11-12 September 2015

Former Member of Parliament Balkrishna Wasnik died

Senior Congress Leader and former Member of Parliament Balkrishna Ramchandra Wasnik died on 10 September 2015 following cardiac arrest. He was 86.
He is survived by his son and All India Congress Committee General Secretary and Former Union Minister Mukul Wasnik and two daughters.
He had represented two constituencies of Vidarbha in Parliament namely Bhandara (in 1957 and 1962) and Buldhana (1980).

Wasnik, a dedicated activist worked for developments of the Dalits and other deprived and underprivileged sections of the society. He was a staunch supporter of separate Vidarbha. 
In 1967, he became President of the Mahavidarbha Rajya Sangharsh Samiti and mobilized the agitation to press for this demand

Renowned water policy expert Ramaswamy R Iyer died

Renowned water policy expert Ramaswamy R Iyer passed away on 9 September 2015 following a severe bout of viral fever in New Delhi. He was 86.

Iyer was known for producing a rich body of commentary on water policy and environmental issues. His opinion pieces in the national daily The Hindu were widely read and appreciated by regular readers.
His last held position was that of an honorary research professor at the Centre for Policy Research. Prior to that, Iyer served as Secretary of Water Resources in the central government as an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service. 
He was instrumental in drafting India’s first National Water Policy in 1987. For his valuable contributions, he was also awarded with the Padma Shri in 2014.
He was born in October 1929 in Thakkalai, Tamil Nadu.

Mumbai Dialogue: Towards a TB-free India launched

Mumbai Dialogue: Towards a TB-Free India: Goal to engage corporate to end TB in India
The Mumbai Dialogue: Towards a TB-Free India was launched on 10 September 2015 by the US Ambassador to India Richard Verma along with Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Trusts.
The Dialogue aims at engaging the corporate sector to further strengthen the Union Government’s Call to Action for a TB-Free India.

Call to Action for a TB-Free India was launched by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare JP Nadda on 23 April 2015. The campaign is an initiative led by Government to engage corporate, civil society and community leaders to end TB in the country. The call to action will culminate in a National Summit in March 2016.
The call was launched to reach out to all suspected TB (tuberculosis) patients for counseling and treatment.
According to the World Health Organization Global (WHO) TB Report 2014, 240000 Indians die of TB each year and 61000 suffer from multidrug-resistant TB.

Indian-American Jagdeep Grewal Sworn-in as First Female Postmaster of Sacramento

Indian-American Jagdeep Grewal was on 3 September 2015 sworn-in as the first woman postmaster of Sacramento city in California. With her swearing-in, Sacramento got a female postmaster after a span of 166 years. 
As per the US Postal Service, Gerwal (57) will oversee 1004 employees who process and deliver mail on 537 city routes and 94 rural routes.

Grewal started her career with the US Postal Service as a window clerk in 1988. Five years later, she was promoted to the post of the manager. She has also worked as a postmaster in Pacifica-Daly City, California.
She had received her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in language arts from Punjab University in India.

Union HRD Ministry launched National Web Portal for Apprenticeship Training

Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani on 10 September 2015 launched the National Web Portal for promotion of National Apprenticeship Scheme for Graduates, Diploma holders and 10+2 pass-outs vocational certificate holders.

The Union Ministry also released a Logo and a Slogan Sashakt Yuva, Samarth Bharat for the National Web Portal. 
The Union Ministry implements the apprenticeship training scheme for one year through Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOATs)/Board of Practical Training (BOPT) located at Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur and Kolkata.

Highlights of the National Web Portal
• This portal will enable door step delivery of service, streamlines processes and saves time for students. 
• It will also offer security for women at workplace and ensure grievance redressal for the apprentice. 
• It will enable viable contract for students and industry partnership. 
• The web portals of regional BOATs/BOPT have been integrated and data of all the regional BOATs/BOPT has been transferred to the National Web Portal. 
• It will now ensure seamless connectivity with all stake holders including students, establishments and technical institutions across the country for transparent administration through e-Governance.
• It will also be a multilingual platform which currently engages with the user in Marathi, Bengali, Tamil and Hindi.

Global Investors Meet 2015 held in Tamil Nadu

The Global Investors Meet (GIM 2015) was on 10 September 2015 held in Tamil Nadu to woo investors to invest in the state. The GIM 2015 was officially inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa at the Chennai Trade Centre.

The first-of-its-kind investor’s summit in Tamil Nadu was aimed at targeting investment commitment of 1 lakh crore rupees. Over 5000 delegates including from foreign nations attended the two-day summit, that is, from 9 September to 10 September 2015. 
This event sought to realize the State’s vision of inclusive growth through investment inflows, growth in employment, balanced regional development and environmentally sustainable long term development.
Nine countries registered themselves as partner nations for this mega investment event.

Highlights of the GIM 2015
• Tamil Nadu attracted investments worth more than 2 Lakh 42 thousand Crore rupees at Global Investors Meet, double of the targeted investment that was 1 lakh crore rupees.
• A total of 98 Memorandum of Understanding were signed and promised that the investments are safe and mutually beneficial.
• Almost 90 percent of the investments were in the traditionally strong areas of manufacturing and energy sectors.
• Tyre majors MRF Ltd, Apollo Tyres and various other companies in the manufacturing sector have proposed to invest close to 55201 crore rupees that would generate over 35000 jobs in Tamil Nadu. 
• FICCI jointly with Tamil Nadu Government organised Investment Roadshows at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai and Kolkata for Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2015.
• HCL will invest over 1 billion US dollars over the next five years in southern Tamil Nadu.
• Mahindra & Mahindra will invest 2000 crore rupees in the state.
• Yamaha will set up a third plant in Tamil Nadu while TVS Motor Company will expand its footprint in Hosur and TICEL Bio Park II will also be set up.
• Several agreements were signed for setting up of 5345 MW solar power projects involving an outlay of 35356 crore rupees.

Virat Kohli became co-owner of IPTL’s franchise UAE Royals

Virat Kohli, the test cricket captain of India, on 10 September 2015 became the co-owner of the UAE Royals. The team will be led by tennis ace Roger Federer.
Federer played for the Indian Aces team in 2014 when the inaugural season of IPTL (International Premier Tennis League) was played but this time he will be featuring for the Royals.

The UAE Royals feature some of tennis' greatest players like Tomas Berdych, Ana Ivanovic, Goran Ivanisevic, Daniel Nestor, and Kristina Mladenovic. 
The UAE leg of the league will be held from 14 to 16 December 2015 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
IPTL (International Premier Tennis League)
The International Premier Tennis League is a team tennis league founded in 2013. It was launched in November 2014, with teams in four Asian cities: Dubai, Manila, New Delhi and Singapore.
Mahesh Bhupathi is the founder of the league that is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company and Qatar Airways.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories signed pact with US Firm PanTheryx

Dr Reddy's Laboratories on 9 September 2015 signed pact with US-based medical company PanTheryx to market PanTheryx's nutritional intervention DiaResQ for infectious diarrhea in India, Nepal, Russia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Jamaica, and select LATAM markets.

Dr Reddy's will market the DiaResQ product in India and Nepal under the Reliqua brand. With this addition of Reliqua to its existing portfolio of gastrointestinal brands, Dr Reddy's can now provide an important new tool for healthcare practitioners across the many markets it serves.
About DiaResQ
• DiaResQ helps promote intestinal repair and boost natural immune defenses, resulting in the restoration of normal digestive function. 
• The product was recently recognised in Reimagining Global Health as one of the 30 leading healthcare innovations with great promise to transform global health by 2030.
About Infectious diarrhea
Infectious diarrhea is a major world health challenge and globally approximately 1.7 billion cases of  Infectious diarrhea occur annually in children under five. Almost 760000 of these children under five die every year as a result of this condition. And, the Pediatric infectious diarrhea even kills the deceased.
About PanTheryx
• Founded in 2007, PanTheryx is a global medical nutrition company based in Boulder, Colorado USA, and is dedicated to improving global health and quality of life through innovative life science.
• PanTheryx is focused on the research, development and commercialization of medical nutrition products targeting the gastrointestinal microbiome.

UNGA adopted Resolution on Raising of Flags by Non-Member Observer States

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 10 September 2015 overwhelmingly approved the Resolution on Raising of Flags by Non-Member Observer States. The resolution was introduced by Iraq as the President of the Arab Group for the month of September 2015.
The resolution says the flags of non-member observer states like Palestine shall be raised at UN Headquarters and United Nations Offices following the flags of the Member States of the organization.

With this, non-member Observer States, namely Palestine and Vatican would be flying their flags at UN headquarters. 
The resolution was adopted by the UNGA by a record vote of 119 including India in favour out of 193 UN members while eight countries voted against the Palestinian-drafted resolution. The resolution saw 45 abstentions. 
The eight countries voting against the resolution are Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Tuvalu and the United States.
Besides, UNGA also adopted resolution on basic principles on sovereign debt restructuring processes. 
The resolution reads that the sovereign debt restructuring processes should be guided by basic principles, as included in the report of the Ad Hoc Committee. It was adopted by a recorded vote of 136 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom, United States), with 41 abstentions.
Comment
The resolution guided by the principles of the UN Charter while emphasizing the equality of all States, large and small is of great symbolic significance. As the observer of State of Palestine said, “While raising the flag would not end the occupation, it would signify to Palestinian people everywhere that the international community supported them.”
Further, Iraq, which introduced the text in the UNGA as the President of Arab Group, observed “it is an important step towards supporting the Palestinian people, their right to self-determination and their need to take the place that was due to them. According to France, ”the vote is for a two-State solution.”
Palestine was granted the status of a non-member observer State by the UNGA in 2012.

Rajasthan first state to submit Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission (AMRUT)

Rajasthan on 11 September 2015 became the first Indian state to submit State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). 
Under the Action Plan, Rajasthan has targeted universal coverage in respect of water supply connections, sewerage connections and urban transport to all urban households in the state. 
The State Government has proposed projects under these two categories worth 1087 crore rupees for approval by the Union Urban Development Ministry during the financial year 2015-16. 
Under the State Annual Action Plan, AMRUT projects are proposed to be taken up in 13 of the 28 AMRUT cities in Rajasthan.

In 3 cities of Alwar, Beawar, and Nagaur both water supply and sewerage projects will be taken up while in 7 cities namely Baran, Bhiwar, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Dhaulpur, Ganganagar City and Sujangarh water supply projects only will be taken up.
In 3 cities of Bhiwadi, Sikar and Udaipur, only sewerage and septage management projects will be taken up. 
These cities were selected on the basis of the principles of prioritization suggested in the Mission Guidelines after analyzing the gaps in coverage in respect of household water supply connections and sewerage network services. 
Implementation of the Sate Annual Action Plan
For the implementation of State Annual Action Plan, the state government will be introducing mandatory reforms. These include creation of website for each city, transfer of all 18 functions to urban local bodies, revision of building bye-laws, single window clearance for building permissions, 90% coverage of tax revenue, energy and water audit and migration to double entry accounting system will be implemented in the next 6 to 12 months.

Management of minority educational institution cannot exploit its employees: Allahabad HC

Allahabad High Court in its judgment dated 10 September 2015 ruled that management of minority educational institution cannot exploit and harass its employees by taking provisions of the Article 30(1) of the Fundamental Rights of Indian Constitution.

Article 30(1) reads all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
The observation came during hearing of a petition filed by a Kanpur based College principal, who was expelled by the management of minority education institute without proper inquiry. The Principal was sacked on charges of financial irregularities. 
Quashing the college management order, Justice MC Tripathi said that before sacking the Principal, it was necessary to give chance of hearing and counter examination of witnesses but inquiry officer did not follow the procedure. 
As per the Court, the management violated the UP Intermediate Education Act, 1921.

Experts discovered existence of thriving port town in Thanjavur district in Sangam Era

Experts from the Department of Maritime History and Marine Archaeology of the Tamil University in the second week of September 2015 discovered the existence of a flourishing port town in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu during the Sangam era and the Middle Chola period.

The findings were based on the results unearthed during an archaeological excavation at Mandripattinam fishing hamlet in Thanjavur district.
Sangam era relates to third Century Before Common Era to Third Century Common Era while Middle Chola period ranges from 850 to 1250 Common Era.
Findings
• One of the trenches at Sendhalaipattinam yielded eight Ceylon Man type copper coins of the Middle Chola vintage. A silver Pana coin belonging to the Vijayanagar Empire was also found in a trench there.
• A square lead coin having punch marks of an elephant was also discovered with a bow on the reverse side. 
• A piece of a pretty thin metal string was also recovered nearby revealing the astute and intricate hand craft ability of the artisans of the yonder age.
• There was also a terracotta figurine of an ox head and a snake hood dating back to the medieval period among the recoveries at the trenches.
• At Sendhalaipattinam, the excavators founded the remnants of a mud wall at the floor level, a huge water pot and an indigenous water purifying system using a series of pipes for at least 10 feet. 
• A piece of core gold and a broke part of gold jewellery were part of the artefacts recovered from that hamlet.
Conclusion
The findings indicate the existence of a thriving port town during the beginning of the Common Era. The trenches in all the spots also yielded more than 600 tiny semi precious stones of various types and hues. Stunningly, several of the mustard-sized stones had still smaller hole in them to allow thread to form a necklace.

12 sept

Hollywood Actor John P Connell died

Hollywood actor John P Connell passed away on 10 September 2015 following brief illness in Los Angeles. He was 91. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, a son-in-law and a granddaughter.

He was best known as the star of the daytime TV drama Young Dr Malone. Connell was also an amazing television writer, playwright and prolific commercial voiceover artist.
Born in Philadelphia, Connell entered into the show business on Broadway in Time Limit and Uncle Willie and with the national company of Picnic. Connell also worked on other live TV broadcasts including Studio One in Hollywood, Kraft Theatre, You Are There and Goodyear Playhouse.
Before joining the show business, Connell was a radio operator and waist gunner with the Army Air Forces during World War II, where he received five battle stars and a Purple Heart. It is after the war that he turned to acting.

Prof Kumkum Dhar appointed as Vice Chancellor of Bhatkhande Music Institute

Noted Kathak danseuse Professor Kumkum Dhar was on 11 September 2015 appointed as Vice Chancellor of Bhatkhande Music Institute, a deemed university.  However, she will continue to hold the position as Head of the department and dean of the faculty of dance of Bhatkhande Music Institute.

Dhar succeeded the incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof Shruti Sadolikar Katkar, who was on extension. Her appointment was approved by Governor Ram Naik, as the Human Resource Development Ministry of Uttar Pradesh could not send names for the post.
Dhar will continue to hold this additional charge till the appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor. Dhar is the disciple of late Pt Lachhu Maharaj

CarDekho acquired Auto portal Zigwheels

Jaipur-based CarDekho on 11 September 2015 acquired Zigwheels, an auto portal owned by Times Internet. The combined entity of CarDekho, Gaadi.com and Zigwheels will compete with the likes of Cartrade.com and Carwale.com.

After completion of the acquisition, Zigwheels will work as an independent entity within the group.
About CarDekho
• CarDekho is a subsidiary of Girnar Soft, which runs the CarDekho, BikeDekho, PriceDekho sites and Gaadi.com as well. 
• The idea of the flagship CarDekho was kicked off by brothers Amit and Anurag Jain, both IIT-Delhi alumni, after their visit to the Delhi Auto Expo in 2008. 
• The company received its first institutional round by Sequoia Capital in 2013.

Rakesh Sharma appointed as MD and CEO of Canara Bank

Rakesh Sharma was on 11 September 2015 appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bengaluru-headquartered Canara Bank.

Prior to this appointment, Sharma was the MD and CEO of Lakshmi Vilas Bank since March 2014, where in a short span of 18 months, he helped the private sector lender excel in all parameters.
With over three decades of experience in the banking sector, Sharma’s main expertise lies in retail and wholesale banking, corporate credit, asset liability management, loan syndication, trade finance, industrial relations and human resources issues.
Sharma also served State Bank of India in various roles including in Tokyo where he was in charge of the overall functioning of SBI branches in Japan.

Leander Paes, Martina Hingis won US Open Mixed Doubles Title 2015

Leander Paes and Swiss Martina Hingis on 11 September 2015 won the US Open Mixed Doubles Title 2015. This fourth seeded Indo-Swiss pair defeated unseeded Americans Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in a tricky final which lasted for one hour and seventeen minutes.

The pair fired 32 winners and staved off four of five break points during the 77-minute affair. This is 17th Grand Slam crown for Paes.
With this victory, they became the first team since 1969 to win three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles in the same season at the US Open. They defeated Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic in the Australian Open final 2015 and beat Alexander Peya and Timea Babos in the Wimbledon title match 2015 itself.
The only other team to win three majors in the same year were Marty Riessen and Margaret Court 46 years ago. 
With the mixed double win, Paes surpassed compatriot and former partner Mahesh Bhupathi's record of eight mixed doubles titles. As Paes has now eight men's doubles and nine mixed doubles title in his pocket.

Union Government approved the purchase of 10 Heron TP drones from Israel

The Union Government on 11 September 2015 approved the purchase of 10 Heron TP drones from Israel. This 400 million US dollars proposal for buying armed missile-armed drones from Israel will enhance India's cross-border military strike capability.

These drones will be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has a fleet of reconnaissance drones. IAF also has a fleet of Harpy UAVs from Israel, which are self-destructing systems primarily tasked with taking out enemy radar positions.
The armed forces had earlier proposed for buying the same armed drones in 2012. But that proposal did not get political backing during the UPA-2 regime. Later, the project was revived and fast tracked by the Modi government in 2015 beginning. 
About Heron drones
• The Heron drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, is capable for flying for 52 hours of continuous flight at medium altitude levels.
• Israel's armed Heron drones are similar to the Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are capable of reconnaissance, combat and support roles.
• Heron drones can carry a payload of over 1000 kg.
• They are equipped with air-to-ground missiles that detect, track and take down targets deep in enemy territory.
India currently operates a fleet of unarmed Heron and Searcher UAVs for surveillance and intelligence gathering.