RAPID GK SERIES 9

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: small;">1. The largest tribal group of India is<br /> 2. Fulhar Lake is located in this place<br /> 3. She is the first female President of Indian National Congress<br /> 4. The percentage of Urban Population in India according to the Census 2001 is<br /> 5. This country has the World’s largest reserves of Uranium<br /> 6. ‘My Country, My Life’ is the autobiography of<br /> 7. For the first time in India, the wheat production increased from 120 lakh tonnes to 170 lakh tonnes in<br /> 8. World Environment Day is observed on<br /> 9. This number of players, play in Volleyball<br /> 10. Agriculture Sector accounts this Percentage of Employment in the country<br /> <br /> <b>ANSWERS</b><br /> <br /> 1. Gonds<br /> 2. Pilibhit District, Uttar Pradesh<br /> 3. </span>Annie Besant<br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> 4. 27.8%<br /> 5. Australia<br /> 6. L. K. Advani<br /> 7. 1958<br /> 8. 5th June<br /> 9. Six Players<br /> 10. 52%</span></div>

RAPID GK SERIES 9

1. The largest tribal group of India is 2. Fulhar Lake is located in this place 3. She is the first female President of Indian National Co...

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Cabinet approves bill for creation of Lokpal with Constitutional status

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5224" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The Union Cabinet has approved a historic bill for creation of the Lokpal with Constitutional status.</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Lokpal will be a nine-member body, whose Chairman will be selected by a four-member panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India or his nominee from among the Supreme Court judges.</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The bill provides for the Prime Minister to be brought under the purview of the Lokpal with certain safeguards that keep out aspects like international relations, public order, atomic energy, space, internal and external security from inquiry.</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Though the Lokpal will have no control over CBI, an important provision has been added under which the CBI Director will be selected by a committee of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The draft bill also proposes 50 per cent reservation for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Women in the Lokpal bench and in the search committee</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">It also proposes that half of the bench will be members from judicial background.</span> </span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">It will have a five-year term and its chairman or a member can be impeached only after at least 100 MPs make a representation.</span></span></li> </ul></div></div>

Cabinet approves bill for creation of Lokpal with Constitutional status

The Union Cabinet has approved a historic bill for creation of the Lokpal with Constitut...

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NHRC issues notices to 3 states on farmer suicides

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5225" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala governments on farmer suicide cases.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">A release of the Commission said that the notices were issued following the NHRC taking suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging a fresh wave of farmers' suicides in the three states.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The notices have been issued to the Chief Secretaries of these states calling for their reports on the matter within six weeks. Media reports said that 680 farmers have committed suicide in just six districts of Maharashtra during 2011. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Ninety farmers committed suicide in six districts of Andhra Pradesh during October-November. Eight cases of farmers' suicide have come to light from Wayanad district in Kerala in November</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

NHRC issues notices to 3 states on farmer suicides

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh ...

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Cabinet approves setting up of NCHER bill

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5226" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The cabinet has approved a bill which provides for establishment of National Commission for Higher Education and Research, NCHER. It will take over regulators like University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The Commission will have 70 member body, having representation from states and professional bodies to decide on policy issues. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The draft bill NCHER, proposes to have an 11 member committee to execute the decisions of the council. It will provide mandate to the Commission to bring reforms in higher education for setting up quality institutions across the country. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The objective of the Commission is to increase the gross enrollment ratio to 30 per cent by 2020 from 20 per cent in 2010.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

Cabinet approves setting up of NCHER bill

The cabinet has approved a bill which provides for establishment of National Commissi...

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No British military involvement in Afghanistan post 2014

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5227" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Britain will not extend its military involvement in Afghanistan beyond 2014</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Presently about 9,500 British troops are posted in Afghanistan.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Since the beginning of war in Afghanistan in 2001 nearly 400 have died during different operations and insurgent attacks. Britain plans to withdraw its 500 troops in 2012.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

No British military involvement in Afghanistan post 2014

British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Britain will not extend its milita...

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NASA finds first Earth-sized planets outside the solar system

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">NASA's Kepler mission, tasked with the illustrious mission of finding an Earth 2.0 for humankind, has located the first Earth-sized planets orbiting a star outside our solar system.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The two worlds, Kepler 20e and Kepler 20f, are too close to their parent star (their sun-equivalent) to be in the habitable zone - where liquid water could exist on their surfaces - but they are the smallest exoplanets ever confirmed in an Earth-type location.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Earlier this month, Kepler spotted the first Earth candidate in a habitable zone, Kepler 22b, but that rock is 2.4 times the size of our planet.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Both 20e and 20f, which are thought to be rocky worlds, are the next milestone because they're the right size.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Unfortunately, due to their proximity to their system's parent star and their short orbital periods - 20e orbits the parent star every 6.1 days and 20f every 19.6 - they are hot furnace-like planets completely inhospitable to any form of life.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The temperature on 20f, with balmy highs of 800° Fahrenheit (427°C), is similar to the weather on Mercury, while the climate on 20e, at more than 1,400°F (760°C), would melt glass.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div>

NASA finds first Earth-sized planets outside the solar system

NASA's Kepler mission, tasked with the illustrious mission of finding an Earth 2.0 for humankind, has located the first Earth-sized p...

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Russia, Europe plan joint mission to Jupiter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span id="advenueINTEXT" style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Russia and Europe are considering five research projects -- a flight to Jupiter with a stopover at one of its icy satellites, delivery of soil samples from the polar region of the Moon, study of Venus' atmosphere and landing on the planet, flying to near-Earth asteroids and delivery of soil samples to Earth, and the establishment of an astronomical observatory on the basis of a space telescope. </span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span id="advenueINTEXT">The Moon research mission is planned for 2016-2020, and the Jupiter mission -- that will land on its moon Ganymede -- after 2020. </span></span></span></li> </ul></div>

Russia, Europe plan joint mission to Jupiter

Russia and Europe are considering five research projects -- a flight to Jupiter with a stopover at one of its icy satellites, delivery ...

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China launches communication satellite for Nigeria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">China launched a Nigerian communication satellite into orbit early Tuesday with its Long March-3B carrier rocket from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The satellite, produced by China Academy of Space Technology, will provide communication, broadcast, internet connection, remote education and navigation services to parts of Africa.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">China will also provide monitoring and control services for the satellite and support its ground stations. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">This was the third time China provided satellite launch service for foreign users this year, following the successful launch of two Pakistani communication satellites. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">China plans to launch four to five satellites for foreign users in 2012. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div>

China launches communication satellite for Nigeria

China launched a Nigerian communication satellite into orbit early Tuesday with its Long March-3B carrier rocket from southwest...

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IBSA asks Israel to stop settlement activities

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;"> Voicing deep concern over the deteriorating Middle East situation, India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA), a group of emerging powers, has asked Israel to stop the "illegal" settlement activities in occupied territories and condemned violent attacks on Palestinians. </span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;"> Israel has to stop settlement activities, not as a "concession" in the course of the negotiations but rather as an obligation under various UN Security Council resolutions and international law. </span></li> </ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;"> IBSA also condemned the increasing violence by settlers against Palestinians living in adjacent areas. </span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;"> The IBSA countries believe the UNSC has an essential irreplaceable role to play in the peace process mainly by condemning violence, calling for a complete halt to settlement activities and calling for the implementation of all its resolutions," Viotti said. </span></li> </ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;"> Britain, France, Germany and Portugal also said in a joint statement that they were "dismayed by these wholly negative developments" and called on the Israeli government to stop attacks on mosques and Palestinians by extremist settlers. </span></li> </ul></div>

IBSA asks Israel to stop settlement activities

Voicing deep concern over the deteriorating Middle East situation, India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA), a group of emerging powers, has...

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Rajoy sworn in as Spanish Prime Minister

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5232" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Conservative Mariano Rajoy has been sworn in before King Juan Carlos to become Spain's new Prime Minister. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Rajoy's Popular Party won a landslide victory in Nov. 20 elections on promises to lift Spain out of its economic crisis. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">He replaces Socialist party leader Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who took office in 2004. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

Rajoy sworn in as Spanish Prime Minister

Conservative Mariano Rajoy has been sworn in before King Juan Carlos to become Spain's ...

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Kim heir to share power with N Korea military

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5233" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">North Korea's new young leader will have to share power with an uncle and the military after the death of his father Kim Jong-il as the isolated country shifts to collective rule from strongman dictatorship.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The  military, which is trying to develop a nuclear arsenal, has pledged allegiance to the untested Kim Jong-un who takes over the family dynasty that has ruled North Korea since it was founded after world War Two.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Jang Song-thaek, 65, brother-in-law of Kim Jong-il and the younger Kim's uncle, was named in 2009 to the National Defense Commission, the supreme leadership council Kim Jong-il led as head of the military state. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

Kim heir to share power with N Korea military

North Korea's new young leader will have to share power with an uncle and the military...

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US sanctions 10 Iran shipping firms

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5234" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The United States has imposed sanctions on ten Iranian shipping firms affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), including Irano Hind, a joint venture with Shipping Corporation of India. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Announcing the sanctions, seen as part of expanded efforts to isolate Tehran, the US Department of the Treasury said Tuesday the ten sanctioned shipping and front companies and one individual based in Malta were affiliated with the IRISL.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td width="3"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Accusing the firms of "involvement in Iran's efforts to advance its missile programmes and transport military cargoes," the Treasury said they "have increasingly relied upon multiple front companies and agents to overcome the impact of US and international sanctions and increased scrutiny of their behaviour." </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

US sanctions 10 Iran shipping firms

The United States has imposed sanctions on ten Iranian shipping firms affiliated with the ...

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S Korea exports submarines to Indonesia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5235" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">A South Korean shipbuilder said on Wednesday it had signed the country's largest-ever weapons export deal, worth USD 1.1 billion, to sell three submarines to Indonesia. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">It also marked the first time that South Korea has grabbed a deal to sell submarines abroad.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Under the contract, Daewoo will deliver the three submarines, each weighing 1,400 tons, to Jakarta by the first half of 2018. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Each of the submarines can carry 40 personnel and will be equipped with eight weapons tubes to fire torpedoes and guided missiles. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The deal brings the volume of South Korea's defence exports this year to an all-time record USD 2.4 billion, more than double the amount from a year ago,</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

S Korea exports submarines to Indonesia

A South Korean shipbuilder said on Wednesday it had signed the country's largest-...

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China begins economic zone construction

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>The China-Myanmar border near the southwestern Yunnan province is set to become a major commercial hub as Beijing has launched construction of an economic zone in the region, which will act as a gateway for South Asia and Southeast Asia. </span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>The Gengma Border Economic Cooperation Zone is in the city of Lincang's Mengding county, which is expected to become a traffic tip for an opening frontier and largely enhance the progress of resources development, trade, logistics and industries.</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>Roads and an airport are to be built in the remote county</span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>The government had approved more than 40 policy items covering nine aspects related to the area's development, including building up the economy and living standards, enhancing environmental protection and strengthening infrastructure construction, especially in transportation. </span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>Yunnan province lies adjacent to Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region and borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. </span></span><br /> <br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span>It is famous for its abundant natural resources such as plants and non-ferrous metals.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div>

China begins economic zone construction

The China-Myanmar border near the southwestern Yunnan province is set to become a major commercial hub as Beijing has laun...

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GCC leaders welcome Gulf Union proposal

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5237" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have welcomed a proposal from the Saudi king for a Gulf Union. </span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is the current chairman of the GCC, had made the proposal at a session of the GCC supreme council in Riyadh.</span></span><br /> </li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;">   </span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">ABOUT GCC</span></span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council</strong> (<strong>GCC</strong>)</span></span><br /> </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Created on 25 May 1981, the original Council comprised the 630-million-acre (2,500,000 km²) Persian Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The unified economic agreement between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 11 November 1981 in Abu Dhabi. These countries are often referred to as <strong>The GCC States</strong>.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"> Objectives</span></span></li> </ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><br /> </span></span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">formulating similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, and administration;</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources;</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">establishing scientific research centers;</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">setting up joint ventures;</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">unified military presence (Peninsula Shield Force)</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">encouraging cooperation of the private sector;</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">strengthening ties between their peoples; and</span></span><br /> </li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">establishing a common currency by 2010; </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

GCC leaders welcome Gulf Union proposal

The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have welcomed a proposal ...

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Czechs mourn "Velvet Revolution" leader Havel

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Thousands of Czechs streamed through Prague Castle and the historical city centre to write condolences and bid farewell to Vaclav Havel, the playwright who became president after leading a "Velvet Revolution" to topple Communist rule. </span></span></li> </ul></div>

Czechs mourn "Velvet Revolution" leader Havel

Thousands of Czechs streamed through Prague Castle and the historical city centre to write condolences and bid farewell to Vaclav Havel, t...

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India South Asia’s most uncharitable nation'

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">India has earned the dubious distinction of being Southasia's most uncharitable country in 2011, if one goes by the ranking in the Charities Aid Foundation's (CAF) World Giving Index. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">In the Southasia region, India is the worst performer with a global ranking of a paltry 91. In 2010, India was ranked at 134. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">But Pakistan, which was ranked at 142 last year has made it to 34th position this year. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Sri Lanka is ranked 8th while Bangladesh is 78 and Nepal 84. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The list has been topped by US while the Irish Republic came second, then Australia, New Zealand and the UK. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The UK-based group said the richest countries were not necessarily the most likely to give to charity - only five nations that are in the World Bank's top 20 economies by GDP appear in the latest CAF giving index top 20. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">In terms of percentage of population, Thailand was the most generous, with 85 per cent of Thais making regular charitable contributions. The UK was the second most generous, with 79 per cent regularly giving to charity. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"> Countries were ranked in terms of the monetary donations and charitable acts of their people. </span></span></li> </ul><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>

India South Asia’s most uncharitable nation'

India has earned the dubious distinction of being Southasia's most uncharitable country in 2011, if one goes by the ranking...

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Citizens' Charter Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5240" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">A Bill laying down obligations of every public authority towards citizens, specifying delivery of goods and services in a time-bound manner and providing for a grievance redressal mechanism for non-compliance of citizens charter was tabled in the Lok Sabha.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The Bill makes it mandatory for every public department to publish a Citizens' Charter and address grievances within 30 days, failing which the official concerned would face action, including a fine of up to Rs. 50,000 (to be recovered from his salary) and disciplinary proceedings. </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The charter seeks to make it mandatory for government officials to acknowledge complaints from people within two days of receipt. The Bill seeks to set up a grievance redressal mechanism to tackle graft in the lower ranks of administration, a move that comes against the backdrop of Team Anna's anti-corruption campaign. </span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

Citizens' Charter Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

A Bill laying down obligations of every public authority towards citizens, specifying...

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U.S. general returns from Iraq with Baghdad flag

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="5241" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The last commander of U.S. forces in Iraq returns to the United States carrying the command flag that flew over Baghdad.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">General Lloyd Austin, who oversaw the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops in Iraq, is scheduled to be met by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden shortly after noon EST at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li> <li style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">The pullout was the fulfillment of an election pledge by Obama to bring troops home from a conflict inherited from his predecessor George W. Bush</span></span><br /> </li> </ul></div></div>

U.S. general returns from Iraq with Baghdad flag

The last commander of U.S. forces in Iraq returns to the United States carrying the command flag ...

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