1-2 june 2015
Gurpreet Singh became 5th Indian to get quota place in shooting for 2016 Rio Olympics
Gurpreet Singh on 31 May 2015 won a quota place in shooting for the 2016 Rio Olympics by finishing fourth in the Men’s 10 meter Air pistol final at the ISSF Shooting World Cup in Munich.
Singh succeeded in getting quota place in shooting for Rio Olympics after scoring 154 points in the finals.
With this, he became the fifth Indian shooter to win a quota place for the Rio Olympics after Gagan Narang, Jitu Rai, Apurvi Chandela and Abhinav Bindra. He is also the second Indian to secure an Olympic berth at the ongoing World Cup after Bindra.
Each country can win a maximum of 30 quota places from a total of 15 shooting disciplines including shotgun events, two each from each discipline.
Barcelona Football Club won King's Cup title for 27th time
Barcelona on 30 May 2015 won Copa del Rey also known as Spanish King’s Cup. In the final clash at the Nou Camp, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao, 3-1. This was the 27th Copa del Rey title for Barcelona.
This was the second title of the season for Barcelona, earlier; it had won La Liga.
Copa del Rey or King's Cup
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de Espana – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey which means Championship of Spain – Cup of His Majesty the King.
The tournament founded in 1903 is one of the most well-known football competitions bearing the name of a monarch. The other tournament is the Emperor's Cup in Japan.
It is also the oldest Spanish football competition. In 2014, it was won by Real Madrid.
Union Cabinet approved Agreement on Coastal and Maritime Shipping between India and Bangladesh
The Union Cabinet on 30 May 2015 gave its approval to the Agreement on Coastal and Maritime Shipping between India and Bangladesh that paves the way for the commencement of coastal shipping between the two countries.
Features of the Agreement on Coastal and Maritime Shipping
• India and Bangladesh shall render the same treatment to the other country’s vessels as it would have done to its national vessels used in international sea transportation.
• The River Sea Vessel (RSV) category of vessel is prescribed for coastal shipping to lower construction and operation cost without compromising on the safety of the vessel.
Importance of the Agreement
• EXIM (Export Import) trade between India and Bangladesh (India’s largest trading partner in South Asia) would be benefited by way of reduction in freight charges.
• It will improve the utilization of port capacities of Indian ports and open up new opportunity for Indian coastal vessels.
• It will help in decongestion of roads especially at the Land custom stations or integrated check posts at the Indo-Bangladesh boarder.
• The Indian ports serving as transshipment ports for Bangladesh cargo will derive benefits by way of enhanced throughput as a result of Indo-Bangladesh coastal trade.
• It will increase bilateral trade between the two countries and lower down the cost of transportation of EXIM cargo.
Former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo appointed as Chancellor of Nalanda University
Former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo was appointed as the new Chancellor of the Nalanda University, Bihar.
Ministry of External Affairs announced his appointed for the post on 30 May 2015.
Yeo will succeed Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, who withdrew his candidature for a second term as Chancellor of the Nalanda University in February 2015.
Till this announcement, Yeo was on the governing board of the University. Till this announcement, Yeo was on the governing board of the University. At present, he is the Chair of the International Advisory Panel of the NU Governing Board (GB).
Earlier, Governing Board of the university during its meet in May 2015 unanimously proposed that the Chancellorship of the University should be offered to George Yeo. The meet was presided by the present Chancellor Professor Amartya Sen.
In 2012, 60-year-old Yeo was conferred with the Padma Bhusan award (the third highest civilian award of India) in recognition of his contribution in the field of public affairs.
Nalanda University
The ancient Nalanda University that functioned between 413 AD and 1193 AD was internationally known as a centre of learning. The university, which was destroyed in the 12th century by an invading Turkish army attracted research scholars from all over the world.
Former President APJ Andul Kalam in 2006 mooted an idea to revive Nalanda University. Later in 2010, the idea was approved by an Act of Parliament. The University threw its door open for students in September 2014 in which only 15 students were selected from over 1000 applicants.
Ex-Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili appointed as Governor of Ukraine's Odessa region
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili was in news as on 31 May 2015 he was appointed as Governor of Ukraine's southern Odessa region.
He replaced Ihor Palytsia, a businessman who was appointed as governor of the region in May 2014.
His appointment was announced by Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko who said that Saakashvili had been granted Ukrainian citizenship. He was granted the Ukrainian citizenship to facilitate the move on 30 May 2015.
Saakashvili as a person is widely credited with carrying out radical reforms in Georgia during his term in 2004-13.
One the other hand, the current Georgian authorities accuses him of abuse of power and has demanded his extradition. He denies all the charges against him, and says that they are politically motivated.
He left Georgia after his term ended in 2013.
Union Government notified Undisclosed Foreign Income as Assets and imposition of Tax Act, 2015
The Union Government on 30 may 2015 notified the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income as Assets) and imposition of Tax Act, 2015. The Act will come into effect from 1 April 2016.
The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 20 March 2015 and was passed by Parliament on 13 May 2015.
Provisions of the Bill
• Concealment of income and assets and evasion of tax in relation to foreign assets will be prosecutable with punishment of rigorous imprisonment up to 10 years.
• Offence of stashing unaccounted money abroad will be made non-compoundable (A non-compoundable offence is one in which the complainant (the government in this instance) does not enter into a compromise with the accused.
• The offenders will not be permitted to approach the Settlement Commission
• Penalty for such concealment of income and assets at the rate of 300% of tax shall be levied
• The government will give a short window to those stashing black money abroad to declare their wealth, pay taxes and penalty, and escape prosecution under the proposed law.
• Non filing of return or filing of return with inadequate disclosure of foreign assets will be liable for prosecution with punishment of rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years.
• Income in relation to any undisclosed foreign asset or undisclosed income from any foreign asset will be taxable at the maximum marginal rate. Exemptions or deductions which may otherwise be applicable in such cases shall not be allowed.
• Beneficial owner or beneficiary of foreign assets will be mandatorily required to file return, even if there is no taxable income.
• Abettors of the above offences, whether individuals, entities, banks or financial institutions will be liable for prosecution and penalty.
• Date of Opening of foreign account would be mandatorily required to be specified by the assessee in the return of income.
• The offence of concealment of income or evasion of tax in relation to a foreign asset will be made a predicate offence under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
• The definition of proceeds of crime under PMLA is being amended to enable attachment and confiscation of equivalent asset in India where the asset located abroad cannot be forfeited.
• The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) will also be amended to the effect that if any foreign exchange, foreign security or any immovable property situated outside India is held in contravention of the provisions of this Act, then action may be taken for seizure and eventual confiscation of assets of equivalent value situated in India.
Muhammadu Buhari assumed the office of President of Nigeria
Muhammadu Buhari on 29 May 2015 assumed the office of President of Nigeria. He became the 5th President of the country by defeating the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in the March 2015 general election.
It is the first time in Nigeria's history that an incumbent President was defeated in an election by the opposition.
He is a retired Nigerian Army Major General and was Head of State of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, after taking power in a military coup d'état.
Earlier, he unsuccessfully ran for the office of President in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections. In December 2014, he emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that has also won the majority of seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives in the elections held in March 2015.
Union Government formed a Committee to oversee 125th Bhim Jayanti celebrations
The Union Government on 30 May 2015 formed a committee under the Chairpersonship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oversee the celebrations of 125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, also called Bhim Jayanti which is annually celebrated on 14 April.
The Committee was formed to suggest different programmes and activities to be undertaken by various Ministries and Departments and States and Union Territories (UTs). These activities and celebrations are aimed at spreading the thoughts and ideas of Dr BR Ambedkar.
Apart from the Prime Minister, the committee consists of eleven members of the Union Council of Ministers including Home, Finance, External Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment Ministers and six other members representing states and civil society.
The Committee can co-opt other members with the approval of the Chairperson.
The Secretary in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment will act as the Member-Secretary of the committee.
Dr BR Ambedkar was called the Father of Indian Constitution as he was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Indian Constitution. The hard work done by him in the drafting of the Constitution made it a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment of the downtrodden
Hike in Service Tax to 14 percent became operational
The decision of the Parliament to increase the rate of service tax from12.36 to 14 percent became operational on 1 June 2015.
Now, the new tax rate subsumes the education cesses, including the2 percent Education Cess (EC)and 1 percent Secondary & Higher Education Cess (SHEC), which were earlier levied separately and calculated as consolidated service tax at 12.36 percent.
The decision to increase the tax rate by subsuming the education cesses was taken to facilitate smooth transition to the Goods Service Tax (GST) regime which is proposed to be implemented from 1 April 2016. Once implemented, GST will subsume service tax, excise and other indirect taxes.
Earlier, the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley proposed for the hike in his 2015-16 budget speech on 28 February 2015 which was subsequently approved by the Lok Sabha in the form of the Finance bill, 2015 on 30 April 2015 and the President of India on 14 May 2015.
About Service Tax
Service taxis an indirect tax levied by the government on service providers on all service transactions such as education, insurance, transportation, communication, hospitality, etc. However, few services mentioned in the negative list like services relating to agriculture or agricultural produce, education up to higher secondary school, etc. were exempted from the service tax net.
It came into existence underthe Finance Act, 1994 as provided by theArticle 268A of the Indian Constitution which states that the Service tax is levied by the Union and collected and appropriated by the Union and the States.
Uttarakhand’s Health Minister SS Negi conferred with World No Tobacco Day Award 2015
Uttarakhand’s Medical, Health and Family Welfare Minister Surendra Singh Negi on 31 May 2015 was conferred with the World No Tobacco Day Award 2015 by the World Health Organsiation (WHO).
He was one of the six awardees from the WHO South-East Asia Region.
In addition, the WHO Director-General Special awards were presented to
• Marcelo Fisch, Head of the Fiscal Special Control Division, Federal Revenue Secretariat, Ministry of Finance, Brazil
• Kenya Revenue Authority
WHO Director-General's Special Recognition Certificates were presented to
• Luk Joossens of Belgium, one of the rapporteurs of the WHO expert group on illicit tobacco trade
• Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan.
Every year, the WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.
This recognition takes the form of WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards and World No Tobacco Day Awards. The prestigious awards are presented to mark the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).
Mohun Bagan won I-League title of football after 13 years
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan on 31 May 2015 won their maiden I-League title in 13 years. In the final clash at Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru, Mohun Bagan managed a 1-1 draw against the defending champions Bengaluru FC.
Mohun Bagan ended the season with 39 points, while Bengaluru finish second on the ladder with 37 points.
This win is the fourth I-league title for Mohun Bagan. It won the first I-league title in 2002 when the tournament was called as the National Football League (NFL). Later in 2007, NFL was renamed as I-League.
The most interesting fact of this win of Bagan after 13-years is that in both the wins, that is, in 2002 and 2015 the winning goal was scored by a Nigerian player. Abdul Saliu of Nigeria scored the winning goal for Bagan in the 2001-02 National Football League title, and in 2015 Rasaq of Nigeria scored the much-needed goal.
The title also ended Bagan’s five-year trophy drought.
Doris Hart, winner of three Wimbledon titles in a day, died at 89
Doris Hart, the number one American tennis player of 1950s, died at the age of 89 on 29 May 2015. Hart as a player had won each Grand Slam tournament at least once, including three Wimbledon titles in a single day.
In 1951 at Wimbledon, she defeated friend Shirley Fry in singles, then paired with Fry to win the women’s double followed by mixed doubles which she won with Frank Sedgman. All three matches were on the same day because of rain delays.
She also spent a decade in the world top 10 starting from 1946 and in her career she won 35 professional titles.
Hart, born on 20 June 1925 in St. Louis, won the US Open (then called US Championships) in 1954-55. She won the French Open twice and Wimbledon and the Australian Open once each.
She also totalled 29 major doubles titles and was ranked No 1 in the world in 1951.
She retired from professional tennis in 1955 and after retirement she worked as a teaching pro for 28 years at a club in Pompano Beach.
In 1969, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The China Model written by Daniel A Bell
The China Model: Political Meritocracy and the Limits of Democracy: Daniel A. Bell
The book titled The China Model: Political Meritocracy and the Limits of Democracy by Daniel A. Bell was in news in May 2015. The book seeks to understand the ideals and the reality of Chinese political system.
In his book, Bell discusses the advantages and pitfalls of political meritocracy of China; he distinguishes between different ways of combining meritocracy and democracy, and argues that China has evolved a model of democratic meritocracy that is morally desirable and politically stable.
The book opens with a critique of one person, one vote as a way of choosing top leaders, which as per the author is a Chinese-style political meritocracy that can help to remedy the key flaws of electoral democracy.
Bell summarizes and evaluates the China model as having the meritocracy at the top, experimentation in the middle, and democracy at the bottom.
About the Author
Daniel A. Bell is Chair Professor of the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University in Beijing and is a director of the Berggruen Institute of Philosophy and Culture.
His other books include Spirit of Cities, China’s New Confucianism, Beyond Liberal Democracy, and East Meets West (all Princeton). He is also the editor of the Princeton-China Series.
US removed Cuba from terror blacklist to strengthen ties with Cuba
The US on 29 May 2015 removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, signed an order removing Cuba from the terrorism blacklist as part of the process of strengthening ties between the former Cold War foes.
The removal of Cuba from the terror list would also help in the process of lifting economic sanctions. It had been a key Cuban demand as the countries move towards normalising relations.
However, a tight economic embargo slapped on the communist-run Caribbean island in 1962 remains in place, meaning there may be little immediate effect of the latest decision.
US had included Cuba in terror blacklist in 1982. The inclusion hampered its access to global markets and tarred it as an international pariah. Cuba has protested against this decision and had demanded to rescind the decision.
Now only Iran, Sudan and Syria still remain on the terror blacklist. The Presidents of the US and Cuba met at the Summit of the Americas in Panama City in April 2015, in the first meetings between the countries' leaders in more than 50 years.
The leaders agreed that a strong majority of citizens in both Cuba and the US would back warmer relations.
Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa sworn-in as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa was sworn-in as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on 1 June 2015. He became the 19th Governor of the state.
His oath of the office and secrecy was administered by the Chief Justice of Guahati High Court (Acting), Justice K Sreedhar Rao in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhawan.
His appointment was necessitated after Lt General (Retired) Nirbhay Sharma was transferred to Mizoram in second week of May 2015. President Pranab Mukherjee on 12 May 2015 appointed Rajkhowa as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.
Rajkhowa was the former Chief Secretary of Assam and is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer from 1968 batch.
China unveiled world's first facial recognition ATM machine
China on 30 May 2015 unveiled the world's first facial recognition ATM which will not allow users to withdraw cash unless their face matches their IDs. The ATM machine was created by Tsinghua University and Hangzhou-based technology company Tzekwan.
Highlights of the ATM Machine
• The machine is a combination of high speed ban-knote handling, improved counterfeit-bill recognition and face recognition.
• It has a camera installed in it that captures the facial features of the user and then compares it with a database of identification photos.
• It looks at the biological features and can identify people even if their facial features have changed.
• It will help in preventing thieves from accessing other people's accounts as the ATM records the serial number of every bank note deposited.
• The machine is 20 percent more accurate at verifying the authenticity of multiple currencies compared with the average ATM used globally.
WHO launched campaign against illicit trade of tobacco products on World No Tobacco Day 2015
31 May: World No Tobacco Day
The World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2015 was observed globally on 31 May 2015. To mark this occasion, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a campaign to stop illicit trade of tobacco products.
Every year, on 31 May, the WHO and its partners in close collaboration with the governmental and non governmental agencies organize events, workshops, seminars, etc to raise awareness about the ill effects of tobacco processing, trade and usage among the masses and the policy makers.
On 15 May 1987, the WHO passed a resolution, calling for 7 April 1988, to be the first WNTD. This date was chosen because it was the 40th anniversary of the WHO. However, On 17 May 1989, the WHO passed another resolution calling for 31 May to be annually known as WNTD. Thus, this event has been observed each year since 1989.
Deaths caused by Tobacco
The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. If the similar conditions persist, the epidemic is estimated to kill more than 8 million people every year by 2030. Also, more than 80 percent of these preventable deaths will be among people living in low-and middle-income countries.
Why the campaign against illicit trade of tobacco products launched?
From many angles, the illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern especially in high-income countries, including health, legal and economic, governance and corruption.
The illicit tobacco market may account for as much as one in every 10 cigarettes consumed globally, according to studies, including information supplied by the global customs community. The European Commission estimates that illicit trade in cigarettes costs the EU and their Member States over 10 billion euros annually in lost tax and customs revenue.
WHO FCTC
In response to the threat posed by illicit tobacco trade, the international community negotiated and adopted in November 2012 the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, the first protocol to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). India ratified the convention in February 2004 and has become the seventh country to do so.
Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman inducted in BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee
Former cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman on 1 June 2015 were inducted into the BCCI’s newly-constituted cricket advisory committee.
The President of the BCCI, Jagmohan Dalmiya nominated the trio as esteemed members of the Cricket Advisory Committee of the BCCI, with immediate effect. Their inclusion in the panel was announced by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur through a tweet.
This Cricket Advisory Committee will advise the BCCI on various progressive steps needed to enable Indian Cricket to be better prepared for the challenges of the future. It will also guide the Indian team to enhance their performance ob overseas engagements, as well as direction to improve their talent.
Amit Jain appointed as President of Uber Technologies Inc's India Operations
Amit Jain was on 31 May 2015 appointed as the President of US-based taxi hailing app Uber's India operations. In this role, Amit will be running all business strategy, operations, and growth in a market of global strategic importance for Uber.
Prior to this appointment, Jain was president of Rent.com, a property portal in the US. Jain is a B. Tech from IIT, Delhi.
About Uber
Uber cab service was launched in India in 2013 and today it has largest market in India outside the United States. It is providing millions of consumers with a safe, reliable and convenient mode of transport.
In India, Uber is helping create tens of thousands of new jobs, empowering drivers with higher earnings potential and flexible working hours.
Footballer Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement
London-born Rio Ferdinand on 30 May 2015 announced his retirement from football. Ferdinand last played for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in March 2015. Ferdinand had an illustrious career of 18 years as a professional footballer.
About Rio Ferdinand
• Ferdinand began his career under manager Harry Redknapp at West Ham United before making his England debut at the age of 19 in 1997.
• In 2000, he joined Leeds United and then moved to Manchester United two years later in a deal worth 29.1 million British pounds, which at that time was a world-record fee for a defender.
• He captained England for the first time in 2008, and replaced John Terry in the role on a full-time basis in February 2010.
• In 2014, Ferdinand joined QPR after getting released from the Manchester United.
• Ferdinand played 81 times for England and was in the squads for the 1998, 2002, 2006 and the 2010 World Cups.
2 june
Meena Hemchandra appointed as Executive Director of RBI
Meena Hemchandra was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with immediate effect. As an ED, She will look after Department of Banking Supervision, Department of Co-operative Banking Supervision and Department of Non-Banking Supervision.
She succeeded Chandan Sinha, who will now look after Department of Information Technology, Department of Payment and Settlement Systems, Foreign Exchange Department and Financial Markets Regulation Department (including Market Intelligence).
Prior to this appointment, Hemchandra was in charge of Department of Supervision at RBI itself. She has also been the Principal of the Reserve Bank’s College of Agricultural Banking, Pune.
Hemchandra is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), and holds a post graduate degree in Economics.
Mauritius designated Ameenah Gurib-Fakim as its first woman President
The Government of Mauritius on 1 June 2015 designated Ameenah Gurib-Fakim as new President of the Indian Ocean island nation.
Ameenah, an internationally-renowned scientist and biologist, will be the first woman to hold the ceremonial position of President of Mauritius. Now, her appointment is subject to approval by the Parliament, which is supposed to be done by 4 June 2015.
After final approval from the Parliament, Ameenah will be the first female president of the nation, which gained independence from Britain in 1968 and replaced Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state in 1992.
Her name was designated after former President Kailash Purryag stepped down from his post on 29 May 2015. He served the country as its President since July 2012 and was appointed to the post by previous Labour party government of former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.
Philipose G Pynumootil appointed as Assistant Chief of Naval staff (Air)
Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Assistant Chief of Naval staff (Air). Prior to this appointment, Pynumootil served as the Principal Director of Aircraft Acquisition.
Being a Flag officer, he has commanded the 1241 RE corvette, INS Nashak, the missile corvette INS Kirpan and the Guided Missile Frigate INS Brahmaputra. He has flown extensively during Operation Pawan, Sri Lanka, and Operation Restore Hope, Somalia.
Pynumootil was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 1 January 1986. He is an alumnus of the Lawrence School, Lovedale and of the National Defence Academy. He is a post graduate in Defence Studies and holds an M Phil degree in Strategic Studies.
Pynumootil was awarded the Nao Sena Medal for his tenure in command of INS Brahmaputra.
India, Sweden signed 6 agreements during visit of Pranab Mukherjee to Sweden
India and Sweden on 1 June 2015 signed 6 agreements to boost ties and restart the bilateral strategic dialogue. The agreements were inked in presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, who is on a state visit to Sweden.
Mukherjee is the first ever Indian head of state to visit Sweden and will be in the country from 31 May to 2 June 2015.
At present, he is on a five-day long visit to Sweden and Belarus between 31 May and 4 June 2015.
List of agreements/MoUs signed
• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development: It aims to develop close and long term cooperation in the field of sustainable development and protection of the environment through dialogue and interaction on global sustainable urban development issues, exchange of knowledge, institutional cooperation and commercial relations.
•MoU on cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: It aims at promoting partnership projects, institution to institution and enterprise to enterprise cooperation related to MSMEs.
•Agreement on Visa Exemption for diplomatic passports: It will facilitate entry of citizens of India and Sweden who are holders of diplomatic passports into their respective countries with the aim to strengthen the friendly relations
•Letter of Intent on Collaboration in Polar and Ocean Research: It was signed to encourage collaboration in the areas of Polar (Antarctic and Arctic) and Ocean Research by enhancing scientific capabilities, conducting joint research and survey activities, exchange of informational material on education, training and research matters, etc.
•Memorandum of Intent (MoI) on cooperation in ageing research and health: It was signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Swedish Research Council for Health Working Life and Welfare (FORTE).
• MoI between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India and the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA): It is complimentary to the ongoing cooperation between India and Sweden covering the area of health and is for increasing bilateral cooperation in the fields of pharmacovigilance, electronic submissions in related matter and clinical trials among others.
Apart from this, Sweden also expressed their support for India's claim to permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). MTCR established in 1987 is an informal and voluntary association of 34 countries favouring non-proliferation of unmanned delivery systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction and seek to coordinate national export licensing efforts aimed at preventing their proliferation.
P Kunhikrishnan appointed as Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR
P Kunhikrishnan was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR with immediate effect. He succeeded MYS Prasad, who superannuated in May 2015.
Before the present appointment, he was the Deputy Director at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). He has made significant contributions in the area of System level Quality Assurance of Avionics, Electrical Integration and Checkout Systems for various Launch Vehicles of ISRO in the career spanning over three decades.
He was also the Project Director of PSLV Project in June 2010 and has successfully accomplished 13 PSLV Missions as Mission Director. These PSLV Missions include PSLV-C19 that carried RISAT-1, the heaviest Indian remote sensing satellite launched by PSLV to Sun Synchronous Orbit so far; PSLV-C25 that launched India’s Mars Orbiter Spacecraft and the four PSLV missions that launched first four satellites of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
He is the recipient of Astronautical society of India (ASI) award for the year 2011 and ISRO Individual Merit Award for the year 2010.
SDSC SHAR works under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is located on an island off Sullurupeta, a small town in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
Union Ministry of Textiles announced to hold 30th India Carpet Expo in Varanasi in October 2015
Union Ministry of Textiles on 31 May 2015 announced to hold 30th India Carpet Expo in Varanasi in October 2015. It would be held from 11 October to 14 October 2015 at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Ground.
The Expo will be organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) set up by Union Ministry of Textiles.
This would be the 11th edition of the Expo. The prime motive in holding the Expo in the major carpet producing belt Varanasi is to provide unique pick and choose business opportunity to all overseas carpet buyers.
The Expo is one of the largest Handmade Carpet Fairs in Asia, which provides a unique platform under one roof, for buyers to source the best handmade carpets, rugs and floor coverings.
It has become a popular destination worldwide for handmade carpets. India’s unique capability in adapting to any type of design, colour, quality & size as per the specifications of carpet buyers has made it a household name in the international market.
Hemant Sonawala, the pioneer of India’s IT industry, died
Hemant Sonawala, the chairman of Hinditron Group, died on 30 May 2015. He was 78.
Sonawala was one of the founders of India’s Information Technology (IT) industry. He started Hinditron in 1966 and its computer division in 1971, which at present is engaged in several fields like Information Technology, Instrumentation, and Telecommunication products, Video, Broadband and Software Services.
He was also the founder of Digital Equipment India (DEI), which was the first technology IPO in India. DEI later in 1988 became a part of HP India.
He was associated with the Computer Society of India, the IEEE, Nasscom, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
S Somanath appointed as Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, ISRO
S Somanath was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) with immediate effect. LPSC works under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is located at Trivandrum, Kerala.
He succeeded K Sivan, who took over as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Before the present appointment, he was an Associate Director (Projects), VSSC as well as Project Director of GSLV Mk-III. He joined VSSC in 1985.
He is an expert in a host of disciplines including designing of launch vehicle and has specialised in launch vehicle systems. He became associated with PSLV Project during its early development phase and was a team leader for the first and second developmental flights of PSLV.
As a convenor, Somanath authored the Project report of GSLV Mk-III (also known as LVM3) during 2000-2002 and joined GSLV Mk-III Project in 2003. Later, he became the Project Director of GSLV Mk-III in 2010.
He is the recipient of many awards and honours, including the Gold Medal from IISc, Bangalore for the Masters Programme and Space Gold Medal from Astronautical Society of India. He has also received the Performance Excellence award from ISRO in the year 2009 and Team excellence award for GSLV Mk-III realisation.
K Sivan appointed as Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO
K Sivan was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an organisation that works under Indian Space Research Organisation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
He took the charge on the day of his appointment and succeded M Chandradathan, who superannuated in May 2015. Before this appointment, he was the Distinguished Scientist and Director at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
Sivan joined ISRO in 1982 for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Project and has made rich contributions towards end to end mission planning, mission design, mission integration and analysis which have become the foundation for ISRO launch vehicles like Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), GSLV Mk-III, as well as Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator(RLV-TD).
He is the chief architect of 6D trajectory simulation software SITARA which is the backbone of the real time and non real time trajectory simulations of all ISRO launch vehicles. He developed and implemented an innovative way of launching wind biasing strategy which has made possible rocket launch on any day of the year under any weather and wind conditions.
He joined GSLV Project in April 2011 as Project Director. Under his leadership, GSLV with indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage, achieved historical success on 5 January 2014. During his career at ISRO, he held many responsible positions like Project Director, RLV-TD, Deputy Director, VSSC, Project Director, GSLV and Director, LPSC.
He has numerous publications to his credit and is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering, Aeronautical Society of India and Systems Society of India.
For his contributions to the Indian space sector, he has received many awards, which include Dr Biren Roy space science award for the year 2011, ISRO merit award for the year 2007 and Shri Hari Om Ashram Prerit Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Research award for the year 1999.
Intel announced to buy Altera for 16.7 billion US dollars
Intel Corporation on 1 June 2015 announced that it will acquire Altera Corporation for 16.7 billion US dollars.
Intel, the world’s largest chipmaker, will pay 54 dollar a share in cash to Altera to complete the acquisition process.
Altera is an American based company and it manufactures Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs).
The Altera purchase will add to Intel’s non-GAAP earnings per share and free cash flow in the first year after it closes the deal, which is expected within six to nine months.
Altera chips are used in a variety of markets, ranging from communications to consumer electronics. While they’re sold in relatively small volumes, programmable logic usually requires the latest in production technology because it’s some of the largest chips in the industry.
The acquisition will couple Intel’s leading-edge products and manufacturing process with Altera’s leading field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology.
The combination is expected to enable new classes of products that meet customer needs in the data center and Internet of Things (IoT) market segments.
RBI permitted cross holding in infrastructure bonds
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 1 June 2015 allowed cross holding in long-term infrastructure bonds. With this, now banks would be able to cross hold these bonds among themselves for financing infrastructure and affordable housing loans, which earlier was not permitted.
The move was taken amidst the concerns that such prohibition on cross-holding was inhibiting the liquidity and tradability of these bonds, as banks are the major participants in the debt market.
However, to preserve the primary objective of allowing regulatory exemptions on CRR and SLR requirements as well as priority sector lending and to prevent double counting of regulatory exemptions allowed, such investments will be subject to following conditions:
• Banks’ investment in such bonds will not be treated as assets with the banking system in India for the purpose of calculation of Net Demand and Time Liability (NDTL).
• Such investments will not be held under Held to Maturity (HTM) category.
• An investing bank’s investment in a specific issue of such bonds will be capped at 2 percent of the investing bank’s Tier 1 Capital or at 5 percent of the issue size, whichever is lower.
• An investing bank’s aggregate holding in such bonds will be capped at 10 percent of its total Non-SLR investments.
• Not more than 20 percent of the primary issue size of such bond issuance can be allotted to banks.
• Banks cannot hold their own bonds.
• RBI’s relevant extant prudential norms will be applicable on such issuances and investments.
All other terms and conditions as mentioned in circulars dated 15 July 2014 and 27 November 2014 will remain unchanged.
Background
RBI in its circular dated 15 July 2014 allowed banks to issue long term bonds for their financing of infrastructure and affordable housing loans. However, banks were not permitted to cross-hold such bonds among themselves.
Moreover, in order to provide liquidity to retail investors in such bonds, RBI in its circular dated 27 November 2014 also allowed banks to extend loans to individuals against such long-term bonds issued by them.
Two patients died from MERS virus in South Korea
MERS virus: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Virus was in news in the first week of June 2015 as for the first time two patients infected by MERS virus died in South Korea.
So far, there have been 25 confirmed cases of MERS since a man tested positive following a trip to Saudi Arabia and became the country’s first MERS patient in May 2015.
MERS was discovered in 2012 and has mostly been centred in Saudi Arabia. It belongs to the family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold and SARS, and can cause fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure.
The virus is thought to be primarily acquired through contact with camels, but it can also spread from human fluids and droplets.
There have been 1167 cases of the virus worldwide and 479 of the patients have died, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
Hollywood actress Betsy Palmer passed away
Hollywood actress Betsy Palmer passed away on 31 May 2015 following a brief illness. She was 88. Palmer is survived by her daughter Melissa Merendino.
Betsy was famously known for playing the character of Jason Voorhees' mother in Friday the 13th movie in 1980. Betsy began her career in classic TV shows of the 1950s such as Playhouse 90 and Studio One.
Later, she went on to appear in numerous TV shows including As the World Turns, The Love Boat, Knot's Landing, Murder, She Wrote, Newhart, Columbo and CHiPs. Some of her famous movies were Mr. Roberts, The Long Gray Line, Queen Bee and The Tin Star.
Her lengthy television and film career spanned for more than five decades when she did a total of 60 films and TV shows.
Trial run of Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service began
The trial run of Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala direct bus service began on 1 June 2015. The bus started its journey from Kolkata with senior officials of West Bengal Transport Department (WBTD). The officials of WBTD took the ride to finalise the modalities of the route.
During the travel, the bus will cross over to Bangladesh and enter Tripura through the Akhaura check post and reach Agartala International Bus Terminus of Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) on 2 June 2015. During its journey, the bus will cross two international checkpoints- Petrapole between West Bengal and Bangladesh and second is Akhuara on Tripura-Bangladesh border.
With the launch of the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala direct bus service, the time taken to reach Agartala from Kolkata will be reduced to 17 hours. Earlier, the distance was covered in three days.
The service will be regularized once an agreement will be inked between the two nations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh on 6 and 7 June 2015. Besides, India and Bangladesh will also announce Dhaka-Shillong-Guwahati service during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
Prior to this, the two Indian states were directly connected with Bangladesh through two different bus services, that is, Dhaka-Kolkata Direct Bus Service that started in 1999 and Dhaka-Agartala Direct Bus Service that started in 2001.
92-year-old Harriette Thompson became oldest woman to complete a marathon
Harriette Thompson, a 92 year 65 days old cancer survivor, on 31 May 2015 became the oldest woman to finish a marathon.
She achieved this fete at San Diego’s Rock 'n' Roll Marathon of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) by completing the race in 7 hours, 24 minutes, 36 seconds. This was her 16th Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and by far, the hardest.
With this, Harriette Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina got her name inscribed into the record books. The previous record holder was Gladys Burrill. She made the record at the age of 92 years and 19 days at the 2010 Honolulu Marathon.
According to Runner's World, Thompson has been running the San Diego marathon for 16 years and has raised more than 100000 dollar for cancer research in that time.
McCullum, Hesson honoured in Queen’s Birthday Honours in New Zealand
New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum and Coach Mike Hesson were honoured with Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). Their names were listed in the honours list that was released on 1 June 2015 to mark the annual Queen Elizabeth II Birthday public holiday.
They were awarded for their part in leading New Zealand to the final of 2015 Cricket World Cup for the first time. Both have been the captain and head coach, respectively, of New Zealand since 2012.
Moreover, the head of the New Zealand World Cup organizing committee, Therese Walsh was made a Dame Companion of the NZOM.
About the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
The New Zealand Order of Merit award was instituted in 1996 by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand. The honour is conferred to recognise outstanding service of people that they did to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity.
The New Zealand Order of Merit has five levels and they are
• Knight or Dame Grand Companion (GNZM)
• Knight or Dame Companion (KNZM / DNZM)
• Companion (CNZM)
• Officer (ONZM)
• Member (MNZM)
Those appointed to the highest two levels are entitled to use the titles Sir or Dame.
Prior to the creation of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996, the Order of the British Empire was the most common honour awarded to New Zealand military personnel.
Pawan Munjal appointed as the CMD of Hero MotoCorp Ltd
Pawan Munjal was on 1 June 2015 appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) & CEO of Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL). He succeeded his father Brijmohan Lall Munjal, who resigned on 1 June 2015.
However, Brijmohan Lall will continue to be the guide and mentor of the company in the form of Chairman Emeritus. Brijmohan Lall had been the Chairman of Hero MotoCorp since its inception in 1984.
About Hero MotoCorp Ltd
Hero MotoCorp Ltd is the world's largest manufacturer of two-wheelers in India. In 2001, the company achieved the coveted position of being the World No.1 two-wheeler company in terms of unit volume sales in a calendar year.
Hero MotoCorp continues to command well over 50 percent share in the domestic motorcycle market in India. The company sold record 6.63 million units two-wheelers in the financial year April 2014- March 2015, its highest-ever annual sales.