27-28 April 2015 Hindi
India launched Operation Maitri in quake-hit Nepal
Operation Maitri: Massive air and road operation to evacuate Indians from earthquake hit Nepal
India on 27 April 2015 launched a relief and rescue Operation named Maitri in earthquake hit Nepal. The operation will involve two dozen military aircraft and choppers along with bus services through road route.
India also pressed nearly 1000 trained personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) into service after Nepal on 25 April 2015 was struck by the worst earthquake in 80 years in which more than 2500 people were killed.
Under the operation, more than 1000 people have been flown from Nepal.
Parts of the Operation Maitri
• A Multi National Coordination Centre has been set up
• In PPO Pokhra, Head quarters are being established for relief operations
Besides, an inter-ministerial team headed by a top Home Ministry official will also leave for Nepal to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts as part of Operation Maitri.
Sangeeta Bhatia, Indian-origin scientist at MIT, won the 2015 Heinz Award
Sangeeta Bhatia, an Indian-origin scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), on 26 April 2015 won the prestigious 2015 Heinz Award in the Technology, the Economy, and Employment category. This was the 20th Heinz Award which is given annually since 1993.
Bhatia who developed artificial human microlivers for drug testing was awarded for her work in tissue engineering and disease detection. Microliver is a miniature model organ that makes it possible to test drug reactions efficiently and predictively, and could eventually lead to an artificial human liver.
Her team pioneered the fabrication of artificial human microlivers, which are being used by many biopharmaceutical companies to test the toxicity of drug candidates.
At present, she is using microlivers in the lab to model malaria infection and test drugs that can eradicate malaria parasites completely. She aims to develop implantable liver tissue as a complement or substitute for whole-organ transplant.
Other winners of the 20th Heinz Award
|
Category |
Awardee |
|
Arts and Humanities category |
Roz Chast (Illustrator and prolific cartoonist) |
|
Environment category |
Dr. Frederica Perera |
|
Human Condition organization Team Rubicon) |
William McNulty and Jacob Wood (Founders of the nonprofit |
|
Public Policy |
Dr. Aaron Wolf (Professor at Oregon State University) |
About Heinz Awards
The Heinz Awards are annually given by the Heinz Family Foundation and are individual achievement honors. It recognises outstanding individuals for their innovative contributions in five areas: Arts and Humanities; Environment; Human Condition; Public Policy; and Technology, the Economy and Employment.
The award was established in 1993 by Teresa Heinz, the chairwoman of the Heinz Family Foundation, in honor of her late husband, Senator H. John Heinz III. The award includes a cash prize of 250000 US dollars and a medallion with Shared Ideals Realized inscribed on the one side and an image of globe positioned between two hands inscribe on the reverse side.
Gopinath Pillai awarded with the Outstanding Service Award for his services in Singapore
Indian-origin diplomat Gopinath Pillai was on 24 April 2015 awarded the Outstanding Service Award for his services in Singapore by the National University of Singapore (NUS). Currently, Pillai is serving as Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore and special envoy to Andhra Pradesh.
He is the chairman of Management Board of the Institute of South Asian Studies, a National University of Singapore funded research institute.
Pillai started his career as a journalist with the firm Reuters, though later he worked in a number of fields including banking. Currently, he is the Chairman of IT Company Savant Infocomm and is also the Director of Gateway Distriparks Ltd in India.
Pillai's diplomatic career started in 1980s with an assignment with Singapore’s Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs. Since then, he has contributed to Singapore through his distinguished service as a diplomat for more than 25 years.
He was conferred with Padma Shri award in 2012 by the Government of India.
Dharahara Tower of Nepal collapsed after earthquake of magnitude 7.9 struck Nepal
Dharahara Tower of Nepal: Collapsed
19th century Dharahara (Bhimsen) tower at the center of Sundhara in Kathmandu, Nepal on 25 April 2015 was reduced to rubbles after an earthquake of magnitude 7.9 on the Richter scale struck the country.
The nine-storey, 61.88-meter-tall (203-feet) tower was a part of the architecture of Kathmandu recognised by UNESCO. It was built in 1832 by Mukhtiyar (equivalent to Prime Minister) Bhimsen Thapa under the commission of Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari.
The architecture of Dharahara was designed in Mughal and European style and resembled an Islamic minaret. The statue of Hindu deity Shiva was placed on the top of the tower.
It was the tallest building in Nepal with a 5.2 metres (17 ft) bronze mast on the roof and had a spiral staircase containing 213 steps.
Dharahara tower was constructed for military use as a watchtower, and in cases of incidents of national importance, bugles were blown from the top floor of the tower.
The bugles acted as the signal for the soldiers to assemble. The tradition of bugle trumpeting continued until the collapse of the tower.
It was the second such tower built by Bhimsen Thapa. The first tower was built eight years earlier in 1824 and was 11 stories high, two stories taller than the
Dharahara. It was reduced to rubbles on 15 January 1934, when an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 struck Nepal.
Besides, other historical and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal which collapsed due to the earthquake were hilltop Monkey Temple of Swayambhunath, the oldest
Buddhist stupa in the Kathmandu valley, Basantapur Durbar square, Kasthamandap temple, Patan Durbar Square, gilded statue of King Bhupatindra Malla and others.
Bharatiya Mahila Bank won the Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) Ltd on 23 April 2015 won the Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015. It was awarded for Technology Implementation in the category of Best Outsourcing Project (New Bank).
The award was received by Usha Ananthasubramanian, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BMB at a function held in Hong Kong during the Asian Banker Summit 2015.
Awards in other category and winners
• The Best ATM and Kiosks Project:Cathay United Bank & NCR System, Taiwan
• The Best Branch Automation Project:Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Avaya Hong Kong and GRG Banking Solutions
• The Best Cloud Based Project:Philippine Business Bank and IBM
• The Best Core Banking Implementation Project for Mid-Sized Bank:ING Vysya and FIS
• The Best Core Banking Implementation Project for Emerging Bank:Kanbawza (KBZ) Bank and Oracle Financial Services Software Limited
• The Best Corporate Payment Project:Axis Bank and Arteria Technologies
• The Best CRM Project: IndusInd Bank and Talisma Corporationt
• The Best Data & Analytics Project:KB Kookmin Bank and IBM Korea
• The Best Financial Supply Chain Project:China Merchants Bank
• The Best HR System Project:Axis Bank, Cognizant Technology Services, Mobitrail and Tejora Technologies
• The Best Lending Platform Implementation Project:Cathay United Bank and IBM Taiwan
• The Best Mobile Banking Project: China Merchants Bank
• The Best Multi-Channel Project: Bank of China (Hong Kong) and Avaya Hong Kong
•The Best Outsourcing Project (Existing Bank):Bank of Queensland and Hewlett-Packard
•The Best outsourcing project (New Bank):Bharatiya Mahila Bank and FIS
• The Best Retail Payment Project: Hong Leong Bank and Silverlake Mobility EcoSystem
• The Best Smart Branch Project:ANZ and GTSO New Zealand
• The Best Social Media Engagement Project: DBS and NCS
•The Best Treasury Management System Project:Bank of Communications, Misys and KMerit Technology (Suzhou)
• The Outstanding Technology Implementation Project:DBS and Infosys
• The Technology Leadership Achievement Award for the Year: Amit Sethi, Chief Information Officer, Axis Bank
• The Asian Banker Vendor Satisfaction Survey Gold Award: Infosys
President Conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards
The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee on 26 April 2015 conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
He conferred two Kirti Chakras, including one posthumously and eleven Shaurya Chakras to Armed Forces Personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty. Five Shaurya Chakras were given posthumously.
The President also conferred fourteen Param Vishisht Seva Medals, three Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and twenty six Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Kirti Chakra
• Naib Subedar Kosh Bahadur Gurung 1 Gorkha Rifles, 15 Rashtriya Rifles
• Subedar Ajay Vardhan 14 Garhwal Rifles (Posthumous)
Shaurya Chakra
• Mushtaq Ahmad, Constable, Home Deptt, Govt. of J&K (posthumous)
• Major Manohar Singh Bhati, SM Parachute Regiment, 31 Rashtriya Rifles
• Major Vishal Singh Ragahv, 18, Rashtriya Rifles
• Lieutenant Commander Kapish Singh Muwal (Posthumous)
• Sepoy Vikram, Rajput Regiment, 44 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
• Manjeet Singh, Inspector/GD, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Consulate General of India, Herat, Afghanistan
• Naik Swarup Kumar Ghorai, 20TH Battalion the Mahar Regiment
• Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Rajput Regiment, 44 Rashtriya Rifles
• Major Bibhanshu Dhondiyal 5/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
• Paratrooper Balvinder Singh 1 Parachute Regiment (Special Force) (Posthumous)
• Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar 24 Punjab Regiment (Posthumous)
Wladimir Klitschko defeated Bryant Jennings to defend heavyweight title of Boxing
Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine on 25 April 2015 successfully defended his world heavyweight boxing title for the 18th time in a row. At Madison Square Garden in New York, Klitschko defeated his American challenger Bryant Jennings with a lopsided 12-round unanimous point decision.
Two judges saw it 116-111 for Klitschko, while the third made it 118-109 for the champion.
The 39-year-old Klitschko has not lost since he was stopped in the fifth round by Lamon Brewster in a WBO title fight on 10 April 2004 in Las Vegas.
This was first fight for Klitschko since knocking out previously unbeaten Kubrat Pulev in November 2014. It was also his first bout outside Europe since he took the WBO title from Sultan Ibragimov on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.
India won a Gold and a Bronze at 2015 Asian Indoor Rowing Championship
India won a Gold and a Bronze at the 2015 Asian Indoor Rowing Championship. The championship was held from 25 April 2015 to 26 April 2015 in Pattaya, Thailand.
Dushyant Singh and Succha Singh Tomar won the gold in the 2000m men’s light weight pair category, clocking 6:26.50.
In the 2000m men’s open-pair event, Om Prakash and Rajesh Verma settled for a bronze with a timing of 6:22.50.
This is the first time the Indians were competing in an indoor event.
National Coach Ismail Baig accompanied the team. FISA Umpire Rupam Karmakar officiated from India.
Bank of Baroda tied up with UAE Exchange for instant money transfer
Bank of Baroda (BoB) on 25 April 2015 tied-up with UAE Exchange to offer instant money transfer facility to its Non-resident Indian (NRI) customers. In this regard, an agreement was signed between both the firms.
This agreement will allow the customers to send money to their desired bank accounts in BoB within minutes in India. This facility will also be supported by SMS alert which will notify the moment the amount is credited in the bank account of desired customer.
Currently, Bank of Baroda (BoB) has a network of more than 5000 branches across United States, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Its financial centres are located in cities like New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.
UAE Exchange is a global remittance and foreign exchange (FOREX) company. Currently, it serves over 7.9 million customers worldwide and has presence in 32 countries with over 750 branches across 32 countries.
India crowned champions for the first time at 22nd President's Cup Boxing Tournament
India was crowned champions at the 22nd President’s Cup Open International Boxing Tournament on 27 April 2015. This is for the first time that India was crowned champions at the President’s Cup which was held at Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia.
India finished the tournament on top with 33 points that included 4 Gold and 1 Bronze. Mongolia was placed second in the tournament.
The Gold for India in women’s category was won by Shamjetsabam Sarjubala and Pinki Jangra in the 48 kg and 51 kg category respectively. Sarjubala, a World Championships silver-medallist, defeated Russian pugilist Iseva Joya while Pinki defeated Mongolia's Nandintsetseg to win the Gold.
In the men’s category, the Gold was won by Rakesh Kumar and Harpal Singh in 69 kg and 75 kg category respectively. Rakesh defeated Hiroaki Kinjo of Japan while Harpal defeated Jee Deok-Seong of Korea to win the Gold.
The Bronze was won by Manish Kumar in the 60kg category after he lost to Mongolia's Dorjnyambuu Otgondalai in the semifinals.
More than 130 boxers from 30 countries participated in the tournament.
NGT issued notices to five-star hotels, malls to explain failure to harvest rainwater
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 26 April 2015 issued notices to nine five-star hotels and 23 malls in Delhi to explain failure to harvest rainwater. The notice was issued by a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
The notice was issued for not complying with the requirement of providing rainwater harvesting systems or for having systems that are not operating satisfactorily.
While issuing the notices, the NGT also directed that all the hotels and malls declare their source of water and produce complete records of six months by 11 May 2015.
The Tribunal’s order came after a joint inspection team of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) submitted its report regarding the status of rainwater harvesting systems at commercial complexes, malls and hotels.
The five star hotels against which the Tribunal issued notice include establishments such as Asian Hotels Limited (Hyatt Regency), Hotel Excelsior (Shangri-La) Jaypee Siddharth, Piccadily Hotel, Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd (Indus Hotels and Spa), Aman Hospitality (Kempinski Ambience), Eros Resorts and Hotels Pvt Ltd (Double Tree by Hilton), Eros Resorts and Hotels Pvt Ltd (Hilton) and Ibis Hotel.
The NGT also issued notices to major developers of malls and commercial complexes including DLF Home Developers Limited, DLF Retail Developers Limited, Aditya Infra Developers Private Limited, Aggarwal Plaza Private Limited among others.
In addition, the Tribunal also directed the CGWA, the DPCC and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to conduct joint inspection and find out the level of groundwater in and around these malls and hotels.
Rajya Sabha passed the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014
Rajya Sabha on 24 April 2015 passed the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 by voice vote. The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 is a private member’s Bill which aims at protecting and providing rights for transgenders.
The bill was moved by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Shiva to protect the rights of transgender persons.
It is the first private members bill to be passed in Rajya Sabha in 46 years. In the past, 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed. Last time, a private member bill was passed in 1970.
Provisions of the Bill
• It seeks to provide framework for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy for upliftment of the transgender persons and their welfare.
• It provides for two percent reservation of transgenders in government jobs.
• It provides for establishment of Employment Exchange, National and State Commissions for Trasngender Persons and Special Transgender Rights Courts.
• It says that no child who is transgender will be separated from his or her parents on the grounds of being a transgender except on an order of competent court.
• It provides penalty for hate speech against transgender persons including imprisonment extending upto one year and with fine.
• It will help government take necessary steps in order to ensure that transgenders enjoy the right to life with dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
• It also makes provisions for pensions and unemployment allowances for members of the community.
Anil Kapoor conferred with Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor was on 25 April 2015 conferred with the prestigious Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015. He was presented the award by noted historian and writer Babasaheb Purandare.
Apart from Anil Kapoor, Marathi actor Dilip Prabhavalkar was also bestowed with the prestigious Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015.
About Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar award was instituted in 1999 in the memory of Dinanath Mangeshkar, father of Lata Mangeshkar. Since then it is awarded annually to persons for their outstanding contributions to music and movies.
The award carries monetary award of 101001 rupees, a memento and a citation. The award ceremony is held annually on 24 April. In 2014, the award was given to Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor and eminent musician Zakir Hussain.
Lin Dan of China won men`s title of Badminton Asia Championships 2015
Lin Dan of China on 26 April 2015 won the men`s title at Badminton Asia Championships 2015 held in the central city of Wuhan, China. He won the title by defeating compatriot Tian Houwei 21-19, 21-8.
With this he won the Asian championship for the fourth time. Lin, the No. 2 seed, is a five-time world champion and twice Olympic gold medallist.
In the women`s singles, seventh seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand defeated top seed Li Xuerui of China 20-22, 23-21, 21-12 in a match that lasted 76 minutes.
In the men`s doubles, Lee Yong-Dae and Yoo Yeon-Seong of South Korea defeated Indonesia`s Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan 18-21, 24-22, 21-19.
In an all-China women`s doubles final, Ma Jin and Tang Yuanting beat Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang 21-12, 21-12.
In the mixed doubles, Indonesian pair of Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir beat defending champions Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi Wah of Hong Kong 21-16, 21-15.
Loretta Lynch sworn in as first black female Attorney General of United States
Loretta Lynch on 27 April 2015 was sworn-in as the United States' 83rd Attorney General, the first African-American woman to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
She succeeded former attorney general Eric Holder, who left the position on 24 April 2015 after serving as Attorney General for six years. Her name was confirmed five months after President Obama nominated her to succeed Eric Holder.
55-year-old, Lynch appointment as the Attorney General was confirmed by the Senate on 23 April 2015. Earlier, she served as the US Attorney for the eastern district of New York, which encompasses much of New York City.
Lynch is also the second female after Janet Wood Reno to serve as Attorney General of the US.
She is known for her work on high-profile anti-terror cases and has a history of successfully prosecuting terrorists who plotted to bomb the New York subway and the Federal Reserve Bank.
A Harvard graduate, Lynch is a daughter of a librarian mother and her father is a Baptist minister in North Carolina.
President Conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards
The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee on 26 April 2015 conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
He conferred two Kirti Chakras, including one posthumously and eleven Shaurya Chakras to Armed Forces Personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty. Five Shaurya Chakras were given posthumously.
The President also conferred fourteen Param Vishisht Seva Medals, three Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and twenty six Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Kirti Chakra
• Naib Subedar Kosh Bahadur Gurung 1 Gorkha Rifles, 15 Rashtriya Rifles
• Subedar Ajay Vardhan 14 Garhwal Rifles (Posthumous)
Shaurya Chakra
• Mushtaq Ahmad, Constable, Home Deptt, Govt. of J&K (posthumous)
• Major Manohar Singh Bhati, SM Parachute Regiment, 31 Rashtriya Rifles
• Major Vishal Singh Ragahv, 18, Rashtriya Rifles
• Lieutenant Commander Kapish Singh Muwal (Posthumous)
• Sepoy Vikram, Rajput Regiment, 44 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
• Manjeet Singh, Inspector/GD, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Consulate General of India, Herat, Afghanistan
• Naik Swarup Kumar Ghorai, 20TH Battalion the Mahar Regiment
• Major Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Rajput Regiment, 44 Rashtriya Rifles
• Major Bibhanshu Dhondiyal 5/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
• Paratrooper Balvinder Singh 1 Parachute Regiment (Special Force) (Posthumous)
• Lieutenant Colonel Sankalp Kumar 24 Punjab Regiment (Posthumous)
Wladimir Klitschko defeated Bryant Jennings to defend heavyweight title of Boxing
Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine on 25 April 2015 successfully defended his world heavyweight boxing title for the 18th time in a row. At Madison Square Garden in New York, Klitschko defeated his American challenger Bryant Jennings with a lopsided 12-round unanimous point decision.
Two judges saw it 116-111 for Klitschko, while the third made it 118-109 for the champion.
The 39-year-old Klitschko has not lost since he was stopped in the fifth round by Lamon Brewster in a WBO title fight on 10 April 2004 in Las Vegas.
This was first fight for Klitschko since knocking out previously unbeaten Kubrat Pulev in November 2014. It was also his first bout outside Europe since he took the WBO title from Sultan Ibragimov on 23 February 2008 at Madison Square Garden.
India won a Gold and a Bronze at 2015 Asian Indoor Rowing Championship
India won a Gold and a Bronze at the 2015 Asian Indoor Rowing Championship. The championship was held from 25 April 2015 to 26 April 2015 in Pattaya, Thailand.
Dushyant Singh and Succha Singh Tomar won the gold in the 2000m men’s light weight pair category, clocking 6:26.50.
In the 2000m men’s open-pair event, Om Prakash and Rajesh Verma settled for a bronze with a timing of 6:22.50.
This is the first time the Indians were competing in an indoor event.
National Coach Ismail Baig accompanied the team. FISA Umpire Rupam Karmakar officiated from India.
Bank of Baroda tied up with UAE Exchange for instant money transfer
Bank of Baroda (BoB) on 25 April 2015 tied-up with UAE Exchange to offer instant money transfer facility to its Non-resident Indian (NRI) customers. In this regard, an agreement was signed between both the firms.
This agreement will allow the customers to send money to their desired bank accounts in BoB within minutes in India. This facility will also be supported by SMS alert which will notify the moment the amount is credited in the bank account of desired customer.
Currently, Bank of Baroda (BoB) has a network of more than 5000 branches across United States, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Its financial centres are located in cities like New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.
UAE Exchange is a global remittance and foreign exchange (FOREX) company. Currently, it serves over 7.9 million customers worldwide and has presence in 32 countries with over 750 branches across 32 countries.
India crowned champions for the first time at 22nd President's Cup Boxing Tournament
India was crowned champions at the 22nd President’s Cup Open International Boxing Tournament on 27 April 2015. This is for the first time that India was crowned champions at the President’s Cup which was held at Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia.
India finished the tournament on top with 33 points that included 4 Gold and 1 Bronze. Mongolia was placed second in the tournament.
The Gold for India in women’s category was won by Shamjetsabam Sarjubala and Pinki Jangra in the 48 kg and 51 kg category respectively. Sarjubala, a World Championships silver-medallist, defeated Russian pugilist Iseva Joya while Pinki defeated Mongolia's Nandintsetseg to win the Gold.
In the men’s category, the Gold was won by Rakesh Kumar and Harpal Singh in 69 kg and 75 kg category respectively. Rakesh defeated Hiroaki Kinjo of Japan while Harpal defeated Jee Deok-Seong of Korea to win the Gold.
The Bronze was won by Manish Kumar in the 60kg category after he lost to Mongolia's Dorjnyambuu Otgondalai in the semifinals.
More than 130 boxers from 30 countries participated in the tournament.
NGT issued notices to five-star hotels, malls to explain failure to harvest rainwater
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 26 April 2015 issued notices to nine five-star hotels and 23 malls in Delhi to explain failure to harvest rainwater. The notice was issued by a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
The notice was issued for not complying with the requirement of providing rainwater harvesting systems or for having systems that are not operating satisfactorily.
While issuing the notices, the NGT also directed that all the hotels and malls declare their source of water and produce complete records of six months by 11 May 2015.
The Tribunal’s order came after a joint inspection team of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) submitted its report regarding the status of rainwater harvesting systems at commercial complexes, malls and hotels.
The five star hotels against which the Tribunal issued notice include establishments such as Asian Hotels Limited (Hyatt Regency), Hotel Excelsior (Shangri-La) Jaypee Siddharth, Piccadily Hotel, Tirupati Infraprojects Pvt Ltd (Indus Hotels and Spa), Aman Hospitality (Kempinski Ambience), Eros Resorts and Hotels Pvt Ltd (Double Tree by Hilton), Eros Resorts and Hotels Pvt Ltd (Hilton) and Ibis Hotel.
The NGT also issued notices to major developers of malls and commercial complexes including DLF Home Developers Limited, DLF Retail Developers Limited, Aditya Infra Developers Private Limited, Aggarwal Plaza Private Limited among others.
In addition, the Tribunal also directed the CGWA, the DPCC and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to conduct joint inspection and find out the level of groundwater in and around these malls and hotels.
Rajya Sabha passed the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014
Rajya Sabha on 24 April 2015 passed the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 by voice vote. The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 is a private member’s Bill which aims at protecting and providing rights for transgenders.
The bill was moved by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Shiva to protect the rights of transgender persons.
It is the first private members bill to be passed in Rajya Sabha in 46 years. In the past, 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed. Last time, a private member bill was passed in 1970.
Provisions of the Bill
• It seeks to provide framework for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy for upliftment of the transgender persons and their welfare.
• It provides for two percent reservation of transgenders in government jobs.
• It provides for establishment of Employment Exchange, National and State Commissions for Trasngender Persons and Special Transgender Rights Courts.
• It says that no child who is transgender will be separated from his or her parents on the grounds of being a transgender except on an order of competent court.
• It provides penalty for hate speech against transgender persons including imprisonment extending upto one year and with fine.
• It will help government take necessary steps in order to ensure that transgenders enjoy the right to life with dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
• It also makes provisions for pensions and unemployment allowances for members of the community.
Anil Kapoor conferred with Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor was on 25 April 2015 conferred with the prestigious Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015. He was presented the award by noted historian and writer Babasaheb Purandare.
Apart from Anil Kapoor, Marathi actor Dilip Prabhavalkar was also bestowed with the prestigious Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2015.
About Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar award was instituted in 1999 in the memory of Dinanath Mangeshkar, father of Lata Mangeshkar. Since then it is awarded annually to persons for their outstanding contributions to music and movies.
The award carries monetary award of 101001 rupees, a memento and a citation. The award ceremony is held annually on 24 April. In 2014, the award was given to Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor and eminent musician Zakir Hussain.
Lin Dan of China won men`s title of Badminton Asia Championships 2015
Lin Dan of China on 26 April 2015 won the men`s title at Badminton Asia Championships 2015 held in the central city of Wuhan, China. He won the title by defeating compatriot Tian Houwei 21-19, 21-8.
With this he won the Asian championship for the fourth time. Lin, the No. 2 seed, is a five-time world champion and twice Olympic gold medallist.
In the women`s singles, seventh seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand defeated top seed Li Xuerui of China 20-22, 23-21, 21-12 in a match that lasted 76 minutes.
In the men`s doubles, Lee Yong-Dae and Yoo Yeon-Seong of South Korea defeated Indonesia`s Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan 18-21, 24-22, 21-19.
In an all-China women`s doubles final, Ma Jin and Tang Yuanting beat Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang 21-12, 21-12.
In the mixed doubles, Indonesian pair of Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir beat defending champions Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi Wah of Hong Kong 21-16, 21-15.
28 April
Loretta Lynch sworn in as first black female Attorney General of United States
Loretta Lynch on 27 April 2015 was sworn-in as the United States' 83rd Attorney General, the first African-American woman to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
She succeeded former attorney general Eric Holder, who left the position on 24 April 2015 after serving as Attorney General for six years. Her name was confirmed five months after President Obama nominated her to succeed Eric Holder.
55-year-old, Lynch appointment as the Attorney General was confirmed by the Senate on 23 April 2015. Earlier, she served as the US Attorney for the eastern district of New York, which encompasses much of New York City.
Lynch is also the second female after Janet Wood Reno to serve as Attorney General of the US.
She is known for her work on high-profile anti-terror cases and has a history of successfully prosecuting terrorists who plotted to bomb the New York subway and the Federal Reserve Bank.
A Harvard graduate, Lynch is a daughter of a librarian mother and her father is a Baptist minister in North Carolina.
AP Government appointed Chadalavada Krishnamurthy as Chairman of TTD
The Andhra Pradesh Government on 27 April 2015 appointed Chadalavada Krishnamurthy as the Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board of Trustees, a body which administers Tirupati's Lord Venkateswara temple.
Moreover, Principal Secretary of the Revenue (Endowments) Department, Commissioner of Endowments Department and Executive Officer of TTD would also be ex-officio members of the Board.
About Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board was established in 1932 as a result of the TTD Act of 1932. It is an independent trust which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
TTD is a conglomeration of temples, brought under the First Schedule 2 of the A.P. Charitable & Hindu Religious Institutions & Endowments Act (1987). The Board of Trustees is constituted by members appointed by the government.
It maintains 12 temples and their sub-shrines, and employs about 14000 persons. TTD has dedicated itself to serving pilgrims who visit Tirumala and Tirupati.
Union Government cancelled licenses of nearly 9000 NGOs
Union Government on 27 April 2015 cancelled the licences of around 9000 NGOs for violation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010. These foreign funded NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) failed to file annual returns for the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Union Ministry of Home Affairs in an order said that the registration of the NGOs that had neither filed their annual returns for three years nor given any explanation for the delay, stood cancelled with immediate effect.
The Ministry also directed the district magistrate concerned to manage the assets of these NGOs in any manner considered necessary and in public interest.
Earlier in the fourth week of April 2015, the Union Government had suspended the FCRA licence issued to Greenpeace India and also frozen their seven bank accounts for various alleged violation of laws.
Background
The Ministry of Home Affairs on 16 October 2014 issued notices to 10343 NGOs stating that they should file annual returns within a month, specifying amount of foreign funds received, sources of such funds, along with the purpose for which these were received. It also asked them the manner in which such foreign contribution was utilized.
In response to which only 229 NGOs reverted back to the Home Ministry and the replies which were examined on case to case basis.
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act requires every registered NGO to submit its returns annually, irrespective of whether it received foreign funding in that year.
Earthquake of magnitude 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted Pakistan
A moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan on 28 April 2015. The epicenter of the quake that jolted parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was in the Hindukush mountain ranges on the border area of Tajikistan-Pakistan at a depth of 144 kilometres.
The tremors of the earthquake were felt in Malakand, Swat, Upper and Lower Dir.
Pakistan which lies on an active continental plate boundary is often hit by earthquakes. Earlier in September 2013, 376 people were killed when an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Pakistan`s Balochistan province. Similarly in 2005, the country was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 in which about 73000 people were killed.
This earthquake of Pakistan came three days after a powerful quake of magnitude 7.9 struck Nepal leading to devastation. The Nepal saw quake on 25 April 2015, in which more than 4300 people have been killed within the country and in India.
Yashwant Sinha honoured with Officier de la Légion d’Honneur by French Government
Former Union Finance Minister and veteran BJP leader Yashwant Sinha was on 25 April 2015 conferred with the Officier de la Légion d’Honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) in recognition of his valuable contribution to thought on international issues.
This highest French civilian distinction was presented by the French Ambassador François Richier on behalf of the President of the French Republic
As a Minister of External Affairs and Chairman of the Indo-French Parliamentary Friendship Group since its very inception (2009-2014), Yashwant Sinha contributed to the deepening of the Indo-French strategic partnership launched during the visit of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Paris in 1998.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipients. The President of the French Republic is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour.
Omar Hassan al-Bashir won the Presidential election of Sudan
Incumbent President of Sudan Omar Hassan al-Bashir on 27 April 2015 won the Presidential election of the country. He won another term in office with 94 percent of votes.
The election results were announced by the election office after four days of voting. The head of the country's electoral commission said turnout was 46 percent.
This win has extended Bashir’s tenure as President of the country for another five-year term. He had been in power in Sudan since 1989.
The election has been boycotted by the opposition. It was also critisised by the European Union, United States, Britain and Norway, by terming that the country had failed to create a free, fair and conducive elections environment.
71-year old Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges. He continues to defy The Hague’s arrest warrant in relation to his violent suppression of the conflict in Darfur.
International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2010 issued an arrest warrant against Bashir by charging him with crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide during a violent suppression of rebellions in Darfur. However, the Sudanese government says that it does not recognise the ICC.
French IT firm CapGemini announced to buy US rival IGATE for 4 billion US dollar
French IT firm CapGemini on 26 April 2015 announced to buy U.S. rival IGATE for 4 billion US dollar. With this deal, North America becomes the largest region of the Group. Bank of America Corp advised IGATE while Lazard Ltd advised Cap Gemini on the transaction.
CapGemini will finance the deal partly through 1 billion US dollars of its own cash, along with an equity portion that will not exceed a 6 percent dilution of the French company's share capital. More than 2 billion US dollar would be financed through debt.
The company had the backing of shareholders representing 54 percent of IGATE's share capital.
The deal would enhance earnings by 12 percent in 2016 and 16 percent in 2017, according to Cap Gemini. The combined group's operating margin would be above 10 percent.
IGATE employs 33000 people globally, with 75 percent of them in India. The combined company would have more than 100000 employees there, or 48 percent of its workforce. It has grown quickly since its 1996 stock market listing.
IGATE does about 80 percent of its business in North America, and would represent 30 percent of the combined group's estimated 2015 revenue of 13.58 billion US dollar.
Baloch nationalist leader Talal Akbar Bugti passed away
Senior Pakistani politician and Baloch nationalist leader Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti passed away on 27 April 2015 in Quetta, Balochistan after suffering from cardiac arrest. He was 63.
Bugti was a senior leader of the Jamhoori Watan Party. He received his education from Aitchison College, Lahore and was considered to be a significant political personality in Balochistan.
Talal Akbar Bugti was the son of former governor of Balochistan Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, who was killed in a military operation in Chalgri area of Bhamboor hills of Dera Bugti in 2006.
Talal was born in Dera Bugti on 17 March 1952.
Prime Minister conferred 50th Jnanpith Award on Marathi litterateur Bhalchandra Nemade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 April 2015 conferred the 50th Jnanpith Award on eminent Marathi litterateur Bhalchandra Nemade in Parliament House Complex, New Delhi.
Nemade received the country’s highest literary award for his outstanding contribution towards Indian literature.
His novel, Kosala (Cocoon), written in 1963 was considered as a path breaking in Marathi literature. His other novels include Bidhar, Hool, Jarila andJhool. He composed various poems which are compiled up in his collections named Melodyand Dekhani.
He is the leader of the post-1960s Little Magazine movement and was given Sahitya Akademi Award (1990) for his critical work Teeka Svayanwar.
About Jnanpith Award
Jnanpith Award is one of the prestigious literary awards in India. The name of award is taken from Sanskrit words Jnana and Pitha which means knowledge-seat. It was instituted in 1961 and is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, a trust founded by the Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family.
The award is given to any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India mentioned in VIII Schedule of Constitution of India. Prior to 1982, the award was only given for a single work by a writer. But since 1982, the award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature. The award includes cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati.
Rajya Sabha passed Payments and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, 2014
The Rajya Sabha on 27 April 2015 passed Payments and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, 2014 with voice vote. With this the bill has been passed by both the houses of Parliament. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on 9 December 2014.
The bill seeks to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 so as to address the problem of insolvency in the payment and settlement system by increasing transparency. It is also aimed at bringing India's banking payment system in sync with international practices.
Main highlights of the Bill
It seeks to extend the application of the 2007 Act to a designated trade repository, or issuer, in relation to payment systems. It has introduced three definitions in regard to this and they are
a) Issuer:It means a person who issues a legal entity identifier or similar unique identification, as specified by the RBI from time to time.
b) Legal entity identifier:It is a unique identity code assigned to a person by an issuer to identify that person in such derivatives or financial transactions, as specified by the RBI.
c)Trade repository:It is a person who is engaged in the business of collecting, collating, storing, processing or disseminating electronic records or data relating to such derivatives or financial transactions, as specified by the RBI.
• It provides that an order of court, Tribunal or authority which declares the system participant as insolvent or dissolved or wound up, shall not affect any settlement that has become final and irrevocable prior to such order or immediately thereafter.
• It provides that the liquidator or receiver of the central counter party shall not re-open the determination which has become final and irrevocable.
• Further, the liquidator of the central counter party must return the collaterals held in excess, after appropriating the collaterals provided by the system participants towards their settlement etc.
• It provides that the payment obligations and settlement instructions between the central counter party and the system participants shall be determined by such central counter party in accordance with the gross or netting procedure, as the case may be, approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The Bill also introduces a new provision that empowers the RBI to direct system providers of a payment system to ensure protection of funds collected from customers. To this end, system providers must (a) deposit in a separate bank account; and (b) maintain liquid assets of an amount equal to such percentage of the amounts collected by the system provider.
The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, was enacted to regulate and supervise payment systems in India, which include inter-bank transfers such as the National Electronics Funds Transfer (NEFT) system, the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System, ATMs, credit cards, etc.
Union Ministry for Power flagged off three Mobile Science Labs to revolutionise rural education
Union Minister for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal on 27 April 2015 flagged off three NTPC Mobile Science Labs (MSL) for revolutionizing education in rural India.
MSL is a vehicle fitted with LCD TV carrying working Science Models which emphasizes curiosity based learning for children in rural India. It is an initiative to make hands-on learning accessible amongst underprivileged children.
These three MSLs will be initially deployed at NTPC's ongoing projects at Darlipalli, Pakri Barwadih and Kahalgaon through Agastya International Foundation. Each MSL will cover a set of about 20 schools around NTPC project generating about 16000 student exposures per year.
More than 140000 student exposure will be generated in three years. The instructors for mobile science lab will be from neighbourhood community.
MSLs will focus on School visits, Young Instructor's Program, Science Fairs, Activity Camps and Teacher Training.
Calbuco volcano of Chile erupted after 42 years
Calbuco volcano of Chile erupted twice on 22 April and 23 April 2015 after 42 years. Tonnes of ash rained down following two volcanic eruptions leading to declaration of state of emergency by President Michelle Bachelet.
When it first erupted on 22 April 2015, it produced a column of ash extending to more than 49000 feet into the sky. The scientists called for an evacuation zone of 12.5 miles.
A second explosive eruption began on 23 April 2015 and lasted for at least six hours. During this time an average of 150 earthquakes were recorded per hour. This eruption also produced a similar-sized column of ash, which drifted north, northeast and east of the volcano.
The eruption forced the evacuation of more than 6000 people. The height of the volcanic ash emitted triggered concerns that the dust could contaminate water, trigger respiratory illnesses and halt more flights.
The short-term dangers related to the ash include eye and skin infections as well as water contamination.
The 6500 foot Calbuco last erupted in 1972 and is considered one of the top three most potentially dangerous among Chile's 90 active volcanoes.
Calbuco Volcano
Calbuco is a stratovolcano in southern Chile, located southeast of Llanquihue Lake and northwest of Chapo Lake, in the Los Lagos Region. The volcano and the surrounding area are protected within Llanquihue National Reserve. It is a very explosive andesite volcano whose lavas usually contain 55 to 60% silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Magnus Carlsen of Norway won Shamkir Chess Tournament
World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Shamkir chess tournament held in Shamkir city of Azerbaijan on 26 April 2015. He defeated Azerbaijani Rauf Mamedov in the last and final round to finish the tournament with 7 points.
With this, Carlsen not only retained the title for the second year in succession but also earned 13 ELO points to top the world ranking with 2875 points.
Besides, five-time world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand of India in the last and final round drew with Fabiano Caruana of Italy to finish the tournament on second position with 6 points.
With this, he not only earned 12 ELO points to reach 2803 points but also reached second position in the world rankings. This is the first time since 2012 that Anand crossed the 2800 mark.
INS Tarangini departed for Lokayan-2015
INS Tarangini, the Sail Training Ship of Indian Navy, on 27 April 2015 left Kochi for Lokayan 2015. The theme for Lokayan -15 is Taking for a Broader Reach.
The Ship was flagged off by Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, the flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern naval Command in a departure ceremony conducted at the naval base, Kochi.
As part of Lokayan-15, Tarangini will be on an eight month voyage through Europe and will participate in the annual Tall Ship Races and other events organised under the aegis of Sail Training International. During these eight months the ship will travel approximately 17 thousand miles under sails.
This year’s Tall Ship Races will be conducted primarily off the coast of United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Netherlands. About 300 Sail ships of various sizes from all over the world are expected to participate in this year’s events.
Tarangini forms a part of Class A Sail Ships, the largest of the sailing fleet. During this voyage, the Indian trainees would also get an opportunity to sail on foreign vessels as part of exchange of trainees.
INS Tarangini is a three masted barque built in Goa Shipyard Ltd and commissioned on 11 November 1997, is manned by 6 officers, 40 sailors and 30 trainees.
Japan and the US revised defence deal after 18 years to deal with growing global security concern
Japan and the United States (US) signed a new set of defence agreements on 27 April 2015 that allow for greater co-operation between their militaries. Both the countries have revised their defence deal after 18 years to deal with growing global security concern.
The agreement was signed by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter, and the Japanese Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida, and Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani.
The agreement in the form of new guidelines was released at the start of an official visit to the US by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The guidelines allow for global cooperation militarily, ranging from defence against ballistic missile, cyber and space attacks as well as maritime security.
It also allows the exercise of the right to collective self-defence, that is, Japan could shoot down missiles heading toward the United States and come to the aid of third countries under attack.
The new guidelines would also allow the US and Japanese militaries to work more closely together in the event of a conflict in the East China Sea or in North Korea.
Further, it removed the constraints of geography, as a result, the US-Japan cooperation had moved from focus on local issues to global issues.
The revised guidelines need the reinterpretation of the constitution of Japan. The new defense guidelines are part of Abe’s bid to soften Japan’s constitutional commitment to pacifism.
The US and Japan established defence guidelines in 1978, at the height of the Cold War, and in 1997, when China’s military build-up was still in its infancy. The new guidelines are the first to reflect China’s greater military heft and push for influence in the region.