Current Affairs June 2014

Sri Lanka and Seychelles signed six agreements

Sri Lanka and Seychelles on 28 June 2014 signed 6 agreements of bilateral importance. The agreements were signed during the visit of Sri Lankan President to Seychelles. The six agreements were signed between Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President of Seychelles, James Michael in the capital, Victoria.. Rajapaksa also emphasized on Sri Lankan interest to develop the Blue Economy concept as well as their partnership in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Forum to be held in Samoa in September 2014. 
Rajapaksa who is on a 3-day working visit to the Indian Ocean island state also declared open Sri Lankan Embassy in Seychelles. 
Seychelles is an archipelago of 155-island in the Indian Ocean

sided over a meeting which made changes to technical specifications for VVIP Choppers.

Narayanan (80-year-old) was asked to appear before the CBI officers to record his statement in connection with the deal. CBI questioned him as he was a part of the group that went into the tendering procedures before purchase of helicopters. 
• Before being appointed as the Governor of West Bengal, Narayanan served as the National Security Advisor. 
• He was appointed as the governor of West Bengal on 24 January 2010 before Trinamool Congress came into power
• His tenure as a Governor was supposed to end on 15 January 2015 
• In 2004, he was appointed as the security advisor to the Prime Minister in 2004 by the UPA government. 
• He is an IPS officer of the 1955 batch and from 1987 to 1992, he was IB Director

PSLV C23, carrying five satellites, launched successfully from Sriharikota

ISRO’s PSLV C23 was launched on 30 June 2014 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9.52 am. The PSLV C23 carried five satellites belonging to four countries namely France, Germany, Canada and Singapore.
All these five satellites were launched under commercial arrangements that ANTRIX (ISRO’s commercial arm) has entered with the respective foreign agencies. 
Earlier, the launch time was fixed at 9.49 am IST but was launched with a delay of 3 minutes due to probability of space debris movement during the launch window.

On its way, PSLV C23 will separate all five satellites, one by one into their intended orbit and these satellites are
• The French Earth observation satellite SPOT-7 of 714 kg which is similar to Indian Remote Sensing System (IRSS) 
• 14 kg AISAT of Germany
• NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) & NLS7.2 (CAN-X5) of Canada weighing 15 kg and the 7 kg respectively are from University of Toronto, Institute of Aerospace studies/Space Flight Laboratory
• VELOX-1 of Singapore from Nanyang Technological University and is a technology demonstrator for design of image sensor, MEMS-based determination and control system and inter-satellite RF link 
Till date, ISRO has launched 35 satellites of foreign countries onboard its workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV

Pankaj Advani won IBSF 6-Red World Snooker title in Egypt

Pankaj Advani, the Indian cueist on 29 June 2014 won his maiden IBSF 6-Red World snooker title at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. To win the title, he defeated Kacper Flilpiak of Poland in a game that lasted for an hour. 
The win helped Advani to create a history of being the first player in the world to win world titles in the long and shorter formats of both billiards and snooker. For Advani, this was maiden 6-Red World title and ninth overall. This win also took, Advani to highest tally of world titles by any Indian cueist in the Open (Men's) category.

About Pankaj Advani 
• He won his first world title at the age of 18 and is only Asian to have ever won both the Billiards and Snooker World Championships
• He is also one of the youngest Indians to be honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award
• He has also been conferred with the Arjuna and Padmashree awards

Saina Nehwal won Australian Open Super Series title

 

Saina Nehwal, Indian badminton ace, on 29 June 2014 won 750000 US dollar Australian Open Super Series by defeating Carolina Marin of Spain in straight-game 21-18, 21-11 in final played at Sydney.

This is the second title win of the year for sixth-seeded, Saina Nehwal. The previous title for her was Indian Open Grandprix in Delhi. On the other hand, this was first World Super Series final for World Number 11, Carolina Marin.

For the First, Fergusson College included the category of third gender in application forms

For the first, Pune’s Fergusson College on 26 June 2014 has included the category of third gender in its application forms for academic programs. The courses will begin from 2014-15.
Applications for first year BA (FYBA) and BSc (FYBSc) that are available online have the third gender option. The decision of the college authorities was encouraged by Supreme Court's recognition of the third gender in April 2014.
The college also planned to have awareness drives and gender sensitisation programs, so that inclusion will not limit to paper.
About the Supreme Court ruling
A Bench of Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and A.K. Sikri on 16 April 2014 ruled that the eunuch from the binary gender, be treated as a third gender for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under our Constitution and the laws made by Parliament and the State Legislature.

The ruling came on a petition filed by the National Legal Services Authority.
The Bench directed the Centre and States to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes and extend reservation for admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.
The Bench said recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue. Transgenders are also citizens of India. The spirit of the Constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender.
By virtue of this verdict, all identity documents, including a birth certificate, passport, ration card and driving licence would recognise the third gender.

 

India has over 1 million children out of school: UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 26 June 2014 released a report. The report released that around 58 million children aged 6 to 11 are still out of school.
The data was presented by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, at a press conference in Brussels, France. The conference was organized by the Global Partnership for Education.
The new global out-of-school figures are produced by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The new figures showed that around 43% of those out of school are unlikely ever to set foot in a classroom if current trends continue. Specifically, around 15 million girls and 10 million boys will not ever get opportunity to study as per the report.

Pattnaik has participated in over 50 International championships and festivals around the World and won many prizes. He is also known for creating sand sculptures on current issues and social awareness.
Recently, he was awarded with the Padmashri by Government of India in 2014.

Union Government upgraded NIC-1987 to NIC-2008 to make it more investor friendly

Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 27 June 2014 upgraded the National Industrial Classification -1987 (NIC-1987) to National Industrial Classification-2008 (NIC-2008). 
The upgradation decision, with immediate effect, to NIC-2008 will assist new businesses, being more investor friendly and internationally-attuned, as compared to the previous version of NIC Code. 
The NIC-2008 is an improved version over NIC-1987 which provides a more contemporary industrial classification system in the light of changes in the structure and composition of the economy, changing user requirements and compatibility with international standards.

So far India has been using NIC-1987. NIC-1987 version is applicable for the purpose of classification of activities in respect of industrial license/ IEM proposals submitted to the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion. 
About National Industrial Classification
The National Industrial Classification (NIC) is an essential Statistical Standard for developing and maintaining comparable data base according to economic activities. Such classifications are frequently used in classifying the economically active population, statistics of industrial production and distribution, the different fields of labour statistics and other economic data such as national income.
In India, Central Statistical Organisation has been finalising National Industrial Classification since 1960. 
The issue of standardization of industrial classification at the international level was deliberated in the First International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) as early as 1923.

High-level forum Acting on the Call held in Washington

A high-level forum Acting on the Call: Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths was held in Washington on 25 June 2014. The forum was organised by US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Governments of India and Ethiopia in collaboration with UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners.

During the forum the organizers unveiled new efforts to save an unprecedented number of women and children by 2020 in 24 priority countries. It also announced adoption of bold reforms to improve effectiveness and efficiency at USAID.

India was represented by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and he claimed that India hopes to end preventable child and maternal deaths by 2035. During the forum, he said that to reach the goal, there is an urgent requirement to by The weDownload Manager">invest more in girl child education.

He also highlighted six key actions to accelerate and achieve the goal and they were

• Power of belief
• Partnership
• Evidence
• Communication and gender equality
• Untapped power in health financing and organization

The forum Acting on the Call was for the first time held in 2012.

Google launched Project Android One to build ultra cheap Smartphones

Google on 25 June 2014 launched Project Android One to build ultra cheap Smartphone at Google I/O 2014 in San Francisco. Google I/O is Google's annual developer conference.
Project Android One is a design reference platform that will enable manufacturers to build ultra-cheap smartphones with much more ease. Google aimed a Smartphone within 6000 – 7000 rupees with a list of recommended apps from Play Auto-installs.
Google will begin the programme from India and announced that it has already roped in Micromax, Karbonn and Spice as initial partners. 
The move could see Indian mobile device brands up the ante with stable entry-level smartphones powered by Android mobile operating system.

Interestingly, Microsoft is also trying to capture this segment by working closely with Indian brands like Micromax, Xolo and Karbonn to launch cheap smartphones that run on its Windows Phone 8.1.
Currently, Android is used by a billion users and the Android One initiative is part of its aim to reach out to the next five billion smartphone users.

India ratified Additional Protocol with the IAEA

India on 22 June 2014 ratified the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Additional Protocol will cover the facilities which are monitored by the IAEA and will have no bearing on the non-safeguarded facilities which are used for building weapons.

The Additional Protocol’s ratification fulfils India’s commitment anchored in the Indo-U.S. joint statement of July 2005, which stated unambiguously that New Delhi would conclude an additional protocol with the IAEA.

Additional benefits

The ratification of additional protocol will boost energy security and will enhance the decks for large imports of nuclear technology.

The ratification of additional protocol will ensure the collection of data of India’s nuclear exports, to guarantee that the material is not diverted for unauthorised use.

The new arrangement would also facilitate regular entry and exit of the IAEA personnel by providing them with multi-entry visas.

Background

The IAEA in March 2009 approved an additional protocol to India’s safeguards agreement. The agreement had paved the way for the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to grant India-specific waiver for it to have commercial relations with other countries in the civilian atomic field. The waiver was necessary as India, despite being a nuclear-armed state, is not a signatory to the NPT.

The safeguards agreement with the IAEA covered 20 facilities that include the Nuclear Fuel Complex in Hyderabad, Tarapur atomic power plant, Rajasthan Atomic Power Station, both units at Kudankulam, and the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.

With the agreement, India planned to tackle its chronic shortage of energy, and costly reliance on imports of fossil fuels.

India is planning to expand nuclear energy program with 19 working reactors, five under construction and at least 16 more planned. But expansion requires imported uranium as fuel plus foreign capital and expertise to build big reactors of 1000MW or more.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed on 26 June

26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26 June 2014. The theme of the 2014 is A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.
This day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on this day launched campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. 

Background
United Nations on 7 December 1987, by resolution 42/112 of the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Union Government extended the deadline for implementing NFSA by three months

Union Government on 26 June 2014 extended the deadline for implementing National Food Security Act by three more months. Food Security Act seeks to provide the right to highly subsidised foodgrain to nearly two-third of the population
The decision to extend the deadline was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues related to inflation and the monsoon.
The decision came on the back of 25 states and Union territories failing to implement the NFSA that had come into effect on 5 July 2013, with the states given one year to implement it. That is the deadline for implementing the Act was to expire on 5 July 2014.
So far, the Act has been completely rolled out in five States and partially in six States out of 29 States.
States where the Act has been fully implemented are 
• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• Maharashtra
• Punjab 
• Chattisgarh
States where the Act has been partially implementation include 
• Delhi
• Himachal Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar 
• Chandigarh
More than 19 states and union territories are yet to implement the provisions of the Act.

 

Tamil Nadu government launched Amma pharmacies to provide low cost medicines

State Government of Tamil Nadu on 26 June 2014 launched Amma Pharmacy (Amma Marundhagam) to sell quality medicines at a lower price. These pharmacies will enable people to avail medicines at a low price as the medicines will be sold at a discount of 10 percent to the maximum retail price.
Jayalalitha, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to start the pharmacies inaugurated ten Amma pharmacies in seven districts of the state. The districts where the pharmacy were launched by the Chief Minister through a video-conferencing from the secretariat are Chennai, Erode, Salem, Cuddalore, Madurai, Sivaganga and Virudhunagar. The launched outlets has been established at an expense of 1 core rupees with an outlay of 10 lakh rupees each outlet.
These Amma medical shops will be set up at popular places like bus stands, marker places and at prime places in the districts. The government will outsource the pharmacists for these shops. To preserve the emergency medicines cold storage facilities have been set up.

Facelock, an alternative to passwords, designed by UK Scientists

Researchers at the University of York in the U.K. designed an alternative to passwords called Facelock. The new alternative will be based on the psychology of facial recognition. 
The new research was published in the open-access journal PeerJ.
Facelock builds upon the psychological insight by having users choose a selection of faces that are well known to them. Then when they want to log in or get access to a secure system, a series of face grids is created, and users must select the familiar face in each grid.
It’s easy for users to select a familiar face from the crowd but tough for others to hack, since none of the faces will stand out to them.

Comparatively, it’s easier for the users to recall familiar images, even after one year, while unused passwords were forgotten within days. Facelock security is also enhanced by offering users a large pool of target images to choose from.
Earlier, there was a system known as Passfaces, images were used to authenticate users. However, it was susceptible to shoulder-surfing attacks, in which fraudulent users could simply memorize the image from watching users over their shoulder and hack into the system.
To overcome that threat, Facelock uses a variety of different images of familiar faces, which are easily recognizable to people who know them but not so readily identified by strangers.

Union Government delicensed manufacturing of defence items

Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 26 June 2014 delicensed manufacturing of defence items. Almost 55 percent of the defence items have been removed from the compulsory licensing list.
In this regard Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Commerce Ministry released the Press Note No. 3 (2014 series). 
As per the Press Note there is now a smaller negative list of defence items in which compulsory licensing is still required. These include items such as tanks, vehicles fitted with military mountings of arms and ammunition or with equipment for mine laying, defence aircraft, including helicopters, UAVs and warships.
With this decision, private companies like Tata, Mahindra and Larsen & Toubro will no longer require a license to manufacture components, castings and sub-assembly. 
Comment
After the liberalization of 1991, only a handful of industries such as defence, cigarettes, explosives, distillation and brewing of alcoholic drinks and hazardous chemicals were covered under comulsory licensing.

Since the initiation of the Industrial Policy of 1948, the defence items production has been kept under compulsory licensing on ground of sensitivity and security issues. However, over the years this practice has bred unnecessary delays, inefficient and inadequate defence production, and corruption.

The basic objective of allowing private sector participation is to harness available expertise in the private sector towards the total defence efforts and search for self-reliance. In-built advantages of the private sector are its reservoir of management, scientific and technological skills coupled with its ability to raise resources.

The involvement of private sector with its world-class expertise and high technology would not only augment India’s indigenous defence production capability but also lead to creation of employment and infrastructure in the country, giving a strong impetus to the economy.

 

15 people Killed in blast in GAIL pipeline at Nagaram Village, Andhra Pradesh

15 people were killed and 20 injured in a blast in Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) pipeline at Nagaram Village in Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on 27 June 2014.
The 18-inch pipeline of GAIL, in which blast happened, carries gas from state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp's (ONGC) gas field in the East Godavari district to Lanco's Kondapalli power plant near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.
The pipeline supplied 0.5 million standard cubic metres of gas a day to a Kondapalli power plant.
Following the fire, ONGC shut two fields while electricity generation at 1466 megawatt Kondapalli power plant fell.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a compensation of 200000 rupees for the relatives of the dead and 50000 rupees for those injured.
Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered an inquiry into the blast and fire. The inquiry committee will be headed by a Joint Secretary in oil Ministry and will have officials of Oil Industry Safety Directorate, NDMA and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) as members

35th National Games to be held in Kerala from 31 January to 14 February 2015

35th National Games dates were announced on 26 June 2014 at the Members’ Lounge of the Kerala Legislative Assembly complex, Thiruvananthapuram by Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The games will be held at 32 different venues across seven districts of Kerala from 31 January to 14 February 2015.  
The dates for the games were formally approved by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sarbanand Sonowal on behalf of Government of India.
The 35th National Games will be held in 36 disciplines and will see a total of 11641 participants that includes 7744 athletes. The participants will compete for a total of 365 by The weDownload Manager">gold and silver medals as well as 477 bronze medals.
This is for the second time Kerala will be hosting the National Games. For the first time, Kerala conducted the 27th National Games in 1987. 
Logo and the Mascot of the Game
The logo and the mascot of the 35th National Games was unveiled on 11 December 2009.
Mascot: Ammu, the Great Indian Hornbill 
Logo: Design in the pattern of Kanikonana (Indian Laburnum Cassia) also resembling a nettipattom (festival elephant's mask)
Indian Olympic Association Secretary-general - Rajeev Mehta
Indian Olympic Association President - N Ramachandran
Goodwill Ambassador of 35th National Games - Sachin Tendulkar
Last two National Games were held in
• 2011 – Ranchi, Jharkhand (34th National Games)
• 2007 – Guwahati, Assam (33rd National Games)
First National Games were held in 1924 in Lahore as Indian Olympic Games. In 1940 Indian Olympic Games were changed to National Games. First National Games after independence were held in Lucknow in 1948.

France announced to honour Shahrukh Khan with Legion of Honour

France on 25 June 2014 announced to honour Shahrukh Khan with Officer of the Legion of Honour for his contribution to Cinema.
The award of Officier de la Legion d'Honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) is the highest honour among Civilians and Military bestowed by France on French citizen as well as foreigners.
He will be honoured with Legion of Honour during the visit of French foreign minister Laurent Fabius to India on 30 June 2014. 
Shahrukh Khan is the second Bollywood actor after Amitabh Bachchan to be honoured with Legion of Honour. Amitabh Bachchan received the honour in 2007.
Other noted Indian personalities who have been honoured with France highest honour are Lata Mangeshkar and Satyajit Ray for their contribution in their respective fields as well.

Earlier, Shahrukh Khan was honoured with Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the Government of France in 2007 for his contribution to films. 
He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2005.
About Officer of the Legion of Honour
Officer of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802. 
The Order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).
The order's motto is Honour and Fatherland and its seat is the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur on the left bank of the River Seine in Pari

About Engineers India Ltd

EIL has emerged as one of India's leading companies in the engineering consultancy.EPC sector with a diverse portfolio of projects in oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining and metallurgy, fertiliser, power and infrastructure sectors.

About National Buildings Construction Corporation
NBCC provides civil engineering construction services in wide gamut of projects of varied nature, complexities & at socio-political geographical locations, both at home & overseas. NBCC has been operating in infrastructure segment as well, wherein it has been executing projects such as chimneys, cooling towers, and various types of power plant works.

Criteria for Navratna status
The Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) fulfilling the following criteria are eligible to be considered for grant of Navratna status:

• Having Schedule A and Miniratna Category-1 status.
• Having at least three Excellent or Very Good Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ratings during the last five years.
• Having a composite score of 60 or above out of 100 marks based on its performance during the last three years on the following six identified efficiency parameters such as Net Profit to Net Worth, Manpower cost to cost of production or services, Gross margin as capital employed, Gross profit as Turnover, Earnings per Share and Inter-Sectoral comparison based on Net profit to net worth.

A.K. Dubey appointed as Chairman of Coal India Limited

Additional secretary A.K. Dubey on 25 June 2014 was appointed as Chairman of Coal India Limited with immediate effect. He will serve his post as an additional charge till a full-time chairman is appointed. 
He will serve as the Chairman for a period of three months until the new chairman of the state-owned company is duly appointed.

The post of Chairman was lying vacant since May-end 2014 when the then Chairman of CIL S Narsingh Rao resigned from the post.
About Coal India Limite
Coal India Limited is an Indian state-controlled coal mining company headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is a Navratna company and is the largest coal producer company in the world and contributes around 81% of the coal production in India.

Indian-origin judge V K Rajah appointed as 8th Attorney-General of Singapore

Indian-origin judge V K Rajah on 25 June 2014 was appointed as 8th Attorney-General of Singapore. President of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam presided at the swearing-in of Justice V K Rajah.

He will succeed Steven Chong. Steven Chong will return to the Supreme Court.

VK Rajah was also appointed as a member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights for a three-year term. 17-member council reports on matters, including Bills or other legislation.

About Justice V K Rajah

Justice Rajah is graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1982, and worked for law firm Rajah & Tann.
In 1997, he was appointed a Senior Counsel and in 2007, he was appointed a Judge of Appeal.

He has been the Chairman of the Singapore Institute of Legal Education as well as the Board of Judicial Learning since 2010.

In 2012, he chaired the Fourth Committee on the Supply of Lawyers.

Srinivasan appointed as first Chairman of ICC

Narayanaswami Srinivasan on 26 June 2014 was formally appointed as the first Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a period of two years from 2014 to 2016. Mustafa Kamal of Bangladesh was named as the 11th President of the ICC. The new team will assume the office from 1 July 2014.

Name of Srinivasan and Kamal were finalised by the 52-member council at its annual conference in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. This meet also revamped the corporate governance structure of ICC by amending Memorandum and Articles of the Association.
The revamp will also hand major executive decision-making authority to the Big Three of the game — India, Australia and England.
Other decisions taken by ICC Board
• From 2016, the ICC Board will continue to be the primary decision-making body and will elect the ICC Chairman for a term of two-year. 
• Approved a new Executive Committee formation that will report to the ICC Board. The decision followed the ICC Board resolution of 8 February 2014 in Singapore which approved the constitutional changes that was finalised on 10 April 2014. 
• The initial Chair of the Executive Committee will be Cricket Australia’s Chairman, Wally Edwards, while the Chair of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) will continue to be England and Wales Cricket Board’s Chairman, Giles Clarke.
• ICC Board also cleared the decks for Oman to become the 38th Associate Member of the ICC. However, it suspended Affiliate Membership of Brunei and removed Tonga as an Affiliate member. The ICC now has 105 members.
• Board confirmed that the USA Cricket Association (USACA) is the ICC’s recognised member in the USA.  The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and ICC management will, however, continue to work with USACA
Srinivasan appointment as Chairman of ICC
His appointment came after the Supreme Court refused to stop Srinivasan nomination to the ICC top position. Earlier, Srinivasan was barred by the Supreme Court from carrying out his duties as Board of Cricket of India (BCCI) President due to ongoing investigations into the match-fixing allegations in 2013 edition of the IPL.
About ICC Full Council
Full Council of the ICC includes 37 Associate Members, five Affiliate Member representatives and 10 Full Members. The ICC President, ICC Vice-President and ICC Chief Executive are also part of the Full Council but don’t have voting rights.
The list of ICC Presidents

Name	Period
Lord Colin Cowdrey	1989-1993
Sir Clyde Walcott	1993-1997
Jagmohan Dalmiya	1997-2000
Malcolm Gray	2000-2003
Ehsan Mani	2003-2006
Percy Sonn	2006-2007
Ray Mali	2007-2008
David Morgan	2008-2010
Sharad Pawar	2010-2012
Alan Issac	2012-2014
Mustafa Kamal	2014-

Cowdrey and Walcott both served as Chairman of the ICC. Prior to Lord Cowdrey’s appointment, the ICC was administered by the secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Kim Jong-Un replaced Defence Minister of North Korea

Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader on 25 June 2014 replaced his defence minister Jang Jong-Nam. General Hyon Yong-Chol replaced Jang Jong-Nam as Minister of the People’s Armed Forces.

This was the latest in a series of senior military reshuffles since Kim came to power in late 2011. Kim Jong, who became the supreme leader of North Korea in 2011 after death of his father Kim Jong-II due to heart attack, has frequently replaced top military leaders in a bid to tighten his grip on the North’s 1.2 million-strong armed forces.
Defence Minister in North Korea is the main in charge of logistics and international exchanges. Policy-making is handled by the powerful National Defence Commisison and the party Central Military Commission.

Chung Hung Won retained as PM of S Korea

Chung Hung Won was retained as Prime Minster of South Korea on 25 June 2014. The President of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye announced the decision to retain the Chung Hung Won who had resigned over ferry disaster in April 2014.

Chung Hong-Won resigned as Prime Minister on 27 April 2014 taking the responsibility of government’s inability and untimely response to the ferry disaster. President Park accepted the resignation and asked him to remain in the job until new Prime Minister was found.

President Park nominated a retired Supreme Court Justice and former journalist Moon Chang-Keuk for the post of PM. But they withdrew the nominations due to controversies raised against them over the corruption and as pro-Japan respectively.

Odisha government raised retirement age of employees to 60

State Government of Odisha on 26 June 2014 raised the retirement age of its employees from 58 to 60 years. The proposal in this regard was approved by the State Cabinet presided over by Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha in Bhubaneswar.
This decision of the government will benefit about 5 lakh government employees of the State. 
Earlier, the State government on 23 June 2014 also enhanced the retirement age of doctors who are engaged in government hospitals and in the three State run medical colleges to 62 years from existing 60.
by The weDownload Manager">Apart from this, the government gave its nod to develop a full-fledged airport at Jharsuguda and soon will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India in this regard. In the first phase, the State will hand over 118.75 acres land to the AAI for developing a full-fledged airport. The airport will be developed at an estimated cost 210 crore rupees in its first phase of which the State government will contribute 75 crore rupees. 
State Chief Secretary of Odisha - JK Mohapatra

Scientists developed sensing skin technology that can detect cracks in concrete structures

Scientists on 24 June 2014 developed new sensing skin technology that can detect cracks in concrete structures. 
Scientists from North Carolina State University and the University of Eastern Finland have developed the technology.
The technology will allow the authorities to respond quickly to damage in everything from nuclear facilities to bridges. 
How it detects the crack in concrete structures
The sensing skin is painted onto the structure, over the electrodes. A computer programme then runs a small current between two of the electrodes at a time, cycling through a number of combinations.

Every time the current runs between two electrodes, a computer monitors and records the electrical potential at all of the electrodes on the structure. This data is used to calculate the sensing skin's spatially distributed electrical conductivity. If the skin's conductivity decreases, it means the structure is damaged.
About Sensing Skin Technology
The skin is an electrically conductive coat of paint that can be applied to new or existing structures. The paint can incorporate any number of conductive materials. It will make the skin inexpensive. Electrodes are applied around the perimeter of a structure.

 

 

Main Highlights of the Report

• After the 2012 slump, global FDI returned to growth, with inflows rising 9 percent in 2013, to 1.45 trillion dollars.
• UNCTAD projects that FDI flows could rise to 1.6 trillion dollars in 2014, 1.7 trillion dollars in 2015 and 1.8 trillion dollars in 2016, with relatively larger increases in developed countries.
• FDI flows to developed countries increased by 9 percent to 566 billion dollars, leaving them at 39 per cent of global flows
• FDI flows to developing economies reached a new high of 778 billion dollars, or 54 per cent of the total.
• The balance of 108 billion dollars went to transition economies.
• The poorest countries are less and less dependent on extractive industry investment. Over the past decade, the share of the extractive industry in the value of greenfield projects was 26 per cent in Africa and 36 per cent in LDCs.
• Manufacturing and services now make up about 90 per cent of the value of announced projects both in Africa and in LDCs.
• Private equity FDI is keeping its powder dry. Outstanding funds of private equity firms increased to a record level of more than 1 trillion dollars. Their cross-border investment was 171 billion dollars, a decline of 11 per cent, and they accounted for 21 per cent of the value of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As).
• State-owned TNCs are FDI heavyweights. UNCTAD estimates there are at least 550 State-owned TNCs – from both developed and developing countries – with more than 15000 foreign affiliates and foreign assets of over 2 trillion dollars. FDI by these TNCs was more than 160 billion dollars in 2013.
• FDI from State-owned TNCs, although constitutes less than 1 per cent of the universe of TNCs, but they account for over 11 per cent of global FDI flows.9

India and World Investment Report 2014

• India slipped to the fourth position in the latest ranking of most favoured destinations for investment by transnational corporations.
• On the other hand, China retained its top position as the world's most attractive investment destination followed by the US and Indonesia at second and third place
• In 2013, India was the world's third most attractive destination for investment by transnational corporations. India was the second most favoured investment destination in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
• FDI inflows into India grew by 17 percent to 28 billion dollars in 2013.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species released

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the Red List of Threatened Species on 12 June 2014. The Japanese Eel has been listed as Endangered whereas the Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo (the mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup) remained Vulnerable.

Highlights of report
• The Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica) has been listed as Endangered due to loss of habitat, overfishing, barriers to migration, pollution and changes to oceanic currents.
• The Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus 2014 FIFA World Cup mascot,) remained Vulnerable due to a 50 percent loss of its dry shrubland Caatinga habitat. 
• Over 94 percent of lemurs are threatened with extinction. Out of 101 surviving lemur species 22 are critically endangered, including the largest of the living lemurs the Large-bodied Indri. Lemurs are threatened by destruction of their tropical forest habitat in Madagascar.
• A total of 48 are endangered, Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur (Microcebus berthae) and 20 are Vulnerable.  Mittermeierthem is one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates on Earth.
• The Banana Orchid (Myrmecophila thomsoniana) - National flower of the Cayman Islands is included in the list of Endangered.
• Governor Laffan's Fern (Diplazium laffanianum is Extinct in the Wild due to the destruction of its habitat by human activities and introduction of invasive alien species. 
• The Yarkon Bream (Acanthobrama telavivensis) and Kiss-lip Himri (Carasobarbus kosswigi),  fish species found only in Israel improved statues from extinct to Vulnerable.
• About 80 percent of temperate slipper orchids (North America, Europe and temperate Asia) and 79 percent of these popular ornamental plants are threatened with Extinction
• Freckled Cypripedium (Cypripedium lentiginosum) is among the Endangered and has fewer than 100 individuals remaining in south-eastern Yunnan in China and Ha Giang province of Vietnam. It is declined due to over-collection and deforestation.
• Dickinson's Cypripedium (C. dickinsonianum) is also endangered and has only a few scattered populations in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

About IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation. It was founded in 1948, is a leading authority on the environment and sustainable development. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

The IUCN Global Species Programme and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) has been assessing the conservation status of species, subspecies, and populations on a global and regional scale to highlight those threatened with extinction, to guide conservation action.

Militants belonging to ISIS Group captured Tikrit

Tikrit: captured by ISIS

Tikrit in Iraq was in news because it was captured by the Militants belonging to Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) group on 10 June 2014. Tikrit is the home town of former dictator Saddam Hussein.

ISIS had already captured Mosul as well as other towns and cities north of Baghdad. Mosul is Iraq’s second largest city.

Comment

 

BHEL commissioned 68 MW Unit at Rampur Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) on 13 June 2014 commissioned 68 MW Unit at the Rampur Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh. 
With the commissioning of Rampur project, BHEL has completed commissioning of four units of the 412 MW hydro power plant of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. The earlier three units at Rampur were commissioned in March 2014 and have been into commercial operation since May 2014.

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Rasik Ravindra, an Indian scientist, elected to UNCLCS

Indian scientist Rasik Ravindra on 12 June 2014 was elected as a member of the UN Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (UNCLCS). He was unanimously elected by securing support of all 111 members who were present and voted. 
Ravindra was elected during the 24th meet of the State Parties of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea held in New York, USA.
Ravindra’s tenure in the CLCS will be till 15 June 2017. He was elected in place of of Indian scientist Ranjan Sivaramakrishnan who resigned from CLCS in February 2014. 
About Rasik Ravindra 
• From 2006 to 2012, he was a Director of National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), where he was responsible to conduct marine geophysical surveys and analysis of results for establishing the outer limits of the continental shelf of India 
• From 1971 to 2005 he was a professional geologist with the Geological Survey of India
• He has an extensive experience in different spheres of geosciences that includes geological investigations in the terrains of Antarctica, Bhutan and India
a) In the polar regions of Arctic and Antarctic, he led the climate change research
b) His geophysical exploration includes exploration in high altitude and inaccessible terrain in Bhutan Himalayas and Polar regions of Arctic and Antarctic and in these reasons he led scientific expeditions to elucidate geology and tectonic set-up of the terrain
• He is a graduate from Jammu and Kashmir University 
• Some awards
a) National Award for Polar Sciences and Cryosphere in 2013 
b) National Mineral Award 1990
About Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS)
Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) in the UN body and consists of 21 members and has a power to grant new seabed territory to nations. The members are elected for a term of five year by State Parties to the Convention from among their nationals. The members are experts in field of geology, geophysics or hydrography.
The purpose of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf is to facilitate the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Convention) in respect of the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Under the Convention, the coastal State shall establish the outer limits of its continental shelf where it extends beyond 200 M on the basis of the recommendation of the Commission. The Commission shall make recommendations to coastal States on matters related to the establishment of those limits; its recommendations and actions shall not prejudice matters relating to the delimitation of boundaries between States with opposite or adjacent coasts.

India became permanent signatory to Washington Accord

India on 13 June 2014 became a permanent signatory to Washington Accord. The Accord was signed by National Board of Accreditation at a meet of International Engineering Alliance of WA member countries held in Wellington, New Zealand.
With India becoming the permanent signatory, India joined a select group of 17 countries who are permanent signatories of the Washington Accord (WA). The signatory status will substantially increased global employment opportunities for technical and engineering graduates of India.
To carry out comprehensive review and audit of NBA accreditation systems and Practices, a review team was sent by the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) Secretariat of the Washington Accord in December 2013 and January 2014. The report was submitted by the review team in March 2014. 
About Washington Accord
Washington Accord is an international agreement between prominent nations of the world and is a charter that promotes mobility and quality assurance of engineers across international boundaries. Charter of the accord needs setting-up of suitable accreditation standards that ensures minimum quality of attainment for their engineering graduates.

New gTLDs made available by ICANN

gTLDs : generic Top Level Domains

Wide array of new gLTDs were made available by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The move will transform cyberspace.

Traditional gTLDs like .com, .org, .net, and even country-specific domains like .in (for India) are likely to take a back seat as companies and individuals vie to get new domain names registered.

As of 2 June 2014, more than 295 new gTLDs, have been introduced. Registering a domain name could cost a buyer anything ranging a few hundred rupees to 50000 rupees or even more depending on the extension and the nature and category of the particular domain name.

In the past two months, a wide range of new gTLDs bearing dot-suffixes such as: bio, mortgage, investments, tax, market, yachts, autos, motorcycles, beer and vodka have been introduced.

A host of new gTLDs ending with the dot-suffix lawyer, vet, engineer, dentist, attorney et al will also help professionals while '.brand' will help companies acquire a distinct identity.

About ICANN

• The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit entity that coordinates the internet address system. ICANN plays a key role in policy formulation and administration of gTLDs.
• The ICANN was founded in 1998 by Jon Postel and is headquartered at Marina del Rey, CA, USA.

Its Chief Executive Officer is Fadi ChehadeUganda's Sam Kahamba Kutesa elected President for the 69th Session of UNGA

Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kahamba Kutesa on 11 June 2014 was elected as the President of 69th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The theme for the 69th session is Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.

He was the only candidate nominated for the Presidency for the 69th session from African Union since it was the Africa Group's turn to have the Presidency.

He replaced the present John William Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda, who led the 68th session of the 193-member UNGA.

For each session of UNGA, which is held every year, UNGA elects a President and 21 Vice-President on the equal geographical rotation basis from each region.

From India, it was Vijayalaxmi Pandit who was elected as the President of the Eighth Session of UNGA.

Powers of the President 
• The President will be elected by the General Assembly for a term of one year. The President shall declare the opening and closing of each plenary meeting of the session. 
• He directs the discussions in plenary meeting, ensure observance of these rules, accord the right to speak, put questions and announce decisions.
• He shall rule on points of order and, subject to these rules, shall have complete control of the proceedings at any meeting and over the maintenance of order thereat.
• The President can give limitation of time to the speakers, the limitation of the number of times each representative may speak, the closure of the list of speakers or the closure of the debate during the discussion of an item.
• He may also propose the suspension or the adjournment of the meeting or the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion.

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Gujarat Government got approval from NCA to raise Sardar Sarovar Dam height

Narmada Control Authority (NCA) on 12 June 2014 gave its approval to Gujarat government to raise the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River in Kevadia to 138.68 meters from present 121.92 meters. It also approved Gujarat government’s plan to install 30 gates on it. 
The approval to raise the height by about 17 meters came after a wait of eight long years. Last time the height of the dam was raised in 2006.
This approval of raising the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam project may help the state to get rid from the problem of water due to deficient rains. 
The decision to raise the height of Narmada dam was taken on the basis of a report of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on the rehabilitation of displaced people. 
Earlier on 18 October 2000, the Supreme Court gave its approval to the project of raising the height of the dam to 138.72 meters.
About Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River
India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel in 1946-47 visualised the construction of a dam over Narmada for optimum use of waters of Narmada. The foundation stone of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada River was laid down on 5 April 1961 by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. 
The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat also benefits some states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

About Narmada Control Authority (NCA)
NCA is a body that monitors works on Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd project. In 2000 the Supreme Court authorized NCA to take call on proposal to raise the height of the dam taking into consideration, the relief and rehabilitation and environment considerations. 
Movement against construction of dams on Narmada River
Narmada Bachao Andolan headed by social activist Medha Patkar is a movement against construction of large dams on Narmada River.

Commemorative postage stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup released by PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 June 2014 released commemorative postage stamps on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is being played in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014 with the slogan All In One Rhytm. 
The Prime Minister also urged the Department of Posts to develop a website on the history of Indian football in lieu of India hosting the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017. During the occasion he underscored the need to inculcate the love of sports among children of the country.
He also urged that the art of commentary especially should also be developed in other sports as it has happened in cricket.

India in FIFA World Cup
India by default qualified for the 1950 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil due to withdrawal of all of their scheduled opponents. But they were not able to participate due to FIFA ruling after 1948 London Olympics Games that didn’t allow barefoot participation in the World Cup. However, there were also domestic reasons. India is ranked at 154th position in World Ranking.

Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict launched in London

Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict was launched at ExCel London on  10 June 2014. The four-day Summit was launched by Hollywood actress and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague.
The aim of the Summit was to take concrete action to improve lives of victims and to establish best practice for obtaining witness testimony of crime of sexual violence in conflict. 
The Summit called upon the nations involved to write action against sexual violence in their army training.

The Summit was attended by high-level foreign delegations from 140 countries that included around 200 foreign, defence and development ministers along with experts from courts, charities and the military. The summit also included film screenings, theatre and art.

Delhi Government approved RRTS project

RRTS: Regional Rapid Transit System
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project was in news due to its approval by the Delhi’s Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung on 11 June 2014.

RRTS is a rail based system that connects small but fast developing towns in the NCR region. The goal of RRTS is to reduce the dependence of commuters on roadbased transportation to a combination of road-cum rail transportation system.
Technology under RRTS
Delhi's Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) will use the Maglev technology. As it is is being chosen world over for the new implementations of the rapid transport systems.
China also has chosen Maglev for its capital Beijing new urban railway lines. Daitai line will be first line to be built with Maglev.

National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited

The Union Cabinet on 11 July 2013 approved constitution of National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC) for designing, developing, implementing, financing, operating and maintaining Regional Rapid Transit system (RRTS).

NCRTC was constituted under the Companies Act, 1956 with initial seed capital of 100 crore rupees as per Company Act, 1956.

World Day Against Child Labour observed on 12 June

World Day Against Child Labour was observed across the world on 12 June 2014. For the year 2014 the theme is Extend social protection: combat child labour. 
Each year on 12 June, this Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.
Agenda for the World Day 2014:
•    Action to introduce, improve and extend social protection, in line with the ILO Recommendation 
•    National social security systems that are sensitive to children’s needs and help fighting child labour
•    Social protection that reached out to especially vulnerable groups of children

About World Day Against Child Labour
The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. 
Brasilia Declaration
In 2013, at the Third Global Conference on Child Labour in Brasilia, the international community adopted the Brasilia Declaration, which stresses the need for decent work for adults, free, compulsory and quality education for all children, and social protection for all.

Canara Bank opened branch in New York

Canara Bank on 10 June 2014 opened its seventh overseas branch in New York, USA. Other six overseas branches are in London, Leicester (UK), Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bahrain and Johannesburg. Its representative office is at Sharjah and a Joint Venture is in Moscow. 
Inauguration of the New York branch had now made banks presence in eight countries namely, UK, US, Hong Kong, China, Bahrain, South Africa, UAE and Russia.

 

Madhya Pradesh Government donated one crore rupees for restoration of Gandhi’s Tolstoy Farm

Madhya Pradesh Government on 10 June 2014 announced that it will donate one crore rupees for restoration of Tolstoy Farm in South Africa, the place where Mahatma Gandhi first began his Satyagraha. 
The announcement of the donation was made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a visit to the now derelict area, south of Johannesburg, owned by a neighboring brick manufacturing company.

 

Three day Leh Festival began in Leh region of J&K

The three day Leh Festival began in Leh region of Jammu & Kashmir on 12 June 2014. It is also known as Ladakh Singhey Khabab Spring Festival.   It is organized by the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir.

The main objective of the festival is to promote tourism in the region of Leh - Ladakh in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.  The festival is celebrated in the name of the Indus River to strengthen communal harmony in the country as the River Indus is known as a symbol of unity in diversity.

The people participate in the festival by bringing the water of the rivers that flow through their home states and the pots in the river Sindhu to Leh. The participants travel for a Darshan and Puja of the River Sindhu.

The festival was launched in the year 2001 and is celebrated annually for three days in the month of June.

Delhi LG Najeeb Jung approved Rapid rail link to Alwar, Panipat and Meerut

Delhi lieutenant governor (LG) Najeeb Jung on 11 June 2014 approved Rapid rail link to Alwar, Panipat and Meerut. 
The Rapid rail link or the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project will connect the NCR region through high-speed trains. High speed trains will run at 60kmph.
The Three Corridors under RRTS Project
The three corridors were envisaged by the National Capital Regional Planning Board (NCRPB).  
•    Delhi-Meerut corridor will go through Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan and would be supported by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). It will cover a distance of 90 km
•    The Delhi-Panipat corridor would go till Kashmere Gate covering a distance of 111 km
•    The Delhi-Alwar corridor will terminate in Gurgaon covering a distance of 180 km

The total number of stations on the three corridors is 48. The total length of the corridor in Delhi is 70.7 km. 
Delhi will have a total of 11 stations, which will include Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Mukarba Chowk, Narela, ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhirailway station, INA, Dhaula Kuan and Mahipalpur. 
According to NCRPB, the three corridors will be constructed in six years after awarding of contract. The cost of this project is approximately 72170 crore rupees.
As part of the project, the four states Delhi, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan have agreed on the equity amount to be contributed by each.

Britain published Europe’s first Modern Slavery Bill to address slavery in 21st century

Britain on 10 June 2014 published the world's first Modern Slavery Bill. The Bill was published by the Home Secretary Theresa May in the House of Commons. The Bill provides for life imprisonment if a person was involved in the heinous crime of human beings.
The Bill is first of its kind in Europe and one of its first in the world. It for the first time specifically address slavery and trafficking in the 21st century. 
The main components of the bill are:
•    The Bill will increase the maximum sentence available for the most serious offenders from 14 years to life imprisonment.
•    Those who have a previous conviction for a serious sexual or violent offence will face an automatic life sentence.
•    It also introduces Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders to restrict the activity of individuals where they pose a risk of causing harm.

•    The bill also called upon to create a new Anti-Slavery Commissioner. It will drive an improved and more coordinated law enforcement response at all levels and it will work in the interests of victims.
•    The bill will work upon to strengthen law enforcement powers at sea to close loopholes.  
The Modern Slavery Bill will ensure the protection and support to the victims by:
•    Giving the courts new powers to order perpetrators of slavery and trafficking to pay Reparation Orders to their victims
•    Extending special measures so that all victims of modern slavery including servitude and forced labour can be supported through the criminal justice process
•    Providing statutory guidance on victim identification and victim services
•    Providing an enabling power for child advocates to support child victims of trafficking
•    Creating a statutory duty for public bodies including the police, local authorities and immigration personnel to notify the National Crime Agency about potential victims of modern slavery
Global Slavery in 21st century
According to the report of UN, there are almost 21 million people around the world held as slaves. It is estimated that there are as many as 4000 people enslaved in the UK alone.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that the profits of traffickers worldwide are in excess of 32 billion US dollar each year. 
Indian and Modern day slavery
According to the recent Global Slavery Index released in 2013, India was ranked 4th worst country indulging in modern day slavery and human trafficking. 
The first ever Global Slavery Index found that between 13300000 and 14700000 are enslaved in India. It implied that India is home to nearly half of the world's entire number of 30 million slaves worldwide. 
India stands fourth as per proportion but right on top of this shameful list when it comes to absolute numbers.

6th International Nuclear Energy Forum ATOMEXPO-2014 held in Moscow

6th International Nuclear Energy Forum ATOMEXPO-2014 was held from 9 to 11 June 2014 in Moscow. The ATOMEXPO-2014 forum saw signing of international agreements and memorandums by the nuclear sector companies. 3544 delegates from 600 organisations, including 283 foreign companies’ representatives alaysia, Turkey, Finland, Republic of South Africa and others.

About ATOMEXPO
ATOMEXPO International Forum is a major exhibition and business platform for conducting meetings and negotiations between the worldwide leaders of the nuclear power industry. Purpose of the Forum is to provide an opportunity to leaders of nuclear power industry and nuclear power engineering to publicly define the place and role of nuclear generation in the 21st century. 
The first ATOMEXPO was held in 2009 and is an initiative of Russia’s State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom.

Vishal Sikka appointed as CEO of Infosys

Vishal Sikka on 11 June 2014 was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infosys. Vishal Sikka will take over as the CEO on 1 August 2014. He will succeed the current Chief Executive and Managing Director S.D. Shibulal.
Earlier, he worked as non-founder Chief Executive Officer of SAP AG and a former executive board member of SAP AG. Vishal Sikka is a doctorate in computer science from Stanford University.
It is for the first time that the Infosys did not choose one of its founders for the role.

The company also elevated President U.B. Pravin Rao to the role of Chief Operating Officer from 14 June 2014. 
Also, Infosys' lead independent director K. V. Kamath was elevated to the post of the non-executive Chairman. He will take his charge from 11 October 2014.
Company founders N.R. Narayana Murthy and S. Gopalakrishnan will step down as Executive Chairman and Executive Vice-Chairman on 14 June 2014. 
However both the co-founders will continue on the board to ensure smooth transition till 10 October 2014 in non-executive roles.

Meiji Holdings Co Ltd of Japan acquired Medreich for 290 million dollar

Japan’s Meiji Holdings Ltd on 11 June 2014 acquired Bangalore-based pharmaceutical firm Medreich for 290 million US dollar. Meiji in its filing to the Tokyo informed that the acquisition was made through the operating subsidiary, Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd. 
With this acquisition, Medreich will be a fully-owned subsidiary of Meiji Seika Pharma and the name of the entity will remain unchanged. 
The acquisition of Medreich was done as a part of Meiji’s long-term management policy, Meiji Group 2020 Vision. As per the Vision 2020, Meiji Seika Pharma seeks to become a major Specialty and Generic Pharmaceutical Company internationally with particular emphasis on Asia and emerging economies.

India and china decided to inject new momentum in economic ties

India and China on 7 June 2014 decided to inject new momentum in their economic ties with both countries pushing for exploring untapped opportunities. They also decided to set up industrial parks to take the bilateral trade beyond existing 65 billion US dollars annually.

The decision to inject new vitality into bilateral taken during the talks between Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held in New Delhi.

 

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According to official figure, China is the biggest trading partner of India with bilateral trade stand close to 65 billion US dollars and trade deficit in favour of China continued to mount at about 40 billion US dollars.

In 2013, the bilateral declined by 1.5 percent which registered decline trend for the second consecutive year.  India concerns about the trade deficit and seeking for greater access in China to bridge the gap. As a part of one way to reduce the imbalance, India open up Chinese market to India IT enabled services, cotton textiles and home furnishings and also in pharmaceuticals.

Russia in-principle agreed on India's nuclear liability law

Russia on 10 June 2014 in-principle agreed on the Indian nuclear liability law. The agreement paved the way for signing of the contract for Unit 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in July 2014. 
Earlier in April 2014, India and Russia signed a General Framework Agreement on Unit 3 and 4 of KNPP after crossing the initial hurdle posed by the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010. Though the Agreement was to be signed in October 2013 during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Moscow. However, it was not signed due to Russia raising certain objection over some clauses of the CLND Act, 2010.
On 8 June 2014, Unit 1 of the KKNPP became the first nuclear power plant to attain 100% capacity of 1000 MW. The Unit 2 of KNPP will start generating power from 2014. Units 1 and 2 of KKNPP based on Tamil Nadu have been built with the help of Russian assistance at the cost of 17200 crore rupees.
About Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010
Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010 passed by the Parliament in August 2010 limits the liability of the operator in case of nuclear incident. It secures the operator the right to recourse under certain circumstances. 
by The weDownload Manager">Apart by The weDownload Manager"" style="width:7.5pt; height:7.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square" o:button="t"> from this, the CLND Act also provided a mechanism to compensate victims of nuclear damage. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Rules was notified under the Act on 11 November 2011. The Rules stipulate certain mandatory clauses for contracts that secure the operator the right to recourse. They also prescribe the procedure to provide compensation to victims in case of nuclear incidents.

Tropical cyclone Nanauk emerged in Arabian Sea

Tropical cyclone Nanauk emerged in east-central Arabian Sea on 11 June 2014. This was declared by the India Met Department and the cyclone is likely to affect the southwest monsoon.
It is at present centered over east-central and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea near latitude 18.0 North and longitude 65.0 East, about 830 km west-southwest of Mumbai, 650 km southwest of Veraval and 700 km east-southeast of Masirah Island (Oman).

Although, at present the cyclone is moving at the speed of 12 km per hour towards Oman away from India's west coast. However, it will pick up in intensity and the landfall is expected around 15 June 2014.
If the cyclone maintains its current direction away from India, it will have an adverse affect on the monsoon but if it changes its direction and moves towards the Maharashtra and Gujarat coast, then these areas would receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

World Bank lowered growth forecast for developing world to 4.8 percent

The World Bank on 11 June 2014 released Global Economic Prospects (GEP) report and revised down the economic growth forecast for developing world in 2014 to 4.8 percent from 5.3 percent estimated in January 2014. It also highlighted that the growth in 2015 and 2016 at 5.4 and 5.5 percent, respectively.
The forecast has highlighted that the developing nations are heading forward to third consecutive year of growth below 5 percent.
In its forecast, the World Bank also claimed that developing nations should make economic reforms to promote growth. Jim Yong Kim, the President of World Bank said that the forecasted growth rates are too modest to create jobs needed to improve the lives of the poorest 40 percent. 
In context of India the report claimed that weakness will be due to subdued manufacturing activity and sharp slowing of by The weDownload Manager">investment by The weDownload Manager"" style="width:7.5pt; height:7.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square" o:button="t"> in the country. Growth in India is projected at 5.5 percent in FY2014-15, accelerating to 6.3 percent in 2015-16 and 6.6 percent in 2016-17.
The release claimed that growth of China would be 7.6 percent in 2014 but it depends on the success of rebalancing efforts of the country.

India is expected to have a positive growth: OECD report

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report on 10 June 2014. The report claims that it is expected that India would have a positive growth i.e. it will have a faster growth.

Based upon Composite Leading Indicators (CLIs) it forecasted that except India the growth of other BRIC nations namely Brazil, China and Russia will be below trend.

CLIs for the United States and Canada are expected stable growth momentum, and for UK the growth momentum is stable at above-trend rates.

The CLI for Japan points to a disruption in its growth momentum.

CLIs continue to indicate a positive change in momentum for the Euro Area as a whole and in Italy. CLIs point to stable growth momentum for Germany and France.

CLIs (Composite Leading Indicators)
Composite leading indicators (CLIs) were designed to anticipate turning points in economic activity relative to trend, continue to suggest that the growth momentum is weakening in most major emerging economies.

About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
OECD was established in 1961 and headquartered at Paris, France. OECD is a forum established to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

Secretary-General of the OECD: Angel Gurria

Emergency declared in Iraq after militants seized Mosul

Nuri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister of Iraq has declared a state of emergency in Iraq on 10 June 2014 after jihadist militants of al Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant captured the city of Mosul and much of its province of Nineveh. State of emergency has broadened arrest powers and allows curfews to be imposed and a general mobilization of civilians. 
from this, the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has called upon to United Nations, Arab League, European Union and others to support Iraq in its stand on fighting terrorism. 
Maliki has also announced that the government would arm its citizens to fight against the militants and join the security forces in defending their country. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged all Iraqi political leaders to show national unity against the militants.

The ultras of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) overrun the military base and seized large parts of Mosul after an intense fighting of four days with security forces. It also forced the Iraqi military to withdrew its positions in north of the city. 
Mosul, the second largest city of Iraq has long been a militant stronghold. 
About Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)
ISIS was formed in April 2013 and grew out of al-Qaeda’s affiliate organisation in Iran. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the leader of the group that has about 3000 to 5000 fighters. It is mostly active in northern and eastern Syria and northern Iraq.

Biography of Dilip Kumar entitled The Substance and the Shadow released

The Substance and the Shadow: authored by Uday Tara Nayar (Biography of actor Dilip Kumar)
The Substance and the Shadow, the biography of 91-year-old-thespian Dilip Kumar was released on 10 June 2014 in Mumbai by Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra and Aamir Khan. The biography in form of memoir has been penned by Uday Tara Nayar, a former journalist. 
The book has detailed the ups and downs of the legend of Bollywood who was born as Mohammad Yusuf Khan and adopted the screen name of Dilip Kumar

During the book release, actor Aamir Khan also recited a poem penned by Prasoon Joshi specifically for the occasion.
About Dilip Kumar
• He was born in Peshawar, Pakistan in 1922 and spent his childhood in Maharashtra 
• His debut film was Jwar Bhata of 1944 produced by Bombay Talkies and some other acclaimed films were Mela, Naya Daur, Aan, Devdas, Madhumati and Mughal-E-Azam.
• He started a second inning in film industry in 1981 with Kranti and his last appearance was in Qila of 1998 
• For a term, he was nominated to Upper House of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
• By filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Dilip Kumar was described as the ultimate method actor
• He is also known as Tragedy King
Some Awards 
• In 1991, he was honoured with India’s third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan 
• In 1994, he received Dadasaheb Phalke Award 
• In 1998, he received Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian award 
• As an actor, he holds the Guinness World Record for winning the maximum number of awards by an Indian actor 
• In 1954, he became the first recipient of Filmfare Best Actor Award and till now holds the record for the most number of Filmfare awards won for that category with eight wins

Kolkata Airport bagged Service Quality Award

Kolkata Airport won the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award by Airport Council International (ACI) in the category of the best improved airport in Asia Pacific Region. The category includes airports that have experienced the biggest improvement in ASQ rating between 2012 and 2013 in their region. 
BP Sharma, Airport Director, Kolkata received the award at the 9th ACI Asia Pacific Regional Assembly meet in Seoul, Korea.

Google purchased Satellite Firm Skybox Imaging for 500 million US dollar

Google on 10 June 2014 confirmed the purchase of Satellite Firm Skybox Imaging for 500 million US dollar.
The deal will provide images for Google's online mapping service. The satellites could be used to help expand internet access and with disaster relief.
In April 2014, Google has acquired Titan Aerospace. Google has also launched a small network of balloons designed to deliver Internet access over the Southern Hemisphere.

The search engine giant and other technology firms, such as Facebook, are currently engaging in efforts to improve internet access globally through drones, balloons, and satellites.

About Skybox

The company was founded in 2009. The firm sent its first high-resolution satellite, SkySat-1, in to space in December 2014.
Skybox's satellites offer video images and stills at a resolution of just over 1m per pixel which can track single cars travelling along a road.

It circles the Earth around 16 times a day, relaying 90-second black-and-white clips. Skybox will launch a total of 24 satellites

Narendra Modi scrapped four Standing Committees of Cabinet

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India on 10 June 2014 decided to discontinue four Standing Committees of the Cabinet. The discontinued standing committees included Cabinet Committee on Management of Natural Calamities, Cabinet Committee on Prices, Cabinet Committee on World Trade Organisation Matters and Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India related issues. 
The functions of these committees will be handled by
• Cabinet Committee on Management of Natural Calamities: The functions of this Committee will be handled by the Committee under the Cabinet Secretary whenever natural calamities occur.
• Cabinet Committee on Prices: The functions of this Committee will be handled by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
• Cabinet Committee on World Trade Organisation Matters: The functions of this Committee will be handled by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and, whenever necessary, by the full Cabinet.
• Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India related issues: Major decisions in this area have already been taken and the remaining issues will be brought to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
Whereas, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will re-constitute the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and the Cabinet Committee on Security. The CCEA is headed by Prime Minister and includes the Finance, Commerce & Industry, Home and Defence ministers as other members. 
The previous government led by Manmohan Singh had 12 Cabinet Committees of which 10 were headed by Prime Minister and the other two namely the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has Defence Minister as its Chairperson.

Jayalalithaa launched Amma Salt

Earlier, the Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, under the social welfare scheme, had also launched Amma Canteens and Amma Water.
Amma Canteens low-cost (subsidised) food canteens that offers food at minimal cost. These canteens are set up at the Government Hospital Campus and near economically backward area. The Amma canteen uses the services of women self-help groups in the State.
About Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation limited (TNSC)
Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation limited (TNSC) is a fully owned enterprise of the Tamil Nadu government. It was established in 1974 at Valinokkam in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. TNSC cultivates salt in an area of 5524 acres of land and the project is called Mariyur Valinokkam Salt complex (MVSC). It has a capacity to produce 2 to 2.5 lakhs tones per annum by developing around 3200 acres of land and providing employment to 1200 of workers on direct/indirect system.

Sunil Dutt appointed as President of Reliance Infocomm

Sunil Dutt was appointed as President of Reliance Jio Infocomm on 10 June 2014. At the time of appointment, he was working as an independent consultant and has an experience of 30 years in Technology Industry.

About Sunil Dutt
• He had served BlackBerry India as managing director till 2013 
• He also headed the Samsung India Electronics
• He also served in HP, Nokia, Whirlpool and coffee chain Barista companies

About Reliance Jio Infocomm 
Reliance Jio is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries and is controlled by Mukesh Ambani. Reliance jio  is setting up 4G wireless services and a pan-India telecom network to provide high speed internet, rich communication services and various digital services in areas such as education, healthcare, security, financial services, government citizen interface and entertainment.

Reuven Ruby Rivlin elected as 10th president of Israel

Reuven Ruby Rivlin on 10 June 2014 was elected as 10th president of Israel. Reuven Ruby Rivlin is a member of Likud party. 
He will succeed Shimon Peres. Rivlin will sworn-in on 24 July 2014. Rivlin has defeated a long-time MP Meir Sheetrit by 63 to 53 in a secret run-off ballot.
Rivlin was elected after vote by members of the Knesset. Knesset is the name of the parliament of the Israel. Rivlin was elected for a term of seven years.
He is expected to shift the presidency's focus from international affairs to more domestic matters.
About process of Election
Elections in Israel are based on nationwide proportional representation. Presidents are elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term and are limited to a single term. Members of Knesset vote by secret ballot.
The president is elected to a term of seven years, and cannot be re-elected. Until recently, the president was elected for a five-year term, and was allowed to serve up to two terms in office.
About Rivlin
He was born in Jerusalem. He was elected to the Knesset (parliament) in 1988 for the first time.
He was elected as Minister of communications under then PM Ariel Sharon between 2001 and 2003. He was elected as Knesset Speaker in 2003 in an uncontested victory.

Gary Gilmour, former cricketer of Australia died

Gary Gilmour, a former all-round cricketer of Australia died on 10 June 2014 in Sydney. He died at the age of 62 after battling with health problems for many years.
In 2005, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant. 
Gary Gilmour and Cricket 
• For Australian national cricket team, he played 15 test and 5 one-day matches 
• He is famously known for 6-14 in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1975 semi-final against England 
• In 1973-74, he played his debut test match against New Zealand and scored a half-century and took four wickets  
• He also holds the Australian cricket record of 217 runs for the seventh wicket with Doug Walters against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1976-77. In this partnership, he contributed 101 runs of which 86 were scored of boundaries 
• His career ended as a cricketer at the age of 25 due to a foot injury 
• In 1971-72, in his maiden game for New South Wales scored 122 
• He was born in Newcastle in 1951

Kerala passed a resolution seeking Union Government’s mediation on Mullaperiyar dam issue

Kerala Legislative Assembly on 9 June 2014 passed a resolution that requests the Union Government to play a role of mediatory between Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Mullaperiyar dam issue. 
The State in its resolution also requested a Presidential reference to the Supreme Court in light of safety of about 4 million people residing in the downstream of the dam. The Presidential intervention was sought in reference to Article 143 of the Constitution of India. Article 143 of the Constitution lays down Power to President to consult the Supreme Court.
The resolution mentioned that the central intervention is required to help the two states to reach a consensus on building a new dam by finding a place for the dam which is mutually agreeable to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It also mentioned that as per the proposal of 1979 by Central Water Commission, the two states had also identified the spot for construction of the dam. 
The resolution also stated that as per the direction of Supreme Court if the dam level is increased to 142 feet from 136 feet than it will have an impact on bio diversity of the area and animals, as roughly 20000 hectares of forest will be fully submerged. 
The resolution was moved in the assembly by Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala at the end of a three-hour discussion on the situation arising out of the Supreme Court verdict on the Mullaperiyar issue.
Article 143 of the Constitution of India: Power of President to consult Supreme Court
1) If at any time it appears to the President that a question of law or fact has arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may refer the question to that Court for consideration and the Court may, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the President its opinion thereon.
2) The President may, notwithstanding anything in the provision of Article 131, refer a dispute of the kind mentioned in the [said proviso] to the Supreme Court for opinion and the Supreme Court shall, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the President its opinion thereon.

Sirikonda Madhusudhana Chary became first speaker of Telangana Legislative Assembly

Sirikonda Madhusudhana Chary of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) became the first speaker of Telangana Legislative Assembly on 10 June 2014. Chary won the assembly election from Bhupalpalli constituency in Warangal district.

The Speaker of the state Assembly is similar to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the role of the state assembly is same that of the speaker of the Lok Sabha.

About Srikonda Madhusudhana Chary 
• He was born in Narsakkapalli village in Parkal mandal of Warangal.
• He was a post-graduate in English Literature from Kakatiya University.
• He was elected for the first time to the united Andhra Pradesh MLA on TDP ticket in 1994 from Shayampet Assembly constituency.
• He was one of the founding members of TRS and was made General Secretary in October 2001.
• He also worked as a TRS party spokesperson.

Union MoRTH & Union MoHFW signed MoU to provide HIV preventive services

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 9 June 2014 signed a MoU to provide HIV preventive services to transport sector workers.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will promote awareness generation through health camps and display of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials like panels, hoardings etc. at various locations on National Highways.

It will also issue advisory to the concessionaries through NHAI to promote safe sexual behaviour among truckers and migrant workers through NGOs at their halting points.

The Department of AIDS control under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will provide the necessary technical support to implement the programme as envisaged in the MoU.

India has one of the largest numbers of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Transport workers are more vulnerable to the disease due to lack of awareness, transitory nature of work, limited access to services and inadequate mechanism to address the challenge. It is  considered as a social vector in the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Project Seabird phase II in Karwar, Karnataka got environment clearance

Project Seabird Phase II in Karwar, Karnataka on 9 June 2014 got environment clearance by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. 
Project Seabird will be one of the largest naval bases of India and will be completed in two phases. It will house various warships including India's largest warship and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. 
About Project Seabird
Project Seabird was approved in 1999 to pursue the construction of the new naval base at Karwar. Phase I was completed in 2005 and the base was commissioned on 31 May 2005. Development of Phase II commenced in 2011.
Largest Base
One completed, Project Seabird, Karwar in coastal Karnataka will become the country’s biggest Naval base by 2025.

The base will enhance the Navy’s operational flexibility and strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean region, including in anti-piracy efforts.
Moreover, the move to set up an exclusive naval base at Karwar is intended to decongest Mumbai on the West coast and Visakhapatnam on the East coast, as the two ports also have commercial shipping operations. 
Also, the decision was prompted by Mumbai’s proximity to Pakistan and the Islamic nation’s growing missile arsenal.

Somasundaram conferred with Bharat Ratna JRD Award for 2013

Somasundaram of Airports Authority of India (AAI) on 9 June 2014 was conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna JRD Tata Award for 2013 by the Aeronautical Society of India (ASI).

He received the award for his contribution in improving ANS infrastructure in the country for enhancing safety, efficiency and capacity of the airspace and also towards seamless ATM and global harmonization. He also won international ATC Awards consecutively for three years.

About Bharat Ratna JRD Tata Award
The Award was instituted by Aeronautical Society of India (ASI) and will be given to an individual making outstanding contributions in the field of civil aviation.

It is an annual national award given in recognition and appreciation of outstanding contribution and achievements made in the field of aeronautics and airspace sciences.

Terrorists attacked Jinnah international airport at Karachi

Jinnah International Airport, Karachi: Attacked by terrorists

Jinnah International Airport of Karchi was in news when Terrorist belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban on 8 June 2014 attacked it.

In the attack more than 23 people were killed and scores injured when the terrorist used grenades and stormed it into a cargo area. The airport's cargo area is about a kilometer away from the area where commercial planes take off.

All ten terrorists involved in the attack were killed. Two of them detonated suicide vests.

The attack was reminiscent of the deadly raid carried out by some 15 militants of the Tehreek – e – Taliban in May 2011 on the Mehran naval airbase in Karachi. In the attack some 18 personnel were killed before terrorists were killed in a counter—attack.

Ranjit Kumar appointed as Solicitor General of India

Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar was on 7 June 2014 appointed as the Solicitor General of India. 
Along with Solicitor General of India, other senior advocates namely, Maninder Singh, Tushar Mehta, L Nageshwar Rao, PS Patwalia, Neeraj Kishen Kaul and PS Narasimha were appointed as additional solicitors general of India.
Ranjit Kumar is considered to be an expert of Constitutional Law. Earlier, he had represented the Gujarat government in a number of cases. He had been a counsel for the Gujarat government.

Kumar had also represented Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case pending in a Bangalore court.
About Solicitor General
The Solicitor General (SG) of India is subordinate to the Attorney General for India (AG). Attorney General is the chief legal advisor of Indian Government and its primary lawyer in the Supreme Court of India while the Solicitor General of India is the secondary law officer of the country.
The Solicitor General of India is appointed for a period of 3 years. 
Like the Attorney General for India, the Solicitor General and the Additional Solicitors General advise the Government and appear on behalf of the Union of India in terms of the Law Officers.
However, unlike the post of Attorney General for India, which is a Constitutional post under Article 76 of the Constitution of India, the posts of the Solicitor General and the Additional Solicitors General are merely statutory.

PK Mishra appointed as Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister

PK Mishra on 9 June 2014 was appointed as the additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He is a retired IAS officer of 1972 batch of the Gujarat cadre.
His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. 
At the time of appointment, Mishra was serving Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) as Director General. GSDMA was created after Kutch earthquake on 26 January 2001. 
He also had the additional charge of Chairman of the state-level Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) committee of the Union Ministry of Environment & Forest.

About PK Mishra
• He was the Chairman of the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) for five years. He was appointed to GERC in 2008 after his retirement as IAS officer
• He was Secretary to the Union Agriculture Ministry between 2006 and 2008. Some of his achievements include involvement in national initiatives like 
a) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) 
b) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) 
• He was Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Narendra Modi till 2004

Sikkim Government notified to provide 12 percent job reservation for BPL candidates

Sikkim Government on 5 June 2014 notified to provide 12 percent horizontal reservation for below poverty line (BPL) candidates in all state government jobs and posts in public sector undertakings. 
According to the official notification released in Gangtok, the horizontal reservation will be applicable with immediate effect only to BPL persons of Sikkim origin.
Latest figures issued by the Planning Commission have said that just about 8 percent (about 55 thousand) people of Sikkim lives below poverty line.

Jammu and Kashmir raised retirement age of employee to 60

Jammu and Kashmir government on 3 June 2014 announced the enhancement of the retirement age of government employees from 58 to 60 years. The cabinet also raised the upper age limit for youths to obtain government jobs from 37 to 40 years.

It also announced several other employee-friendly measures and pledged itself to redress their grievances. Besides, it also decided to absorb all temporary casual labourers and need-based workers who have completed 7-year of service into regular government services. The decision will benefit more than 60000 employees in Jammu and Kashmir.

Israel announced a series of resolutions against new Palestinian Unity Government

Israel on 2 June 2014 announced a series of resolutions against the new Palestinian Unity government. The sanctions came in the wake of the swearing-in of Palestinian Unity Government on 2 June 2014. The new unity government was formed after reconciliation deal agreed between Fatah and Hamas.

The diplomatic security cabinet of Israel in its meeting at Jerusalem decided to continue the suspension of the negotiations with a Hamas-backed Palestinian government.

It also agreed to authorize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to impose further sanctions against the Palestinian government.

Further it was decided to hold Palestinian government responsible for any attacks against Israelis originating from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Earlier on 1 June 2014, the Israeli cabinet agreed to impose economic sanctions against the Palestinian government, and reallocate tax money generated from these sanction to pay off the Palestinians debts to Israeli companies.

Global Day of Parents observed on 1 June

The Global Day of Parents was observed across the world on 1 June 2014. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents across the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice to nurture the relationship. 
About Global Day of Parents 
Global Day of Parents is being observed every year following proclamation by UN General Assembly proclaimed in 2012 with resolution adopted on 17 September 2012 to honour parents throughout the world.
The resolution also notes that family has the primary responsibility to protect and nurture the children for their full and harmonious development of their personality by providing an environment of happiness, love and understanding.

 

Amla appointed as test cricket captain of South Africa

Hashim Amla was appointed as new test captain of South African cricket team on 3 June 2014. Amla is the successor of Graeme Smith who retired in March 2014 after serving the test side of South African cricket for more than a decade. 
AB de Villers, the captain of the ODI squad and seemed to be the front runner for the job was appointed as the vice-captain of the Test squad. However, Amla will be his deputy in the ODI squad.

After being named as the Captain of the test cricket, 31-year-old Amla of Indian-origin became the first black South African to lead the national side. He is also the fifth permanent Test captain of Proteas (nickname of South African cricket team), since they were readmitted to international cricket in 1992 after Kepler Wessels, Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock and Smith – who announced his international retirement in March. Earlier during the apartheid era, the South-African cricket team included only white people. 
Amla’s first job after this appointment is to lead the South African team against Sri Lanka for two matches in July 2014. 
• Cricket South Africa Chief Executive - Haroon Lorgat

India became the second largest exporter of textiles in the world: UN Comtrade

India became the second largest exporter of textiles in the world. This was revealed by the recent data released by UN Comtrade in Global Textiles as well as Apparel Exports.

Global Textile Exports

• In Global Textiles Exports, India overtook Italy to become the second largest exporter. China still remains the largest exporter of textiles in the world.
• India’s share in Global Textiles increased by 17.5% in the year 2013 compared to 2012. As a result India's share in the global textile exports in 2013 is 5.2%
• Currently India’s textiles exports to the world stand at 40.2 billion US dollars.
• Indian textile exports grew by 23%. This is in contrast to global textile growth rate of only 4.7%, and China and Bangladesh growth rate of 11.4% and 15.4% respectively.
• This growth in the increase in share of the textiles exports from India is mainly due to the growth in the Apparel and Clothing sector which accounts for almost 43% of the share alone.

Apparel Export

• In the apparel exports ranking of India improved from 8th position in 2012 to 6th position in 2013.
• India’s apparel exports, was to the tune of 15.7 billion US dollars in 2013, as against 12.9 billion US dollars in 2012.
• Among the top five global clothing suppliers except for the Vietnam; India’s apparel exports growth was highest registering 21.8% growth during the year 2013.
• Apparel exports from India accounts for 3.7% of share in the global readymade garment exports

The improvement in the position of India in both the textile exports and apparel exports is the result of the Government policy of diversification of market and product base. Besides, India also leveraged its raw material strengths and followed sustained better compliance practices which attracted the buyers and international brands across globe to source from India.

Indian and French Air Force started Garuda V bilateral air exercise at Jodhpur Air Base

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air Force (FAF) commenced the bilateral exercise Garuda V on 2 June 2014 at Jodhpur Air Base. The bilateral air exercise is fifth in the series and will end on 13 June 2014. 
The aim of the exercise is to enhance operational co-operation and to validate capabilities. 
The 2014 edition of the exercise will involve the assets of Indian Air Force’s main operational formations like Gandhinagar based South Western Command and Allahabad based Central Air Command.
During the exercise both the Air Forces would engage in operations based on their operational philosophy and methodology of operations practicing various challenging air situation scenarios. The exercise would help both Air Forces to appreciate the intricacies of planning and conduct of combat missions in an operational environment. During the war game, both the Air Forces will practice aerial warfare which would include maneuvers to carry out surgical strikes.
Representatives from the two Air Forces in Ex Garuda V 
• Indian Air Force will be represented by – frontline fighter aircrafts of IAF including the SU 30, Mig-27 (UPG), Mig 21 Bison and force multipliers like the AWACS and Flight Refueller Aircraft IL 78 would be participating from the Indian Air Force
• French Air Force will be represented by - frontline Rafale Fighter aircraft along with their KC 135 Refueller
About Garuda Exercise
First Garuda Exercise was undertaken in February 2003 at the Indian Air Base of Gwalior, when four Mirage 2000 RDI from the Cambric airbase constituted the French participation. The last edition of the Garuda exercise, Garuda IV was held in 2010 at Istres, France

Kavery Banerjee appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 31 May 2014 approved the appointment of Kavery Banerjee as Secretary, Department of Posts. 
Besides this, Banerjee, an IPoS (Indian Postal Service) of 1978 batch, was also appointed as Chairperson of Postal Services Board and Director General of Postal Services. Before this appointment, Banerjee was serving Postal Services Board as Member (Technology).
Banerjee was appointed after P Gopinath, an IPoS of 1977 batch retired from the office on 31 May 2014. Gopinath was elevated to the post of Secretary from the position of Member (Technology) of Postal Services Board. 
About Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet is a body whose approval is required for all senior appointments in the Government of India under the Government of India Transactions of Business Rules, 1961. These appointments include Board level appointments in Public Sector Undertakings and appointments to the posts at the level of Joint Secretary.

Union Rural Development Minister Gopitnath Munde died

Union Rural Development Minister, Gopinath Munde of BJP died in a road accident in Delhi on 3 June 2014. Munde was sworn-in as the Cabinet Minister for Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation and Rural Development on 26 May 2014.

About Gopinath Munde
• Munde was born in Parali of Beed district on 12 December 1949.

He was a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for five terms from 1980 to 1985 and then from 1990 to 2009.    
• He was the Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1992 to 1995 and held the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999.
• He won the Lok Sabha election from Beed constituency for the first time in 2009 and served as Deputy Leader of Opposition in 15th Lok Sabha (2009-2014).
• He also was the Chairman of the Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers in 15th Lok Sabha. 
• He won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Beed Constituency by a margin of 2 lakh, defeating National Congress Party's (NCPs) Suresh Dhas.

Scientists at NDRI cloned female buffalo calf Lalima

Scientists at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) on 2 June 2014 cloned female buffalo calf, Lalima. Lalima was produced through indigenously developed Hand-guided Cloning Technique.
Lalima weighs 42-kg and is a female calf. It is the seventh buffalo clone produced by NDRI.
Scientists used the institute's indigenously developed hand-guided cloning technique where somatic cells from an ear of a Murrah buffalo were taken to produce a clone. Murrah is high milk yielding mature buffalo.
The team of the scientists involved in the production of this cloned calf, are Dr. S.K. Singla, Dr. M.S. Chauhan, Dr. R.S. Manik, Dr. P. Palta, Dr. Shiv Parsad and Dr. Basanti Jyotsana.
In the Lalima case, she was produced after standard gestation period, born through normal parturition without any assistance and had normal birth weight.

Importance of the Hand-guided cloning technique

This new achievement of producing cloned calf from adult lactating animals by Hand-guided Cloning technique will facilitate faster multiplication of elite germplasm and help to face the challenges of increasing demands of milk due to growing human population.

The world’s largest population of buffaloes is in India and they contribute about 55 per cent of the total milk production in the country
Practically there are two windows in which cloning technique will be very useful to dairy sector for faster multiplication of superior germplasm i.e. (i) through males by producing clone of progeny tested bulls and (ii) through females by producing clone of high yielding lactating females.
About Cloning
Cloning is the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals that occurs in nature when organisms such as bacteria, insects or plants reproduce asexually. Cloning is the process which is used to create copies of DNA fragments (molecular cloning), cells (cell cloning), or organisms.
Dolly, a Finn-Dorset ewe, was the first mammal successfully cloned from an adult cell. She was cloned at the Roslin Institute in Scotland and lived there from her birth in 1996 until her death in 2003 when she was six.

Wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar won Gold and Silver

Wrestlers Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar on 1 June 2014 won Gold and Silver respectively at the International wrestling tournament held in Sassari city of Italy.

London Olympics Bronze medalist Yogeshwar won the Gold medal in his new weight category of 65kg. On the other hand, two-time Olympic medalist Sushil won the Silver in his new weight category of 74kg.

Besides, World Championship bronze medalist Bajrang and Satywart Kadian won Silver medal in the 61kg category and 97kg category respectively. Krishan Kumar won bronze in the 120 category in men's freestyle.

In women’s category:  Shilpi Sheoran and Joyti won the bronze in the 55kg category and in the 75kg category respectively.

Overall putting a strong performance before the Commonwealth Glasgow Games 2014, India won 7 medals which included 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. India has sent a team of 12 wrestlers to participate in the game.

Background
The World Wrestling Federation in 2013 dropped 60kg and 66kg from its programme and introduced variations in the other weight categories. Now, wrestlers from 66kg and 74 kg have to compete in one weight division.

Sushil had won a Bronze medal at Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a Silver medal at London in 2012 in the 66kg category. On the other hand, Yogeshwar had won a Bronze medal at London Olympics in 2012 in the 60kg division.

IAF mountaineering team explored unclimbed peak of Mt Gorichen in Arunachal Pradesh

Mt Gorichen peak of Arunachal Pradesh: Indian Air Force explored unclimbed Peak 

Indian Air Force (IAF) mountaineering expedition team explored an unclimbed peak of Mt Gorichen (5587 meters) in Arunachal Pradesh. The team was led by Wing Commander D Panda. This was the first expedition of IAF into this region of Eastern Himalayas. 

The peak lies on the west of Mt Gorichen and was christened as Mt Garud Parvat by air warriors who climbed it for the first time in history.
The team of Air Force comprised of 15 air warriors that included of both experienced and newly trained mountaineers completed the expedition in two groups on 14 May and 15 May 2014. The team comprised of 15 air warriors was flagged off by Air Marshall HB Rajaram Air Officer in-charge administration from Delhi on 24 April 2014.

King of Spain Juan Carlos I decided to abdicate the throne

King of Spain Juan Carlos announced on 2 June 2014 to abdicate the throne in favour of his son Crown Prince Felipe. The decision to abdicate was announced in the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. His full name is Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias.
King Juan Carlos served the country for nearly 40 years. Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy has confirmed the announcement of abdication of Juan Carlos.
About Juan Carlos 
•    Juan Carlos was born in Rome in 1938 in exile. 
•    Juan Carlos was born to Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona, and Princess Maria Mercedes of Bourbon.
•    Juan Carlos' father, Juan de Borbon, was the third son of Alfonso XIII, who had abdicated in 1931 after Republican parties won a municipal election that many had framed as a referendum on Spain's monarchy.
•    The head of the House of Bourbon was defeated in a civil war against Nationalist forces led by Gen. Francisco Franco in 1938.
•    In 1948, Juan Carlos made first trip to Spain, after Franco was agreed to a Spanish education for the Juan Carlos I.
•    Till 1960, he carried out military training and became the first Spanish officer to hold the rank of lieutenant in all three branches of the military.
•    In 1969, he was by The weDownload Manager">invested as Crown Prince and the designated successor to Franco.
•    After Franco's death in 1975, Juan Carlos was crowned King of Spain, restoring the monarchy after a 44-year interregnum.
•    In 1977, he enacted political reforms a series of reforms like the legalization of the Communist Party and Spain's first democratic election since 1936. 
•    Later on, the reforms led to the approval of a new constitution for Spain. 
•    During his reign, Spain grew into an economic powerhouse and a vacation playground for Europe.
•    In 1981, he had a decisive role in stopping a military coup that sought to bring elements of the Franco regime back.
•    In 2012, he led a controversial elephant-hunting trip to Africa when the Spain was badly stuck in an economic crisis.
•    King Juan Carlos belonged to House of Borbon.

Role of a King
As per the Constitution of Spain, the king is the head-of-state and commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armed Forces. In 1978, constitution of Spain was amended.
The Spanish Constitution in 1978 reestablished a constitutional monarchy as the form of government for Spain. The 1978 constitution affirmed the role of the King of Spain as the personification and embodiment of the Spanish State and a symbol of Spain's enduring unity and permanence. 
About House of Borbon 
House of Borbon is a branch of the Capetian dynasty. The head of the House of Bourbon had taken over Spain's monarchy in 1713 from the Habsburgs. 
The House of Bourbon is a European royal house of French origin. Bourbon kings first ruled Navarre and France in the 16th century. By the 18th century, members of the Bourbon dynasty also held thrones in Spain, Naples, Sicily, and Parma. 
France, Spain and Luxembourg currently have Bourbon monarchs. 
Spain cabinet approved abdication plan
The Government of Spain had approved a legislation that allowed King Juan Carlos to abdicate and to hand over his duties to Crown Prince Felipe.
Article 57 of the Constitution of Spain, said that in case of abdication, the succession must be resolved by an organic law.
An organic law is one which is required for new developments in the most fundamental aspects of law and must be passed by a majority of all members of the lower house of parliament, not just a majority of those present.
The voting was scheduled for 11 June 2014 and then new monarch can then be proclaimed immediately.
Currently serving Kings of House of Borbon
In France 
•    Prince Henri, Count of Paris (Henry VII) [1999 – Present)
In Spain
•    Juan Carlos I I, King of Spain, [1975–present]
In Luxembourg
•    Henri (2000–present)
Recent monarchs who abdicated in Europe 
•    Belgium: King Albert II of Belgium, stepped down on 21 July 2013 
•    Netherlands: Dutch Queen Beatrix, abdicated on 30 April 2013 
•    Leichtenstein: Prince Hans-Adam II abdicated on 15 August 2004
•    Luxembourg: Grand Duke Jean abdicated on 7 October 2000
In other countries 
•    Qatar: The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, abdicated on 25 June 2013 
•    Cambodia: Norodom Sihanouk abdicated on 7 October 2004 
Comment 
The decision of Spanish King Juan Carlos make him the latest European monarch to decide to end his days in retirement and not on the throne.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands started a trend toward retiring royalty when she announced her abdication in 2013 after a 33-year reign. She was quickly followed by her Belgian counterpart, King Albert, and by Juan Carlos I.

Korean Scientists developed robot Raptor that can outrun Usain Bolt

Korean Scientists on 1 June 2014 developed robot Raptor that can outrun Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the Earth. The Raptor was developed by Korean Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The robot Raptor is very fast, although, robot can run only on a treadmill. The Raptor can run at 46 kilometers per hour or 28 miles per hour much faster than the Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt  who run at top speed of 44.7kph (27.44 mph).

The Cheetah is even faster than both Bolt and the robot Raptor. It is capable of running as fast as 47 kph (29.3 mph).

Characteristic Features of Raptor

• The robot has two nimble legs and a mechanism that mimics a tail
• Raptor is a compact, 3kg machine, with legs made of lightweight composite material
• Raptor has feet made from carbon-fiber prosthetic blades.
• Raptor has springs for its Achilles tendons.
• Raptor has a tail that helps keep him balanced, the tail moves back and forth like a spinning counterbalance to keep the robot steady.
• Raptor used its tail to dodge or jump over obstacles like wooden blocks that are placed in its way. It can even use the tail to help it knock some of the obstacles out of its way.

Salvador Sanchez Ceren sworn-in as the President of El Salvador

Former left wing rebel leader Salvador Sanchez Ceren was sworn-in as the President of El Salvador on 1 June 2014. Sanchez of Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front party (FMLN) is the first former guerrilla commander to lead the Central American country.

Earlier in a run-off vote held on 9 March 2014, he defeated the conservative candidate, Norman Quijano by 0.2 percent. His party FMLN became a political party in 1992 after peace accords.

Salvador Sanchez Ceren will succeed outgoing Mauricio Funes, who served the country as President from 2009 to 2014. Sanchez under Funes government served the country as the Vice-President.

Sanchez in his inauguration speech promised to fight with corruption and violence and to govern for everybody. El Salvador is a country that remained violent as well as is deeply divided despite the end of the civil war. The civil war of El Salvador claimed lives of about 75000 people.

Telangana became the 29th state of India on 2 June 2014

Telangana became the 29th State of India with Hyderabad as its capital on 2 June 2014. With this formation, ten districts of the then Andhra Pradesh will now become a part of the Telangana. 
Also, the President rule imposed on united Andhra Pradesh was revoked partially. It was revoked in the newly-created State Telangana to facilitate the swearing-in of the TRS government. 
Chandrasekhar Rao, the chief of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) was sworn-in as the first Chief Minister of Telangana. Rao took the oath along with eleven Cabinet Ministers.
Earlier ESL Narasimhan, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, took oath as the Governor of Telangana. Narasimhan will be the Governor of the two states till a permanent arrangement is made for Telangana. 
Further, the President’s rule will continue in residual Andhra Pradesh till TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu takes oath as Chief Minister, which is scheduled on 8 June 2014. 
Analysis 
Telangana is the first state in India to be carved out from a State with same language (Telugu) after three Hindi speaking States were formed in 2001, namely Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. 
The formation of Telangana as a State with same linguistic background raises question over Nehruvian policy of creating State on the basis of language. It also raises question whether there is a need to form another State Reorganisation Commission.
About formation of Telangana
Andhra Pradesh was formed (1st state on language basis) as a state on 1 November 1956 according the recommendation of State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) 1953. The state was formed following Gentleman Agreement in accordance with the Mulki Rules. Telangana, which was a part of Hyderabad state, was merged with Andhra State on this day and following this merger People of the Telangana region started agitation in 1956. Telangana, a part of the pre-independence Madras Presidency was merged with Andhra on a promise of safeguarding the rights and interests of the region. 
The merger was done on the basis of recommendation of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), which was formed in 1953. The SRC was headed by the retired chief Justice of Supreme Court Fazal Ali and the commission itself was known as the Fazal Ali Commission.
With the failure of Mulki rules (which were supposed to be followed but was not followed) the movement intensified in 1969 under the leadership of M Channa Reddy and Telanagana Praja Samithi. More than 300 people were killed in the violence that spread as follow-up action of protests. Further, the Telangana movement declined in the seventies as Channa merged his party with the Congress and was made the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh by Indira Gandhi. 
In 1985 the Andhra Pradesh Government under the leadership of NT Rama Rao has created 610 Government Order (GO) under which the people of Telangana were supposed to get equal opportunities in employment and education, which was not fulfilled.
Because of the failure of 610 GO functions, led to the rise of the movement again in 2001, when Chandrasekhar Rao left Telugu Desam Party and formed Telangana Rastra Samithi. Congress once again joined hands with Rao in 2004 with a promise of formation of a new state but failed to do so. 
Earlier, the Union Government declared on 9 December 2009 division of Andhra Pradesh and formation of Telangana the 29th State of Indian Union. But this decision of government led to agitation among the people of the state (Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema), which led to constitution of Srikrishna Committee in February 2010 for consultation and look into the situation of state, Andhra Pradesh. The committee headed by Justice (Retd) BN Srikrishna submitted its findings with six recommendations on division of the state in December 2010. This report and recommendation was the last nail that struck into the division of the state into two parts. 
Telangana as a State was formed after the assent of President of India on 1 March 2014 which was also published in the Indian gazette. The state Telangana was formed according to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganiosation Bill 2014.
Constitutional Provision of creation of a State in Indian Union 
The provision of creation or division of a state in Constitution of India is mentioned in Article 3 and 4 of Constitution of India. The Constitutional framework was restructured on the basis of recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission following which the Constitution saw the Seventh Amendment in 1956. The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956 revised the framework of the two Articles. 
Articles 3 & 4 of the constitution
Article 3 states: Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States.-
Parliament may by law-  
(a)  Form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State
(b) Increase the area of any State
(c) Diminish the area of any State
(d) Alter the boundaries of any State
(e) Alter  the  name  of any State: Provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House  of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless,  where  the proposal contained in the Bill affects  the  area, boundaries  or  name  of any of the States, the Bill  has  been referred  by  the  President  to the Legislature  of  that  State  for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired.
Explanation  I.-In  this  article, in clauses (a) to  (e),  "State" includes  a  Union  territory, but in the proviso,  "State"  does  not include a Union territory.      
Explanation  II.- The  power  conferred  on Parliament  by  clause  (a) includes the power to form a new State or Union territory by uniting a part  of  any  State or Union territory to any other  State  or  Union territory.
Article 4 states: Laws made under articles 2 and 3 to provide for the amendment of the First and the Fourth Schedules and supplemental, incidental and consequential matters.-   
(1)  Any  law referred to in  article 2 or article 3 shall contain such provisions for the amendment of the First Schedule and the Fourth Schedule as may be necessary to give effect to the  provisions  of  the law and may also contain such supplemental, incidental  and  consequential provisions (including provisions as  to representation in Parliament and in the Legislature or Legislatures of the  State  or States affected by such law) as  Parliament  may   deem necessary.
(2)  No such law as aforesaid shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Constitution for the purposes of article 368.

Angela Merkel topped Forbes Most Powerful Women List 2014

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel topped the Forbes annual list of Most Powerful Women 2014 in the world. The annual list of Forbes was released on 28 May 2014. Angela Merkel topped the list for fourth year in a row and nine times overall.  
Five Indian women have also featured in Forbes 100 most powerful women List.  Chief of Pepsico, Indian born Indra Nooyi was ranked 13th  and Chief Technology and Strategy Officer of Cisco Padmasree Warrior is ranked 71st in the list.

Other Indians who made in to the list are State Bank of India Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya (36th) ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar (43rd) and Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (92nd).
The list of Top ten Most Powerful Women

Rank	Name	Company
1	Angela Merkel	Chancellor of Germany
2	Janet Yellen	Chairman of US Federal Reserve Bank
3	Melinda Gates	Co-Chairperson of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
4	Dilma Rouseff	President of Brazil
5	Christine Lagarde	Managing Director of IMF
6	Hillary Rodham Clinton	Former US Secretary of State
7	Mary Barra	CEO of General Motors
8	Michelle Obama	US First Lady
9	Sheryl Sandberg	COO of Facebook
10	Virginia Rometty	CEO of IBM

Peter Mutharika sworn-in as President of Malawi

Peter Mutharika was sworn-in as President of Malawi on 31 May 2014.  He won the presidential election of Malawi by defeating previous President Joyce Banda. The result was announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on 30 May 2014.

Peter Mutharika, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party obtained 36.4percent of the vote, former preacher Lazarus Chakwera came second with 27.8 percent of the vote and Banda obtained 20.2 percent of the vote.

Banda called for the whole election to be annulled, denouncing serious irregularities and claiming the contest was null and void. The High Court rejected to block the release of the results following which Chief Election commissioner declared Mutharika as the winner.

Chandrashekhar Rao sworn-in as the First Chief Minister of Telengana

Chandrashekhar Rao was sworn-in as the first Chief Minister of Telengana, which became the 29th state of Indian Union. He took oath administered by the Governor ESL Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on 2 June 2014.

Along with Rao (TRS Party) eleven ministers also took oath as the cabinet ministers. The ministers are Mahmood Ali, Dr T Rajaiah, Nayani, Etala, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Harish Rao, KT Rama Rao and others.

Telangana became 29th state of the Indian Union on 2 June 2014. Union Home Ministry announced that Presidential Rule in newly-created Telangana region has been revoked.

The presidential rule will be continued in the residual Andhra Pradesh until TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu takes oath as Chief Minister scheduled on 8 June 2014. 
About Chandrashekhar Rao
• Rao was born in Medak District of Hyderabad State in 1954.
• KCR joined the TDP in 1983 and quit the TDP party in 2001.
• He worked as Minister of Drought & Relief in NT Ramarao's cabinet.
• Under the leadership of K Chandra Sekhar  Telangana Rashtra  Samiti (TRS) was formed to demand for a separate state in 2001.

Last US Prisoner of War Bowe Bergdahl freed in swap deal with Taliban

Last US Prisoner of War in Afghanistan Bowe Bergdahl was freed on 1 June 2014 in swap deal with Taliban. He was freed in exchange of five detainees who was held at the U.S. military-detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was the only US soldier to be held captive in Afghanistan. He was captured in 2009.

Those who were released included Afghanistan’s deputy defense minister under Taliban rule and others who played roles in the regime that helped shield people involved in the 11 September 2001, terrorist attacks.

Swap decided on after secret talks between US and Taliban for 3 years. Government of Qatar has negotiated the deal.
Analysis
With the release of the Bowe Bergdahl debate began on whether the deal to free him was a dangerous concession to terrorists, or a necessary move that will aid the violence-wracked country’s long-term stability.
The swap deal raised concerns among Republican lawmakers that it would encourage the kidnapping of more Americans abroad.

Solar Impulse 2 made inaugural flight from Payerne Airfield

Payerne airfield in Switzerland: Solar Impulse 2 plane made its inaugural flight
Solar powered plane, Solar Impulse 2 made its inaugural flight on 2 May 2014 from Payerne airfield in Switzerland. Solar Impulse 2 is the same plane that would be taken on a first round the world flight on solar aircraft in 2015. 
The plane was an upgraded version of the aircraft that flew across America in 2013 and was piloted by adventurers Betrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg at the controls.
About Solar Impulse-2 
• Solar Impulse-2 plane is as wide as 747 jet but weighs less than three tonnes
• It is the only airplane of perpetual endurance and is able to fly day and night on solar power, without a drop of fuel 
• The plane has been designed and engineered to demonstrate that how clean technologies can change the world

Anand Mahindra became first Indian to receive Harvard Medal

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand G Mahindra on 29 May 2014 became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Harvard Medal. The award was presented during the Harvard's 363rd Commencement at the annual meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.
He was chosen for this award for his dedication, generosity and service to the university.

Anand Mahindra is an alumnus of Harvard University. He did his graduation from Harvard in 1977.
Mahindra is also a founding member of the university's South Asia Institute (SAI), the HBS India Research Center, and the SAI field office in Mumbai, India. He is also a long-time member of the Asia Center Advisory Committee.

Human Proteome Map deciphering 84% of human proteins published

Human Proteome Map (HPM) deciphering 84% of human proteins was published in British Journal Nature on 28 May 2014. This is for the first time that a near complete protein maps of human beings. 
The draft map of human proteome was drawn by an international team of scientists led by Akhilesh Pandey of the Johns Hopkins University in the U.S and Harsha Gowda at the Institute of Bioinformatics in Bangalore.

The proteins deciphered have been derived from 30 histologically normal human samples and have been encoded from 17294 genes. The identified proteins cover more than 84% of the annotated protein-coding genes in humans. The number of identified proteins, as per the study, stands at 30057.
The draft map of the human proteome was prepared using high-resolution Fourier-transform mass spectrometry. 
The research could offer deeper insight into why humans suffer from diabetes, cancer and cardiac problems among other diseases.
From bacteria to humans, genes are made up of units of DNA known as base pairs. The sequence of base pairs in genes informed about a cell's molecular machinery what proteins to produce. Ultimately, it is the proteins that carry out a myriad processes essential for life.

Government abolished all GoMs & EGoMs for greater accountability and empowerment

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India on 31 may 2014 abolished existing nine Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoMs) and 21 Groups of Ministers (GoMs). 
With the abolition of all GoMs and EGoMs now all the decisions related to critical policy matters will be taken up by the Ministries and Departments. This will help in infusing greater accountability and transparency.
In case of Ministries facing any difficulty they will be assisted by the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s office in decision making process.
Earlier during the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh, the GoMs and EGoMs were a preferred route to decide on critical policies which led to delays in decision-making due to inter-ministerial tug-of-war
During the UPA-II tenure, there were 78 GoMs and 16 EGoMs, which was higher than of UPA-I period.

Forbes Magazine released 100 most Innovative Growth Companies List

The Forbes magazine released 100 most Innovative Growth Companies List on 28 May 2014. New Zealand software accounting firm Xero topped the list with an enterprise value of 4.4 billion US dollars.  
The nine Indian firms have made it into the list. Godrej Consumer Products topped among the Indian firms and was ranked 31st with an enterprise value of 4.25 billion US dollars.
Other Indian firms on the list include ABB India (rank 37), Marico (rank 53), United Breweries (rank 60), Siemens India (rank 63), Asian Paints (rank 76), Nestle India (rank 78), Colgate Palmolive India (rank 87) and Divi's Labs (rank 99).
The list has been made on the basis of Innovation Premium which is a measure of how much investors have bid up the stock price of a company above the value of its existing business based on expectations of future innovative results (new products, services and markets).

The top 10 firms of Most Innovative Growth Companies List

Rank	Company
1	Xero, IT Software & Services
2	NetSuite, IT Software & Services
3	Monitise, IT Software & Services
4	Insulet, Healthcare Equipment &Svcs
5	DexCom, Healthcare Equipment &Svcs
6	ASOS, Retailing
7	Athenahealth, Healthcare Equipment &Svcs
8	Ultimate Software, IT Software & Services
9	M3,  Healthcare Equipment &Svcs
10	Concur Technologies, IT Software & Services

The list has been made on the basis of Innovation Premium which is a measure of how much investors have bid up the stock price of a company above the value of its existing business based on expectations of future innovative results .

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Kings XI Punjab to win IPL 2014 for second time

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 1 June 2014 won the seventh edition of Indian Premier League 2014 by defeating Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by three wickets in the final played at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. This is the second title triumph for KKR after their maiden win back in 2012. 
Batting first Wriddhiman Saha century in 49 balls helped KXIP to set a mammoth score of 199 run to be chased by KKR. Batting second as chasers, KKR’s Manish Pandey fuelled a match-winning 94 off 50 balls. 
With this win, Kolkata Knight Riders that choose to field first after winning the toss has now joined Chennai Super Kings, as a team that has claimed two IPL trophies. Earlier, KKR defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final match in 2012.
• Man of the Match: Manish Pandey
• Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Bruce Oxenford, S Ravi, CK Nandan 
• Referee: Roshan Mahanama
Captains of the two teams 
• Kolkata Knight Riders: Gautam Gambhir 
• Kings XI Punjab: George Bailey
The previous winners of the IPL are as follows
• IPL Season 1: Rajasthan Royals
• IPL Season 2: Deccan Chargers
• IPL Season 3: Chennai Super Kings
• IPL Season 4: Chennai Super Kings
• IPL Season 5: Kolkata Knight Riders
• IPL Season 6: Mumbai Indians