october gk updates-bankers adda

7/31/2019 October GK Updates-Bankers Adda

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DAILY GK UPDATE: 1st OCTOBER 20121. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force marked the 50th year of its raising

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force today marked the 50th year of its raising.NOTE:- ITBP, a border guarding force along the Sino-Indian border, was raised in October,1962 in the wake of Chinese aggression. The force guards the 3,488-km-long Sino-Indian

frontier, besides rendering a host of internal security duties including anti-Maoist operations,apart from taking part in many United Nations peacekeeping missions.2. A commemorative postage stamp marking the 50th year of raising of Indo-TibetanBorder Police (ITBP) Force released

A commemorative postage stamp to mark the 50th year of raising of Indo-Tibetan BorderPolice (ITBP) was released by Union Minister of State for Communications and InformationTechnology Sachin Pilot in New Delhi yesterday.NOTE:- The Rs. 5 denomination stamp, developed and designed by the postal department,

depicts 3 armed ITBP commandos donning their camouflage white and grey fatigues with theicy Himalayan peaks in the background. The special stamp is embossed on a five-rupeeticket.3. Government to finalise guidelines for implementation of General Anti AvoidanceRules by the end of this month.Centre today said that the guidelines for implementation of General Anti Avoidance Rules(GAAR) will be finalised by the Income Tax department by the end of this month. Talking toreporters in New Delhitoday the Finance Minister P Chidambaram said GAAR rules will befirst vetted by the Law Ministry. After that the ministry would finalise its report and thenconsider if there was a necessity to amend the Income Tax Act.4. Sanjay Mitra appointed as new Chief Secretary of West BengalSanjay Mitra was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of West Bengal on 30 September2012.NOTE:-An IAS officer from 1982 batch, Mitra who was serving as the Principal Secretary ofthe Health and Family Welfare Department took over the office from Samar Ghosh at theState Secretariat.5. Indian Exports decline by 9.74% yr-on-yr in Aug 2012Indian Exports declined by 9.74 % year-on-year to 22.3 billion US dollars in August this yeardue to the global economic recession. Imports also slipped by around 5 % to about 38 billionUS dollars, leaving a trade deficit of 15.7 billion US dollars.6. Shadman Chowk renamed as Bhagat Singh Chowk in LahoreThe Shadman Chowk in the eastern city of Lahore (Pakistan) on 29 September 2012 wasrenamed as Bhagat Singh Chowk on the 105th birth anniversary of the revolutionary freedomfighter and martyr, Bhagat Singh. This came up in result of the demand from the peaceactivists for renaming the Chowk by the name of Bhagat Singh.7. Latest Life Expectancy data for women and men in India Released

According to the Latest Life Expectancy data, life expectancy at birth for women is 67.7 yearswhile for men it stood at 64.6 years.8. Assam Government ordered a CBI Probe into attacks on Rhinos from PoachersThe Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi ordered a probe from CBI into the recent incidentsof Rhino Poaching and announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh to the one providinginformation about the poachers.NOTE:- The large mammals were poached for their horns recently in Karbi Anglong hills whoescaped from the protected area of the flood affected Kaziranga National Park.9. Punjab Government started a massive door-to-door Cancer Detection CampaignThe biggest door-to-door campaign to detect cancer at early stage was launched on 30September 2012 by the Punjab Government. The Pilot trial of the project will start in Faridkotdistrict of Punjab for a complete month of October and will be implemented across the state inDecember 2012. The Cancer detection survey involving 50,000 personnel aims at detectingthe cancer at its initial stage in a population of over 1.25 crore.10. Tunnel joining the Amber Palace and Jaigarh Fort unveiled for TouristsThe tunnel that connects the two monuments of historical importance Amber Palace andJaigarh Fort in the capital city Jaipur of Rajasthan was inaugurated by the Diya Kumari of

Jaipur Royal Family and former Rajasthan Tourism Minister Bina Kak. The tunnel is now openfor the tourists as well as the historians.


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2. DAILY GK UPDATE: 2nd OCTOBER 20121.Nation payed homage to Mahatma Gandhi & Lal Bahadur ShastriNation pays homage to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 143 birth anniversary today.

An all-religion prayer was held at his memorial at Raj Ghat in Delhi this morning.Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.The nation also remembers former Prime Minister Late Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 108th birthanniversary today.2.India, Austria signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperationIndia and Austria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for strengthening long-termrelationship and bilateral Cooperation on Road and Rail Infrastructure.NOTE:- The agreement was signed between the Minister of Railways and Road Transport andHighways, Dr. C.P.Joshi and visiting Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology of

Austria, Mrs. Doris Burse in New Delhi.3.President confers prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in PublicAdministration to noted Scientist, Tessy Thomas.The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Awardfor Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management for the year 2012 to Ms. TessyThomas at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

NOTE: - Known as the Missile woman, a key scientist at Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO), Ms Thomas has contributed in various fields such as Guidance, Control,Inertial Navigation, Trajectory Simulation and Mission Design. She is the first woman scientist to heada missile project in the country.Ms Thomas has been associated with the Agni Programme right from the developmental stages andhas designed the guidance scheme for long range missile systems which are used in all Agnimissiles.

At present, Ms Thomas is the Project Director of Agni -IV, which is a major project with state of the arttechnologies.4. 2nd phase of Indian housing project in Lanka from TodayIndia today launched the second phase of its ambitious housing project on the occasion of GandhiJayanti, for war displaced people of Northern Sri Lanka. In this phase, 43 thousand houses will bebuilt over a period of 3 years.

5. Georgias president concedes election defeat, says opposition will form new governmentGeorgian President Mikhail Saakashvili today conceded defeat in the parliamentary election and saidan opposition coalition led by a billionaire businessman now has the right to form a government 6. Kingfisher Airlines declared a partial lock-out suspending flight operations till Thursday.Kingfisher Airlines last night declared a partial lock-out with immediate effect and suspended flightoperations till Thursday. The operation came to a grinding halt following a strike by a section of itsemployees.7. FICCI urges Centre to ban bauxite exportsTrade body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has urged the Unionministry of commerce and industry to ban bauxite exports fearing closure of alumina refineries forshortage of the key raw material required to produce alumina.8. Uttar Pradesh hit with Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scam

An alleged scam of lakhs of rupees has surfaced in the implementation of Integrated Low Cost

Sanitation Scheme (ILCS) in various districts of Uttar Pradesh during the years of 2009- 10 and 2010-11.9. ICC to review code after Sri Lanka switches captainSri Lanka switched the captaincy in its last World Twenty20 group match against England on Mondayto avoid Mahela Jayawardene being banned for slow bowling again. Jayawardene was fined onSaturday for a slow over-rate in the win over West Indies, and faced a one-match ban if the team wasslow again against England, and he was in charge.The International Cricket Council didnt specifically address the issue today but said it will review therules in the tournament aftermath.10.India, China consumer spending to rise to $10 trillion by 2020Consumers in India and neighbouring China are expected to spend nearly $10 trillion on goods andservices a year by 2020, which is three times the amount spent in 2010, global research and advisoryfirm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said today.


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DAILY GK UPDATE: 3rd OCTOBER 20121. Ministry of Rural Development Launched Nirmal Bharat YatraMinistry of rural development today started a campaign named Nirmal Bharat Yatra which focuses onmaking the country free from open defecation.NOTE:- The yatra will begin from Wardha District of Maharashtra from today and will go throughIndore, Kota, Gwalior, and Gorakhpur and end up in Bettiah district of Bihar on November 17,covering about 2000 km of distance.Indian Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is the Brand Ambassador of the campaign.2. U.P. bans production & sale of GutkhaUttar Pradesh government has banned the production and sale of Gutkha. The state government hasissued notification in this regard and as per government decision it will be effective from 1st April nextyear.3. ISRO carries out Third & final orbit raising manoeuvres of GSAT-10ISROs Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka has successfully carried out 3rd and final orbitraising manoeuvres of GSAT-10 satellite today morning. GSAT-10 was raised to 35,734 km by 35,585km orbit. The two solar panels and the two dual gridded reflector antennas were also deployed today.In the coming days, the satellite will be moved towards its designated location of 83 degree East.4. India and Austria signed MOU on technology cooperation

India and Austria today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technology cooperation inthe shipping and ports infrastructure. It will pave the way for sharing appropriate know-how, scientificknowledge and research and development capabilities between the two countries. It will also enablethe Indian organizations in the Ports and Shipping Sectors to acquire latest knowledge andtechnology from Austria.5. Minister of Water Resources Released Atlas named Aquifer System of IndiaMinister of water resources and parliamentary affairs Pawan Kumar Bansal released Atlas for sixstates namely- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.NOTE:- The atlas comprises data on various aspect of ground water since its inception that wascompiled and integrated by the Central Ground Water Board. The atlas was named as AquiferSystem of India.6. Punjab wins second Hockey India Senior Men's National Championship TitlePunjab have won the second Hockey India Senior Men's National championship title. Punjab register

a 2-1 victory over Air India to claim the honours. Karnataka beat defending champions Haryana 2-1 tofinish third in the tournament.7. Prez urges law makers to make gender sensitivity policiesPresident Pranab Mukherjee said sustainable economic and social development can best bespearheaded by well-designed initiatives involving women leaders and favoured their greaterparticipation in Parliament.8. All schools must have toilets within six months: SCThe Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre and state governments to provide basicinfrastructure, including drinking water and toilets, in all schools within six months.9. German Footballer Michael Ballack Quits his CareerFormer Germany captain Michael Ballack who had played for Bayern Munich and Chelsea, hadcalled a halt to his professional football career today.10. Raja and Kalmadi nominated members in Par. Standing Committees

Former Union Telecom Minister A Raja, and Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi, have been nominated asmembers of two separate Parliamentary Standing Committees.NOTE:-The Parliamentary Standing Committees examine bills and give suggestions for legislationsrelated to the ministries concerned.11. P. Kashyap wins men's badminton crown; Syali Gokhale lifts women's singles title.P Kashyap has won the men's singles crown while Syali Gokhale lifted the Women's Singles Title ofthe 77th National Badminton Championship. At Sri Nagar today Kashyap beat Ajay Jairam whileSyali beat P.V. Sindhu in the final.12. India move up to 2nd spot in T20 rankingsIndia might have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, but four winsout of five matches have pushed the Men in Blue by one place to the second spot in the latest T20International team rankings released today.India now trail Sri Lanka ,129 points, by nine points and are followed by Pakistan ,118, and England

also 118 points.13. Haryana CM inaugurates trial run of Rapid Metro rail in GurgaonHaryana Chief Minister today inaugurated the trial run of Rapid Metro rail being set up on Public-


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Private Partenership model at Gurgaon. He also laid the foundation stone of its extension today.Speaking on this occasion he said that 5.1 kilometer long Rapid Metro Gurgaon corridor with sixstations would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1088 crore.14. India, Russia ministerial dialogue now on October 10The ministerial dialogue between India and Russia slated for tomorrow will now take place on October10 during which India is expected to voice concerns over the delay in handing over of aircraft carrier

Admiral Gorshkov.15. EGoM on telecom to meet again on October 8

A crucial meeting of a ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on issues suchas levy of one-time spectrum fee on existing telecom operators did not arrive at a final decision todayand will meet again next week.16. Poster contest in Egypt to remember Mahatma Gandhi's teachingsMahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary has been observed in Egypt where a poster contest wasorganised to capture the essence of his message in the iconic Tahrir Square which witnessed apeaceful pro-democracy revolution last year.17. Kejriwal forms political party, promises to change the systemSocial activist Arvind Kejriwal added a new dimension to his movement against corruption as heformally launched his political party and said it belonged to the people of the nation.18. Major relief to cash- strapped airlines, ATF prices cut by 4.3%

In a major relief to cash- strapped airlines, jet fuel (ATF) prices were cut by a steep 4.3 percent. It wasfirst reduction in rates in three-and-a-half months.19. 100 elite forces assigned the task of saving Rhinos from Poachers

Assam Government has deployed a 100-member team of Elite Forest Protection Force at theKaziranga National Park.NOTE:- The decision came in concern to the recent killings of the one horned Rhinos in the flood-affected areas of Karbi Anglong Hills, the area outside the protected region of the Park. The park isalso a UNESCO Heritage Site.20. Assembly Elections in Gujarat on 13,17 Dec , Himachal on 4th Nov.Single phase Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will take place on the 4th of next month whilethe two phase polls in Gujarat will take place on 13th and 17th December.

ADB CUTS GROWTH FORECASTS FOR 2012, 2013 INDEVELOPING ASIA

Asian Development Bank has cut its growth forecasts for this year and for the next year in developingAsia because of weakening global demand and a slowdown in the region's two largest economies.In a report released today, the ADB said emerging Asia should prepare for what it called a prolongedperiod of moderate expansion, which follows years of rapid economic growth in the region. TheManila-based lender said the unresolved European debt crisis and the looming fiscal cliff in the UnitedStates are the biggest threats to Asia's economy.

ADB report called on the developing Asian countries do more to reduce their reliance on exports andsupport domestic growth.

It forecasts emerging Asia to grow 6.1 percent this year and 6.7 percent in 2013. Those figures aresignificantly lower than its previous estimates of 6.9 percent and 7.3 percent.The bank said the slowdown is most evident in the two regional giants - China and India. China isexpected to grow 7.7 percent this year and 8.1 percent in 2013, a sharp drop from the 9.3 posted in2011. India's growth will slow to 5.6 percent in 2012, down from 6.5 percent a year earlier.

Still, the report said that no major monetary policy interventions were necessary, saying that mostcountries have enough room to use fiscal and monetary tools to respond in the event of an extremeshock.

DAILY GK UPDATES: 4th OCTOBER 20121. India sucessfully test-fires Prithvi-II ballistic missile India today sucessfully test-fired surface-to-surface Prithvi-II ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range


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(ITR) in Chandipur of Balasore district off Odisha coast.

NOTE:- The missile, was launched at 9.07am this morning from Launch Complex Number-III of the ITR by

personnel of the Strategic Force Command (SFC) as part of a regular training exercise.

2. Govt approves 49% FDI in insurance & pension sectorsUnion Cabinet today approved necessary amendments to the Insurance Laws Amendment Bill, Pension Fund

Regulatory and Development Authority Bill and the Companies Bill.

NOTE:- Finance Minister, Mr. P.Chidambaram said the foreign equity cap is proposed to be kept in pension at49 per cent as provided in the Insurance Laws Amendment Bill 2008 as against 26 per cent. This he said is

being done in order to meet the growing capital requirement of private insurance companies.

3. Ajit Saran Appointed as Secretary in National Commission for WomenSenior IAS officer Ajit M Sharan was appointed as Member Secretary in National Commission for Women

(NCW). Ajit Sharan is a 1979 batch officer of Haryana cadre.

4. C P Joshi laYISfoundation stone of Z-Morh Tunnel in J&KRoad Transport and Highways minister C P Joshi today laid the foundation stone of the Z-Morh Tunnel on the

Srinagar-Leh section of National Highway . This will provide all-weather connectivity with Ladakh.NOTE:- This tunnel is 6.5 km long two-lane tunnel with parallel 6.5 km long escape tunnel on a new alignment

between Gagangir and Sonamarg under Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1

5. India, Pak Custom Officials to start hotline between Amritsar & Lahore soon Custom Officials of India and Pakistan have decided to start a hotline between Amritsar and Lahore so

They have also decided to continue the trade for the whole week and increase the timings also.NOTE:- This step would save traders from both the sides from harrasement due to long cues of trucks as well as

degradation of perishable goods could also be curtailed.

6. India, Bangladesh holds 3rd DG level talks in New Delhi

India and Bangladesh today held the 3rd Director General level talks in New Delhi, sharing concern over

the growing menace of Narcotic Drugs.7. Govt panel suggests creation of UFA to bring regulators under one umbrellaGovernment-appointed panel on financial sector reforms has suggested creation of a Unified Financial Authority

(UFA) to bring all regulators under one umbrella. The Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission

(FSLRC), in its Approach Paper, presented to the government recently, proposed to bring in SEBI, IRDA,

PFRDA and Forward Markets Commission under the UFA.

8. UN Women an UN organization for gender equality and women empowerment today launched South

Asia's first virtual knowledge hub in India.The Executive director of UN Women and former president of Chile Ms Michelle Bachelet launched this center

at a function in Jaipur. 200 Elected women representatives from India, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal were also

present in the function.

9. Sensex crosses key 19,000 mark, Nifty breaches 5,800 mark over reform hopes; Rupee rules firm at 51

rupee 97 paise against the Dollar.Sensex at the Bombay stock Exchange opened higher, at 18,940, this morning, and later surged a hefty 219

points, or 1.2 percent, to cross the key 19,000-level after a gap of nearly 15 months, at 19,088, in afternoon

deals, a short while ago. The Sensex rose on on sustained buying by investors, on hopes of more economic

reforms by the government.11

Crude was down in Asian trade today as worries over Spain and a slowing Chinese economy highlighted a weakglobal economic outlook. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in November, shed 20 cents

to 87.94 dollars a barrel and Brent North Sea crude slipped three cents to 108.14 dollars.

10. FCRA Bill cleared, FMC to get more powerGiving a reform boost to the commodity futures market, the govt on Thursday cleared a Bill that seeks to

provide more power including financial autonomy to regulator FMC and introduce new categories of products.

11. Govt approves 12th Five-Year PlanGovernment today approved the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) document that aims to achieve annual average

economic growth rate of 8.2 per cent, down from from 9 per cent envisaged earlier, in view of fragilerekh

pa global recovery.

The high-level committee on financing of infrastructure, which is headed by HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh,

also pitched for 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the telecom sector. The limit at present is 74

percent.

12. India 168th in FIFA rankingsIndian football team moved a place up to be 168th in the latest FIFA rankings, India, who last month won a hat -

trick of Nehru Cup titles, have 114 points.

13. US, British universities top in academic excellenceThe California Institute of Technology kept its top spot in the Times Higher Education World University

Rankings for 2012-2013 which also saw the University of Oxford rising two positions, ahead of Harvard, to


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jointly share second place with Stanford University.

14. India's D'Souza wins Duke of Edinburgh Cup golfIn a first for Indian golf, David D'Souza conquered the greens of Windsor Castle to win the prestigious Duke ofEdinburgh Finals the Bangalore golfer had qualified to play at the Cup, by recording the best gross score at last

month's Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival

15. Coffee exports have risen by 2 per cent in value terms to Rs 4,800.89 crore

in the last coffee year that ended in September. The exports in volume terms dropped by 8 per cent to 3.21 lakh ton

DAILY GK UPDATE: 5th OCTOBER 20121. India Successfully Test Fired Nuclear Capable Missile "Dhanush"India today successfully test fired nuclear capable Dhanush Missile, the naval version of short-rangeballistic missile, Prithvi from a warship off Odisha coast. The test was conducted by the strategic forcecommand (SFC) of the Indian Navy.NOTE:- Dhanush, The indigenously developed naval version of the Prithvi short-range ballistic missilehas a strike range of up to 350 km and can carry 500 kg of conventional or nuclear warhead.The

missile is going to be used as an anti-ship weapon as well as for destroying land targets dependingon the range.2. Formula one Driver Michael Schumacher Announced RetirementMichael Schumacher, the German Formula one driver and the 7 times world Champion announcedhis retirement from Formula one Race.NOTE:- The retirement came after Mercedes announced that Lewis Hamilton would replace him inthe side although it was clear that the Michael Schumacher will join Sauber for the next Formula oneseason.3. HDFC Bank and Indian Oil came together to provide banking services in rural areas

HDFC bank tied up with Indian oil corporation where rural petrol pumpoutlets of Indian oil will act as HDFC Bank Business Correspondent (BCS).NOTE:- It is unique and first kind of tie-up, where an oil distribution

company is coming up with the bank to make available modern bankingservices to the people of remote areas.The Indian oil is going to make itpossible through Kisan Seva Kendra which is an retail outlet modelpioneered by Indian oil to cater to the needs of customers in the ruralsegment.4. Oil India and India Oil, together Bought 30% stake in Carrizo Shale AssetsPublic sector companies Oil India Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd announced acquisition of 30 percent stake in Houston-based Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc's liquid rich shale assets in Colorado. Both thecompanies together are going to invest $82.5 million that includes an straight cash payment of $41.25million. Remaining $41.25 million will be paid based on future drilling and development costs. OILIndia will have 20 per cent stake, while Indian Oil Corporation would have 10 per cent stake.

NOTE:- This is OIL India and Indian Oil Corporation's first shale gas acquisition in the US.5. Nagaland CM officially launches RTI Week 2012 in stateChief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today officially launched the RTI Week 2012, in Kohima.

Addressing the gathering of State High Officials and others, Rio remarked RTI is a tool checkingcorruption, thereby promoting good governance and delivering goods to the people. He maintainedthat the citizens have to be responsible to fully implement the RTI Act.6. Govt approves ratification of Nagoya Protocol on Access & Benefit Sharing by IndiaThe Government has approved the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing(ABS) by India. The Cabinet decision comes in the wake of New Delhi assuming Presidentship of theeleventh Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to be held inHyderabad this month.NOTE:- The objective of the Nagoya Protocol on ABS is fair and equitable sharing of benefits, arisingfrom the use of genetic resources, including appropriate access to genetic resources and transfer of

relevant technologies.The Nagoya Protocol has been signed by 92 countries and five countries havealso ratified the Protocol. India signed the Nagoya Protocol on 11th May 2011. India is also a Party to


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the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which is one of the agreements adopted during the RioEarth Summit in 1992.7. Non-gazetted Central govt employees to get bonus up to Rs 3,500Centre today announced grant of non- productivity linked bonus to all its non- gazetted employees upto 3,500 rupees for the year 2011-12. The Finance Ministry in its office memorandum has said that allthe Central government employees in Group C and D and all non-gazetted employees in Group B

who are not covered by any productivity-linked bonus scheme will get bonus equivalent to 30 daysemolument.8. NSE grinds to a halt on erroneous orders by trading member;probe onThe National Stock Exchange index, the Nifty crashed a huge 800 points this morning, bringing tradein the cash market to a halt for about 15 minutes.NOTE:- The bourse blamed the incident on erroneous orders worth 650 crore rupees entered by atrading member, Emkay Global Financial Services, on behalf of an institutional client.9. Passive EUTHANASIA Supported by the Law PanelThe Law Commission which advice government on legal issues made a recommendation to thegovernment to initiate measures to enact a comprehensive law on passive euthanasia, subject tocertain safeguards. According to the Commission, Passive Euthanasia is not objectionable from alegal and constitutional point of view.NOTE:- What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering.Passiveeuthanasia entails the withholding of common treatments, such as antibiotics, necessary for thecontinuance of life.Active euthanasia entails the use of lethal substances or forces, such asadministering a lethal injection, to kill and is the most controversial means.10. Sachin to re-assess his future next monthSachin Tendulkar has for the first time admitted that at 39 he may not have much cricket left in himand will reassess his cricketing future next month.11. Shri Mukul Wasnik inaugurates AntarchakshuShri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment inaugurated the event Antarchakshuas the event highlights areas of education, financial access and equal employment opportunities.NOTE:- This event will provide the participants insights into the intricacies of the daily lives of thevisually impaired.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 6th OCTOBER1. Shirdon Saaid named as New Somalia PM

Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid has been named as the New Prime Minister of Somalia. Announcement tothis effect was made by the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today.2. Air India gets 3rd Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Air India has received its 3rd Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It says, it looks forward to taking more from theNew North Charleston facility of the American manufacturer .In September, Air India took delivery of its first of the 27 Dreamliners on order. The aircraft isequipped with 18 business class seats and 238 in the economy class.The Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made with advanced composite materials.

3. 5+5 Summit calls for closer co-operation between member nationsThe 5+5 Summit of European and North African nations along the Mediterranean sea has called forcloser co-operation between the member nations. The heads of states and the foreign ministers of the10 member group met at the capital of Malta Auberge de Castille for 2 days. Issues including regionalsecurity, irregular migration, and ways of strengthening political and economic cooperation in thewake of Arab Spring.4. LPG price hiked by Rs 11.42 per cylinderThe price of Cooking gas, LPG price has gone up by 11 rupees 42 paise per cylinder with theGovernment increasing the Dealers' commission. The Commission has been increased from 25 rupee83 paise to 37 rupees 25 paise for a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder.5. Govt. to provide free higher education to students who bring recognition for the country inSports eventsGovernment will provide free higher education to students from Universities and Colleges who bring

recognition for the country at International and National level Sports events.Mr. Sibal also announced starting of a national level university Cricket league and university level


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Hockey league to promote sports in a big way in the campuses. The Cricket league would be playedamong eight top universities in T-20 format from among those who qualify through a zonalcompetition. Similarly, the Hockey league will be played among top eight teams selected throughzonal competitions.6. Chidambaram to inaugurate Economic Editors' ConferenceUnion Finance Minister P. Chidambaram will inaugurate the two-day annual Economic Editors'

Conference in New Delhi on Monday. There will be separate sessions with the Ministers and seniorofficers of the key economic and infrastructure ministries participating in the conference. Theconference will enable economic editors and journalists, invited from all over the country to interactwith them.The Press Information Bureau is organizing the conference. 7. India ready to support Nepal for development of Energy SectorIndia says, it is ready to support Nepal for the developmentof the Energy Sector. Indias

Ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad said while addressing a workshop on Alternative Energyorganized by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Friday. 8.Kejriwal launches Bijli-Paani Satyagraha

Anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal kicked off the Bijli-Paani Satyagraha, a civil disobediencemovement today to persuade the Delhi government to roll back power and water tariffs. 9.Freedom fighter, former UP Governor Satyanarayana no moreFreedom fighter and former Governor of Uttar Pradesh B Satyanarayana Reddy is dead. He was 86.

He died at a hospital in Hyderabad this morning following illness.10. All government servants of Jharkhand to compulsorily learn computer

All government servants of Jharkhand will have to compulsorily learn computer. Different learningmodules are being created and Chief Minister Arjun Munda has already issued orders in this regard. 11. IDF will be based on a tripartite agreementThe recently cleared Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) will be based on a tripartite agreement betweendeveloper, lender (bank) and the IDF. The aim is infusing greater funds into infrastructuredevelopment in the country. Finance Ministry officials said in New Delhi, loans by the banks would berefinanced by IDF so that the lenders have free funds for more lending.12. IMF Chief predicts sustainable Gulf growthThe International Monetary Fund Chief Christian Lagrde has said that the economies of the oil-richgulf nations under the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC will grow at sustainable but reduced rates.13. Pak faces challenging economic outlook : IMF report

The International Monetary Fund has said that Pakistan's economic situation was worsening andfaces a return to double-digit inflation as the government prints money to finance its deficit.14.Football Link International Festival 2012 kicks off Football Link International Festival 2012 kicked off at the Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi today. TheFestival features 64 teams from the capital. Recognised by Delhi Soccer Association 15.Paes ,Stepanek storm into final of Japan OpenThe Indo-Czech pair of Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek has stormed into the final of the ATPJapan Tennis Open. Top seeded Paes and Stepanek beat Daniele Bracciali and Frantisek Cermak instraight sets with a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 in the semi-final in Tokyo today.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 7TH OCTOBER 20121. India and World Bank Signed 500 Million Dollar Deal for Shiksha AbhyanWorld bank and the Government of India signed a loan agreement of 500 Million US Dollar forSecondary Education Project named Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan(RMSA).NOTE:- The project is going to help in achieving increased and good quality secondary education asdirected in the framework of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, the flagship government of Indiaprogram for gradual Universalisation of secondary education.2. India Successfully Test-Fired Brahmos Supersonic Cruise MissileIndian Navy today successfully test-fired the 290-km range BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile,capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg, from a warship off the Goa coast.NOTE:- The cruise missile was test-fired from Guided Missile FrigateINS TEG the Indian Navys latest induction from Russia, off the coast of Goa early morning today.3. Shubhalakshmi Panse took over as New CMD of Allahabad Bank

Govt. appointed Shubhalakshmi Panse as the New Chairperson and Managing Director (CMD) of


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Allahabad Bank.NOTE:- Mrs. Panse earlier served as the Executive Director of Vijaya Bank. Panse was responsiblefor the administration and business development of Vijaya Bank for a period of two years.Panse, who joined Bank of Maharashtra as a Probationary Officer, has worked in almost all keysegments of banking including recovery, credit, fund management, law, accounts, IT and businessprocess re-engineering.

4. Bankers prefer CRR cutBanks favoured reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) rather than the repo rate cut in theforthcoming monetary policy review as it would reduce their cost of funds and make monetarytransmission faster.RBI took a vote and most of Bankers voted for a CRR cut. In terms of the impact, there is no doubtthe CRR (which is the portion of deposits banks park with RBI) has a great impact.NOTE:- RBI Governor will unveil the mid-year monetary policy on October 30, where it is widelyexpected that he will bring down the interest rates following the raft of reform measures by thegovernment over the past fortnight5. Electronic IPO from January 1, 2013The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to introduce electronic IPOs fromJanuary 1, 2013.The facility to submit the application forms would be available in more than 1000 locations which are

part of the nationwide broker network of the stock exchanges and where there is a presence of thebrokers terminals (broker centre).NOTE:- In the first phase, around 400 broker centres would be covered by January 1, 2013 and theremaining centres would be covered by March 1, 2013.6. PSBs asked to review activity levels in financial inclusion accountsGovernment has asked Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to review the level of activity in rural accountswhich were opened under financial inclusion drive. The finance ministry has asked the state-ownedbanks to ensure one account per family in the country to facilitate direct transfer of subsidy under 32central schemes.NOTE:- With an aim at financial inclusion, 'Swabhimaan' campaign was launched in 2010-11 toextend banking facilities in unbanked villages with a population of over 2,000 and over 74,000 suchvillages were covered.IMPORTANT FACTS:

i. The latest data says, under the campaign, over 3.25 crore bank accounts in rural areas wereopened. Banks have also been asked to establish an 'Ultra Small Branch' in each such village with abank official visiting them at least once a week.ii. As per 2011 census, about 58.7 per cent households had reported availing of banking facilities. Outof the 24.69 crore households, 14.48 crore reported availing banking services. Nearly 10 crorehouseholds were not availing the services.7. Deepak Parekh Panel for hiking Power Charges, Rail FaresSuggesting big-ticket reforms to attract investment in the infrastructure sector, a high-level committeeon financing of infrastructure, which is headed by HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh, recommendedincreasing electricity charges and rail fares.Committee also pitched for 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the telecom sector. Thelimit at present is 74 per cent.The panel also suggested raising prices of natural gas.NOTE:- These recommendations are aimed at attracting Rs.51.46 lakh crore for funding the

infrastructure sector during the XII Plan (2012-17).8. Cabinet nod for changes in Competition Act, 2002Government expanded the ambit of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), with an amendmentto the Competition Act, following which all sectors would fall under the purview of the fair traderegulator.NOTE:- Under the proposed amendments, no sector would be exempted from the purview of the CCI.9. Boat campaign to save endangered Gangetic Dolphin in U.P.The 3-day Save Ganga, Save Dolphin campaign has been launched by the U.P. Forest departmentin association with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and involving 14 NGOs and local volunteers. It wasflagged off by Transport Minister Raja Mahendra Aridaman Singh in the U.P. Forest office.NOTE:- Eighteen boats have been pressed into service to cover about 2,800 km of the Gangetic riversystem in U.P., the first major initiative towards creating awareness of conserving the criticallyendangered species of Gangetic dolphin (Platanista Gangetica). The species is endemic to the

Gangetic river system.10. Sebastian Vettel won Japanese F1- Grand Prix


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Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel today registered a dominant victory in the Japanese Grand Prix 2012 toput himself in a strong position to win the World Title.11. UP govt cancels holiday on Kanshiram AnniversaryUttar Pradesh Government has cancelled the public holiday on the death anniversary of BahujanSamaj Party founder Kanshiram on October 9. A circular in this regard has been issued to all thedistrict magistrates in the state.

NOTE:- The previous Mayawati government had announced October 9 as the public holiday underthe negotiable instrument (NI) act.12. SEBI to frame Uniform Guidelines for all Foreign InvestorsMarket regulator SEBI has proposed uniform guidelines for all classes of foreign investors such asForeign Institutional Investors, NRIs, Foreign Venture Capital Investors and Qualified FinancialInvestors; a step aimed at simplifying investment process for overseas entities and strengthensurveillance over them.13. Navys Proposal to set up Missile Testing Site in Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rejected Union Ministry of Environment and Ecology rejected the Navy's proposal to set up a missile-testing

site in Andaman and Nicobar islands, on the basis that the firing range would destroy the habitat ofendangered birds in Nicobar Megapode, unique to the isles.NOTE:- The megapode actually does not exist anywhere and it is a very unique species. It is toosensitive to withstand any such installation over there.

14. Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu Awards Presented By President of IndiaPresident of India Pranab Mukherjee with Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles AnandSharma presented awards to exporters on the occasion of the presentation of Federation of IndianExport Organisations (FIEO) Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu awards at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The President gave away 52 awards 46 Niryat Shree Awards was given to exporters for theirperformance in 12 different categories, which includes agriculture, plantation products; chemicals,drugs, pharmacy and allied products; engineering; gems and jewellery, handicrafts, carpets; textiles,leather, service providers; and 6 Niryat Bandhu Awards were given to Export Promotion Councils andBanks for their support to the exportingcommunity.NOTE:- In the Niryat Bandhu category for Banks, the winners were Canara Bank which got goldtrophy followed by Bank of India and Punjab National Bank getting silver and Bronze trophyrespectively.

15. 12th five-year plan focused on improvement of health, education and sanitationUnion Cabinet approved the 12th five-year plan with its aim to renew Indian economy and use thefunds from government in improving the facilities of education, sanitation and health.NOTE:- This plan has seen a three-fold increase in the budget constraints when compared to that ofthe 11th five-year plan. The plan would infuse a huge fund of Rs 47,70,000 lakh crore and this willhelp to accomplish the economic growth to an average level of 8.2 percent.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 8TH OCTOBER 20121. Indian Air Force celebrated 80 years of its glorious existence today.Indian Air Force today celebrated 80 years of glorious existence.

On the occassion, Union Govt. announced to set up 12 new Greenfield airports across the country toaccommodate growing air traffic. Announcing this at the 49th Directors General of Civil AviationConference in New Delhi today, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, new airport facilities are alsoready for commissioning in Chennai and Kolkata very soon.2. John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka selected for Nobel Prize for Medicine2012British scientist John Gurdon, who along with a Japanese physician won this year's Nobel Prize inMedicine for the 'reprogramming' of the fate of cells, was once told by his school teacher that hispassion for science would be a "sheer waste of time".3. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Re-Elected for fourth termVenezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been re-elected for the fourth term. Mr Chavez defeatedopposition leader Henrique Capriles. Mr Chavez garnered 54.42 per cent of the vote while his rivalbagged 44 per cent votes.4. World Bank lowered its growth forecast for China

World Bank has lowered its growth forecast for China, citing weak demand for its exports and lowerinvestment growth.


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measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems.

3. Amjad Ali Khan, Shivkumar Sharma among eleven performing artists conferred

prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship

President Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and

Akademi Awards for 2011 at a function at Rashtrapati Bhawan.11 eminent personalities including Shivkumar Sharma, Amjad Ali Khan, Padma

Subrahmanyam have been conferred with Akademi Fellowship and 36 artistes in the field of

music, dance, theatre, traditional folk, tribal dance and puppetry have received Akademi

Awards for their contribution in the different field of arts.

3. IMF lowered India's growth forecastInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered India's economic growth forecast by 1 per

cent for 2012-13.

IMF said it now expects the South Asian economy to grow just 4.9 per cent in 2012,

compared to a previous estimate of 6.1 percent, citing weak growth in the first-half and a

continued slowdown in foreign investment.

NOTE:- Released in Tokyo ahead of the IMF-World Bank 2012 Annual Meetings, the reportsaid that the growth has weakened in the first half of current year due to deteriorating

business sentiment and stalled investment due to governance issues.The IMFs downgrade for

India is the most aggressive among the major economies, followed by Brazil, which the fund

forecasts will grow just 1.5 percent this year, compared to a previous estimate of 2.5 percent.

4. Australian all-Rounder Shane Watson named player of the tournament.It was his outstanding form in T-20 World cup that helped Australian Team getting into semi-

final before they were knocked out by West Indies.

Shane Watson batted six innings in the tournament, scoring a total of 249 runs at an average

of 49.80 and took 11 wickets at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 7.33.

Shane Watson is also the only Player in the tournament who got four consecutive man-of-the-

match awards.

5. India and France signed an Agreement in the Field of Urban Development India and France signed an agreement in the field of sustainable Urban Development. The

agreement was signed in Paris between Union Minister of Urban Development Kamal Nath

and Minister for Foreign Trade of France Nicole Bricq.

6. Union Government ruled out the decision of Cauvery River AuthorityDecision of the Cauvery River Authority was ruled out by the Prime Minister Manmohan

Singh. The Prime Minister ordered Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu

every day, till 20 October 2012.

7. Vivek Rae Appointed as Secretary of Medium and Small Enterprises

Vivek Rae took over as Secretary in Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME). He succeeds Radha Krishna Mathur who at present is Secretary in Department of

Defence Production and Ministry of Defence.

8. International Cricket Council launches investigation into match-fixing allegations

against six Umpires.Health Ministry has asked three northern states, including Delhi, to step up awareness

campaigns and fogging to check the spread of dengue, besides increasing their testing

facilities. Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reviewed the situation at a meeting in New

Delhi yesterday with Health Ministers of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

9. Empowered Group of Ministers recommends to the Cabinet a one-time fee on

existing telecom operators for spectrum beyond 4.4 Mega Hertz; Government likely to

get around 27 thousand crore rupees from the fee.Government t to refund the license fee of those companies whose telecom licences stand


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cancelled but who have no criminal charges against them.

The Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram also

decided to recommend to the Cabinet a one-time fee on existing telecom operators for the

spectrum they hold beyond 4.4 Mega Hertz.

10. One in eight of world population going hungry - U.N.

One out of every eight people in the world is chronically undernourished, the UnitedNations' food agencies said today, warning that progress to reduce hunger has slowed since

2007/08 when high food prices sparked riots in several poor countries.

In their latest report on food insecurity, the UN agencies estimated that 868 million people

were suffering hunger in 2010-2012, or about 12.5 percent of the world's population, down

more sharply than previously estimated from about 1 billion, or 18.6 percent in 1990-92.

The new figures are lower than the last estimates for recent years that pegged the number of

hungry people at 925 million in 2010 and 1.02 billion in 2009.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 10TH OCTOBER 20121. American scientists Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka win Nobel Prize in chemistry.Two American scientists Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka have won this year's Nobel Prize inchemistry .NOTE:- They have bagged this for research into how cells respond to external stimuli that is helpingto develop better drugs to fight diseases such as diabetes, cancer and depression.2. D-8 ministerial level meet concludes in DhakaThird Developing Eight (D 8) ministerial level meeting on Industries concluded in Dhaka with themember states unanimously adopting a twenty two point Dhaka Declaration for promotion of closer

trade and business cooperation among the member countries.3. Union Government approved 14 FDI proposals worth 113.35 crore RupeesUnion Government of India approved fourteen foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals, which wouldbring in the capital inflow of 113.35 Crore Rupees. The major portion of 81.05 crore Rupeesinvestments accounts to the three clearances made in the Pharmaceutical Sector.NOTE:-Approval of these proposals was made in accordance to recommendations made by theForeign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) during the meeting held on 18 September 2012. TheFIPB is headed by Arvind Mayaram, the Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).4. S&P warns India of rating downgradeRatings agency Standard & Poor's has warned that India still faced a one-in-three chance of a creditrating downgrade within the next 24 months despite a new drive for economic reforms launched bythe government last month.India rating is one notch above junk grade and the lowest investment rating in the so-called BRIC

economies.S&P had downgraded India's rating outlook to negative from stable in April.5. Gross direct tax collection swells up 5.87 pc in Apr-SeptGross direct tax collection during first six months of current financial year was up by 5.87 percent at2,72,133 crore rupees. It was over 2,57, 000 crore rupees in the same period last year. While grosscollection of corporate taxes increased to 1,78,173 crore rupees from 1,75,360 crore rupees andgross collection of personal income tax was up by 14.87 percent.6.12th meeting of the Indo-Russian inter-governmental Commission on Military TechnicalCooperation held12th meeting of the Indo-Russian inter-governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperationwas held between the two sides today.NOTE:- India said, it will not invoke the penalty clause at the moment for delay in the delivery ofaircraft carrier 'Admiral Gorshkov' renamed 'Vikramaditya', to be delivered by Russia.7. International Cricket Council(ICC) today suspended all the six umpires caught in a TV sting

International Cricket Council(ICC) today suspended all the six umpires caught in a TV sting,expressing their willingness to fix the recently concluded World Cup Twenty-20 matches.
http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=5642347910725725630&postID=3079068437407975469&target=email


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NOTE:- The six umpires were Nadeem Ghauri and Anees Siddiqui of Pakistan, Nadir Shah ofBangladesh, and Gamini Dissanayake, Maurice Winston and Sagara Gallage of Sri Lanka. However,all of them have denied the allegations, insisting that they were trapped by the channel.8. World Steel Association Conference held in New Delhi todayWorld Steel Association Conference held in New Delhi today.

Addressing the Conference, Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma said the steel capacity in India

has increased from 66 million tons in 2009 to 90 million tons in 2012 and in India will soon becomethe second largest producer of steel in the world.9. Union Environment Minister Jayanthi Natrajan announced a series of initiatives for bettermanagement of the World Heritage site, Kaziranga National park.The Union minister announced a package of one crore rupees for the tiger reserve, one unmannedaircraft, five speed boats and four county boat for patrolling during floods.10. Govt mulling proposal to amend Contract Labour ActObserving that huge difference in wages between regular and contract workers was leading to unrest,Government today said a proposal to amend the Contract Labour Act was under consideration.11. Toyota to recall 8,700 units of Corolla Altis, Camrypanese auto giant Toyota on Wednesday said it will recall 8,700 units of its premium sedan Corolla

Altis and Camry in India to rectify faulty power window switches as part of a global exercise.12. No more His Excellency, its Honble President

Colonial era words like His Excellency used for addressing state dignitaries will soon be passe!President Pranab Mukherjee has approved a new set of protocol to be used in greetings andmeetings dignitaries inside and outside the country.13. NEW BOOKS AND AUTHORS

The Wildings: Nilanjana S. Roy

The Bankster: Ravi Subramanian

Ending Corruption? How to Clean up India: N. Vittal

Silent House : Orhan Pamuk

Chinas Discursive Nationalism: Contending in Softer Realms: Bhavna Singh;

The Bhagavad Gita and the Quran Through Sufi Eyes: Moosa Raza;

Accidental India A History of the Nations Passage through Crisis and Change: ShankkarAiyar.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 11TH OCTOBER 20121. International Girl Child Day observed all over globeInternational Girl Child Day was being observed all over the globe today.2. Chinese author Mo Yan w 2012 Nobel Prize for literatureChinese author Mo Yan has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize for literature. The Swedish

Academy praised his work, with hallucinatory realism. It merges folk tales, history and thecontemporary world. The 57-year-old is the 109th recipient of the prestigious prize, which was given

last year to Swedish poet Tomas Transtroemer.3. UNICEF on ending child marriage on 'International Day of the Girl Child'On the first International Day of the Girl Child, UNICEF and partners are highlighting joint efforts toend child marriagea fundamental human rights violation that impacts all aspects of a girls life.4. Postal Department of India Increased Speed post rate by 56 PercentThe postal department of India had increased the rates of Speed post deliveries by 42-56% from 1October 2012.Domestic charges were increased from Rs 12 to Rs 17, including service tax, and the 'One India' tariffescalated up from Rs 25 to Rs 39. It is first time since 2007 that the rates have been revised.The biggest users of Speed Post are institutional users, law firms and corporate entities that dispatchbulk mails. Many Banks, uses this service to send credit card statements and also credit cards.5. Mukesh Ambani Named Richest Indian by a Chinese SurveyChina based Research firm Hurun in a Report declared Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh

Ambani, the richest Indian with a Personal Fortune of $19.3 billion.Mukesh Ambani is preceded by Arcelor-Mittal chief L.N. Mittal, whose wealth is nailed down to be


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$16.9 billion.AzimPremji of Wipro with a Personal Fortune of $12.3 billion, Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticalswith $8.5 billion, Pallonji Mistry of Shapoorji Pallonji & Co, the largest shareholder in Tata Group with$7.9 billion, Shashi and Ravi Ruia of Essar Energy with personal fortune of $7.2 billion and Adi Godrejof Godrej Group with $6.9 billion.6. S.Vishwanathan Elected as New Managing Director of State bank of India

S. Viswanathan appointed as a managing director of State Bank of India.Viswanathan, was earlier serving as a deputy managing director of State Bank of India.7. Report-The state of the girl child in India-2012 released

A report named the state of the girl child in India-2012 released by a NGO (non-governmentorganisation) Plan India, pinpoints the identified reasons for roadblocks in girls education.The key determinants of the roadblocks found within the educationally backward families in the threestates namely Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar, were the literacy status of the girls' mother,economic condition of the family and parents willingness to allow the girl child to continue their studiesand gain secondary education.8. RailRadar, Website launched by the Railways to track the position of trainRailRadar, the new online application was launched by the Indian Railways on 10 October 2012, tofind out the location of 6500 trains on real-time basis on Google Map. It can be accessed from thewebsite trainenquiry.com.

To identify the train running status that whether the train is running on-time or late from its schedule,color codes have been created. Blue color is a code for trains running on time and red markers arethe symbol of trains running behind schedule. On clicking upon the name of the train, the map willshow the route along with stoppages and running status of the train on real time-basis.9. India-born Monisha becomes first female F1 team principalIndian-born Monisha Kaltenborn has become the first woman Team Principal in Formula One aftertaking over the job in the fourth oldest F1 team in the paddock -- Sauber.Cabinet clears proposal to direct transfer of cash subsidy to farmers

10. Union Cabinet cleared a proposal that will eventually lead totransfer of direct cash subsidy to the farmers for procuringfertilizers.Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approvedthe modifications in procedure of releasing fertilizer subsidies so as tomake them available directly to beneficiaries. The government will carry outa pilot project in this regard in 10 districts for information visibility on sale offertilizers to the farmers.The identification of farmers will be donethrough the Kisan Credit Card, Aadhar number or Bank Accountnumber.11. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves setting up of6,000 model schools at block level for providing quality education inrural areas.CCEA has given its approval for setting up of 6,000 model schools at block level as benchmark ofexcellence. For the year 2012-13, an amount of 1080.00 crore rupees has been allocated for the

Scheme. Our correspondent reports, the Model School Scheme was launched in November, 2008.NOTE:- The objective of the Scheme is to set up one senior secondary school each in 6,000 blocksas benchmark of excellence. 3,500 of these schools are to be set up under State/UT Governments inEducationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) and the remaining 2,500 schools are to be established underPPP mode in blocks which are not educationally backward.12. Centre signs pact with Jan SatyagrahisGovernment on Thursday signed a 10 point agreement with the leaders of Jan Satyagrah, a marchorganised by the landless farmers and tribals to demand land, shelter and livelihood rights.The pact promises a draft land reforms policy within six months, fast track courts to dispose landcases, and guarantee of land and home to landless and homeless among other things.


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DAILY GK UPDATE:12TH OCTOBER 2012

1. European Union (EU) wins 2012 Nobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize for the year 2012 was awarded to the European Union, an institutioncurrently wracked by crisis but is credited with bringing more than a half century of peace to acontinent ripped apart by World War II.

2. Global Hunger Report 2012: India ranked at 65th positionThe report on Global Hunger Index for 7th year was released by the International Food PolicyResearch Institute (IFPRI), Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide. The basic theme of the reportfor the 2012 Global Hunger Index -- The Challenge of Hunger: Ensuring Sustainable Food Securityunder Land, Water, and Energy Stresses.

As per the report, India instead of its fast paced economic growth in past two decades has laggedbehind in improving its record in Global Hunger Index chart. In the list of 79 countries in the globalHunger Index, India was ranked 65th behind China that was placed at 2nd place position, Pakistan at57th and Sri Lanka at 37th position.3. Union Govt. sanctioned Rs. 4200 cr to UP under NRHM scheme for 2012-13Govt has sanctioned Rs. 4200 crore to Uttar Pradesh under National Rural Health Mission(NRHM),for the current financial year 2012-13.NOTE:- A proposal for sanctioning 350 crore has also been sent to the Centre for Action Plan-2 underNRHM.4. Rangarajan Committee recommended deregulation of sugar sectorRangarajan Committee has recommended deregulation of the sugar sector, by giving freedom to

mills to sell sugar in the open market. It also suggested revising the existing arrangement forproviding better Fair and Renumerative Price (FRP) to sugar cane farmers at the time of canepurchase and payment of cane arrears accumulated over the years.NOTE:-i) The Panel headed by C. Rangarajan in its report released in New Delhi today recommended thatfarmers would be entitled to a 70 per cent share in the value of sugar and sugarcane by-productswhile the Sugar Mills would be entitled for 30 per cent. Mr. Rangarajan said, the FRP can be revisedon a half-yearly basis and the revenue sharing mechanism should be based on that.

ii) The Panel has suggested the scrapping of State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane. Mr. C.Rangarajan also said, the existing subsidies will continue and the 30,000 crore rupees of Sugarsubsidy will be given to the State Governments.The Panel has suggested the scrapping of State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane. Mr. C.Rangarajan also said, the existing subsidies will continue and the 30,000 crore rupees of Sugarsubsidy will be given to the State Governments.5. Anil Kumble Appointed as New Chairman of ICC Cricket CommitteeFormer Indian cricketer and captain Anil Kumble was named the New head of the InternationalCricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee, replacing former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd.NOTE:- The International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee is a 16-member committee whichmeets twice a year to consult on playing matters and offer recommendations to the ICC on technicalaspects and rules of the sport.6. L&T Finance Acquired Indo-Pacific Housing

L&T Finance Holdings Limited, the Non Banking Financial (NBFC) arm of the engineering giantLarsen & Toubro,successfully completed the acquisition of Indo Pacific Housing Finance Limited(IPHF) for Rs. 110 crore.NOTE:- The L&T Finance Holdings company earlier on 12 March 2012 had announced the signing ofthe definitive agreement for same acquisition.7. Union Cabinet Approved Amendment of Indecent Representation of Women Act

The Union Cabinet approved the introduction of Amendments to the Indecent Representation ofWomen (Prohibition) Act, 1986 in Parliament under the chairmanship of Prime Minister ManmohanSingh.The amendments proposed are as follows:

(a) Broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form whichincludes Internet, satellite-based communication, multi-media messaging and cable television, among

others.(b) Penalties to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between50000 to 100000 Rupees for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which


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may extend to seven years, and a fine between 100000 Rupees to 500000 Rupees for secondconviction.(c) Police officers not below the rank of Inspectors authorized to carry out search and seizure, in

addition to State and Central Government officers authorized by the State or Central Government.8. Japan and India Launched Research Project to Study LNG PricingJapan and India launched a joint research project into pricing structures in LNG markets.

NOTE:- Japan is the worlds top importer of liquefied natural gas. Asian buyers pay far more thanthose in North America because the price is index-linked to oil on the continent. Under the presentpricing structures in LNG markets, the price in North America is determined on the basis of supplyand demand.9. 3 Dutch Hockey Stars announced their retirementFloris Evers, Roderick Weusthof and Teun Floris de Nooijer, the 3 Dutch Hockey stars announcedtheir retirement from International Hockey.10. Pilot Projects for development of People Friendly Roads approvedUnion Minister of Road Transport and Highways, C.P. Joshi, approved two pilot projects fordevelopment of People Friendly Roads.NOTE:- This project will involve construction of National highways on corridor redevelopment andspot improvement concepts. This will help in reducing the financial burden from the governmentmaking it public friendly.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 13TH OCTOBER 20121. Justin Rose wins World Golf FinalJustin Rose of England beat European Ryder Cup teammate LeeWestwood by a stroke to win the eight-player World Golf Final in Belek,Turkey and earn a career-best $1.5 million.2. Corporation Bank denied giving overdraft to VadraCorporation Bank today insisted that it did not advance an overdraft to anyof Robert Vadra's companies, adding a twist to the controversy swirlingaround the remarkable rise in the riches of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi'sson-in-law.Ajai Kumar, CMD of Corporation Bank said "No such transaction with us asper our records so far, adding that he had sought full facts on the issue.NOTE:- In its annual report for 2007-08 financial year, Vadra's firm SkyLight Hospitality claimed an overdraft of Rs 7.94 crore from the bank. It wasthe first year of operation for the company, which had a paid-up capital ofjust Rs 1 lakh. By the end of the year, the company claimed it had Rs 7.95

crore worth of fixed asset.3. ECB President Mario Draghi urges euro zone tokeep up reformsEuropean Central Bank President Mario Draghi pressed euro zonecountries on Saturday to make progress with economic reforms as part of adrive towards greater integration among the bloc's 17 members.NOTE:- The ECB has taken some of the heat out of the Euro Zone debtcrisis by last month unveiling its new bond-purchase programme - dubbed"Outright Monetary Transactions", or OMT - but Draghi urged governments

not to become complacent with reforms.4. AP Govt introduced new Sand Mining Policy


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After a month long legal battle, the cash-strapped Deccan Chargers haslost its status as an IPL team after the Bombay High Court stayed the orderof Arbitrator for maintaining status quo on the matter till further hearing.NOTE:- The beleaguered owners of Deccan Chargers failed to produce a

Rs 100-crore bank guarantee before the Bombay High Court, a conditionthat had been set for the struggling team's survival in the league. They laterapproached the Court-appointed Arbitrator who had passed the order ofstatus quo.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 14TH OCTOBER 20121. Union Rural Development Ministry launched Nirmal Bharat Campaign: Creating awarenessabout hygieneUnion Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh recently launched the Nirmal Bharat Campaign in

Sevagram, Maharashtra.NOTE:- The aim of the campaign is to create public awareness about cleanliness and hygienethrough various programmes.2.West Bengal government announced Single Window clearance in agriculture sector for thebenefit of farmers.West Bengal Government announced to introduce single window system in the agriculture sector forthe benefit of farmers. It will be set up on the line of industrial sector where farmers will get allnecessary helps and information under one umbrella.NOTE:- The system will be launched in all 341 blocks in the state by this month.3.FIIs invest 10,000 crore rupees in Indian stock market in October so far following recenteconomic reforms measures.Foreign institutional investors (FII)s poured in over Rs. 10,000 crore in the stock market this month sofar enthused by reforms initiatives taken by the government to boost economic growth and investor

sentiment.NOTE:- As per data available with market regulator SEBI, during October 1-12, overseas investorswere gross buyers of shares worth 30,605 crore rupees, while they sold equities amounting to 20,223crore, translating into net inflow of over 10,000 crore rupees.FIIs investment in the country's equity market has reached 92,713 crore rupees so far this year.4. Defence Minister A K Antony on a three-day visit to IndonesiaDefence Minister A K Antony will be on a three-day visit to Indonesia beginning tomorrow toparticipate in the first ministerial-level defence dialogue between the two countries.NOTE:- The defence dialogue mechanism at the highest level was agreed upon during the visit ofIndonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to India in January last year.5. Noted Film Writer Saleem Khan with the National Kishore Kumar AwardMadhya Pradesh, Culture and Public Relations Minister Laxmikant Sharma faciltated noted film writerSaleem Khan with the National Kishore Kumar Award at a function held in Khandwa.

NOTE:- The award carrys a cheque worth two lakh rupees and a shawl.Addressing the function, Mr. Sharma said that the National Kishore Kumar Award will also be givenfor playback singing from the next year. So far, it is given for film direction, acting, and lyrics writing.6. Union Minister of Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai will inaugurate the India Tourism Roadshowin Omans capital Muscat.Union Minister of Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai will inaugurate the India Tourism Roadshow in Omanscapital Muscat tomorrow.The roadshow will showcase Indias tourism potential and tap the growing tourist market from Omanto India.NOTE:- The number of foreign tourist arrivals in India fromOman has been on the rise. In the year2010 around 35,500 tourists from Oman visited India, a 10 percent rise over the previous year.7. International Telecom Union World-2012 Conference started in Dubai.International Telecom Union World-2012 Conference got underway in Dubai today. The 5 day event

from October 14-18 will discuss the road ahead for the Information and Communication Technologysector since its radical transformation over the past decade.8. Sebastian Vettel won the Korean Grand Prix


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Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Korean Grand Prix today to move ahead of Ferrari'sFernando Alonso in the Formula One championship standings by 6 points with four races remaining.Vettel, who also won the previous races in Singapore and Japan, is moving within sight of a thirdstraight title - something only previously achieved by Juan-Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.9. NIA requests for installation of CMS for secured work flowNational Investigation Agency (NIA) has approached Department of Telecom requesting for

installation of Central Monitoring System (CMS). Officials of National Investigation Agency, which wasset up in the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, had a series of meetings with Centre forDevelopment of Telematics (C-DoT), an organisation which has been tasked by the government tobuild the CMS project.NOTE:- The C-DoT's CMS provides call interception, monitoring, analysis of social networking of thetarget data and ensures end-to-end secured work flow as per the requirements of law enforcementagencies to address threats and unlawful activities of anti-social elements10.Turkey banned Syrian planes from Turkish air spaceTurkish Foreign Ministry has announced that Syrian planes have been banned from Turkish air space.The ban follows similar restrictions imposed by Syria, after a Syrian plane alleged to be carryingRussian munitions was intercepted by Turkey. It applies to civilian aircraft, as military aircraft werealready de facto banned.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 15TH OCTOBER 20121. International Day of Rural Women observed today across the globe

International Day of Rural Women being observed today across the globe.

NOTE:- The day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing

agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

2. Today is Mahalaya, the beginning of Devi Paksha

Today is Mahalaya, the beginning of Devi Paksha, the greatest festival of Bengalees, Durga Pooja.

NOTE:- Mahalaya marks the end of Pitra Paksha and beginning of Devi Paksha. It is believed that

Maa Durga begins her journey to the earth on Devi Paksha.

On this day, people offer prayers betterly known as Tarpan to their ancestors.3. Roth and Shapley of US won the 2012 Nobel Prize for Economics

The US duo Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley have won the Nobel Prize for Economics this year for the

theory of "stable allocations and the practice of market design".

4. Ali Zidan elected as the New Prime Minister of Libya

Libya's National Congress today elected Ali Zidan as the new Prime Minister.

NOTE:- Mr Zidan, an independent, won 93 votes, a majority among those present. He beat a

candidate favoured by the Justice and Construction party which is linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.

5. India, Russia agreed to accelerate economic ties

India and Russia today decided to accelerate their economic ties and agreed to factor in New Delhi'sliability concerns in their techno-commercial negotiations for units III and IV of the Kudankulam

Nuclear Power Plant.

6. Scottish independence referendum agreed for 2014

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond signed an agreement

today to hold a referendum in 2014 on Scottish independence.

NOTE:- The referendum agreement has been signed following talks in Edinburgh between Cameron

and Salmond, who leads the pro-independence Scottish National Party.

7. Ex Cambodia King Sihanouk passed away in China

Former King of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk passed away in China, where he had been receiving

medical treatment. He was 89 years old.

NOTE:- Norodom Sihanouk played a crucial role in the life of Cambodia for more than 60 years.8. SC refuses to stay Centre's FDI policy in retail sector


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1.World Food Day being observed today.The day is celebrated every year around the world in honour of the date of the finding of the Food and

Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945.NOTE:- This year's theme - Agricultural cooperatives - key to feeding the world, has been chosen tohighlight the role of cooperatives in improving food security and contributing to the eradication ofhunger.

2. Navratri festival, the most pious period for worshipping Devi Durga by the Hindus, beginstoday.

All over India large number of devotees prayed with religious fervour and enthusiasm today. 3. Tendulkar to be honoured with Order of AustraliaSachin Tendulkar is all set to become the first Indian sportsperson to be conferred with theMembership of the Order of Australia, an honour rarely bestowed on non-Australians. NOTE:- The 'Order of Australia' is an order of chivalry to recognize Australian citizens and otherpersons for achievement or for meritorious service.4. Prime Minister today announced 50 million U.S. dollars to strengthen the institutionalmechanism for bio-diversity conservation in India.

Addressing the 11th Conference of Parties on Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, Dr.Manmohan Singh said these funds will be used to enhance the technical and human capability of thenational and state level mechanisms to attain objectives of convention on bio diversity.

5. International Conference on Bio-diversity begins today in Hyderabad.International Conference on Bio-diversity begins today in Hyderabad. This is the last and final phaseof the three week long Global Bio-diversity Conference.NOTE:- The high level Ministerial session will take decisions during its deliberations over the bio-diversity issues including the fund mobilisation for implementing the UN bio-diversity strategic planand its targets to be achieved by 2020.The Nagoya Protocol over the Access and Benefit Sharing of genetic resources will also be in focusduring the summit which will conclude on Friday.6. SC lifts interim ban on tourism in tiger reservesSupreme Court today gave the green signal for resumption of tourism activities, modifying its July 24order by which it had earlier halted all tourism related activities in Tiger reserve areas. 7. India to provide assistance of 4 cr & 27 lakh Nepali rupees for Sarlahi districtIndia is to provide an assistance of 4 crore and 27 district in Nepal. A memorandum of understanding

was signed between the Embassy of India Kathmandu and Malalgwa Muncipality in Sarlahi district forproviding the assistance for the construction of culverts and drainage for the municipality underNepal-India Economic Cooperation Programme.8. Mahindra Satyam Tied up with University of Petroleum and Energy StudiesMahindra Satyam, the IT consulting and services company signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the Dehradun-based University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) to facilitate jointresearch and development projects and consultancies in the oil and gas industry.NOTE:- The agreement will allow the students and faculty of engineering disciplines of University ofPetroleum and Energy Studies to gain industrial exposure and acquire practical competenciesthrough training from Mahindra Satyams experts.9. SEBI decides to empower depositories to take penal action against companies fordiscrepancies in demat and physical shares.

Market regulator SEBI has decided to empower depositories to take penal action against companiesthat do not properly harmonise their demat and physical shares and thus expose the equity marketand investors to possible frauds.NOTE:- The depositories are mandated to help the companies convert their physical shares into de-materialised or demat form and thereafter maintain those shares. However, the companies arerequired to reconcile their total share capital, including physical and demat shares, in a propermanner.10. Planning Commission forcasted Indian economy to grow by 5.5 per cent.Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today said that Indian economy isestimated to have grown by 5.5 per cent. Differing with International Monetary Fund's growth forecastof 4.9 per cent for India during 2012, he said, it has a statistical problem.10. 13th round of Home Secretary Level talks between India and Bangladeshthat morning in Dhaka. Home Secretary R.K Singh is leading a delegation comprising senior officials

of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BSF, Narcotics Control Bureau and External Affairs during the talkswith the Bangladesh delegation which is being led by his counterpart, C.Q.K Mushtaq Ahmed,


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11. ICICI Bank Signed an Agreement with Eco Bank of AfricaICICI Bank on 1 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ecobank TransnationalIncorporated of Africa in order to extend their banking services across their combined footprint in Indiaand Africa.12. Scientist Discovered Source of Water on MoonScientists in third week of October have discovered that the most likely source of water on Moon is

the constant stream of charged particles from the Sun known as the solar wind. NOTE:- The findings came by researchers from the University of Michigan who imply that ice insidepermanently shadowed polar craters on the Moon, sometimes called cold traps, could containhydrogen atoms ultimately derived from the solar wind.13. 4th OECD World Forum Meet held in New DelhiThe Minister of State (Independent) for Statistics & Programme Implementation Shri Srikant KumarJena inaugurated the 4th OECD World Forum today in New Delhi.He said on the occasion that due importance should also be given to measuring the sustainability,vulnerability, security, trust in institutions and governance, timeuse, leisure, freedoms, and othernon-monetary aspects of quality of life, besides measuring poverty and inequality.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 17TH OCTOBER1. Pranay Sahay appointed as New DG of CRPFPranay Sahay, a 1975-batch IPS officer of Manipur-Tripura cadre, has been appointed as NewDirector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).NOTE:- Mr. Sahay is presently working as Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal and is alsoholding the additional charge of Director General of CRPF.2.British writer Hilary Mantel won this year's Booker literary prize.British writer Hilary Mantel won this year's Booker literary prize for her historic novel, 'Bring Up TheBodies'. Mantel is the first woman and the first British author to win the prestigious literary prize twice.NOTE:- The book is about Thomas Cromwell, an adviser to King Henry VIII, and charts the bloodydownfall of Anne Boleyn. She receives 50,000 pounds cheque as prize money and 2,500 pounds forbeing short listed, along with the other five novelists in the race.

3. India, Australia sign four agreements of cooperationIndia and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in Security and Defence including fight against terrorism.

They also agreed to begin negotiations for an agreement on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation which will

precede actual cooperation.

NOTE:- Both the countries also signed four Agreements in the field of space science technology andeducation, cooperation in student mobility and welfare, skill development and textiles.4. India and Bangladesh to set up a high level committee to monitor development worksrelated to border infrastructureIndia and Bangladesh have decided to set up a high level committee to monitor the developmentworks related to border infrastructure.NOTE:- In a joint press statement issued at the end of the 13th Home Secretary level talks in Dhakayesterday evening, both countries welcomed the opening of several land ports and integrated check-posts for promoting bilateral trade. Both countries also agreed to revive the mechanism for regular

meetings of district administration officials of border districts to resolve local issues for better bordermanagement. In addition to this, the two sides also decided to hold a meeting soon to discussliberalization of visa procedures for facilitating people to people contact and movement of people onboth sides.5. Petrotech-2012 Conference held in New Delhi.Petrotech-2012 Conference held in New Delhi today. India and Pakistan announced some deals onthe sidelines of the conference.While Pakistan has removed fuel imports from its list of items that are not allowed to be imported fromIndia, it allows import of diesel and jet fuel only in ships. India, which has refineries across the border,are keen to take the road route to reach fuel-deficient Pakistan.6.European Union has imposed fresh sanctions on major Iranian oil and gas companies andhas put further restrictions on the country's central bank.The new measures call for freezing the assets of over 30 Iranian companies and institutions in

Europe, including the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), one of the worlds largest oil exporters.The move is aimed at increasing pressure on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme.


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7. Vikram Pandit, the CEO of Citigroup resignedVikram Pandit, the CEO of Citigroup Inc. the words largest financial service network, resigned fromhis post, a day after the company reported its earnings in Q3 to be stronger than that expected.NOTE:- Michael L Corbat head of banks European and Middle East Division would now be the newCEO for the firm.8. NRAI appointed Jaspal Rana as Junior Pistol Chief Coach

National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) appointed Jaspal Rana as the chief coach for the JuniorPistol Shooters.NOTE:- The triple Gold Medallist at Doha Asian Games, Rana would be entitled for a salary of Rs.50,000 per month.9. Land Acquisition Bill Cleared By Group of Ministers (GoM)Land Acquisition Bill was cleared bya Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. It is going to be presentedto the Cabinet this monthThe bill was cleared after three rounds of vigorous debate with few changes from the versionpresented to the Union Cabinet in September 2012.10. Civil Aviation Ministry announced omission of Airport Development Fee from January 2013The Civil Aviation Ministry announced to abolish the airport development fee on Delhi and Mumbai

Airports, from 1 January 2013. The ministry directed the operators of the two airports to stop levyingthe charges for Airport Development Fee from the travellers from next year and also asked the Airport

Authority of India to infuse equity in form of joint venture firms that operates the two largest airports ofthe nation.The Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh asked the DIAL (Delhi International Airport Ltd) and MIAL(Mumbai International Airport Ltd) to submit proposals for stopping the Airport Development Fee tothe Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).11.Children in India 2012 - A Statistical Appraisal Report releasedMinistry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released a report named "Children in India 2012- A Statistical Appraisal", showcased the griming status of children in India.The report in its finding pointed out a growth of population by 181 million people, between 1991 to2011 and at the same time also a huge reduction of 5.05 million of child in the age group of 0 to 6years. And among this the decline in female population reportedly was 2.99 million and of malepopulation was 2.06 million.NOTE:- The report indicates a huge dip in the sex ratios of child, increased crime and troubles

against the girl child and continued child labour that is constitutionally believed to be a social crime.

DAILY GK UPDATE: 18TH OCTOBER1. Ravi Narain Elected New Chairman of Working Committee of World Federation ExchangesNational Stock Exchanges (NSE) chief and Managing Director Ravi Narain elected as New Chairmanof the working committee of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). He is also the chairman ofthe National Securities Clearing Corporation and a board member of the National Commodity andDerivatives Exchange.The appointment of Ravi Narain came in the annual meeting of World Federation Exchange whichalso elected Deutsche Borse AG's Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andreas Preuss as its

chairman, while Thomas A Kloet, CEO of TMX Group, as the vice-chairman of the workingcommittee.NOTE:- The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) is an international organization for securities andderivative markets such as stock exchanges. It comprises of Group of more than 50 Bourses or StockExchanges.2.Cabinet Committee on security approves Rs 8,000 cr to procure Brahmos missilesCabinet Committee on security today approved proposals worth over Rs, 8,000 crore for procuringaround 10,000 'Invar' missiles from Russia for the Army's T-90 tanks and over 200 air-launchedversions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF.NOTE:- IAF proposal worth over Rs. 6,000 crore to buy BrahMos missiles for the IAF involvessanctioning of funds for the integration and testing of the BrahMos missile on Russian-origin Su-30MKI of the IAF. The first test of the air-launched version of the supersonic cruise missile, developed

jointly by India and Russia, is to be conducted by December-end.

3. Govt approved Rs 4000 cr joint action plan for tackling Japanese EncephalitisUnion Cabinet today approved over Rs. 4000 crore action plan for the prevention and control of


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Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.11. Tea Board of India Signed a joint Communique with European tea CommitteeIt was agreed with signing of communique that both the oraganisation will cooperate and worktogether in distributing information about the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) registration andits implications in Germany and other tea consuming countries within the European Union.NOTE:- Now with the implementation of PGI, tea produced only in Darjeeling can be labelled and sold

as Darjeeling Tea within the territory of European Union.12. Centre of Science and Environment and HSBC Bank came Together to Impart EnvironmentTrainingCentre of Science and Environ

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