Employees’ Pension Scheme

Union Government has released 2,000 crore rupees to Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 as its contribution for the year 2015-16. This contribution is in addition to the 250 crore rupees contributed by the government as grant-in-aid in the EPS in order to provide minimum pension of 1,000 rupees to pensioners under the scheme. The contribution of Union government has been calculated at a rate of 1.16 per cent of the monthly wages of the members contributing to the scheme. In September 2015, Government had assured EPS pensioners a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month. In order to meet this assurance it was necessary for the Government to infuse additional amount as grants-in- to sustain the continuance of the minimum pension. Employers contribute nearly 8.33% of the monthly wages of the scheme members. Approximately 28 lakh pensioners including five lakh widows will get benefit from this scheme. (There are total 44 lakh pensioners).

India has inked an information exchange agreement on tax matters with Seychelles in order to curb tax evasion and boost its efforts to fight against black money. The agreement was signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Seychelles President James Alix Michel who is on three days visit to India. This pact will help India to curb tax evasion and also pave way for mutual assistance between the authorities of both nations to take action against suspected tax evaders along with other related matters. It should be noted that, this Indian Ocean island nation for long time was perceived as one of the preferred offshore havens for routing of funds though the foreign direct investments  (FDIs) were being small at just about 1,100 crore rupees over the last 15 years. Other 5 MoUs/Agreements signed are Presentation of Navigational chart related to Aldabra Island:  This island is the world’s second largest coral atop which is extremely isolated, making it virtually untouched by human. It is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Air Services Agreement: It will enable more and easier connections between both nations and help to expand cooperation in space, weather forecasting and disaster management, marine resources and fisheries advisory.

Arbitration Conciliation Bill, 2015

Union Cabinet has given its nod for amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Bill, 2015. These amendments seek to make of commercial disputes more user-friendly and cost effective which in turn will lead to expeditious disposal of cases. Key Provisions of Bill Mandatory for arbitrators to settle disputes within 12 months. This period can be extended by 6 months only by a court on sufficient cause.  Cut the fees of arbitrators if the court finds that the delay has been caused due to arbitrators. Rewarding arbitrators with extra fees in case the matter is disposed of within 6 months and the parties agree to pay more. Empower arbitration tribunals to grant all kinds of interim measures that courts provide. Thus giving more teeth to them in order to make tribunals directives enforceable in the same manner as those of courts. Background The amendments to this Bill are based on the Law Commission’s recommendations and suggestions received from stakeholders. Law Commission of India (LCI) in its 246th Report had recommended various amendments in Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in order to pave way for India to become a hub of International Commercial Arbitration.

2011 census data on religion

As per recently released 2011 census data on religion, the proportion Muslim population in India has increased by 0.8 per cent and Hindu population has declined by 0.7 per cent. This religion based data during 2001-2011 was released by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. Key facts Population Composition: The total population of India was 121.09 crore population of which 96.63 crores are Hindus, 17.22 crores are Muslims, 2.78 crore  are Christians. Sikhs constitutes 2.08 crore, Buddhist 84 lakh, Jains 45 lakh and other religions and persuasions 79 lakh. Growth Rate: The overall decadal population growth rate was 17. 7 per cent. The growth rate of Muslims was 24.6 per cent, Hindus 16.8, Christians 15.5, Sikh 8.4, Buddhist 6.1 and Jain 5.4 per cent. Sikh population has declined by 0.2 per cent and Buddhist by 0.1 per cent. There has been no significant change in the population of Jains and Christians. Top 5 states/UTs having highest Muslim Population: Lakshadweep (96.2 per cent), Jammu & Kashmir (68.3), Assam (34. 2), West Bengal (27) and Kerala (26.6). As per 2001 census, India’s total population was 102 crores of which Muslim population comprised of 13.8 crore (13.4 per cent) and Hindu were 82.75 crore (80.45 per cent).

freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 August 2015 inaugurated birth centenary celebrations of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu. On this occasion he launched commemorative coin of 100 rupees and circulation coin of 5 rupees of Rani Gaidinliu to mark her birth centenary celebrations. About Rani Gaidinliu Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga political and spiritual leader who had led a revolt against British colonial rule in India. Her political struggle in present North east India was based on Gandhian principles of Satyagraha, non-violence, self-reliance. She also had played an important role in India’s wider freedom movement by spreading the message of Gandhi ji in Manipur region. She was born on 26 January 1915 in Nungkao (a Rongmei village) in northeastern state of Manipur. She died on 17 February 1993 in Longkao, Manipur. Freedom struggle: She had participated in the freedom struggle at a very young age of 13 after she came under the influence Heraka religious movement. Heraka religious movement: This movement which was launched by her cousin Haipou Jadonang initially to reform the Zealiangrong Naga communities. But later it turned into a political movement seeking to drive out the British from Manipur and the surrounding Naga areas. In this movement she was considered as incarnation of the goddess Cherachamdinliu. Arrest: In 1932 at the age of 16, she was arrested and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the then British India Government. Rani title: In 1937, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had met her at Shillong Jail and promised to pursue her release. During this time, Nehru gave her title of Rani (Queen) and since then she gained local popularity as Rani Gaidinliu. After India’s independence in 1947, she was released from the jail and continued to work for the upliftment of people till her death. Awards and Honours: Freedom Fighter Tamrapatra (1972), Padma Bhushan (1982), Vivekanande Sewa Samman (1983), Birsa Munda Award (1966). Postal Department has released commemorative postal stamp on her in 1996. Union Government has instituted one of five Stree Shakti Puruskar in honour her in 2000. In 2010, state owned Hindustan shipyard Ltd. had launched an in-shore patrol vessel for the Indian coast guard named as Rani Gaidinliu.

बंधन बैंक

कोलकाता में मुख्यालय वाले बंधन बैंक ने 23 अगस्त 2015 को देश भर में अपनी बैंक शाखाओं को शुरू कर दिया तथा इस प्रकार यह भारत के बैंकिंग क्षेत्र में उतरने वाला नवीनतम खिलाड़ी बन गया। बंधन बैंक तथा आईडीएफसी (IDFC) को भारतीय रिज़र्व बैंक (RBI) ने पिछले साल 2 अप्रैल को सैद्धांतिक रूप से बैंकिंग लाइसेंस प्रदान किया था। कुछ समय पूर्व RBI ने बंधन बैंक को यूनीवर्सल बैंकिंग लाइसेंस (Universal Banking Licence) प्रदान कर उसके भारतीय बैंकिंग क्षेत्र में प्रवेश को अपनी हरी झण्डी दिखा दी थी। 23 अगस्त को कोलकाता के साइंस सिटी ऑडिटोरियम में आयोजित एक कार्यक्रम में केन्द्रीय वित्त मंत्री अरुण जेटली ने बंधन बैंक का उद्घाटन कर इसके बैंकिंग व्यवसाय में प्रवेश की औपचारिकता को पूरा कर दिया। वहीं बंधन बैंक ने भी 501 बैंक शाखाओं के साथ अपना बैंकिंग व्यवसाय शुरू कर बड़े धूम-धड़ाके के साथ अपनी शुरूआत की। यह देश में किसी निजी बैंक के सर्वाधिक शाखाओं के साथ बैंकिंग व्यवसाय शुरू करने का मामला माना जा रहा है। उल्लेखनीय है कि बंधन बैंक की मातृ कंपनी बंधन फाइनेंशियल सर्विसेज (Bandhan Financial Services (BFS) वर्तमान में देश की सबसे बड़ी लघु-वित्त संस्था (micro finance institution (MFI) है। इसके संस्थापक चन्द्र शेखर घोष (Chandra Sekhar Ghosh) हैं जिन्होंने अपनी नौकरी छोड़ कर लघु वित्त क्षेत्र में कूदने का जोखिम उठाया था। उन्होंने अपने शानदार संचालन से बंधन फाइनेंशियल सर्विसेज को कुछ ही दिनों में देश की सबसे बड़ी लघु-वित्त संस्था बना दिया।

Agro-Solar Policy’

Gujarat is set to become the first state in India to launch ‘Agro-Solar Policy’ to encourage the farmers to tap the solar energy. The new policy seeks to encourage the farmers in the state to tap free solar energy from sun, which will in turn help them to earn additional income from power generation companies. Key facts Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) will be nodal implementing agency for projects under this policy. Farmers can use the free solar energy for their own consumption purpose and sell the surplus energy to the state run power generation companies. Thus, power generation companies and farmers will be in a win-win situation with generation of solar energy in agricultural fields. Power generation companies will set up solar photo voltaic (SPV) plants in different agricultural fields for the purpose of power generation without disturbing agricultural production. It should be noted that these SPV plants have been already tested in different agricultural universities in the State. On the experimental basis power generation companies like Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL), Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) have already set up SPV plants in farm fields The SPV plant will be set up on poles in the fields so that farmers can also grow their crops. After buying surplus power, power generation companies will give 30 to 40 per cent share from the profit to the farmers. Some other successful solar projects in Gujarat State has Asia’s largest solar power plant in Charanka village in Patan district which is built on a 2,000-hectare land. In January 2015, the first canal-top solar power plant (10 MW solar capacity) was inaugurated by UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon on Narmada canal in Vadodara.

यूनानी प्रधानमंत्री एलेक्सिस सिपरस

यूनानी प्रधानमंत्री एलेक्सिस सिपरस (Alexis Tsipras)  प्रधानमंत्री सिपरस ने 20 अगस्त को अपना इस्तीफा राष्ट्रपति प्रोकोपिस पाव्लोपोल्स (Prokopis Pavlopoulos) को सौंप दिया तथा उनसे जल्द से जल्द देश में चुनाव कराने को कहा। अपने इस कदम से वे अपनी सिरीज़ा पार्टी (Syriza Party) में अपने खिलाफ चल रही बगावत को दबाना चाहते हैं जो तबसे शुरू हुई है जबसे यूनान (Greece) ने अपनी अर्थव्यवस्था को बचाने के लिए यूरोपीय देशों के बेल-आउट पैकेज को स्वीकार किया है। उल्लेखनीय है कि देश की आर्थिक प्रणाली को चरमराकर टूटने की स्थिति से बचाने के लिए सिपरस को कर्जदार देशों के कड़वे बेल-आउट पैकेज को स्वीकार करना पड़ा था। हालांकि जनवरी 2015 में वे इसी वादे से देश के प्रधानमंत्री बन कर आए थे कि वे ऐसे पैकेज को देश पर और थोंपने नहीं देंगे। अब उनके इस्तीफे से यूनान में एक बार पुन: राजनीतिक अस्थिरता पैदा हो गई है जबकि देश को इसी दिन से 96 अरब डॉलर के बेल-आउट पैकेज के तहत आर्थिक सहायता मिलनी शुरू हो गई।

Gujarat High Court has stayed implementation of the compulsory

Gujarat High Court has stayed implementation of the compulsory voting in the panchayat and municipal polls under the provision of Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2009. Ruling in this regard was given by High Court Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Jayant Patel and Justice J.B. Pardiwala on public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of the Act. Background Gujarat had become the first state in India to make voting compulsory in local polls after Governor O.P. Kohli gave assent to Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009 in November 2014. The law had strict provision mentioning that any person in state, who does not vote in the local body polls, will be liable for penal action and punishment. It also had empowered the State Election Commission to declare an absent voter as defaulter, except in case person out of station or illness. Subsequently, State government also had framed rules for implementation of this Act by pertaining to the penal actions to be initiated against those who do not exercise their franchise in the municipal and district panchayat polls.

Inner Line Permit System

Manipur Government has reached an agreement with the Joint Committee on the Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) over the issue of implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. It was reached after a marathon talk between the state government and the delegation of JCILPS led by its Convenor in-Charge Khomdram Ratan. This agreement seeks to safeguard the rights of indigenous people of Manipur insertion of five major points in the proposed Draft Bill in this regard. It should be noted that JCILPS is spearheading the movement for implementation of IPL system in this north eastern state. What is Inner Line Permit (ILP) system? The Inner Line Permit system (ILP) is a special pass or permit or quasi visa that is required by Indian citizens to enter protected/restricted area of state for a limited period. Origin: It was introduced by then British India government to protect indigenous tribal people from encroachment into their areas by outsiders. Later, they used it as an instrument to advance the commercial interest. In this case, protected area/restricted area under ILP regime is notified by Union Government and ILP is issued by state governments under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

Pakistan and Russia have signed

Pakistan and Russia have signed a landmark defence deal including the sale of 4 advance Mi-35 ‘Hind E’ combat helicopters to Pakistan. The agreement was signed by top defence officials from both countries in Rawalpindi as per negotiations for the deal which had taken place in 2014. Earlier in November 2015, both countries had signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement to strengthen military-to-military relations between them. Mi-35 ‘Hind E’ attack helicopters The Mi-35 helicopter is modernised version of the Mi-24 combat helicopter. It has new advanced onboard equipment and avionics. It is also incorporated with more powerful engine and a different tail rotor. Currently, Pakistan has a number of ‘Mi-17’ combat helicopters. These combat helicopters were delivered to Pakistan by US in order to assist them to fight against growing militancy as part of its special defence package.

MoU United Technology

Haryana Chief Minister has signed an MoU with the Connecticut-based firm United Technologies for setting up a facility to manufacture air conditioners in Gurgaon and to expand its operations in Haryana. As per the MoU United Technology will set up its air conditioner business unit “Carrier” in eight acres land in Gurgaon which expects to generate 2,000 jobs in the state. This MoU was signed by Haryana CM on his maiden nine day tour to US and Canada with the business delegation which will end on 24 August. Haryana Government has scheduled nine-day tour to US and Canada under  which Haryana Chief Minister will visit New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Vancouver and Toronto and will seek investments in IT, Renewable energy, Services, Manufacturing sector. About United Technologies Corporation (UTC): It is an American multinational conglomerate based in Connecticut, United States incorporated in 1975. It has its foot prints in researches and manufactures high-technology products in numerous areas that include aircraft engines, helicopters, Air conditioners, fuel cells, escalators and elevators, fire and security, industrial products and building systems. Its notable business units are –Sikorsky helicopter manufacture, Otis– elevator, Carrier– Air Conditioners, Pratt & Whitney– Air craft engine and aero space component developer.

Life Insurance Corporation of India

State run insurer, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched its maiden unit linked insurance plan (ULIP) product across the country. The ULIP which is also called as ‘New Endowment Plus’ offers investment-cum-insurance provision during the term policy providing dual benefit for the policy holder. Specifications of ULIP: It provides dual benefits of risk cover and investment opportunity in market to the policy holder and also provides option of partial withdrawal under this plan. ULIP provides four fund options to policy holders in form of — bond fund, balance fund, secured fund, and growth fund to which policy holder can switch over according to their conveniences. Policy holders can switch over among the fund options for four times in a given policy for free of charge. ULIP provides double death benefit .i.e. it gives assured amount equal to the higher of basic sum assured or policy holder’s fund value on death before or after the date of commencement of risk. It also provides accident death benefit to rider which provides for an additional amount equal to accident death benefit sum assured on death due to accident. The basic sum assured under ULIP is higher by 10 times the annualised premium and 105% of the total premiums paid. The minimum lock-in period for ULIP plan is for five years and if surrender before that an additional charge is levied.

special package

Union Government has announced 1.25 lakh crore rupees special package for poll bound Bihar as part of Prime Minister’s Bihar Package. It was announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Arrah, Bihar. Key facts The special package to Bihar was declared in line with the on-going national social sector schemes of Union Government. These schemes are Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Free LPG connections to BPL and Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan. Roads and Railways: Off the total package amount around 55 thousand crore rupees will be spent on 4 laning and widening of highways. It will include construction of bridges across Sone, Kosi and Ganga, rivers and 12 Rail overbridges. Besides, around 14 thousand crore rupees will be provided for rural roads. Barauni Refinery: Over 21,000 crore rupees will be allocated for expansion of Barauni Refinery and setting up of new Petrochemical Plant along with construction of Gas pipelines and massive expansion in domestic LPG connections. Electrification: Around 16,000 crore rupees will be earmarked for electrification of villages and towns and over 3000 crore rupees for farmers welfare. Other investments: It will include over 40500 crore rupees which is unspent amount of 2013 Package given to state for the ongoing works of National Highways and Ultra Mega Power Project in Banka.

Bombay Stock Exchange

Bombay Stock Exchange has instituted new system Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) for reporting suspicious trades in order to check money laundering through stock markets. The national stock exchange has asked its members to report details of the STRs submitted to the government’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) on a monthly basis. As per new rules Trading members are required to submit the data through a specific FIU-STR module on the BSE Electronic Filing System (EFS), an online gateway along with Cash Transaction reports (CTRs). In this data members should provide details of their registration with the FIU along with the information regarding the principal officers and the designated directors for the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) compliance. The new system was initiated in line with regulators and Government’s financial intelligence agencies move to enhance their vigil recently on entities trying to misuse the stock market platform for black money laundering and to evade taxes. About Financial Intelligence Unit FIU-India is the central national agency responsible for receiving, analysing and processing financial transactions and disseminating information related to suspect transactions to other enforcement and intelligence agencies It was established by the government in 2004 to strengthen and coordinate the collection and sharing of financial intelligence through regional, national and global networks in order to combat money laundering and related crimes. It is an independent body working directly under the aegis of Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by the Union Finance Minister.

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II is set to become Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch in the history. On 10th September 2015, she will become the longest-reigning British head of state and the longest-reigning female monarch in history. She will surpass record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned thousand-year-old institution of Britain for more than 63 years. It should be noted that, presently Queen Elizabeth II (88 years old) is world’s oldest living monarch. About Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II was born as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21 April 1926. She acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 at the age of 25 after her father, King George VI died. She was crowned as queen of Britain and other realms, including Canada and Australia on 2 June, 1953. Presently, she is Queen of 16 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations which consists of overall 53 member states. She is also Head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. In 1945, she had actively joined World War II as a driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (WATS).

China successfully tested the power system

China successfully tested the power system (engines) of its stated to be the largest space launch vehicle viz. Long March-5 carrier. In the test engines of the rocket were successfully fired on the ground. This power system will be used in China’s ambitious Chang’e-5 lunar mission of 2017. Key facts Long March-5 has the carrying capacity twice of the payload compared to other present carriers of China. It has payload capacity of 25 tonnes to low Earth orbits and 14 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit. Thus, greatly increasing China’s ability to enter space with higher payload. The launch vehicle uses non-toxic and non-polluting liquefied propellant with high trust generating capacity. It will play important role in the final chapter of China’s ambition of building manned space stations and 3 step current program of orbiting, landing and returning from lunar mission. About Long March rocket family It should be noted that since 1970s, the Long March rocket family of China has completed more than 200 missions. China’s first satellite, Dong Fang Hong (the East is Red)-1 was successfully put into Earth orbit by Long March-1 on 24 April 1970 (after one failed attempt in November 1969).

Om Prakash Munjal

The founder of Hero Cycle and a leading industrialist Om Prakash Munjal breathed his last in the DMC Hero Heart Centre, Ludhiana on 13 August. He was 87. On Prakash was born on 26 August 1928 in Kamalia, Punjab (then British India). He moved with his family to Amritsar in 1944 to start a bicycle spare parts business with his three brothers. The complete manufacturing of bicycle was started in 1956 under brand name Hero. This unit became the first bicycle manufacturing unit in India which produced 639 bicycles in that first year. Today the Hero Cycles Limited is the world’s largest integrated bicycle manufacturing company that manufacture 7.5 million cycles per year. Om Prakash with his three brothers diversified in different business sectors under parent Hero Group. Today the Hero Group has its foot print in sectors like bicycle components, automotive, automotive components, IT, services etc. Its notable Hero Motocorp the two wheeler motorcycle manufacturer is the world’s largest motorcycle producer. Awards: Om Prakash has received the Udyog Rattan Award from Punjab Government, Punjab Rattna award, The Samman Patra award towards for the contribution to exchequer of the Punjab state government and The Indira Gandhi National Unity award to recognize his social contribution.

IRDAI

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed banks to tie up with insurers. This decision was taken as part of the IRDAI’s new Bancassurance model guidelines which will be notified soon. Prior to this decision, banks were not allowed to  have insurance agency tie-ups with more than one insurer. As per new decision banks can tie up with nine insurers from three segments viz. life, non–life and standalone health. It will not be binding on banks and they are free to take their call. Earlier, IRDAI had constituted a 7 member committee to study the reviewing of the existing architecture of the Banacassurance model. About Bancassurance model Bancassurance is a French term referred as selling of insurance through a bank’s. Thus it can be said that Bancassurance= Banks as Insurance Agents. In this case, selling insurance means distribution of insurance and other financial products of insurance companies through Banks. Under this model banks act as a major distribution channel for insurers which in turn helps them to generate profits from alternative source. This model originated in France and soon spread to other European countries. In case of India a number of insurers have already tied up with banks under bancassurance model and some banks already have flagged off selected insurance products.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal for construction of petroleum products pipeline from Raxaul (Bihar) in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal. The MoU seeks to promote bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector between both neighbouring countries and secure long term supply of petroleum products to Nepal. Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline: In the first phase it will be constructed by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on behalf of Indian Government at a cost of 200 crore rupees. IOC will br also engaged in re-engineering and construction of the Amlekhgunj Depot and allied facilities. Approval to MoU between India and Mongolia The Union Cabinet also gave its ex-post-facto approval to MoU between India and Mongolia to establish cooperative institutional relationship and to promote and encourage technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy between both countries. This MoU was signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar in May 2015. Approval to MoU between India and France The Union Cabinet also gave ex-post-facto approval to a MoU signed between India and France to establish cooperative institutional relationship to promote and encourage technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues between both countries.

China and Pakistan have signed 20 more agreements worth 1.6 billion dollars to implement the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. These agreements were signed at the CPEC Forum held at Karamay city in Xinjiang province of China bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In this forum both countries also issued the Karamay Manifesto. About China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project 3,000 km strategic CPEC project is brainchild of China and is part of its ambitious six economic corridors conceived under Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. It connects Xinjiang Province of China with Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar Port and passes through PoK. It was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Pakistan in April 2015. During this visit, around 51 agreements were signed of which 30 were linked to this strategic corridor. Significance: CPEC project seeks to boost economic cooperation, political trust and cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan. It is regarded as the biggest connectivity project between the two countries with total investments around 46 billion dollars. The project includes building of railways, highways as well as pipelines in order to shorten China’s energy imports route from the Middle East by about 12,000 kms. India’s Concern: As it passes through disputed territory of PoK, India has conveyed its objections to China.

Government of India and the World Bank signed

On 11 August 2015 Government of India and the World Bank signed the Financing Agreement for the assistance of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project- I & II (NCRMP- I & II) for $ 104.00 Million and $ 308.40 Million respectively. The two separate financing agreements were signed for NCRMP- I & II under a common objective for coastal states to mitigate vulnerability to the cyclone and hazards prone coastal communities. NCRMP-I covers States of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. NCRMP-II covers States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala,  and West Bengal The agreement for the project with respect to these state were signed by the representatives of the respective State Governments. Objective of NCRMP-I&II It proposes to reduce vulnerability to cyclone and other hydro-meteorological hazards of coastal communities in the respective States through; Establishing Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) and Capacity building for coastal communities. By increasing the capacity of the State entities to effectively plan for and respond to disasters. Establishing Cyclone Risk Mitigation Infrastructure and early warning systems benefitting coastal communities in the target states. Financing technical assistance for strengthening of multi-hazard risk management at the national level. Supporting Project Management and Implementation of project. Implementation: The project is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and executed by the respective State Disaster Management Authorities at the State level.https://www.facebook.com/aboutias?ref=hl

347 species of flora

Union Government has announced that 424 species of fauna and 347 species of flora including 2 reptiles have been discovered in the country in 2013-2014. It was announced by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The written reply mentioned that   These species were discovered by scientists and taxonomists of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in the year 2013-14. Details of these discovered plant species have been published as ‘Plant Discoveries 2013′ and ‘Plant Discoveries 2014′ published by BSI. While that of animal species has been published in ‘Animal discoveries 2013′ and ‘Animal Discoveries 2014′ published by ZSI. 2 new species of reptiles have been discovered for the first time in the country. They are ‘Rhinophis goweri’ discovered in Noolathu Kombai, Bodamalai hills and ‘Boiga flaviviridis’ discovered in Berahampur, Odisha. India is known for its rich biological diversity and high endemism. It ranks among the top ten species rich nations in the world. As per BSI there are about 47,791 species of plants in India, while as per ZSI studies there are over 96,000 species of animals in the country. All endangered species in India are protected under section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Bihar Assembly passes Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Bill, 2015

Bihar Assembly has passed Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Bill, 2015. It was passed by a voice vote. The bill seeks to empower people of state and provide legal rights to them for redressal of their complaints within a time-frame. Key provisions of Bill Duty-bound binding rules on government servants to dispose grievances of the people in a time-bound manner. Failure to do so it time will amount to misconduct for which errant officials could be dismissed from service. Powers in this regard is vested on the Public Grievance Redressal Officer and the first and second Appellate Authorities to deal with delayed grievances cases. In case of on failure to hear and redress grievances, penalty ranging from 500 to 5,000 rupees will be imposed on the government servants.

India’s first Harbour Defence System commissioned in Kochi

India’s first Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) was commissioned in Kochi, Kerala. First of its kind system in the country is part of initiatives to strengthen and beef up coastal security in the western coastline. About Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) Designed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Consists of advance sensors, coastal surveillance radars and sound navigation and ranging systems (SONAR). Capable of detecting, tracking, identifying and generating warning for all types of underwater and surface threats to harbour security. The integrated system can detect presence of divers and under water threats with the help of this automatic system. The system has been contracted by Integrated Headquarters of Union Ministry of Defence in 2012. Henceforth it will operate under the control of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kerala). Presently, similar kind of systems are fitted in over 150 locations across the world including in South America, Caribbean, Mediterranean countries and Africa.

Kerala Tourism’s Muziris Heritage Project wins 2015 PATA Award

Kerala Tourism has won 2015 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) award in the ‘Heritage & Culture’ category for its Muziris Heritage Project. The award bestowed in recognition project efforts which aim at restoring and conservation of historical and cultural significance of the ancient town and its uniqueness and impact on local community located in stretches from Ernakulam to Kodungalloor in Thrissur district of Kerala. Ancient Muziris Muziris was an ancient seaport and urban centre which dates from at least the 1st century BC and located at the mouth of the Periyar River in present south Indian state of Kerala. It was a key centre for trade in ancient times between southern India on one side and Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Roman Empire on the other side. Its historic importance has been mentioned in the bardic Sangam literature and a number of classical European historical sources. Muziris Heritage Project: It is an ambitious tourism venture of Tourism Department of Kerala in order to reinstate the historical and cultural significance Muziris. It was started in 2006 and also covers various other historically significant sites and monuments in central Kerala. About Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) award The awards are given by Pacific Asia Travel Association and sponsored by Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO). Presented every year in recognition of the achievements of 25 separate organisations and individuals. It should be noted that PATA is a membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

The radical militants of Sunni Islamist militant group Islamic State

The radical militants of Sunni Islamist militant group Islamic State (IS) have seized Qaryatain, a key town in central Syria. It was seized following heavy clashes with Syrian forces. It is IS’s biggest advance after it had captured the historic town of Palmyra in May 2015. The town of Qaryatain lies southwest of Palmyra and it is heavily populated town with a mixed population of around 40,000 Sunni Muslims and Christians, as well as thousands or internally displaced people. Qaryatain lies midway between the cities of Palmyra, Homs and Damascus and is home to towering Roman ruins. Its capture gives the IS group strategic link up to areas under its control around and in Palmyra with areas in the eastern countryside of Qalamoun in Damascus province of Syria.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited

Union Cabinet has approved hiving off Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) mobile towers into a new company. Decision in this regard was taken in Union Cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This move will help state owned telecommunications giant to realign its structure in the highly competitive telecom sector in lines with private players. It will also help BSNL to unlock its tower assets and improve its financial position. In this regard, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will constitute an inter-ministerial group to chalk out organizational structure and capital structure of the new company after carrying out market valuation of BSNL’s tower assets. Presently, BSNL has about 64,500 mobile towers across the country and more than its 50,000 tower sites have optical fiber cable (OFC) connectivity. It should be noted that, BSNL had started sharing its mobile towers with other service providers including private sector telecom companies from 2010, but it is yet to realize full potential of its market share. Apart from this decision, Union Cabinet also gave in principle approval for the financial assistance of 627 crore rupees to MTNL and BSNL for surrendering 800 MHz telecom spectrum in some circles.

Parliament has passed the Delhi High Court Amendment Bill, 2015

Parliament has passed the Delhi High Court Amendment Bill, 2015. Firstly it was passed in Rajya Sabha in May 2015 and later on 5 June 2015 it was passed in Lok Sabha by a voice vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Delhi High Court Act, 1966 in order to reduce the workload of the Delhi High Court. Key highlights of Bill Increases pecuniary jurisdiction of the Delhi high court over suits above the value of 2 crore rupees from present 20 lakh rupees. Thus, it will reduce work load of Delhi High Court in case of civil suits by transferring them to 9 district courts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Empowers the Chief Justice (CJ) of the Delhi High Court to transfer any pending suit to a relevant subordinate court. It should be noted that, pecuniary jurisdiction refers to the jurisdiction of a court over a suit based on the amount or value of its subject matter.

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