Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Starred Articles

310 dead, 450 injured in Haj stampede in Saudi Arabia
World > Haj Disaster > 24th September
At least 717 pilgrims from around the world were killed in a crush outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi authorities said, in the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage for 25 years.


India, US sign $3-billion deal for Apache,Chinook copters
India > India-US Deal > 29th September
India signed a nearly $3 billion deal for purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing and the US government. The first helicopter is likely to be handed over to India in the next three to four years.


India pips US, China as No. 1 foreign direct investment destination
India > Foreign Direct Investment > 30th September
India has emerged on top of the foreign direct investment league table, overtaking China and the United States, according to the FT data service. A ranking of the top destinations for greenfield investment (measured by estimated capital expenditure) in the first half of 2015 shows India at number one, having attracted roughly $3 billion more than China and $4 billion more than the US, according to the Financial Times newspaper.


India-built biggest warship INS Kochi commissioned to navy
India > INS Kochi > 30th September
India’s biggest, indigenously-built warship INS Kochi was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Union defence minister Manohar Parikkar at the Mumbai dockyard. Commissioning it, Parikkar described the 7,500-tonne vessel, capable of speeds of more than 30 knots and there is renewed enthusiasm among defense production units, PSUs and private sectors.


Others

India, Iran and Afghanistan come together for international transit corridor
Economy > International Transit Corridor > 24th September
India is looking to step up the pedal over its ambitious Chabahar port project in Iran by signing an international transit corridor agreement with Iran and Afghanistan. One of the reasons why the port project is important for India as it will facilitate access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.


India to 'hike green energy targets' to combat climate change
Politics and Government > Renewable Energy > 24th September
India promises to hike renewable energy targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in long-awaited pledges to be announced next week for upcoming UN climate change talks. India will increase solar and wind energy capacity but it's unclear whether it will commit to a timeline for reducing its overall carbon emissions blamed for climate change.


PM Modi to host G-4 meet in New York to push for UNSC reforms
India > G-4 Meet > 24th September
India announced a summit of G-4 countries, the leading proponents of UN Security Council expansion, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the US. The summit, which was mooted by India, will be hosted by Modi at the hotel Waldorf Astoria and will be attended by Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, German chancellor Angela Merkel and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.


India launches its first space observatory Astrosat
India > Space > 28th September
India launched its first space observatory, Astrosat, from the country’s main space centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, becoming a member of the select group of space organisations to have a lookout in orbit after the US, Japan, Russia and Europe. The satellite was zoomed into space by a PSLV C-30 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 10am.


Government unveils framework for ranking Indian institutes, list to be out in 2016
India > Indian Institutes Ranking > 30th September
The government unveiled a framework for ranking annually engineering and management institutes taking into account placement, entrepreneurship, compensation package, research activity and inclusiveness through reservations among others.


Madhesi border blockade sparks anti-India feelings in Nepal
World > Nepal > 30th September
The disruption in cross-border trade between India and Nepal following protests by Madhesis has affected markets and citizens across both sides of the un-demarcated border.


Pakistan hits back over PoK report, claims visuals doctored, propaganda of Indian media
World > PoK Report > 30th September
A day after Pakistan government's brutality in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir was exposed, the nation claimed that the visuals were doctored and called it a propaganda of the Indian media.


PM Modi meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urges him to pass on info on Indians held captive in Mosul
World > PM Modi Meets Palestinian President > 30th September
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, discussed the condition of the Indians taken as prisoners in Iraq and Libya in New York before leaving for India. Modi also urged Abbas to pass on any information that he might have on the status of 39 Indians held captive.


Barack Obama says that Syria leader Assad must go if Islamic State is to be defeated
World > Islamic State > 30th September
US President Barack Obama said that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad must go if the Islamic State group is to be defeated, as he rallied world leaders to revitalize the coalition campaign against the jihadists.

A day after clashing with Russian President Vladimir Putin over how to handle the crisis in Syria, Obama hosted a counterterrorism summit at the United Nations to take stock of the one-year air war against IS fighters in Iraq and Syria.



Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Starred Articles

310 dead, 450 injured in Haj stampede in Saudi Arabia
World > Haj Disaster > 24th September
At least 717 pilgrims from around the world were killed in a crush outside the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi authorities said, in the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage for 25 years.


India, Iran and Afghanistan come together for international transit corridor
Economy > International Transit Corridor > 24th September
India is looking to step up the pedal over its ambitious Chabahar port project in Iran by signing an international transit corridor agreement with Iran and Afghanistan. One of the reasons why the port project is important for India as it will facilitate access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.


India launches its first space observatory Astrosat
India > Space > 28th September
India launched its first space observatory, Astrosat, from the country’s main space centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, becoming a member of the select group of space organisations to have a lookout in orbit after the US, Japan, Russia and Europe. The satellite was zoomed into space by a PSLV C-30 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 10am.


World Tourism Day observed with theme One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities
Days > World Tourism Day > 28th September
World Tourism Day was observed across the world on 27 September 2015. The theme of the World Tourism Day 2015 is One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities.
The theme wants you to talk Tourism and help to raise awareness of its impact on countries and communities around the world. It talks about its potential as a force for good and creating a better world for all.


Others

Indra Nooyi, Shobhana Bhartia awarded with 2015 Global Leadership Award of USIBC
Awards > USIBC > 23rd September
PepsiCo Chairman Indra Nooyi and Hindustan Times Group chairperson Shobhana Bharatia were on 22 September 2015 awarded with the 2015 Global Leadership Award of the US-India Business Council (USIBC). They were honoured for their roles as top women leaders in the Business world and their commitment to drive a more inclusive global economy.


Paytm plans to launch payments bank by March
Banking and Insurance > Paytm > 23rd September
Mobile payments and commerce company Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who received in-principle nod from the RBI to set up a payments bank, is planning to start the bank this fiscal year itself.


World Rhino Day observed across the world
Days > World Rhino Day > 23rd September
The World Rhino Day was observed on 22 September 2015. The day is observed to celebrate all five species of rhino and they are Black, White, Greater one-horned, Sumatran and Javan rhinos. The World Rhino Day was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010.


Union Government released National Health Profile 2015
Politics and Government > National Health Profile 2015 > 23rd September
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on 22 September 2015 released the National Health Profile (NHP) 2015 prepared by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI). The National Health Profile covers demographic, socio-economic, health status and health finance indicators, along with comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health.


Mukesh Ambani India's richest for 9th year
Corporate > Mukesh Ambani > 24th September
Industrialist Mukesh Ambani was named India's richest for ninth year in a row with a net worth of USD 18.9 billion even as his wealth dipped by USD 4.7 billion in a year.


PM Modi to host G-4 meet in New York to push for UNSC reforms
India > G-4 meet > 24th September
India announced a summit of G-4 countries, the leading proponents of UN Security Council expansion, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the US. The summit, which was mooted by India, will be hosted by Modi at the hotel Waldorf Astoria and will be attended by Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, German chancellor Angela Merkel and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.


Mangalyaan turns one, ISRO celebrates birthday
Science and Technology > ISRO > 24th September
India's globally acclaimed Mars mission completed one year today with Indian Space Research Organisation releasing the Mars Atlas to mark the feat of the Orbiter whose life is now expected to last many more years.


India to 'hike green energy targets' to combat climate change
Politics and Government > Renewable Energy > 24th September
India promises to hike renewable energy targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, in long-awaited pledges to be announced next week for upcoming UN climate change talks. India will increase solar and wind energy capacity but it's unclear whether it will commit to a timeline for reducing its overall carbon emissions blamed for climate change.


Sania Mirza-Martina Hingis won Ghangzhou Open Women’s Doubles title
Sports > Tennis > 28th September
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis on 26 September 2015 won the Guangzhou Open title of tennis. The top-seeded Indo-Swiss pair defeated the Chinese pair of Xu Shilin and You Xiaodi 6-3, 6-1 in the summit clash held at Guangzhou of China. It was Sania's seventh title of the 2015 season and sixth with Hingis.


India, US sign $3-billion deal for Apache,Chinook copters
India > India, US Deal > 29th September
India signed a nearly $3 billion deal for purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing and the US government. The first helicopter is likely to be handed over to India in the next three to four years.



Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Starred Articles

Government begins work on National Electricity Plan for 24x7 Power
Politics and Government > National Electricity Plan
Gearing up for its ambitious plan to provide 24x7 power to all, the government has started the process of drafting National Electricity Plan for next five years which will outline sector's projections, including generation.


Nepal snubs India, adopts constitution amid protests
World > Nepal
In a spectacular rebuff to India, Nepal promulgated a constitution despite India's pleas to postpone until it could be more acceptable to a greater number of people in the Himalayan republic.

India, US increase trade five-fold to $500 billion
India> India - US
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Barack Obama the two countries have decided to further deepen their security and economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade five-fold to $500 billion.

PM Modi embarks on visit to Ireland, US
India > PM Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today embarked on a visit to Ireland and the US. In the first leg of his seven-day trip, he will be in Ireland, the first Prime Ministerial visit from India in almost 60 years.


Others

BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya passes away
Sports > Jagmohan Dalmiya
BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, aged 75, passed away late on Sunday in Kolkata. The veteran cricket administrator had suffered a cardiac arrest recently and was undergoing treatment. Dalmiya was a well-known cricket administrator and former ICC President as well. He is credited largely with bringing in money into Indian cricket during his initial years with the Board and making the BCCI, one of the foremost financially strong cricket boards in the world.


Air India plans world's longest non-stop commercial flight
India > Air India
Air India could soon be operating the world's longest nonstop commercial flight. The airline is planning to link the IT hotspots of India and US — Bengaluru and San Francisco (SFO) — which are almost 14,000 km apart.


Alexis Tsipras hails 'victory of the people' in Greece election
Politics and Government > Greece Election
Greece's Alexis Tsipras has said his left-wing Syriza party has a "clear mandate" after winning a second general election in less than nine months.


China, Russia to sign jet agreement by end of 2015
World > China-Russia
China and Russia are set to sign an agreement on developing a wide-bodied airliner before the end of the year. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation and state-controlled Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd have been considering the joint development of the jet since May 2014.


Nigerian bomb blast death toll goes up to 54: Officials
World > Nigerian bomb blast
Members of a Nigerian civilian defence group say suspected Islamic extremists have killed at least 54 people by detonating explosive devices in crowded places in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, in the northeast.


Odisha to implement 5 sub-schemes for transgenders
India > Transgender community
In a bid to empower the transgender community in Odisha, the state government has decided to implement five sub-schemes launched by the central government. The sub-schemes will be implemented by the state government through its newly-created Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD).


India slips in broadband penetration rankings: Report
India > Broadband penetration
India has slipped in global rankings on broadband penetration but has made slight progress in the percentage of individuals using internet in the country, according to a United Nations report.


CBI decides to examine Mayawati on NRHM scam
Politics and Government > NHRM Scam
Nearly three years after the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam surfaced, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to examine former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, "to unearth larger conspiracy" in the scam.

US backs India's bid for permanent UNSC seat
India > Permanent UNSC seat
The US has said it is committed to India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, days after the General Assembly adopted a negotiating text for the long-pending reforms of the powerful wing of the world body.


Bombs found in Falaknuma Express at Howrah station
India > Terrorism
Police found three bags containing live bombs inside the Falaknuma Express at Howrah station early on Wednesday, barely 48 hours before the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.


India will share list of most wanted terrorists with US
India> Terrorism
Indicative of its growing engagement with the US, India will share a share a list of most wanted terrorists involved in 26/11 and other terror attacks to the US. The prominent names in the list are JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, 26/11 mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Mumbai blast accused Tiger Memon. Besides these 16 individuals, India will also seek America's help in nabbing Sikh militants residing in Pakistan.

Starred Articles

United Nations Champions of the Earth Award 2015
Awards > United Nations Environment Programme > 16th September
National Geographic Society (NGS) on 14 September 2015 was selected for the UNEP Champions of the Earth award in the Science and Innovation category.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 14 September 2015 won the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award for Policy Leadership to address the issue of climate change.

Natura Brasil on 13 September 2015 was selected for the 2015 UNEP Champions of the Earth award in the entrepreneurial vision category.

Government begins work on National Electricity Plan for 24x7 Power
Politics and Government > National Electricity Plan > 20th September
Gearing up for its ambitious plan to provide 24x7 power to all, the government has started the process of drafting National Electricity Plan for next five years which will outline sector's projections, including generation.


International Day of Peace observed globally
Days > International Day of Peace > 21st September
The International Day of Peace was observed on 21 September 2015 across the world to recognise the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire. The theme of International Day of Peace for the year 2015 is “Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All.”


National Tourism Awards 2013-14 presented
Awards > National Tourism Awards > 21st September
President Pranab Mukherjee on 18 September 2015 presented the National Tourism Awards 2013-14 at a function held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The National Tourism Awards are presented annually by Union Ministry of Tourism to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. These awards are being given since the early 1990s.
The state of Gujarat was awarded for the Best State/UT for Comprehensive Tourism Development.


Others

International Day of Democracy observed with the theme Space for Civil Society
Days > International Day of Democracy > 17th September
The International Day of Democracy was observed on 15 September 2015 across the world with the theme Space for Civil Society. The theme was chosen to highlight the fact that space for civil society organizations is shrinking in a range of countries covering every continent in recent years.


Nana Patekar established Naam Foundation to fund drought relief for farmers
India > Naam Foundation > 17th September
To provide aid to farmers to overcome drought conditions, Actor Nana Patekar in third week of September 2015 established an organization named Naam Foundation. The foundation will collect the contributions from people and for this purpose Nana Patekar has opened a bank account with State Bank of India, where people can deposit money for the cause.


Haryana's E-Vidyavahini computer literacy vehicle launched
India > Computer Literacy > 19th September
Taking forward the 'Digital India Mission' of PM Narendra Modi, the deputy commissioner of Faridabad district in Haryana has launched 'E-Vidyavahini,' a computer literacy vehicle that will travel to the urban and rural belts of the district. Digital Literacy Bus ‘E-Vidyavahini' was dedicated to the people by Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on September 5. The bus, prepared with an investment of Rs 35 lakhs, is aimed to start the computer training on wheels. It is equipped with 20 laptops, one LCD and is connected with internet facility and can enable computer learning for 20 students at a time.


BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya passes away
Sports > Jagmohan Dalmiya > 20th September
BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, aged 75, passed away late on Sunday in Kolkata. The veteran cricket administrator had suffered a cardiac arrest recently and was undergoing treatment. Dalmiya was a well-known cricket administrator and former ICC President as well. He is credited largely with bringing in money into Indian cricket during his initial years with the Board and making the BCCI, one of the foremost financially strong cricket boards in the world.


Air India plans world's longest non-stop commercial flight
India > Air India > 21st September
Air India could soon be operating the world's longest nonstop commercial flight. The airline is planning to link the IT hotspots of India and US — Bengaluru and San Francisco (SFO) — which are almost 14,000 km apart.


Gujarat goes the e-way, makes system transparent
Politics and Government > E-services > 21st September
Gujarat is next only to the Central government in terms of use of e-services for governance. The state government has been increasingly using information and communication technologies for making the system more transparent and ensure speedy redressal of people’s grievances. Over 500 services are available through e-governance in the state.


Alexis Tsipras hails 'victory of the people' in Greece election
Politics and Government > Greece Election > 21st September
Greece's Alexis Tsipras has said his left-wing Syriza party has a "clear mandate" after winning a second general election in less than nine months.




Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Starred Articles

J Manjula becomes DRDO's first woman Director General
India > DRDO's First Woman Director General
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) got its first woman director general with the appointment of J Manjula as director general, electronics and communication systems cluster. Manjula has the honour of being the first woman director general of DRDO cluster. She has been leading Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), an establishment of DRDO, as a director since July 2014.


Miners to pay 10 per cent royalty to tribal welfare
India > Tribal Welfare
The Centre will notify the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana, which would make it mandatory for all mining companies to contribute 10 per cent-30 per cent of royalty for welfare of tribals and other affected persons in mining areas. The move comes within a month of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of Rs 6,000 crore for development of tribals in mining-affected areas in his Independence Day speech.


Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win US Open 2015
Sports > U.S Open
Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win his second U.S. Open singles title and a 10th Grand Slam singles title which put him into a tie with Bill Tilden for seventh place on the career list. 


Government approves $400-million plan to procure armed Heron TP drones from Israel
India > Heron TP drones
The government has quietly approved the purchase of 10 missile-armed drones from Israel — a crucial acquisition that will enhance India's cross-border military strike capability. The $400-million proposal for buying armed Heron TP drones from Israel was cleared last week.


Others

Indians bag two bronze medals in Commonwealth Youth Games
Sports > Commonwealth Youth Games
India won two bronze medals from track and field events on Wednesday, which was a relatively quiet day for India on the third day of competitions in the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games.


India, Indonesia sign pact to cooperate on criminal matters
Politics and Government > India, Indonesia Pact
India and Indonesia have signed a pact for repatriation of each other's wanted prisoners and cooperate in all criminal matters, including gathering evidence. Under the agreement, India will execute summons to an accused person or to any person requiring to attend and produce documents or a search-warrant issued by an Indonesian court.


Karnataka gets its first IIT in Dharwad, classes from 2016-17
India > IITs
After a long wait of nearly 17 years, Karnataka will finally get an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) of its own in the city of Dharwad making it the last south Indian state to get an IIT. Classes at IIT Dharwad are expected to commence as early as from the next academic session i.e. 2016 - 2017 at a temporary campus on the Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI) premises.


Union Cabinet approves National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
Politics and Government > National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
The Cabinet has cleared the policy to generate electricity from offshore windmills. India is already among the world's top producers of electricity from windmills on land, with a capacity of more than 23,000 mw, but extending the success to offshore regions has not made much progress so far.


PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi in Fortune's powerful women in business list
Corporate > Fortune's powerful women
PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi is the sole Indian-origin executive in Fortune's list of 50 most powerful women in business, which has been topped by General Motors CEO Mary Barra.


7/11 blast victims demand death penalty for accused
India > 7/11 blast
Victims and survivors of the 2006 Mumbai train bombings on Friday demanded death penalty for the 12 of the 13 convicted by a Special Court.


Palestinians win approval to fly flag at UN
World > Palestine
Palestinians overwhelmingly won the right to fly their national flag in front of the United Nations headquarters, a symbolic step opposed by Israel and the United States.


India backs draft resolution in UN on sovereign debt principles
Economy > Sovereign debt principles
India voted in favour of a draft resolution on 'Basic Principles on Sovereign Debt Restructuring Processes' in the UN General Assembly. India has told the UN that "fair and balanced" resolution of sovereign debt issues can help in continued inclusive growth and sustainable development of debtor countries and also promote global macro-economic stability.


India backs draft resolution in UN on sovereign debt principles
Economy > Sovereign debt principles
India voted in favour of a draft resolution on 'Basic Principles on Sovereign Debt Restructuring Processes' in the General Assembly. India has told the UN that "fair and balanced" resolution of sovereign debt issues can help in continued inclusive growth and sustainable development of debtor countries and also promote global macro-economic stability.


RBI, Nepal Rastra Bank ink pact for supervisory information exchange
Economy > Supervisory information exchange
Reserve Bank inked an agreement with Nepal Rastra Bank on exchange of supervisory information. The MoU was signed by Nepal Rastra Bank's Executive Director Narayan Prasad Paudel and RBI's Executive Director Meena Hemchandra at the central office of Reserve Bank.


Government to pump in Rs 70,000 crore in replacing old thermal power plants
India > Thermal power plants
The Union government has firmed up plans to shut down some 11,000 mw of thermal power generation capacities that are at least 25 years old and build bigger plants with total capacity of at least 20,000 mw on the same tract of land for estimated investments of Rs 70,000 crore, officials said.

Govt working on plan to induct retired jawans into police forces
India > Retired jawans
The government is working on a plan to generate employment for retired defence personnel below officer rank who hung up their boots in their 30s and still have a valuable contribution to make in other fields.

Australian warplanes make first air strike in Syria, France to follow soon
World > Syria
Australian warplanes have carried out their first air strike against the Islamic State group in Syria, destroying an armoured personnel carrier, defence minister Kevin Andrews has revealed. France will also carry out its first air strikes on the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria "in the coming weeks," according to Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.