Translator and artist Anita Gopalan on 25 July 2016 was awarded the 2016 PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants for her English translation of Hindi novel Simsim by Geet Chaturvedi. Gopalan is the second Indian translator to be selected for the grant. Simsim, the lyrical, award-winning novella was first published in 2008. It is recognized for its groundbreaking contribution to contemporary Hindi fiction. Simsim focuses on four
Wednesday, 3 August 2016
‘Wall of Wishes’ inaugurated to celebrate Olympic mood
Sports Minister Vijay Goel on 2 August 2016 inaugurated ‘Wall of Wishes’ at India Gate Lawns in New Delhi. The Wall of Wishes was launched in presence of Olympian Boxer M C Mary Kom to celebrate the Olympic mood in the country. Rio Olympics is scheduled to be held from 5 August to 21 August 2016. Besides, Goel also launched Digital Campaign for general public to wish Indian Olympic Contingent for the
Parliament passes Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2016 passed Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016 by voice vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. It also seeks to replace the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016. The Bill states that its provisions will come in to force from 24 May 2016. The bill was passed in Lok Sabha on 19 July 2016 after being introduced by Minister of Health and
R D Burmania: Panchamemoirs authored by Chaitanya Padukone released
R D Burmania: Panchamemoirs: Chaitanya Padukone . A book titled R D Burmania: Panchamemoirs authored by Chaitanya Padukone was released in July 2016. The book throws light on the legendary musician Rahul Dev Burman, whose cabaret tunes still reverberate at pubs and discotheques. It also claims that Burman hated composing such songs and even believed that the genre was just a passing fad.
Anant Maheshwari named as President of Microsoft India
Anant Maheshwari was on 1 August 2016 named as the President of Microsoft India by the parent company Microsoft Inc. Maheshwari will succeed Bhaskar Pramanik, who retires in March 2017. Maheshwari, who will join Microsoft India on 1 September 2016, will take over operations of the company on 1 January 2017.As president, Maheshwari will be responsible for all of Microsoft’s product, service, and support
Indian-American Professor Emeritus Braj B Kachru passes away
enowned Indian-American linguist Braj B Kachru passed away on 29 July 2016 in Urbana, Illinois. He was 84. Kachru coined the term World English. He is also known for his published studies on Kashmiri. Born on 15 May 1931 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Braj Bihari Kachru initiated, shaped and defined the field of World Englishes. He researched in the fields of World Englishes and Kashmiri language and has published
Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed in Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2016 passed the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016 with voice Vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Dentists Act, 1948. It also seeks to replace the Dentists (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 and states that its provisions will come in to force from 24 May 2016. Lok Sabha passed the bill on 19 July 2016. Now, the bill will be sent to the President for his assent.
Tuesday, 2 August 2016
Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-02-08-2016-www.KICAonline.com- English
POLITY-DAILY-NEWS-02-08-2016
About two months ahead of her 75th birthday, Anandiben
Patel has offered to step down as Gujarat’s first woman chief minister. In a
social media post, she asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to
relieve her of the top responsibility in the state. Citing examples of party
members who have stepped down after attaining the age of 75, Anandiben Patel
said she was following the same. “Since sometime, senior party
India to host international summit on tobacco-control
India will host a crucial global summit in November to eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products in which delegates from 180 countries will take part. "India is hosting the 7th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC)," Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. She said the summit scheduled
PM Modi sets up a virtual digital cabinet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined many aspects of the PM office with his approach and active deployment of smart technologies, especially modern communication tools. Now he has set up a virtual digital cabinet as he communicates with all the cabinet colleagues via mobile app. This allows free flow of uninterrupted and secure information between the cabinet ministers without the formal requirement of
Namami Gange Projects Worth Rs. 400 crore Approved
In another major step towards implementation in Namami Gange in mission mode the empowered steering committee (ESC) of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) today approved various projects worth Rs. 400 crore (approx). The projects include development of ghats and crematoria in the stretch from Rudraprayag to Guptkashi (Uttrakhand), rehabilitation/development works of ghats and crematoria at
MoC launches Twitter Sewa to address the complaints of common man.
Sewa to provide a transparent, clean, responsive and accountable administration-Manoj Sinha . Hon’ble Minister of Communications Sh. Manoj Sinha today launched “Twitter Sewa” for addressing the complaints and concerns of common man and other stake-holders in the telecom and postal sectors. The twitter handle of the Minister will be @manojsinhabjp. Launching the Sewa here, Shri Sinha said that this is in tune with
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana
A new scheme “Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana”(PMRPY) has been announced in the Budget for 2016-17 with the objective of promoting employment generation and an allocation of Rs. 1000 crores has been made. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2016-17. Under the scheme employers would be provided an incentive for enhancing employment by reimbursement
Schemes for Environmental Conservation
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is implementing National River Conservation Programme, sub-schemes of Conservation of Natural Resources and Eco-Systems, National Afforestation Programme & Green India Mission, National Coastal Management Programme, National Mission on Himalayan Studies under Climate Change Program under the Central Sector & Centrally Sponsored
Indian Leather Development Programme
The ‘Indian Leather Development Programme’ (ILDP) a central sector scheme, is under implementation with an approved outlay of Rs. 990.36 crore, during 12th Plan period with the following six sub-schemes: Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) - Assistance is provided for technology up-gradation/modernization of leather units as investment grant @30% to small & micro units and @20% to
3000 Jan Aushadhi Stores to be opened
To make quality drugs available at affordable prices to people under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY), it has been decided to open 3000 Jan Aushadhi Stores (JAS) under the Yojana across the country by the end of March 2017. In order to open JAS proposed within Government hospital premises, a one-time financial assistance is provided to the extent of Rs. 2.50 lakh (Rs. 1 Lakh for furnishing, Rs.
Madhya Pradesh government restarts diamond mine auction
NEW DELHI: The Madhya Pradesh government has started afresh the pilot round of auction of diamond mines, a day after it was scrapped due to poor response. A good response is expected from companies this time round, officials said, citing interactions with the bidders. Vivek Austin, director, geology and mining, said some firms could not complete the formalities for bidding and have requested fresh auctions. "Last time, due
Government clears 89 single-brand retail, 1 multi-brand proposals
NEW DELHI: Government today said it has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single brand retail trading (SBRT) and one in the multi-brand sector up to March. "The government has approved 89 proposals for foreign investment in single-brand retail trading and one for foreign investment in the multi-brand retail trading sector up to March 2016," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in
India plans to set up SEZ in Myanmar
NEW DELHI: It is not just Iran's Chabahar port and connectivity to Eurasia that has caught attention of the Modi government. India plans to set up a SEZ in Sittwe in Myanmar where it has already built a port. The proposed SEZ by India will rival Chinese SEZ located 80 km down of strategically-located Sittwe as Delhi plans to make it as an economic hub. The aim of the SEZ is to help expand India's footprints in South East
Lok Sabha passes bill to fast track debt recovery
NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill that amends four different Acts, seeking to expedite disposal of debt recovery applications that can take many years under the current regime. The changes will strengthen the insolvency framework that is being implemented through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code passed by Parliament in May. "One of the big challenges that we face is with regard to the enforcement of
Lt Gen Bipin Rawat to be new Army vice-chief
NEW DELHI: The government has finally cleared the names of Lt General Bipin Rawat as the new Army vice chief from September 1, while Lt Gen P M Hariz will replace him as the Southern Command chief. The force on Monday also got a new signal officer-in-chief in Lt Gen A R Prasad. But the suspense over some other top-level crucial appointments continued despite the Chandimandir-based Western Army Command,
Now, IAF to fit all AN-32s with underwater locators
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is now scrambling to install underwater locator beacons in its older transport aircraft, which are tasked to fly over the sea, after failing to locate the AN-32 that went down with 29 people in the Bay of Bengal on July 22. The ill-fated AN-32, which crashed in an area where the average sea depth is well over 3,000-metre, had been fitted with emergency locator transmitters (ELT) or beacons
PM Modi lauds Swachh Bharat Gramin August campaign
New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Swachh Bharat Gramin August campaign as a great initiative. The Prime Minister said that the cleanliness drive is set to eradicate open defecation. "Launch of @SwachhBharat Gramin August campaign is a great step to ensure
VK Singh to fly to Saudi to sort out matters
New Delhi,(IBNS): Minister of State for External Affairs, General VK Singh will visit Saudi Arabia soon to sort out the problems Indians are facing there. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on twitter. Reacting to a tweet by a man who alleged that almost 800 Indians are starving for three days in the Saudi city of Jeddah, Swaraj said on Saturday that her colleague VK Singh will
Air Marshal B Suresh Assumes Appointment of AOP
Air Marshal B Suresh AVSM VM assumes charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters today. A graduate of the 'Rashtriya Indian Military College', Dehradun and 'National Defence Academy' Kharakvasla, the Air Marshal was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 13 Dec 1980. He is a meritorious graduate of the 'Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment'
Government Seeks Approval For Rs 1 Lakh Crore Extra Spending
New Delhi: The government on Monday sought parliament's approval to spend an extra Rs 1.03 lakh crore ($15.43 billion) in the fiscal year ending in March 2017. In a supplementary demand for grants laid before parliament by the finance ministry, the government said net cash outgo would be Rs 20,948 crore. The additional expenditure includes Rs 5,000 crore for a rural jobs programme, about Rs 4,200 crore for road
Investors Say Brexit May Affect India's Trade, Currency: India Ratings
New Delhi: Brexit is likely to impact global growth and capital flows, which will have implications on India's currency, trade and current account, says a survey of fixed-income investors in the country. The survey by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) also said that majority of investors expect the bad loan stress in the banking system to end. However, 26 per cent (investors) believe it would end only in FY 2018-19 and 22
Indian, Chinese troops hold border meetings in Ladakh, vow to maintain peace
Indian and Chinese troops on Monday held a ceremonial Border Personal (BP) meeting along Sino-India border in Ladakh sector of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to uphold treaties and agreements signed between the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “Both sides also sought to build on the mutual feeling to uphold the treaties and agreement signed between the
Day isn’t far when people will need to carry oxygen cylinders, warns NGT
Voicing concern over environment degradation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today observed that people will soon need to carry oxygen cylinders as it pulled up authorities in Himachal Pradesh for not planting a single tree after clearing a forest area for a road project. "Half of the country is facing floods and half of the country is dry. Temperature of Shimla is going up. Show us one tree which you have planted. Will
RBI ushers in on-tap bank licence
In what could be Raghuram Rajan’s last banking reform before he bows out in the first week of September, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday released the final guidelines for on-tap licensing of universal banks in the private sector, under which it ring-fenced the banking system from large industrial houses, excluding them from floating banks in the future. But conglomerates have been allowed to hold up to 10 per
Anandiben offers to quit as Gujarat chief minister
About two months ahead of her 75th birthday, Anandiben Patel has offered to step down as Gujarat’s first woman chief minister. In a social media post, she asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership to relieve her of the top responsibility in the state. Citing examples of party members who have stepped down after attaining the age of 75, Anandiben Patel said she was following the same. “Since sometime, senior party
Kerosene, LPG prices to be raised every month
The government decided to increase retail prices of subsidised cooking gas and kerosene on a monthly basis.
In a policy change that has been slipped in quietly, the price of kerosene sold through the public distribution system and domestic LPG cylinders would be increased every month. Kerosene price has been raised by 25 paise from August 1 and that of LPG by Rs 1.93 a cylinder, to narrow losses from selling below market
LS clears Bill for speedy recovery of bad loans
The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a Bill, which provides for expeditious recovery of bad loans by banks. The Bill, passed by voice vote, also proposes to move towards online debt recovery tribunals (DRTs). The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill, 2016, seeks to amend four laws -Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement
NASA will launch spacecraft to bring samples from asteroid:
US space agency NASA will launch a spacecraft in September to a near-Earth asteroid known as Bennu to harvest a sample of surface material and return it to the Earth to scan for signs of life. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will measure the spectral signatures of Bennu’s mineralogical and molecular components. Ideally, the sample will come from a region in which the building blocks of life may be found. OVIRS (OSIRIS-REx
Oldest elephant in Kerala set to enter Guinness World Records
Dakshayani, an 86 year old elephant who is set to enter Guinness Records as the world’s oldest living elephant, was honoured in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. According to news agency IANS, the elephant belongs to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) which controls a large number of temples in the state including the famed Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa. Reports suggest that the TDB has applied
R Ashwin becomes No. 1 Test bowler
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has surged to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC player rankings for Test bowlers after a superb outing in the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua which the visiting side won by an innings and 92 runs. Ashwin, who was top-ranked in the 2015 year-ending rankings, not only regained the top spot with his second-innings haul of seven for 83 but has also gained in the batsmen’s
Karnataka wins accolade at National Tourism Awards
The Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka was conferred with the '3rd place for the Best State/UT in Comprehensive Development of Tourism'. Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT & BT and Tourism, along with Dr. N Manjula, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, received the award from Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker of Lok Sabha. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent
Madhya Pradesh and Kerala among the big winners at the National Tourism Awards
Madhya Pradesh won the first prize in the category of Best State/Union Territory for Comprehensive Development of Tourism for being able to provide a complete and varied travel experience to tourists. The official awarding criteria by Ministry of Tourism stated, "With emphasis on better infrastructure especially in the field of power and roads, destinations in MP have become more accessible and tourist friendly. The state
Gujarat grabs three awards in National Tourism Awards 2014-15
Gujarat has been adjudged the winner of the Best Film Promotion Friendly State Award 1st Prize, the State for Most Innovative Use of Information Technology – Social media / Mobile App Award and the Best State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism Award under the National Tourism Awards 2014-15. It is the third straight victory for the Gujarat under the Best Film Promotion Friendly State category while it has been
Jayaprakash Reddy honoured with Jandhyala Award
Film actor Jayaprakash Reddy was honoured with the Jandhyala Memorial Award at the valedictory of the 21st State-level comedy playlet competition held at Siddhartha Auditorium in the city on Sunday. Sumadhura Kalaniketan organised the three-day comedy playlet contest as part of its 43rd anniversary celebrations. Participating in the award presentation function, Deputy Speaker of Assembly Mandali Buddha Prasad
Mamata Banerjee Anounces Rs 2 Crore Grant for East Bengal
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a Rs 2 crore grant for city soccer giants East Bengal for infrastructure development and an annual Rs 50 lakh aid for two years to all clubs playing in the city premier division league. Speaking at the 97th foundation day ceremony of the East Bengal club, the chief minister called upon the state Sports Department and all soccer clubs to take help of
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav honours Vishal Bhardwaj with Yash Bharti Award
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday honoured film-maker Vishal Bhardwaj with Yash Bharti Award. Vishal Bhardwaj, who has won major several awards in his career, has added one more feather to his cap with this award. The respectable award was presented to the film-maker for his outstanding contribution to art and cinema. The 'Haider' director, who was accompanied with his singer wife
Union Government constitutes DISHA for timely implementation of Central Schemes
The Union Government has constituted the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DDCMC) for effective development and coordination of Central Government’s programme. It will be known as DISHA and first meeting will be held on August 13, 2016. It will monitor the implementation of 28 schemes and programmes of Union Ministry of Rural Development and other Ministries to promote synergy
Novak Djokovic wins 2016 ATP Toronto Masters
Novak Djokovic (World no 1) from Serbia has won the 2016 ATP Toronto Masters also known as the Rogers club title in the men’s single category. In the final match, he defeated Kei Nishikori (World no 6) of Japan by 6-3, 7-5 score. It was Djokovic’s his 66th career title and fourth Canadian title (won in 2007, 2011 and 2012). Women’s singles title Simona Halep (World no 5) of Romania won the Rogers club title in
Parliament passes NIT, Science Education & Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016
The Parliament has passed the National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The bill was first passed in Lok Sabha in July 2016 and later in Rajya Sabha in August 2016. Now the bill will go for presidential assent as per Article 111 of Constitution. Key Facts The Bill seeks to establish the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Andhra Pradesh as an institute of national
Wrestler Narsingh Yadav gets NADA’s clean chit in doping case
The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has given clean chit to wrestler Narsingh Yadav in the doping case. With this he can participate in 2016 Rio Olympics. Narsingh Yadav was given clean chit after the NADA disciplinary panel exonerated him from charges of violating anti-doping rules of NADA. It was found that the wrestler was a victim of sabotage done by a competitor and there is no fault and negligence on
Union Government caps prices of 24 essential drugs
The Union Government has capped the prices of 24 essential drugs used for treatment of cancer, HIV, bacterial infections, anxiety and cardiac conditions. In this regard, the Drug pricing regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued an order. It revised ceiling prices of 24 scheduled formulations of schedule-I under Drugs (Price Control) Amendment Order, 2016. With this cost of these 24
Parliament passes Indian Medical Council (Amendment Bill), 2016
The Parliament has passed Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to conduct of uniform entrance examination for admission to all medical educational institutions. The bill seeks to replace the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 and its provisions will come in to force retrospectively from May 24, 2016. Key Features of Bill Introduction of a uniform entrance examination for all medical educational
Ladies night! Femina honours the South Indian super women achievers
Femina Power List South 2016 awards, held in Bengaluru on July 24, saw south India's most powerful women achievers being feted for their outstanding achievements. Among the winners were Sudha Murthy, Sharmila Nicollet and Anjum Hassan. Here is a glimpse of the event.
UK Ex-PM David Cameron Under Fire Over Resignation Honours List
LONDON: Former British prime minister David Cameron was under fire on Monday from the opposition Labour party over allegations that he used his resignation honours list to reward colleagues and friends. Cameron had resigned on June 24, the day the results of the Brexit referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union were revealed in favour of an exit from the EU. An outgoing British premier has the right
India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears authored by Ravi Velloor
India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears: Ravi Velloor. A book titled India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears by Ravi Velloor chronicles India's journey in the decade before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rise. The book was released in April 2016 by Singapore Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong. The book captures the significant events of the years under former India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and examines
Strategic Forces Command exempted from ambit of RTI Act, 2005
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which forms part of the National Command Authority (NCA), was on 30 July 2016 added to the Second Schedule of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005. In this regard, Union Government issued a notification mentioning SFC has been brought under sub-section (2) of Section 24 of the RTI. The Section 24 of the RTI exempts security and intelligence establishments from its purview.
2016 Rogers Cup concluded
Serbian Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep of Romania on 31 July 2016 won men’s and women’s singles title in the 2016 Rogers Cup. The Rogers Cup also known as Canadian Open/Masters was held in Toronto (for men) and Montreal (for women) from 25 July to 31 July 2016. The men's competition is a Masters 1000 event on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour. The women's competition is a Premier 5
Suresh Prabhu flags off Agartala-Delhi train 'Tripura Sundari Express'
AGARTALA: Passenger train services between Delhi and Agartala were flagged off on Sunday by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, finally putting an end to the 67-year-old popular agitation for railway services to Tripura. The much awaited weekly passenger train named "Tripura Sundari Express" would run on the newly laid broad gauge track, between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi and Anand Vihar and Agartala
Monday, 1 August 2016
Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-01-08-2016-www.KICAonline.com- English
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid has lost a confidence
vote in parliament, after just a year and a half in office. A total of
118 MPs yesterday voted to unseat the Tunisian PM, three voted for him to stay
at the helm and 27 abstained. Essid's government has been widely criticised for
failing to tackle the country's
Tunisian PM Habib Essid loses confidence vote
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid has lost a confidence vote in parliament, after just a year and a half in office. A total of 118 MPs yesterday voted to unseat the Tunisian PM, three voted for him to stay at the helm and 27 abstained. Essid's government has been widely criticised for failing to tackle the country's
Report on roadmap to double farmers' income by Sept: Govt
An inter-ministerial panel, which has been mandated to recommend a roadmap to double farmers' income by 2020, will submit the report by September, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Friday. Highlighting measures taken to boost farm output and farmers income, the Minister said in Rajya Sabha more funds have been allocated under various schemes like PMKSY and hence there are no plans for a separate
Resolution to rename Madras HC as Tamil Nadu HC passed
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on 1 August 2016 unanimously passed a resolution to rename the Madras High Court as the Tamil Nadu High Court. The resolution on the matter was moved by Chief Minister J Jayalalitha as most of the High Courts established after the formation of new states based on linguistic lines have been named after the states only. The resolution was presented in light of the High Courts (Alteration of Names)
Railway Ministry launches maiden Agartala to Delhi broad gauge train service
The Union Railway Ministry has flagged off the maiden broad gage train service dubbed as ‘Tripura Sundari Express’ from Agartala (Tripura) to Delhi. It was flagged off by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. With this, the landlocked north eastern state of Tripura entered the broad gauge railway map of the country. Key Facts The ‘Tripura Sundari Express’ will run weekly between Anand Vihar (Delhi) and Agartala
RBI slaps penalty on BoB, HDFC Bank PNB
The Reserve Bank of India slapped penalties ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore on Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, and Punjab National Bank over the issue of advance import remittances. On Bank of Baroda , the RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 crore on it. This follows the banking regulator finding weaknesses and failures in internal control mechanisms in respect of certain anti-money laundering provisions. Punjab National
Lok Sabha passes Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2016
The Lok Sabha has passed the Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The Bill seeks to set up six new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in Tirupati, Palakkad, Goa, Dharwad, Bhilai, and Jammu. It also seeks to bring the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad within the ambit of the Act. All these institutions will be declared as institutions of national importance. The Bill seeks to amend the Institutes of Technology Act,
ICICI, Axis bank join Swift’s global payments initiative
SWIFT announced that ICICI Bank and AXIS Bank are the first Indian banks to sign up for its global payments innovation initiative. Both banks will be joining forces with more than 70 other leading banks globally. The initiative aims to enhance cross-border payments by leveraging SWIFT’s proven messaging platform and global reach. In its first phase, the initiative will focus on business-to-business payments.
NSE revamps board;appoints Mohandas Pai, 2 others as directors
Top stock exchange NSE has revamped its board, appointing three new public interest directors including chairman of Manipal Global Education Services and Infosys former director Mohandas Pai. Besides, former Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs Naved Masood and KPMG India’s former Deputy Chief Executive Dinesh Kanabar have been included on NSE’s board as public interest directors. Pai, who was
IRCTC, SBI sign MoU on promotion of rail ticketing activities
The country’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to hammer out a detailed plan for promotion of rail ticketing activities, including internet ticketing and unreserved ticketing system. Under the MoU, the signatories “will jointly explore areas of cooperation and draw up a detailed
Verizon set to announce USD 5 bn deal to buy Yahoo
Verizon Communications Inc would buy Yahoo Inc’s core internet properties for $4.83 billion in cash to expand its digital advertising and media business, ending a lengthy sale process for the fading Web pioneer. The purchase will boost Verizon’s AOL internet business, which it bought last year for $4.4 billion, as it gains access to Yahoo’s ad technology tools, BrightRoll and Flurry, and search, mail and messenger assets.
Indian-American Professor Emeritus Braj B Kachru passes away
Noted Indian-American Professor Emeritus of Linguistics Braj B Kachru has passed away in Urbana. He was 84. Braj Kachru, a Jubilee Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, died on July 29. Kachru is survived by his daughter and son. He was born on May 15 in 1932 in Srinagar. Kachru married Yamuna Keskar who died on April 19 in 2013.
SEBI’s first phase of new enterprise portal goes live
MUMBAI, JUL 31: Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has initiated the first phase of its new enterprise portal to facilitate accurate and timely dissemination of information to the watchdog’s internal and external stakeholders. The new portal, which would replace the regulator’s existing portal in a phased manner, went live on July 29 and is being developed by IT major Tech Mahindra. The first
AIADMK expels party MP Sasikala Pushpa as she alleges 'threat to her life'
Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa was today sacked from AIADMK following a dramatic turn of events which includes her scuffle with DMK MP Trichy Siva and her subsequent allegation of threat to her life in Tamil Nadu. The Upper House witnessed dramatic scenes as Sasikala broke down and alleged that she was under pressure to quit her post. Sasikala also claimed that her life is under threat, questioning if the
No government bungalow for former chief ministers, rules Supreme Court
In a blow to VVIP encroachers, the Supreme Court today held that former Chief Ministers are not entitled for government accommodation for a lifetime. The apex court ruling would directly impact six ex-CMs including Uttar Pradesh ex-chief ministers including Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati who are using official bungalows in the state. The bench said that any houses thus occupied should be vacated within two
Sohrabuddin encounter : Supreme Court clean chit to Amit Shah
New Delhi, Aug 1 (IBNS) : Giving a clean chit to BJP President Amit Shah in connection with the extra-judicial killing of Sohrabuddin, the Supreme Court on Monday said no reinvestigated will be conducted against him. The Supreme Court verdict came after a petition filed by social activist Harsh Mander that sought quashing of the December 30, 2014 order of a Mumbai sessions court absolving Shah from the case.
Air Marshal B Suresh assumes appointment of AOP
New Delhi, July 31 (IBNS) Air Marshal B Suresh AVSM VM assumes charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters on Sunday. A graduate of the 'Rashtriya Indian Military College', Dehradun and 'National Defence Academy' Kharakvasla, the Air Marshal was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 13 Dec 1980. He is a meritorious graduate of the 'Tactics and Air Combat
Maharashtra discoms' CAG audit likely to hit legal hurdle
The Maharashtra government’s move to seek Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audit of Mumbai distribution companies Tata Power and Reliance Infrastructure is likely to face legal hurdles, according to experts. This is because the two discoms do not have any government equity, unlike their Delhi counterparts BSES Yamuna Power, BSES Rajdhani Power and Tata Power Delhi Distribution. Maharashtra
Rani Nair set to be new CBDT Chairperson
Senior Indian Revenue Service(IRS) officer Rani Singh Nair is set to be appointed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairperson, with incumbent Atulesh Jindal retiring on Sunday. Nair, a 1979-batch IRS officer, is presently working as member (legislation and computerisation) in CBDT, policy making body of the Income-Tax department. Officials said the government has issued orders for her to take over as acting
Harry Potter magic hits Asia as fans celebrate new book
Harry Potter magic hit Asia on Sunday morning as aspiring witches and wizards crowded bookstores to get their hands on the first copies of a new play that imagines the hero as an adult. Launch parties for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child were held hours after the play's premiere in London, setting the stage for a return of the series that has captivated readers and movie audiences worldwide. Nearly 300 fans rushed
Submit plans for fund raising: Govt to PSU banks
Having announced capital infusion of Rs 22,915 crore in PSU banks, the Finance Ministry has asked them to submit plans for raising resources through markets, including public offers and sale of non-core assets. "With the infusion, the financial strength of the banks will get a boost. This can be then leveraged by the banks to raise funds from the markets which is looking up," sources said. Banks were advised to submit funds raising
Indian drones to aid crop cover scheme
The central government is working on a project to develop indigenous drones to settle insurance claims under the newly launched crop insurance scheme — Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) — and other such products. The drones are expected to enable insurance firms to assess damage accurately and vet claims so that settlement can be expedited. Under PMFBY, insurers have to settle claims within 45 days of
City nephrologists awarded for innovative research
AURANGABAD: City-based doctors recieved two awards in the Interventional Nephrology Conference of the Association of Vascular Access and Interventional Renal Physicians (AVATAR) held last Monday at New Delhi. The doctors presented a report on Brachio-Brachial arterio-venous Fistula (AVF). A team of medicos including nephrologists Sachin Soni, Shriganesh R Barnela, radiologist Sonali Saboo, surgeon
Selena Gomez, Pretty Little Liars top Teen Choice Awards 2016
Pop star Selena Gomez and hit TV series 'Pretty Little Liars' were big winners at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards. The hit mystery drama scored the most surfboard trophies with six, including its fifth consecutive win for Choice TV: Drama, and individual acting prizes for Ashley Benson, Ian Harding, Janel Parrish and Sasha Pieterse. Selena Gomez to be honoured at Italian film fest. Benson won an additional honour for
Luke Aikins became first person to jump from 25000 feet without a parachute or wing suit
Luke Aikins, a skydiver with 18000 jumps, on 30 July 2016 jumped from 25000 feet (7620 meters) without a parachute a wingsuit. With this he became the first man in the world history to dive from mid-tropospheric altitude and land safely without a parachute or a wing suit or anything else that might helped him stop or slow his descent. 42-year-old, Aikins, completed the stunt without mishap, landing almost in the middle of the
India to host Kabaddi World Cup in October 2016
International Kabaddi Federation on 31 July 2016 announced selected India to host The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. The World Cup featuring 12 countries is scheduled to be held in October 2016, the dates for the event will be announced later. Participants of the tournament include India, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Iran, Poland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan and Kenya. Kabaddi became a part of Asian Games in
Mohun Bagan Ratna conferred on Syed Nayeemuddin
Mohun Bagan Football Club on 29 July 2016 conferred the Mohun Bagan Ratna on Syed Nayeemuddin, India’s only Dronacharya football coach. Nayeemuddin was chosen for the prestigious award for his overall contribution to the club and the country both as a player and as a coach. The former India captain became the 16th recipient of the prestigious award. Syed Nayeemuddin is an Indian football coach and former
Kerala Tourism bags six national awards
New Delhi: Kerala Tourism on Saturday bagged six National Tourism awards for 2014-15 in the marketing category for states. It received two more awards, including the one for its Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative in Wayanad. Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan presented the awards to principal secretary Venu V and director U.V. Jose in the presence of union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma at a function at
Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 German Grand Prix of F1
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes on 31 July 2016 won the 2016 German Grand Prix held in Hockenheimring. The 2016 German Grand Prix turned out to be fourth consecutive win for Hamilton. The previous three are 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2016 British Grand Prix and 2016 Austrian Grand Prix. Till now, 5 drivers have won three German Grand Prix in their careers. With this win, Hamilton joins the league of Ayrton
Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Japan to develop food value chain
The Andhra Pradesh government on 30 July 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan to develop a food value chain in the state. Under the MoU, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will encourage direct investments by Japanese companies in the fields of agriculture and food-related industry in Andhra Pradesh. Along with developing a food value chain, it will also establish
AAAI confers Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 on Srinivasan Swamy
Srinivasan K Swamy, popularly known as Sundar, was conferred with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) on 29 July 2016. The award was bestowed on him in Mumbai. He is a veteran of almost four decades in the advertising industry. He is the Chairman of RK Swamy Hansa, a marketing communications group. He has been the President of AAAI
Satish Mathur appointed DGP of Maharashtra Police
Satish Mathur was appointed as Director General of Maharashtra Police on 20 July 2016 by Maharashtra Government. Mathur, the IPS of 1981-batch, is due to retire in June 2017. Mathur will succeed Praveen Dixit, the IPS of 1977 batch, who is retiring from on 31 July 2016 on superannuation. Dixit was serving in the post since September 2015. The order of his appointment was issued by the state home department after
Jharkhand government to form separate cell for Primitive Tribes Group
Jharkhand government in July 2016 decided to form a separate cell for the Primitive Tribes Group (PTG) in the Welfare Department. The purpose of the cell is to monitor the benefits to the group under various schemes. A Consultant and an Assistant would be placed in the cell. The Union Government provides fund for the welfare of the PTG in addition to the state's own schemes. There are nearly three lakh people
Government set to face opposition over bill seeking to amend Enemy Property Act
The government is set to face resistance in passage of the bill which seeks to amend the Enemy Property Act, with major opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and CPI opposing its key provisions. The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill seeking to make changes in the Enemy Property Act, 1968, is listed in Rajya Sabha for being taken up this week. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on March 9.
Aung San Suu Kyi expresses desire to visit India
Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi has expressed her desire to visit India during a meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh. “Aung San Suu Kyi enquired about EAM’s (External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s) health and mentioned that she is looking forward to visiting India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing on
Govt dilutes clause on transfer of High Court judges over conflict of interest
EVEN AS the tussle between the Centre and higher judiciary over the revised Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for appointments to higher judiciary continues, the government has given in to the Supreme Court collegium on an important clause regarding transfer of high court judges over conflict of interest. The law ministry’s latest draft, dated June 21, shows that the government has accepted the collegium’s view to do
Bihar lifts ban on toddy
Following pressure from its main ally RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the Bihar government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday took a U-turn by lifting the ban on the sale and consumption of toddy in the state. Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan told media that there will be no ban on sale and consumption of toddy in the state. “Ban on toddy has been lifted,” Mastan said. In April after Bihar imposed
Absolutely No Need To Reinvestigate BJP Chief Amit Shah: Supreme Court
New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah will not be reinvestigated in the extra-judicial killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, a petty criminal in Gujarat, the Supreme Court said today. In 2014, Mr Shah was found innocent of charges that he ordered the "fake encounter" that led to Mr Sheikh being shot dead in 2005 by the police which reported to him as Home Minister of Gujarat. A court in Mumbai ruled that there was no evidence
Swaraj Abhiyan To Launch Political Party By October 2
Swaraj Abhiyan leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan today announced launching of a political party by October 2 to provide an "alternative political vehicle" even as they hit out at AAP, saying it has a "supremo" culture. The political party will be launched by October 2 and a six-member committee has been formed for this purpose, Mr Yadav said. Addressing the concluding session of a two-day Abhiyan national
IIT-Kharagpur: In a first, 2 students given President gold medal
For the first time, two students from IIT Kharagpur have been awarded President of India gold medals during its annual convocation. Prithwish Mukherjee and Soham Dan, both from the department of computer science and engineering, had the highest CGPA score of 9.75. Each year, the President of India Gold Medal is given to the student with the highest academic performance. “It was a tie. We have some rules for a tie-
Tigers hold up Rio Tinto’s diamond mining plans in Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: The government has shelved granting permission to mining corporation Rio Tinto to open a diamond mine in Madhya Pradesh, saying the plan endangers a rich forest area and a tiger corridor between the Panna Tiger Reserve and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. Rio Tinto says there are diamonds worth Rs.20,520 crore in Bunder. But environmentalists are concerned that the Rs.2,200 crore Bunder diamond
Parrikar approves new blacklisting policy for tainted defence companies
NEW DELHI Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that the new backlisting policy for defence companies involved in wrongdoings has been approved and will be out in public domain in next few weeks. “I have approved the blacklisting policy and it will be issued in next few days after corrections of spellings and grammar,” Mr Parrikar said in an interview to a weekly news magazine (The Week).Under the new
Ajit Jain, Anurag Acharya given Distinguished Alumnus Awards
Google Scholar co-founder Anurag Acharya and potential successor to Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, Ajit Jain, were today given the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kharagpur for their exceptional professional achievements. They were part of a group of seven eminent alumni who were given the award at the 62nd convocation of the prestigious institute. However, both Jain and Acharya could not make it to the
Simona Halep wins Rogers Cup women’s single in straight sets
MONTREAL – Romanian Simona Halep beat out Madison Keys to win the final match of Montreal’s annual Rogers Cup tennis tournament. The fifth-seeded Halep was a clear crowd favorite against the 21-year old American. Keys, seeded 10th at the tournament, is a rising star, but in the end Halep had the best of her, winning in two straight sets 7-6 (2), 6-3. As the winner, Halep walks away with the $2.4 million grand prize
Tokyo appears poised to welcome its first ever female governor
Tokyo appears poised to welcome its first ever female governor. Exit polls project Japan’s former Defence Minister Yuriko Koike has beaten off twenty other candidates vying for the position. “I am pushing for a Tokyo where people’s lives will be better, and everyone can shine, men and women, children and adults, the elderly and the disabled,” she told supporters. The two previous governors resigned amid separate funding
Congress names Amrita Dhawan as NSUI's acting President
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Congress on Saturday appointed Amrita Dhawan as acting President of its student wing, National Students' Union of India (NSUI) after Roji M. John resigned from the post. "Consequent upon the resignation of Roji M. John as President of All India NSUI, Congress Vice President and in charge of Frontal Organisations Rahul Gandhi has approved the name of the first Vice-President of
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