INTERNATIONAL
China to sell 8 submarines to Pakistan
China will sell eight submarines to Pakistan, with four of them being built in Karachi under a technology transfer agreement. The construction of the eight submarines will simultaneously begin in Pakistan and China and four of them will be built in Karachi. China will transfer technology to Pakistan for submarine construction. The deal is for Yuan-class Type 041 diesel-electric submarines equipped with air independent propulsion (AIP) systems.
North Korea celebrated 70th Anniversary of the Country
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attended the Military parade and mass rally in PyongYang on 10 October to mark the 70th anniversary of the country’s ruling party. Thousands of goose-stepping troops, tanks, armored vehicles, rocket launchers and a variety of missiles mounted on trucks rolled through the Square.
China starts biggest dam on Brahmaputra in Tibet
China on 13 October operationalised the 1.5 billion US Dollars Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra river. Located in Gyaca county, Shannan prefecture, Zam Hydropower station also known as Zangmu Hydropower station, harnesses the waters of the Brahmaputra, known in Tibet as Yarlung Zangbo. Considered the world’s highestaltitude hydropower station and the largest of its kind, the dam will produce 2.5 billion kilo-watt-hours of electricity a year.
Fiji Parliament elects new President Jioje Konrote
Fiji Parliament on 12th October 2015 has elected the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations as the next President of the country, namely Jioji/George Konrote. He was nominated by the ruling Fiji First party gaining 31 votes in the presidential elections held at the parliament. Opposition SODELPA party candidate Ratu Epeli Ganilau received a mere 14 votes. As per the constitution of Fiji, PM and leader of opposition submit presidential candidate’s name to Parliament Speaker for voting. Konrote is an ex major general who had joined the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in the 1960s.
NATO launched Trident Juncture Military Excercise
To test the alliance’s ability to respond to new security threats, North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO) launched a biggest military excercise called Trident Juncture Military Excercise in Italy. The Military excercise has mobilised around 36,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen from more than 30 NATO countries.
INDIA & WORLD
India and Germany signed 18 MoUs
India and Germany on 5 October, 2015 ink 18 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for cooperation in various fields including higher education, civil aviation, railways and food safety. India and Germany also signed a deal to fast track business approvals. The other deals include promotion of German as a foreign language in India and promotion of modern Indian languages in Germany, cooperation on Indo-German solar energy partnership, cooperation in fields of skill development and vocational education and training, cooperation in the field of disaster management, Indo-German partnerships in higher education, cooperation in the field of railways.
Union Cabinet approved MoU with Mozambique for cooperation in renewable energy
The Union Government on 14 October 2015 approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India and Mozambique. The agreement aims at establishing a cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation, investment promotion and partnership on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity. The focus will be on the development of new and renewable energy technologies in the field of conducting on-the-job and specialized training courses on renewable energy field, research & development and of technology transfer in renewable energy.
ADB to provide loan for India-Bangladesh Electricity link upgradation
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $120 million loan to upgrade the India-Bangladesh electricity network. Once completed, this will allow Bangladesh to meet its increasing power demand and support power exchanges across South Asia. The loan will be used to double the capacity of the existing inter-grid connectivity which links the power grid of western Bangladesh at Berhamara with the power grid of eastern India at aharampur.The two electricity networks were first connected in December 2013 under a previous ADB project under which India exports 500 MW power to Bangladesh.
India pips China to emerge as world’s largest cotton producer
India has emerged world’s largest cotton producer in the season ending in September 30, 2015 by surpassing China. As per data released by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) India has produced 6.51 million tonnes (mt) of the cotton against 6.48 mt registered by China in the cotton year 2014-15. US Department of Agriculture has predicted that India will retain its top position till next cotton season by producing around 29 million bales or around 27 per cent of the global cotton crop.
India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise “Mitra Shakti-2015” concluded
The third India-Sri Lanka jointt raining exercise “ Mitra Shakti-2015” culminated on 12 October 2015 after a closing ceremony held at Aundh Military Camp, Pune.The 14-day joint training included understanding of transnational terrorism, developing interoperability and conduct of joint tactical operations controlled by a Joint Command Post. Brigadier Tapan Lal Sah of the Indian Army and Brigadier KP Aruna Jayasekera of the Sri Lankan Army jointly reviewed the parade commanded by Major Ashish Kumar, of Indian Army.
NATIONAL
India to cut emissions intensity upto 35 Per cent by 2030
The Union Environment Ministry on 2 October, 2015 submitted it’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the UN Frame work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), committing to cut the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels. India has committed to 40 per cent of non-fossil fuel energy to be adopted by 2030. It has also set the target of generating 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent of Carbon sinks in the form of forests. India aims to mobilise domestic and global funds to implement it’s mitigation actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released postal stamp on Abdul Kalam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the A P J Abdul Kalam’s birth anniversary celebrations held at DRDO Bhavan in New Delhi on 15 October. Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Kalam. Narendra Modi also announced a memorial for Kalam at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister unveiled a statue of Dr. Kalam at DRDO Bhavan and opened a photo exhibition titled “A Celebration of Dr. Kalam’s Life”.
Supreme Court Bench strikes down NJAC Act as ‘unconstitutional and void’
The Supreme Court on 16 October rejected the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and the 99th Constitutional Amendment which sought to give politicians and civil society a final say in the appointment of judges to the highest courts. With this veredict, the Collegium system as it existed before the NJAC Act was passed, will become operative again.
Central Government launches KISAN Project and Hailstorm App for crop damage
The Central Government launched its flagship Kisan Project on 5 October to help farmers in the long run. KISAN stands for (K)rop Insurance using Space technology And geoinformatics. Combining the forces of digital world with the age old tradition of agriculture, the government is all set to make the lives of farmers more secure and comfortable. The project uses satellite and drone-based imaging and other geospatial technology to get accurate data on crop yields.The KISAN project will be implemented by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) in collaboration with ISRO Centres – Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad & National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad; India Meteorological Department; CCAFS; state agriculture departments and state remote sensing centres.
India launched massive awareness drive on climate change by flagging off unique train
‘Science Express Climate Action Special’ is a 16-coach air-conditioned train that was launched on 15 October from Delhi in the run-up to the global climate summit in Paris in December 2015. The exhibits on the train would cover specific topics like adaptation, mitigation, India’s action on mitigation, international climate change negotiations, nature conservation, innovations in India, science lab, biotechnology applications and others.Over 190 countries would meet in Paris in December 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to strike a new global climate deal aimed at controlling global carbon emissions for tackling global warming.
STATES
Jammu & Kashmir High Court ruled that Article 370, granting special status to the state is permanent
Jammu and Kashmir High court has ruled that Article 370, granting special status to the state, has assumed place of permanence in the Constitution and the feature is beyond amendment, repeal or abrogation. The Court also said that Article 35A gives “protection” to existing laws in force in the State. Article 370 though titled as ‘Temporary Provision’ and included in Para XXI titled ‘Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions’ has assumed place of permanence in the Constitution.
‘House of Kalam’ launches international foundation in Chennai
Three months after former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam died, his family ‘House of Kalam’ has launched an international foundation to carry forward his good deeds and accomplish the vision envisaged by Abdul Kalam. Legendary music director Illayaraja officially launched the logo of the foundation and pledged his support for the initiative. The family promised that it will realise the dreams of Dr Kalam and hold his flag of education and human values.
Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu declared as ‘AMRUT’ town
Rameshwaram town in Tamil Nadu has been declared as ‘AMRUT’ town on 15 October, 2015 by the Minister of Urban Development. Rameshwaram has been included in Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for providing basic urban infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu Government banned drug Ketoprofen to save vultures
Tamil Nadu in the second week of October 2015 banned the use of Ketoprofen, a non-steroid antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), which is used extensively for veterinary purposes. The step has been taken to save critically endangered vultures in the state.This drug has been banned in the three western districts of state viz in Erode, Coimbatore and Nilgiris where the vulture population is in danger.
Swadhar Greh scheme approved by Haryana Government for women in distress
The Haryana Government on 18 October 2015 approved Swadhar Greh scheme, which will assure economic and social security to women in distress. The scheme aims at creating a supportive institutional framework catering to their primary needs in difficult situations. The scheme will work upon providing basic amenities, such as shelter, food, clothing and health along with economic and social security to women in distress.
CONFERENCES
Indo-German Summit 2015 held in Bengaluru
The Indo-German Summit 2015 has been held in Bengaluru on 6 October, 2015. The summit was organised by Nasscom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the summit. Industrialists from India and Germany and deligates from 15 states attended the summit. In this summit both the nations signed five B to B (Business to Business) agreements.
BRICS Ministerial migration meeting held in Sochi
The First BRICS Ministerial migration meeting was held in Sochi on October 8, 2015. The discussion of the meeting focused on the regulation of migration processes exerting greater influence on the geopolitical environment in the world. Alongside with the meeting the round table on “New strategies of managing migration as the key to a successful development of society” was organized. The BRICS leaders emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation among BRICS countries in the migration area and welcomed Russia‘s initiative to hold the first BRICS Ministerial migration (Heads of migration authorities) meeting.
2015 IMF, World Bank Annual Meeting held in Peru
The 2015 annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank has been held from 9-11 October, 2015 in Lima, the capital city of Peru. After 48 years the meeting was held in Latin America. Over ten thousand pariticipants from 188 countries attended the meeting. The main subjects of discussions are challenges facing the world economy, ways to combat illicit financial flows, private investment in renewable energy, structural reforms, among others. Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister from India also attended the meeting. IMF MD Christine Lagarde and World Bank President Jim Yang Kim attended the meeting. The meeting is very important for discussing and clarifying the road map for getting to the 100 billion dollars goal in climate finance.
5th Meeting of the India-Maldives Joint Commission held in Maldives
The 5th meeting of the India-Maldives Joint Commission was held on 11 October 2015 in Male, the capital of Maldives. India-Maldives Joint Commission was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Maldivian foreign minister Dunya Maumoon. It assessed the entire range of bilateral relations including economic security and cultural aspects apart from focusing on the growing policy alignment between two countries as seen in India’s Neighbours First and Maldives India First policies.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Maruthi Chairman Bhargava honoured with Forbes Life Time Achievement Award
Maruthi Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava has been honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the Forbe’s India Leadership Awards, 2015. Mr Bhargava was one of the founding members of Maruthi in 1982. He led the company as MD from 1990 to 1997. From 2007 he was leading the company as the Chairman.
Jamaica’s Marlon James wins Man Booker Prize
Marlon James became the first Jamaican winner of the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction on 14 October, 2015. His book “ A Brief History of Seven Killings” won the prestigious Man Booker Prize Award. The novel is based on the attempted assassination of Bob Marley.
2015 Right Livelihood Awards announced for three persons
Laureates of 2015 Right Livelihood Awards were announced on 1 October 2015. Tony de Brum & the People of the Marshall Islands, Sheila Watt-Cloutier (Canada), Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera (Uganda) and Gino Strada & his organisation ‘Emergency’ (Italy) were chosen for the prestigious award that is also known as Alternative Nobel Prize. The Canadian was recognised for her lifelong work to protect the Inuit of the Arctic and defend their right to maintain their livelihoods and culture.
SPORTS & GAMES
India won Gold medal in the Women’s event at Asian Air Gun Championship
Indian pistol shooter Heena Sidhu won the gold medal in women’s 10 meter air pistol event at the 8th Asian Air Gun Championships in New Delhi. Heena is the India’s first pistol shooter to be ranked number one in the world. India’s Shweta Singh won the Silver medal and Korean shooter Seon A Kim took the bronze medal.
Sania-Hingis pair won the Wuhan Open Women’s Doubles Title
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis pair won the Women’s doubles final at the Wuhan Open tennis tournment held on 2 October, 2015 in central China’s Hubei Province. They defeat the Romania’s Irina Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu in the finals. This is the 7th title for the Sania-Hingis pair. They have won the Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, Wimbledon, the US Open, Guangzhou and Wuhan Open this year. They have 7 WTA doubles titles won together this year. This is the 8th title for Sania Mirza.
Harikrishna wins PokerStars Isle of Man International Chess Tournament 2015
Andhra Pradesh Grand Master P. Harikrishna won the PokerStars Isle of Man International Chess Tournament 2015 held on 11 October in British Islands. About 39 Grand Masters and 66 other chess players are participated in this event. In the women’s event another Andhra Pradesh Grand Master Dronavalli Harika stood at third place.
Johor Cup Hockey winner Great Britain
Great Britain on 18 October 2015 defeated Indian junior men’s hockey team and captured Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC). Great Britain defeated defending champions India by 4-3 in sudden death penalty shootout in the final. For the third place, the host Malaysia defeated Argentina to settle for Bronze.
Novak Djokovic won the Shanghai Masters Tennis Championship
World Number 1 ranking Novak Djokovic on 18 October 2015 won the 2015 Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis title in the men’s singles category. The top seeded Serbian player defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 6-4 in the final match held in Shanghai, China. It was the third Shanghai title for Djokovic in four years.
ECONOMY
Ambani Family ranks third in Forbe’s Asia’s 50 richest families list
As many as 14 Indian families are in the list of Forbe’s 50 richest families in Asia. In this list, Ambani family ranked third with a net worth of 21.5 billion dollars. The other Indian families in the top 10 include the Premji family in the 7th place and the Mistry family in the 10th place. With 14 Indian families, India stood first in the list. The overall list has topped by Lees of Samsung group, with a net worth of 26.6 billion dollars.
India ranks 3rd in Global startup ecosystems
India ranks third among global startup ecosystems with more than 4,200 new-age companies. Nasscom along with Zinnov on 13 October launched the second edition of the startup report titled “Start up India – Momentous Rise of the Indian Start-Up Ecosystem” on the sidelines of Nasscom Product Conclave 2015 in Bengaluru. Three to four startups being born every day and nearly five billion dollars of funding coming in 2015.
China beats US in number of dollar billionaires for the first time
China has beaten the United States for the first time in the number of dollar billionaires whose number have climed to 596 over America’s 537. Now China has the World’s largest number of billionares. The China billionaire list is dominated by Wang Jianlin, who founded the conglomerate Wanda unseating e-commerce gaint Alibaba’s Jack Ma as the country’s richest person.
India ranks 55th on 2015 Global Competitiveness Index: WEF Report
India has been placed at 55th position on 2015 Global Competitiveness Index of the world’s most competitive economies. It was published in Global Competitiveness Report of World Economic Forum (WEF) which has assessed total 140 countries. Switzerland has retained its top position as the world’s most competitive economy for seventh year in a row. Switzerland, Singapore, United States, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Hong Kong, Finland, Sweden & United Kingdom.
RBI and UAE central Bank Signed MoU on supervisory information exchange
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Supervisory co-operation and Exchange of Supervisory Information. By signing the MoU, RBI is seeking to promote greater Co-operation and share supervisory information among the authorities.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
China launched 20th Satellite for its Navigation system
China on 30 September 2015 launched a 20th new generation satellite for the BeiDou Navigation system (BDS) into orbit that will support it’s global navigation and positioning network. The satellite was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the South Western Province of Sichuan. A Long March-3 B carrier rocket carried the satellite. It was the first time that the satellite featured a hydrogen atomic clock.
NASA’s New Horizons found blue skies and water ice on Pluto
The first colour images of Pluto’s atmosphere returned by NASA’s New Horizon Spacecraft has revealed a blue skies and numerous small exposed regions of water ice. Scientists say a blue sky often results from scattering of sunlight by very small particles. On Earth those particles are very tiny nitrogen molecules. On Pluto they appear to be larger but still relatively small soot-like particles. The Haze particles are grey or red, but the way they scatter, the blue light attracted the attention of the New Horizon.
ARSAT2 is a second communication satellite launched by Argentina
ARSAT2 is a second communication satellite launched by Argentina. The country’s previous telecommunications satellite, ARSAT1, was sent up nearly a year ago, when Argentina became the first Latin American country to develop and launch a telecommunications satellite into orbit.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
A.K.Pujari assumed additional charge as CMD of SAIL
Dr. Anup K. Pujari on 1 October, 2015 assumed additional charge as the chairman and Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). At present he is the secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). He was also given the additional charge of the post of Secretary in Ministry of Steel.
Shashank Manohar elected as BCCI President
Nagpur lawyer, Mr. Shashank Manohar has been elected as the President for Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the second time on 4 October, 2015. He is the 36th President of BCCI. He will be in this post for two years. He has promised to initiate stern and practical steps and deliver results in two months to win back the confidence of Indian cricket fans.
Sekhar Basu to be the next chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
Renowned scientist Sekhar Basu was on 9 October appointed as chairman of Atomic Energy Commission. Basu, who is presently director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and chief executive of the Nuclear Recycle Board (NRB), will replaced RK Sinha who superannuates on October 23 and he will have a tenure till September 19, 2016. Basu has also been appointed Secretary, department of atomic energy. Basu was instrumental in setting up reprocessing and waste management facilities at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam.
IPCC Elects Hoesung Lee as New Chairman
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) elected Hoesung Lee of the Republic of Korea as its new Chairman 2015. Hoesung Lee was elected by 78 votes to 56 in a run-off with Jean–Pascal van Ypersele. A total of six candidates had been
nominated for the position.
B) RESIGNS
Author Shashi Deshpande resigned to Sahitya Akademi General Council
Award-Winning author Shashi Deshpande on 9 October resigned from the Sahitya Akademi general council expressing a sense of strong disappointment over the literary body’s silence on the killing of Kannada writer M.M. Kalburgi. She wrote several novels, short stories and essay collections and books for children and won the Sahitya Akademi award for her novel “That Long Silence” in 1990. She was awarded the Padma Sri in 2009.
Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala resigned
Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on 10 October resigned to his post. Koirala resigned after parties failed to forge a consensus amid continued protests and blockade of key border trade point with India over the country’s new Constitution.
C) DEATHS
Veteran Tamil actress Manorama passed away
The legendary Tamil actress Manorama (78) was passed away on 10 October in Chennai. A comedy artist and a singer, she belonged to a generation of South Indian Cinema. In a career spanning nearly six decades, she acted in over 1500 films and created a Guinness world record.
Renowned Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell passes away
Renowned Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell was passed away on 5 October. He was 67. He created the famous character Kurt Wallander in 1997 and a series of mystery novels till 2009 revolving around this protagonist. He is also known as a dramatist and children’s author. He received Corine Literature Prize for German audio book.
D) VISITORS
German Chancellor Angela Merkel three day visit to India
German Chancellor Angela Merkel came to India on 4 October on a three day visit to Delhi and Bangalore. She met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 October and bilateral discussions takeplace between India and Germany. A deal to fast track approval for German companies in India and Euro 1 billion Solar power fund by Germany were among major takeaways from the talks between the two countries. Both sides inked 18 MoUs to scale of ties in strategic areas. Germany returned to India a 10 century Durga idol that had gone missing from a temple in Kashmir over two decades ago. On 6 October Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Angela Merkel attended the Indo-German summit held in Bengaluru. In this summit two countries signed deals worth 2.25 billion dollars (around Rs.14,600 crore) on German Investment in developing India. Modi and Merkel visited the vocational training centre at Bosch in Bengaluru. On 6 October German Chancellor Angela Merkel completed her tour.
President Pranab Mukherjee visit to Jordan
President Pranab Mukherjee on 10 October began a six day historic visit to Isreal, Jordan & Palestine. Pranab Mukherjee is the first Indian Head of State to visit these countries. On 10 October he visited Jordan and met the Jordan King Abdullah and held deligate level talks. He discussed terror related issues with the Jordan King. During the talks India and Jordan said an understanding was needed to fight terror. President inagurated the Mahatma Gandhi street in Jordan capital city Amman.
E) MISCELLANEOUS
Google tops list of World’s Best Workplaces
Google has topped the list of world’s best company to work for compiled by research and consulting firm ‘Great Place to Work Institute’, grabbing the numero uno position for the third straight year, while software developer SAS Institute and manufacturing firm W L Gore were ranked second and third respectively. The annual ‘World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List’ ranks the top 25 global companies to work for. Data storage specialist NetApp and mobile communications provider Telefonica are at fourth and fifth places respectively. EMC Corporation has been ranked sixth, followed by software giant Microsoft at seventh position in the list. Others in the top ten include, BBVA (8th), Monsanto (9th) and American Express (10th) place.
Nepal elects Onsari Gharti as first woman Parliament speaker
Nepal on 16 October elected the country’s first woman speaker of Parliament. UCPN- Maoist law maker Onsari Gharti Mangar elected as the speaker of Parliament. Earlier she had served as Deputy Speaker in Parliament. Ganga Prasad Yadav has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament.
Modi ranks 13th in global list of most influential people
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has debuted at the 13th spot in ‘Bloomberg Markets Most Influential’ annual ranking topped by US Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen. Chinese premier Xi Jinping(2nd place), US President Barack Obama(6th place) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel(9th place) are other politicians ranked above PM Modi in the coveted list of 50 people.
DRDO Missile Complex renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
The DRDO Missile Complex in Hyderabad was renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 15 October 2015. Dr Kalam joined the Missile Complex, DRDO in 1982 and was a part of it for nearly two decades. The Missile Complex comprises Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), which are considered to be the brain child of Dr Kalam.As founder Director, Dr Kalam conceived and steered RCI as a generator of critical missile technologies.
PLACES IN NEWS
DRDO inagurates new R&D centre at 17,600 Ft in Jammu & Kashmir
The DRDO on 2 October, 2015 inaguarated an Extreme Altitude Research Centre at Chan La in Jammu and Kashmir at 17,600 Ft above the mean sea level. This is in records as the world’s highest terrestrial R&D centre. It has been established by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) of DRDO. This centre is for Research & Development work in frontal areas of food and agriculture and bio-medical sciences for well being of the soldiers deployed in high-altitude cold deserts.
Biotechnology International Conference-2016 to be held in Bengaluru
Bangalore India Bio 2016 themed ‘What’s trending in Biotech India’ featuring multi track conferences, international trade show, talks and many other events is scheduled from February 9-11 in the year 2016 in Bengaluru. It will also feature 100 young researchers presenting innovations through poster sessions.
India’s largest container port terminal, JNPT inaugurated By PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Sir Narendra Modi on 11 October 2015 inaugurated the fourth terminal of country’s largest container post, named Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai. The terminal will be 4th terminal of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.This project will be executed by Bharti Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) is a subsidiary port of Singapore.
ABBREVIATIONS
PBD: Pravas Bharatiya Divas
PMSKY: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
DDUGJY: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyothi Yojana
DRDA: District Rural Development Association
RWSS: Rural Water Supply, Sanitation
Books in News
The Nationalist President Pranab Mukherjee’ book released by Vice-President
The coffee table book ‘The Nationalist President Pranab Mukherjee’ edited by Prabhu Chawla, The New Indian Express Editorial Director has been released by the Vice-President Hamid Ansari on 7 October, 2015 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The first copy of the book was received by the President.
The book Courage to Act: A Memoir of Crisis and its Aftermath released
The former chairman of the US Federal Reserve Ben S Bernanke released his book titled Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and its Aftermath. The book is a personal and detailed account of the events that ensued as he witnessed it. Bernanke, headed the US’s central bank from 2006- 2014 and was at the centre of the bank’s response to the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent recession.
Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence by Maithili Rao launched
The book titled Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence authored by Maithili Rao was launched on 18 October 2015. The book, which was launched on Smita Patil’s 60th birth anniversary, acquaints the readers with a remarkable journey of the short-lived actress. It traces the journey of the actress from her childhood to stardom.
COMMITTEES
Committee on Kalam’s Memorial at Ramesh-waram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 October announced a memorial would be constructed for Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. A committee of Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar and Pon Radhakrishnan and former Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy will work out the details of the memorial.
Achary panel recommended 400% hike in basic salary of Delhi MLAs
The three-member committee chaired by former Secretary General of Lok Sabha PDT Achary, in its report submitted to Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, has favoured a 400 percent hike in basic salary of MLAs from Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. Overall, the hike recommended has been 138 percent. In July, a group of AAP legislatiors had demanded a significant hike in salary, arguing their earnings were not enough to run their family and offices.
Central Press Accreditation Committee reconstituted
The Central Press Accreditation Committee (CPAC) that issues Press Information Bureau (PIB) cards to journalists has been reconstituted by the Ministry of Information and Broad casting. PIB director general Frank Noronha will be the ex-officio chairman of the Committee. The period of the committee is two years from the date of it’s first meeting.
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
Oct – 2 : International Peace Day
Oct – 8 : National Airforce Day
Oct – 9 : International Post Office Day
Oct – 10 : National Post Office Day
Oct – 17 : International Poverty eradication Day
Oct – 21 : National Police Day
Oct – 24 : United Nations Day
