Marks of English Language skills will not be counted for gradation: UPSC
The UPSC has informed that marks of questions on English Language Comprehension Skills, asked in second paper of civil services (preliminary)examination, will not be included for gradation.
The union government has decided that for the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2014 to be held on August 24, this section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) will not count for gradation or merit.
Candidates must, therefore, note that they do not have to answer these questions.
Important instructions from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT); Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2014:-
- The Paper II of the CSE (Preliminary) is of 200 marks and 2 hours duration. It contains a section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level). It contains some questions based on a few paragraphs in English.
- The Union Government has decided that for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2014 to be held on August 24, 2014, this section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) will not count for gradation or merit.
- The Paper-II would have a section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level). Candidates must therefore note that they do not have to answer the questions on this English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) section. These questions will not be evaluated.
- The duration of the Paper II would remain 2 hours and candidates can utilize the entire time in answering all questions except those in the Section containing English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level).
- The maximum marks for Paper II would be “200 minus the marks earmarked for the English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level)”.
- Section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) would not count towards gradation or merit. Even if they attempt it, marks will not be counted for gradation or merit.
The UPSC has informed that marks of questions on English Language Comprehension Skills, asked in second paper of civil services (preliminary)examination, will not be included for gradation.
The union government has decided that for the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2014 to be held on August 24, this section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) will not count for gradation or merit.
Candidates must, therefore, note that they do not have to answer these questions.
Important instructions from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT); Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2014:-
- The Paper II of the CSE (Preliminary) is of 200 marks and 2 hours duration. It contains a section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level). It contains some questions based on a few paragraphs in English.
- The Union Government has decided that for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2014 to be held on August 24, 2014, this section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) will not count for gradation or merit.
- The Paper-II would have a section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level). Candidates must therefore note that they do not have to answer the questions on this English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) section. These questions will not be evaluated.
- The duration of the Paper II would remain 2 hours and candidates can utilize the entire time in answering all questions except those in the Section containing English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level).
- The maximum marks for Paper II would be “200 minus the marks earmarked for the English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level)”.
- Section on English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X Level) would not count towards gradation or merit. Even if they attempt it, marks will not be counted for gradation or merit.
Govt re-launches Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana
The Central Government has re-launched the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana, for the benefit of citizens aged 60 years and above. The scheme will provide financial security to almost half a million senior citizens of the country by ensuring regular income during old age.
The scheme will benefit the vulnerable section of society with limited resources as it will provide monthly pension ranging from Rs 500 to 5,000 per month to senior citizens of the country. The Scheme will be administrated by the Life InsuranceCorporation, LIC.
The Central Government has re-launched the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana, for the benefit of citizens aged 60 years and above. The scheme will provide financial security to almost half a million senior citizens of the country by ensuring regular income during old age.
The scheme will benefit the vulnerable section of society with limited resources as it will provide monthly pension ranging from Rs 500 to 5,000 per month to senior citizens of the country. The Scheme will be administrated by the Life InsuranceCorporation, LIC.
Surya Kiran-VII: Indo-Nepal combined military training exercise
The militaries of India and Nepal will jointly conduct a Combined Training Exercise, Surya Kiran-VII, from August 18 to August 31, 2014.
The combined training will be conducted in the mountain terrain of Pithoragarh in the Northern Himalayas at an altitude of 5000-6000 feet under the aegis of GARUD DIVISION.
The aim of the exercise will be to hone Sub Unit level tactics and develop interoperability between Indian Army and Nepalese Army in Jungle Warfare, Counter Terrorism Operations in Mountainous Terrain, as also to provide working knowledge of Disaster Management to include Pandemic/ Epidemic diseasescontrol and Aviation aspects.
The militaries of India and Nepal will jointly conduct a Combined Training Exercise, Surya Kiran-VII, from August 18 to August 31, 2014.
The combined training will be conducted in the mountain terrain of Pithoragarh in the Northern Himalayas at an altitude of 5000-6000 feet under the aegis of GARUD DIVISION.
The aim of the exercise will be to hone Sub Unit level tactics and develop interoperability between Indian Army and Nepalese Army in Jungle Warfare, Counter Terrorism Operations in Mountainous Terrain, as also to provide working knowledge of Disaster Management to include Pandemic/ Epidemic diseasescontrol and Aviation aspects.
Singapore to help India in 100 ‘Smart Cities’ project
India has join hands with Singapore to get its expertise in building ‘Smart Cities’ even as the two nations decided to ramp up economic engagement besides defence and security cooperation. Recently, India allocated over Rs 7,000 crore in its Budget 2014-15 for development of 100 ‘Smart Cities’.
The new Budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley enunciated the concept of ‘smart cities’ as satellite towns of larger ones and allocated a sum of Rs 7,060 crore for the ambitious project.
India is likely to benefit from Singapore’s expertise in smart cities, urban planning and water management strategies.
India has join hands with Singapore to get its expertise in building ‘Smart Cities’ even as the two nations decided to ramp up economic engagement besides defence and security cooperation. Recently, India allocated over Rs 7,000 crore in its Budget 2014-15 for development of 100 ‘Smart Cities’.
The new Budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley enunciated the concept of ‘smart cities’ as satellite towns of larger ones and allocated a sum of Rs 7,060 crore for the ambitious project.
India is likely to benefit from Singapore’s expertise in smart cities, urban planning and water management strategies.
Haryana Government increases age of retirement from 58 to 60 years
The Haryana government announced a windfall for the state government’s employees which includes raising the retirement age from 58 to 60 years, 25% per cent increment in Dearness Allowance, full pension after 20 years service, and various other benefits. After 58 years of service, the employee will be given the option to either continue his service or seek retirement.
The Haryana government announced a windfall for the state government’s employees which includes raising the retirement age from 58 to 60 years, 25% per cent increment in Dearness Allowance, full pension after 20 years service, and various other benefits. After 58 years of service, the employee will be given the option to either continue his service or seek retirement.
‘IBM Simon’: World’s first smartphone turns 20
World’s first smartphone to come into existence— a $900 klutzyIBM Simon mobile phone —turned 20. The phone was developed by IBM and the American cellular company BelSelf and hit the market in 1994.
IBM Simon
It was around 23 cm long and weighed half a kg. Though looked gawky, Simon could do almost anything you wanted. It had touch screen technology with its green LCD screen. Its software allowed users to write notes, draw, update their calendar and contacts and send and receive faxes as well as calls.
World’s first smartphone to come into existence— a $900 klutzyIBM Simon mobile phone —turned 20. The phone was developed by IBM and the American cellular company BelSelf and hit the market in 1994.
IBM Simon
It was around 23 cm long and weighed half a kg. Though looked gawky, Simon could do almost anything you wanted. It had touch screen technology with its green LCD screen. Its software allowed users to write notes, draw, update their calendar and contacts and send and receive faxes as well as calls.
Rajni Razdan: New UPSC chief
Rajni Razdan (64) assumed charge as new chairman of Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the prestigious civil services examination to select IAS, IFS and IPS officers among others. Outgoing chairperson D P Agrawal administered Razdan the oath as UPSC chief.
Razdan, a former IAS officer of Haryana cadre, had retired as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances. She had joined as UPSC member on April 19, 2010.
Note: The UPSC is headed by a chairman and 10 members.
Rajni Razdan (64) assumed charge as new chairman of Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the prestigious civil services examination to select IAS, IFS and IPS officers among others. Outgoing chairperson D P Agrawal administered Razdan the oath as UPSC chief.
Razdan, a former IAS officer of Haryana cadre, had retired as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances. She had joined as UPSC member on April 19, 2010.
Note: The UPSC is headed by a chairman and 10 members.
India’s IISc gets a place among World’s top 500 Universities
As per an annual ranking of global educational institutions released by theAcademic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Indian Institute of Science(IISc) is the only Indian institution to secure a spot in the top 500. The top positions are dominated by American universities with four US universitiesstanding at the top four spots.
IISc based in Bangalore, founded as a ‘Research Institute’ by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, in 1909, has been placed in the world rank category of 301-400 by ARWU.
As per ARWU, World’s Top 5 Universities are:
- Harvard University (US)
- Stanford University (US)
- Massachusetts University (US)
- University of California-Berkeley (US)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
Evaluation Criteria:
For ranking of universities, ARWU takes into account several indicators of academic and research performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals. It also factors in highly-cited researchers, papers published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation indices and the per capita academic performance of an institution.
As per an annual ranking of global educational institutions released by theAcademic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Indian Institute of Science(IISc) is the only Indian institution to secure a spot in the top 500. The top positions are dominated by American universities with four US universitiesstanding at the top four spots.
IISc based in Bangalore, founded as a ‘Research Institute’ by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, in 1909, has been placed in the world rank category of 301-400 by ARWU.
As per ARWU, World’s Top 5 Universities are:
- Harvard University (US)
- Stanford University (US)
- Massachusetts University (US)
- University of California-Berkeley (US)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
Evaluation Criteria:
For ranking of universities, ARWU takes into account several indicators of academic and research performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals. It also factors in highly-cited researchers, papers published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation indices and the per capita academic performance of an institution.
RBI board approves radical changes, introduces COO post as proposed by Raghuram Rajan
In a bid to introduce radical changes in the functioning of the Reserve Bank ofIndia, the RBI board has approved Governor Raghuram Rajan’s proposal of shrinking organizational cumbersomeness and reducing overlaps. It also seeks to create the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO), an executive who’s likely to be made responsible for executing the RBI’s reform agenda.
Rajan proposed to bring all aspects of RBI under 5 functional departments to be supervised by 4 Deputy Governors and a COO. He suggested merging some departments to avoid overlaps. He is also inclined to make lateral hires from the private sector as practiced in the West.
Nachiket Mor is seen as the most likely candidate for the post of COO. Mor is a former executive director of ICICI Bank and also chaired the RBI panel on financial inclusion.
Since the position of COO is likely to be at the deputy governor level, the post’s status will have to be discussed further with the government, and which may also necessitate some legislative amendments.
In a bid to introduce radical changes in the functioning of the Reserve Bank ofIndia, the RBI board has approved Governor Raghuram Rajan’s proposal of shrinking organizational cumbersomeness and reducing overlaps. It also seeks to create the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO), an executive who’s likely to be made responsible for executing the RBI’s reform agenda.
Rajan proposed to bring all aspects of RBI under 5 functional departments to be supervised by 4 Deputy Governors and a COO. He suggested merging some departments to avoid overlaps. He is also inclined to make lateral hires from the private sector as practiced in the West.
Nachiket Mor is seen as the most likely candidate for the post of COO. Mor is a former executive director of ICICI Bank and also chaired the RBI panel on financial inclusion.
Since the position of COO is likely to be at the deputy governor level, the post’s status will have to be discussed further with the government, and which may also necessitate some legislative amendments.
PM Modi accentuates promoting Tourism, ‘Clean India’ campaign to be launched on October 2
PM Narendra Modi stressed on the need to promote tourism saying it providesemployment to the poorest of the poor. He pointed out ‘filthiness’ in the country as a big obstacle in promoting tourism and our national character.
He observed that even after so many years of independence, when we stand at the threshold of one and half decade of 21st century, we still live in filthiness. He held that “cleanliness is very big work”. He called upon the countrymen to make a resolve that they would never spread filthiness and keep their surroundings clean.
He decided to launch a ‘Clean India’ campaign from October 2, 2014 this year on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi marking the importance Mahatma gave to cleanliness. The campaign will be carried out for next 4 years and will conclude on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma in 2019.
Mr. Modi appealed to the Members of Parliaments to utilize MPLAD funds for constructing toilets in schools for a year. He called upon the corporate sector also to give priority to the provision of toilets in schools with their expenditure under Corporate Social Responsibility. He urged them to achieve this target within one year with the help of state governments and on the next August 15, we should be in a firm position to announce that there is no school in India without separate toilets for boys and girls.
PM Narendra Modi stressed on the need to promote tourism saying it providesemployment to the poorest of the poor. He pointed out ‘filthiness’ in the country as a big obstacle in promoting tourism and our national character.
He observed that even after so many years of independence, when we stand at the threshold of one and half decade of 21st century, we still live in filthiness. He held that “cleanliness is very big work”. He called upon the countrymen to make a resolve that they would never spread filthiness and keep their surroundings clean.
He decided to launch a ‘Clean India’ campaign from October 2, 2014 this year on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi marking the importance Mahatma gave to cleanliness. The campaign will be carried out for next 4 years and will conclude on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma in 2019.
Mr. Modi appealed to the Members of Parliaments to utilize MPLAD funds for constructing toilets in schools for a year. He called upon the corporate sector also to give priority to the provision of toilets in schools with their expenditure under Corporate Social Responsibility. He urged them to achieve this target within one year with the help of state governments and on the next August 15, we should be in a firm position to announce that there is no school in India without separate toilets for boys and girls.
PM Modi emphasizes on “Digital India”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his maiden Independence Day speech from the Red Fort shared his dream of a “Digital India”. He wondered what a qualityeducation the children in villages will get, if all the villages of India are connected with Broadband Connectivity and if we are able to give long distance education to the schools in every remote corner of the villages. If we establish a network of telemedicine in the places where there is a deficit of doctors, we can set a clear guideline of the way in which health facilities have to be provided to the poor people living in those areas.
He called upon the countrymen to move towards the direction of mobile governance. A direction where every poor person is able to operate his bank account from his mobile, is able to ask for various things from the government, can submit applications, can perform all his business, while on the move, through mobile governance. He said that all this can be done by moving towards creation a ‘Digital India’.
His idea of ‘Digital India’ is not limited to just connectivity but also includes domestically manufacturing electronic goods like televisions, mobile phones, i-pads etc. which we import in large amount. If we move ahead with the dream of ‘digital India’ to manufacture electronic goods and become self reliant at least there, it would be of great relief for the treasury. He said that the idea of ‘digital India’ should also be driven by e-governance which he called “easy governance, effective governance and also economic governance”. E-governance paves the way for good governance. He said that IT that has the potential to connect each and every citizen of the country and we can realize the motto of unity with the help of ‘Digital India’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his maiden Independence Day speech from the Red Fort shared his dream of a “Digital India”. He wondered what a qualityeducation the children in villages will get, if all the villages of India are connected with Broadband Connectivity and if we are able to give long distance education to the schools in every remote corner of the villages. If we establish a network of telemedicine in the places where there is a deficit of doctors, we can set a clear guideline of the way in which health facilities have to be provided to the poor people living in those areas.
He called upon the countrymen to move towards the direction of mobile governance. A direction where every poor person is able to operate his bank account from his mobile, is able to ask for various things from the government, can submit applications, can perform all his business, while on the move, through mobile governance. He said that all this can be done by moving towards creation a ‘Digital India’.
His idea of ‘Digital India’ is not limited to just connectivity but also includes domestically manufacturing electronic goods like televisions, mobile phones, i-pads etc. which we import in large amount. If we move ahead with the dream of ‘digital India’ to manufacture electronic goods and become self reliant at least there, it would be of great relief for the treasury. He said that the idea of ‘digital India’ should also be driven by e-governance which he called “easy governance, effective governance and also economic governance”. E-governance paves the way for good governance. He said that IT that has the potential to connect each and every citizen of the country and we can realize the motto of unity with the help of ‘Digital India’.
PM Modi announced “Sānsad Adarsh Grām Yojana”
While delivering his maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a scheme on behalf of the Member of Parliament- ‘Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana’.
He called upon the Members of Parliament (MPs) to select any one of the villages having population of 3 to 5 thousand in their constituency. They must fix parameters according to the time, space and situation of that locality. It will include the conditions of health, cleanliness, atmosphere, greenery, cordiality etc. On the basis of those parameters, each of the MPs should make one village of his or her constituency a Model Village by 2016. After 2016, select two more villages for this purpose, before the General Elections in 2019. And after 2019, each Member of Parliament, during his/her tenure of 5 years must establish at-least five model villages in his/her area.
He also urged the Members of Parliament from urban areas to adopt one village of their choice. He also called upon the MPs from Rajya Sabha to adopt one of the villages. He hopes that if one model village is established in each district of Indiathen the surrounding villages shall be automatically inspired to follow that model. He promised to present a complete blueprint of “Sānsad Adharsh Grām Yojana” (Members of Parliament Model Village Scheme) before all Members of Parliament and State Governments on the birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan Ji on coming October 11, 2014.
While delivering his maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a scheme on behalf of the Member of Parliament- ‘Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana’.
He called upon the Members of Parliament (MPs) to select any one of the villages having population of 3 to 5 thousand in their constituency. They must fix parameters according to the time, space and situation of that locality. It will include the conditions of health, cleanliness, atmosphere, greenery, cordiality etc. On the basis of those parameters, each of the MPs should make one village of his or her constituency a Model Village by 2016. After 2016, select two more villages for this purpose, before the General Elections in 2019. And after 2019, each Member of Parliament, during his/her tenure of 5 years must establish at-least five model villages in his/her area.
He also urged the Members of Parliament from urban areas to adopt one village of their choice. He also called upon the MPs from Rajya Sabha to adopt one of the villages. He hopes that if one model village is established in each district of Indiathen the surrounding villages shall be automatically inspired to follow that model. He promised to present a complete blueprint of “Sānsad Adharsh Grām Yojana” (Members of Parliament Model Village Scheme) before all Members of Parliament and State Governments on the birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan Ji on coming October 11, 2014.
India’s future lies in manufacturing with ‘Zero-Defect and Zero-Effect’: PM Narendra Modi
PM Narendra Modi, in his maiden speech from Red Fort, stressed on achieving economic self-reliance, saying the country should strive to become a manufacturing hub for global investors with ‘Zero-defect products and Zero-effect’ on environment.
He invited global investors to make India their manufacturing base and urged the young industrial workforce and entrepreneurs to strive to build the made-in-India brand. He appealed the people world over, “Come, make in India”, “Come, manufacture in India. Sell in any country of the world but manufacture here. We have got skill, talent, discipline, and determination to do something”. The PM called upon the Indian enterprise to think of ways by which the country does not have to import goods, but export to the world.
“Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing
PM Modi urged entrepreneurs that they would never compromise, at least on two fronts. First, Zero defect and, second, Zero effect. He suggested that Indian goods should be manufactured in such a way that they bear zero defects and that our exported goods are never returned to us. The goods should also have zero effect that they should not have a negative impact on the environment.
PM Narendra Modi, in his maiden speech from Red Fort, stressed on achieving economic self-reliance, saying the country should strive to become a manufacturing hub for global investors with ‘Zero-defect products and Zero-effect’ on environment.
He invited global investors to make India their manufacturing base and urged the young industrial workforce and entrepreneurs to strive to build the made-in-India brand. He appealed the people world over, “Come, make in India”, “Come, manufacture in India. Sell in any country of the world but manufacture here. We have got skill, talent, discipline, and determination to do something”. The PM called upon the Indian enterprise to think of ways by which the country does not have to import goods, but export to the world.
“Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing
PM Modi urged entrepreneurs that they would never compromise, at least on two fronts. First, Zero defect and, second, Zero effect. He suggested that Indian goods should be manufactured in such a way that they bear zero defects and that our exported goods are never returned to us. The goods should also have zero effect that they should not have a negative impact on the environment.
PM Modi indicates creation of a new body to replace Planning Commission
During his speech on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a radical measure to replace the Planning Commission with a new body in a short span of time. Mr. Modi said the new institution would foster cooperative federalism, facilitate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and help tackle the new economic challenges the faced by country in a much better way.
Mr. Modi said that the times have changed since the Planning Commission was established. He said that the new body will foster greater engagement of states in charting the country’s growth path through “cooperative federalism”.
The Planning Commission was set up in 1950 during the regime of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first chairman of the Planning Commission.
Indicating his plan to do away with the old institution and create a new one, Modi said, “Sometimes it costs more to repair the old house, but, it gives us no satisfaction. Thereafter, we have a feeling that it would be better to construct a new house altogether”.
During his speech on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a radical measure to replace the Planning Commission with a new body in a short span of time. Mr. Modi said the new institution would foster cooperative federalism, facilitate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and help tackle the new economic challenges the faced by country in a much better way.
Mr. Modi said that the times have changed since the Planning Commission was established. He said that the new body will foster greater engagement of states in charting the country’s growth path through “cooperative federalism”.
The Planning Commission was set up in 1950 during the regime of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first chairman of the Planning Commission.
Indicating his plan to do away with the old institution and create a new one, Modi said, “Sometimes it costs more to repair the old house, but, it gives us no satisfaction. Thereafter, we have a feeling that it would be better to construct a new house altogether”.
PM Modi’ announces “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana” on Independence Day
In his maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announced a new financial scheme named ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ to help the poor open bank accounts which will come bundled with a debit card and life insurance cover.
PM Modi observed that there are crores of families that have mobile phones, but no bank account. He stressed that access to banking services is crucial to protect the poor from falling prey to moneylenders and increasing cases of suicides by farmers who fall in this trap.
The new scheme has a very different approach from the financial inclusion approach so far. The scheme seeks to provide a bank account to every poor in the country, and the account holder will be provided a debit card and a life insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh.
The government has set a target of 7.5 crore new accounts by 2018 via regular brick-and-mortar branches, deviating from UPA’s initiative of banking services in cities with certain minimum population.
The Union Cabinet has already approved the two-phase financial inclusion scheme under which bank accounts will be opened for 15 crore poor persons with an overdraft facility of Rs.5,000 and accident insurance of Rs.1 lakh. The scheme seeks to provide two accounts to 7.5 crore identified households by August 2018.
Key features of ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’:
- Rs.5,000 overdraft facility for Aadhar-linked accounts
- Ru Pay Debit Card with inbuilt Rs.1 lakh accident insurance
- Minimum monthly remuneration of Rs.5,000 to business correspondents who will provide the last link between the account holders and the bank.
In his maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Narendra Modi announced a new financial scheme named ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ to help the poor open bank accounts which will come bundled with a debit card and life insurance cover.
PM Modi observed that there are crores of families that have mobile phones, but no bank account. He stressed that access to banking services is crucial to protect the poor from falling prey to moneylenders and increasing cases of suicides by farmers who fall in this trap.
The new scheme has a very different approach from the financial inclusion approach so far. The scheme seeks to provide a bank account to every poor in the country, and the account holder will be provided a debit card and a life insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh.
The government has set a target of 7.5 crore new accounts by 2018 via regular brick-and-mortar branches, deviating from UPA’s initiative of banking services in cities with certain minimum population.
The Union Cabinet has already approved the two-phase financial inclusion scheme under which bank accounts will be opened for 15 crore poor persons with an overdraft facility of Rs.5,000 and accident insurance of Rs.1 lakh. The scheme seeks to provide two accounts to 7.5 crore identified households by August 2018.
Key features of ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’:
- Rs.5,000 overdraft facility for Aadhar-linked accounts
- Ru Pay Debit Card with inbuilt Rs.1 lakh accident insurance
- Minimum monthly remuneration of Rs.5,000 to business correspondents who will provide the last link between the account holders and the bank.
Independence Day: Modi’s mantras for new India
Addressing India on the occasion of country’s 68th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi made a sensational and motivational speech using catchy slogans expressing his vision and mantras for building a new India.
Excerpts from his speech:
Pradhan Sevak: “Today Indians, both in India and all over the world, are celebrating Independence Day. I convey my greetings to them not as a Pradhan Mantri, but Pradhan Sevak (prime public servant).”
Make in India: “We need to build up the manufacturing sector. I want to tell the world: Come, make in India.” It is an invitation to investors with a view to make India a manufacturing hub.
Zero defect, zero effect: “Our manufacturing should have zero defect so that our products should not be rejected in the global market. Besides, we should also keep in mind that manufacturing should not have any negative impact on ourenvironment.” This underscores the importance of skilled workforce, while also keeping in mind the importance of protecting the environment.
Digital India: “India used to be called a land of snake charmers. Today, our youth has surprised the world with its IT skills. Our dream is to build a ‘Digital India’.” The digital focus was in consonance with Modi’s election promises of a new India and focus on IT.
He concluded his speech saluting the devotion, the sacrifices of the security forces of the country, para-military forces of the country, and all the security forces of the country to protect Mother India. He urged the countrymen with the quote “राष्ट्रयाम, जाग्रयाम्वयम्”, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. He exhorted the countrymen to be vigilant and take the country to new heights and move forward with this resolution.
Addressing India on the occasion of country’s 68th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi made a sensational and motivational speech using catchy slogans expressing his vision and mantras for building a new India.
Excerpts from his speech:
Pradhan Sevak: “Today Indians, both in India and all over the world, are celebrating Independence Day. I convey my greetings to them not as a Pradhan Mantri, but Pradhan Sevak (prime public servant).”
Make in India: “We need to build up the manufacturing sector. I want to tell the world: Come, make in India.” It is an invitation to investors with a view to make India a manufacturing hub.
Zero defect, zero effect: “Our manufacturing should have zero defect so that our products should not be rejected in the global market. Besides, we should also keep in mind that manufacturing should not have any negative impact on ourenvironment.” This underscores the importance of skilled workforce, while also keeping in mind the importance of protecting the environment.
Digital India: “India used to be called a land of snake charmers. Today, our youth has surprised the world with its IT skills. Our dream is to build a ‘Digital India’.” The digital focus was in consonance with Modi’s election promises of a new India and focus on IT.
He concluded his speech saluting the devotion, the sacrifices of the security forces of the country, para-military forces of the country, and all the security forces of the country to protect Mother India. He urged the countrymen with the quote “राष्ट्रयाम, जाग्रयाम्वयम्”, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. He exhorted the countrymen to be vigilant and take the country to new heights and move forward with this resolution.
PM Modi does away with bullet-proof shield at Red Fort
Breaking the three-decade old practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his Independence Day speech without the protection of any bullet-proof shieldfrom the parapets of Red Fort. The last time a PM did so was the late Indira Gandhi. Ever since her assassination in 1984, bullet-proof shields for PMs at Red Fort became a usual security practice.
After the assassination of India’s PM Indira Gandhi in 1984, a bullet-proof shield was set up in front of the dais from which Rajiv Gandhi spoke at Red Fort while he was PM. Later the shield was expanded to cover the sideview of the PM as well in the tenure of AB Vajpayee in 1999. After Manmohan Singh became the PM in 2004, the shield was converted into a full 360-degree bullet-proof enclosure for his speech on August 15.
Breaking the three-decade old practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his Independence Day speech without the protection of any bullet-proof shieldfrom the parapets of Red Fort. The last time a PM did so was the late Indira Gandhi. Ever since her assassination in 1984, bullet-proof shields for PMs at Red Fort became a usual security practice.
After the assassination of India’s PM Indira Gandhi in 1984, a bullet-proof shield was set up in front of the dais from which Rajiv Gandhi spoke at Red Fort while he was PM. Later the shield was expanded to cover the sideview of the PM as well in the tenure of AB Vajpayee in 1999. After Manmohan Singh became the PM in 2004, the shield was converted into a full 360-degree bullet-proof enclosure for his speech on August 15.
Now only 3 transactions per month from ATMs of other Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Banks to set a limit on free ATM transactions customers can do at ATMs of rival lenders. Now customers of a bank can make only three free transactions per month from the ATMs of rival banks. The banks are also allowed to set a limit on the number of free transactions at their own ATMs at five. The central bank has also permitted banks to charge up toRs 20 for every transaction beyond the limit.
New charges will apply for transactions at ATMs located in six metro centres —Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The move is aimed at rectifying the skewed development of ATMs in the country. Banks continued to set up ATMs in cities despite high level of concentration, as these could be used to cross-subsidize other products. However, there was a disinclination to expand the network in rural areas. The move by RBI would bring down the number of transactions in metros and could lead to some level of consolidation.
However, this reduction will not apply to customers having no-frills, small or Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) type of accounts as well as for transactions carried out by account holders at ATMs situated outside these six metros. Banks are also allowed to provide free transactions above the mandated limit.
The number of automated teller machines (ATMs), which stood at a little over 27,000 as at end-March 2007, has increased to over 1.6 lakh across the country by end-March 2014.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Banks to set a limit on free ATM transactions customers can do at ATMs of rival lenders. Now customers of a bank can make only three free transactions per month from the ATMs of rival banks. The banks are also allowed to set a limit on the number of free transactions at their own ATMs at five. The central bank has also permitted banks to charge up toRs 20 for every transaction beyond the limit.
New charges will apply for transactions at ATMs located in six metro centres —Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The move is aimed at rectifying the skewed development of ATMs in the country. Banks continued to set up ATMs in cities despite high level of concentration, as these could be used to cross-subsidize other products. However, there was a disinclination to expand the network in rural areas. The move by RBI would bring down the number of transactions in metros and could lead to some level of consolidation.
However, this reduction will not apply to customers having no-frills, small or Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) type of accounts as well as for transactions carried out by account holders at ATMs situated outside these six metros. Banks are also allowed to provide free transactions above the mandated limit.
The number of automated teller machines (ATMs), which stood at a little over 27,000 as at end-March 2007, has increased to over 1.6 lakh across the country by end-March 2014.
Study detects toxic pesticides major Tea brands in India
As per a study conducted by Greenpeace India, pesticides have been detected in leading brands of tea sold in India, both national and international. These include pesticides that the WHO has categorized as both highly and moderately hazardous.
The NGO examined a sample of 49 branded packages of tea from eight of the 11 major tea producing companies in India and which also export tea. The samples were taken from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, and sent to a certified laboratory in Europe for testing.
It was found that DDT (Di-chloro Di-phenyl Tri-chloro ethane) was present in almost 67% of the tea samples, even though it is no longer registered for use inagriculture.
The tests also detected in several samples the presence of Monocrotophos—a pesticide that took the lives of 23 students in a Bihar school; it was present in their meal. The Food and Agriculture Organization urged developing nations todiscontinue its use after the incident.
Hazards of Pesticides:
The pesticides can cause both acute and chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity occurs due to direct contact with the pesticides, and is seen in farmers and tea cultivators who experience body ache, respiratory and skin problems. Chronic toxicity occurs with exposure to low doses over a longperiod of time. Pesticides consumed in this manner can be potentially carcinogenic, affect hormones as well as the reproductive system.
As per a study conducted by Greenpeace India, pesticides have been detected in leading brands of tea sold in India, both national and international. These include pesticides that the WHO has categorized as both highly and moderately hazardous.
The NGO examined a sample of 49 branded packages of tea from eight of the 11 major tea producing companies in India and which also export tea. The samples were taken from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore, and sent to a certified laboratory in Europe for testing.
It was found that DDT (Di-chloro Di-phenyl Tri-chloro ethane) was present in almost 67% of the tea samples, even though it is no longer registered for use inagriculture.
The tests also detected in several samples the presence of Monocrotophos—a pesticide that took the lives of 23 students in a Bihar school; it was present in their meal. The Food and Agriculture Organization urged developing nations todiscontinue its use after the incident.
Hazards of Pesticides:
The pesticides can cause both acute and chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity occurs due to direct contact with the pesticides, and is seen in farmers and tea cultivators who experience body ache, respiratory and skin problems. Chronic toxicity occurs with exposure to low doses over a longperiod of time. Pesticides consumed in this manner can be potentially carcinogenic, affect hormones as well as the reproductive system.
Supreme Court sets two-week timeline for Ganga roadmap
The Supreme Court has set a two-week timeline for the government to submit an affidavit providing details about what it proposes to do for cleaning the river. This is despite NDA-led government giving top priority to the cleaning of river Ganga. The Union Budget 2014-15 also set aside over Rs 2,000 crores for cleaning the river.
The government had in June 2014 announced its intent to convert the cleaning of the holy river into a “mass movement”. Five ministers from water resources,environment, transport, power and tourism met to devise plans with regard to the redevelopment and cleaning of the Ganga, while the secretaries of these ministries are designing a roadmap.
The BJP had, in its election manifesto, emphasized on “purification” of Ganga for the “spiritual as well as physical wellbeing of India”.
For the BJP Ganga is “mukti dayini and jivan dayini”. PM Narendra Modi had made cleaning of the Ganga one of his major campaign subject in Varanasi.
The Supreme Court has set a two-week timeline for the government to submit an affidavit providing details about what it proposes to do for cleaning the river. This is despite NDA-led government giving top priority to the cleaning of river Ganga. The Union Budget 2014-15 also set aside over Rs 2,000 crores for cleaning the river.
The government had in June 2014 announced its intent to convert the cleaning of the holy river into a “mass movement”. Five ministers from water resources,environment, transport, power and tourism met to devise plans with regard to the redevelopment and cleaning of the Ganga, while the secretaries of these ministries are designing a roadmap.
The BJP had, in its election manifesto, emphasized on “purification” of Ganga for the “spiritual as well as physical wellbeing of India”.
For the BJP Ganga is “mukti dayini and jivan dayini”. PM Narendra Modi had made cleaning of the Ganga one of his major campaign subject in Varanasi.
Ministry of Railways Launches New Improved e-Ticketing System
Now booking rail tickets through the IRCTC website will be faster and smoother than before with the new e-ticketing system developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). IRCTC has developed and introduced following e-systems:-
1) New e-Ticketing system: This would enable booking of 7200 tickets per minute against 2000 tickets through the current system. Developed at a cost of Rs 180 crore, is capable of accommodating 1.2 lakh concurrent users with booking of e-tickets simultaneously against the earlier capacity of 40,000 concurrent users at a time. The next generation e-ticketing software will eliminate the problems of non-availability of website like user sessions getting terminated.
The new system will enable passengers to easily get information relating to arrivals and departure timings of trains and other information on their mobile phones as CRIS has launched mobile app and desktop app for Windows 8 platform. The app is available free of cost for window 8 phones and the railways is expected launch for android very soon.
2) Spot Your Train: The ‘spot your train’ which provides information such as current position, expected time of arrival and departure at a particular station is the most striking feature of this app. Other key features are ‘train schedule’, ‘train between stations’, ‘information on cancelled, rescheduled and diverted trains’ and ‘live station’.
3) ‘Live Station’ query: Passengers would get the list of trains expected to arrive at or depart from any station in next 2 or 4 hours through ‘Live Station’ query.
4) Go-India smart card: Railways also started an array of IT-enabled initiatives for rail users including Go-India smart card. The card would cut down the transaction time at booking counters as there will not be cash dealing during issuance of tickets.
5) Online Systems e-Demand and e-Diversion: The railways has also introduced online system like e-Demand and e-Diversion for freight service for online booking of wagons and making payment without going to counters.
Now booking rail tickets through the IRCTC website will be faster and smoother than before with the new e-ticketing system developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). IRCTC has developed and introduced following e-systems:-
1) New e-Ticketing system: This would enable booking of 7200 tickets per minute against 2000 tickets through the current system. Developed at a cost of Rs 180 crore, is capable of accommodating 1.2 lakh concurrent users with booking of e-tickets simultaneously against the earlier capacity of 40,000 concurrent users at a time. The next generation e-ticketing software will eliminate the problems of non-availability of website like user sessions getting terminated.
The new system will enable passengers to easily get information relating to arrivals and departure timings of trains and other information on their mobile phones as CRIS has launched mobile app and desktop app for Windows 8 platform. The app is available free of cost for window 8 phones and the railways is expected launch for android very soon.
2) Spot Your Train: The ‘spot your train’ which provides information such as current position, expected time of arrival and departure at a particular station is the most striking feature of this app. Other key features are ‘train schedule’, ‘train between stations’, ‘information on cancelled, rescheduled and diverted trains’ and ‘live station’.
3) ‘Live Station’ query: Passengers would get the list of trains expected to arrive at or depart from any station in next 2 or 4 hours through ‘Live Station’ query.
4) Go-India smart card: Railways also started an array of IT-enabled initiatives for rail users including Go-India smart card. The card would cut down the transaction time at booking counters as there will not be cash dealing during issuance of tickets.
5) Online Systems e-Demand and e-Diversion: The railways has also introduced online system like e-Demand and e-Diversion for freight service for online booking of wagons and making payment without going to counters.
Vijayawada: Ad hoc capital of Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to make Vijayawada an ad hoc capital of the state until the required infrastructure and other projects for the new capital are completed.
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu asked the advisorycommittee on Capital City to see that the ad hoc capital houses key administrative offices during the interregnum. Mr. Naidu advised them to visit and study other Indian cities like Chandigarh, New Raipur, Navi Mumbai and Gandhinagar. They have been asked to take cues from global cities like Brasilia,Singapore, Putrajaya (Malaysia) in building A.P.’s capital city.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to make Vijayawada an ad hoc capital of the state until the required infrastructure and other projects for the new capital are completed.
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu asked the advisorycommittee on Capital City to see that the ad hoc capital houses key administrative offices during the interregnum. Mr. Naidu advised them to visit and study other Indian cities like Chandigarh, New Raipur, Navi Mumbai and Gandhinagar. They have been asked to take cues from global cities like Brasilia,Singapore, Putrajaya (Malaysia) in building A.P.’s capital city.
Justice Banumathi: Frist woman to become Supreme Court judge from TN
Justice R Banumathi has become the first woman judge from Tamil Nadu to be elevated to the Supreme Court.
Justice Banumathi is only the 6th woman judge of the SC since India’s Independence. Now, the 30-judge SC will now have two woman judges. The other is Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The sanctioned strength of the apex court is 31. Justice Banumathi is the one who ordered ban on jallikkattu and bull taming game in rural Tamil Nadu. The judgment paved the way for formulating guidelines to regulate the traditional sport in the state.
The other women judges of the court were Justice M Fathima Beevi (Kerala) who was the first woman SC judge, Justice Sujata V Manohar (Maharashtra), Justice Ruma Pal (West Bengal) and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra (Bihar).
Justice R Banumathi has become the first woman judge from Tamil Nadu to be elevated to the Supreme Court.
Justice Banumathi is only the 6th woman judge of the SC since India’s Independence. Now, the 30-judge SC will now have two woman judges. The other is Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The sanctioned strength of the apex court is 31. Justice Banumathi is the one who ordered ban on jallikkattu and bull taming game in rural Tamil Nadu. The judgment paved the way for formulating guidelines to regulate the traditional sport in the state.
The other women judges of the court were Justice M Fathima Beevi (Kerala) who was the first woman SC judge, Justice Sujata V Manohar (Maharashtra), Justice Ruma Pal (West Bengal) and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra (Bihar).
TN Bill makes ban on entry of people wearing dhoti in public places a punishable offence
It will now be a punishable offence to ban entry of a person clad in Dhoti from entering public places in Tamil Nadu. The state Assembly unanimously passed a bill making enforcing dress code and banning entry of persons wearing ‘dhoti’ in public places a cognizable offence punishable with jail term.
The House passed the ‘Tamil Nadu Entry into Public Places (Removal of Restriction on Dress) Act 2014’ after CM Jayalalithaa moved it for consideration and passing. The Act empowers the state to quash the licences of such clubs, recreation associations, trusts and company or society prohibiting entry to any person wearing a ‘vesthi’ (dhoti), traditional attire of men in the state.
The legislation, which comes against the backdrop of denial of entry to a Madras High Court Judge and two advocates recently by a prominent cricket club in the state, also holds any regulation or by-law made by any organization imposing a dress code as null and void. Punitive action, including cancellation of licence, besides punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with a fine upto Rs.25,000, will be taken against the violators of the act.
The Act mentions that no dress code restrictions can be imposed for entry into public places– recreation clubs, hotels, theatres, malls, halls, auditoriums, stadiums and such other places as may be notified by the government, where people including members gather for any function, event, entertainment, sports or other activity.
The Act holds that the imposition of restriction on persons for entry into public places on the ground that their dress does not conform to Western culture would amount to continuation of the colonial imperialistic attitude.
It will now be a punishable offence to ban entry of a person clad in Dhoti from entering public places in Tamil Nadu. The state Assembly unanimously passed a bill making enforcing dress code and banning entry of persons wearing ‘dhoti’ in public places a cognizable offence punishable with jail term.
The House passed the ‘Tamil Nadu Entry into Public Places (Removal of Restriction on Dress) Act 2014’ after CM Jayalalithaa moved it for consideration and passing. The Act empowers the state to quash the licences of such clubs, recreation associations, trusts and company or society prohibiting entry to any person wearing a ‘vesthi’ (dhoti), traditional attire of men in the state.
The legislation, which comes against the backdrop of denial of entry to a Madras High Court Judge and two advocates recently by a prominent cricket club in the state, also holds any regulation or by-law made by any organization imposing a dress code as null and void. Punitive action, including cancellation of licence, besides punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with a fine upto Rs.25,000, will be taken against the violators of the act.
The Act mentions that no dress code restrictions can be imposed for entry into public places– recreation clubs, hotels, theatres, malls, halls, auditoriums, stadiums and such other places as may be notified by the government, where people including members gather for any function, event, entertainment, sports or other activity.
The Act holds that the imposition of restriction on persons for entry into public places on the ground that their dress does not conform to Western culture would amount to continuation of the colonial imperialistic attitude.
Bimal Jalan appointed as head of Expenditure Management Commission
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Bimal Jalan has been appointed as head of the Expenditure Management Commission, which will study various aspects of expenditure reforms to be undertaken by the government. The panel will submit its interim report before the 2015-16 Budget and its final report before the 2016-17 Budget.
The formation of EMC follows the announcement of the same made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Budget 2014-15. With the setting up of EMC, the government intends to review the allocative and operational efficiencies of the government expenditure to achieve maximum output.
Previous ERCs
Atal Bihari Vajpayee government initiated Expenditure Reforms Commission (ERC) headed by former finance secretary K P Geethakrishnan during the year 1999-2000. This commission suggested moderating the central government machinery and winding up of some government departments. A few recommendations of the panel were implemented during the term of then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha.
In 2002, UPA government appointed former finance secretary Vijay Kelkar as the head of the Committee for fiscal consolidation plan which included cutting down the subsidies. The Committee recommended increasing diesel and cooking gas prices gradually. The panel’s suggestions are being followed.
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Bimal Jalan has been appointed as head of the Expenditure Management Commission, which will study various aspects of expenditure reforms to be undertaken by the government. The panel will submit its interim report before the 2015-16 Budget and its final report before the 2016-17 Budget.
The formation of EMC follows the announcement of the same made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Budget 2014-15. With the setting up of EMC, the government intends to review the allocative and operational efficiencies of the government expenditure to achieve maximum output.
Previous ERCs
Atal Bihari Vajpayee government initiated Expenditure Reforms Commission (ERC) headed by former finance secretary K P Geethakrishnan during the year 1999-2000. This commission suggested moderating the central government machinery and winding up of some government departments. A few recommendations of the panel were implemented during the term of then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha.
In 2002, UPA government appointed former finance secretary Vijay Kelkar as the head of the Committee for fiscal consolidation plan which included cutting down the subsidies. The Committee recommended increasing diesel and cooking gas prices gradually. The panel’s suggestions are being followed.
WHO approves use of experimental drug ZMapp against Ebola Virus
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of drug ZMapp to combat Ebola spread as the death count surged.
The WHO decision comes after a US firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical supplied ZMapp to treat two US health workers who contracted the Ebola virus while treating Ebola affected patients in Liberia. The drug has shown some positive effects in saving the lives of Ebola-infected people.
The WHO has decided that the experimental drugs should be used with all transparency including aspects of care, freedom of choice, confidentiality, respect for the person and preservation of dignity. Doctors would not administer ZMapp without consent of the patients.
ZMapp
The current outbreak of Ebola is seen as the most terrible since the discovery of Ebola Virus. At present, there is no cure for Ebola. Recently, Mapp Biopharmaceutical offered the drug ZMapp to two US doctors who got affected with the Ebola disease.
The drug uses a novel method of passive immunization to treat Ebola disease by inserting genetically altered Ebola protein into tobacco leaves. However, it has been tested only on monkeys so far and it was to be tested on human volunteers in 2015. The abrupt outbreak of Ebola hastened the development.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of drug ZMapp to combat Ebola spread as the death count surged.
The WHO decision comes after a US firm Mapp Biopharmaceutical supplied ZMapp to treat two US health workers who contracted the Ebola virus while treating Ebola affected patients in Liberia. The drug has shown some positive effects in saving the lives of Ebola-infected people.
The WHO has decided that the experimental drugs should be used with all transparency including aspects of care, freedom of choice, confidentiality, respect for the person and preservation of dignity. Doctors would not administer ZMapp without consent of the patients.
ZMapp
The current outbreak of Ebola is seen as the most terrible since the discovery of Ebola Virus. At present, there is no cure for Ebola. Recently, Mapp Biopharmaceutical offered the drug ZMapp to two US doctors who got affected with the Ebola disease.
The drug uses a novel method of passive immunization to treat Ebola disease by inserting genetically altered Ebola protein into tobacco leaves. However, it has been tested only on monkeys so far and it was to be tested on human volunteers in 2015. The abrupt outbreak of Ebola hastened the development.
‘Burra katha’ exponent Daroji Eramma passed away
The renowned and one of the last exponents of ‘Burra Katha’ Daroji Eramma (84) passed away.
Ms. Eramma, belonged to the ‘Budaga Janagama’ community, a nomadic tribe (SC), had perfected the folk art form of storytelling based on mythological and social themes. She was a famous personality across the country. Ms. Eramma could render as many as 12 epics by-heart, as per the records of the Department of Tribal Studies, Kannada University in Hampi. In recognition to her contribution to this art, the Kannada University honored her with the Nadoja Award. She was also conferred the Rajyotsava and Janapada Shri awards.
What is ‘Burra katha’?
“Burra” means ‘tambura’, a musical string instrument with a hollow shell. “Katha” is Sanskrit equivalent of ‘story’. Burra means a skull in Telugu. The shell resembles a human skull. It is made of baked clay or dried pumpkin, or of brass and copper.
Burra katha, is a oral storytelling practice in the Katha tradition, performed in villages of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh andTelangana. Burrakatha tellers are called as “budagajangalu”. The ensemble consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrativeentertainment that consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The theme will be either a Hindu mythological story or a contemporary social issue.
The art is also known by other local names like Jangam Kataha in the coastal region of Andhra, in Rayalaseema is known as Tandana katha or suddulu and inTelangana it is Tamboora katha or sarada katha.
Popular performers of Burra Katha include Pendyala Venkateswarrao, Paruchuri Ramakotayya, Kosuri Punnayya, Kakumanu Subbarao, Mahankali Lakshmi and Moturi Udayam
The art is now on the verge of extinction with people turning to TV and internet for entertainment.
Significance
Burra katha a pastime event in villages can be seen even today especially during Dussehra or Sankranti festivals. It is used to narrate narrate events in epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat, etc. Burra Katha played an impressive role in delivering message to people and awakening people throughout the Indian Independence Movement.Since Burra Katha it was a medium to educate the people of the political situation, the British Government had banned Burra katha in Madras and the Nizam Government banned it inHyderabad kingdom.
The renowned and one of the last exponents of ‘Burra Katha’ Daroji Eramma (84) passed away.
Ms. Eramma, belonged to the ‘Budaga Janagama’ community, a nomadic tribe (SC), had perfected the folk art form of storytelling based on mythological and social themes. She was a famous personality across the country. Ms. Eramma could render as many as 12 epics by-heart, as per the records of the Department of Tribal Studies, Kannada University in Hampi. In recognition to her contribution to this art, the Kannada University honored her with the Nadoja Award. She was also conferred the Rajyotsava and Janapada Shri awards.
What is ‘Burra katha’?
“Burra” means ‘tambura’, a musical string instrument with a hollow shell. “Katha” is Sanskrit equivalent of ‘story’. Burra means a skull in Telugu. The shell resembles a human skull. It is made of baked clay or dried pumpkin, or of brass and copper.
Burra katha, is a oral storytelling practice in the Katha tradition, performed in villages of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh andTelangana. Burrakatha tellers are called as “budagajangalu”. The ensemble consists of one main performer and two co-performers. It is a narrativeentertainment that consists of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes. The theme will be either a Hindu mythological story or a contemporary social issue.
The art is also known by other local names like Jangam Kataha in the coastal region of Andhra, in Rayalaseema is known as Tandana katha or suddulu and inTelangana it is Tamboora katha or sarada katha.
Popular performers of Burra Katha include Pendyala Venkateswarrao, Paruchuri Ramakotayya, Kosuri Punnayya, Kakumanu Subbarao, Mahankali Lakshmi and Moturi Udayam
The art is now on the verge of extinction with people turning to TV and internet for entertainment.
Significance
Burra katha a pastime event in villages can be seen even today especially during Dussehra or Sankranti festivals. It is used to narrate narrate events in epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat, etc. Burra Katha played an impressive role in delivering message to people and awakening people throughout the Indian Independence Movement.Since Burra Katha it was a medium to educate the people of the political situation, the British Government had banned Burra katha in Madras and the Nizam Government banned it inHyderabad kingdom.
Outstanding Parliamentarian Award to Arun Jaitley, Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav
President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the Outstanding ParliamentarianAwards to Arun Jaitley, Dr Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav for the year 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. The awards were conferred upon them for their priceless contribution in discharge of their parliamentary duties.
President while presenting the awards urged all Parliamentarians to maintain the prestige and dignity of Parliament, as it’s a duty of every Parliamentarian.
Background of Outstanding Parliamentarian Award
The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was established in 1992 by Shivraj Patilwho was then the Speaker of Lok Sabha. The Indian Parliamentary Group selects an outstanding sitting Member of the Indian Parliament after considering his/her overall contribution in Parliament.
President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the Outstanding ParliamentarianAwards to Arun Jaitley, Dr Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav for the year 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. The awards were conferred upon them for their priceless contribution in discharge of their parliamentary duties.
President while presenting the awards urged all Parliamentarians to maintain the prestige and dignity of Parliament, as it’s a duty of every Parliamentarian.
Background of Outstanding Parliamentarian Award
Background of Outstanding Parliamentarian Award
The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was established in 1992 by Shivraj Patilwho was then the Speaker of Lok Sabha. The Indian Parliamentary Group selects an outstanding sitting Member of the Indian Parliament after considering his/her overall contribution in Parliament.
PIOs win top awards in the field of Mathematics
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) awarded mathematicians of Indian-and Iranian-origin with the 2014 Fields Medal, also considered as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics“.
Persons of India Origin (PIOs) Manjul Bhargava bagged the Fields Medal 2014while Subhash Khot won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize conferred by the IMU atInternational Congress of Mathematicians 2014 held in Seoul, South Korea.
Manjul Bhargava
He is an Indian Canadian-American mathematician. He is a Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University and is known primarily for his contributions to number theory.
Notable Contribution: He has been awarded the Fields Medal for “developing powerful new methods in the geometry of numbers, which he applied to count rings of small rank and to bound the average rank of elliptic curves.” His work is based both on a profound understanding of the representations of arithmetic groups and a unique mix of algebraic and analytic expertise.
Awards and Honors:
Bhargava was awarded with the Merten Hasse Prize of the Mathematical Association of America (2003), the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (2005), the Cole Prize in Number Theory of the American Mathematical Society (2008) and theInfosys Prize (2012). He was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2013.
The Rolf Nevanlinna Prize:
The prize is awarded once every 4 years at the International Congress of Mathematicians in recognition to the outstanding contributions in Mathematical Aspects of Information Sciences including all mathematical aspects of computerscience, including complexity theory, logic of programming languages, analysis of algorithms, cryptography, computer vision, pattern recognition, information processing and modelling of intelligence as well as scientific computing and numerical analysis.
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) awarded mathematicians of Indian-and Iranian-origin with the 2014 Fields Medal, also considered as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics“.
Persons of India Origin (PIOs) Manjul Bhargava bagged the Fields Medal 2014while Subhash Khot won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize conferred by the IMU atInternational Congress of Mathematicians 2014 held in Seoul, South Korea.
Manjul Bhargava
He is an Indian Canadian-American mathematician. He is a Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University and is known primarily for his contributions to number theory.
Notable Contribution: He has been awarded the Fields Medal for “developing powerful new methods in the geometry of numbers, which he applied to count rings of small rank and to bound the average rank of elliptic curves.” His work is based both on a profound understanding of the representations of arithmetic groups and a unique mix of algebraic and analytic expertise.
Awards and Honors:
Bhargava was awarded with the Merten Hasse Prize of the Mathematical Association of America (2003), the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (2005), the Cole Prize in Number Theory of the American Mathematical Society (2008) and theInfosys Prize (2012). He was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2013.
The Rolf Nevanlinna Prize:
The prize is awarded once every 4 years at the International Congress of Mathematicians in recognition to the outstanding contributions in Mathematical Aspects of Information Sciences including all mathematical aspects of computerscience, including complexity theory, logic of programming languages, analysis of algorithms, cryptography, computer vision, pattern recognition, information processing and modelling of intelligence as well as scientific computing and numerical analysis.
Names of Mathematicians for the Fields Medal 2014 announced
The names of four outstanding mathematicians for the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics, have been announced.
The Fields Medal is given by the International Mathematical Union to between two and four mathematicians under the age of 40 at the International Congress of Mathematicians, held once every four years. The award intends to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and for the promise of future achievement.
The four 2014 Fields Medalists:
- Artur Avila: For his most noteworthy research is in the study of chaos theory and dynamical systems.
- Manjul Bhargava: For his contribution to number theory and algebra.
- Martin Hairer: For his researches on stochastic partial differential equations.
- Maryam Mirzakhani: For her work on the geometry of Riemann surfaces.
The names of four outstanding mathematicians for the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics, have been announced.
The Fields Medal is given by the International Mathematical Union to between two and four mathematicians under the age of 40 at the International Congress of Mathematicians, held once every four years. The award intends to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and for the promise of future achievement.
The four 2014 Fields Medalists:
- Artur Avila: For his most noteworthy research is in the study of chaos theory and dynamical systems.
- Manjul Bhargava: For his contribution to number theory and algebra.
- Martin Hairer: For his researches on stochastic partial differential equations.
- Maryam Mirzakhani: For her work on the geometry of Riemann surfaces.
‘Vistara’ is the name of Tata-SIA airline, operations to begin from October 2014
‘Vistara’ has been announced as the brand name of the Tata-SIA joint venture Airlines. Vistara is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means ‘limitless expanse’.
The airline by the Tata Group and Singapore International Airlines is targeting to start its operations in October 2014. The launch of operations is subject to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) approval, which is examining the airline’s application for an air operator’s permit.
‘Vistara’ has been announced as the brand name of the Tata-SIA joint venture Airlines. Vistara is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means ‘limitless expanse’.
The airline by the Tata Group and Singapore International Airlines is targeting to start its operations in October 2014. The launch of operations is subject to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) approval, which is examining the airline’s application for an air operator’s permit.
Resham Lal Jangde: Member of India’s first Lok Sabha passed away
Member of India’s first Lok Sabha Reshamlal Jangde (90) passed away. A law graduate from Nagpur, he contested polls on a general seat despite being a Schedule Caste and made it to the first Lok Sabha in 1952 from Bilaspur as a Congress contestant. A close aid of Lal Bahadur Shastri, he was also a member of the Provisional Parliament that preceded the first Lok Sabha between 1950 and 1952.
The First Lok Sabha was constituted on April 15, 1952 after India’s first general election. The first Lok Sabha lasted its full tenure of five years and was dissolved on April 4, 1957.
Following were the First Lok Sabha officers and other important members:-
- Speaker: Ganesh Vasudev Mavlankar (May 8, 1952- Feb 27, 1956), M. A. Ayyangar (Mar 8, 1956-May 10, 1957)
- Deputy Speaker: M. A. Ayyangar (May 30, 1952-Mar 20, 1956), Sardar Hukam Singh (Mar 20, 1956-Apr 4, 1957)
- Secretary-General: M. N. Kaul (Apr 17, 1952-Apr 4, 1957)
- Leader of the House: Jawaharlal Nehru (Apr 17, 1952-Apr 4, 1957)
- Leader of the Opposition: A. K. Gopalan
Member of India’s first Lok Sabha Reshamlal Jangde (90) passed away. A law graduate from Nagpur, he contested polls on a general seat despite being a Schedule Caste and made it to the first Lok Sabha in 1952 from Bilaspur as a Congress contestant. A close aid of Lal Bahadur Shastri, he was also a member of the Provisional Parliament that preceded the first Lok Sabha between 1950 and 1952.
The First Lok Sabha was constituted on April 15, 1952 after India’s first general election. The first Lok Sabha lasted its full tenure of five years and was dissolved on April 4, 1957.
Following were the First Lok Sabha officers and other important members:-
- Speaker: Ganesh Vasudev Mavlankar (May 8, 1952- Feb 27, 1956), M. A. Ayyangar (Mar 8, 1956-May 10, 1957)
- Deputy Speaker: M. A. Ayyangar (May 30, 1952-Mar 20, 1956), Sardar Hukam Singh (Mar 20, 1956-Apr 4, 1957)
- Secretary-General: M. N. Kaul (Apr 17, 1952-Apr 4, 1957)
- Leader of the House: Jawaharlal Nehru (Apr 17, 1952-Apr 4, 1957)
- Leader of the Opposition: A. K. Gopalan
Himachal Pradesh to host Paragliding World Cup in India for the first time
India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh has been selected as venue to hostParagliding World Cup 2015. This will be the first para-gliding World Cup to be hosted in India. The tournament will be organized under the auspices of Para-gliding World Cup Association, France.
The tournament will be held in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh from October 25, 2015 and will witness participation of around 150 top ranked pilots of the world besides 500 free flying pilots.
Himachal bagged the opportunity to host the world cup event after successfully hosting the para-gliding pre-World Cup in 2013.
India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh has been selected as venue to hostParagliding World Cup 2015. This will be the first para-gliding World Cup to be hosted in India. The tournament will be organized under the auspices of Para-gliding World Cup Association, France.
The tournament will be held in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh from October 25, 2015 and will witness participation of around 150 top ranked pilots of the world besides 500 free flying pilots.
Himachal bagged the opportunity to host the world cup event after successfully hosting the para-gliding pre-World Cup in 2013.
Archery World Cup: Indian women archers bag gold, men silver
India’s women archers’ team led by Deepika Kumari won the recurve team gold after defeating Mexico 6-0 in the final as India returned with 5 medals in theArchery World Cup Stage IV in Wroclaw, Poland.
Deepika clinched3 medals and a bronze each in recurve women’s individual event and recurve mixed team pair event with her partner Jayanta Talukdar.
The men’s recurve team managed to clinch a silver after losing to Mexico 3-5 in the final.
India’s women archers’ team led by Deepika Kumari won the recurve team gold after defeating Mexico 6-0 in the final as India returned with 5 medals in theArchery World Cup Stage IV in Wroclaw, Poland.
Deepika clinched3 medals and a bronze each in recurve women’s individual event and recurve mixed team pair event with her partner Jayanta Talukdar.
The men’s recurve team managed to clinch a silver after losing to Mexico 3-5 in the final.
PM Modi inaugurate two hydel power projects in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two hydel power projects in Leh and Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir.
First he inaugurated the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo project in Leh district and then dedicated to the nation the 44 MW Chutak hydro-electric project in Kargildistrict. He also laid foundation stone for the first power transmission line from Leh to Kargil and Kargil to Srinagar.
The 45 MW Nimoo-Bazgo hydel project is a run-of- the-river hydroelectricity project to tap the potential of Indus River in the state. The project is expected to produce 239 million units of energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two hydel power projects in Leh and Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir.
First he inaugurated the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo project in Leh district and then dedicated to the nation the 44 MW Chutak hydro-electric project in Kargildistrict. He also laid foundation stone for the first power transmission line from Leh to Kargil and Kargil to Srinagar.
First he inaugurated the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo project in Leh district and then dedicated to the nation the 44 MW Chutak hydro-electric project in Kargildistrict. He also laid foundation stone for the first power transmission line from Leh to Kargil and Kargil to Srinagar.
The 45 MW Nimoo-Bazgo hydel project is a run-of- the-river hydroelectricity project to tap the potential of Indus River in the state. The project is expected to produce 239 million units of energy.
Sikkim becomes most favoured destination of foreign tourists in northeast India
Foreign tourists visiting the north-eastern (NE) states of India are choosing Sikkimas their most favored destination in NE region of the country.
As per figures released by the Tourism Ministry, while the state received 23,602 tourists in 2011, it was 26,489 in 2012 and 31,698 in 2013 respectively. Sikkim is followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagalandand Tripura respectively.
Foreign tourists visiting the north-eastern (NE) states of India are choosing Sikkimas their most favored destination in NE region of the country.
As per figures released by the Tourism Ministry, while the state received 23,602 tourists in 2011, it was 26,489 in 2012 and 31,698 in 2013 respectively. Sikkim is followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagalandand Tripura respectively.
Black money pursuit: Swiss amend key law on foreign requests
Responding to the pressure coming from India and other nations, Switzerland has introduced key changes in its local laws pertaining to assistance to foreign countries in their pursuit of black money allegedly amassed in Swiss banks.
These amendments would allow India and other nations to make ‘group requests’for information about suspected black money stashers, while Swiss authorities would not give prior intimation to suspected individuals or entities before exchanging their information. However, the burden would be on India (or any other country making request) to prove that any prior intimation to the account holders before information sharing would defeat the “purpose of the administrative assistance” and the success of investigation would be impacted.
In one of the main bottlenecks to effective and timely sharing of information with foreign authorities about suspected illegal account holders, the Swiss laws provide that the person concerned would be prior intimated of any suchinternational assistance and he or she is also given an opportunity to appeal against this move and examine the files before being shared to the requesting country.
Although Switzerland has decided to hang on to these clauses in its amended Federal Act on International Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, it has now introduced at least 10 amendments in this Act to moderate its famed bankingsecrecy policies to improve its information-sharing framework. However, the new Act clearly stipulates that the Swiss authorities would not consider a request if “it constitutes a fishing expedition” or “if it violates the principle of good faith, particularly if it is based on information obtained through a criminal offence under Swiss law.”
][This would impede India’s endeavors to seek information on the so-called HSBC list, which Switzerland alleges that Indian and other foreign authorities got into their hands after a former bank employee stole data about customers.
Uttarakhand Govt sets up Committee to survey industries using silica dust
A high level committee has been constituted by the Uttarakhand government with a view to conduct a detailed survey of the industries using silica dust in the state.The panel would conduct its study and submit its report within 2 months.
The health examination of those working in industries using silica dust would be carried out to find out if they are suffering from silicosis or other respiratorydiseases caused due to coming in contact of silicia dust. If a worker is found suffering from any respiratory disease or silicosis then he would be provided treatment and, rehabilitation facilities, for which Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the districts have been appointed as the nodal officer.
State’s pollution control board would keep an eye on the industries using silica dust.
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