaugurated a trauma centre built by India at Bir Hospital in Kathmandu.

Two events attended by Modi were Unveiling of Plaque for Nepal Police Academy and Handing over of keys for Mobile Soil Testing Van.

Michael Phelps named Male Athlete of the Year at the 2014 USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards

Michael Phelps was crowned Male Athlete of the Year at the 2014 USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards on 24 November 2014. He was crowned with the title for a fifth time.

Earlier, he won the title in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2012. He was awarded with the title despite being suspended from competition for six months after a drunken driving arrest in September 2014.

Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2014 passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha on 26 November 2014 passed Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The amendment bill was passed by voice vote to include leader of the single Largest Opposition Party (LoP) as a member of the selection committee to choose the CBI chief.

The amendment to the DSPE Act, 1946 was required in light of the fact that the present Central Bureau of Investigation chief Ranjit Sinha is due to retire on 2 December 2014. This would have necessitated choosing a new CBI chief which is selected by a panel that also includes Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Kotak Mahindra Bank became first bank in India to fully own an insurance business

Kotak Mahindra Bank on 25 November 2014 became first bank in India to fully own an insurance business after Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gave permission to set up a wholly-owned non-life insurance company called Kotak General Insurance.

Kotak General Insurance will be the 29th non-life company in the country and the CEO of the new entity will be Mahesh Balasubramanian, executive vice-president and co-head (branch banking) of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

The bank is already the promoter of a life insurance company in partnership with Old Mutual of South Africa. At present, Kotak Mahindra Bank is a corporate agent for Tata AIG General Insurance. Kotak Bank generates close to 100 crore rupees of premium selling non-life products. This business is likely to go to its non-life subsidiary in future.

 

27 November 2014

First 3D-printed object developed in space by NASA and Made In Space Inc

The first 3D-printed object was on 25 November 2014 developed in space by world's first zero-gravity 3D printer created by NASA and Made In Space Inc on the International Space Station (ISS).

The printer was delivered to the space station in September 2014 via a Space X Dragon capsule. NASA astronaut Barry Butch Wilmore, Expedition 42 commander installed the printer on 17 November 2014 at the International Space Station and conducted the first calibration test print. 

Based on the test print results, the ground control team sent commands to realign the printer and printed a second calibration test on 20 November 2014. These tests verified that the printer was ready for manufacturing operations. 

 

Anoop Mishra to be the new Secretary General of the Lok Sabha

 

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Anoop Mishra, will be the new Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha. It was announced by the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. He will have the rank and status of Cabinet Secretary with effect from 1st December 2014 to 30th November 2016 or until further orders.

Boxer Manoj Kumar received Arjuna Award

Boxer Manoj Kumar on 26 November 2014 received the prestigious Arjuna Award. The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold-medalist was given the award by Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function in New Delhi.

 

Telangana Assembly passed TS-iPASS Bill 2014

 

The Telangana Assembly on 27 November 2014 unanimously passed Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self Certification System (TS-iPASS) bill 2014 for timely clearances to industrial units proposed to be set up in the new State.

By passing the new industrial policy bill, the assembly repealed the existing Andhra Pradesh State Industrial Single Window Clearance Act of 2002.

 

Provisions of the TS-iPASS Bill 2014

• The Bill is aimed at speeding up processing for issue of various licences, clearances and certificates required by industries. The bill seeks to provide an investor-friendly environment in the State.

• The Bill also seeks to create a Telangana state-wide Investment Facilitation Board (T-SWIFT) to be chaired by the chief secretary to deal with clearances for mega projects. 

• District-level committees will clear projects other than mega projects under a similar system.

• The T-SWIFT Board will pursue clearances with departments through the nodal officer and the approvals arranged through the T-SWIFT Board would be final and binding on the departments.

• The government also introduced a provision of Right To Clearances under TS-iPASS to enable the applicant to know the reasons for the delay besides imposing penalties on the designated officers of the competent authority.

• The bill mandates State committee with industries secretary as chairman to issue all the clearances required to set up an industry within 30 days at a single-point clearance system.

• As per the bill, mega project should have an investment of over 200 crore rupees and should employ more than 1000 people.

Industrial Policy 2014

• The policy aims to achieve a growth rate of 4-5 percent higher than the national growth rate in the manufacturing sector.

• Innovate, invest and incorporate in Telangana is the hallmark of the policy.

• The policy identified 14 thrust areas including aviation, IT hardware, life sciences, pharma, automobiles, textiles, renewable energy and engineering and capital goods.

• Six industrial corridors, industrial parks, mini-industrial townships and a pharma city and a chemical city are among the initiatives proposed in the policy.

• The policy also stated that an industrial land bank of about 20 lakh acres will be developed and transferred to the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) which will set up core sector specific industrial parks.

 

28 November 2014

India and Mozambique signed MoU for cooperation in Oil and Gas sector

India and Mozambique on 28 November 2014 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Oil and Gas sector for a period of five years. The MoU was signed during Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique Oldemiro Julio Marques Baloi visit to India.

The MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. It seeks cooperation in oil and gas in both upstream and downstream sectors in the areas of enhancing capacity-building, forging closer cooperation between research and training centres and intensifying technology transfer, among others.

70 crore Aadhaar cards generated so far

Government has announced that as many as 70.43 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as on November 15, 2014. It was notified by Planning Minister Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

As per Government

The Aadhaar saturation level is more than 90 per cent in 9 states and union territories (UTs). Between 75 per cent and 90 per cent in another 8 states/UTs.

In the remaining 12 states/UTs, the Aadhaar saturation level is under 50 per cent.

Government has allocated 24 states/UTs to UIDAI for Aadhaar enrolment and the remaining 12 states/UTs to Registrar General of India (RGI) for enrolment under National Population Register (NPR) process.

At present, Aadhaar enrolments in the state/UTs not allocated to UIDAI are being undertaken by Registrar General of India under NPR process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kathmandu, Nepal from 27 November to 28 November 2014. He visited Nepal as a part of 18th SARRC Summit.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also had bilateral interactions with all six leaders of SAARC member countries to develop closer neighbourly ties, except Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He had meeting with Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala and both the leaders witnessed the signing of many memorandums of understanding (MoU) and agreements between India and Nepal that includes on tourism, youth exchange, and a motor vehicle agreement.

18th SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu, Nepal

 

18th South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit was held at Rastriya Sabha Griha Sanandan Raj in Kathmandu, Nepal from 26 November 2014 to 27 November 2014.  

The theme of the summit was Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity. The summit was focused on enhancing connectivity between the member states for easier transit-transport across the region.

The Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala hosted the event.

The summit took place after an interval of three years. The last summit was held in 2011 in Maldives. The next summit will now be held in Islamabad in 2016.

 

29 November 2014

CERN scientists discovered two subatomic particles belonging to the family of baryon

CERN scientists on 19 November 2014 discovered two new heavy-weight subatomic particles belonging to the family of baryon. The sub-atomic particles were discovered at Large Hadron Collider (LHC) beneath the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland.

These two new particles belonging to baryon family are are six times as massive as protons. These baryons are made up of three strongly-bound elementary particles called quarks like protons. These quarks are some of the smallest units of matter.

RBI releases final guidelines for the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

Reserve Bank of India issued the final guidelines for the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).

It will help consumers pay multiple bills like electricity, telephone and school fees at a single point of transaction.

The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has been appointed as the nodal body which will set the standards, and also take care of clearing and settlement as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU).

In the two tiered BBPS set-up, there will be authorised operational units called Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs) with an agent network under the BBPCU.

RBI has set a Rs 100-crore networth and domestic registration as qualifying conditions for those seeking to be authorised collection agents.

 Participants in the BBPS will include authorised entities such as BPCU, BBPOUs as well as their authorised agents, payment gateways, banks, billers and service providers, and other entities, including authorised prepaid payment instrument issuers.

Bomb Attack on mosque at Kano in Nigeria killed many

The attacks come two weeks after the emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, one of Nigeria's most influential monarchs, called for self-defence, urging people to procure arms and fight Islamist militant group Boko Haram‎, which has a significant presence in the area.

Earlier, in 2012 at least 185 people were killed and scores injured in coordinated bomb and shooting attacks on security formations in the city by Boko Haram gunmen.

Kano is one of the areas where Boko Haram has fought an anti-government campaign to institute Sharia, or Islamic law.

Major General Gadi Eizenkot appointed as 21st Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces

Major General Gadi Eizenkot on 29 November 2014 was appointed as the 21st Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Eizenkot confirmed his appointment. The Prime Minister and his Cabinet are involved in the selection process of the IDF Chief of Staff. The appointment of Eizenkot was delayed because of Netanyahu's foot-dragging. He succeeded Lt Gen Benny Gantz. He is the current chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014 passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha has passed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014. 

The bill includes certain communities in the list of Scheduled Castes from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tripura.

They are Kerala: Pulluvan, Thachar (other than ‘Carpenter’). Madhya Pradesh: Odisha: Amata, Amath, Bajia, Jaggili, Jagli, Buna Pano. Tripura: Chamar-Rohidas, Chamar-Ravidas, Dhobi, Jhalo-Malo.

This amendment Bill removes a Majhi (Nepali) community from the list of Scheduled Castes in Sikkim.

30 November 2014

China’s Yan Bingtao Becomes Youngest Player to Win World Snooker Title

Yan Bingtao, the 14-year-old prodigy from China, has created history by becoming the youngest player to win the men’s title in the IBSF World Snooker Championship. He defeated Pakistan’s Muhammad Sajjad 8-7 in the final match held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Meghalaya’s first train : PM flags off

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off the first train from Mendipathar, Meghalaya, to Guwahati. This was an important occasion in the history of Indian Railways, as Meghalaya was being added to the rail network of India for first time. He also unveiled the plaque for a new rail line from Bhairabi to Sairang.

WCCB develops app to track wildlife crimes across country

For the first time, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) under Environment Ministry in coordination with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) have developed Android based smartphone application that will enable users to report wildlife crimes, from any part of the country using their mobile phones Features of applications :

 This application provides a secure platform for real time exchange of wildlife crime related information between WCCB and relevant stakeholders

The app allows an individual to report a wildlife crime quickly and efficiently as the lead will be automatically delivered to a designated email id of WCCB.

The user who reports crime can also remain anonymous and WCCB will be the sole custodian of the collected information.

Further, no details of the person reporting the crime will be shared without the prior consent of the individual.

This interactive app has a simple user interface replacing the written reporting and records. It is also integrated with digital version of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The updated version will provide regular wildlife crime news alerts and updates on any amendments/notifications related to the Act.

Further, WTI is in consultation with its partner International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is also trying to develop an application for identification of wild animals which is expected to be integrated in the next version of the present app.