1-2 JUNE 2016
NBCC to launch Ganga cleaning project in Bihar
National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) in the last week of May 2016 announced that it will soon launch a project aimed at cleaning River Ganga in Bihar.
In December 2015, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation hired NBCC to carry out the feasibility study and conditional assessment of the river for entry-level activities in Bihar.
Detailed project reports have been approved the Ministry of Water Resources for three towns.
Key highlights of the project
•NBCC will undertake cleaning of debris.
•It will construct new ghats and modernise the existing ghats.
•It will repair and clean the river surface.
•It will construct crematorium and public facilities such as toilets.
•It will also set up a village drainage system in order to curb direct discharge into the river.About National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited
•NBCC Limited is a Navratna organisation under category I.
•It is a Central Public Sector Undertaking, which trades publicly in the market and is largely owned by Government of India.
•It engages in the Real Estate Development & Construction business, and also provides project Management Consultancy.
•It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Union Government approved retirement age of doctors of Central Health Services to 65
Union Government approved the proposal of extending age of superannuation of all doctors of Central Health Services to 65 years with effect from 31 May 2016.
The proposal was made by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen the healthcare sector in the country.
Benefits of this increase
• It will help in providing additional doctors in the health pool of the country.
• This will enable the government to retain experienced doctors for a longer period and to provide better services in its public health facilities.
The decision is likely to benefit about 4000 doctors. As of now, the retirement age of doctors in government hospitals 62yeas in some others and is 60 years in others.
Earlier on 26 May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made an announcement to increase the retirement age from 62 to 65 years at a rally in Saharanpur.
Following the announcement, the Haryana government also decided to raise the retirement age of state government doctors to 65.
Ashok Lavasa designated as Finance Secretary
Senior IAS officer Ashok Lavasa was on 31 May 2016 appointed as the Finance Secretary. Lavasa, at present serving as the Expenditure Secretary, is a 1980 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.
The post was lying vacant since April 2016 after the retirement of Ratan Watal. After retirement, Watal was appointed as principle advisor, social sector, in the NITI Aayog.
About Ashok Lavasa
• Prior to this appointment, he served as Civil Aviation Secretary and Environment Secretary.
• Before that, he served in various capacities in the Ministries of Power, Renewable Energy among others.
• He holds a Master’s degree in English literature from Delhi University and an MBA from Southern Cross University in Australia.
• Prior to joining the civil services, he taught literature and also had a brief stint at State Bank of India.
• He did his schooling from Belgaum Military School, one of the five military schools in India, from 1966 to 1973.
• He co-authored a book titled An Uncivil Servant with former IAS officer and Stellar Group’s Chairman Ravi Mohan Sethi.
Norms for appointment of Finance Secretary
According to the existing norms, the senior most of the five secretaries in the Finance Ministry is appointed as Finance Secretary. The other four senior secretaries and their post includes
• Shaktikanta Das is Secretary, Economic Affairs
• Hasmukh Adhia is Revenue Secretary
• Anjuly Chib Duggal is Secretary, Department of Financial Services
• Neeraj Kumar Gupta is Secretary in Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
National GDP Provisional Estimates for 2015-16 released
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) on 31 May 2016 released the provisional estimates of national GDP for 2015-16. It pegged GDP growth at 7.9 percent in Quarter 4 of 2015-16 and 7.6 percent in the whole of 2015-16.
India continued to remain a bright spot in world economy with robust macro-economic and fiscal parameters.
Highlights of the Accounts:
Fiscal Deficit: It stands at 3.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015-16 as estimated both in Budget Expenditure (BE) and Revenue Expenditure (RE) of 2015-16. This is a significant improvement over the Fiscal Deficit of 4.1 percent in 2014-15 and 4.7 percent in 2013-14.
Revenue Deficit: It also showed a significant improvement due to increase in Capital Expenditure of the Central Government. Revenue Deficit which stood at 3.2 percent of GDP in 2013-14 has improved to 2.9 percent in 2014-15 and 2.5 percent in 2015-16.
Plan Expenditure: It is 471081 crore rupees in 2015-16 which is 8437 crore rupees higher over 2014-15 despite substantial increase in share of tax devolution to the States.
Gross tax collection:It showed 17 percent growth as compared to Fiscal 2014-15 and also showed an improvement up to 10.74 percent of GDP (tax-GDP ratio) in 2015-16 as compared to 10.06 percent in 2013-14.
Non Tax Receipts: These also showed improvement with 250744 crore in 2015-16 when compared to 197766 crore in 2014-15 and 198865 crore in 2013-14.
India and World Bank sign agreement to improve efficiency and attractiveness of City Bus Services
The Government of India and the World Bank on 31 May 2016 signed a 9.2 million US dollar grant agreement under the World Bank-Global Environment Facility (GEF) Programmefor the Efficient and Sustainable City Bus Service Project.
The project aims at improving the efficiency and attractiveness of bus services in select Indian cities.
The project will complement the Government of India’s Bus Funding Schemelaunched to promote public transport by supporting cities to modernize their bus services.
Demonstration cities where the various initiatives for improving city bus services will be undertaken are Mira Bhayandarin Maharashtra,Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Bhopal.
Key highlights of the project
•The project will demonstrate low cost high impact initiatives in efficient bus operations.
•It will focus on modernizing city bus services through modern depots for improving the maintenance of buses.
•It will introduce modern Intelligent Transport Systems and Management Information Systems for better planning and management of operations.
•It will provide technical support to vehicles and drivers for better fuel efficiency, among others.
•The project is designed to specifically focus on identifying regulatory, institutional and fiscal constraints to operation of sustainable city bus services.
Fire breaks out at Central Ammunition Depot, Pulgaon
Pulgaon Ammunition Depot: Located 110 km from Nagpur, it is the largest ammunition centre in India
A massive fire broke out at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon, Maharashtra on 31 May 2016. This has led to an extraordinary number of deaths and injuries to army personnel.
The Pulgaon depot is located at 110 km from Nagpur and is the largest ammunition hub in India.
About Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Pulgaon
• Pulgaon depot holds immense strategic significance for the army given its size and quality of ammunitions.
• The depot is spread over an area of more than 7000 acres.
• The CAD comes directly under the Indian Army headquarters and is responsible for the all-India supply of ammunition and explosives, after receiving them from Ordnance factories.
• Stocks of bombs, grenades, shells, assorted rifles and other explosives from various factories come here first and then distributed to various forward areas.
• It recently got an award for using solar energy for disposing expired ammunition.
• It was for the first time in the history of this depot that such fatalities has occurred. On two occasions in the past, major fires were recorded in 1980 and 2004. However, there was no loss of life.
Former Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi appointed UPSC member
The President Pranab Mukherjee on 31 May 2016 appointed Bhim Sain Bassi, IPS (Retd) as a member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
He will hold the constitutional post till February 2021, from the day when he enters the office.
About BS Bassi
• He is an officer of Indian Police Service of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre of 1977 batch.
• During his career spanning over 38 years has held several important positions like Commissioner, Delhi Police, Special Commissioner (Traffic), Delhi Police, Special Commissioner (Vigilance), Delhi Police, Inspector General, Chandigarh police and DGP, Goa Police.
• He retired as Delhi Police chief on 29 February 2016.
• He began his police career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Pondicherry.
Constitutional provision
Appointment and term of office of UPSC members in defined under Article 316 of the Constitution of India.
Under the Constitution, a member of the UPSC can have a maximum tenure of six years or till he attains the age of 65 years.
Deepak Gupta is heading UPSC as its chairman. Other members include Alka Sirohi, David R Syiemlieh, Manbir Singh, former Navy Vice Chief DK Dewan, Vinay Mittal, Chhatar Singh, Prof Hem Chandra, Arvind Saxena and Prof Pradeep Kumar Joshi.
Global Day of Parents observed across the world
1 June: Global Day of Parents
The Global Day of Parents was observed globally on 1 June 2016. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.
The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 and honours parents throughout the world.
In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. It calls for a harmonious development of their personality.
It says that children should be grown in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.
Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 comes into force
The Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 came into effect on 1 June 2016. The scheme was incorporated as Chapter X of the Finance Act, 2016.
The declarations under this Scheme may be made on or before the 31 December 2016 in respect of tax arrears & specified tax.
Procedure to file Declaration
• Declarant to file declaration to the designated authority not below the rank of Commissioner in Form-1 to the designated authority and verified in the manner specified therein.
• The designated authority shall within 60 days from the date of receipt of declaration, determine the amount payable by the declarant.
• The declarant shall pay the sum within 30 days of passing such order and furnish a proof of the sum.
• Any amount paid in pursuance of declaration shall not be refundable.
Scheme will not apply in following cases:-
• Cases where prosecution has been initiated before 29.02.2016.
• Search or survey cases where the declaration is in respect of tax arrears
• Cases relating to undisclosed foreign income and assets
• Cases based on information received under DTAA u/s 90 or 90A where the declaration is in respect of tax arrears
• Person notified under Special Courts Act, 1992
• Cases covered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Corruption Act or Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974
World Milk Day observed globally
1 June: World Milk Day
World Milk Day was observed across the world on 1 June 2016. It is observed to increase awareness on milk and to publicise activities connected with milk and the milk industry.
It also seeks to inform people about usefulness of milk and milk products, its nutritional value and economic importance.
The observance of the day was initiated in 2001 by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO actively encourages milk and dairy consumption as part of a daily diet.
India celebrates National Milk Day on 26 November in memory of Dr Verghese Kurien, Father of India's White Revolution. The first National Milk Day was observed on 14 November 2014.
Why 1 June?
This date was chosen because a number of countries were already celebrating a national milk day on or around this time. Late May was originally proposed, but some countries, for example China, felt they already had too many celebrations in that month. While most countries hold their celebrations on 1 June, some choose to hold them a week or so before or after this date.
UP Government approves Detailed Project Report of Varanasi Metro Rail
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government on 31 May 2016 approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Varanasi Metro rail project. The DPR will now be sent to the Union government for approval.
The responsibility of coordination for preparation of DPR for Metros in Kanpur, Varanasi, Meerut and Agra was assigned to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) by state government.
Highlights of the Detailed Project Report
• According to the DPR, the 29.23 km Metro will have two corridors that include from BHEL to Banaras Hindu University (19.35 km) and Benia Bagh to Sarnath (9.885 km).
• There will be 26 stations, 20 underground and six elevated in the two corridors.
• Out of the total length, 23.467 km will be elevated, while 5.768 km will be underground.
• The estimated cost of the project is 13133 crore rupees.
Background
The DPR of Varanasi Metro was finalised in February 2016 by LMRC in coordination with RITES Limited.
The state housing and urban planning department had nominated RITES Limited for the preparation of DPR for rail-based mass transit system in Varanasi. The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) was nominated as nodal agency and LMRC was nominated as Coordinating Agency for preparation of DPR.
An MoU in this regard was signed between VDA and RITES on 6 May 2015 for carrying out the assignment. The Draft Final Report was submitted on 6 January 2016.
Gotthard Base Tunnel, world's longest and deepest rail tunnel, inaugurated in Switzerland
Switzerland on 1 June 2016 inaugurated Gotthard Base Tunnel, world’s longest and deepest railway tunnel. The tunnel is also the first flat low-level route through the Alps.
It took 17 years and 12.2 billion Swiss francs to construct the tunnel.
About Gotthard Base Tunnel
•The Gotthard Base Tunnel has route length of 57.09 km and a total of 151.84 km of tunnels, shafts and passages.
•It is a part of the AlpTransit project, also known as the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA).
•It is situated 2.3km deep under the Alps.
•It is the third tunnel connecting the cantons of Uri and Ticino after the Gotthard Tunnel and the Gotthard Road Tunnel.
•The main purpose of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is to increase total transport capacity across the Alps, especially for freight.
•The construction of the tunnel began in 1996 after 64 percent of Swiss voters accepted the AlpTransit project in a 1992 referendum.
•Drilling operations in the eastern tunnel were completed on 15 October 2010 in a ceremony broadcast live on Swiss TV.
Index of Industrial Production of Eight Core Industries for April 2016 released
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) of eight Core Industries for April 2016 was released on 31 May 2016. These eight industries comprise nearly 38 percent of the weight of items included in the Index.
The total of Indices of Eight Core Industries stands at 176.4 in April 2016 which is 8.5 percent more than that of April 2015. Its cumulative growth during April to March 2015-16 was 2.7 percent.
Production & Cumulative Index of Eight Core Industries
Coal: The production with a weight of 4.38 percent was decreased by 0.9 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 4.6 percent.
Crude Oil:The production with a weight of 5.22 percent was decreased by 2.3 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index decreased by 1.4 percent.
Natural Gas:The production with a weight of 1.71 percent was decreased by 6.8 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was declined by 4.2 percent.
Refinery Products (93 percent of Crude Throughput): The production with a weight of 5.94 percent was increased by 17.9 percent in April 2016 over April, 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 3.8 percent.
Fertilizers: The production with a weight of 1.25 percent was increased by 7.8 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 11.3 percent.
Steel (Alloy + Non-Alloy):The production with a weight of 6.68 percent was increased by 6.1 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was declined by 1.4 percent.
Cement:The production with a weight of 2.41 percent was increased by 4.4 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was increased by 4.7 percent.
Electricity:Thegeneration of Electricity with a weight of 10.32 percent was increased by 14.7 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 5.2 percent.
Noted comedian Razak Khan passes away
Razak Khan, one of the best comedians of Bollywood movies, passed away on 1 June 2016 following a cardiac arrest in Bandra, Mumbai.
He was popularly known for his roles in movies like Hello Brother, Hungama and Hera Pheri.
About Razak Khan
• He made his Bollywood debut in 1993 with Boney Kapoor's production venture Roop ki Rani Choron Ka Raja.
• He was seen in movies like Hello Brother, Hera Pheri, Baadshah, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Raja Hindustani, Haseena Maan Jaayegi among others.
• He played Makodi Pehlwan in Chamatkar alongside Farooq Shaikh and was also seen in R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya in a cameo role.
• He had in total acted in more than 90 films
• Razak was last seen in TV show Comedy Nights With Kapil (CNWK).
Asia’s largest technology trade show COMPUTEX started in Taipei
Asia’s largest technology trade show COMPUTEXwas started in Taipei on 31 May 2016. It is attracting more than 1600 companies from 30 countries to showcase their latest products.
This became the biggest trade show with the highest number of nations participating in last five years.
COMPUTEXwill end on 4 June 2016 and organisers expect the event to attract more than 130000 visitors.
Highlights of the COMPUTEX
• Taiwan’s HTC drew the most media attention for its Virtual Reality (VR) headset Vive that debuted in February 2016.
• HTC showed its first in-house VR game called Front Defense, which allows players to fight enemies using a variety of weapons, from pistols and rifles to rocket launchers.
• It also featured the world’s first VR fitness experience called Holodia.
• MSI came up with its first backpack-sized PC for VR gaming. It allows players to carry the computer around without tripping over wires while playing with VR headsets.
• It is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2016.
• ASUS unveiled its first robot called Zenbo which was mainly designed as a personal assistant for senior citizens and children at home.
Prime Minister releases National Disaster Management Plan to make India disaster resilient
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 June 2016 released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP). The plan aims to make India disaster resilient and reduce loss of lives.
It is the first of its kind of national plan prepared in India. It emphasizes on a greater need for Information, Education and Communication activities to prepare communities to cope with disasters.
The plan is based on the four priority themes of the Sendai Framework namely:
i. Understanding disaster risk,
ii. Improving disaster risk governance,
iii. Investing in disaster risk reduction (through structural and non-structural measures),
iv. Disaster preparedness, early warning and building back better in the aftermath of a disaster.
Key Features of the Plan
• It covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.
• It provides for horizontal and vertical integration among all the agencies and departments of the government.
• The plan also spells out the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government right up to Panchayat and Urban Local Body level in a matrix format.
• The plan has a regional approach that will be beneficial for disaster management along with development planning.
• It is designed in such a way that it can be implemented in a scalable manner in all phases of disaster management.
• It also identifies major activities such as early warning, information dissemination, medical care, fuel, transportation, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. to serve as a checklist for agencies responding to a disaster.
• It also provides a generalized framework for recovery and offers flexibility to assess a situation and build back better.
Rahul Johri assumes charge as first ever CEO of BCCI
Rahul Johri on 1 June 2016 assumed charge as first ever chief executive officer (CEO) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai. He was appointed on the recommendation of the Justice Lodha Committee.
About Rahul Johri
• He will be report to the BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke and will be based at headquarters of BCCI in Mumbai.
• He will be responsible for “smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management and building robust strategies for promoting of sport.
• Before joining BCCI, he served as Asia Pacific's Executive Vice-President for Discovery Networks and General Manager for South Asia.
•He had an experience in the media industry over 20 plus years.
• He is widely respected in the broadcasting industry for converting Discovery to a 11-channel bouquet.
• He was associated with Discovery Networks for the last 15 years and was leading South Asia operations for the past eight years.
2 june
Union Cabinet approves setting up of India Post Payments Bank
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 approved setting up of the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) as a Public Limited Company under the Department of Posts, with 100% Government of India (GOI) equity.
These banks will be established at an expense of 800 crore rupees and rolled out in the entire country in a phased manner.
The IPPB will obtain banking licence from RBI by March 2017 and by September 2017.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
• It will allow all citizens of India, especially the 40% of the country's population that is outside the ambit of formal banking in the country will benefit from this project.
• Its services will be available across the country through 650 payments bank branches, linked post offices and alternative channels riding on modern technology including mobiles, ATMs, PoS/m-PoS devices etc and simple digital payments.
• It will help is furthering the cause of financial inclusion
• It will generate new employment opportunities for skilled banking professionals and will generate opportunities for propagating financial literacy across the country.
• It will create the largest bank in the world in terms of accessibility and in time, will encourage the move towards a less cash economy.
Background
Setting-up of the IPPB to further financial inclusion was one of the budgetary announcements during 2015-16. The Department of Posts had obtained the "in-principle approval" of the RBI in September 2015 to set up the India Post Payments Bank.
The India Post Payments Bank will leverage the Department’s network, reach, and resources to make simple, low-cost, quality financial services easily accessible to customers all over the country.
The Unseen Indira Gandhi authored by Dr KP Mathur released
The Unseen Indira Gandhi: Dr KP Mathur
A new book The Unseen Indira Gandhi authored byDr KP Mathurwas released in May 2016.Dr KP Mathur was personal physician of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for nearly 20 years till her assassination in 1984.
The Book was published by Konark Publishers.
The book provides some interesting peeps into the responses of Mrs Gandhi’s to challenges both personal and political.
The foreword of the book was written by her granddaughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The 151-page book describes that Mrs Gandhi was very tense, a bit confused and not sure of herself in early years of her power in 1966.
It covers several milestone moments in Indira’s life: the Bangladesh War of 1971; Pokhran Nuclear tests of 1974, imposition of Emergency; death of Sanjay Gandhi and circumstances in Maneka’s walk out of the family.
The Doctor in his book said that Mrs Gandhi’s was always more fond of her elder Daughter in Law, Sonia Gandhi, but after Sanjay’s death she became a little more inclined towards Maneka and wanted Maneka to come and help her in politics.
The book is interspersed with messages and written instructions on paper bits which were collected by the author.
The book also covers former PM’s relations with foreign counterparts including Margaret Thatcher who was former PM of the United Kingdom.
India-US MoU on enhancing cooperation in Wildlife Conservation approved
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States (US) and India to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking.
The MoU seeks cooperation in the following areas:
• Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics:Useful in species conservation efforts and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes leading to better enforcement.
• Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitating the institutional capacity of the existing UNESCO Category -2 - centre at Wildlife Institute of India.
• Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness:Use of information technology in strengthening interface of forest managers with the people for sensitising people, especially the youth and children in understanding complex issues of conservation of biological diversity.
Benefits of the approval
• It will help India to benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in the field of wildlife conservation and management of wildlife areas.
•It will help in combating illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives.
Comment
With this MoU, India and the US, can share their professional expertise to address priority wildlife conservation concerns. It would also provide a convenient platform for collaboration.
Moreover, the two nations are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage. They also have established a network of Protected Areas in their respective territories.
Union Cabinet approves Proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-I
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 approved the proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I Project from Washermanpet to Wimconagar.
It covers a length of 9.051 km at a total cost of 3770 crore rupees.
Highlights of the Proposal
• The project will be executed by the existing SPV of Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu having 50:50 equity of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.
• This extension will provide improved access to public transport for dense population comprising predominantly industrial workers to move towards the central business district of the city for work.
• In the total project cost, Government of India's (Gol) share will be 713 crore rupees and Government of Tamilnadu's (GoTN) share will be 916 crore rupees.
• The share of GoTN included cost of Land and R&R of 203 crore rupees.
• The balance amount of 2141 crore rupees will be met from loan from multilateral/bilateral/domestic funding agency.
• The estimated ridership will be 1.6 lakh passengers per day in first year of operation.
• The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2018.
Sachin Tendulkar's name to be used in Kerala Government's Anti-Drug Campaign
This was announced on 1 June 2016 by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said that the cricket icon has given his consent to use his name to strengthen the campaign against liquor and drug abuse in the state.
This agreement was reached when Tendulkar along with three other co-owners of the Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) met Vijayan at the state secretariat. The other co-owners of KBFC are actor-turned politician Chiranjeevi, actor Akkineni Nagarjuna and Prasad.
Besides, KBFC also agreed to set up a residential Football Academy to train young talents in the state.
Commonwealth Boxing Council grants affiliation to Indian Boxing Council
The Indian Boxing Council (IBC) was granted affiliation by theCommonwealth Boxing Council (CBC) on 2 June 2016. The affiliation was unanimously endorsed by CBC.
IBC is a licensing body for professional boxers in India which has Vijender Singh among others on its roster.
The IBC so far conducted two fight cards and will hold its biggest event on 16 July 2016 in which Vijender Singh competes for the WBO Asia title.
The CBC will formally register Raja as a Director in its Annual General Meeting scheduled in December 2016.
Indian Boxing Council (IBC)
•It is a National Boxing Governing body that sanctions professional boxing matches and awards national and subordinate championship titles.
• It is the first time in India where there is an opportunity for the Boxers to be professional.
• It also aims to promote and serve the sport of boxing, to implement fair, scientific and objective computerised systems.
• And also to establish uniform safety measures and uniform procedures for the protection of professional boxers as well as the conduct of championship match.
• The organization aspires to encourage and support amateur boxing as being a foundation for professional boxing.
• It also wants to showcase boxing as an activity that improves health, physical fitness, sportsmanship and also encourages a positive lifestyle for young people around the country.
Indus Valley Civilization is 8000 years old: IIT Kharagpur Research
A study by Indian researchers at major excavated site of Bhirrana, Haryana suggests that the Indus Valley Civilization is much older than thought before and climate was not only the cause behind collapse of Harappa civilization.
The study was conducted by a research team from IIT Kharagpur, Institute of archaeology, Deccan College Pune, Physical Research Laboratory and Archaeological Survey of India.
The finding was published in prestigious journal Nature Scientific report on 25 May 2016.
Dated Potteries as old as 8000 years old
• Bhirrana site shows preservation of all cultural levels of Indus Valley Civilization from Pre-Harappan Hakra phase through Early Mature Harappan to mature Harappan time
• The study of dated potteries of Early Mature Harappan time by a technique called optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) suggests that these were nearly 6000 years old, the oldest known pottery so far.
• The study of levels of Pre-Harappan Hakra phase was dated to be as old as 8000 years.
• This means that the Indus Valley civilisation is 2500 years older than previously believed and the Indus Valley settlements that spread across Pakistan and northern India is older than the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilisations.
Climate Change not led to abrupt collapse of Harappa civilization
• Researchers used oxygen isotope composition in the bone and tooth phosphates of these 2 remains found at Bhirrana to unravel the climate pattern.
• The study revealed that the monsoon became progressively weaker from 7000 years onwards but surprisingly the civilization did not disappear, rather they continued to evolve even in the face of declining monsoon condition.
• In the event of weakening of monsoon changed their subsistence strategy. They shifted their crop patterns from the large-grained cereals like wheat and barley to drought-resistant species of small millets and rice.
• As a result of lower yield of these later crops the organized large storage system of mature Harappan period was abandoned. In its place more individual household based crop processing and storage system arose.
• It is this factor which could have acted as catalyst for the de-urbanisation of the Harappan civilization rather than an abrupt collapse.
Harappa site Bhirrana
• It was excavated by late Dr. LS Rao in 2005-2006.
• Bhirrana was part of a high concentration of settlements along the now dried up mythical Vedic river valley 'Saraswati', an extension of Ghaggar river in the Thar Desert.
• It shows preservation of all cultural levels of Indus Valley Civilization from Pre-Harappan Hakra phase through Early Mature Harappan to mature Harappan time.
• While the earlier phases were represented by pastoral and early village farming communities, the mature Harappan settlements were highly urbanized having trans-Asiatic trade with Arabia and Mesopotamia.
Background
• The present studies put the flourishing of post-Neolithic Bronze Age Harappan civilization between 5700-3300 BC.
• It spread along the Indus Valley of Pakistan through the plains of NW India, including into the state of Gujarat and up to the Arabian Sea.
• In the Indian subcontinent the major centers of this civilization include Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan and Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi in India.
• Many archaeologists believe that weakening of the summer monsoon after ~5000 years and a major drought around 4200 years throughout the Asia probably were the reason behind the Harappan collapse.
• The late Harappan phase witnessed large scale deurbanization, population decrease, abandonment of many established settlements, lack of basic amenities, interpersonal violence and disappearance of Harappan script.