February 2014 Current Affairs

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Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis Mr. Brahma Chellaneys

book launched

February 27, 2014

The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Hamid Ansarilaunched a book titled Water,

Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis authored by Mr. Brahma Chellaney.

About the Water, Peace and War Confronting the Global Water Crisis book

Focus: On a wide range of research from scientific and policy fields to examine the global linkages

between water and peace.

Author: Mr. Brahma Chellaney.

Founds a way on how we can secure humankinds water future and promised to become the

recognized authority on the most precious natural resources of this century.

The author sketched a bleak picture of water scarcity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions that

are not only struggling with unstable governments, but also rapidly growing populations.

Water stressed conditions are also appearing in developed countries, viz.Australia, Spain, and

South Korea. Even the deep-water aquifers that support modern agriculture in North America are

dwindling.

Euthanasia Plea issue: Apex Court refers matter to constitution bench

February 27, 2014

The Supreme Court of India referred the issue of legalizing

euthanasia in the country to a five-judge Constitution bench. Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally

ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. Due to conflicted opinions on euthanasia, the apex

court stated that the Constitution bench will go into all aspects of the issue and take a final decision

on framing guidelines.

The PIL filed by NGO Common Cause had contended that a person whose life was ebbing out

should be allowed to die, as the continuance of the life with the support system was an unnatural

extension of the natural life span. The Centre had vociferously opposed the plea terming it as

suicide which could not be allowed in the country.

Note: Jurisdictions where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal

The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Estonia, Albania, and the US states of

Washington, Oregon and Montana.

Indian- American Scientist Sangeeta Bhatia developed cheap paper diagnostic for

cancer

February 27, 2014

The Indian-American scientist, Ms. Sangeeta Bhatiadeveloped a simple, cheap,

paper test that could improve cancer diagnosis rates and help people to get treated earlier. Ms.

Bhatia is professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Howard Hughes Medical

Institute.

About the paper diagnostic test for cancer

The diagnostic, which works much like a pregnancy test, could reveal within minutes, based on a


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urine sample, whether a person has cancer. The synthetic biomarker technology relies on

nanoparticles that interact with tumour proteins called proteases, each of which can trigger release of

hundreds of biomarkers that are then easily detectable in a patients urine.

Concept of synthetic biomarker technology: To amplify signals from tumor proteins (that would

be hard to detect on their own) by injecting special nanoparticles into the body.

These proteins are known as Matrix Metallo Proteinase (MMP) that help cancer cells to escape

from their original locations by cutting through proteins of the extra cellular matrix, which normally

holds cells in place.

These nanoparticles, coated with peptides (short protein fragments), can interact with tumour

proteins called proteases. In a patients body, these particles congregate at tumour sites, where

cancer proteases cleave the peptides, which then accumulate in the kidneys and are excreted in

the patients urine.

These biomarkers are easily detectable using an approach known as a lateral flow assay, the

same technology used in pregnancy tests. In tests in mice, the researchers were able to accurately

identify colon tumours, as well as blood clots.

Note: As per the current version of the technology, patients would first receive an injection of the

nanoparticles, and then urinate onto the paper test strip. To make the process more convenient, the

researchers are now working on a nanoparticle formulation that could be implanted under the skin for

longer-term monitoring.

1322- security helpline number launched by Northern Railway for passengers

February 27, 2014

Northern Railway launched 24 x 7 security helpline No.1322 to provide speedy

assistance to passengers in the event of thefts, harassment and other criminal incidents on rail

premises.

The call can be made from a landline or mobile number.

Once a passenger calls the helpline, a unique complaint number will be generated and provided to

the complainant to be followed for necessary action.

The security helpline service will be managed by Railway Protection Force (RPF).

At present, the facility will be operational in 731 stations of the Northern zone covering Ambala,

Ferozpur, Moradabad, Delhi and Lucknow divisions.

Future Plan: To launch 1322 as an all India helpline number for Railway passengers.

What is Tizen? Samsung launched Tizen-powered smart watches

February 27, 2014

Samsung launched second generation Gear smart watches powered by

Tizen operating system to break the iOS and Android duopoly in the mobile market.

Samsungs NX300M smart camera was the first device to run on Tizen, and the Gear 2 paves the

way for what Samsung calls the Tizen based wearable platform.

About second-generation Gear smart watches

Available in two models: Gear 2 and the camera-less Gear 2 Neo.

Both the variants of the Gear 2 are IP67 certified water and dust resistant.

Powered by the Tizen operating system.


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Weight: Gear 2(68 gm) and Gear 2 Neo (55 gm). Both the models are lighter than the original Galaxy

Gear (73.8 gm) and thinner too, at 10mm vs. 11.1mm.

The Super AMOLED display on the Gear 2, measures 1.63-inch with a 320-by-320 pixels resolution.

It can accept or ignore calls, messages, and also monitor heart-rate, and our movement activity.

The Gear 2 also has 4GB of internal memory, 512MB RAM, 2.0-megapixel camera (not included in

the Neo), Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and an IrLED sensor that will help control other electronic devices such

as TVs and set-top boxes through the Watch ON Remote app.

The Gear 2 will be available in Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange colors while the Gear 2

Neo will be available in Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange colors. Gear 2 Neo is made of

plastic while the Gear 2 has a metal face. Both the watches will be available from April,2014.

What is Tizen?

It is a project within the Linux Foundation and is governed by a Technical Steering Group

(TSG) composed of Samsung and Intel among others.

Open-source Linux powered operating system.

Standards-based software platform supported by leading mobile operators, device manufacturers,

and silicon suppliers for multiple device categories viz. smartphones, tablets, netbooks, in-vehicle

infotainment devices, smart TVs, smart cameras, etc.

Objective: To offer a consistent user experience across devices.

Offers an innovative operating system, applications, and a user experience that consumers can

take from device to device.

Available programming languages: HTML5, C, C++.

Provides application development tools based on the JavaScript libraries jQuery and jQuery

Mobile.

Provides a robust and flexible environment for application developers, based on

HTML5. With HTML5s robust capabilities and cross platform flexibility, it is rapidly becoming the

preferred development environment for mobile apps and services.

The Tizen SDK and API allow developers to use HTML5 and related web technologies to write

applications that run across multiple device segments.

Indira Paryavaran Bhawan inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh

February 27, 2014

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, which

will house the Ministry of Environment and Forests and has a provision to accommodate its 600

officials.

About Indira Paryavaran Bhawan

Project of Ministry of Environment and Forests

A Project for Construction of New office Building at Aliganj, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi.

Indias first on site Net Zero green building built by the adoption of Solar Passive design and energy

efficient building material.

The building is targeted to achieve LEED India Platinum Rating and GRIHA 5 star rating.

Cost: Rs. 209 crore, include the cost of land, solar photo voltaic power generation and its evacuation


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system, three level mechanized basement parking system, air-conditioning system supported by

geothermal

cooling, IT services, audio and video system in auditoriums and committee rooms, furniture,

provision for horticulture and other services including reuse of water by recycling the waste water and

also to make the building friendly to physically challenged.

Requirements of GRIHA 5-Star and LEEDS Platinum ratings

Effective Ventilation has been achieved by orientating the building in an East-West direction,

separating different blocks with connecting corridors and having a large central court yard.

The design is such that 75% of natural daylight is utilized to reduce energy consumption.

The entire building has an access friendly design for differently-abled persons.

With an Installed capacity of 930 KW peak power, the building has the largest roof top Solar

system among Multi storied buildings in India.

Total energy savings of about 40% has been achieved by adoption of energy Efficient Chilled

Beam system of Air Conditioning. This is an innovative air conditioning system, where air

conditioning is done by convection currents rather than air flow through diffusers and chilled water

is circulated right up to the diffuser points unlike the conventional systems.

Green materials have been used like Fly ash bricks, regional building materials, materials with high

recycled content, high reflectance terrace tiles and rock wool Insulation of outer walls.

Rapidly renewable Bamboo Jute Composite material has been used for door frames & shutters.

UPVC windows with hermetically sealed double glass, Calcium Silicate ceiling tiles having high

recycled content and grass paver blocks in pavements and roads.

Reduction in water consumption has been achieved by use of Low discharge water fixtures,

recycling of waste water through Sewage Treatment Plant, use of plants with Low water demand in

landscaping, use of Geothermal cooling for HVAC system, rain water harvesting and use of curing

compounds during construction.

Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara: Brand ambassador of Gujarat Election Commission

February 27, 2014

Indias middle order batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara has been appointed as the brand

ambassador of the Gujarat stateElection Commission for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Objective: To encourage young voters of the region to caste their votes in the upcoming elections.

Mr. Pujara is known for his discipline, integrity and sense of duty towards his country as he has been

an integral part of Indias cricket team for the several years. He has a very clean image and has

always steered himself clear of controversies. He won the Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2013.

India and Canada inked 3 pacts to enhance business and cultural ties

February 27, 2014

India and Canada signed 3 pacts for cooperation inhealth sector, audio-visual

co-production and skill development. Currently, the Governor General of Canada, Mr. David Johnston

is on a 9 day visit to India.

MoUs signed between India and Canada:

The Grand Challenges Canada and Department ofBiotechnology will work together to address the

global health challenges especially for women and childhealthcare.


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The secretary of information and broadcasting, Mr. Bimal Julka and Mr. Stewart Beck (High

Commissioner of Canada to India) signed an agreement on the audio visual cooperation. This MoU

will enable Indian and Canadian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets

of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of

the film industries of both countries there by, providing a new chapter of collaboration.

National Skill Development Corporation from India and Association of Canadian Community

College from Canada will work in skill development segment and to cooperate and share the

information and learning on this aspect.

Target Accelerator Programme (TAP) launched first accelerator programme for Indian

start-ups

February 27, 2014

The Indian arm of US retailer Target, Target India launched its Target Accelerator

Programme in Bangalore to incubate and provide mentoring to its first batch of five technology

startups.

Target will provide funding of up to $30,000 in cash and operational expenses to each of its

incubated ventures.

About Target Accelerator Programme (TAP)

Objective: Targets program is designed to help early-stage startups to develop ideas that could

improve the retail giants business and the broader retail industry.

Focus: on incubating startups operating in the areas of mobile, content, social, search, data and

analytics.

Runs for four-months in Target Indias Bangalore office and will annually incubate four to five

startups in the mobile, social media and big data analytics segment.

The selected startups will also be mentored and provided with business tools and operational

support.

Five shortlisted startups of the first batch of Target Accelerator Programme (TAP):

Turnaround Innovision: A website that helps in rotating 3D images to display products on host

websites.

Konotor: A two way communication channel between a client and their mobile app users.

MuHive Technologies: A startup that offers a social engagement platform to help organisations

simplify their social conversations.

Unbxd Inc: Enables personalised searches, product recommendations and website navigation.

Instaclique: by Nirmantra Technologies helps organisations to integrate social media

conversations online to decrease website bounce rates and increase customer engagement.

The Target Accelerator Programme is the first such programme launched globally by the Minneapolis

head quartered retail behemoth.

ISRO: Experimental launch of GLSV Mark III in May/June

February 27, 2014

The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) would carry out an experimental launch of GSLV

Mark III in May/ June. The national space agency, ISRO is also set to send its next satellite IRNSS-

1B on board rocket PSLV C24 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in March/April 2014.


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About Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark-III)

Function: Mid-Heavy Lift Launch System.

Manufacturer: ISRO.

Objective: To launch heavy satellites into geostationary orbit and will allow India to become less

dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting.

Three stage vehicle with a first stage consisting of two identical large solid boosters strapped onto

the second liquid stage. The third stage is a cryogenic stage.

Have an Indian built cryogenic stage with higher capacity than GSLV MK-2 and a passive cryostage

where no engine will be burnt in the third stage.

CCEA nod to convert 7,200 km of state roads to highways

February 27, 2014

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its nod to convert 7,200 Kms of states

roads into national highways. Together with this, during the UPA regime, approx 17,000 km of the

state highways converted into national highways.

Also, the Cabinet decided to rename Ennore Port in Chennai asKamarajar Port.

Note: National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is the flagship road building programme

of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, currently running into seven phases. The present

length of the National Highways in the country is about 80,000 km.

Ms Lakshmi Swaminathan : Became first Indian President of Administrative Tribunal of the

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

February 27, 2014

Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan became the first Indian to become president of Administrative Tribunal of

the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for three years. Ms. Swaminathan is the seventh president of the

Tribunal. At present, she is a member of the Panel of Arbitrators of several public sector undertakings

and NSE.

About Administrative Tribunal of Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Establish: 1991, as an external mechanism to review personnel decisions by Management.

Composition: Consists of five judges, who are all nationals of member countries of ADB.

The Tribunal elected Judge Ms. Lakshmi Swaminathan as President and Professor Roy Lewis as

Vice-President on the occasion of the 35th session held in Manila.

ATP Delhi open: Somdev Devvarman wins singles title, Saketh Myneni and Sanam

Singh win doubles title

February 27, 2014

Indias top singles star, Somdev Devvarman won his third ATP Challenge Tennistitle after beating top

seed Aleksandr Nedovyesov by 6-3, 6-1 in the final in NewDelhi. Saketh Myneni, lifted the mens

doubles title with Sanam Singh and they put a bow on the Indian swing with doubles titles in the

capital city of New Delhi.

e-wallet Scheme launched by IRCTC

February 27, 2014

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched e-Wallet Scheme to make


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payment process fast and to reduce transaction failures due to bank payment related problems.

(IRCTC is a public sector undertaking of theMinistry of Railways). At present, one has to make the

payment for the fare of the ticket, while booking e-ticket, through Credit card, Debit card or

Net banking.

e-Wallet Scheme

A rolling deposit scheme wherein the customers will have an account with the IRCTC and deposit

money to be used in future for booking e-tickets from its website (www.irctc.co.in).

Names of all passengers booked on a fully wait-listed e-ticket are dropped at the time of

preparation of reservation charts and fare is refunded automatically.

In case of ticket cancellation, the due refund will be credited to the e-Wallet account next day.

Available for PAN verified users only.

There is no difference between e-tickets booked through e-wallet scheme or those booked through

other payment options available on the website.

Click here for e-Wallet User Guide: eWALLET User Guide

Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2014: Passed by Parliament to encourage those

disclosing information on corrupt public servants

February 27, 2014

The Parliament of India approved the Whistleblowers Protection Bill 2014 to set up a mechanism to

encourage persons for disclosure of information on corruptionor willful misuse of power by public

servants. The bill also seeks to provide punishment for false or frivolous complaints. Recently,

the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the bill without any amendment after keeping it pending for more

than two years. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill in 2011.

About Whistle-blowers Protection Bill 2014

Objective: To provide and protect mechanism, methodologies to encourage the person for

reporting any such corruption activities or any misuse of power by a bureaucrats or government

officer.

Will provide an adequate protection to persons reporting corruption or wilful misuse of discretion

which causes demonstrable loss to the government or commission of a criminal offence by a public

servant.

Sets the procedure to inquire into the disclosures and provides adequate safeguards against

victimisation of the whistleblower. It will also seek to provide punishment for false or frivolous

complaints.

Note: The bill would create a legal framework to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption

involving government officials.

Mr. Rishang Keishing: Indias oldest Parliamentarian retired after serving seven

decades

February 27, 2014

Indias oldest parliamentarian, Mr. Rishang Keishing (94) decided to retire after serving

the nation for seven decades. His term at Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament) ends on

April 9, 2014.


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Mr. Keishing started his political career as a socialist and became the member of the first Lok

Sabha in 1952 after being elected from Socialist Party; he joined the Congress in 1962. He had

served as Chief Minister of Manipur four times.

Note: After Mr. Keishings retirement, Mr. Ram Sundar Das of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) will be

the oldest MP in the Lok Sabha.

M.P.Bezbaruah Committee: For protection of rights of North Eastern people

February 27, 2014

The Union Government expanded Bezbaruah panel to look into the various kinds of concerns of the

persons hailing from the North Eastern States, who are living in different parts of the country,

especially the Metropolitan areas, and to suggest suitable remedial measures which could be taken

by the Government.

Four new members drafted in the committee: Ms. Marina Nido(Mother of the Student Nido

Tania who died after being allegedly beaten by some shopkeepers in south Delhis Lajpat Nagar),

former IPS officerS T Sangliana and students leaders J Mavio and J T

Tagam fromNagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier, a six-member panel led by Former IAS officer M P Bezbaruah, was formed to propose

remedial measures to address concerns of people from the Northeast following outrage over the

death in Delhi of a 19-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh.

Members: Retired IAS officers H W T Syeim, Allen Temshi Jamir, Tape Bagra and P Bharat

Singh and the Deputy Secretary in Ministry of Home Affairs S Saha as Member Secretary.

Terms of Reference of the Bezbaruah Committee:-

To examine the various kinds of concerns, including the concerns regarding security, of the

persons hailing from the North Eastern States.

To examine the causes behind the attacks/violence and discrimination against the people from the

North-Eastern States.

To suggest measures to be taken by the Government to address these concerns.

To suggest legal remedies to address all the concerns.

The Bezbaruah panel will interact with the students/professionals, NGOs, students organizations and

other persons from the North Eastern States living in Delhi to seek their suggestions.

Note: Suggestions can also be sent by e-mail [email protected] and also by post to

S Saha, Member Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Room No. 172-C, North Block, New Delhi.

SOMAH Solution- to preserve donated organs; developed by Indian origin doctor Dr.

Hemant Thatte

February 27, 2014

An Indian origin doctor, Dr. Hemant Thatte developed a 21-chemical solution known as SOMAH

Solution that could preserve a donated organ for up to a week before a transplant.

Dr. Hemant Thatte is a senior cardiovascular surgeon at HarvardUniversity.

What is SOMAH Solution?

SOMAH Solution in Sanskrit means elixir of immortality.

The new preservative that is a mixture of 21 chemicals, has the potential to store the heart (and

other organs) for up to 7 days.


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A research paper published in the medical journal Circulation in October 2009 showed cells of

organs preserved in SOMAH had a lower rate of death than in another preservation solution.

The biggest advantage of SOMAH is that it can be used at room temperatures.

Presently, hearts and lungs need to be transplanted within 4-6 hours of being recovered from a

braindead

donor, the liver within 8 hours and kidneys within a bit more than 24 hours. In addition, the

available organs cannot be transported long-distance for transplant and have to be made available

locally.

Sochi 2014: Russia topped medal table as Winter Olympics came to an end

February 27, 2014

The 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games, held in Sochi, Russia.

Host nation Russia finished on top of the medal table by winning 33 medals in the tournament.

Top five Countries who topped the list:

Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze

1 Russia (RUS)* 13 11 9

2 Norway (NOR) 11 5 10

3 Canada (CAN) 10 10 5

4 United States (USA) 9 7 12

5 Netherlands (NED) 8 7 9

Ashok Kumar Mathur-7th Pay Commission: Cabinet approved merger of 50% DA with

Pay and 7th Pay Commission Terms of Reference

February 27, 2014

In order to benefit over 50 lakh employees and over 30 lakh pensioners, the Union Cabinet approved

terms of reference for seventh pay commission. This includes merging dearness allowance above

50% with basic pay.

At present, Dearness Allowance (DA) is around 90% of basic pay and another hike of 10% is

expected soon. DA is calculated on the basis of change in retail inflation.

As per practice, the government uses CPI-IW data of the past 12 months to arrive at a quantum for

the purpose of any DA hike. Thus, the retail inflation for industrial workers between January 1 to

December 31, 2013 would be used to take a final call on the matter.

Note: To revise the salary structure of Union government employees from both civil and military

services, the Union Government constituted the 7th Central Pay Commission under the

chairmanship of Mr. Ashok Kumar Mathur, a retiredSupreme Court judge and retired chairman of

Armed Forces Tribunal.

Sri Lanka makes graphic warning on cigarette packs mandatory

February 27, 2014

The Sri Lankan parliament passed a law that makes it mandatory for putting graphic warning on

cigarette packs. Under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, the three regulations

passed to discourage smoking in the country.

As per the regulation

Pictorial warnings should be printed on the surface of both front and back portions of every


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cigarette packet, package or carton containing cigarettes covering 80% of the pack, package or

cartoon.

Also made it mandatory to specify health warnings on the packs and includes Smoking makes

children ill, Smoking causes heart diseases, Smoking causes cancer and Smoking causes sexual

impotence mandatory.

Note: In Srilanka, the numbers of cancer patients are on increase and annual death toll due to

smoking amounts to about 20,000 persons.

Online shopping portal for authentic tribal products launched

February 27, 2014

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched an online shopping portal for sale of authentic tribal

products that will seek to create a niche market for indigenous artisans.

About the e-commerce portal

This online portal is initially open for only Indian shoppers and forinternational buyers later.

Features 69 tribal products viz. textiles, metal artifacts and jewellery, etc.

Launched by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Raj V Kishore Chandra Deo.

Objective: To provide branding, source certification and developing standards for products.

Shawls, stoles and mufflers will be in available in Angora, sheep wool and Pashmina material from

states viz. Orissa, Assam, etc.

Paintings from four states and dokra metal artifacts and jewelleryfrom states

viz. Nagaland and Himachal Pradesh will also be available.

Detailed write- ups of the products will also be available.

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation ofIndia Limited (TRIFED) is

making special efforts to promote the sales of handicrafts.

Future Plans: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has plans to launch a new website for the minor forest

produce viz. honey and tamarind.

IMF projected Indias FY15 growth at 5.4% February 27, 2014

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected 5.4% economic growth for Indiain 2014-15 and

proposed to strengthen the inflation management polices and doing away with supply bottlenecks for

better GDP.

The IMF forecast:

Consumer prices based inflation is expected to remain near double-digits in 2014-15, driven by

high food inflation that feeds into wages and core inflation.

The tight monetary policy would slow the growth recovery.

For the fiscal year 2013-14, Indias growth will be 4.6% and will pick up to 5.4% in 2014-15 at

factor cost. (These projections of India were a conclusion of its annual discussions with India).

As per Indias official estimates, the economy is probably to expand at 4.9% in 2013-14 as against

4.5% in the previous fiscal. The government expects to growth to pick up in the 2014-15 fiscal.

Patna Worlds Longest Free Wi-Fi Zone in India February 27, 2014


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The Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Nitish Kumar unveiled the worlds longest free Wi-Fi zone at the e-

Bihar summit in Patna. The free Wi-Fi zone stretched nearly 20 km between the National Institute of

Technology (NIT) at the eastern end of the Ashok Rajpath and Danapur at the western end of the

state capital, Patna.

This new free Wi-Fi zone beats the current worlds longest zone of 3.5 km in China.

In a bid to make Patna crime-free, Mr. Kumar also inaugurated the city surveillance and dial

100 project, wherein 100s of CCTV cameras would be installed all over the city for better safety and

security.

A state data centre has also been opened for storing of the data collected by these cameras.

This project will enable CCTVs to capture vehicle numbers and persons identity instantly, which

would be shared all over the network to nab any criminal. Every vehicle entering or exiting the city

would be monitored this way.

Positive Outcome of Free Wi-Fi zone: Still, internet connectivity in India is poor and Wi-Fi hubs are

rare. Also, free WiFi zones are next to negligible in the country. Such a step has put not just India on

the global map but even made Bihar an example to follow for other states.

Sikkim: Best State in implementation of rural tourism projects.

February 26, 2014

The Union Ministry of Tourism declared Sikkim as the best State in the implementation of rural

tourism projects. The Union Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Shashi Tharoor

presented the National Tourism Award 2012-13 to Sikkims Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel in

New Delhi.

As per the Union Tourism Ministry, Sikkim is the perfect destination to experience warm hospitality,

rich culture and scenic natural beauty.

The tourism department of Sikkim had tied up with states viz. Kerala,Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa

for tourist flow from these states to Sikkim.

To ensure international tourism flow in the state, the department is also negotiating with countries

viz. Bhutan and Nepal.

To boost tourism in Sikkim

The Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Chamling, launched an ambitious Rs.140 crore project for

developing various tourism convenience facilities, view points, halting points, conferences, retiring

units and other infrastructural facilities project in the state.

Sanctioned Rs.50 crores for setting up facilitation centres in Gangtok and various other important

tourist destinations of the state.

A total 20 facilitation centres will be set up in the state for strengthening tourism facilities, and

added that capacity building, training, marketing, manpower and human resources will be

strengthened under these facilitation centres.

The main facilitation centre will be set up in Gangtok at a total cost of Rs.40 crores, while the other

facilitation centres in small towns and major tourist destinations will be constructed at a cost of

Rs.50 lakh each. All facilitation centres will start to function by the year 2015.

Quadricycles to ply from October 1, 2014

February 26, 2014


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The Quadricycles will be allowed to run in cities across the country from

October 1, 2014. It will have hard top and doors. As a safety measure, it will be mandatory for such

vehicles to have seatbelts for both the occupants in the front and two in the rear seat.

Objective to permit Quadricycles: To replace the auto-rickshaws because the emission norms of

these vehicles are better than auto-rickshaws.

About Quadricycles

Four-wheel vehicle with a small engine.

Maximum speed: 70 kmph.

Manufactured by Bajaj Auto.

Expected to run 35 km on a litre of fuel.

Wont be allowed to ply on highways.

More efficient on security and safety concerns as it had introduced the provision of seatbelts and

braking system like that of cars, which falls under M1 category of vehicles.

The weight of the battery excluded from the vehicle curb weight to promote no carbon emission.

Odia- 6th Indian classical language

February 25, 2014

The Union Cabinet gave its nod for classifying Odia as a classical language to give impetus to

scholarships in the language. It is the sixth Indian language to get such prestigious tag after Sanskrit,

Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

There has been a long-standing demand that Odia, which is one of the oldest languages and has no

resemblance to Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Telugu, etc, be declared as a classical language.

What is a Classical Language ?

A classical language is a language with a literature (art of written work) that is classical. U.C.Berkeley

linguist George L. Hart defined Classical Language as follows:

It should be ancient, it should be an independent tradition that arose mostly on its own, not as an

offshoot of another tradition, and it must have a large and extremely rich body of ancient literature.

Classical languages are those which are ancient, of an independent nature and not a derivative of

any other tradition. And based on above, Chinese, Sanskrit, Tamil, Hebrew, Greek and Latin are

considered as the Classical Languages of the World. Of these only Chinese and Tamil are

used by masses now.

In India, Tamil was the first to gain the Classical Language status, followed by Sanskrit in

2005. These two languages (Tamil and Sanskrit) are undoubtedly parental sources for many

languages belonging to the Indo-European family and the Dravidian family of linguistic groups.

In 2006, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture announced in the Rajya Sabha the

creation of a new category of languages as classical languages based on 4 norms:

(i) High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;

(ii) A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by

generations of speakers;

(iii) The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech

community;

(iv) The classical language and literature being distinct from the modern, there may also be


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discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or offshoots.

A committee of linguistic experts followed it up, and based on its recommendation classical status

was conferred on Telugu and Kannada in 2008. Thus, the definition of classical languages has

undergone several changes over the years and the latest criterion too is susceptible to changes.

Benefits of declaring Odia as classical language

Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in Odia language.

A Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages can be set up.

The University Grants Commission can be requested to create, to start with at least in Central

Universities, a certain number of professional chairs for classical languages, for scholars of

eminence in Odia language.

Which are the Classical Languages of India?

Languages thus far declared to be Classical are:

1. Tamil (2004)

2. Sanskrit (2005)

3. Kannada (2008)

4. Telugu (2008)

5. Malayalam (2013)

6. Odia (2014)

ASI & Google jointly launched the 360 Degree Online View of Indian Heritage Sites

February 25, 2014

The Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) and Google jointly launched 360-degree panoramic

imagery of 30 out of 100 nationally-important monuments.

Objective: To create a dynamic, immersive online experience by which people within India and

around the world can understand and engage more of Indias diverse cultural heritage.

In pursuance of the signed agreement with ASI and Union CultureMinistry, Google created a virtual

walkthrough application using its Street View Trekker technology for the first time in India.

The images of sites that can be accessed on Google Maps through Street View are the Taj

Mahal, Humayuns Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Fatehpuri Sikri, Itimad-ud-Daula,

Agra Fort, Krishnagiri Fort, Rajagiri Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Agha Khan Palace, Fort St George,

Nagarjuna Hill, Raigad Fort, etc.

Note: Street View Trekker Technology is a Street View camera platform, with 15 cameras on board

that capture a 360-degree view of the area around. It is mounted on a wearable backpack and the

total unit weighs around 20 kg. The operator walks through pedestrian routes and is designed to

reach places that can be accessed by foot.

Connaught Place: Worlds 8th costliest office location in 2013 February 25, 2014

As per the global property consultant Cushman & Wakefield report, Connaught Place in Delhi is the

worlds eighth costliest office location in 2013. It fell to the eighth position (from 4th position) due to

an appreciation in both the US dollar and euro against the Indian rupee in 2013.

Rank Location/City Occupancy Cost ($/sq ft/yr)


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1 West End, London (UK) 271.61

2 Central, Hong Kong 183.32

3 CBD, Moscow (Russia) 139.8

4 CBD, Beijing (China) 131.48

5 CBD, Tokyo (Japan) 128.34

8

Connaught Place, New

Delhi 122.73

Excerpts of the & Wakefield report 2014

Focus: On prime office rental performances and occupancy costs across the globe, including a

ranking of the most expensive locations across the world in which to occupy office space.

The location continues to remain high on priority for sectors viz. BFSI, consulting, trade, media,

etc.

Global office rents increased by 3% overall.

The USA and Mexico saw the prime rents rise compared to other top ranked cities that saw the fall

in prime rents.

Moscow and New Delhi recorded no change in rental values.

In Asia Pacific rental growth was largely flat on the back of a slowing economythough, the economic

climate improved as the year progressed.

Goverment directs banks: Dont publish pics of education loan defaulters February 25, 2014

The Union Government has directed banks not to publish photographs ofeducation loan defaulters in

newspapers. The banks have been adopting name-and-shame policy to force borrowers to pay up

defaulted loans, but the step by the government may act as a shield for the youth.

When the Bombay High Court refused to stop publication of photographs of a defaulter firm, saying it

was in larger public interest and in its ruling prompted banks to even publish names of some

education loan defaulters, then the Government of India (GoI) officially stated on the public

identification of defaulters that the same yardstick cannot be applied to all cases.

Note: The directive comes at a time when in the interim budget, the government declared an interest

subsidy scheme on unpaid education loans. The government would provide interest subsidy on

outstanding education loans sanctioned before March 2009. The move will cost the exchequer Rs

2,600 crore. Most students are not wilful defaulters. A large section where loans have gone bad is

mostly because of unemployment.

Taj Mahotsav 2014

February 25, 2014

The 10- day annual festival, Taj Mahotsav 2014 began in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is organized by the

Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism to increase the Indian Tourism.

About Taj Mahotsav 2014

Celebrated from February 18 to 27 at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of Taj Mahal.

Theme: Paigham-e Mohahabbat or the message of love.

This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives us information of India where we


15

can find Indias rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music.

Legendary artisans from different parts of the country would get an opportunity to display their

exquisite works of art viz. wood or stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo or cane work from

North East India, Paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, the marble and zardozi work

from Agra.

Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India.

Note: Taj Mahotsav started in 1992 and is organized by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism to

increase the Indian Tourism.

Email Miles- Tracks how far our email has traveled

February 25, 2014

Email miles is a new GPS based system that tells us how far our email has travelled. This new

technology uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and internet tracking to calculate the number of

miles an email has travelled before reaching an inbox.

About the new technology Email miles

A free and open source plug-in for standard email software.

Inventor: Jonah Brucker-Cohen

The system tracks where a message was sent from and where it was received and calculates the

total distance between the two and displays it on the screen alongside a map.

The system does all of its time and distance calculations using the internet and a coordinate

mapping system. When all of the mileage amounts are tallied, it adds them all and provides the

user with a map, the countries, continents and miles the email traveled.

In other words, Email miles show how indirect the route of emails can be.

India and Bahrain signed three pacts to boost bilateral ties, during the State Visit of

King of Kingdom of Bahrain to India

February 23, 2014

India and oil-rich Gulf nation Bahrain signed three pacts to boost bilateral ties.

The pacts were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Bahrain

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in NewDelhi.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain:

In the fields of youth and sports: To strengthen bilateral cooperation through institutional

exchanges particularly through exchange of youth and sports teams in various disciplines.

On the establishment of a High-level joint commission for bilateral cooperation to replace the

Joint Committee for Technical and Economic Cooperation established in 1981. The High Joint

Commission, to be chaired by the Foreign Ministers, will serve as an umbrella framework for all

cooperation between the two countries.

Another MoU signed between the Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Institute of

Bahrains Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote cooperation between the two organizations.

SC: People from any religious background are free to adopt child

February 23, 2014

The Supreme Court ruled that people are free to adopt children irrespective of their religious


16

background. The move paved the way for adoption of child by persons hailing from Muslim

community even though it is not allowed under their personal law.

The bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam stated that the

Law entitles adoption by people belonging to any religion and any person, who does not submit

himself to personal law, can adopt a child.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act is a small step towards the concept of

Uniform Civil Code mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution of India.

Act does not mandate any compulsive action by any prospective parent leaving such person with

the liberty of accessing the provisions of the Act, if he so desires.

Act is an enabling legislation that gives a prospective parent the option of adopting an eligible child

by following due procedure.

The SC judgment came on petition filed by activist Ms. Shabnam Hashmi who had approached the

apex court after being refused permission to adopt.

Public Issues before Parliament- Mr. Vijay Dardas book released by Vice President

of India

February 23, 2014

The Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled Public Issues before

Parliament authored by Mr. Vijay Darda (MP) in NewDelhi.

The book is the summarization of the significant contributions made by Mr. Darda during his period

as Member of Parliament (MP).

It is dedicated to the common who considers Parliament as an embodiment of his hopes and

aspirations.

Mr. Darda is a politician from Indian National Congress party and is a Member of the Parliament of

India representing Maharashtra in theRajya Sabha since 1998.

Note: Mr. Darda is the chairman and editor-in-chief of the Marathi newspaper Lokmat.

Study: Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems

February 23, 2014

As per study led by University of Minnesota researchers, the fertilization of natural grasslands,

either intentionally or unintentionally as a side effect of global farming and industry, is having a

destabilizing effect on global grassland ecosystems.

About the study on Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems

First international experiment by using a network of natural grassland research sites around the

world known as Nutrient Network (or NutNet).

Assessed the effect of fertilizer on 41 sites across 5 continents.

The experimental network included eco-systems from alpine areas ofChina to Serengeti

in Tanzania.

Outcome: Found that plant diversity in natural ecosystems creates more stable ecosystems over

time because of less synchronized growth of plants.

Also found that grassland diversity and stability reduces when fertilizers added.

In other words, the balance output of the ecological safety net on addition of fertilizer was upset


17

across diverse grassland as the various organisms in those disappeared.

NutNet is a grassroots campaign that is supported by scientists who volunteer their time and

resources.

Published in the international journal Nature.

Indias First Minority Cyber Village inaugurated in Rajasthan February 23, 2014

The Minister for Minority Affairs Mr. K Rehman Khan inaugurated Indias first Minority Cyber

Village in Chandoli in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Ministry of Minority Affairs has targeted villages

with substantial population of minorities for this project. Minority people will be benefited more from

this cyber village concept.

About Indias First Minority Cyber Village

Objective: To provide computer education to the people of 15 to 59 age group.

Chandoli has been selected as the first village for the pilot project as it holds more than 80% of

minority population and also because the minorities of the Mewat region is still backward in

education.

Under this project, experts will provide training of commuter skills to the people of chandoli.

Future plan: Government pondering to open special schools on the pattern of Kendriya Vidyalayas

for minority community and planning to come up with 200 new colleges in minority dominated areas

and the areas viz. Laxmangarh, Tijara, Kishengarhbas and Ramgarh.

Facebook announces purchase of WhatsApp for $19bn

February 23, 2014

The social media giant, Facebook announced purchased popular mobile messaging

company WhatsApp for a whopping $19 billion. To date, it is the largest acquisition by the Mark

Zuckerberg-led firm, which will give it a stronghold in the market for messaging. (Facebook

HQ:Menlo Park, California, US).

The whopping acquisition price includes $4 billion in cash, about $12 billion worth of Facebook

shares and $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp founders and employees

that will vest over four years following the closing of the deal.

About mobile messaging company WhatsApp

A cross-platform mobile app that allows users to exchange messages without having to pay

telecom charges.

In other words, it is simple, fast and reliable mobile messaging service that is used by over 450

million people on every major mobile platform.

Why Facebook bought WhatsApp?

The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook is to speed up the companys ability to bring connectivity

and utility around the world. As part of the deal, theWhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan

Koum would join the Facebook board.

Benefit: WhatsApp would complement the existing chat and messaging services to provide new

tools for Facebook community.

WhatsApps core messaging product and Facebooks existing messenger app will continue to


18

operate as standalone applications.

The acquisition will not impact the WhatsApps brand and the companys headquarters will remain in

Californias Mountain View.

Cabinet nod for Equal Opportunity Commission & Coal Regulator

February 23, 2014

The Union Cabinet approved the creation of Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), to check

discrimination of minority communities in jobs and education.

About Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC)

Exclusively for minorities.

Mandate: To ensure that no minority community is discriminated against on religious grounds by

redressing complaints.

Deal with grievances viz. denial of accommodation or buying rights to minorities in housing

societies.

Has to make binding recommendations that people from minority communities find adequate

representation in government employment or educational institutions.

The Justice Sachar Committee that went into the socio-economicbackwardness of Muslims had

recommended setting up of the Commission.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also gave its nod to the proposal to set up

coal regulator. The coal regulator would be

Set up through an executive order.

Empowered to specify the principles and methodology for determination of price of raw coal and

washed coal and any other by-product generated during washing.

Also regulate methods for testing for declaration of grades or quality of coal, specify procedure for

automatic coal sampling and adjudicate upon disputes between the parties. The bill for setting up a

regulator for the sector is pending before Parliament

Parliament nod to bill to protect rights of street vendors

February 23, 2014

Parliament passed Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street

Vending)

bill-2014 to regulate street vending activities and protect the rights of urban street vendors besides

ensuring steps against harassment by police and civic authorities. The Rajya Sabha adopted the bill

by a voice vote and without discussion. (the bill was already passed by Lok Sabha).

Excerpts of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending)

bill-2014

Objective: To protect the rights of urban street vendors and regulating street vending activities

and to create conducive atmosphere where street vendors will be eligible to carry out

their business in a fair and transparent manner, without fear of eviction and harassment.

Legalizes street vending activities to ensure urban street vendors safety from police harassment.

Propose: To set up Town Vending Committees (TVC), which will be responsible for deciding

vending zones and the number of vendors that each zone should have.

Provides protection of livelihoods rights, social security of street vendors, regulation of urban


19

street vending in the country and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Provides time-bound release of seized goods, for both perishable and non-perishable goods

There is a provision for establishment of an independent dispute redressal mechanism under

the chairmanship of retired judicial officers to maintain impartiality towards grievance redressal of

street vendors.

In order to avoid uncertainty of authorities, the Bill provides for a survey of all existing street

vendors, and subsequent survey at-least once in every five years, and issue of certificate of

vending to all the street vendors identified in the survey, with preference to SC, ST, OBC, women,

persons with disabilities, minorities etc.

As per Section 29 of the Bill street vendors will be protected from harassment by police and

other authorities and there is a prime clause to ensure they carry on their business without the fear

of harassment by the authorities under any other law.

To prevent delay in implementation, the bill provides that the Rules under the Bill have to be

notified within one year of its commencement, and Scheme has to be notified within six months

of its commencement.

Note: The Parliament also passed two other bills: Governors Emoluments, (Allowances and

Privileges) Amendment and National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research

(Amendment). These two bills were also approved by the Rajya Sabha without discussion after these

were adopted by the Lok Sabha.

Asteroid 2000 Em26: Potentially hazardous space rock safely passed by Earth

February 23, 2014

The space rock, known as 2000 EM26, poses no threat and passed the Earth at just under nine times

the distance to the moon. Though, it is defined as a potentially hazardous Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA)

that was large enough to cause significant damage in the event of an impact.

This was subtle reminder of the dangers of the asteroid impacts just one year after historic event

took place on February, 2013.

A previous-unknown discovered asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk,Russia and injured 1200

people and sent shock waves shattering windows and damaging buildings in Chelyabinsk.

About Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) 2000 EM26

Size: As big as three football fields (270m).

Speed: Approx 12.37 km/s.

Minor planet category: Aten asteroid (NEO, PHO).

Minimum possible close approach distance to Earth: 0.018 AU (27 lakh km).

Tracked by: Slooh robotic telescope service, Spain (that provided internet access to automated

observatories).

Nasas Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM)

First-ever mission to identify, capture and redirect an asteroid.

Plans to use capabilities of the new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket and

highpower

solar electric propulsion to capture an asteroid in the near future.

Till now, 10,713 known near-Earth objects are discovered.


20

Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned as AP Chief Minister

February 23, 2014

Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and also quitted

from the membership of the State Assembly and the Congress Party. Andhra Pradesh Governor E S

L Narasimhan accepted the resignation of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and asked him to

continue in office till alternative arrangements are made.

Why Mr. Reddy resigned from the CM post of Andhra?

To protest against the Congress and Centres decision to divide AP and the way the Andhra Pradesh

Reorganization Bill was dealt with in Parliament. Now, the formation of Telangana state waited for the

formal nod of President, as the Telangana Bill passed in both Houses of Parliament.

Highlights of the Telangana Bill:

Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh 13 districts.

Hyderabad will remain the joint capital of Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh for ten years.

The Bhadrachalam division will continue to be with Khammam district which will be part of

Telangana.

NTPC will construct a 4,000 MW power project in Telangana to solve the electricity problem in the

region.

A petroleum university will be constructed in Seemandhra region while seats for Semmandhra

students in educational institutes in Telangana will be reserved for ten years.

Article 371 D will continue for the both states to ensure equitable opportunities for education and

public employment.

Note: Telangana will become the 29th state of India after the approval of President of India.

MSME Ministry to launch virtual network to link clusters

February 23, 2014

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is set to launch a virtual network

wherein different clusters of micro, small and medium enterprises can connect on a common platform

and share information to help them expand their business.

About Virtual Cluster Approach

An initiative of the Ministry of MSME.

Purpose: To overcome the limitations of the Physical Approach requiring the location of the units

in one geographical area besides substantial resources for creation of infrastructure.

Will enable small businesses across different sectors to co-exist with their peers on a web-portal.

Around 2,000 industrial clusters have been identified for undertaking soft and hard interventions

with a view to increase the competitiveness of the enterprises.

Till now, the Ministry of MSME helped around 850 clusters through its MSE Cluster Development

Programme.

Duas layer: Dr. Harminder Singh Dua, Indian origin UK doctor discovered new layer of

cornea

February 21, 2014

To cure blindness of eye due to glaucoma, Professor Harminder Singh Dua from the Nottingham


21

University discovered an ultra-thin layer hidden deep in the human cornea that can help treat

glaucoma. (He is an Indian origin UK doctor).

About the new layer discovered by Mr. Dua

This 15 microns thick new layer also known as Duas layer.

Located at the back of the cornea between the corneal stroma and Descemets membrane.

Plays a vital role in the structure of the tissue that controls the flow of fluid from the eye.

Makes an important contribution to the sieve-like trabecular meshwork called theTrabecular

Meshwork (TM) in the periphery of the cornea.

Benefit of this discovery: It will offer new clues on why the drainage system malfunctions in the

eyes of some people, leading to high pressure.

The study was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Previously, Scientists believed that the cornea consists of five layers- from front to back the corneal

epithelium, Bowmans layer, the corneal stroma, Descemets membrane and the corneal

endothelium.

What is Trabecular Meshwork (TM)?

TM is a wedge-shaped band of tissue that extends along the circumference of the angle of the

anterior chamber of the eye. It is made of beams of collagen wrapped in a basement membrane to

which trabecular cells and endothelial cells attach. The beams branch out randomly to form a

meshwork.

Pressure within the eye is maintained by the balance of aqueous fluid production by eye tissue

called the ciliary body and drainage principally through the TM to the canal of Schlemm, a circular

channel in the angle of the eye.

Defective drainage through the TM is an important cause of glaucoma, a condition that leads

to raised pressure in the eye that can permanently affect sight.

Note: Glaucoma is a devastating disease caused by defective drainage of fluid from the eye and is

the worlds second leading cause of blindness.

ModiNomics Sameer Kochhars book launched February 21, 2014

The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mr. Arun Jaitley launched a book titled

ModiNomics: Inclusive Economics, Inclusive Governance, by Sameer Kocchar, in New Delhi.

About the ModiNomics: Inclusive Economics, Inclusive Governance

Author: Sameer Kochhar.

Focus: On the Gujarat story and tells how BJPs Prime Ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi brought

about a sea change through his unique brand of ModiNomics. Speaks about the vision of Narendra

Modi about economic and development strategies. Presents a deep insight of Modis idea of both

Inclusive Economics as well as Inclusive Governance.

Vizag Zoo: Soon, Indias first breeding centre for wild dogs (Dhole) February 21, 2014

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) or Vizag Zoo will be the first

zoo in India to have a conservation breeding centre for the endangered wild dog or Dhole. The


22

Central Zoo Authority selected IGZP to have a breeding centre for Dholes.

Project: will be completed in two to three months.

Cost: Rs. 50 lakh.

In India, the Dholes are protected underSchedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (As per

the schedule 2 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, permission is required to kill any individual

unless in self-defense or if an individual is a man killer.

About Dhole

Also called the Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog.

Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus. Order: Carnivora.

Highly social and cooperative animal lives in large clans which occasionally split up into small packs

to hunt.

Highest number of wild dogs in captivity in India: 22.

Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN: Due to ongoing habitat loss, depletion of its

prey base, competition from other predators, persecution and possibly diseases from domestic and

feral dogs.

P.C. Chacko committee: To recommend punitive measures for the pepper spray

incident in the Parliament

February 21, 2014

The Lok Sabha Speaker, Ms. Meira Kumar referred the pepper spray incident in the Parliament to

the Committee of Privileges, which has powers to recommend punitive measures. The senior

Congress leader Mr. PC Chacko is the head of the privilege committee.

About the P.C. Chacko committee

Consists of 15 members

Chairman of the Committee of Privileges of Lok Sabha: Mr. P C Chacko

Function: To examine every question involving breach of privilege or contempt of the House or of

the members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker.

Enjoys power to take punitive measures which include recommending imprisonment and even

expulsion among others.

Would also consider whether Members of Parliament should be frisked for security purposes

before entering the two Houses.

What is the issue behind the forming of the privilege committee?

On the issue of the introduction of Telangana Bill in the Parliament, a pepper spray was used by

some MPs in the Parliament, which resulted in the hospitalization of three MPs (Member of

Parliamentarians) and plunged the House into extreme confusion and disorder.

Later congress member Mr. L Rajagopal was expelled and 16 Seemandhra MPs were

suspended.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat stated that the decision to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee

has been done under Rule 227 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha,

where a question of privilege is referred to the Committee by the Speaker.

About Committee of Privileges

Examines the cases of breach of privileges of the House and its members and recommends


23

appropriate action.

Function: Semi judicial in nature.

The Lok Sabha committee has 15 members while the Rajya Sabhacommittee has 10 members.

Purushottam Express will get first Braille signage coach in India

February 21, 2014

Purushottam Express (Train Number 12801/12802) will become the first train

in India to be attached with a Braille-embedded AC coach for visually challenged passengersby

the end of February 2014. Purushottam Express is a super-fast train running between Delhi and Puri.

Purushottam Express (Train Number 12801 UP/12802 DOWN)is a daily train which runs between

Puri in Odisha and New Delhi

About the first Braille signage coach in India

Manufactured at Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai with the inputs received from Research

Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow and in consultation with blind

associations. Costs about Rs. 40,000 to make a coach visually-challenged friendly as Braille printing

are superimposed on the stickers which can be used by both a person with normal vision as well as a

visually impaired person.

The AC coach is equipped with Braille-embedded signages on berths, toilets, wash basins and

doors as well.

Presently, coaches are provided with signages, instructions, seat numbers, etc that are mostly in the

form of vinyl stickers or metallic plates and have no Braille characters and cannot be read by

visuallyimpaired passengers.

Note: It was declared in the Rail Budget of 2013-14 that Braille stickers will be introduced for

visuallychallenged passengers.

Avinash Aruns Marathi film Killa won Crystal Bear award at Berlin Fest

February 21, 2014

Mr. Avinash Aruns directorial debut, the Marathi feature

film Killawon the Crystal Bear (Glasernen Bar) for the Best Film awarded by the Childrens Jury in

Generation Kplus section at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival (also known as the

Berlinale).

About Marathi film Killa

First Indian feature film to win Crystal Bear award.

Deals with the universal conflict of migration and how it impacts the lives of people, especially

children.

The story is about an 11 year old child, Chinu, who is coping with the death of his father and finds

it difficult to adapt to a new place he has migrated to.

Directed by Avinash Arun.

Produced by Madhukar R Musle, Ajay G Rai and Alan McAlex under the banner, Jar Pictures and

presented by M R Filmworks.

Will be released in May, 2014.

Note: Killa is the third Marathi film to premier and compete at the Berlin film festival.

Dr. VV Dongre and Prof. Guocheng Zhang bagged International Gandhi Award 2013


24

February 21, 2014

The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the International Gandhi Award for the year

2013 to Dr. Vijaykumar Vinayak Dongre and Prof. Guocheng Zhang for making outstanding

contributions in the field of leprosy to eradicate the disease through treatment, training and research

at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

International Gandhi Award

Instituted by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation (GMLF) that was established in 1950 to

commemorate Mahatma Gandhis service and scientific approach towards leprosy.

GMLF introduced the International Gandhi Award in 1986.

Recognizes the commendable contributions of individuals and institutions in ameliorating the

quality of life of people afflicted with leprosy.

The two awards are given every alternate year to individuals/institutions for making outstanding

contribution in the field of leprosy.

Note: Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage

in the arms and legs.

Highlights of interim Union Budget 2014-2015 Tax proposal

February 21, 2014

The Union Finance Minister Mr. P Chidambaram presented an Interim Budgetfor 2014-15. For the

period up to June 30, 2014, Mr. Chidambaram reduced excise duty on:

(a) Capital goods and consumer non-durables (falling under Chapter 84 and 85 of the

Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act): from 12 to 10 %.

(b) Small cars, motors cycles, scooters and commercial vehicles: from12% to 8%.

(c) Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs: from 12% to 8%

(d) Large & Mid-segment Cars: from 27/24% to 24/20%.

Other Key highlights of Budget 2014-2015 Tax proposal

No change in income tax rates.

Proposed to make appropriate reductions in the excise duty on chassis and trailers.

Excise duty on mobile hand set to be 6% on CENVAT credit to encourage domestic production.

The custom duty structure on non-edible grade industrial oils and its fractions, fatty acids and

fatty alcohols is reduce to 7.5% to encouragedomestic production of soaps and oleo

chemicals.

To encourage domestic production of specified road construction machinery, the exemption from

Counter Vailing Duty (CVD) on similar imported machinery is withdrawn.

A concessional custom duty 5 % on capital goods imported by the Bank Note Paper

Mill India Private Limited is provided to encourage domestic production of security paper for

printing currency notes.

The loading and un-loading, packing, storage and warehousing of rice are exempted from Service

Tax.

Interim Union Budget 2014-15

February 21, 2014

The Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram presented the Interim Budget 2014-15 in the Lok


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Sabha with an estimated plan expenditure of Rs. 5,55,322 crore and non-plan expenditure of Rs.

12,07,892 crore. Excise duty on cars, two-wheelers, SUVs and capital goods and consumer durables

has been slashed to boost the manufacturing and growth. There is no change in income tax rates.

Important points of the Union Budget 2014-15

Focus: On manufacturing and manufacturing exports.

Fiscal deficit for FY14 to be contained at 4.6% of GDP; FY15 target at 4.1 %

FY14 Current Account Deficit seen at $45 bn.

FY14 Q3 & Q4 GDP growth to be at least 5.2%.

Agriculture credit will cross $ 45 billion against $41 billion in 2012-13.

Food grain production estimated at 263 million tons in 2013-14

Proposed a venture capital fund with an initial capital of Rs. 200 crore to promote entrepreneurship

among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

No change has been introduced under the tax laws but a change has been introduced for the

indirect taxes.

Budgetary support to railways increased from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 29,000 crore 2014-15.

Ministry-wise allocations for flagship schemes:

Rs.82, 200 crore rural development, Rs.67, 398 crore for human resource development, Rs.33,

725 crore for health and family welfare, Rs.21, 000 crore for women and child development, Rs.15,

260 crore drinking water and sanitation.

Food subsidy will be Rs 1, 15,000 crore for implementation of National Food Security Act.

One -rank-one-pension scheme for defense personnel from 2015.

Defense allocation increased by 10% to Rs 2.24 lakh crore.

To strengthen the capacity of Central Armed Police Forces by modernization and providing stateof-

the-art equipment and technology, the government has allocated Rs. 11009 crore.

To formulate and promote the scheme of community radio station, the government sanctioned a

fund of Rs.100 crore.

For the Social Justice Ministry, Rs. 6730 crore has been sanctioned.

For the Panchayati Raj Ministry, Rs.7000 crore has been sanctioned.

For food, fertilizer and fuel subsidy, Rs. 246397 crore has been allocated.

To stimulate growth, the government has slashed excise duty to 10% from 12%.

Foreign exchange reserves up by $15 billion.

Rs 2,600 crore for education loan moratorium, to benefit 9 lakh borrowers for loans taken before

March 31, 2009.

A ten point agenda has been created by Mr. Chidambaram to makeIndia the third

largest economy after US and China.

Two projects sanctioned under Nirbhaya Fund of which the original was of Rs.1000 crore that was

non-lapsable and another Rs. 1000 crore has been granted.

3 more industrial corridors Chennai-Bangalore, Bangalore-Mumbai, Amritsar-Kolkata under

various stages of implementation.

Govt. committed to Aadhaar-based LPG transfer but scheme on hold temporarily.

Chennai and Panaji (India) to host World Bridge Championship 2015


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February 21, 2014

For the first time, India will host the World Bridge Championship for Bermuda Bowl (men) and Venice

Cup (women) in 2015. About 550 players from 66 countries are expected to be seen in action in this

world meet.

Cities short-listed to host the World Bridge Championship: Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Panaji,

Goa.

About World Bridge Team Championship

Conducted by World Bridge Federation (WBF) in every two years.

WBF President: Gianrrigo Rona of Italy.

Bridge Federation of India (BFI) President: N R Kirubakara Moorthy.

Premier tournament in international bridge and sees the top teams from each geographic region

competing against one another for the Bermuda Bowl trophy.

In addition, there are separate trophies for the top women`s team as well as the top senior team

(D`Orsi Trophy) globally.

Football Legend Sir Tom Finney: Former Preston and England winger passed away

February 21, 2014

Former Preston and England winger, Sir Tom Finney (91) passed away.

Mr. Finney was one of the Englands greatest footballers and the ultimate one-club man. He was

famous for his loyalty to his league club, Preston North End for which he made 569 first-class

appearances.

About Sir Tom Finney

Nickname:Preston Plumber.

Played for Preston from 1946 until he retired.

Scored 210 goals in 473 appearances.

Footballer of the year: In 1954 and 1957 (the first player to receive the honor twice).

Appointment: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1961),

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1992.

Knighted in the 1998 Queens New Year Honors.

President of Kendal Town.

67th BAFTA Awards 2014

February 21, 2014

The 67th BritishAcademy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House

in London.

Winners of the 67th Annual BAFTA Awards

Best Film: 12 Years a Slave

Outstanding British Film: Gravity.

Best Director: Alfonso Cuarn (Gravity).

Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave).

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine).

Best Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips).

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle).


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Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Philomena.

Best Editing: Rush.

Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (Gravity).

Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby.

Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.

Best Original Music: Gravity.

Best Makeup and Hair: American Hustle.

Best Sound: Gravity.

Best Visual Effects: Gravity.

Best Film Not in the English Language: The Great Beauty.

Best Animated Film: Frozen.

Best Documentary: The Act of Killing.

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Kieran Evans.

Best British Short Film: Room 8.

Best British Short Animation: Sleeping with the Fishes.

The EE Rising Star Award: Will Poulter.

Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Peter Greenaway.

Most awards: Gravity (6).

About British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)

Formed: 1947.

Headquarters: London.

Purpose: To supports, promotes and develops the art forms of the moving image film, television

and video games by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting

the public.

International Mother Language Day of Bangladesh 2014

February 21, 2014

International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) observed across the world,

with Bangladesh leading on February 21, 2014.

Theme: Local languages for global citizenship: spotlight on science.

Objective: To promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity.

The day assumes special significance in Bangladesh where scores of people, mostly students and

teachers of the DhakaUniversity, were mercilessly shot down by the Pakistani army in 1952 in

erstwhile East Pakistan.

The activists had protested against imposition of Urdu as the national language side-stepping

Bengali their mother tongue.

But the incident calls for celebration too as the protest sowed the seeds of home-grown

nationalism that ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh from the ashes of the Liberation War

in 1971.

About International Mother Language Day

Observed on February 21 every year.


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The Day is observed yearly by UNESCO member states and at its headquarters to promote

linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

On 16 May 2007, by resolution 61/266, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the

International Year of Languages, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding,

through multilingualism and multiculturalism.

It is commemorated in Bangladesh since 1952 where a number of Dhaka university

students were killed by the Pakistani police and army during the Bangla Language

Movement.

Importance of International Mother Language Day: It is the greatest weapon to express ones

feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country.

WTA rankings: Li Na climbs to World No.2 spot

February 20, 2014

In the latest Womens Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings, Chinese

tennis ace Li Na ranked World No.2 following her second Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open

2014.

Top five players in the WTA Singles rankings:

1. Serena Williams (United States).

2. Li Na (China)

3. Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland)

4. Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)

5. Maria Sharapova (Russia)

Top three players in the WTA doubles ranking:

1. Peng Shuai (China)

2. Hsieh Su-Wei (Chinese Taipei)

3. Vesnina Elena (Russia)

Two-time Grand Slam champion, Li Na became the first Asian to be the second ranked player in the

world and her compatriot Peng Shuai became the first Chinese player to ascent to top world spot in

doubles after winning the QatarOpen with partner Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei.

Study: Titled Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles

February 20, 2014

The researchers from University of Tennessee, USA studied the tree-climbing and basking behavior

in reptiles, under the title, Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles. They noticed crocodilian

species on three continents viz. Australia,Africa and North America and examined previous studies

and anecdotal observations.

Crocodiles are known for impressive speed and agility around the water. As stated by new study,

they are also capable of climbing trees.

As per the study titled Climbing behavior in extant crocodiles

The scientists confirmed that four different crocodile species found in Australia, Africa and the

Americas are all able to climb, some as high as 4m, where they were observed basking in trees.

These species that are able to climb trees can go as high as 4m. Their abilities also vary by

size. Those small and lightweight crocs, 1.5m long, can climb the highest branches. Those heavier


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in weight can be found in lower branches, cannot go as high as 1m above water.

It was found that crocodiles developed the agility to climb trees to laze under the sun and to survey

their surroundings against possible threats or for possible food.

The Australian freshwater crocodiles can actually climb steep slopes along riverbanks up to 1.8

m.

In North America, the team saw crocodiles up to 1 meter long lounging on the aerial roots and low

branches of mangrove trees during the day.

The most commonly observed climbers were the slender-snouted crocodiles of Central

Africa. Some African crocodiles roosted as high as 3m above the surface of rivers.

Crocodiles lack the toe and foot structure that would be expected of a climber. Though, smaller

and juvenile crocodiles in particular were observed climbing vertically while larger ones tended to

climb angled trunks and branches, all of which is a measure of the reptiles spectacular agility.

Researchers believe that the tree climbing and basking are driven by two conditions:

thermoregulation

and surveillance of habitat.

Note: People who spend time around crocodiles have known about the climbing ability for decades.

Though, this study is the first to thoroughly examine the climbing and basking behavior.

Belgium became second country to allow Mercy Killing for children

February 20, 2014

The Catholic country, Belgium became the first country to allow euthanasia for terminally ill

children of any age. This action of legalizing death for the children came 12 years after the country

legalized euthanasia for adults. The Parliament of Belgium took the decision in spite of opposition

from the Church and some paediatricians.

Belgium became the second country after Netherlands to allow mercy-killing for

children and the first to lift all age restrictions.

Under the approved legislation by the Parliament, a young child will be allowed to end their life with

the help of a doctor. The legislation has not fixed any age limit for minors suffering from a terminal

illness to opt for the death by use of a lethal injection.

Other European countries that allows active euthanasia are:-

Luxembourg: Permits active euthanasia for over 18 years in age.

Switzerland: Doctors help adult patients to commit suicide.

About Euthanasia

Refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.

Forms of euthanasia: Active and passive euthanasia

Active euthanasia: when the medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do something

that causes the patient to die.

Passive euthanasia: wh

Documents

February 2014 Current Affairs