current affairs MAY 2012

INTERNATIONAL

Aung San Suu Kyi Take Oath As Opposition Leader 

Aung San SuuKyi took oath of office to become an official member of Myanmar’s parliament on 2 May 2012. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Laureate, pro democracy leader of Myanmar for the first time held public office since launching her struggle against autherisation rule nearly a quarter century ago.

Poll Panels Of SAARC Countries Established Forum  

SAARC Countries on 4 May 2012 adopted a charter for mutual cooperation and set up a forum that will enhance capabilities to conduct free and fair elections . In its charter the chief election commissioners of Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives Nepal Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India confirmed their abiding faith in the objectives and principles of SAARC contained in the SAARC charter.

French Socialist Party’s Francois Hollande As First Socialist President  

Francois Hollande was elected France’s first socialist president nearly after two decades with 53.3% votes on 6 May 2012, While defeating Nicolas Sarkozy.The result will have major implications for Europe as it  struggle to emerge from a financial crisis and for France the Eurozone second largest economy and a nuclear armed permanent member of the UN Security Council.

All Nuclear Power Plants Stopped In Japan  

All Nuclear Power Plants  were Stopped In Japan on 6 May 2012 . Tomari was the last shutdown , which leaves Japan without nuclear power. Thousands of Japanese marched to celebrate the switching off the last of their nations 50 nuclear reactor. Japan was without eclectricity from nuclear power for the first time in four decades.

Vladimir Putin Sworn In As The President Of Russia

Vladimir Putin the former Russian Prime Minister and the president of the United Russia Party took the oath as the President of Russia on 7 May 2012. Putin had won  the Russian Presidential elections with 63.6% of the vote on 4 March.

Top 10 Female CEO’s & Influential Business Women of American Companies 

There are roughly 22 female presidents and prime ministers in the world and about a dozen womens executivesat the helm of Fortune 500 companies. Especially for these top 10 women CEO’s

CEO of the world’s second largest food company Karft Foods ,Irene Rosenfeld in first place      

The CEO of TJX, Carol.M.Meyrowitz in second.  Chairman & CEO of Pepsico Indra Nooyi in third . Chairman& CEO of  EI du Pont de Nemoursand company, Ellen Kullman in fourth. Chairman, President & CEO of Well point, Angela Braly in fifth. Chairman & CEO of  Xerox ,Ursula M.Borns in sixth.Chairman, president & CEO of Sunoco,Lynn L.Elsenhans in seventh . CEO of Archer Daniels Midland, Patrica Woertz in eigth. President and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale club , Laura J.sen in ninth and Chairman & CEO of  Key corp, Beth E.Mooney in tenth place.

 Forbes Mother’s  Top 20 List

The list released by Forbes ahead of World Mother’s Day on 13 May 2012 the world’s 20 most powerful moms list which ranked most efficient persons list According to the magazine ” power moms must develop unique strategic to succeed in both boardrooms and playrooms. Fobes women analysed the annual list of the world’s 100 most powerful women’s based on money controlled, decision making power and multiple measures of influence and teased out the moms who are at the top of their game are
No-1_ Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of states
No-2 _ Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President
No-3_ Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman
No-4 _Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer Of Face book
No-5_ Melinda Gates, Co- founder, Bill and Melindan Gates Foundation
No-6_ Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson
No-7_ Michelle Obama, First lady U.S
No-8 – Christine Lagarde, Managing Director IMF
No-9_ Irene Rosenfeld, CEO Karft foods
No-10_ Jill Abramson, Executive Editor New York Times
No-11_ Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health& Human services U.S
In the last 20th place is the General secretary of NLD Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Philippines President Names Two ‘Special Envoys’ to China 

Philippines President Benigno Aquino named two special envoys to China on 16 May 2012, amid a tence territorial dispute between the two countries over a shoal in the South China sea. During their six month assignment both were also tasked to actively persuade greater number of Chinese tourists to make the Philippines their main destination for leisure and relaxation trips.

China counters Japan’s Claims over Okinotoris Status  

China and Japan have exchanged a fresh round of claims and counter claims over a tiny but crucial out cropping in the Pacific Ocean, with Tokyo assuring that a UN Commission had endorsed its stand on the atoll being an Island while Beijing rejected it as baseless. The two countries, that have their own set of disputes in the South China sea, have also been sparring over the status of Okinotoris Atollion

Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbia’s Presidential Election 

The Serbian Progresive party leader Tomislav Nikolic Won Serbia’s Presidential Election on 20 May 2012. Nikolic beat his centrist, the incumbent Boris Tadic in closely contested election. Nikolic accounted for 50.21% of the total vote, against 46.77% for Tadic, with 40% of votes counted. Nikolic during his previous stints in power worked as a deputy prime minister under the former president Slobodon Miloscric.

China Developing Internet For Offensive Operations

China is improving its capacity for operations in cyberspace and developing capabilities to use internet for offensive operations. The Pentagon has said China is investing in not only capabilities to better defend their networks but also they are looking at ways to use cyber for offensive operations, China is engaging in  cyber activity focused on computer network exploitation.

IAEA Chief Meets Top Iran Nuclear Officials      

IAEA Chief  Yukiya Amano Met Top Iran’s  Nuclear chief and top negotiator on 21 May 2012 in a visit to Tehran closely watched for signs as to how wider talks between Iran and World power might unfurl. Iran’s national security supremo tasked with negotiating  nuclear issues and atomic energy head Abbasi Davani in an effort to press for greater co-operations between Iran and the UN Nuclear surveillance agency.

Bangladesh Announces Discovery Of Petroleum  

Energy starned Bangladesh has struck oil reserves in the country’s Northeastern region with an extractable reserve of at least 55 million barrels worth USD 5.5 million. Petrobangla is announcing with pleasure that Bangladesh had entered a new era through the discovery of a profitable oil reserves in Haripur and Kailashtila, state run Petrobangla’s chairman Hossain Monsur said.

China  is World’s Biggest Magnesium Producer  

China  has remained the World’s  Biggest  Producer of Magnesium since 1999,with last year’s out put accounting for over 85% of the world’s total.The country produced 660,000 tones of magnesium last year.The agencyreported on 26 May. It is estimated that the yearly magnesium output will reach 1.5million tonnes during the 2011-2015 period odf which 700,000 tones will be exported annually

Liberia’s Taylor Gets 50 years in Jail for War Crimes

A U.N Backed war crimes court sentensed the former president of liberia ,charles Taylor ,to 50 years  in jail on 30 May 2012 for arming rebels in sierra leone in return for “Blood Diamonds” .

---

INDIA & WORLD

 Kabul- Washington Strategic Pact Signed 

The new Kabul- Washington long term strategic partnership agreement (SPA) was signed by Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 2 May 2012.The achievements and success paved the way to sign the strategic cooperation agreement between the two nations.

U.S to Invest In West Bengal 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee on 7 May2012 said the former assured her of American investment in the state for its business and economic development considering Bengal as a partner state.And the US desire to invest in West Bengal as the state has witnessed a change in its political scenario after decades. American investments in the states software , IT and manufacturing , health and education sectors.

India to Acquire Coking Coal Mine In Mongolia

In a move to reduce dependence on highly priced Australian coking coal, India acquired a mine in Mongolia ans also set up the first steel plant in the quality coal rich country. The Indian delegation comprising of chairman of Steel Authority of India (SAIL)C.S.Verma and U.P.Singh, joint secretary in the ministry will sign a pact in this regard. The plan is to acquire mine, utilise the coal for the steel plant India proposes to set up in Mongolia and export the rest to India through Chinese port as Mongolia is a land locked country.

Dalia Lama gives Templeton Prize Money to Indian Charity 

Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalia Lama on 14 May 2012 received the prestigious 1.1 million pound Templeton prize in London by St Paul’s Cathedral and announced that most of the prize money will go to save the children fund in India, with smaller bequest to a science and religion group which is studying the effects of Buddhist practice and to a project to train Buddhist monks as scientists.

India surpassed china as the largest Arms Importer in the World  

India Topped as the largest Importer of arms during 2007-2011. India has taken numerous measures to modernise its armed forces in the past ten years.The country has signed several deals to produce military hardware such as 10c17 strategic lift aircraft,sixc-130 super hercules special operations airsraft, addditional sukhri-30MKI fighter jets along with several warships.

Hyderabad Girl’s Short Film goes to Cannes           

A part from capturing memorable and best moments, more can do more  with a cam recorder.If you have a talent make a short film and send to international film festivals and win prizes. This what G.Anahita done.Ajury comprising Hollywood stars such as Edward Norton and others at the Cannes film festival picked her video that lasts lessthan a minute as the “Best Area Video Coalition”(BAVC) segiment open for only teenagers after screening will be presented with 5000 US Dollars.

Sahara Signed Agreement to Build Notun Dhaka in Bangladesh      

Sahara India Pariwar signed an agreement with Bangladesh government to desfign and develop a new city Notun Dhaka(New Dhaka) on 28 May 2012. Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation signed the MOU with the ministry of housing and public works (MOPW) of Bangladesh Governement.Their main aim to build affordable housing facilities for the group of low earming people, along with it, they will also work on the hosing finance support and design.This plans for integrated statellite townships constituted by the ministry of housing and public works(MOHPW) of the Bangladesh Government.

India pushes to rebuild old links with new Myanmar     

India & Myanmar expect to double their trade in 3years and despite a delay in introducing a buslink,hope to be connected not just over land and by air but also by rail. India signed a slew agrrements and memoranda of understand(MOUs) on day-2 and Dr.singh’s visit to take forward economic ties,cooperation in development and capacity building in a range of sectors.They include an MoU to operationalise a $500 million line of credit during president.

India, Bahrain sign pact to boost ties     

India and Bahrain on 31May, announced the signing of a tax information exchange agreement to promote economic cooperation and joint investment between 2 countries aimed was signed by the Bahrain delogation led by prince Salman Bin Hamadal Khalifa.

---

NATIONAL

E-Challan & Receipt (ECR) Facility Launched   

Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the E-Challan and receipt (ECR) facility on 1 May 2012 to bring transparency and accessibility for employers in depositing monthly employees Provident Fund or EPF contributions of their workers. Employees under the ECR service would have to register their organisations online and generate challans for making monthly deposits. They can use these challan for either electronically or physically depositing the provident fund or PF contribution to the bank.

 Union Government Decided To Include Chit Funds Under The Chit Fund Act      

 Union Government decided to include chit funds, an informal pooling of funds from individuals for lending under the chit fund Act of 1982 in six states including Gujarat and Kerala. The decision was meant to help people access the dispute settlement mechanism. Nagaland, Haryana Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are the other states to come under the Act, providing a cushion for small savers who are at the mercy of local operations of the six states brought under the central ruling, only Kerala operated under the Kerala chit Act of 1975. The other five states had no laws to regulate chit fund operations.

Indian Americans in Forbes List of Best Tech Investors

Forbes Magazine recently came up with the list of Technologies best investors among which nine are Indian Americans . These influential apersonalities have been successful in creating wealth and funding innovative ideas that help to keep our economy vibrant.Anil Bhasuri, Rob Chandra, Sameer Gandhi, Vinod Khosh, Neeraj Agrawak, Navin Chaddha, Ajay Agarwal, Asheen Chandra and Subrata Mitra are the best Tech investors on the forbes list .

Fianace Minister Pranab Mukherjee was Elected As Chair Of ADB’s Board Of Governor

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 4 May 2012 was elected as Chair of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Governors. India will host the 46th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in New Delhi in 2013. Though India was the founding member of the ADB in 1966, the lending  operations in India began two decades late.

Tata Group Among 10 Best Companies for Leadership in Asia 

The Tata Group is at the  fifth position among the ten best companies for leadership in Asia list , according to study by management consultancy Gaint Hay Group. The topped company in the list is Samsung group followed by Tayota Motors and Unilever at the second and third positions . The study said that innovation was the prime factor hat made Tata Groups to find place among the top names in Asia . Others in the top 10 in Asia are Nestle, IBM Corp, Sony Corp, Procter & Gamble , Coca- Cola and Petronas. Among the global best leadership companies are General Electric as at the top followed by Procter 7 Gamble, IBM, Microsoft and Coca- Cola.

Report Placed India On Fifth In Cyber Crime 

India, according to a report published by the Security and Defence Agenda (SDA) and McAfee on 6 May 2012, ranked fifth in the list of countries affected of Cyber Crime. The report cyber security, The Vexed Question of Global Rules, rated the internet privacy in the country as low. Brussels based SDA spoke to leading global security exports to ensure that findings would offer useful recomendations and actions.

Bihar C.M Nitish Kumar Took Oath As Member of BLC    

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, former chief minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi sworn in as members of the Bihar Legislative Council on 7 May 2012. The leaders were administered oath by state Legislative Council chairman Salim Parvej.

Qualcomm Recieved The Broadband Wireless Access Spectrum

Qualcomm, the US chipmaker received the Broadband Wireless Access(BWA) spectrum on 8 May 2012 by the Department of Telecommunications ( DoT). The DoT however, reduced the company’s period of licence use to 18.5 years from 20 years as mentioned in the licence agreement. The time period to meet the rollout obligations was also reduced from 5 to 3.5 years.

The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP) 

The Union Cabinet Approved the 7.6 Billion Dollar TAPI Gas Pipeline Project (TGPP) on 17 May 2012. The TAPI gas pipeline project which organisation from the central Asian Nation Turkmenistan and reaches to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan is also referred to as the “Peace Pipeline” as some of the countries that it passes through don’t enjoy good relationship with each other. The TAPI gas project will have a total length of 1680 km of the total length 144 km will be in Turkmenistan, 735 km in Afghanistan and 800 km in Pakistan, bringing it to the Indian borders. The pipeline, will be entirely functional in 2018 and supply gas over the next thirty years.

6th Best University in Country  

Osmania University has been ranked Sixth among India’s best Universities as per as survey conducted by the India Today-Nielsen dor 2012 . The varsity was Ranked seventh last year.

Report on Status of Implementation of SCs and STs Act 1989 Released 

The report on the status of implementation of SCs an d STs ( prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Rules 1995 was released by the first Dalit chief Justice of India, Justice K.G.Balakrishna on 18 May 2012. The report was prepared by the National Coalition after collecting evidence by visiting the places of incidents and talking to victims across India for strengthening SCs and STs( Prevention of Atrocities ) Act. The report revealed substantial increace in cases of violence against SCs and Sts. It also highlighted loopholes in the implementation of the SCs and ST s Act and agreed that it has not been able to check atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis in an affective manner.

Andhra Pradesh High Court set aside 4.5 Per Cent Sub-Quota for Minorities  

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on 28 May 2012 invalidated the 4.5 per cent sub-quota for minorities carved out of the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs by the Union government.A high court division bench of Chief Justice Madan Lokur and Justice P VSanjay Kumar quashed the sub-quota as it observed that the Union government’s move was based on religious lines and not any other consideration.The court was hearing to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by backward classes leader R Krishnaiah against the sub-quota.

---

STATES

IICT Hopes to Establish Deflouridation Plants in A.P & Rajasthan  

The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) is looking forward to establish model deflouridation units in Rajasthan after designing and commissioning various low-cost groundwater defluoridation plants in flurosis affected villages of Andhra Pradesh. Flurosis is a dreaded disease which is caused due to the presence of excess fluoride in grounwater, which has impacted many people in India, mainly children who are suffering from dental and skeletal deformities primarlly in both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Petronet LNG Terminal In Andhra Pradesh         

Petronet Lng Ltd on 2 May 2012 signed a deal with Andhra Pradesh’s Gangavaram port to set up a 5 million tonnes a year liquified natural gas import terminal.The statement from Petronet said the proposed R.s 4,500crore terminal at the Gangavaram port will have facilities for receiving , strong and regasification of LNG.

Agreement Signed for Pranahitha Chevella Irrigation Project  

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy and his Maharashtra counterpart Prithviraj Chavan, on 5 May 2012 signed an agreement in New Delhi to set up an inter state board for speedy execution of the Rs. 40,300 crore Pranahitha -Chevella irrigation project, that will serve both states .The agreement was signed in the presence of Union water Resources minister Pawan Kumar Bansal Dr. B.R.Ambedkar pranahitha chevella sujatha sravanthi project, which Andhra Pradesh wants to be declared as a national project.

Government Cleared Rs.8500 crore Project to Naxalite Affected Districts    

The Union  Government on 17 May 2012 cleared a Rs 8500 crore project under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) with an objective to connect 6000 habitation in the 78 naxalite affected districts of nine states. Under the project money  will be utilised for new connectivity and upgradation of habitations.norms of PMGSY were released for the first time to provide road connectivity to these habitations, in view of the biggest beneficiary of this package. There are some 1000 unconnected habitations in nine naxal hit districts of Bihar and another 2500 in 17 districts in Jharkhand. The remaining habitations are spread over 18 districts in Orissa 16 in Chhatisgarh, 8 in M.P and A.P, 3each in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh and 2 in Maharashtra.

P.Chidambaram to Head Reconstituted Panel of Inter-State Council 

The standing committee of the Inter-State council has been reconstituted with Home minister P.Chidambaram as Chairman and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and nine chief ministers, including Tamil Nadu C.M Jayalalitha and Gujarat C.M Narendra Modi as members. A number of union ministers belonging to congress allies in the UPA have also been given representation in the committee which was reconstituted by Prime minister Manmohan Singh.

---

CONFERENCES

2-Day G8 Summit In US 

The 2-day summit of the group of eight (G8) industrialized nations held on 18 May 2012 in Maryland, US. The 2-day summit group together leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US. The event will discuss issues, including the Eurozone crisis, Iran nuclear standoff, Syria, global energy and food security among others. Despited its wide ranging agenda many analysts expected no major out comes from the gathering.

ASEAN, US Meet Over Security Cooperation    

The US & Southeast Asian Nations on 19 May 2012 embraked on three days of talks that would include security cooperation, shortly after a Pentagon report raised concerns about China’s military build up . The Philipines, host of the discussions and an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members is engaged in a month long maritime stand off with China over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Deepening security corporation climate change and trade and investment will all be on the three days of meeting

NATO Summit In Chicago  

A key NATO Summit, gathering more than 50 world leaders, opened in Chicago on 21 May 2012 with a minutes silence for all those who have fallen in combat around the world. Led by NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and US president Barack Obama, the leaders stood and bowed their heads as a uniformed US  bugler played taps. Addressing the themes of the summit Rasmussen vowed to complete the transition to Afghan security by 2014. He also stressed the need to embrace a renewed culture of cooperation vowing that together we will make our partnership deeper, broader and stronger.

---

SPORTS & GAMES

Spanish Football Club Real Madrid Clinched Spanish League Title            

Spanish football club Real Madrid clinched its 32nd spanish League title and first in four years on 2 May 2012, over shadowing Lionel Messi breaking a 39 years European club scoring record with a hatrik to take his season total to 68 goals.
Indian Women Team Won Asian Sqash Championship 

Indian women squash team won its maiden gold at the 16th Asian Squash Championship in Kuwait on 5 May 2012. The women created a history by defeating the  top seeded Joshna Chinnappa and 14th seeded Dipika Pillikkal defeated world number 16th Joey Chan and world no-7 Annie Au respectively.
Sriram Balaji Won ITF Futures Men’s Tennis Title    

Fifth ranked Sriram Balaji defeated Swiss Joss Espasandin in the Summit clash of the MCC -SR Subramanian Memorial ITF Futures men’s tennis tournament in Chennai on 5 May 2012.
Sports Illustrated, Sportsman of the Year Yuvraj       

On 5 May 2012 Inidan cricketer Yuvraj singh , Who is rehabilitating after a layoff due to cancer has been adjudged as sports illustrated sportsman of the year  for his stupendous performance in 2011 World cup.
Sara Errani Wons Budapest WTA Tournament  

Top seeded Sara Errani of Italy won her third WTA title for the year 2012by defeating Elina Vesnina of Russia in the $220,000 Budapest Grand Prix final held on 6 May 2012 in Budapest, Hungary.
Juan Del Potro Won Estoril ATP Open Title 

Argentina’s top seeded Juan Martin Del Potro retained his title at the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 after defeating second seeded Richard Gasquet held at Estoril, Portugal.
Deepika Kumari Won First World Cup Title    

India’s Olympic prospect Deepika Kumari won her first World Cup individual recurve gold medal at Antalya, Turkey on 6 May 2012.
Estoril Men’s Double Title 2012 Winners        

Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his partner Dutch Rojer Jean Julien clinched the Men’s double title of the Estoril Open on 6 May 2012 held in Estoril, Portugal.
Kanepi Won The Single Women’s Estoril Title 2012     

Kaia Kanepi claimed her third WTA trophy of single Women’s Estoril Title by defeating Spain’s Carla Suarez Novarro in the final of the Estoril open on 6 May 2012 held at Estoril, Portugal.
Krishna Poonia Sets New National Record  

Discus Thrower Krishna Poonia  set a new national record with a throw of 64.76m. Which breaked Seema Antil’s existing record of 64.64m. Krishna won the silver medal in the Aitius Track crew Throw down mmet in Maui Island  Hawaii on 7 May 2012.
Rickie Fowler Golfer Won Well Fargo Trophy

Rickie Fowler  won his first RGA Wells Fargo Championship over US Open Campion Rory Mcllroy and D.A Points on 6 May 2012 at Quali Hallow club in Charlotte, NC.
O’Sullivan Won World Snooker Title   

England’s Ronnie O’Sullivan won the fourth World Snooker Championship by defeating Ali Carter 18-11 in the final at the Crucible Theatre on 8 May 2012 at Sheffield,England.
Parimarjan Negi Won Asian Continental Chess Champion

Granmaster Parimarjin Negi won the Asian Continental  Chess Championship despite loosing to A.R.Saleh Salem of UAE in the final round by winning gold that concluded on 13 May 2012.
Pastor Team Claims Formula One Race  

Pastor Maldonado gave williams a first formula One Race win in almost eight years on 13 May 2012, when he fought off local hero Fernando Alonsa in a thrilling Spanish Grand Prix.
Serena Williams Won The Madrid Open Final     

USA’s Serena Williams won the Madrid Open Final Women’s tennis by defeating world no-1 Victoria Azarenka on 13 May 2012 held at Madrid.
Roger Federar Won Madrid Men’s Open Title    

Swiss tennis star Roger Federar defeated Czech Tomas Berdych to win Madrid Men’s Single Open Title on 13 May 2012.The Madrid open title is set to reinstate Federar as the no-2 spot in the world tennis ranking , the position he had earlier lost to his rival Rafael Nadal.
Manjeet Singh won the Junior National Boxing Title 

Manjeet Singh  Panghal defeated Gurleen singh to claim the 69 kg title in the 45th National Junior Boxing championship at Patiala on 16 May 2012.
Nadal on The Sixth Rome Masters Title

Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Men’s singles Masters title in a rain postponed final against Novack Djokovic on 21 May 2012 held at Rome.
Sharapova Won Women’s Single’s Rome Masters Title  

Maria Sharapova of Russia won the women’s single Rome Masters Title by defeating China’s Li Na on 20 May held at Rome.

Sania-Mattek lift Brussels Open TIttle 

Sania Mirza won her second WTA doubles tittles of the season and 14th overall,when she combined with.Bethanie Mattek-sands to lift Brussels Open Tropy with an emphatic straight set win over Alicja Rosolska of polamd and china;s Zheng Jie.This Indo-American pair took an hour and 10 minutes.
Knights Dethrone Kings IPL-5 Crown 

Kolkatta Knight Riders are newly crowed IPL Champions.The visitors beat defending champions chennai SuperKings by five wickets in a high final at the MAC stadium in chennai. The Man of the Match is “Bisla”. Golden player goes to “Sumil Naring”(KKR) and Orange cap goes to “Chris Gale”(RCB) and Purple Cap goes to”More Morkel”(DD)

Weber Wins Monaco Grand Pix 

Australia Mark Webber made Formula one history on 27 May when he steered his Red bull to victory and claimed his First Win in this Year and his Team Red Bull’s Third successive Monacco Grand Pix.
Lin Dan Propels China to Thomas Cup Tittle

Super star Lin Dan led osts china to an emphatic victory over South Korea in the Thomas cup Final on 27 May, Sending a starl message he and his Team mates are in peak form for the London Olympics in the field of Badminton.
Fluent Fedex on the Mark  

Roger Federer celebrated on 28 May his 50th straight major with a record equalling 233rd Grand slam win.His win , achieved on a sixth match point, also told him level with ‘Jimmy connors’ record for most grand slam matches win of 233.

Services Defeat Tamilnadu for Cup      

Services showed nerves of steel to defeat Tamilanadu 3-2 in the final  of the 66th santosh Tropy at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack,Adisha on 28 May.This was services second Title, with thier maiden championship coming in the 1960-61 season.

Anand Crowned Fifth world Championship  

Indian Grand master viswa nathan Anand showed immense resilence to beat challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in the tense rapid chess tie braker to win the world championship crown for the fifth time and Fourth in a row on 30 may 2012

Chattisgarh Girls&Boys Clinch National Titles     

Chattisgarh  Clinched both  Girls&Boys Titles in the 63rd National  Junior Basketball championship on 30 May .boys defeated the punjab in final where as girls defeated the maharastara in final.

---

 ECONOMY

RBI Directed Indian Banks To Maintain Tier I Capital    

The Reserve Bank of India on 2 May 2012 published guidelines of implementation of the new global capital adequacy norms, called Basel-III, by March 2018. India banks will have to maintain Tier-I capital, or core capital of at least 7% of their risk weighted assets on an ongoing basis. The objective is to strengthen risk management mechanism . As per the guidelines specified by the central bank, commercial banks will have to maintain their total capital adequacy ratio at 9% higher than the minimum recommended  requirement of 8% under the Basel- III norms.
ADB To Provide $6.25 Billion Assistance To India  

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide assistance of $6.25 billion to India over three years for various projects, including those in the energy and education sector. The lending support will go to key areas like transport, energy, urban development, agriculture, natural resource management. Prior to this ADB has approved 159 loans for India amounting to $24.12 billion.
Moody’s Downgrades 3 Private Sector Banks  

Moody’s Investor Services has downgraded the standalone bank financial strength rating of the top three private sector banks- ICICI Bnak, HDFC Bankand Axis Bank. The global credit rating agency also downgraded the Life Insurance Coorporation of India’s foreign currency insurance financial strength rating.
WEF To Open Office In India

The world Economic Forum (WEF), known for its annual Davos meeting on 14 May 2012 said, it will open its full fledged office in India in the wake of the country growing economic clout. Besides, WEF which has been organising annual India event along with the industry body CII, has decided to go solo from this year. The branding of the event would also be changed to world Economic forum on India rather than India economic summit being held annually for the last 27 years.
The World Wildlife Fund  Report On Global Environment     

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in its report living planet report 2012 released on 15 May 2012 noted that Biodiversity has decreased by an average of 28 percent globally since 1970 and the world would have to be 50% bigger to have enough land and forest to provide for current levels of consumption and carbon emissions. The problem, by 2030 even two planets Earths would not be enough to sustain human activity. A summit on the global environment is to be held in Brazilian city Rio De Janerio from 20 to 22 June 2012. The summit is expected to draw more than 50,000 participates from different nations.
RBI Decided to Set Up 2 Billion Dollar Swap Facility For SAARC Nations

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 May 2012 decided to set up a 2 billion dollar swap facility for SAARC nations. This facility will be available in foreign currency and Indian rupee. The facility will provide the member nation with the facility to swap US dollar, euro or Indian rupee against domestic currency or domestic currency denominated Government securities. The withdrawal could be done in multiple tranches. The move for a SAARC swap facility follows a decision taken by the SAARC finance minister at the ministerial meeting on global financial crisis.
Retrospective Amendment To I-T Act May Impact FDI In India         

The amendment to increase tax laws with retrospective effects passed by Parliament may impact inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country, a top Italian trade official said.
General Provident Fund Interest Rate Hiked to 8.8%    

The Finance Ministry has hiked interst rates on General Provident fund to 8.8% a year with effect from April 1st this year. This move will benefit millions of employees.who are subcribes to this fund.berfore it is 8.6 in december 2011-March 2012.
Fix NPAs, Pranab tells to banks

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 28 May asked  banks to take steps to manage their non-performing assets (NPAs). which have grown on account of economic down turn.NPAs of public sector banks stood at about 3.3 percent of the assets in 2011-12 as against 2.3 percent a year ago said pranab.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit Presented the Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13 

Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dikshit on 28 May 2012 presented the financial budget in the Delhi assembly for the fiscal year 2012-13. The 33436 crore rupees budget had its share of populist measures as a number of social welfare schemes were announced in the budget by the government.

---

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

14 Times Bigger Supermoon

On 5 May 2012, the moon had been closer to Earth than at any other times this year, which means it will appear up to 14 % bigger and 30% brigther han any other full moon of 2012. Its the supermoon ,it happens but once in a year.
Pakistan Test Fired Hatf -III        

Pakistan on 10 May 2012 successfully test fired the traning launch of Hatf-III (Ghaznavi), a short range ballistic missile capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads across 290 km . The launch was conducted at the conclusion of the annual field training exercise of the Army strategic force command.
Soyuz TMA-04M Rocket Launches In Kazakhstan

The Soyuz TMA-04M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 15 May 2012 carrying Epedition 31 Soyuz commander Gennady Padaika, NASA flight Engineer Joseph Acaba and flight Engineer Sargei Revin to the International space station.
U.S Company Space X Test flight of the dragon space capsule

The U.S company Space X on 22 May in Florida ( Cape Canaveral) to lunch its own craft towards th e international space station. The test flight of the Dragon space capsule,which lanuched a top space X’s falcon 9 rosked,aims to show that indutry can restore U.S access to the ISS after NASA retired its space shuttle fleet last year . The mission is set to include a fly-by and berthing with the station in the next three days ,before the capsule returns at the end of may month.
Russia Successfully Test Fired a new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile          

U.S has the  capable of piercing defence systems being developed. THe strategic Missile forces test launched a new prototype ballistic missile from a mobile launcher at the plesetsk cosmodrome in Askhangalsk Region on 23 May. It was the second launch of deeply modernised yar missile named “Avangard”.
Large Solar Telescope         

A powerfull solar telescole billed as the largest in Europe opened recently on Spain’s canary Islands. Scinetist says it will alow them to study the sun unprecedented with a mirror diameter of 1.5meters , the Gregor telescope will be able to show structures on the sun on scales on small as 70 kilometres.
India Test Fired Anti Aircraft Akash Missile    

Defence Research Development organization (DRDO) official associate with the “Akash”missile project.The missile,which has a strike range of 25km with warhead of 60 kgs,was test fired from a mobile launcher from launch complex-III of the ITR at about 110hrs.It is surface to air missile.
Isarel Unleashes Spy Virus On Iran

A Russian firm has discovered a new computer virus ‘Flame’with unprecendented destructive potential that cheifly targets Iran. Kasperky Lab, is one of the World’s biggest producer of anti-virus softwaer discovered the cyber weapon called ‘Flame’ during an investigation that was prompted by the International Telecommunication  Union.
Pakistan Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Hatf9 Missile

Pakistan on May 29 2012 succesfully test fired a short range Hatf9(Nasr)missile.The missile which has a range of 60kilometers is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It was pakistan’s third ballastic missiile test since April2012.

---

AWARDS & HONOURS

6th   NTR  Literary Award for Tamil Writer Ashoka Mitran         

Noted Tamil Writer Ashokamitran, Known for his novel Thanneer and other works was declared the recipient of the 6th NTR National Literary Award on 4 May 2012. The award is sheduled to be presented on 28 May 2012. The writer was born in Secunderabad and was closest to Telugu Culture, languages and people.
Miss India World Awarded With Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award  

Actress Sushma Seth and Miss India World Vinya Mishra were awarded with Kalpana Chawla Excellence award on 6 May 2012 at MavlankarAuditorium, New Delhi. The other awasrds included Padmabhushan Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer Swapna Sundari, IPS officer Shalini Singh, WWho had won the police medal for meritorious service in 2012 and jewellery designer Puneeta Trikha.
The Order Of The Rising Sun, Ratan Tata            

Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has been conferref “The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun” title by Japan for his contribution instrengthening economic relations between Japan & India. The ceremony of conferment has been held in Tokyo on 8 May 2012 at the Imperial Palace in presence of the Emperor of Japan . Tata had made a huge contribution from the perspective of promoting trade and investment in industry as well as for improvement of the business environment in India .
Pt. Ravi Sankar Conferred First Tagore Cultural Harmony Award  

Classical sitar maestro Ravi Sankar has been awarded the first Tagore Award for cultural harmony by a jury chaired by Prime minister Manmohan singh to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore , which was announced on 7 May 2012. The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural harmony and universal values. The award comprises Rs. 1crore in cash, a citation in a scroll, a plaque and an enquisite carved handicraft or handlloom memento. the award would be presented to the sitar guru by the president at a special ceremony.

International Jurist Awards to five Persons Including Mulayam

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Pakistan chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhary are among five eminent personalities who have been chosen for the prestigious International Jurists  Award 2012. Yadav and Choudhary will be presented the awards on 28 May 2012 at a ceremony in London by Right Hon’ble Lord Phillips, president of the Supremme court of the United Kingdom. Besides the two eminent personalities, International Bar Association president Akira Kawamura, Stephen B Huttler and Christophe Eck will also be presented the awards, while Yadav was chosen for this award for his uniflinching contribution to the advancement of the bar and the bench.
Bhanuprakash in Guiness Book of Records        

Chikka Bhanuprakash of Bhoodan Pochampalli entered the Guiness Book of Records for lifting 8.67 kg weight using the fingernails of his left hand. Mr. Bhanu, who is working as a software engineer in Hyderabad has become famous for preparing sketches with his fingernails and lifting weights.
Narayana Murthy receives Awards From US University       

Infosys chief mentor Narayana Murthy had been felicitated with the global leadership and five enterprise awards by the University of South Florida in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit. The two awards were presented to Murthy by USF President Judy Genshaft at ceremony in Tampa, Florida.
Amartya Sen to Receive Honourary Degree From US University         

Nobel Laureate and eminent Indian – American economist Amartya Sen  will  receive an honourary degree from the prestigious John Hopkins University. Apart from Sen, five other persons including Myanmar’s Pre- Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, environment microbiologists Rita R.Colwell, Canadian diplomat, politician Stephen . Lewis, American businessman and philanthropist John . Malone and IBM Chairman Samuel J Parmisano have also been chosen for the prestigious citation.
Vetern Actress Suchitra Sen Conferred Banga- Bibhusan Award    

Eminent film actress Suchitra Sen was conferred with West Bengal Government’s highest award Banga- Bhushan on 20 May 2012. The legendary filmstar was however, not present on the stage to receive the award as she continues to remain away from public eye. The award was received by his daughter and grand daughter. The award includes a citation and award money worth of Rs. 2 lakh.
Pedabayalu Coffee wins Flavour of India Fine Cup Award     

The International jury at melbowrne in Australia has adhusted as the best coffee grown in Araku Region comprising Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as the best coffee in the region for the year 2012 and bestowed the “Flavour of India Fine Cup Award”
65th Cannes FilmFestival       

The 65th annual cannes film festival was held from May 16 to May 27 ,2012 .The “Palmed’or” was awarded to Australian director “Michael Heneke” for his film “Love”.
The Jury gave the “Grand Prize” to “Matteo Garrone’s Reality”.

The Angel Share was Awarded  the “Jury Prize”
Best Actor is Mads “Mikkelsen” for the film “Hunt”
Best Actress is “Cristina flutur” and ” Cosmina Strantan” for thr film  “Beyound The Hills”
Best Director is “carlos Regadas” for the film “Post Tenebras Lux”
Best Screen Play is “Beyounf the Hills” by “Cristian Hungiu”
Rahul Bhattacharya Wins British Friction Prize  

Young writer Rahul battacharya on 29 May won the prestigious Royal Society of Literature “Ondaatje Prize 2012 ” for his book, “The sky company of people who care”.He also won Common Wealth Book prize for 2012 .

---

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) Appointments 

Indian American Vikram Singh Appointed To SES of Pentagon     

Indian American Vikram Singh ,an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan and close aide of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke, was appointed to an important position of Deputy Assistant Secretery of Defence for South and South East Asia at the Pentagon. He replaced Robert Seher who had been assigned as deputy assistant secretary of defence for plans.

Vidya Balan Appointed As The Brand Ambassador of NSC   

Union Rural Development Ministry of India on 4 May 2012 in National Award winning actor Vidya Balan was appointed as the Brand Ambassador for improving the state of sanitation in the country. Rural Develop Minister Jairam Ramesh brought in the leading bollywood star to promote the National Sanitation Campaign (NSC).
New Prime Minister for Russia    

Dimitri Medvedev has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Russia on 8 May 2012 .
New Chancellor for Eflu     

Mrs. Sunaina Singh had been appointed as the new Vice- chancellor of the English and Foreign Languages University (Eflu) on 11 May 2012. She is the head for the English department in Osmania University at present.
Rahul Khullar Appointed TRAI Chief       

Commerce security Rahul Khullar has been appointed as chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI) for three years on 13 May 2012. He will succed J.S Sharma whose tenure ended on 13 May 2012.

New German Ambassador To India

Michael Steiner had been appointed as the German ambassador to India on 14 May 2012, he was earlier special envoy to Afghanisthan and Pakistan.
Jean Marc Ayrault  New Prime Minister of France

Jean Marc Ayrault  a moderate socialist took over as the France’s new Prime Minister on 16 May 2012

Saurabh Chandra Took The Additional Charge (SDC)    

Saurabh Chandra, secretary, Department of Industrial policy and promotion was slated to hold the additional charge of the post of secretary of the department of commerce on 14 May 2012
India American Elected To City Council in Texas 

After Several Months of consistant campaigning, Himesh Gandhi, a person of Indian origin (PIO), has been elected to a city council in the US state of Texas on 17 May 2012.
Bedi Selected to the Board of World Federation Against Drugs     

Team Anna member Kiran Bedi has been selected as the Board member from the Asian region to the Board of World Federation Agaibst drugs. Bedi has been elected unanimously to the Board during a meeting in Stockholm earleir this week as recognition of her work in the field of contaning drug abuse throug her NGO’Navjyoti”.
New Army Chief Bikram Singh

General Bikram Singh, a vetarian infantry officer, who took over as the 25th chief of the Indian Army on 31May 2012 , has to grapple with the challenge of closing the fissures in the top echelons of the world’s second largest force.
B) Resigns

Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry Announced His Retirement 

Seven time world snooler chmpion Stephen Hendry announced his retirement on 1 May 2012 after loosing in the quarter finals at the world championships. The 43 years old legend called it a day after a 13-2 defeat to fellow Stephen Maguire.

Nepal Cabinet Resigns To Form New Government   

Nepal cabinet tendered its resignatiom on 3 May 2012. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also stated resigned by the end of the month . The decision to step down came in the wake of an agreement among the Nepal’s major political parties to form a new coalition Government.
UTI Mutual Fund’s Chief Marketing Officer Resigns  

UTI mutual funds chief marketing officer Jaideep Bhattacharya stepped down from his post on 4 May 2012. Bhattacharya quit the position to explore Carrier opportunities
Indian American Scientist Quits From Top Energy Post                                                                   

Apunava Majumdar, eminent Indian, American scientist had resigned after the US Senate did not confirm president Barack Obama’s proposal to elevate him as under secretary at the Department of energy.
Mahasweta Devi Resigns from Bangla Academy

The Magsaysay Award Winner Mahasweta Devi,who is known to be close associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her resignation as Chair person of the Bangla Academy on 23 May.
Sanjay Joshi Resigns a Head of BJP National Executive       

BJP Leader, Sanjay Joshi,bete noire of the Gujarat Vheif Minister on 22 May resigned a head of the party national executive.
Infosys Bpo Coo Indnani Resigns  

India’s largest software services firm,Ritesh Idanani senior vice president and cheif cooperative officer of its business processing out sourcing arm, has resigned.
Pieterson Retires fron ODI’s

England star Kevin pieterson retired from international limited overs cricket on 31May a secision which took the England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) by surprise.

C)Deaths

Former Left Front Minister Nandagopal Died  

Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former left front minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya died in Kolkata on 6 May 2012. Nandagopal served three terms from 1961 tp 2011 as minister in the West Bengal Government.
Norway’s World Swimming Champion Dale Died  

Norway’s World Swimming Champion Alexander Dale Oen died suddendly on 1 May 2012 in the US aged 26, he had won gold medal in 400m breakstoke at the world cahmpionship in Shangai in July 2012.
Mexican Novelist Carlos Fuentes Dead  

Author Carlos Fuentes, Who played a dominated role in Latin America’s novel- writing boom by delving into the failed ideals of the revolution, died on 16 May 2012 in Mexico.
Disco Queen Donna Summer Died  

Singer Donna Summer, popularly Known as the Queen of Disco has died after a long battle with lung cancer  on 17 May 2012 in Florida. Whose real name is LaDonna Adrain Gainess .

D) Visitors

 Hillary Clinton 3-Day Visit To India      

The US secretary Hillary Clinton visited India for a 3-day visit and initially resisting US pressure to adhere to international sanctions on Iran. She met  West Bengal chief minister Mamata Benerjee in Kolkata and after that Mr.Manmohan Singh and chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The main agenda was that India would reduce its dependence on Iran oil imports.

French PresidentFrancois Hollande on Surprise Trip to Afghanistan                       

“French PresidentFrancois Hollande arrived in Afghanistan on 25 May for a
surprise trip to visit France’s Troops there.Hollandae ,who plans to
accelerate the withdrawl of french soldiers fron Afhanistan to the end
of this year was accompanied by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and
Defence Minister Drian.”
PM Meets Myanmar President in Land Mark Visit   

PM Manmohan Singh visited Myanmar on 27 May . A three day visit in  Myanmar. He is the first PM to visit Myanmar in 25years. India suggested the two countries should work out a joint strategy to tackle terrorism and insurgency along their border and enhance security cooperation.
Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu Visits Cuba

Iranian vice President Ali Saeedlu  Began an official Visit to Cuba. saeedlu,Ahmadinejad’s deputy for international Affairs,met with cuban vice President Jose Ramon Machado on 28 May,after which they stressed the “excellent state of bilateral ties”an official statement.
Myanmar Suu Kyi Leaves For First Abroad In 24 years          

Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi visited Thailand on 29 May to attend a world Economic Forum Meet ahead of her European tour.
Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to India                                 

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar salehi visits India on 31May on a two day visit to formaly invite prime minister Manmohan Singh for the Non Aligned Movement(NAM) summit to be held in tehran in august.
E)Miscellaneous

Googles New Translate Services Started

Recently Google had started his instantly free online language translation services which can translate more than 14 languages of text and web pages, which is called conversation  mode.
Paris is World’s Most Expencive City For A Club Sandwich   

Paris had turned out to be the world’s most expencive city for a club sandwich according to a survey by Hotel Booking site. New Delhi has emerged the cheapest in this survey of major tourist destinations and business capitals. The site has been tracing the prices of this classic chicken, bacon, egg, lettuce and as handy indicator of how expencive or inexpencive a city is for travellers.
World’s Largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihar     

World’s largest Hindu Temple to Be Built In Bihar’s East Chaparan district by a religious body Mahavir Mandir Trust (MMT) said its secretary on 13 May 20121.The temple is built over 50 acres land donated by the Kathwalia Math, The temple would not be the exact replice of the Angkor wat temple, but few common features of the two religious structures. The five storied temple will be 1,240 feet long, 1,150 feet wide 272 feet tall and will house the idols of Radha and Krishna, shiva & parvati, Ganesh , Surya, Vishnu and Dashavatar. The construction cost of the temple would be about Rs. 300 crore.
Tallest Residential Building in Dubai  

“Princess tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is 413.4 metres high and has 101 storeys above ground dedicated to residential use”.Guinness said . This has set a new record with Princess Tower,which the Guinness World Record
The Richest Woman in World     

Australia’s reichest person Gina Rinehart has eclipsed Wal-Mart Heiress  Christy Walton oz tycoon to become the World’s Wealthiest woman,according to an annual index by Business review Weekly,personal fortune at $28.48 billion
Ratan Tata Rmains India Inc’s Most Powerful CEO

Tata sons chariman Ratan Tata heads the ET-Corporate Dossier ranking of India Inc’s most powerfull CEO’s for the fourthyear running. While Mukesh Ambani has Managed to retain his position at the second place,his brother Anil has fallen six positions at no.11 ,Sunil Mittal i sin 16th position.
Record Carbon dioxide Emission in 2011 India stood Fourth        

China spurred a jump in global carbondioxide emissions to their highest recorded level in 2011,offsetting falls in the united states and europe .THe International Energy Agency(IEA) said on 25th may India moved a head on Russia to become the fourth largest co2 emitter,behind china ,the u.s and E.U.
Old puzzle of Newton Solved by Shaurya Roy an Indian Student            

A 16 year shaurya roy has saolved the Newton’s 350 year unsolved puzzle which had baffled the world of Mathematicians for more than 350 years. he has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir Issac Newton. The scholl  boy,from Drebsden,Germany,solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories.which physicians have previously been able to calculate only by using computer.
Postal Stamp on Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti Released    

Union Minister of Communication and IT Kapil Sibal on 27 May released a postal stamp to mark the 800th urs of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chistu at Ajmer.The stamp was released in the ceremony hall “Mehfil Khana” of the Dargarh Premises in the presence if a large number of Zayrines(pilgrims).
Indian-American Snigha Nandipati Becomes word Spelling Bee Champ   

Snigha Nandipati, a 14-year-old Indo-American girl spelled the French for ambush,”guetapens”,right to be crowned the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion.

---

PLACES IN NEWS

 London’s Tallest Tower     

London’s Tallest  tower of 114.5 metre stands in the Olympic park in East London, Between the aquatic centre and the main Olympic stadium. The tower was designed by Mumbai born artist Anish Kapoor. The Mayor of London , Boris Johnson unveiled on 10 May 2012. The twisting tower was described by Kapoor as the Tower of Babel.
The Italian Town Devasted By An Earth Quake          

Emilia Romanga strucks 5.8 earthquake  at  4.am on 20 May,killing seven people and forcing 7,000 into temporary shelters.Then disaster struct once again on 29 May at 5.8 Magnitude earthquake shook the region at just after 9.am. 16 died,1400 people are homeless and 5 are missing in it.

---

COMMITTEES

Competition Commission Of India, Constituted Eminet Persons Advisory Group 

The competition commission of India (CCI) formed an Eminet Persons Advisory Group (EPAG) on 7 May 2012. The group is constituted to provide CCI inputs and advise on issues impacting markets and competition, among others. The group comprise Infosys founder N.R.Nayanan Murthy former comptroller and Auditor General V.N Kawl, Former Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India Rakesh Mohan, Biocon Chairman and M.S Kran Mazumdar- shaw, former Directorof IIM-Amedhabad Bakul Dholaka, formerchairman of CEFC S.L.Ro, former vice chancellor of NLSIU- Bangalore N.L Mitra . Thee group will hold its maiden meeting on July 2012 The group will have interaction/ meeting with the commission two to three times a year.
Seven Members Committe To Look After Deplorable Conditions Of Widows      

The Supreme Court on 9 May 2012 set up a seven member committee to look into the deplorable conditions of widows destitutes living in Vrindavan and set an eight week dead line to complete the report. The committe headed by the chairman of the Mathura District Legal Services Authority and  will prepare a list of the widows with their names , age and reasons for being in Vrindavan in Uttarpradesh.
Committee Formed By Delhi Government To Promote Welfare Of DTC  Workers     

A committee was formed by Delhi Government on 18 May 2012 under the chairman ship of principal secretary of the Finance Department to promote the welfare of Delhi Transport Corp(DTC) workers. The objective of forming the committee is to ensure participation of DTC workers in Delhi Transport Cooporation management . The decision toform the committe was announced by  Delhi Chief minister in a meeting.

---

BOOKS IN NEWS

Yadav’s Biography 

Mulayam Singh Yadav – ‘ Harbinger of Social Justice’ book was written by eminet author Sarah Booth which was released on 28 May 2012 in United Kingdom.
canada by Richard ford   

Robert ford -’Canada’ book was written by Robert ford which was released on 22 may 2012.

---

ACRS      – Advance Coaching Refund System

CII         – Confederation of Indian Industry

AWLR    – The Automatic Water level Recorder