Life and Social Security Insurance Schemes Available in Rural Areas

The Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) has informed that out of the total 4,41,91,864 Life Insurance policies issued in the year 2011-12, 1,39,83,265 constituting 31.64% of the total number of policies, were issued in the rural areas. In addition to this,1,45,31,183 lives were covered by all Life Insurance Companies from social sector groups including unorganised sector, economically vulnerable or backward classes and informal sector groups during the year 2011-12.

Further Government of India has launched following social security insurance schemes especially for rural and urban economically backward people:

i. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY)
II. Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY)
iii. Rashtrya Swastha Bima Yojana (RSBY)
iv. Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Yojana (MGBY)

IRDA has issued IRDA (Obligations of Insurers to Rural and Social Sectors) Regulations 2002 wherein every life insurance company shall fulfill the norms towards its obligations (Percentage of Policies on the total number of policies written direct in that year) in the rural and social sector.

As per IRDA, 26.84% of the total policies issued by private insurance companies during the year 2011-12 were issued in rural areas.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha

MGNREGA job demand declines this year

MGNREGA job demand declines this year

The Government today informed that there has been a decline in total number of households which demanded employment under MGNREGA in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11. Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today, the Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Pradeep Jain said that the data reported for States for 2011-12 is till 27.04.2012 and the data from the States of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are yet to be fully updated and uploaded. He said, the demand for employment also varies from State to State and has shown increase in several States like Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal in 2011-12. Number of Households which demanded employment under MGNREGA in 2010-11 was 5,57,56,087, while in 2011-12 it was 5,00,85,526.

MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee for up to 100 days of wage employment to every household in a financial year for doing unskilled manual work, on demand to be made following a prescribed process. Shri Jain informed that demand for employment under MGNREGA is dependent upon several external factors including availability of alternate employment opportunities.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, has been passed by the Lok Sabha , 22^nd May, 2012. The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha on 10^th May, 2012.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For the first time, a special law has been passed to address the issue of sexual offences against children.

Sexual offences are currently covered under different sections of IPC. The IPC does not provide for all types of sexual offences against children and, more importantly, does not distinguish between adult and child victims.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. These offences have been clearly defined for the first time in law. The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. There is also provision for fine, which is to be decided by the Court.

An offence is treated as “aggravated” when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer, public servant, etc.

Punishments for Offences covered in the Act are:

·   Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3) –  Not less than seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 4)

·   Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5) –­ Not less than ten years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 6)

·   Sexual Assault (Section 7) – Not less than three years which may extend to five years, and fine (Section 

·   Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 9) – Not less than five years which may extend to seven years, and fine(Section 10)

·   Sexual Harassment of the Child (Section 11) – Three years and fine (Section 12)

·   Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13) –  Five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine (Section 14 (1))

                           The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts for trial of offences under the Act, keeping the best interest of the child as of paramount importance at every stage of the judicial process. The Act incorporates child friendly procedures for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences. These include:

• Recording the statement of the child at the residence of the child or at the place of his choice, preferably by a woman police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector
• No child to be detained in the police station in the night for any reason.
• Police officer to not be in uniform while recording the statement of the child
• The statement of the child to be recorded as spoken by the child
• Assistance of an interpreter or translator or an expert as per the need of the child
• Assistance of special educator or any person familiar with the manner of communication of the child in case child is disabled
• Medical examination of the child to be conducted in the presence of the parent of the child or any other person in whom the child has trust or confidence.
• In case the victim is a girl child, the medical examination shall be conducted by a woman doctor.
• Frequent breaks for the child during trial
• Child not to be called repeatedly to testify
• No aggressive questioning or character assassination of the child
• In-camera trial of cases

The Act recognizes that the intent to commit an offence, even when unsuccessful for whatever reason, needs to be penalized. The attempt to commit an offence under the Act has been made liable for punishment for upto half the punishment prescribed for the commission of the offence.

The Act also provides for punishment for abetment of the offence, which is the same as for the commission of the offence. This would cover trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

For the more heinous offences of Penetrative Sexual Assault, Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault, the burden of proof is shifted on the accused. This provision has been made keeping in view the greater vulnerability and innocence of children. At the same time, to prevent misuse of the law, punishment has been provided for making false complaint or proving false information with malicious intent. Such punishment has been kept relatively light (six months) to encourage reporting. If false complaint is made against a child, punishment is higher (one year).

The media has been barred from disclosing the identity of the child without the permission of the Special Court. The punishment for breaching this provision by media may be from six months to one year.

For speedy trial, the Act provides for the evidence of the child to be recorded within a period of 30 days. Also, the Special Court is to complete the trial within a period of one year, as far as possible.

To provide for relief and rehabilitation of the child, as soon as the complaint is made to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or local police, these will make immediate arrangements to give the child, care and protection such as admitting the child into shelter home or to the nearest hospital within twenty-four hours of the report. The SJPU or the local police are also required to report the matter to the Child Welfare Committee within 24 hours of recording the complaint, for long term rehabilitation of the child.

The Act casts a duty on the Central and State Governments to spread awareness through media including the television, radio and the print media at regular intervals to make the general public, children as well as their parents and guardians aware of the provisions of this Act.

The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have been made the designated authority to monitor the implementation of the Act.

New Pension Schemes

The Government has implemented the New Pension System (NPS) for Government employees who join Central Government (except armed forces) on or after 1st January, 2004.

The NPS and the old defined benefit (DB) pension system are two different pension systems. Therefore, there can not be any comparison between the two in so far as the benefits to employees are concerned. The Pension benefits under the DB system are defined, however, under NPS the amount of pension would depend on the investment returns, the accumulation upto the age of retirement and level of annuitisation and type of annuity chosen.

Some representations of Employees’ Associations have been received by the Government. The major reasons for its opposition by the Employees’ Associations are minimum pension, safety and returns on investment. Many measures have been taken to protect the interests of the NPS subscribers, like prescribing a flexible investment pattern, establishing a regulator in the form of the Interim Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and creating the modern institutional architecture of NPS, which is low cost.

There is no proposal from the Government to reconsider the NPS.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha

Making laws work for rape victims- JONATHAN DERBY

In fact, statutory law and Supreme Court and High Court judgments have established a solid legal framework that protects rape victims and requires government authorities to follow victim-friendly procedures. Protections under this legal framework include requiring lawyers and social workers for victims at the police station and for police to take statements in a setting that makes the victim comfortable. At government hospitals, there should be special rooms to examine rape victims, equipped with medical kits that doctors should use to examine the victim and collect crucial evidence. When the victim testifies at trial — vital evidence needed for getting a conviction — it should take place in the judge’s chambers rather than in open court, and whenever possible, before a woman judge. For children, there are even greater protections and accommodations, many of which have been codified in the recently enacted Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Unfortunately, there is a gap between this legal framework and practice on the ground.

Current Affairs 2013 contd..... ( from January 23 to January 24)

Reliance terminates lobbying activities in US

January 24th, 2013

Mukesh Ambani- led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has terminated all its lobbying activities among US lawmakers after having spent nearly 2 million dollars (over Rs 10 crore) to its lobbyist firm,Barbour Griffith & Rogers LLC (BGR), in the past 4 years. BGR has lobbied for RIL in the areas of ‘domestic and foreign trade’ and has provided "strategic counsel on issues related to trade”.

Rajnath Singh takes charge as new BJP president

January 24th, 2013

The BJP unanimously elected Rajnath Singh as its president. Singh replaced Nitin Gadkari who had been on the post since 2009.

Winners of 58th Idea Filmfare Awards

January 24th, 2013

The grand Annual 58th Idea Filmfare Awards event was organized in Mumbai. The following are the winners under various categories:

POPULAR AWARDS:

• Best Actor (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!)
• Best Actor (Female): Vidya Balan (Kahaani)
• Best Film: Barfi!
• Best Director: Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani)
• Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor)
• Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

French, Malian troops retake main towns

January 24th, 2013

The combined efforts of French and Malian troops has led to recapture of two key towns from al-Qaeda-linked Islamists holding Mali’s north.The towns of Diabaly and Douentza were retaken in the 11-day offensive led by former colonial power France, whose aim is the "total reconquest" of Mali’s vast semi-arid north.

However, the reaction of Egypt on this move of France was sharply critical which is not in support of military intervention in Mali saying the move will fuel conflict in the region. 

Diabaly, which lies 400 kilometres north of the capital Bamako.

Douentza is a strategic crossroads town some 100km east of Konna.

The planned deployment of around 6000 African soldiers is slowly taking place into Bamako. The UN-approved African-led force is hindered by cash and logistical constraints, requiring up to 200 million euros.

25 RRBs merged into 10

January 24th, 2013

Restructuring of RRBs by merging geographically contiguous RRBs sponsored by different banks within a state is in progress in order to consolidate RRBs segment. During the first 9 months of the current fiscal 25 such banks have been merged into 10. Now the number of RRBs stands at 67 till the first week of Jan 2013. RRBs have a network of about 16,000 branches spread across the rural and semi-urban centres of the country.

What is the aim of consolidation?

• The consolidation of RRBs has been progressing since 2005 following the recommendation of a committee chaired by RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty which decided to recapitalize 40 selected RRBs in 21 states.
• These mergers will boost the capital base of RRBs and improving efficiencies as well as optimizing the use of modern technology.

Where did these mergers take place?

• States where the mergers took place are Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Centre’s shareholding in RRBs is 50%, while 35% and 15% are with the sponsor banks and state governments, respectively.

MGNREGA post office accounts ready for cash transfers scheme

January 24th, 2013

Now the 3.5 crore post office accounts of the workers under MGNREGA will be used to make Aadhar-linked direct transfer of benefits such as pensions, scholarships and social welfare payments. Earlier, the post office accounts could not be used to make any deposit other than NREGA wage.

Under the new cash or direct benefit transfer initiative, the Aadhaar number will be used to authenticate the identities of beneficiaries, who will then receive their government benefits directly into their accounts. This requires all beneficiaries to open bank or post office accounts, which will then have to be seeded with their Aadhaar numbers.

Apex Court prohibits fresh shrines, statues on public roads

January 24th, 2013

In order to curb the menace of encroachment and strengthen the hands of civic bodies the Supreme Court has ordered ban on fresh encroachment of roads, pavements and sideways by construction of religious structures or installation of statues of public figures. The court took seriously the common hazard in all Indian cities and towns where illegal religious structures – often thinly disguised cases of land grab – have burgeoned on public and private land and are hindering roads and inconveniencing residents.

Why this order?

• The court responded to the application by K R Pradeep Kumar of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala challenging government’s permission to a private society to install the statue of public figure on a traffic island on a national highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari at Neyyatinkara. The applicant said that such installations were obstructing the movement of traffic and were causing public inconvenience.

How would it help?

• With this ruling, municipal and government bodies will be empowered to prohibit unauthorized constructions being carried out under the garb of religious structures as often local political interests and religious sentiments make authorities helpless.

TRAI plans common emergency response number for India

January 24th, 2013

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is planning to bring a consultation paper regarding setting up of a single emergency helpline where a call centre will receive all distress calls and then accordingly alert departments or agencies concerned depending upon the type of emergency.

Currently India has separate emergency numbers for handling different emergencies, unlike in the US where there is only one number 911 to tackle any emergency.

PM inaugurates Ghat Ki Guni tunnel

January 24th, 2013

PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Ghat Ki Guni tunnel project.

About Ghat Ki Guni:

Ghat Ki Guni is a 2.8km long tunnel located at east Jaipur and connectsMI Road and NH-11 passing through Jhalana Hills. The passage, built at the cost of Rs 150 crore, will alleviate the congestion due to traffic by providing alternative route to Jaipur-Agra Road.

Russia starts its largest naval exercise in post-Soviet era

January 24th, 2013

The Russian Navy has kicked off a 9-day exercise in the high Mediterranean and Black seas off the shores of Syria. It is the largest naval maneuvers since the collapse of the Soviet Union.  The objective behind the war games is to improve coordination b/w different naval groups during missions in far-away sea zones.

As per experts, the exercises will serve to demonstrate Russia’s naval power to a highly explosive region and render moral support for the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia leases a naval base at the Syrian port of Tartous.

GDP of China plunges to 3-year low of 7.6%

January 24th, 2013

GDP of China plummeted to a new low of 7.6% in last quarter, which is the lowest in last three years.

China’s slowdown undermines a global recovery already threatened by Europe’s debt crisis and limited U.S. job growth.

As per the latest ruling of the apex court, not only an MLA but any interested person has the right to inform the Speaker of the fact that a member has incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the presiding officer is bound to take action on the complaint.

What is the issue?

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Utkar Keshari Parida, who is not an MLA, had filed an application to the Speaker seeking disqualification of all 4 MLAs who defected the party and joined Biju Janata Dal (BJD). However. The Speaker took no action. Parida moved the Orissa High Court which held that the writ petition was maintainable. The Supreme Court dismissed the Speaker’s appeal against the ruling which said “Although disqualified under paragraph 2(1) (a) of the Tenth Schedule, in the absence of any application for disqualification to the Speaker, they [the four MLAs] would continue to function as members of the Assembly, which was not the object sought to be achieved by the 52nd Amendment, by which the Tenth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution.” It held that the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill, which finally became the Constitution 52^nd Amendment Act, 1985, indicated that the evil of political defection had become a serious problem and if it was not curbed, it could very well undermine the very foundation of our democracy and the principles which sustain the same. In such an event, if the provisions of the Tenth Schedule are interpreted to exclude the right of any person interested to bring to the notice of the Speaker of the House the fact that any or some of its members had incurred disqualification on any of the eventualities indicated in paragraphs 2 and 4 therein, it would render the inclusion of the Tenth Schedule in the Constitution otiose and defeat the objects and intent of the 52nd Amendment.

IOC asks Lance Armstrong to return bronze medal won at 2000 Sydney Olympics

January 24th, 2013

The International Olympics association has requested the discredited cyclist Lance Armstrong to return the Olympic bronze medal he won at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Games. The cyclist was stripped off all the seven Tour de France medals he had won after a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accused him of leading a massive doping programme on his teams.

Central Government to infuse Rs 3,004 crore in SBI

January 24th, 2013

The Central Govt will infuse a capital of Rs. Rs 3,004 crore in State Bank of India (SBI) as a part of capital infusion plan for the current fiscal.

The liquidity infusion will enable the bank to support national and international banking operations undertaken through its subsidiaries and associates.

The capital will be infused by way of preferential allotment of equity shares to the government.

In the last fiscal, SBI was infused with Rs 7,900 crore to increase its Tier-I capital.

After the capital infusion in March 2012, the government stake in SBI increased to 61.58 % from 59.4%.

The government had recently given nod to capital infusion of Rs 12,517 crore in around 10 state-owned banks by March, 2013.

PNB to get Rs 1,248 cr from Central Govt

January 24th, 2013

The Central Government will to infuse Rs 1,248 crore in Punjab National Bank (PNB) through preferential allotment of shares. The decision is part of recently approved capital infusion plan of Rs 12,517 crore in around 10 state-owned banks by March, 2013.

S S Mundra appointed as the new CMD of BoB

January 24th, 2013

S S Mundra has been appointed by the Government of India as theChairman and Managing Director  (CMD) of India’s second largest lender- Bank of Baroda. He is the former Executive Director of Union bank of India.

U.R. Rao to be inducted in Satellite Hall of Fame

January 24th, 2013

The former ISRO chairman, Prof. U.R. Rao, will be inducted the prestigious international Satellite Hall of Fame. The US based Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) is honoring him for his contribution to the field of satellite-related aerospace scientific research.

Prof. Rao, who served as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of the Space Commission for 10 years from 1984, will join the club of some 40 space personalities who include Arthur Clarke. Currently, Rao is the chairman of the governing council of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.

Rahul Gandhi – Vice President of Congress

January 23rd, 2013

Congress has selected Rahul Gandhi as its Vice-President. The decision was finalized in the Congress Chintan Shivir held at Jaipur. It was organized to discuss Congress’ strategy for elections in 2014.
Rahul is only the third vice-president in Congress history after Arjun Singh who held the post under Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, and Jitendra Prasada under Sitaram Kesari in 1997.

Mahakumbh captivates academics from Harvard

January 23rd, 2013

The Mahakumbh Mela in Allahabad has not only attracted pilgrims from all over the country but also pulled in scholars and academics from Harvard University.  These scholars are closely observing the mega event to study the complex dynamics of the mela. The study dubbed ‘Mapping India’s Kumbh Mela’, is underpinned by the desire to figure out just how tens of millions of Indians gather peacefully in one spot to celebrate this ancient rite of religious passage. The scholars are also studying the logistics involved in the creation of massive Temporary Township which is spanned over 1,940 hectares along the sandy banks of the converging rivers. This study is also expected to generate some very useful data related to public health, use of cellphone network at the mela etc.

Obama takes oath for another term as US president

January 23rd, 2013

Barack Obama has been officially sworn in for a second consecutive term as US President. Obama delivered the oath in the Blue Room of the White House with First Lady Michelle.

Current Affairs 2013 ( from Januay 24 to January 28)

World’s first cloned buffalo delivers a calf

January 28th, 2013

Garima II which is world’s first cloned buffalo has delivered a healthy and normal calf at the Karnal-based National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI).

The calf, named Mahima, was born through ‘hand-guided cloning technique’. It is the first calf born from a cloned buffalo in the world. Garima II was inseminated with frozen-thawed semen of a progeny tested bull of NDRI.

Canara Bank to launch e-Lounge services

January 28th, 2013

Canara Bank is about to unveil its e-Lounge services in Bangalore and Delhi.

What this service would offer?

e-Lounge will cater to the needs of corporate, IT and business professionals. It would offer Services of ATM, cash deposit kiosk, check deposit kiosk, pass book update, internet banking terminal, online trading terminal, corporate web site terminal to offer latest information of bank’s services all under one roof.

The bank would launch first e-Lounge at Koramangala Branch, Bangalore.

‘SKEWPY’ can address unemployment problem in J&K

January 28th, 2013

Minister for Labour and Employment, Planning and Development, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has said that Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY) is a right initiative to address the unemployment problem in Jammu and Kashmir.

What is SKEWPY?

In J&K the problem of unemployment is at alarming levels and is a matter of serious concern for the Central as well as State govt. To tackle this problem the state announced policy on Employment to simultaneously and comprehensively address all issues relating to the problem of unemployment in the state. The policy was launched on the 5th December, 2009, the 105th birthday of the great visionary of the state,the Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Sahib and hence named as ," The Sher-E-Kashmir Employment & Welfare Programme for the Youth" (SKEWPY).

SRK tops Forbes India Celebrity 100 chart

January 28th, 2013

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan stood at the pinnacle of inaugural Forbes India Celebrity 100 list.

The 2^nd spot was held by Salman Khan, while Indian cricket skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stood at the 3^rd place in the list.

Top 3 earners during October 2011 to September 2012:

• Shah Rukh Khan- Rs 202.8 crore.
• Salman Khan – Rs 144.2 crore
• Dhoni – Rs 135.16 crore

The list considered factors such as celebrities’ income (from the business of entertainment) and fame (as measured by media mentions, online presence and social media followers) in the duration b/w October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012. The celebrities were positioned across 8 categories — film actors, directors, sport stars, TV personalities, singers/musicians, authors, models and comedians.

India to test fire sub-sonic missile Nirbhay

January 28th, 2013

As per Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India would test fire sub-sonic, medium range cruise missile Nirbhay in Feb 2013. The missile is being developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab.

Nirbhay:

• All-weather low-cost medium-range cruise missile with stealth and high accuracy.
• Range of 1,000 km.
• It will carry a ring laser gyroscope for high-accuracy navigation and a radio altimeter for the height determination.
• Capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air and shall be inducted into Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force.
• Capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
• Capable of flying at different altitudes ranging from 500 m to 4 km above the ground.
• Good loitering capability, control and guidance with high degree of accuracy for maximum impact.
• Nirbhay will supplement the Brahmos cruise missile by carrying warheads beyond the 300-km range.

Ameet Shah appointed to US Dept committee on renewable energy

January 28th, 2013

The Co-Chairman of Astonfield Renewable Resources Ltd, Ameet Shah, has been appointed to the US Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC).

Shah will represent project developers in the renewable energy sector. He will advice the Department’s top official on competitiveness issues facing the US renewable energy and energy efficiency exports, and help provide consensus advice on the development and administration of programmes and policies.

Astonfield’s 12.3 MW solar photovoltaic plant in Nayaka of Patan district of Gujarat, was sanctioned under the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA).

DRDO begins AWACS programme

January 28th, 2013

India’s  Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has just taken up development of the Rs 6,000 crore Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).

What is AWACS?

AWACS is acronym of Airborne Warning and Control System.

How is it different from indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)?

AWACS is a heavier and high endurance system, which can give you in terms of coverage about 360 degrees as against AEW&C which is about270 degree coverage.

Besides this, (compared to AEW&C) AWACS flies at a higher altitude and it can penetrate into the enemy territory – not physically – (but) by way of radars and EW (electronic warfare) systems to longer distances and it can be in sky for larger durations, besides giving better visibility.

US Senators introduce Malala Yousufzai Scholarship Act

January 28th, 2013

A bill in the name of Pakistani peace activist MalalaYousafzai has been introduced by two top American Senators.

• The legislation named ‘Malala Yousufzai Scholarship Act’ is aimed at expanding scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged young women in Pakistan.

The bill would require a 30 % increase in the number of scholarships awarded under the program for the next four years, and that these additional scholarships be awarded solely to women.

The Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act would expand and enhance an existing United States Agency for International Development (USAID)scholarship program called the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program.

The USAID program provides scholarships for university studies in agriculture or business administration to economically disadvantaged young men and women from rural areas of Pakistan.

Tata Starbucks launch two outlets in Delhi

January 27th, 2013

The joint venture of Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages, Tata Starbucks, expanded further by opening two outlets at Terminal III of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) domestic and international terminals in Delhi.

• Starbucks Corporation is an American global coffee company and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.

‘Vision Life Income’ launched by Birla Sun Life Insurance

January 26th, 2013

Birla Sun Life Insurance has launched its first participating plan ‘Vision Life Income’. It offers a perfect blend of income and financial protection for the customer’s family as it pays survival benefits every year from the end of the premium paying term till maturity and life insurance benefit. The plan offers guaranteed regular income for life post-premium paying term, a discount in premium on high sum assured and income-tax benefits.

Govt to infuse Rs 681 crore in UCO Bank

January 26th, 2013

As part of government’s plan to infuse Rs 12,517 crore in around 10 state-owned banks by March, 2013, UCO Bank will be infused with Rs 681 crore.

The bank will issue equity shares on preferential basis in favour of Government of India for an amount aggregating to the tune of Rs 681 crore.

India committed to implementing TAPI Project by 2017

January 26th, 2013

India has said that it is fully committed to implementing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Project by August 2017. It was reiterated by President Pranab Mukherjee when he was interacting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

US military to remove ban on women serving in combat

January 26th, 2013

The US Defence department is expected to lift a ban on women serving in combat after a decade of war that saw female troops thrust onto the battlefield.

In Feb 2012, US lifted a ban on women for about 14,000 combat-related jobs in an incremental move that was criticized as timid by some activists.

SC prohibits tourists from entering Jarawa tribe habitat

January 26th, 2013

The apex court banned all tourist movements in the habitat of extremely endangered Jarawa tribe in Andaman and Nicobar and also sought to know from Andaman & Nicobar Island administration whether it intended to keep the tribe, which has a thin population of just over 300, in isolation or to be assimilated in the mainstream.

The court banned the movement of all tourist vehicles through the 46-kmAndaman Trunk Road that links North Andaman to its southern part passing through the tribe’s habitat till February 26, 2013.

What is the issue?

The matter dates back to January, 2012, when two British dailies had released outraging videos showing semi-naked Jarawa men and women dancing before tourists as part of alleged ‘human safari’. In the video, the tourists were seen throwing money, food and bananas at the tribal people. After this incidence, the government ordered inquiry.

In May 2012, the court had upheld the island administration’s decision to ban private tour operators from the 5-km buffer zone but sternly warned that no government operated tours would be permitted in the area either.

The notification had declared an area up to 5 km radius of Jarawa Tribal Reserve, from boundary line starting from Constance Bay in South Andaman to Lewis Inlet Bay in Middle Andaman, as buffer zone.

Where do Jarawas live and why they are being protected?

Jarawas are highly vulnerable to diseases and viruses carried by the urban population and they live in forests in the western coasts of South and Middle Andaman Islands.

RBI panel suggests banks to encourage long-tenor FD schemes

January 26th, 2013

A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee which studied the feasibility of introducing more long-term fixed rate loan products by banks, made following suggestions:

• Banks should popularize Fixed Deposit (FD) schemes with tenors of above 5 years as they are eligible for tax exemption. It would help banks in meeting their long-term funding requirements.
• Besides plain vanilla fixed rate loan products, banks can offer fixed rate long-term loan products with periodic interest reset provision (say every 7-10 years). However, the resetting of interest rate should be in line with the regulatory guidelines on base rate.
• Banks which have not fully exploited the sector of long-term bonds (minimum maturity of five years) to the infrastructure sector (minimum residual maturity of five years) could make use of the room available to issue more long-term bonds which would aid release resources for extending long-term fixed rate loan products.
• Banks can consider offering longer-tenor fixed rate loans, say up to 30 years, which would help reduce the EMIs of borrowers.
• Banks can also workout the option of take-out financing and can also explore promoting securitization market for better asset liability management.
• Banks should charge pre-payment penalty on fixed rate loan products on the outstanding amount only.

Cleaning drive of Railways target 100 main stations

January 26th, 2013

Railways has undertaken a cleanliness drive at about 100 important stations across the country and equip maximum number of coaches with bio-toilets. Aiming at providing hygienic condition at rail premises, the Railways has decided to undertake cleanliness drive at about

Railway has asked all zonal railways to ensure cleanliness at 100 stations with more than 10 lakh population and with religious and tourists significance.

British PM pledges referendum on EU membership if re-elected

January 26th, 2013

British people may have a choice of opting out of European Union or staying with it, as promised by British Prime Minister David Cameron. He has pledged to hold a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union if his party is re-elected in the next general election by 2017.

The move was made to pacify the Eurosceptic crescendos within his own Conservative Party and outside, with a promise to offer the British public a simple choice b/w staying in or leaving the European Union.

Indian author U.R.Ananthamurthy in race for the International Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2013

January 26th, 2013

Indian Kannada author U.R.Ananthamurthy (80) is one among the ten authors shortlisted for the prestigious International Man Booker Prize for Fiction 2013.  Ananthamurthy became famous with his novel“Samskara” launched in 1966.
The International Man Booker Prize is presented by UK to a living author of any nationality for a body of work published in English or generally available in English translation. It is a biennial event which awards an author for his lifetime work.

Previous Awardees:

• Philip Roth, 2011
• Alice Munro, 2009
• Chinua Achebe, 2007

India is part of World’s largest optical telescope project

January 26th, 2013

Indian scientists will render significant contribution in developing key components of the world’s largest optical telescope to be set up by a 5-nation consortium including India.

The Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT), also known as the world’s most advanced ground-based observatory, will be built at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii at a cost of $1.2 billion.

Who are the partner countries?

There are five nations collaborating in the project:

1. India
2. China
3. Japan
4. Canada
5. United States

What is so special about TMT?

• 81 times more sensitive than the current telescopes of its kind and resolve objects by a factor of 3 times better than the largest ground-based telescopes that are available at present across the world.
• Will be the world’s most advanced ground-based observatory that will be operating in optical and mid-infrared wavelengths.

What will be the contribution of India?

In this project 15% of the 492 mirror segments, each 1.44 m in size, will be fabricated in India. The Indian companies will be supplying high-end components such as edge sensors, actuators, segment support assemblies and provide services such as polishing of the mirror segments, and software to control the operations of the telescope, the mirror, and telescope dome. India is making a contribution of 10% – 70 % of it in kind and 30% in cash. Currently, India has a status of an observer and it is in the process of becoming a permanent member.

Bhutan king igme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to be Republic Day parade chief guest

January 24th, 2013

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be the chief guest at India’s 64th Republic Day parade on Jan 26, 2013.

• Earlier, the ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos Said bin Said, was to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade, but he declined.
• The Bhutan king is also to be the chief guest at the Confederation of Indian Industry Partnership Summit-2013 to be held at Agra from Jan 27-29, 2013.
• The former king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 2005.

12 LPG cylinders to BPL households in Delhi

January 24th, 2013

The Delhi government has decided to raise the number of subsidized LPG cylinders from 9 to 12 for BPL families and other marginalized sections. The move is expected to benefit 4 lakh families. A few days before, Centre had increased the number of subsidized cylinders from 6 to 9.

This decision by Delhi government is part of its ‘kerosene-free Delhi scheme’ launched in August, 2012. The scheme was launched with free distribution of gas stoves, cylinder and regulator to all families covered under BPL, Antyodaya Anna Yojna and Jhuggi Ration Card.

Intel to make an interface to help Stephen Hawkins communicate faster

January 24th, 2013

Intel , the world’s largest and most valued chip maker, has revealed that it is working on an interface that will boost the scientist’s speech to up to 10 words per minute. Currently, Hawkins rate of communication is 1 word per minute.  Hawking has a motor neurone disease related toAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition that has progressed over the years. He is almost entirely paralysed and communicates through a speech generating device.

Virat Kohli becomes second fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODIs

January 24th, 2013

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Virat Kohli played 96 ODI matches and 93 innings to reach this milestone. Before Sourav Ganguly was the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODI who had played 105 inning.