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The Rajasthan Cabinet cleared the Rajasthan Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 on 24 August 2011 with the objective of providing services to the common man in a specified time frame. The bill aims at making public administration and governance more effective and accountable. The bill states that if an official fails to provide service to the people in a time bound manner, he is bound to face disciplinary action as well a fine up to 5000 rupees. In order to avail this service, a person is required to submit an application form. The draft bill includes major services such as documents verification for passport, disability certificate, birth and death certificate (local civic body), driving license(transport department), water connection( Public Health Department). The bill also includes other services like transfer of names in the Urban Development and Estate Department, receiving documents and map, BPL and the APL ration card (Food Department), pension of officials and employees (Finance Department) old age, widow and disability pension (Social Justice and Empowerment Department), grievance redressal, reimbursement of security money (Public Construction Department).
A survey conducted as part of Eagle Nest Biodiversity Project with support of the state forest department discovered a new frog species in Eagle Nest Wildlife sanctuary at Sessa in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The frog was named Bompu after the locality in the sanctuary where it was found. The frog is native to the forest streams at an altitude of 2000 metres and lives under leaf litter and rotting logs. The frog belongs to the family Megophrydae and the genus Leptobrachium. Only 28 members of this genus are known worldwide and most of them are found in Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, China and Vietnam. This discovery is important because only two other members of the genus are known from India. Russian Grandmaster Peter Svidler won the Chess World Cup held in Russia Russian grandmaster Peter Svidler won the Chess World Cup title on 20 September after winning a four-game final against his compatriot Alexander Grischuk. Khanty-Mansiysk (Russia) an industrial town hosted over 120 world's greatest chess players from 40 countries who fought for the title. Svidler is a six-time Russian champion and one of the highest-ranked players in the world. He defeated strong competitors like American Gata Kamsky and Urkainian Ruslan Ponomariov earlier in the competition. With the victory Svidler won a $96000 prize money and a ticket to the 2012 world championship matches. Russia holds the No.1 spot on the World Chess Federation's top-10 list, followed by Ukraine.
UP, Bihar & Jharkhand account for Two-thirds of the Total 6219 Firearm-related Deaths in India
The study, Mapping Murder The Geography of Indian Firearm Fatalities released on 20 September 2011 warned that unlicensed firearms accounted for 86-92 percent of reported firearm-related murders in India. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand recorded about two-thirds of Indias firearm-related deaths in 2008, even as states like Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala close to the then war zone like Sri Lanka had the lowest firearmrelated deaths. The report, authored by Anil Kohli of the department of forensic medicine of Delhi-based University College of Medical Sciences for UN-sponsored India Armed Violence Assessment (IAVA), mentioned that in 2008 Uttar Pradesh recorded 1470 murders, 162 suicides and another 1197 accidental deaths, all caused by firearms. Bihar in 2008 recorded 622 murders, seven suicides and 16 accidental deaths by firearms, while Jharkhand reported 467 murders, 53 suicides and an accidental death of the same nature.
Amar Kant, Shukla and Chandrasekhar Kambar selected for 45th and 46th Jnanpith Awards
Eminent Hindi authors Amar Kant and Shrilal Shukla was chosen for India's highest literary honour Jnanpith Award for 2009, while renowned Kannada litterateur Chandrasekhar Kambar won it for 2010. The selection board - chaired by noted writer and Jnanpith award winner Dr Sitakant Mahapatra - made the selections for the 45th and 46th Jnanpith awards. Octogenarian Amar Kant is a leading author whose famous novel Inhin Hathiyaron Se earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2007. His other noted short stories include Hatiyare, Dopahar ka Bhoja' and Diptee Kalaktari. Sukha Patta, Kale-Ujale, Bich Ki Diwar and Desh Ke Log are other famous work of his.
Former Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) C Achuthan died
Former presiding officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal C Achuthan passed away in Kerela on 20 September 2011 following a massive cardiac arrest.
ONGC, Coal India, NMDC awarded by the Government for Best Performance
ONGC, Coal India (CIL) and NMDC were awarded by the government for best performance in different categories on 20 September. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) Secretary, Bhaskar Chatterjee gaveaway the awards. Best financial performance award in Maharatna and Navaratna category was given to ONGC. In Miniratna category, the best financial performance award award has been given to Goa Shipyard. Good Corporate Governance award in Maharatna and Navaratna category was also given to ONGC. Good Corporate Governance award in Miniratna category, the same award was given to Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd. K Balachandan MD, CPCL received the award. The company of the year award in Maharatna category was given to CIL. The same awards for the Navaratna category were given to NMDC and Oil India. 50 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) listed on the stock exchanges as on 30 August 2011 contributed about 22 per cent of the total market capitalisation. The CPSE with the highest market capitalisation was Coal India at Rs 236,832 crore (BSE) and Rs 237243 crore (NSE) as on 31 August.
Eight Indian Companies featured in World's 500 Largest Companies compiled by Fortune Magazine
Eight Indian companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) featured in the list of the world's 500 largest companies compiled and released by Fortune magazine on 11 July 2011. The other Indian companies on the list are: SBI (282), BPCL (307), HPCL (354), Tata Steel (410), ONGC (413) and Tata Motors (442). Indian Oil is at the 98th spot, up from 125th place last year. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries also improved its ranking from previous year's 175 to 134th position. Indian Oil raked in annual revenues of USD 68,837 million while that of Reliance Industries stood at USD 58,900 million. In the latest ranking, except State Bank of India, all other entities have improved their positions. Tata Motors has made an entry into the list for the first time this year. The list also features Citigroup, ArcelorMittal, Pepsico and Motorola, led by people with Indian roots. Out of the eight Indian companies in the list, five are state-run entities. Fortune's global list of world's 500 largest companies for 2011, compiled on the basis of latest annual revenue figures, is topped by retail giant Wal-Mart Stores. The retailer had annual revenues of USD 421,849 million. Wal-Mart Stores is followed by Royal Dutch Shell (USD 378,152 million) and Exxon Mobil (USD 354,674 million) at second and third positions, respectively. The other companies in the top ten are as follows: BP (4), Sinopec Group (5), China National Petroleum (6), State Grid (7), Toyota Motor (8), Japan Post Holdings (9) and Chevron (10).
guiding the negotiations between the government and its opponents, including the Taliban. His death will impact the future of the war in Afghanistan.
Australia under the Captaincy of Michael Clarke won Test Series against Sri Lanka
Australia under the captaincy of skipper Michael Clarke won the Test series against Sri Lanka 1-0 when the sexcond test concluded on 20 September 2011 Tuesday. It was Clarkes first Test tour as captain. In the first test Australia won 125-run victory in Galle. The second Test in Pallekele ended in a rain-affected draw.
HALCON announced Commencement of Air Cargo Services at the Ojhar Airport in Nashik
HALCON along with terminal operator Clarion Solutions on 20 September announced the commencement of air cargo services at the Ojhar airport in Nashik in Maharashtra. HALCON is a joint venture working group between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Container Corporation of India (Concor). The airport is owned by HAL, which invested around Rs.70 crore in developing the infrastructure. While the airport, runway and air traffic control (ATC) will be managed by HAL, the cargo complex is to be managed by Clarion Solutions, which is assigned terminal operator, ground handling operator and regulated agent.
Milky Way's Spiral Arms Caused by its Crashes with Dwarf Galaxy
Scientists stated that the two powerful collisions with a dwarf galaxy in the past two billion years was the cause of the spiral arm structure of the Milky Way. The new findings were published in the journal Nature. In trying to explain the shape of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, with its prominent spiral arms rooted in a central bar, scientists had earlier dismissed the influence of outside forces.
Delhi Government Announced Free Housing for Schedule Caste living in Jhuggis
Delhi state government announced free housing for Schedule Caste living in jhuggis under the Rajiv Ratna Yojana. Under this scheme, 70000 houses will be built. The government also decided to provide 60000 rupees, which is supposed to be paid to the people living in jhuggis under the rehabilitation process.
Researchers at Michigan State University developed a new laser which can accurately detects roadside bombs and helps identify improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The laser combines short pulses that cause molecules in the explosive to vibrate. Every kind of molecule has different vibrational frequencies that uniquely find the substance.However, the new laser can make these distinctions even for quantities as small as a fraction of a billionth of a gram.
Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Shivaraj Patil resigned over Charges of Violating Housing Society Laws
Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Shivaraj Virupanna Patil resigned from his post on 19 September 2011 over charges of violating co-operative housing society laws. Charges are that he owned two residential sites in Bangalore city. Media expos showed irregularities in the allotment of two residential plots to him and his wife. Patil and his wife, Annapurna, owned three plots of land in violation of Bangalore city laws, which mentions that a family cannot buy more than one housing site through a housing society.
Union Government approved 12 foreign direct investment (FDI) Proposals worth Rs 242.88 crore
The Union government on 19 September 2011 announced its approval to 12 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth Rs.242.88 crore in foreign exchange. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) headed by Economic Affairs Secretary R Gopalan in the meeting held on 2 September 2011 cleared cleared proposals including one by Allcargo Global Logistics entailing FDI worth Rs.141.36 crore and another by Indian Rotorcraft to carry out assembly of military and civil helicopters.
Mad Men won Best Drama Emmy at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
The 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was organised on 18 September 2011 at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The awards ceremony to honour the best in primetime television programming from 1 June 2010 to 31 May 2011 was hosted by actress Jane Lynch, who hosted the Emmys for the first time. British shows triumphed at the annual Hollywood show, the Oscars of the small screen, with Kate Winslet leading a string of British performers. Best drama: Mad Men Best comedy: Modern Family Best miniseries: Downton Abbey Best variety or comedy show: The Daily Show Best actress, drama: Julianne Margulies, The Good Wife Best actor, drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights Best actress, miniseries: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce Best actor, miniseries: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys Best lead actress in a comedy: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly Best lead actor comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory Supporting actress in a comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family Supporting actor in a comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family. Best direction in a comedy: Michael Spiller, Modern Family. Best reality competition: The Amazing Race
MoU signed between IIFCL, LIC & IDFC to provide Takeout Finance for Infrastructure Projects
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IIFCL, LIC and IDFC on 17 September 2011 in the presence of Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to provide Takeout Finance for infrastructure projects. The MoU between IIFCL and LIC and IDFC is to provide for takeout up to 50 per cent of the total project cost in the ratio of 20:20:10 by these institutions respectively. The mechanism is expected to help financing to the tune of Rs.30000 crore under the scheme. This will facilitate banks to take more exposure in new projects, which in turn will help in bridging the gap in infrastructure financing to a great extent.
Kochi Tuskers' Contract terminated Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Kochi Tuskers' contract was terminated Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on 19 September after N Srinivasan, the newly-appointed president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took over . The contract was terminated after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise defaulted on a Rs 156 crore annual payment it was to make.
CBI filed Chargesheet against Former President of Medical Council of India Ketan Desai
The Central Bereau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet in a special court against former president of Medical Council of India Ketan Desai and five others on 19 September 2011. The chargesheet was filed against Desai for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2 crore to grant recognition to Gian Sagar Medical College in Patiala, despite the institution not having requisite infrastructure. The chargesheet weas issued more than a year after the sacked administrators arrest in April 2010.
India's Spending on Green IT & Sustainability Initiatives to double to $70 billion in 2015
According to a report Hype cycle for green IT and sustainability in India, 2011 by leading IT research and advisory company Gartner, India's spending on green IT and sustainability initiatives will double from $35 billion in 2010 to $70 billion in 2015. The report pointed out that India's information and communication technology (ICT) industry will be an early adopter of green IT and sustainability solutions as India is one of the fastest-growing markets in terms of IT hardware and communications infrastructure consumption.
BSES Rajdhani Power entered into MoU with Americas Lighting Science Group for LED Lighting
BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) on 19 September 2011 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Americas largest manufacturer of Light Emitting Diodes (LED)s, Lighting Science Group (LSG). The far reaching MoU, a first of its kind in India will ensure that the two collaborate and explore avenues to demonstrate and promote energy efficiency using the next gen LED lighting. This association is expected to enable BRPL and LSG to explore opportunities to demonstrate the benefits of LED lighting.
Sri Lankan Golfer Anura Rohana emerged victorious in the Global Green Bangalore Open
Sri Lankan golfer Anura Rohana completed pole to finish victory in the Global Green Bangalore Open on 17 September 2011 thereby ending a decade-long wait for a title on Indian soil. He wobbled a bit but steadied his nerves in authoritative style. Leading by a comfortable five shots from Mukesh Kumar overnight, Rohana overcame a minor blip to finish with three-under 69 for the round, and a card of 12-under-276 for the competition. Mukesh finished second (282) after shooting two-under 70.
An Earthquake of 6.8 magnitude Hit Sikkim; Epicentre Located at Mangan and Sakyong Areas
An Earthquake of 6.8 magnitude Hit Sikkim which resulted in the innumerable loss of human lives. The epicentre of the quake, the biggest in two decades, was located at Mangan and Sakyong areas, over 50 kilometres from Gangtok on the Sikkim-Nepal border. An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Magnitude 3 or lower earthquakes are mostly almost imperceptible and magnitude 7 and over potentially cause serious damage over large areas, depending on their depth. Earthquakes are measured on richter scale. The Richter scale is used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.
Urdu Poet Professor Akhlaq Mohammad Khan Shahryar received 44th Jnanpith Award for 2008
The 44th Jnanpith Award for 2008 was presented to renowned Urdu poet Professor Akhlaq Mohammad Khan Shahryar for his distinguished contribution in enriching Indian literature. He was presented the award by actor Amitabh Bachhan in a glittering ceremony organised by the Bharatiya Jnanpith in New Delhi on 18 September 2011. Born in 1936, in Anwala district in Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Prof Shahryar received his Ph.D degree in Urdu from Aligarh Muslim University. He taught at the AMU Urdu Department and retired as professor and Head of Department in 1996. He made a memorable contribution to Urdu literature as a teacher, critic and creative writer.
Veteran musician, musicologist and revered guru T.K. Govinda Rao passed away on 18 September 2011. A highly regarded musician and practioner of Carnatic music Govinda Rao received his initial training under Chembai Vaidhyanatha Bhagavathar and much of his advanced music training under the legendary Musiri Subramania Iyer. In 1949, he joined the Central College of Music, Chennai and was guided by great musicians such as T. Brinda. He was a specialist in Purandara Dasa compositions.
For the 12th time since March 2010 RBI hiked Repo Rate by 25 basis points to control Inflation
In a move to contain persisting inflationary pressure, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hiked the short-term policy rate (repo rate) by 25 basis points from 8 per cent to 8.25 per cent on 16 September 2011. The reverse repo rate as a result got automatically adjusted to 7.25 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate to
9.25 per cent. Repo rate is the rate at which banks borrow from the central bank and reverse repo is the rate at which banks park their funds with the RBI. The central bank raised rates for the 12th time since March 2010.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Passed the Resolution Seeking Mercy for the Rajiv Gandhi Assassins
Tamil Nadu assembly adopted a unanimous resolution on 30 August 2011, urging the President to reconsider the mercy petitions of Santhan, Perarivalan and Murugan in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.The resolution moved by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa appealed to the President to commute the death sentences of Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan into life sentences.
BGR Energy bagged Contract worth Rs 3600 crore from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
BGR Energy Systems announced on 16 September 2011 that it bagged contract worth Rs 3600 crore from National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for supplying for all nine units of 800 MW steam turbine generator systems. NTPC had invited bids for 9 x 800 MW super-critical steam turbine generator units for Lara Super Thermal Power Project (2 x 800 MW), Darlipali Super Thermal Power Project Stage I (2 x 800 MW), Gajmara Super Thermal Power Project Stage I (2 x 800 MW) and Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project Stage I (3 x 800 MW).
Amendments to National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore Bill 2010
The Union Cabinet of India on 15 September 2011 approved Amendments to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bangalore Bill, 2010. The Amendments are based on the recommendations of the Department --related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health arid Family Welfare.
Twenty-Second World Mining Congress and Expo was held at Istanbul, Turkey between 11-16 September 2011. World Mining Congress & Expo is a unique opportunity for companies and manufactures to showcase their latest achievements and equipment technologies to a wide audience especially to those officials and specialists from all over the world. The officials are responsible for future developments and key decisions of the mining sectors of their countries.
Iran to Donate $100 million to Pakistan to Help Rehabilitate its Flood Victims
Iran made the announcement on 11 September 2011 that it would donate USD 100 million to Pakistan to help rehabilitate its flood affected people in the country's Sindh province. The announcement was made during a meeting between visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Irans interior minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar. Over 140 people have died and four million people have become homeless in floods triggered by rains in Pakistan's southern Sindh province since August.
The Ministry of Tourism Launched a Scheme Providing for the Training of Drivers
The Ministry of Tourism launched a Scheme for Drivers Training under Hunar Se Rozgar initiative. The Scheme now launched draws upon the fact that drivers with skill and in adequate number are essential for sustaining tourism, and that in India where tourism is expected to emerge as a key economic driver, driving as an avocation has large employment potential.
The lobe-finned fish, now called Laccognathus embryi, grew to about five to six feet long and had a wide head with small eyes and robust jaws lined with large piercing teeth. The predatory fish preyed on armoured placoderms and lungfish. The beast was likely a bottom-dweller, waiting on the seafloor to pounce at prey passing by, the researchers said. Guidelines provided by the Approach Paper for the 12th Plan (2012-17) The Union Government on 15 September 2011 approved the Approach Paper for the 12th Plan (2012-17) which seeks to attain second generation economic reforms, improving governance and raise annual economic growth rate to 9 per cent during impending five-year period. Approach Paper for the 12th Plan (2012-17) The Approach Paper is a document that aims to provide the preliminary guidelines to enable the States/UTs prepare their respective proposals. The basic proposal components will have to include : State Portal including Applications & e-forms State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) Gap Infrastructure - Identification of gaps in connectivity and computing infrastructure and making provision for the same in the Proposal. Training to the officers of the destination office for e-form processing Content provisioning arrangement Manpower Support
In a First, Companies allowed to raise $ 1 billion External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) in Yuan
The Union Government on 15 September 2011 decided to allow corporates to raise external commercial borrowings (ECBs) in yuan (Renminbi) equivalent to $1 billion to help companies who are trading with China. For the first time yuan (Renminbi), (equivalent of $1 billion) was allowed as an acceptable currency under the ECB. So far, the government had allowed firms to raise external commercial borrowings (ECBs) only in US
dollar, Japanese yen, euro and British pound. The decision to allow companies to raise ECBs in yuan is expected to benefit infrastructure firms such as ADAG Group company Reliance Power and Lanco Infratech.
Union Government approved the Approach Paper for the 12th Plan (2012-17)
The Union Government on 15 September 2011 approved the Approach Paper for the 12th Plan (2012-17) which seeks to attain second generation economic reforms, improving governance and raise annual economic growth rate to 9 per cent during impending five-year period. The Paper would be placed before the National Development Council (NDC) for its final approval in October 2011. The NDC, the highest policy-making body of India is headed by the Prime Minister and its members include Union Ministers, members of Planning Commission, and Chief Ministers of all states.
Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved Rs 6013 crore Road Project in Rajasthan & Gujarat
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure on 15 September 2011 approved a Rs 6013 crore project for widening of National Highways stretches in Rajasthan and Gujarat under Road Transport and Highways Ministry's flagship road building programme NHDP. The committee approved development of six laning of Kishangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad section on National Highway NH-79A, NH-79, NH-76 and NH8 in Rajasthan and Gujarat under NHDP Phase V. Of the Rs 6013.70 crore project cost, Rs 626.40 crore will be spent on land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement and preconstruction purposes. The widening will be undertaken on design, build, finance, operate and transfer ( DBFOT) basis in build, operate and transfer ( BOT) toll mode of delivery.
Supreme Court:Governments should Provide Ration and Voter Cards to Sex Workers
The Supreme Court on 15 September 2011 recommended to the Centre and state governments to provide ration and voter cards to sex workers by relaxing the verification procedure. The court also recommended that the profession of sex workers should not be mentioned in ration and voter cards. Taking into consideration several recommendations of its expert panel headed by senior advocate Pradip Ghosh, a bench of Justices Markandey Katju opined that sex workers enjoy the fundamental rights guaranteed to other citizens.
three years over an alleged affair with a co-star. The Kannada Film Producers' Association (KFPA) lifted the ban after it came in for criticism from the film industry.
Union Government of India Unveiled the New Policy to Deal with Naxalism
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiled the new policy which aims at dealing with Naxalism through a five year integrated plan while addressing the concluding session of the day long national workshop on development strategies in naxal affected districts in New Delhi on 13 September 2011. This programme is aimed at bridging the development deficit in the extremely backward areas that are affected left wing extremism. Lack of development often leads to alienation among the inhabitants of these areas.
Tamil Nadu Government Launched New Schemes to Improve the Plight of Poor
Tamil Nadu government on 14 September 2011 launched four schemes in Tiruvallur district on the 102nd birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister CN Annadurai. The schemes are, free distribution of laptops, cattle and wet grinders-food mixies and electric table fans. The schemes are aimed at addressing different requirements of a huge section of the population of the State. Milch cows and goats/sheep are meant for the poor in rural areas; laptops for higher secondary and college students and wet grinders-food mixies-electric table fans for 1.85 crore families who draw rice through the Public Distribution System.
Headline Inflation as measured by Wholesale Price Index increased to 9.78% in August 2011
India's wholesale price index ( WPI) rose 9.78% in August 2011 on year-on-year basis. Headline inflation as measured by the wholesale price index quickened to 9.78% in August from 9.22% in July. The rise in headline inflation has been attributed to costlier food, fuel and manufactured products. The surge in input prices of non-food primary articles together with currency depreciation will put pressure on the output prices in following months. Factory output growth in July grew by 3.3%, the slowest in 21 months hinting at an imminent industrial slowdown. The rising input costs and costlier borrowings are believed to be squeezing corporate profitability, forcing them to defer investment plans.
Coca-Cola India and Jain Irrigation Tie-up to adopt UHDP Practice for Mango Cultivation
Coca-Cola India and Jain Irrigation on 14 September 2011 announced the launch of Project Unnati. Unnati will mark a unique partnership with farmers to demonstrate and enable adoption of ultra-high density plantation (UHDP) practice for mango cultivation. The project is to encourage sustainable, modern agricultural practices and help double mango yields. UHDP is a farming practice that leads to mango orchards attaining their full potential in 3-4 years and allows nearly 600 trees to be planted per acre instead of the conventional 40 trees.
Supreme Court: Farmers should be Compensated for the Plantation on their Land
The Supreme Court of India ruled that farmers, whose land is being acquired by the government, should be compensated not only for their land but also for the plantation on it. A bench comprising Justices V Raveendran, H L Gokhale and Gyan Sudha Misra, set aside the order of the Bombay High Court which had held that once the compensation is awarded for the land, there cannot be additional or separate compensation for the trees.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised the first consultative workshop on formulating a water policy for Delhi on 14 September 2011. On the ocasion Chief executive officer of DJB spoke on the need to bring about effective policy instruments through consultative processes in order to better manage the state water resources. huge technological and political issues needed to be tackled in the wake of an increasing density of population in different command areas. The need to call for a change in the culture towards water to bring about a change in the water distribution system was called for.
USA based Technology Services Provider Computer Sciences Corporation acquired AppLabs
Global leader and U.S.-based technology services provider Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) on 14 September 2011 announced the acquisition of Hyderabad-based software testing company AppLabs. The break-up of the acquisition comprised 50 per cent of the stake from WestBridge, 40 per cent from the promoters (primarily himself) and 10 per cent from employees. this is the second acquisition within two weeks for CSC, a company with 93,000 employees and a reported revenue of $16.2 billion for the 12 months ended 1 July 2011. It earlier acquired Baltimore-based Maricom Systems that is in the business intelligence and data management solutions space.
RBI Panel suggested turning Co-operative Credit Societies to Urban Co-operative Banks
RBI panel in September 2011 proposed that the existing well managed co-operative credit societies meeting certain financial criteria like profits, capital adequacy and NPA proportion be given priority for granting licences as urban co-operative banks (UCBs) particularly in unbanked or inadequately banked centres. The panel headed by YH Malegam acknowledged the importance of urban co-operative banks for financial inclusion and suggested that new entrants should be encouraged to open banks and branches in unbanked or inadequately banked area. UCBs play a useful role and the panel felt a need for a greater presence of UCBs in unbanked districts and in centres having population less than 5 lakh.
Bihar Government Decided to Constitute Bihar Rural Development Society to implement Schemes
The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar decided to constitute a Bihar Rural Development Society (BRDS) comprising 32 experts drawn from the open market to help guide the implementation of rural development schemes in the state. The state government is to attract professionals with proven track record at the national or state level for the society, which will handle programmes worth Rs 6000 crore annually. The team will be expected to work like a company where quarterly results will be monitored as against expected outcomes.
Leila Lopes from Angola crowned Miss Universe 2011 in Sau Paulo
Leila Lopes from Angola was crowned Miss Universe on 12 September 2011 in Sau Paulo, Brazil. Lopes is a business management student in Great Britain, where she was crowned Miss Angola UK on 8 October 2010, the official representative of the Angolan community in the United Kingdom to the 2011 Miss Angola pageant. Lopes, Angolas first winner, outdid 88 other competitors to win the title during the 60th anniversary of the worlds biggest beauty pageant. She was crowned by Ximena Navarrete of Mexico winner of the 2010 Miss Universe pagant. The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines and the fourth Miss China.
Indian Captain MS Dhoni & Gold Medallist Shooter Abhinav Bindra conferred with Lt. Colonel Rank
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra were conferred with the rank of honourary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army by President Pratibha Patil on 13 September. The honour was bestowed on Dhoni and Bindra for their outstanding contribution in the field of cricket and shooting respectively, and their commitment to the Army on various occasions. Dhoni led India to World Cup victory in 2011 and was instrumental in taking the team to the No 1 spot in Test rankings for the first time ever. Bindra had won the only individual Olympic gold medal for India at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Bindra and Dhoni joined the ranks of senior cricketers Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar who have been conferred with honorary ranks in the armed forces.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during August 2011 was 4.02 lakh up by 5.2%
According to the figures given by the Tourism Ministry, 4.02 lakh foreign tourist arrived during August 2011 compared to 3.82 lakh during August 2010 and 3.70 lakh in August 2009. A growth of 3.3 per cent was registered in August 2010 over the figure for August 2009. Currently, foreign tourist arrivals in India are about 0.5 per cent of world tourist arrivals. A total of 38.19 lakh foreign tourists visited the country during January-August 2011 with a growth of 10.2 per cent, compared to 34.67 lakh during January-August 2010. Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) during August 2011 were worth Rs.5734 crore compared to Rs.4620 crore in August 2010 and Rs.4115 crore in August 2009. The growth rate in FEE in Rs. terms in August 2011 over August 2010 was 24.1 % as compared to 12.3 % in August 2010 over August 2009.
Nitin Dossa elected President of the Federation of Indian Automobile Associations (FIAA)
Nitin Dossa, the executive chairman of the Mumbai-headquartered Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) was unanimously elected president of the Federation of Indian Automobile Associations (FIAA). He was elected president at the annual general meeting of FIAA held on 9 September 2011. He is to hold this position for a period of two years. Dossa is the chairman on the WIAA-Castrol Institute of Motoring. He is involved with other sports associations. Dossa also holds the position of president of the Vintage & Classic Car Club of India.
Dell acquired U.S.-based $200 million Revenue Networking Company Force 10 Networks
Dell on 13 September 2011 declared its acquisition of U.S.-based $200 million revenue networking company Force 10 Networks. Force10 Network's Chennai research and development team is to be ramped up to play a crucial part for Dell's networking business. Force10 at present had 270 people in the Chennai R&D team. The global networking market was pegged at $6 billion and this was expected to grow to $16 billion by 2016. India is believed to be playing a strategic part in driving Dell's transformation globally into a solutions and services enterprise. Chennai was a crucial growth engine from three view-points such as manufacturing, services and R&D. With the acquisition of Perot Systems, Chennai was a key centre for Dell Services and with the takeover of Force10, the Chennai R&D team would make foray into networking.
Novak Djokovic defeated Nadal to win his First Career US Open Crown
Novak Djokovic on 12 September 2011 used his superior return game, defense and speed to defeat the 10-time Grand Slam champion Nadal, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1 and win his first career US Open crown and fourth Grand Slam title. With the victory Djokovic pushed his record on the year to an amazing 64-2 and 6-0 over Nadal. With the win he also became just the sixth man in the Open Era to win three Grand Slam titles in the same year. He had won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon (over Nadal) earlier in 2011.
Djokovic joined Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Martina Navratilova and Manuel Orantes as the sixth player to hoist the U.S. Open trophy after facing match point at some point earlier in the tournament.
India and Turkey Agreed for Future Cooperation in Coal Related Areas
India and Turkey on 12 September 2011 agreed for future cooperation in coal related areas during the meeting between Sriprakash Jaiswal, Minister of Coal, Government of India and Taner Yildiz, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, government of Turkey. The meeting took place at Istanbul, Turkey on the sidelines of the 22nd World Mining Congress inaugural session. India and Turkey discussed about the energy situation in the two countries, particularly in the field of coal mining. India offered technical cooperation to develop coal and lignite deposits and coal washing in Turkey. Turkey is planning to set up some 15000 MW coal based power generation plants and requested Indian companies to participate in the tenders.
Finance Ministry relaxed Norms for Foreign Institutional Investments in Infrastructure Space
The finance ministry on 12 September 2011 relaxed the norms for foreign institutional investments (FII) in the infrastructure space by reducing the residual maturity and lock-in periods for investments in listed and unlisted bonds. As per the new norms, FIIs were allowed to invest up to $5 billion in long-term infrastructure bonds having an initial maturity of five years and a residual maturity of one year compared to five years residual maturity before. FIIs were permitted to invest a maximum of $17 billion in long-term infrastructure bonds of an equivalent initial maturity but with a residual maturity period of three years compared to five years before. While the lockin period for the $5 billion investment window was cut down from three years to one year, it will remain three years for the $17 billion investment.
Indian Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the Spirit of Cricket Award at the LG ICC Awards 2011
The LG ICC Awards 2011 were presented in association with FICA on 12 September 2011 taking into account performances by players and officials in the period between 11 August 2010 to 3 August 2011. Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the Spirit of Cricket Award. Dhoni was chosen for the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for his fine gesture of recalling Ian Bell after the England batsman was run out under controversial circumstances during the second Test at Trent Bridge in July 2011. This award is voted by the members of the Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Match Referees and Umpires.
Industrial Growth fell to its 21-month low at 3.3 per cent in July 2011
The official data on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) released on 12 September 2011 by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation showed that in the wake of high inflation, industrial growth fell to its 21-month low at 3.3 per cent in July 2011. Industrial growth had witnessed a robust expansion of 9.9 per cent in the same month in 2010 and a healthy 8.8 per cent in June 2011. The industry's performance in July 2011 was the worst since October 2009 when it grew by a mere 2.3 per cent following the severe impact of the global meltdown.
Maulana Azad Dental Institute bagged the FICCI Excellence Award for their Contribution to Healthcare
The Maulana Azad Dental Institute bagged the FICCI Excellence Award on 8 September 2011. The health care operational award was given away by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry after rounds of assessment. Maulana Azad Dental Institute is the first dental institution, catering to more than 2.5 lakh patients annually across the country. There were only four hospitals-Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya ( Delhi), Gandhi Nagar District Hospital (Gujarat), Ernakulam District Hospital, Kerala and Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences which had qualified for the final round in the government sector category.
SEBI approved the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) of MCX's Initial Public Offering (IPO)
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) of MCX's (Multi-Commodity Exchange) initial public offering on 9 September 2011. SEBI clearance will be valid for 12 months. Leading commodity exchange MCX had filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for an initial public offer (IPO) with SEBI of 6427378 equity shares of Rs 10 each.
The approval comes amid a debate on whether or not to allow exchanges to list shares because of the conflict of interest between supervising trading and maximizing profit.
Australias Samantha Stosur defeated Serena Williams to win US Open Crown & Her First Grand Slam
Australias Samantha Stosur on 11 September 2011 defeated Serena Williams to win the US Open crown and her first grand slam singles title. Stosur became the first Australian woman in 38 years to win the title when she beat Williams 6-2 6-3. The three-times US Open champion, Williams had been a favourite to win the US Open but failed to produce her best on one of the biggest occasions in tennis. Stosur dominated the match from the start and fully deserved her win. Williams, a 13-times grand slam singles champion, had won four of her six previous matches against Stosur.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development released Report projecting further Slowdown
Report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released on 12 September 2011 expected the slowdown in the Indian economy to persist. The composite leading indicators index for July 2011 showed that most regions of the world would face a slowdown in economic activity with the only exception being Japan. The OECD country specific composite leading indicators (CLIs) mapped the way data for the economy matched up against the long-term trend. the indicators pointed downwards more strongly for more economies thereby indicating a sure dip in economic activity compared with the assessment for June 2011.
Durgesh Kumar Pal won Gold Medal in 400m Hurdles in the Commonwealth Youth Games
Durgesh Kumar Pal of Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles in the Commonwealth Youth Games at Isle of Man on 12 September 2011. Durgesh clocked 51.76secs. Durgesh joined the Boys Sports Company in 2006 at the age of 12. Hailing from Ghaziabad district in Uttar Pradesh he had won the silver medal in the Youth Olympics held at Singapore in 2010. Durgesh is coached by coach Subedar Major K. Ajimol.
Major General (retd) BC Khanduri replaced Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Major General (retd) BC Khanduri was appointed the sixth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He replaced Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank who resigned on 11 September 2011. Nishank was asked to resign by the Bharatiya Janata Party as it was alarmed by the state governments sagging image due to several allegations of corruption. The decision was taken keeping in view the forthcoming elections in the state in 2012. Khanduri returned as CM two years after he stepped down following the 2009 general elections, when the BJP lost all five Lok Sabha seats in the state. After his supporters refused to back rival Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Nishank was made a consensus CM in 2009.
India defeated Pakistan to clinch the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament
India defeated Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out in a nerve-wrecking final to clinch the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on 11 September 2011. Goalkeeper S. Sreejesh played a crucial role in securing victory as he managed two crucial saves for India. Indian hockey team is coached by Michael Nobbs. Rajpal Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Yuvraj Walmiki and Sarvanjit Singh scored for India in the penalty shootout
while Muhammad Rizwan and Waseem Ahmed sounded the board for Pakistan after both the sides were locked goalless in the regular and extra time.
Oryx Study showed that Availability of Diclofenac despite Ban hit Vulture Population
According to a study published in the Oryx, a leading international scientific journal of conservation, and reported by BirdLife International, widely-available diclofenac was being purchased by Indian farmers illegally in conveniently large bottles to treat their cattle. The drug formulated for veterinary use however continues to be manufactured after a ban was declared in 2006 owing to its toxicity to critically endangered vultures. According to the study over a third of the Indian pharmacies continue to sell to livestock farmers the banned killer drug, diclofenac, responsible for the dramatic fall in vulture population in the country.
Preeja Sreedharan won Gold Medal in 10000m Race at 51st National Open Athletics Championships
Preeja Sreedharan won the gold medal in the 10000m race on the opening day of the 51st National Open Athletics Championships on 10 September 2011 in Kolkata. Competing for Railways, Sreedharan had earlier won the 10000m race in the Guangzhou Asian Games with a national record of 31.50.47. Her track rival Kavita Raut (35:56.13) finished a fraction of seconds behind to earn ONGC a silver medal. In the mens 10,000m final ONGCs Suresh Kumar clinched the gold with a timing of 30:18.16.
Researchers Found a Direct link between Voice, Face Recognition Brain Areas
Researchers discovered a direct link between the areas of human brain responsible for voice and face recognition. Normally, it is assumed that voice and face recognition are separate processes which are only combined on a higher processing level. However, recent findings indicate that voice and face recognition are much more closely related. The team earlier found that areas of brain responsible for the identification of faces also become active when people hear a familiar voice. They discovered a direct connection consisting of fibre pathways between the voice and face recognition area.
In the latest research, the researchers could prove that a structural connection between voice and face recognition areas exists. They used diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, a method with which the course of white matter tracts in brain can be reconstructed when combined with tractography, a mathematical modelling technique. The team had located the areas responsible for voice and face recognition by measuring the reactions of the brain to different voices and faces using magnetic resonance imaging.
ESPN-Star Sports Announced Shah Rukh Khan as the Face of the Nokia Champions League Twenty20
ESPN-STAR Sports, the official broadcaster and commercial partner of Nokia Champions League (NCL) Twenty20, announced Shah Rukh Khan as the face of the tournament. The announcement was made on 9 September 2011. Nokia, the title sponsor of Champions League Twenty20, also announced ambitious plans to promote its association with the tournament.
September 2011. The state government has clarified that if this limit is already crossed, then no official will be demoted and government will create shadow posts for them.
The Government Decided to Lift a Ban on Wheat Exports and Put a Ban on Onion Exports
The government has decided to lift a ban on wheat exports and put a ban on onion exports to control its rising prices. The decision to open wheat exports was taken by the empowered Group of Ministers EGoM on food, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the wake of the record production and storage problem. The Union Ministry for Food and Consumers Affairs will stop the export of wheat and non-basmati rice once shipments reaches two million tonnes each. Wheat exports was banned early in 2007 to augment buffer stock when the output had fallen. The ministry also said that onion export has been banned and the situation will be reviewed every two weeks. Onion prices have risen to 25 rupees per kilogram in retail market from 15 rupees per kilogram a month ago on supply constraints.
The Indian Navy undertook a Passage Exercise with the Turkish Navy
The Indian Navy undertook a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Turkish Navy on 10th and 11th July 2011 during the routine visit of Turkish Navy ship to Mumbai. The scope of this exercise included over the horizon targeting exercise, visual signaling exercise, manoeuvres by officers of the watch etc. T he exercise was part of routine schedule of the participating naval units and no additional expenditure was incurred specifically for the exercise with Turkish navy.
Using imaging solution technology, the bank will now set the pace ion this product category and ensure that the loan processing will start the moment a customer enters into a branch in the morning and be complete in 24 hours. Swift will be soon available to all its customers who hold salary accounts with the bank in 25 select branches across the country. The bank launched swift loan keeping in mind the the need of customers for immediate solution to their needs.
Food Inflation Fell to a Single-digit at 9.55 Percent As per data Released by the Government
Food inflation fell to a single-digit at 9.55 per cent for the week ended August 27 after breaching the doubledigit mark in the previous week. Food inflation, as measured on the basis of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), stood at 10.05 per cent in the previous week. The rate of price rise of food items was 14.76 per cent in the corresponding week of 2010. As per data released by the government on 8 September 2011, prices of pulses fell by 1.56 per cent year-on-year, while wheat became cheaper by 1.04 per cent during the week ended August 27.
from officers concerned and CID. If it is found that the applicant is facing genuine threat, he will be given security cover immediately. Haryana will also set up a special cell for processing the requests for security and for supervising the investigation of the cases registered against whistleblowers or RTI activists due to malice and without any reasonable cause.
The Total Volume of Arctic Sea Ice Fell to a Record Low in 2010
The total volume of Arctic sea ice fell to a record low in 2010, according to a new study. Scientists at the Polar Science Center of the University of Washington estimated that last year broke the previous 2007 record for the minimum volume of ice, which is calculated from a combination of sea ice area and thickness. Axel Schweiger of University of Washington, led the study. According to the scientists, ice volume is now plunging faster than it did at the same time last year when the record was set. The Arctic sea ice area fell below 4.6 million sq km recently, compared with the record low of 4.13 million sq km in 2007, whereas the minimum ice extent in the early 1970s was 7 million square km.
Manmohan Singh Visited Bangladesh to Sign the Historic Protocol on Land Boundary Agreement
Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh visited Bangladesh on 6-7 September 2011. During his visit, India and Bangladesh signed several agreements including the Historic Protocol on Land Boundary Agreement. India and Bangladesh also signed the framework agreement on cooperation for development. During this visit, India and Bangladesh decided to set up a joint commission led by the Minister of Foreign and External Affairs from both sides to coordinate and oversee implementation of various initiatives being taken under the framework agreement. In a 65-point joint statement issued at the end of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Bangladesh, the two nations underscored the need for concluding and extradition treaty between the two countries expeditiously.
American Stand-up Comedian Eddie Murphy chosen to host the 84th Oscars in February 2012
American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician, Eddie Murphy was chosen to host the 84th Academy Awards/ Oscars in February 2012. The hosting of the Oscars in 2011 by the dramatic actors Anne Hathaway and James Franco had fallen flat with critics and viewers. Murphy who made his film debut in 1982 would join the likes of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg, who are among the big names to have hosted the show.
Tech Heavyweight Veteran Carol Bartz fired from her Job as Yahoo CEO
Yahoo's CEO, Carol Bartz was fired from her job by Roy Bostock, the company's chairmanon 6 September 2011. The decision of the Yahoo board to fire her was largely based on her dismal performance. Yahoo's CFO Timothy Morse took over as interim CEO.
Madhya Pradesh became the First State in the Country to Offer Air Taxi Services
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to offer air taxi services. In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the air taxi service at Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport on 7 September 2011. The first flight of this service took off from Bhopal to Gwalior.
UNCTAD projected an Economic Growth of 8.1 per cent for India in 2011
UNCTAD's Trade and Development Report 2011 was launched in New Delhi on 6 September 2011. In the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) projected an economic growth of 8.1 per cent for India, the fastest rate of expansion in the world after China in midst of an anticipated global slowdown to 3 per cent in 2011.
Committee set up by TRAI to determine Value of Spectrum during 2001-2008 submitted Report
A three-member expert committee, set up by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and meant to determine the precise value of spectrum during 2001-2008 submitted a report on 19 August 2011. In the report the committee compalined of a tricky exercise plagued by data deficit.
The report was filed at a time when the valuation of public loss caused by the 2008 spectrum allocation under then Telecom Minister A Raja is being pegged between Rs 1.76 lakh crore by the Comptroller and Auditor General to over Rs 30000 crore by the CBI and zero loss by Rajas successor Kapil Sibal.
Shastri received his early education in Economics at Mysore University and at Amherst College in Massachusetts, United States. He spent some time as a research scholar under D.R. Gadgil at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune. He was also a research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with Nobel laureate L.R. Klein.
India and South Africa Agreed to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in the MSME
India and South Africa agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprise) sector. This was agreed in a bilateral meeting between Jyotiradiya M Scindia, Minister of state Commerce and Industries and Elizabeth Thabethe, Deputy Minister for Trade & Industry, government of South Africa. South Africa houses many prominent centres of learning and excellence. The MSME sector accounts for a large share of industrial output, employment and exports in both countries. There are immense opportunities of cooperation and strategic alliances in MSME sector, which could be in the form of joint ventures, technology collaborations or marketing tie-ups.
Goa became the First Indian State to Launch Health Insurance Policy Covering all its People
Goa became the first state in India to launch Swarnajayanti Aarogya Bima Yojanaproviding health insurance cover for the entire resident population of the State. The State Government on 20 September 2011 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICICI Lombard which is the implementing agency for the new health insurance cover. About 3.2 lakh families in the state would be entitled to be in the purview of the scheme.
Even as the developing countries were expected to regain the pre-crisis growth rate of 6 per cent in 2011, economic expansion in the developed economies was likely to be only about 1.5-2 per cent.
Lok Sabha unanimously extended the Term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee
The Lok Sabha on 6 September 2011 unanimously extended the term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), looking into the allocation and pricing of telecom licences and 2G spectrum, till the last day of the 2012 budget session. The members gave their approval by voice vote when a motion, moved by JPC Chairman P.C. Chacko was put to vote.
Panel suggested Increase in Excise Duty & Registration Costs on Dieselpowered Private Vehicles
Panel set up by the Ministry for Urban development headed by Joint Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Urban Transport S.K. Lohia suggested an increment the excise duty and registration costs on dieselpowered private vehicles. It also suggested a ban on hoardings on pedestrian walkways and cut down the
taxes on buses and other public transport vehicles as part of measures to make cities and towns more socially and environmentally sustainable.
NASA funded researchers found evidence that some building blocks of DNA, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, found in meteorites were likely created in space. The research gives support to the theory that a kit of ready-made parts created in space and delivered to Earth by meteorite and comet impacts assisted the origin of life.
Government made it Mandatory for Shops to Display the Pictorial Warning on Tobacco Products
The Union government of India made it mandatory for tobacco traders, retailers, vendors to display the pictorial warning on all the tobacco related products at their stores. The government did so according to the new regulation under Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Amendment Rules-2011.
Air India extended its Short Term Promotion Scheme- Silver and Platinum Pass
Los-incurring Air India on 21 September 2011 announced the extension of its short term promotion scheme, Silver and Platinum Pass aimed at providing air travel at competitive and affordable rates.
The Silver and Platinum Pass is to be offered in two variants for unlimited travel in economy and executive class on the domestic sectors of the national carrier and it is to be valid for fifteen days.
NTPC and Ceylon Electricity Board Sealed a Deal for Setting up a Power Plant in Sri Lanka
After five years of negotiations, NTPC and Ceylon Electricity Board have sealed a deal for jointly setting up a coal-fired power plant in Sri Lanka at an investment of up to 700 million dollars. NTPC chairman Arup Roy Choudhury and CEB chief Wimaladharma Abeywickreme signed the final agreement in Colombo on 6 September 2011 for setting up the 500 mw power plant at Sampur in Trincomalee.The project will be a major milestone in bilateral relations and further cement the economic bonds between India and Sri lanka. It will also mark NTPCs overseas debut.
The Syrian Vice Foreign Minister (VFM), Faisal Mekdad, visited India from 31 July to 2 August, 2011. He called on the External Affairs Minister (EAM) and also met the Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed (MOS). VFM briefed EAM about the prevailing situation in Syria, causes for violence in his country, reforms proposed by Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, details of national dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition groups, as well as, other issues related to public protests in Syria.
Assam Government Decided to have Brand Names for the Famous Muga and Eri Silks
In Assam, the state government has taken an initiative to have brand names for the famous Muga and Eri silks. The main purpose of the move is to promote the indigenous yarn in a more systematic way within and outside the country.
The state handloom and sericulture department hopes that, with a brand name, products made from muga and eri can be exported to across the globe with a higher price. Eri and muga are household names of silk in the region. North- East produces around 95 percent of Eri, of which Assam has 50 percent shares. The state also produces about 86 per cent of Muga. The use of both the silks reflects the culture and tradition of Assamese society and occupies a unique place in the socio-economic life of the people of the state.
The five-day 71st International Congress of FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on 4 September 2011 concluded on 8 September in Hyderbad. The World Health Organisation and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) signed a joint-statement on the role of pharmacists in tuberculosis care and control on the inaugural day of the conference. The joint-statement envisages a series of measures to help detect tuberculosis, offer treatment support to patients and substantially reduce the number of deaths due to it.
Rating Agency Moody's projected India's GDP Growth for the 2011-12 fiscal at 7.5-8%
Global rating agency Moody's projected India's GDP (gross domestic product) growth for the 2011-12 fiscal at 7.5-8 per cent on 5 September 2011. It also cited high domestic interest rates coupled with the current global uncertainties as the near-term factors that could affect its economic expansion. Moody's noted in its annual sovereign credit update on India that the cyclical slowdown was unlikely to alter its credit outlook.
Sai Praneeth won Mens Single in IFCI all-India Ranking Senior Badminton Championship
Sai Praneeth, the second seed defeated top seed and Petroleum teammate Saurabh Varma 2113, 10-21, 21-16 to win the men's singles crown in the IFCI all-India ranking senior badminton championship on 5 September 2011.
Sai Praneeth also won the men's doubles partnering Nanda Gopal (AAI). The dup defeated top seeds Pranav Chopra (PSPB) and Akshay Dewalkar (AI) in three well-fought games 22-20, 14-21, 21-15.
elements such as dry air, high winds from Tropical Storm Lee and the drought that has been gripping Texas.
SAT observed that SEBI has Powers under the Sebi Act to issue Directions to Unlisted Firms
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) observed on 5 September 2011 that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has wider powers under the Sebi Act to issue directions to even unlisted firms to protect interest of investors in the securities market. The SAT observation followed a Sahara Group argument that the jurisdiction to regulate an unlisted public company lies with the Central government and not with the SEBI.
The expert panel to decide on the security, inventory and opening the kallara (vault) B in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram informed the Supreme Court that a year was required to complete the entire exercise. Also the panels report informed that a total sum of Rs. 2.98 crore would be needed to meet all the expenses on videography, photography, providing infrastucture and strengthening security cover. A Bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik on 2 September 2011 had asked the Supreme Court Registry to give copies of the 75-page report submitted by the panel to the court to the parties concerned for their response and posted the matter for further hearing on 12 September.
SC issued notice to Government on a plea challenging Appointment of Atul Kumar Rai as CEO of IFCI
The Supreme Court on 5 September 2011 issued notice to the government on a plea challenging the appointment of Atul Kumar Rai as the chief executive officer and managing director of the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) despite his alleged involvement in corrupt practices.
An apex court bench of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice R.M. Lodha issued notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL). The CPIL accused
Rai of financial irregularities. After Rai took over the reigns of IFCI he introduced the incentive scheme in August 2007 and, in the process rewarded himself and his associates with hefty amount of incentives.
First Integrated Tea Park of the North East Region to be Set Up at Chaygaon
In Assam, the process to set up the first integrated tea park of the North East region has been initiated. Sources in the tea industry said that the proposed park would come up at Chaygaon on the outskirts of Guwahati. The tea park would provide infrastructure of international standard and the state of the art facilities. It will create world class facilities for processing, warehousing, auction centre, blending and packaging, and generate employment. North East contributes 55 percent of the countrys total tea production. After completion of the park, the tea export is likely to be increased to a great extent.
Meghalaya Government ordered an inquiry into the alleged Mass Graves in Garo Hills
Meghalaya Government on 2 September 2011 ordered an inquiry into the alleged mass graves in some areas in West Garo Hills district as demanded by a militant outfit. The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) alleged that mass graves exist at Tura and Samanda in West Garo Hills district, where rival outfit Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) dumped bodies after secret killings. ANVC has been holding peace talks with the government since a ceasefire in 2004.
Andhra Sugars also contributed to India's space programme. The company developed the propellant fuel for the rocket boosters of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
ADB Approved 500 Million Dollar Loan to help India Improve Rail Services
Asian Development Bank, ADB has approved 500 million dollar loan to help India improve rail services. The bank has approved a multi-tranche financing facility for the Railway Sector Investment Program, RSIP. The RSIP is being carried out by the Ministry of Railways and will end by December 2018.
Asian Development Bank loan will be used to develop freight and passenger routes in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, including the critical Golden Quadrilateral corridor that connects Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. The loan will be utilised for laying down additional lines and the electrification of hundreds of kilometers of existing track, along with installing new signaling. The loan has a 25-year term, with a grace period of five years. The Centre will provide counterpart finance of over 64 crore US dollars to cover the costs of the total program, estimated at over 110 crore US dollars.
Star Indian Boxer Vijender Singh won gold at the World Police and Fire Games in New York
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh won gold and also bagged the Best Boxer award at the World Police and Fire Games in New York. Indian pugilists finished off a reasonably successful campaign with two golds, two silvers and a bronze at the World Police and Fire Games in New York.
Heavy industry minister Praful Patel saw modest rise of 25% from around Rs 30 crore in 2009 to Rs 40 crore. Agriculture minister Sharad Pawars asset value (including his wife's and Hindu Undivided Family) climbed around 43% to about Rs 12.5 crore from Rs 8.7 crore in 2009.
A Tripartite Agreement Signed between the Centre, the Assam Government and ULFA
A tripartite agreement for Suspension of Operations (against ULFA) was signed between the Centre, the Assam state government and the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in New Delhi on 3
September 2011 with the objective of bringing permanent peace in Assam. The Union Government was represented by the Joint Secretary (North-East) of the Home Ministry, Shambhu Singh and the Assam Government by the Home Commissioner Jishnu Barua. Shashdhar Chaudhuri, Chtraban Hazarika and Raju Barua, three key ULFA functionaries, represented the banned outfit. ULFA had earlier agreed to abjure violence and to find a solution to the problems as perceived by the outfit through peaceful negotiations with the Union Government and the Assam Government.
He represented the country at the Davis Cup between 1947- 1956 and also played in the Wimbledon and US Nationals in the pre-Open era in world tennis.Misra was one of the only three Indians to win the national title.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt won the Men's 4x100 Relay Final at the World Athletics Championships
Jamaica's Usain Bolt won the Men's 4x100 Relay final and set a world record at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea on 4 September 2011.
The climax to World Athletics championship that concluded on 4 September 2011 was bought by sprint superstar Usain Bolt as his Jamaican team smashed the 4x100m relay World record. It was Bolt's second gold of the World championships after winning the 200m crown. On the second day of the competition Bolt was disqualified following a false start thereby shattering his dream of 100m gold.
Tory Tan won the Presidential Election in Singapore to become the Countrys Seventh President
Former Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan won the presidential election in Singapore to become the countrys seventh President. The results were declared on 28 August 2011. Tan received 35 percent of about 2.1 million votes in the election. Tory Tan was backed by the ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP). The election was Singapores first contested vote for President since 1993. The post of President in Singapore is mainly a ceremonial position in the countrys parliamentary government.
The West Bengal government on 29 August 2011 raised the levies on alcohol and tobacco-related products. The tobacco-related products like chewing tobacco, cigar and cigarettes were included in schedule D where tax rates would be higher than 13.5 percent. However, beedi had not been included in Schedule D. The foreign liquor and IMFL were also placed in Schedule D.
Veteran Journalist & Former President of Indian Journalists Association Kalyan K. Chaudhuri died
Veteran journalist Kalyan K. Chaudhuri died on 2 September 2011. He was a Special Correspondent for Frontline magazine from August 1991 till retirement in December 2003. Chaudhuri was known for his informed journalistic writing. As a journalist he focussed primarily on political developments in the eastern region. He was president of the Indian Journalists' Association in 1988.
The information revolution has given teeth to the peoples fight against any kind of oppression. For instance, the recent revolution in Egypt was furthered through internet and telecommunication. Technology plays a significant role in disseminating information, which was until a few years back the prerogative of the governments.
The highlight of the 21st century is the new media. Internet has revolutionised the way information is channelised and analysed. Anyone can share his/her story through internet. Blogs and social networking websites give people a chance to share their views and in the process form pressure groups.
Countries like China have attempted to obstruct the flow of communication but usually meet disappointment as there is little that could be done to curb the peoples voice which is finding an ally in technological advancement. It must be remembered that China had asked Google to comply with the countrys policies.
India could arguably be called an apostle of democracy but people at times feel the need for a greater role in governance. The recent Anna Hazare led movement demanding setting up of a Jan Lokpal is a striking example of how technology can help mobilise people and in the process lead to decentralisation of power and advancement of democratic rights. The Hazare movement got a tremendous boost from social networking websites, the television channels and the cellphones. So it can be concluded that technology has given a new dimension to democracy.