1. India has joined the United Nations in this year 2. The Religious Book of Jew is 3. The Capital of Guinea is 4. The Lake Great Bear is situated in 5. This is the Brightest Planet 6. The Chairman of the AADHAAR is 7. In 1955, the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) was born in this Conference 8. The Civil Services Day is observed on 9. The abbreviation of BIMSTEC is 10. The Scheme Varsha Bima deals with this issue ANSWERS 1. 1945 2. Torah 3. Conakry 4. Canada 5. Venus 6. Mr. Nandan Nilekani 7. Bandung (Indonesia) Conference 8. April 21 9. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical & Economic Cooperation 10. To protect the Farmers from Rainfall Shortfall or Failure

India expresses interest in 6 more C-17 planesPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:12 PM PST

The Indian Air force has expressed interest in acquiring six more C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft, in addition to a contract for 10, the US defence giant Boeing said on Feb 14. Five of the 10 aircraft will be delivered by next year and the other five in 2014, he said. The deal for supplying 10 C-17 aircraft is USD 4.1 billion. Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime petrol airplane, Poseidon P8-I, early next year to the Indian Navy, he said at the Singapore Airshow being held from February 14 to 19. The P8-1 contract is worth USD 2.1 billion. The Navy also has option to order four more of the P8-1, anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft in addition to the 8-unit contract.

Youth employment a 'high-priority agenda': PMPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:11 PM PST

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that youth employment is a "high-priority agenda" of his government but felt the infrastructure for the skill- development of young people is "progressing slower". In his inaugural address at the 44th session of Indian Labour Conference, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for skill development of the young people. "This can happen only if we equip our young people with skills that are required to meet the demands of our rapidly growing economy," he said. Maintaining that the rapid growth of Indian economy since 2004 has clearly brought out shortcomings of the country's skill development processes, he said, "Today, availability of skills is possibly the single-most important constraint to rapid industrial growth." Noting that the process of expanding skill development infrastructure is progressing slower in the country that he had hoped after the government launched Skill Development Mission, Singh urged the private sector to chip in with more vigour.

Karnataka minister VS Acharya passes awayPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:11 PM PST

Senior BJP leader and Higher Education Minister VS Acharya passed away after a massive heart attack during a function here on Feb 14. Seventy-two-year-old Acharya, who was not keeping well for some time, collapsed while participating at a seminar, organised by the Karnataka State Government College Principals Forum, and was rushed to Mallige Medical Centre, where he was declared dead.

One of the senior-most figures of the ruling BJP, soft-spoken Acharya, a medical practitioner by profession, was respected by politicians cutting across party lines. He is survived by wife, four sons and a daughter. A member of the state Legislative Council, Acharya, born on July six, 1939 in the coastal town of Udupi, also held the portfolios of Planning and Statistics, Muzrai, Information Technology and Biotechnology. He earlier also served as Home Minister, state BJP vice-president and Udupi district BJP President. The Cabinet held an emergency meeting and condoled the death, expressing profound grief.

Oil Minister rules out deregulation of diesel pricesPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:10 PM PST

Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Feb 14 ruled out deregulation of diesel prices and said he had demanded that the government compensate state-owned oil firms for the losses they made on not raising prices of petrol. State-owned oil companies will need to raise diesel price by Rs 11.35 per litre if the government was to free its pricing like it was done in case of petrol in June 2010. Even petrol rates have not moved in tandem with cost since its deregulation and state-owned oil firms have refrained from raising rates since December in view of assembly elections in five crucial states like Uttar Pradesh. Oil firms lose Rs 3-3.20 a litre on the fuel currently. Reddy firmly said there was no proposal at the moment to raise diesel rates. He, however, supported oil companies demand for being compensated for revenue losses incurred on selling petrol below imported cost. Currently the government makes good only the losses incurred on diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene.

India, China attack EU on Carbon taxPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:10 PM PST

India, China and other major developing economies attacked European Union saying the bloc's "unilateral" decision to levy charges on international flights "in the name of climate change" would "seriously jeopardise" efforts to fight global warming. Talking tough on the issue of EU's Emission Trading Scheme during their 10th meeting on Climate Change here, Environment Ministers of the BASIC countries - Brazil, South Africa, India and China- noted that the measure on aviation sector "violates international law including the principles and provisions of UNFCCC and runs counter to multilateralism". "Ministers noted that the unilateral action by EU in the name of climate change was taken despite strong international opposition and would seriously jeopardise the international efforts to combat climate change," said a joint statement issued by the the BASIC group at the conclusion of the two-day meeting. The Ministers-- Jayanthi Natarajan (India), Xie Zhenhua (China), Francisco Gaetani (Brazil) and Alfred James Wills (South Africa)-- also "recognised the threat of similar unilateral measures being considered by developed countries in the name of climate change in the area of international shipping" and expressed their concern. Addressing the media, Chinese Minister Xie said the 27- nation bloc's "unilateral action" is a "severe breach" of several international laws including that of International Civil Aviation Organisation and expressed hope that they would "abolish" the carbon trading scheme. The controversial European Union Emissions Trading Scheme requires all airlines, including Indian, using airports in EU to pay a tax for their greenhouse gas emissions. India, Russia, the US, China and other countries would meet in Moscow later this month to decide on whether to take retaliatory measures against EU on its "unilateral" decision to impose carbon tax on air travel.

RBI to buy govt securities worth Rs 10,000 crPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:09 PM PST

The Reserve Bank on Feb 14 announced that it will purchase government securities worth Rs 10,000 crore through open market operations on Friday to ease the current liquidity crisis. RBI will conduct the auction at its Mumbai office. The auction will be in four price methods government securities (G-Sec) maturing in 2017 with a coupon of 8.07 percent, G-Secs maturing in 2024 with a coupon rate of 9.15 percent, G-Secs maturing in 2027 with a 8.28 percent coupon rate and G-Secs maturing in 2030 with an 8.97 percent coupon rate. RBI Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn had earlier said liquidity is likely to be under pressure for some more time amid factors like advance tax payment. He had said there is still scope for OMOs to lighten the pressure on liquidity. RBI has said in the past that the liquidity deficit has exceeded its target of 1 percent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL). The apex bank has purchased government securities worth over Rs 82,000 crore from the money markets in nine instalments in the past two months as part of efforts to infuse liquidity into the system. OMOs are the "first preference" of the RBI while injecting liquidity and there is an opportunity to raise up to Rs 2.74 lakh crore through the window as banks' government bond holdings stand at 29 percent, 5 percent over the prescribed SLR cap of 24 percent.

Indian airlines to be allowed to expand overseas operationsPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:09 PM PST

Indian airlines including state-run Air India will now be allowed to use maximum permissible bilateral flying rights, allowing them to expand their overseas operations, the Aviation Ministry said on Feb 14. India has been under-utilising its bilateral agreements under self-imposed restrictions because struggling Air India, the country's flag carrier, was unable to use the maximum limit. "Under the new arrangement, code share operations will be encouraged," the ministry said in a statement.

The move is a big positive for all carriers, said Kapil Kaul, regional head of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, a consulting firm. Most Indian airlines are losing money as a result of high fuel costs, huge debts, cutthroat competition and a slowdown in the economy.

RBI hikes bank rate to 9.5 per centPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:08 PM PST

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to increase the bank rate to 9.5 per cent with immediate effect. RBI said in a notification that this increase should be viewed and understood as one-time technical adjustment to align the Bank Rate with the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate rather than a change in the monetary policy stance. The Bank Rate, which is the standard rate at which the RBI buys or re-discounts bills of exchange or other commercial paper, is presently used as a penal rate, which the banks have to pay for their failure to meet the mandatory Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). The Bank Rate, which has been increased to 9.50 per cent, was kept unchanged since April 2003.

China EU meet on Euro debt crisisPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:08 PM PST

Leaders from China and the European Union are meeting today for a summit set to focus on Europe's debt crisis. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will meet EU President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in Beijing. Syria and Iran may also be discussed. Refusal by Chinese airlines to pay an EU tax is also likely to come up for discussions.

But the main topic is expected to be the financial crisis in Europe and how China might be able to help. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said yesterday that as China's largest trading partner and the largest economy in the world, it is important for the European Union to resolve the debt issue. The two EU leaders will also meet President Hu Jintao.

22 eminent authors receive Sahitya Akademi AwardsPosted: 14 Feb 2012 07:07 PM PST

A total of 22 eminent authors have been conferred on Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2011 at a function in New Delhi on Tuesday. The awards were given for their outstanding contributions in the field of literatures. Late Assamese poet Kabin Phukan, Bengali literateur Manindra Gupta, Konkani author Melvyn Rodrigues, Snskrit writer Harekrishna Satapathy , Hindi novelist Kashinath Singhand Urdu poet Khaleel Mamoon are among those who have received the awards. For English, the award was presented to Ramchandra Guha for his book of Narrative History. The award carries a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque for Rs 1 lakh.

RAPID GK SERIES 49Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:00 PM PST

1. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the body of the World Bank Institution was formally started in this year 2. The abbreviation of ESCAP is 3. India joined the Trillion Dollar Club in the year of 4. Yakshagana is the Rural Dance of this Indian State 5. The Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports is situated in 6. The First Woman Congress President was 7. India won the World Cup Cricket in the year

8. In order to honour the Space Scientist Kalpana Chawla, this Satellite has renamed as Kalpana-1 in 2002 9. A Form of Strike in which the Workers report for Duty but do not carry on with the Work is 10. No-Tobacco Day is observed on ANSWERS 1. 1988 2. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific 3. 2007 (April) 4. Karnataka 5. Patiala 6. Annie Besant 7. 1983 8. METSAT 9. Sit-down Strike 10. 31st May

Israeli Embassys car hit by explosion in DelhiPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:58 PM PST

A car belonging to the Israeli Embassy was gutted after it suddenly exploded in the VVIP area of Delhi on Feb 13. Wife of a senior diplomat is said to be among the four injured. The Innova SUV car, bearing diplomatic number 109 CD 35, went up in flames after it exploded near a petrol pump, metres away from 7 Race Course Road PMs residence. Another car in the vicinity was also damaged. As per unconfirmed reports, the car was being tailed by two men on a motorcycle. The man riding the pillion seat threw in something, following which there was an explosion in the car. Four persons are said to be injured and have been rushed to a nearby hospital. Among the injured is a 42-year-old lady who is posted as an administrative attach in the Israeli Embassy. Initial reports said that the CNG cylinder of the vehicle had exploded but it was now clear that the car was not CNG-run. Sources said that there is a possibility the car was specially targeted. The fears were compounded as in a similar incident, an explosives-laden car was found near the Israeli

Embassy in Georgia. That device was defused by police. The blast created a flutter among security agencies including elite SPG guarding the Prime Minister. A high alert was immediately sounded and the entire area has been cordoned off. Israel hit out at Iran accusing it to be behind the explosion in a car belonging to its embassy in Delhi saying that it was a terror attack. In a strong reaction Israel directly blamed Iran for the attacks in Delhi and Georgia.

UN gives Suu Kyi non violence prize awarded in 2002Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:57 PM PST

The UN has given Aung San Suu Kyi a 10-year-old peace award delayed by her long house arrest. A UN official visiting Myanmar presented Suu Kyi with its Mandanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Nonviolence. The prize is named after an Indian writer and philanthropist. Myanmar's former ruling junta had Suu Kyi under house arrest when she was named for the prize in 2002. The Paris-based UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation said in a statement that its chief Ryuhei Hosoya delivered the prize.

Pak will grant MFN status to India 'very soon'Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:57 PM PST

Pakistan on Feb 13 said the process for giving India the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status is expected to be finalised "very soon". "The cabinet has approved in-principle approval to giving MNF status to India and the government will grant it very soon," Fahim said while talking to reporters after he received India's Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. Fahim said the issue of multiple entry visas valid for a year for businessmen of both countries had been sorted out and the two sides will soon sign a formal agreement. Responding to a question, Fahim said the process of identifying items to be included in a negative list for trade with India is underway and the list will be finalised shortly. Later, Sharma, who is visiting Pakistan with a 120-strong business delegation, visited The India Show, the largest India-specific exhibition to be held in the country.

Google issued foreign exchange violation noticePosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:56 PM PST

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a foreign exchangeviolation notice to Internet giant Google for alleged irregularities in transfer of funds to its foreign entities. The ED has asked the Indian arm of the company to explain to it all the permissions the company has obtained from the Reserve Bank of India in this regard and its source of income in the country along with I-T returns filed earlier. The agency has obtained relevant data in this regard from the RBI and would take up any possible penal action under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) after going through the documents About DGEE The Directorate General of Economic Enforcement is a law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime in India. It is part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It comprises officers of the Indian Revenue Service. It was established on the 1st day of June, 2000 by the Central Govt. of India to investigate provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

US approves first nuclear plant in decadesPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:56 PM PST

US has approved construction of two atomic reactors in the country. The first to be built in America in more than three decades despite objections from the nations top nuclear regulator. Commissioners of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) voted 4-1 to approve the construction of two 1,100 megawatt Westinghouse-Toshiba AP1000 at power generator at Vogtle in Georgia. The NRC certified Westinghouses amended AP1000 design on December 30, 2011. There are over 100 operating nuclear power plants in America and 16 non-operational power plants, and a large number of nuclear fuel and weapons facilities. Protection: Dont count on the plant security forces they arent nearly strong enough. These plants are each vulnerable to air strikes, truck bombs, boat bombs, and of course, the well-equipped and well-armed single madman or small group of terrorists. All anyone needs to do is toss a grenade into a Spent Fuel Pool and hundreds of thousands or even millions could die.

Food Bill Burden Won't be Big: K.V. ThomasPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:55 PM PST

The proposed National Food Security Bill (NFSB) will not entail "large" financial implications for the government, Minister of State for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs K.V. Thomas said. Explaining his point, the minister said that with the current coverage and entitlement and

taking into account estimated allocations under other welfare schemes, the food subsidy bill for financial year 2012-13 is expected to be about 88,997 crore.

The major impact of NFSB will be in terms of food subsidy, which is estimated to be additional 23,228 crore in 2012-13, he said.

According to Thomas, if the government were to just update the coverage under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) using 2011 census provisional data, the food subsidy will be 109,795 crore.

With the estimated subsidy requirement under the NFSB at said this was an addition of just 2,410 crore.

112,205 crore, the minister

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had resaid he was "losing sleep" over the rising subsidy bill of the country, including the proposed right to food law. Thomas further said the perception of some states that the coverage under TPDS provided in the bill is restrictive and will come in the way of universal PDS being implemented by them is misplaced. He said the rural development ministry and Planning Commission will consult the states to arrive at a consensus on the methodology that will seek to ensure that no poor or deprived household is excluded from coverage under different government programmes and schemes. The National Food Security Bill, a dream project of United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is currently before a parliamentary standing committee.

First World Radio Day being observed today on Feb 13Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:54 PM PST

DRM technology is now revolutionalising radio transmission across the world. The Director General of All India Radio, Mr. Lila Dhar Mandloi said that All India Radio has already started introducing the technology.

Participating in our Spotlight and News Analysis Programmes today, he said that within a year or so all AIR stations in the country will be broadcasting programmes using this technology. It will lend clarity to communication and listeners will be able to clearly listen to radio broadcasts of distant stations in short and medium waves. Mr. Mandloi said that the contents of broadcasts are changing to suit the changing tastes of the people, particularly the youth. He said, community radio is playing a great role in meeting the requirements of the rural population. As such, radio communication will never lose its importance in modern life, he said. The full text of the interview with Mr. Mandloi can be heard on Rajdhani, FM Gold channels and additional frequencies from 9.30 p.m.

2nd World Meteorological conference in New DelhiPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:54 PM PST

The Second World Meteorological Organization ,WMO International Conference on Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone and Climate Change will begin in New Delhi on Feb 14. The objective of the Conference is to advance the science of climate change impacts on tropical cyclones, particularly for nations surrounding the Indian Ocean. The Conference will include a number of Workshop sessions or Panel discussions to explore climate change issues. It will bring together leading climate change and tropical cyclone experts, from both the research and operational meteorological environments, to discuss the latest research. The main focus of the conference will be on the linkage between tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean and climate change.

Europes new Vega rocket carrying nine spacecraft launchedPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:54 PM PST

Europe's new Vega rocket has launched on its first flight. The 30m-tall vehicle has been designed to put small scientific and government satellites in orbit. Vega is carrying a total of nine spacecraft, including a fundamental physics experiment to test aspects of Einstein's theory of general relativity. Member states of the European Space Agency, together with their industries, are investing more than a billion euros in the introduction of Vega. The vehicle is intended to guarantee access to space for an increasingly important class of satellite weighing less than 2.5 tonnes.

Crude oil prices rise after Greece austerity measures approvalPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:53 PM PST

Crude prices rose in Asia today on Feb 13 as markets cheered Greece's approval of harsh austerity measures requested by international creditors. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, gained 70 cents to 99.37 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for March delivery added 79 cents to 118.10 dollars a barrel.

Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission meeting starts in BangkokPosted: 13 Feb 2012 06:53 PM PST

The 5th Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission meeting began began in Bangkok on Monday. The two-day meeting is co-chaired by the head of the Thai delegation, Bundit Sotiplarit, and his Cambodian counterpart Var Kim Hong. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the meeting would discuss the progress in the surveying and demarcation of boundary between the two countries. The meeting will also discuss the opening of a new permanent border checkpoint between northeastern Thailand 's Sa Kaeo and Cambodia's Bantey Meancheay provinces as proposed by Cambodia. The two countries, which share 800-kilometer-long border, have clashed for border dispute over the area adjacent to the 11th- century Preah Vihear temple which the International Court of Justice awarded to Cambodia in 1962.

RAPID GK SERIES 43 Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:18 PM PST

1. The Capital of Lakshadweep Islands is 2. The First Home Minister of India is 3. The abbreviation of UNHCR is 4. This Financial Expert has coined the Phrase of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) nations in 2001 5. The Older Name of State Bank of India is 6. The Code Name of the Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System is 7. This year was observed in India as the Year of Russia. 8. The Hussain Sagar Lake is situated in this city 9. This Number is said as Ratio of speed of the body to the speed of sound under similar conditions. 10. This element has the highest boiling point ANSWERS 1. Kavaratti 2. Sardar Vallabhai Patel 3. United Nations High Commission for Refugees

4. Mr Jim ONeill 5. Imperial Bank of India 6. Long Horn 7. 2008 8. Hydrebad 9. Mach Number 10. Tantalum, about 6000C

US announces changes in the F-1, H-1B visas Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:22 PM PST

Amidst

pending comprehensive immigration reform, the United States has proposed several steps including changes in the F-1 and H-1B visas to attract foreign skilled workforce, a move likely to benefit professionals from countries like India. Prominent among these reforms include providing work authorisation for spouses of certain H-1B visa holders, 17-month extension of optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 international students to include students with a prior degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, allow for additional part-time study for spouses of F-1 students and allow outstanding professors and researchers to present a broader scope of evidence of academic achievement. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that on February 22, it would launch its 'Entrepreneurs in Residence' initiative with an Information Summit in Silicon Valley. This will bring together high-level representatives from the entrepreneurial community, academia and federal government agencies to discuss how to maximize current immigration laws' potential to attract foreign entrepreneurial talent. These moves are in support of President Barack Obama's, efforts to meet 21st century national security and economic needs, the Department of Homeland Security said, adding that he is deeply committed to fixing our broken immigration system so that it meets national security and economic needs. As a part of comprehensive immigration reform, Obama supports legislative

measures that would attract and retain immigrants who create jobs and boost competitiveness in the US, including creating a "Startup Visa," strengthening the H-1B programme, and "stapling" green cards to the diplomas of certain foreign-born graduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Fodder scam: Lalu, Jagannath called by special CBI court Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:22 PM PST

Former

Bihar Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Jagannath Mishra have been called by the special CBI court of Ranchi on 14th of this month. The Court called them to record their statements in case related to illegal withdrawals of nearly Rs. 38 crores from Chaibasa treasury during 1994 to 95. Out of 54 cases of 950 crores rupees fodder scam, 41 cases have been heard, and more than 100 convicts have already been sentenced.

What is this fodder scam? The

Fodder Scam was a corruption scandal that involved the embezzlement ofabout 950 crore (US$190 million) from the government treasury of the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Among those implicated in the theft and arrested were then Chief Minister of Bihar, Laloo Prasad Yadav, as well as former Chief Minister, Jagannath Mishra. The scandal led to the end of Laloo's reign as Chief Minister. The theft spanned many years, and allegedly involved numerous Bihar state'sadministrative and elected officials across multiple administrations of theIndian National Congress and the Janata Dal parties. The corruption scheme involved the fabrication of "vast herds of fictitious livestock" for which fodder, medicines and animal husbandry equipment was supposedly procured. Although the scandal broke in 1996, the theft had been in progress, and increased in size, for over two decades.Besides the magnitude and duration of the theft, the scam was and continues to be covered in Indian media due to the extensive nexus between tenured

bureaucrats, elected politicians and businesspeople that it revealed, and as an example of the mafia raj that has penetrated several state-run economic sectors in the country.

Iran launches observation satellite Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:22 PM PST

Iran

launched an observation satellite into orbit above Earth, its Arabic satellite television channel Al-Alam reported. head of Iran's Space Organisation, Hamid Fazeli, was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency that the Navid satellite was launched successfully.

The

It

will be placed into an orbit at an altitude between 250 and 370 kilometers.

Anonymous hackers access Greek ministry website Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:23 PM PST

Hackers

associated with the activist group Anonymous posted a protest against Greece's EU and IMF-inspired austerity policies on the website of the country's Justice Ministry, a ministry spokeswoman said. The site was taken offline until it was secure, she said.

Hackers

involved with the loosely organised group Anonymous have been linked to attacks around the world aimed at punishing governments for policies they dislike or at showing that corporations' data security efforts are inadequate. The hackers said they were protesting against the near-bankrupt country's bailout by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund which has been associated with unpopular austerity policies. "You have joined the IMF against your people's acquiescence... democracy was given birth in your country but you have killed it," said a two-minute video in English which said it was from Anonymous and was posted on the ministry website. Near-bankrupt

Greece is currently locked in last-ditch talks with its creditors to stave off a chaotic default that might spill over to other eurozone countries.

RBI launches industrial outlook survey for Jan-March 2012 Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:24 PM PST

The

Reserve Bank of India on Friday said it has launched its Industrial Outlook Survey for the January-March, 2012, period. The survey gives an insight into the perception of non-financial public and private limited companies engaged in manufacturing activities about their performance and future prospects, a press release issued here stated. The assessment of the business sentiment in the present quarter and expectations for the ensuing quarter are based on qualitative responses to 20 major parameters. These include overall business and financial situations, demand indicators, price and employment expectations and profit margins, among other parameters. The survey is intended to provide useful forward-looking inputs for policymakers, analysts and businesses, it said. The RBI has been conducting the Industrial Outlook Survey on a quarterly basis since 1998. The latest will be the 57th round of the survey. It has entrusted the task of conducting the survey for the current quarter to the Centre for Research Planning and Action (CERPA). The CERPA would get in touch with several manufacturing companies during this quarter for seeking their valuable feedback so that it can be included in

the survey, it added. those manufacturing companies that are not approached by CERPA can also participate in the survey by downloading the survey schedule from the RBI's official website. CERPA, which was established in 1972, conducts social science research, providing consultancy services on developmental issues to help planners and policymakers and also conducts charitable services for the disadvantaged and poor sections of the country, it said. However,

Govt may freeze power capacity to be supplied with coal in 12th Plan Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:24 PM PST

The

Coal Ministry is likely to fix a cap on the power capacity beyond which it would not supply coal during the 12th Plan (2012-17) due to scarcity of the fossil fuel. The ministry feels there is a need for freezing the capacity of power projects to be supplied coal by Coal India (CIL) during the upcoming Plan period. The matter is likely to come up for discussion in a meeting of the Standing Linkage Committee to be held in second week of feb. The development comes in the wake of the Committee of Secretaries constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently deciding that CIL would be penalised it if does not supply fuel at an 80 pecent "trigger" level. Earlier, the Planning Commission had asked CIL to sign pacts (Fuel Supply Agreements) with power firms to ensure sufficient supply of dry fuel even if the coal miner has to import it. A Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) is a document that contains provisions for incentives for meeting commitments and penalties in case of failure. Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had earlier emphasised on the need to ensure adequate availability of coal in the current fiscal as well as during the 12th Plan (2012-17). He had stated that CIL is at present not willing to sign FSAs assuring a high enough percentage of coal will be delivered. The Planning Commission had earlier said it is likely fix a target for about 1,00,000 MW of capacity addition in the power sector in the 12th Plan (2012-17). The demand-supply gap for coal, which stood at 84 million tonnes (MT) last fiscal, is likely to touch 142 MT in the current financial year. CIL, which accounts for over 80 per cent of domestic coal production, has

scaled down its production target for the current fiscal to 440 MT from 452 MT. The public sector firm missed its production target last fiscal and produced 431.325 MT of coal against the revised target of 440.20 MT.

Jharkhand's new industrial policy to focus on SMEs Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:23 PM PST

Giving

emphasis on development of small and medium-scale industries as well as skill development, Jharkhand's new industrial policy, would be a growth-oriented policy, said a senior official. "The policy will lay emphasis on sectors such as food processing, automobile, textiles and Information technology," A P Singh, secretary (industry) of government of Jharkhand, said adding that the policy is ready and in the cabinet for approval. In the town for a CII programme, the official said these economy-driven industries require less land and generate more employment. The new policy has provision to grant special incentives with a sole motive to ensure fast industrial growth in the mineral-rich Jharkhand. Hailing

the steps initiated by the state government to achieve all round development, Singh said, "We have plans to set up 50 more Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in the state". Besides, the new policy will encourage private entrepreneurs to develop industrial estates in Jharkhand, 40 percent of which will be to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Referring

to the industrial scenario in the state, Singh said they have proposals for project worth Rs 75,000 crores including the cement sector.

UN declares Somali famine over for now Posted: 03 Feb 2012 07:24 PM PST

An

exceptional harvest after good rains and food deliveries by aid agencies have ended famine in Somalia for now but food stocks could run out again in May, the United Nations said on Friday. The famine, which was declared in July, killed tens of thousands in south and central Somalia, much of which is controlled by Islamist militants. More than 2.3 million Somalis, almost a third of the population, are still in need of aid. Crisis not over Bowden

called al Shabaab's expulsion of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from its territories a "critical concern". The militants this week banned the agency, one of few international aid groups delivering food aid to areas under rebel control, accusing it of distributing out-of-date food. Al Shabaab denied a hunger crisis persisted, accused relief groups of misleading Somalis and said it would not lift a ban imposed on more than a dozen aid agencies. The UN said the latest harvest in Somalia was double the average of the past 17 years, and this had lowered food prices, though mortality rates in southern Somalia were still among the highest in the world. In many parts of the south, acute malnutrition rates remain about 20 percent and access to treatment is severely restricted. The UN said the current harvest offered respite but would provide just 10 to 20 percent of this year's food needs. It warned food stocks could run out in May, ahead of the main August harvest. "We have less than 100 days to avoid another famine," said Jose Graziano da Silva, director general of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation. "The crisis is not over. It can only be resolved with a combination of rains and continued, coordinated, long-term actions that build up the resilience of the population and link relief with development."

RAPID GK SERIES 42Posted: 02 Feb 2012 08:42 PM PST

1. The first President of India who died while in office 2. The First Post Office which Opened in India is 3. The Administrative Capital of the Union Territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli is 4. The World Tourism Day is observed on 5. The Instrument which is used to measure the Blood Pressure is 6. The Discoverer of China is 7. The National Emergency can be imposed by this Article Number 8. The Nearest Position of Earth to the Sun is 9. Poona Pact was established in the year 10. This individual was the First Englishman who visited the Akbar s Court in 1585 ANSWERS 1. Dr. Zakir Hussain 2. Kolkata(1727) 3. Silvasaa 4. September 27 5. Sphygmomanometer 6. Marco Polo 7. Article 352 8. Perihelion 9. 25th September, 1932 10. Ralph Fitch

Govt discontinues weekly Wholesale Price Index releasePosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:40 PM PST

The government today announced discontinuation of release of weekly primary and food inflation data based on the Wholesale Price Index. It, however, will continue releasing the monthly headline or overall inflation data, which also contains the break-up for all segments including food, non-food, and fuel and manufactured items. The headline inflation figures for January are scheduled to be released on February 14. Besides, the government will also come out with a retail inflation data based on the all-India Consumer Price Index, CPI, from this month. The first nationwide CPI numbers, for the month of January, will come out on 21st of next month.

The government has last month decided to do away with the practice of releasing the weekly primary and food inflation data as the figures were not portraying the holistic picture of the price situation.

The Electronic Delivery of Services Bill, 2011Main FeaturesPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:40 PM PST

The

Electronic Delivery of Services Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 27, 2011 by the Minister of HRD and Information Technology. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Information Technology on January 5, 2012, which is scheduled to submit its report in three months. Bill provides that the central government, the state government and public authorities shall deliver all public services through electronic modes, except those that cannot be delivered electronically. The government may also notify other services which will not be delivered electronically. Services that can be delivered through electronic means include the receipt of forms and applications, the issue of licenses and permits, and receipt and payment of money, among others. Public authorities are required to deliver services through electronic means within five years of the enactment of the Bill, which may be extended by a further three years. Bill provides that every public authority should publish the list of public services to be delivered electronically within 180 days of its enactment. This list should be reviewed every January and the following notified: (a) the date by which each service will be made available electronically and (b) the manner and quality of delivery of such services. public authority is required to notify a Grievance Redressal Mechanism. Aggrieved persons can file complaints against an authority for failing to

The

The

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provide public services electronically in the delivery of services. The

or

for

deficiencies

Bill establishes three-member commissions at the central and state levels. The central selection committee tasked to appoint the members will consist of the cabinet secretary, a secretary and an expert. The state selection committee will consist of the chief secretary, a principal secretary and an expert. The Bill bars judicial review of appointment of members.

India, Japan and China pact to share data on efficient use of NavyPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:39 PM PST

India, Japan and China have entered into a pact to share data to achieve most efficient use of Naval Forces present in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative is known as Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE). Talking to reporters in New Delhi Wednesday, Naval spokesperson Admiral Monty Khanna said that initiative began functioning from first of last month. It is reported that China, India, and Japan have also agreed to carry out more effective coordination by establishing a convoy coordination working group as part of the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction Mechanism.

Climate conservation with sustainable growth would be focus of 12th five Year Plan, says PMPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:38 PM PST

The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today on Feb 2 said that climate conservation along with sustainable growth will be the focus of the 12th 5-yr plan. A National Action Plan is already in place and progressing satisfactorily. Addressing Delhi-Sustainable Summit in New Delhi today, he called for global cohesion to tackle the problem of climate change. Dr Singh said that cooperation must be based on the foundation of the right to development and the need for an equitable distribution of burden sharing. The Prime Minister said that the problem of global warming needs to be solved in a way that it addresses the concerns of development of the growing economies. He added, India, which is in the frontline of climate vulnerability, has a vital stake in the evolution of a successful response to climate change. He stated that India's forest cover had increased by nearly 5 per cent between 1997 and 2007. Dr Singh said that the Green India Mission which aim to increase the forest and tree cover by five million hectares and improve forest cover on another 5 million hectares. Dr Singh presented sustainable Development Leadership Award for 2012 to President of Finland Ms. Tarja Halonen.

Govt launches campaign of National Tobacco Control ProgrammePosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:38 PM PST

Government today launched the campaign of National Tobacco Control Programme," Life Se Panga Mat Le Yar" to create awareness among people about the harmful effects of Tobacco. Speaking at the launching function Additional Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Mr K Desiraju said that, Tobacco is the biggest killer across the globe and India is also severely infected by this. Expressing concern over the use of Tobacco in youth between the age of 16 to 17, he urged the youth to leave this bad habit. He expressed hope that through this campaign government is able to communicate with the people about the dangerous

effect of Tobacco on the individual health. Mr Desiraju sought for co-operation of civi-society and NGO's to fight with the menace of Tobacco. It is reported that everyday more than 55 thousand children in the country below the age group of 15 years are estimated to try tobacco for the first time .Five million Indian children are said to be addicted to tobacco.

BMS calls for industrial strike on Feb 28Posted: 02 Feb 2012 08:38 PM PST

The Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has given a nationwide industrial strike call on February 28, a day before the presentation of Union Budget protesting the neglect of working population in the country. The strike will affect public sector banks, ports and docks, railways, insurance, road transport, energy, mines and aviation sector, Vice-President of BMS Vinayak Joshi said in a statement, here today. The economic policies pursued by the central government are against the interests of the nation. Liberlisation policy has increased number of unemployed in the country and laws of minimum wages are violated in several sectors. Social security schemes are either minimised or denied, the BMS release said. Also, employments on contract basis, disinvestments and outsourcing are pushing organised workers into unorganised sector and about 42 crore workers are being denied job guarantee, service conditions and social security, Joshi said in the release.

UK appoints first Somali ambassador since 1991Posted: 02 Feb 2012 08:37 PM PST

Britain is appointing a new ambassador to Somalia, resuming its diplomatic presence after more than 20 years of upheaval. Foreign Secretary William Hague arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday and appointed Matt Baugh as a senior UK Somalia representative. Hague is the first British foreign secretary to visit Mogadishu in 20 years. The appointment comes just ahead of a February 23 global conference on Somalia that the UK is hosting. Hague met with Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and said the UK will help Somalia during a year of political transition. The Somali government's UN mandate expires in August. The UN last month sent its senior representative on Somalia to Mogadishu for the first time in nearly two decades.

China counter: Arunachal to get mega hydel projectPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:36 PM PST

China's bid to have big hydel projects along the Indian border in north-east may witness a counter with environment ministry set to approve 1,750 MW Demwe hydel project in Arunachal Pradesh. China has planned to build at hydel project in Zangmu, 140 km south-east of Tibetan capital city of Lhasa in a bid to tap the hydro potential of Brahmaputra river. The river flows about 1,625 kms in Tibet, 918 kms in India and remaining 363 kms in Bangladesh before submerging into Bay of Bengal. Arunachal Pradesh government has planned hydel projects on five major rivers in the state, which finally drain in Brahmaputra, to generate over 50,000 MW of power. Many of these projects are stalled because of protest against them in Assam claiming that these projects will dry the river in down stream areas. But, the environment ministry is likely to approve one of these projects, Demwe Lower hydel project in Lohit district of the state despite it being rejected by the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife headed by minister incharge Jayanti Natarajan. The committee had rejected the project claiming that it will adversely impact wildlife

in Kamleng wildlife sanctuary. Contrary to the committee's view, the ministry officials say there will be no submergence of the sanctuary even when the reservoir is full. The project has already received environment and forest approval, mandatory for making a project operational in a forest area. Natarajan has reportedly decided to issue an order overruling the standing committee's decision after Arunachal chief minister Naban Tuki met her recently. The CM argued that exploiting hydel potential was an important economic incentive of the state, which is required to protect forest covering 70 % of the state's geographical area. Tuki was also of the view that hydel projects in Arunachal were a key to counter China's plans to develop mega hydel projects in Tibet. Government sources expect the minister to issue an order regarding Demwe project this month paving a way for clearance of more hydel projects in the state.

Oil firms stop jet fuel supplies to AI over duesPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:36 PM PST

State-owned oil companies today snapped supplies of jet fuel (ATF) to Air India after the national carrier failed to honour payments even after 90-day credit period. According to an oil company official, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have stopped ATF supplies to Air India at the four metros, Trivandrum and Kochi from this evening. The move follows Air India not honouring its commitment to make payments for jet fuel it bought from the oil companies even after expiry of 90 day credit period. Air India owes about 4,200 crore rupees as past dues towards fuel purchases. The official said that payments for ATF sold to the national carrier in mid-October was due on January 22 but AIR India did not make any payment.

Ferry with 350 aboard sinks off Papua New GuineaPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:35 PM PST

Several people are feared dead after a ferry carrying as many as 350 passengers on board sank off the north coast of Papua New Guinea, PNG. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said this is obviously a major tragedy and there is likely to be a very high death toll. A maritime official said rescue workers have rescued 28 people from the water so far. He added, hundreds of passengers were still unaccounted for. Rescue co-ordinator Captain Nurur Rahman said four merchant ships were diverted to the scene by Australian authorities to help with the rescue. PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority said a distress signal was sent from the MV Rabaul Queen on Thursday morning when travelling between Lae and the West New Britain town of Kimbe in the east of the Pacific nation today.

2G telecom policy set by NDA, we merely followed it, says govtPosted: 02 Feb 2012 08:35 PM PST

Putting up a defiant face to the Supreme Court's indictment of its spectrum sale policy, the government passed the blame on the previous NDA regime for putting in place a ''faulty policy'' on allocating spectrum which his government then merely followed. Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said the Supreme Court has criticised the first-comefirst-serve policy. This was set by the NDA. Its Cabinet passed it on October 31, 2003. We followed it. The court found the policy discriminatory, not the fact that we followed it, Sibal said. Sibal also said the government has learnt a lesson from the verdict -- ministers must consult all on policies and not commit irregu larities. He ducked a question on why the UPA government should blindly follow procedures put in place many years ago. He was asked why the UPA thought that the NDA

policy was "cast in stone". Sibal was also flustered when asked why licences granted by NDA telecom ministers were not cancelled if the Supreme Court only found the policy faulty, and not its implementation. "At that point of time, we thought the first-come-first-serve policy was okay. Now we shall reconsider," Sibal said. Nearly four hours after the Supreme Court's verdict to revoke 122 telecom licences given by A Raja, Kapil Sibal said the judgement had ended the two years of uncertainty in the sector and brought clarity on how things would now be taken forward. We welcome the verdict, we will wait for TRAI's recommendations and proceed with the direction of the court, Sibal said.

RAPID GK SERIES 41Posted: 01 Feb 2012 07:39 PM PST

1. The First Woman Chief Minister of India is 2. The abbreviation of MODVAT is 3. The Present Strength of the 15th Parliament House (Lok Sabha) is 4. The famous Sports Personality Mallika Bhandarkar is related with this Sport 5. In 2006, the Centurion Bank was merged with this Scheduled Commercial Bank 6. The Thermometer suitable to measure 2000 Degree Celcius Temperature is 7. The Gas used for Artificial Ripening of Green Fruit is 8. This is the fastest Computer of the World 9. Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located at 10. The Earliest evidence of Agriculture in Indian sub-continent comes from this place ANSWERS 1. Mrs. Sucheta Kripalani 2. Modified Value Added Tax 3. 545 members. 4. Table Tennis 5. Bank of Punjab 6. Total Radiation Thermometer 7. Ethylene 8. Param 10000 9. Shri Hari Kota 10. Mehargarh

India's exports grow 6.7 per cent in DecemberPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:36 PM PST

The country's exports grew 6.7 percent, year-on-year, to 25 billion dollars in December 2011, due to demand slowdown in the western markets of the US and Europe. But imports rose 19.8 per cent, year-on-year, to 37.7 billion dollars during the month, according to Commerce Ministry data released today. The trade deficit stood at 12.7 billion dollars in December 2011, compared to 8 billion dollars in December 2010. However, due to better performance in the earlier months, the country's exports showed a growth of 25.8 per cent, to 217.6 billion dollars during the April to December 2011 period. During this nine month period, imports rose 30.3 per cent, to 350.9 billion dollars, leaving a trade gap of 133.2 billion. Oil imports grew 11.2 per cent, while non-oil imports rose 23.3 per cent, in December 2011. During the April-December 2011 period, oil imports increased 40.3 per cent, while non-oil imports rose 26.5 per cent.

Govt planning to patent products manufactured by tribalsPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:36 PM PST

Government has taken an initiative to patent the indigenous knowledge of tribals and products manufactured by them with the help of natural resources under the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi today, Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo said his Ministry has already started the process of recording several forest products and indigenous knowledge of the tribals and has sought assistance from the state governments in this regard. Mr Deo clarified, that

products which are natural or have been gifted by nature cannot be included in this list.

China, Russia oppose forced regime change in SyriaPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:35 PM PST

China and Russia have reiterated their opposition to the use of force to resolve the crisis in Syria. Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Li Baodong told the Security Council that Beijing is firmly opposed to push for a forced regime change in Syria. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow wont support any action that would be imposed on Syria. Syrian U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari rejected the draft resolution saying it amounts to flagrant violation of international norms and is a direct interference in the internal affairs of Syria. Arab and Western states called upon the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday to act swiftly on a draft resolution calling President Bashar Al Assad to step down. The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton strongly backed the call by the Arab League and Qatar for rapid and decisive action. Ms.Clinton made a strong case for inclusive Syrian led political process to resolve the crisis and warned if urgent action is not taken, the situation may spiral out of control. Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby said Arab nations wanted to avoid foreign military intervention in Syria. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani warned that Syrias killing machine is still at work. Earlier the Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani handed over the Arab League Observers report on Syria to the Council. The draft resolution calls for a political transition in two weeks under which President Bashir al-Assad would step aside in favour of his Vice President. A National Unity Government would be formed and preparations for elections would be made in first two months.

All private sector banks eligible to handle govt business: RBIPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:35 PM PST

Reserve Bank of India has said that all private sector banks will now be considered eligible to handle any Central or State Government at par with public sector banks. Till now, only three private banks, namely ICICI Bank Ltd, HDFC Bank Ltd and Axis Bank Ltd were appointed by RBI as its agents to carry out limited general banking business. In a notification issued from Mumbai on Tuesday, RBI said that this move would improve customer convenience by increasing the number of customer service outlets. It will also broadbase the revenue collection and payments mechanism of Central and State governments. In this connection, all banks intending to handle Government business need to send a proposal to the Controller General of Accounts for examination. For State Government business, the concerned Department of the State may work out the arrangement and approach the Finance Department of the State which will recommend the proposal to the Regional Director of RBI for the State. These revised guidelines have come into effect immediately.

Dhruv grounded; MHA hunts for choppersPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:34 PM PST

The Home Ministry is planning to buy and wet-lease choppers to assist its forces engaged in internal security duties, including anti-Naxal operations, as the entire fleet of indigenous Dhruv helicopters has been grounded following a series of mishaps. Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Forces will help the paramilitary and state police forces to do their job till the alternative

arrangements were made. "Mi-17 helicopters are functional. It is the Dhruv helicopters which were grounded. One of them crashed....so I immediately I directed remaining (fleet) should be grounded," he told reporters here last evening. Chidambaram said he had authorised wet leasing of some helicopters and also looking for buying some more choppers for use by the security forces. The Border Security Force maintains the fleet of Dhruv helicopters. Before the crashes near Ranchi and Raipur, it had seven Dhruvs. At least five Dhruv choppers, manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and designed to meet the requirement of both military and police forces, have crashed in recent years in India, Nepal and Ecuador in Latin America.

Kharge felicitated with Pride of India awardPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:34 PM PST

Visiting Union Minister for Labor and Employment Mallikarjun Kharge has been presented with 'Pride of India' award by the Indian-American community here for his over four decades of public service. The award was presented jointly by the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) and India Association of North Texas (IANT) at a reception hosted in honour of the visiting union minister in Dallas over the weekend. Addressing the gathering, Kharge provided an update on various bilateral memoranda on items of mutual interest, such as mining safety, employment, social security and said that India's GDP is poised to grow at a faster pace than most of the nations. Kharge reiterated his commitment to improve child education especially to strengthen the rural communities. "History has shown that great nations have influenced the world with their economic, diplomatic and cultural strength. "I say with utmost pride that India and United States of America are examples of such great nations," said Sridhar Reddy Korsapati, president of IANT. "Kharge is considered a competent leader with a clean public image and well versed in the dynamics of politics, legislation and administration," said Prasad Thotakura of

IAFC.

Japan opposes Beijings East China Sea drillingPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:33 PM PST

Japan protested against China possibly drilling for natural gas in a field in the East China Sea, arguing that the move violates their agreement to jointly develop gas resources in the disputed area, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura. Tokyo also called for bilateral talks to resume soon on signing a treaty to jointly develop gas in the sea, since they have been stalled due in part to a spat over maritime collisions in 2010 near the disputed Senkaku Islands, government officials said. Fujimura said at a press conference that a flare was seen in the gas field known as Kashi, and Japan protested against China on Tuesday over the suspicious move to develop natural gas there. "The chances are good that China has been producing (natural gas) since September 2005," Fujimura said, adding that unilateral development of the gas field is "not allowed" because there is no agreement on the maritime boundary between Tokyo and Beijing. Kashi, known as Tianwaitian in China, is located just west of what Tokyo claims to be the median line between the exclusive economic zones of Japan and China. In 2008, Japan and China agreed to continue discussions toward a joint gas development project in Kashi and other gas fields, but China has carried on developing Kashi even though the talks have been stalled since 2010.

FY12 fiscal deficit seen at 5.6% of GDP: AdviserPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:33 PM PST

India's fiscal deficit is likely to be about one percentage point higher than the budgeted 4.6 percent of gross domestic product in the current fiscal year that ends in March, M Govinda Rao, an economic adviser to the prime minister, said on Wednesday. The fiscal deficit during April to December reached 92.3 percent of the full-year target, government data showed on Tuesday. Rao's forecast matches with the view held by many private economists who had warned that the deficit for the year would overshoot the budgeted target by a full percentage point on slowing growth and weak federal finances.

Private sector to come forward for corporate social responsibility: MoilyPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:32 PM PST

Union Minister for Corporate Affairs Mr. M. Veerappa Moily today asked private sector to come forward for corporate social responsibility, CSR. The Minister said that Public Sector Companies are already providing 2 per cent of their profit towards CSR. Addressing the 2nd National CSR Conclave in New Delhi, Mr. Moily said that the Planning Commission has mooted the idea of Public Sector Units setting up higher education hubs as part of their CSR. The move will help the government in achieving its target of gross enrolment ratio in Higher education sector. The Minister said his ministry has taken a number of initiatives in the legislative, regulatory, service delivery and capacity building.

Separatists sparked violence in Sichuan: ChinaPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:32 PM PST

Rock-wielding Tibetan separatists who attacked police stations are responsible for sparking last week's deadly violence in Sichuan, the Chinese government said Wednesday in its first detailed account of the unrest. The government-run China Daily newspaper quoted extensively from a Sichuan government statement that said two Tibetan rioters were killed and 24 police and firefighters were injured in two clashes. The account differs from those of Tibetan support groups outside the country who say police fired on protesters in three separate areas, killing at least six Tibetans. For the past year, self-immolations have become a striking form of protest in the region. At least 16 monks, nuns and former clergy set themselves on fire after chanting for Tibetan freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama, who fled to India amid an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

2002 riots case: Gujarat HC rejects plea to summon ModiPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:32 PM PST

The Gujarat High Court today rejected a petition seeking a direction to the Nanavati Commission to call State Chief Minister Narendra Modi for questioning in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots. The court held that it was the discretion of the commission whether to summon a person or not. A division bench of Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice Sonia Gokani had last week reserved its order on a petition by the NGO Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM) representing some of the 2002 riot victims. It is reported that the High Court order is seen as a relief for Mr Modi. Petitioner had approached the High Court after the Commission of Justice G T Nanavati and Justice Akshay Mehta, probing the 2002 riot cases had rejected NGOs plea to

summon Mr Modi for cross-examination. Petitioner's advocate, Mukul Sinha, had submitted in the court that Mr Modi should be summoned by the Commission as the role of Chief Minister falls within the ambit of the inquiry commission.

French firm Dassault wins bid to supply IAF 126 fightersPosted: 01 Feb 2012 07:31 PM PST

French firm Dassault Aviation bagged India's biggest-ever military contract for supplying 126 Rafale combat aircraft for the Air Force. It edged out European rival EADS in the deal. French firm was declared as the lowest bidder. It will get the contract under India's defence procurement procedure. The deal is worth about ten billion dollars. According to the Request for Proposal, the winner of the contract will have to supply 18 of the 126 aircraft to the IAF in 36 months from its facilities and the remaining would be produced at HAL facilities in Bangalore. According to a statement issued by the French Embassy in New Delhi, President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed happiness at India's selection of the French fighter aircraft.

RAPID GK SERIES 40Posted: 31 Jan 2012 07:15 PM PST

1. Bank Rate is determined by this organization 2. In this State, the Bhilai Steel Plant is situated 3. The Highest Populous State in India is 4. This Turkey City is the Gateway to the West 5. India Played its 100th Cricket Test Match with this Country 6. The President of India can be removed from his office by

7. A Federal Court was established in India under the Act of 8. The Time of the Year when the difference between the Length of the Days and the Length of Nights is the Largest is called 9. In our Indian Constitution, the part of the Fundamental Rights is borrowed from this Country 10. The Smallest State in terms of area is ANSWERS 1. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 2. Chattisgarh 3. Uttar Pradesh 4. Istanbul 5. Srilanka 6. The Parliament 7. 1935 8. Solstice 9. USA 10. Goa

India to ask US, Pak to extradite 9 persons involved in 26/11 attackPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:12 PM PST

India is all set to ask the United States and Pakistan to extradite nine persons involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. The list of nine persons includes Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley, LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and two ISI officers. The extradition requests to the US and Pakistan will be sent very soon as all the nine persons were directly involved in the conspiracy as well as executing the India's worst terror strike. The move comes a month after the National Investigation Agency chargesheeted LeT operative Headley, Hafiz Saeed, Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Headley's accomplice and Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Rana and al-Qaeda operative Illyas Kashmiri for plotting terror attacks in India including the 26/11 strikes. Sajid Malik, handler of Headley, and Abdul Rehman Hashmi,former Pakistani Army officer, were also named in the charge- sheet besides two officers Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali who believed to be working for Pakistan's spy agency.

The extradition requests will be sent to the US despite the fact that Headley had entered into a plea bargain with American authorities to escape harsh sentence. Both Headley and Rana are at present in custody of US authorities and NIA has only got a limited access to Headley. Barring Headley and Rana, NIA has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against all the seven accused including Saeed and Lakhvi who is said to be in a Pakistani jail facing trial for conspiring the 26/11 attack. The seven others are believed to be in Pakistan and New Delhi does not have any extradition pact with Islamabad.

Obama admits US drone strikes on PakistanPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:12 PM PST

US President Barack Obama has confirmed that unmanned drones regularly strike suspected militants in Pakistan 's tribal areas. Mr. Obama called the strikes a targeted focussed effort at people who are on a list of active terrorists. The US does not routinely speak publicly about drone operations. Mr. Obama made his comments during an hour-long video hangout on Google's social network. More than 130,000 questions were submitted before the hangout began, and six people were invited to join the president online for the event. They were able to ask questions and seek follow-up answers from Mr. Obama. The event ended a week of social media engagement in the wake of Mr. Obama's State of the Union address on 24 January. Meanwhile, Pakistan said the drone attacks are unlawful, counterproductive and hence unacceptable. Foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit said our view has always been very clear and position principled.

Western govt urges UNSC to tackle Syria crisisPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:11 PM PST

Western governments are putting intense pressure on the UN Security Council to tackle the crisis in Syria where violence is raging. They are demanding a UN resolution on political change in Syria based on a plan by the Arab League, but that is fiercely opposed by Russia which calls it regime change by another name. The UN Security Council is due to discuss Syria later on Tuesday. The plan proposed by the Arab League, and backed by the United States, Britain and France, calls for Mr. Assad to hand power to a deputy who would then form a government of national unity. Moscow said this is not balanced and will leave open the possibility of intervention in Syria 's affairs. Earlier, the United States said it was inevitable that President Bashar Al- Assad will fall. White House spokesman Jay Carney said Assad's fall is inevitable as the regime has lost control of the country. Meanwhile, Damascus has slammed what it termed aggressive statements made by the United States and other Western nations ahead of a UN Security Council session on the spiraling violence in Syria . A foreign ministry statement distributed by the official SANA news agency said the aggressive American and Western statements against Syria are escalating in a scandalous manner. Damascus described statements by the West as ridiculous, and insisted that recent events in the country should be blamed on armed terrorist groups.

No petrol without helmets in Jharkhands Ranchi districtPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:11 PM PST

Ranchi district administration has issued instructions to all petrol pumps not to sell petrol to those two- wheelers whose owners are not wearing helmets.

The decision has been taken to check cases of death in road accidents. The petrol pump owners have also been asked to install CCTV cameras to identify criminals and law breakers.

PM asks officials to speeds up trans-shipment project in KeralaPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:10 PM PST

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has asked the officials of concerned departments to speed up the country's first International Container Trans-shipment Terminal project at Vallarpadam in Kerala. Once implemented, over 16,000-crore Vallarpadam container facility for transshipment will become a major hub for cargo. According to a release issued by Prime Ministers Of fice, the project will help reducing the number of days taken to export or import consignments by seven days apart from cutting down the transportation cost of each container by 300 US dollar. The facility will give a boost to international Indian trade making it more competitive. Currently Indian importers and exporters use Colombo , Salalah , Singapore and Dubai hubs for shipments adding to their costs. Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Pulok Chatterjee chaired a meeting with officials from the departments of Revenue, Commerce and Shipping. They have been asked to ensure that procedural issues do not come in the way of the implementation of this project. In the meeting it was also decided that the Department of Commerce and Ministry of Shipping will make all efforts to ensure that the first Container Freight Station (CFS) is operational by 1st of March this year and other 3 proposed such stations should be commissioned shortly. Customs Department will also ensure necessary arrangements for the purpose.

Dinesh Trivedi calls for National Policy on RailwaysPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:09 PM PST

The Railways Minister Mr. Dinesh Trivedi has called for a National Policy on Railways so that it can add to the countrys GDP and generate employment. Addressing Public Private Partnership Summit 2012 in New Delhi on Tuesday morning, he asserted that if India has to maintain a GDP of seven to eight percent, it must relook towards the growth of Railways. Calling for automation of railways system to avoid accidents, the Minister said that accidents happen mostly due to human error. Advocating a rebuild of the organisational structure of railways, Mr. Trivedi disclosed that the Railway Board will be expanded after the budget to make it customer oriented. He said a roadmap to this effect will be presented in the Railway budget. Saying that safety will be his first and foremost concern, Mr. Trivedi said that two committees are already working on the issue for a complete overhaul. Speaking on the occasion, Member Planning Commission Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi said that all allocation under PPP mode must be in a transparent manner and once the terms of allocation is fixed, it should not be changed. Stressing the need for a dispute resolution mechanism, Mr. Chaturvedi said that the disputes should be settled at the earliest. During the 12th Five Year Plan, half of the one trillion dollar investment is targetted to be achieved through private sector investment. It has been observed that while PPP projects in some sectors have displayed good progress, several others achieved only limited success. In the 11th Plan Private Partnership remained 80 percent while Public partnership was only 20 percent. While Telecom, Oil and Gas Pipeline and Power Sector has seen largest private investment. Other areas like Railways, health, education and Urban Development are yet to get its due share.

ISRO to release Antrix-Devas deal reportsPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:09 PM PST

An ISRO press release issued in Bangalore says that the ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan has initiated a process of getting necessary clearances for releasing the reports of two committees to examine various aspects of the ANTRIX-DEVAS Agreement of January 2005. It can be recalled that the Government has set up the High Powered Review Committee on February 10, 2011 with Shri B.K. Chaturvedi and Prof. Roddam Narasimha as Members. Another High Level Team was also set up by Government on May 31, 2011 chaired by Shri Pratyush Sinha to examine various aspects of the ANTRIX-DEVAS Agreement. Former ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair and three other senior space scientists are charged with omissions allegedly committed in Antrix Corporation's deal with Devas Multimedia for leasing out S-band transponders on two satellites for launch of digital multimedia services. Minister of State in the Prime Ministers office V Narayanaswamy had said on Monday that Government is ready to hear the point of view of four scientists barred from occupying any government posts in connection with the Antrix-Devos deal.

Bihar village sets example by planting trees on birth of girlsPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:08 PM PST

Planting of trees by families on birth of a girl child, the theme of Bihars tableau in this years Republic Day parade, has worked wonders for a village in Bhagalpur by improving the environment and providing financial security to girls. The tradition in Dharhara village, about 40 km from Bhagalpur, was popularised by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who was so impressed by it that he decided to launch a welfare scheme Pahli Kilkari Yojna from there on Environment Day last year, official sources said. According to the practise, a family plants a fruit bearing tree on the birth of a girl child. The fruits provide financial insurance for the girl as the family deposits the money by selling them in her name.

The money, which multiplies in the course of time, is spent during the marriage of the girl. BJP spokesman and Bhagalpur MP Shahnawaz Hussain told that the tradition has proved a boon for the girl child. Besides, financially empowering the girl, the custom has a positive impact on the environment of the area, he said. Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Naughachia, Sushil Kumar said the government provides all possible help to the village to encourage this practise which has spread to many other neighbouring areas. Subodh Kumar Kushwaha, a villager, said due to this healthy tradition, everyone feels happy on birth of a girl child in their family. Locals said earlier people used to plant seesam (Indian Rosewood) tree on the occasion but it was not successful as the tree started decaying due to some unknown disease, besides taking a long time in maturing. This prompted people to go for cash-rich trees like banana and mango.

U.S. nuclear reactor loses power, venting systemPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:08 PM PST

A nuclear reactor at a northern Illinois plant was shut down after losing power, and steam was being vented to reduce pressure, according to officials from Exelon Nuclear and federal regulators. Unit 2 at Byron Generating Station, about 153 kilometres northwest of Chicago, shut down at 10:18 a.m., after losing power, Exelon officials said. Diesel generators began supplying power to the plant, and operators began releasing steam to cool the reactor, but from the part of the plant where turbines are producing electricity, not from within the nuclear reactor itself, officials said. The steam contains low levels of tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen, but federal and plant officials insisted the levels were safe for workers and the public. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission declared the incident an unusual event, the lowest of four levels of emergency. Commission officials also said the release of tritium was expected.

Exelon Nuclear officials believe a failed piece of equipment at a switchyard caused the shutdown. The switchyard is similar to a large substation that delivers power from the plant to the electrical grid, they said. Officials were still investigating the equipment failure.

'Lakshya' successfully test flownPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:07 PM PST

Indigenously developed micro-light and pilot-less target aircraft Lakshya-1 was successfully test flown from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur today. 'Lakshya-1, fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine was successfully test flown at about 11.40 AM to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement, defence sources said here. "It is a routine trial by the users," the sources said. Lakshya is a sub -sonic, re-usable aerial target system remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots. The flight duration of the micro light air-craft is usually 30-35 minutes. The aircraft has been developed by India's aeronautic development establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battle field and target acquisition. Lakshya has been inducted in to the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2000. The trial was significant as Lakshya-11 PTA was successfully flight tested from the same ground on January 25 and 27.

Kazakhstan lifts state of emergency after riotsPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:07 PM PST

Kazakhstan today lifted a state of emergency in its riot-torn Caspian Sea town of Zhanaozen, where clashes between striking oil workers and police left at least 16 dead last month. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered the state of emergency to last until 7 am, local time, today. He announced Friday it would not be extended because the "situation had taken a normal course." The violence in Zhanaozen and the wider Mangistau region on the Caspian Sea, where the Central Asian country pumps much of its oil, was the bloodiest in Kazakhstan's post-Soviet history. Strongman Nazarbayev initially blamed the bloodshed on militants, but he later sacked several energy executives and even his son-in-law Timur Kulibayev, who headed a state holding firm with stakes in the companies hit by strikes.

IAF chief on four-day visit to MalaysiaPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:06 PM PST

In consonance with India's 'Look East' policy, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne on Monday left for Malaysia on a four-day visit to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, which received a big boost after IAF started to train their pilots to fly Russian-origin Sukhoi fighters. During his stay, he will meet Malaysian Chief of Defence Force General Zulkifeli bin Mohammed Zin and Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force Gen Rodzali bin Daud, an IAF release said. A team of IAF pilots and technicians were in Malaysia in 2008 for a period of two years to train Malaysian Pilots, Weapon System Operators and maintenance staff for smooth induction and operation of their newly acquired Su-30 MKM fighter aircraft. They also helped them set up a Systems School for Su-30 MKM at Gong Kedak Air Base. Browne will also visit their Sukhoi-30 and Subang airbases and hold talks on issues including professional exchanges, Su-30 Training, courses, maintenance and logistic issues.

Dhoni not bothered about losing captaincyPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:06 PM PST

Facing severe criticism for his unimpressive captaincy and performances in Test cricket, under-fire Mahendra Singh Dhoni has offered to quit the leadership role in the longer format of the game if the BCCI feels there is a better replacement waiting in the wings. Dhoni said if somebody could do a better job than him in Tests, then he will be more than happy to step down as captain for the sake of the team. Dhoni now has lost seven straight Test matches abroad as captain and as a batsman, his stocks have really fallen low on foreign pitches. While he made 220 at 31.43 from four Tests in England, he scored 102 from six innings of three Tests at 20.40 on the present tour. "The responsibility was given to me three-and-a-half years ago. I am trying to fit into the shoes, get along with the team and perform well." Dhoni had earlier dropped hints during the Test series that he might leave Test cricket altogether by 2013 to make himself available the 2015 World Cup.

SC allows Swamy's plea on grant of sanction in 2G casePosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:05 PM PST

Setting aside the Delhi High Court order refusing to pass any direction to the Prime Minister for taking a decision on sanction of prosecution in 2G case, the Supreme Court today held that filing of a complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act is a constitutional right of a citizen.

It said the competent authority should take a decision on giving the sanction within a time frame. In a case filed by Janata Party Chief Subramanian Swamy, seeking a direction to the Prime Minister for sanction to prosecute the then Telecom Minister A Raja, the two judge bench of the Apex Court held that if the sanction is not given within four months it would deem to have been granted. The bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly held that Swamy had the locus standi to seek sanction for Raja's prosecution. The court, however, said, it was not declaring as ultra vires, the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Apex Court had reserved its judgement on November 24, 2010 on the petition filed by Swamy alleging that there was delay in taking action on his plea seeking sanction to prosecute A. Raja. The PMO had, however, refuted all the allegations and filed an affidavit before the apex court maintaining that the request for sanction for prosecution of Raja was considered by the Prime Minister and that he was advised that evidence collected by CBI was necessary before taking a decision. The government said as the CBI probe was going on, it was necessary to wait for its completion before taking any decision on granting sanction. Swamy had approached the Apex Court challenging the Delhi High Court judgement that had refused to pass any direction to the Prime Minister for taking decision on sanction.

RBI to issue 500 note with rupee symbolPosted: 31 Jan 2012 07:04 PM PST

The Reserve Bank of India, RBI will soon issue 500 rupees denomination bank-notes incorporating new rupee symbol without inset letter. According to the RBI release, the new notes will bear the signature of RBI Governor D Subbaro and the year of printing 2011 printed on the back of the bank note. The design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the bank-notes of 500 denomination in Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 issued earlier, except for the new symbol. All the bank-notes in the denomination of 500 rupee issued by the Bank in the past will

continue to be legal tender.

RAPID GK SERIES 39Posted: 30 Jan 2012 07:10 PM PST

1. In an Indian Rupee Note, the denomination of the currency is written in this number of different languages 2. The new name of Unique Identity Authority of Development of India (UIDAI) is 3. In 2006, the First IBSA (India, Brazil & South Africa) Summit was held in 4. The famous statement India is for Indians is said by 5. The founder of Sikh Religion is 6. Gurmit Memorial Trophy is associated with this game 7. Mera Seth Committee was associated with the development of this industry 8. Green Index , has been developed by 9. Project Tiger in India was started in 10. Second Green-revolution is related to this field ANSWERS 1. 16 2. AADHAR 3. Brasilia 4. Dayanand Saraswathi 5. Guru Nanak Dev 6. Hockey 7. Handloom Industry 8. United Nations Environment Programme 9. 1973 10. Bio-technology

India wont scale down petroleum imports from Iran: PranabPosted: 30 Jan 2012 07:08 PM PST

India, which imports 12 per cent of its oil from Iran, will not scale down its petroleum

imports from Tehran despite US and European sanctions against the Islamic republic, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said. India imports 110 million tonnes of crude per year. Iran is an important country for India despite U.S. and European sanctions on Iran. India, the worlds fourth-largest oil consumer, is Irans second-biggest oil client after China. Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Nirupama Rao last week said that Indias purchase of oil from Iran has dropped slightly in last two years and is expected to drop further given the difficulties New Delhi might have in making payments through banks due to tough sanctions imposed against Iranian banks. Ms. Rao had said India was in touch with the U.S. Government and closely monitoring the developing situation concerning Iran, when asked about the pressure from the U.S. that India needs to reduce its dependency on Iranian oil.

India signs international tax treatyPosted: 30 Jan 2012 07:07 PM PST

India has signed an international tax treaty for getting information on black money stashed abroad. The country has become the latest signatory to the multilateral convention on mutual administrative assistance in Tax Matters. The multilateral instrument is the single legal basis for multi-country cooperation, as against other treaties including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, which are bilateral. The convention not only facilitates the exchange of information, but also provides for assistance in the recovery of taxes. This will give a fillip to the efforts of the government in bringing money illegally stashed abroad. By signing the convention, India and the other 31 signatories send a strong signal that countries are acting together to ensure that individuals and multinational enterprises pay the right amount of tax, at the right time and in the right place. Many more countries are expected to sign the convention in future.

India- Japan Coast Guards conduct joint exercisePosted: 30 Jan 2012 07:07 PM PST

As part of strengthening their working level relationship and refine operating procedures, Indian Coast Guard and its Japanese counterpart conducted a joint exercise 'Sahyog Kaijin XI' off Chennai port. Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard and Admiral Hisayasu Suzuki, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard witnessed the exercises. Eight Coast Guard ships, two interceptor boats, an equal number of hovercrafts besides three Dornier aircraft and three Chetak helicopters took part in the exercise with the Japanese Coast Guard Ship Settsu (PLH-07). A Singapore delegation from 'Regional Co-operation Agreement to Combat piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in Asia' also witnessed the exercise, a release said. The exercise was part of the ongoing series of joint exercises based on memorandum of co-operation between Indian Coast Guard and Japanese Coast Guard in 2006.

Karnataka Assembly session begins todayPosted: 30 Jan 2012 07:06 PM PST

A ten-day session of both Houses of Karnataka Legislature will begin today during which the opposition Congress-JDS combine is expected to train their guns against ruling BJP on a host of issues, including delay in appointment of Lokayukta and recent strictures passed by Supreme Court against Speaker K G Bopaiah. The session, which opens with the customary address by Governor H R Bhardwaj to the joint sitting of both Houses, is expected to be stormy as Chief Minister D V

Sadananda Gowda faces the combined opposition and pro-Yeddyurappa camp. The Congress and JDS would be targetting the government on what it terms as a "tardy" pace of relief works in drought-hit areas and also power crisis faced by the state among others. The face-off between the Governor and the Government over Lokayukta