RAPID GK SERIES 63

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">1. The Planning Commission was set up in this year</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. In Banking Sector, the Y V Reddy Committee is associated with this</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. The abbreviation of the Bombay Stock Exchange’s SENSEX is</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. In India by this year, the Railway Budget Presentation was separated from the General Budget</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. The Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana (VAMBAY) Scheme is the development for this People</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. In India, the ‘India Corporate Week’, is celebrated every time by this month</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. In this year, the Microsoft Corporation launched its Operating System ‘WINDOWS 7’</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. The abbreviation of ASSOCHAM is</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Dr. Joseph Stiglitz is the American Nobel Laureate of this field</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. Lepidopterology is a branch of biology, which deals with</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>ANSWERS</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. March 1950</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Reforms in Small Savings</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Sensitive Index</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. 1924</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Urban Slum Dwellers</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Third Week of December</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. 2009</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Economics</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. Study of Butterflies & Moths </div></div>

RAPID GK SERIES 63

1. The Planning Commission was set up in this year 2. In Banking Sector, the Y V Reddy Committee is associated with this 3. The abbreviation...

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Japan cabinet approves bills to enhance coast guard powers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Japan's cabinet has approved bills to enhance the law enforcement powers of the coast guard in territorial waters. Reports say the coast guard will be able to investigate illegal landings on islands and have more powers to eject ships. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Officials hope to have the bills passed in the current parliament session. The move comes amid growing Chinese assertiveness over its maritime claims, which have sparked tensions with a number of countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Under the bills, the coast guard will be able to arrest suspects and examine the destruction of property on remote islands. Another bill will empower the coast guard to ask foreign ships to leave Japan's territorial waters, without requiring it to inspect the ships</li> </ul></div>

Japan cabinet approves bills to enhance coast guard powers

Japan's cabinet has approved bills to enhance the law enforcement powers of the coast guard in territorial waters. Reports say the coa...

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India to step up engagement with the Arab League

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6132" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Having cast its lot with the Arab League on the Syria question, India will step up its multilateral engagement with the Arab world in the coming months with a series of events that will include a visit to Cairo by External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna to confabulate with the Arab League and to re-engage Egypt, which is stepping out of the rigid policy confines of the Mubarak era. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span>During his three-day visit, starting on March 2, Mr. Krishna will hold talks with the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League. </span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span>India will be stepping up its engagements at a time when the unfolding situation in Syria might tally with the current strategy of casting its lot with the Arab League by calling for early elections in the violence-wracked country.</span></span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span><span>Trade between the Arab countries and India in the last few years has exceeded $120 billion and over 60 lakh Indians live and work in the Arab world.</span></span></span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In order to maintain its pro-Palestinian credentials after two high-level interactions with Israel in Tel Aviv and New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs officials will also ascertain the possibility of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian leadership. On the Afghan question, too, the Arab countries are trying to facilitate talks between Kabul and the Taliban. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">But the bottom-line during the visit would be an exploration of new venues of interest and cooperation.</li> </ul></div></div>

India to step up engagement with the Arab League

Having cast its lot with the Arab League on the Syria question, India will step up its multilater...

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India, Italy discuss easing of business visa regime

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India and Italy discussed easing of the business visa regime, with Rome stating that it has already started working towards streamlining the process. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The issue of putting in place an effective visa regime for businessmen and professionals was raised during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi in New Delhi. Mr Giulio, who is on a visit to India, is heading a business delegation mainly representing the construction sector.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Both the countries had agreed last year to explore the possibility of using the certification from industry chambers to endorse the credentials for issuing business visa. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr Sharma, during his visit to Rome in February 2011, had raised concerns over grant of visa to which Italy had assured that flexibilities will be explored for granting long-term multiple entry visas under the new Schengen visa regime.</li> </ul></div>

India, Italy discuss easing of business visa regime

India and Italy discussed easing of the business visa regime, with Rome stating that it has already started working towards streamlining t...

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Loan agreements with ADB to aid MP,Guj, Assam projects

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6134" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The government has signed three loan agreements amounting to 350 million US dollars with multilateral funding agency Asian Development Bank, ADB. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>A memorandum of Understanding was signed between Ministry of Finance and ADB in New Delhi. Under the first loan agreement, a 200 million US dollar loan will help the Madhya Pradesh government provide 24-hour electricity to rural households in the state. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>An official release in New Delhi said that another 100-million US dollar loan agreement was also signed to develop a solar power transmission system in Gujarat. The loan will help develop a transmission system that will distribute 500 megawatts of solar power from the Charanka Solar Park in Gujarat. The project will create job opportunities, improve social services and contribute to poverty reduction locally. It will also support power distribution companies in Gujarat and other Indian power utilities to meet part of their clean energy procurement obligations through solar energy. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The release further said that under the third loan agreement a 50 million US dollar loan will help the Assam government enhance electricity transmission and distribution capacity in the state.</li> </ul></div></div>

Loan agreements with ADB to aid MP,Guj, Assam projects

The government has signed three loan agreements amounting to 350 million US dollars with multilat...

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Centre in favour of decriminalisation of gay sex

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Centre today on Feb 28 favoured decriminalisation of gay sex in Supreme Court, contradicting its earlier stand. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>As the proceedings began in the case, Additional Solicitor General Mohan Jain told a division bench that as per the government decision there is no legal error in the Delhi High Court verdict which had decriminalised gay sex in 2009. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Supreme Court pulled up the Centre for shifting stand on the issue and asked the government not to make mockery of the system. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The stand taken by Jain, who appeared for the Union Health Ministry, was contrary to the argument by Additional Solicitor General P P Malhotra, who had appeared for the Ministry of Home Affairs and had opposed decriminalisation of gay sex.</li> </ul></div>

Centre in favour of decriminalisation of gay sex

The Centre today on Feb 28 favoured decriminalisation of gay sex in Supreme Court, contradicting its earlier stand. As the proceedings bega...

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Navy to induct Russian-origin nuclear submarine

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In a major boost to its underwater strike capabilities, India will receive its Russian-origin nuclear-powered Akula II class submarine next month.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The nuclear submarine 'Nerpa' will arrive Vishakhapatnam next month on a ten-year lease, Defence Ministry sources said here.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The submarine is scheduled to arrive at its home base Vishakhapatnam in the second half of March, they said, adding the deal is worth USD 920 million. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>An Indian crew had set sail with the the Akula II class rechristened as INS Chakra to India at the end of January. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>After the 'INS Chakra' joins the naval fleet, it would be for the first time in more than two decades that the Indian Navy would have a nuclear attack submarine. This will also propel India in the elite league of six nations operating nuclear submarines. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>India is also working on developing indigenous nuclear submarines of the Arihant class. The first submarine named INS Arihant was launched for sea trials recently and is expected to start operational patrols by the end of this year.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Navy will have three submarines of this class by the end of this decade.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>India already possesses or is in the process of developing a family of nuclear-capable missiles including the Agni series, Prithvi variants, naval missile Dhanush, and submarine-launched Sagarika. </li> </ul></div>

Navy to induct Russian-origin nuclear submarine

In a major boost to its underwater strike capabilities, India will receive its Russian-origin nuclear-powered Akula II class submarine nex...

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Nationwide trade unions' strike hits key services

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Public sector banking operations remained paralysed throughout the country while transport services were hit in some states as the nation-wide 24-hour strike called by 11 major trade unions evoked a mixed response. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Life in major cities, including capital Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, was normal though it was affected in states like Kerala, Odisha and Tripura while the strike had a mixed response in West Bengal where the Trinamool Congress government pulled all stops to neutralise the strike.<span> </span></li> </ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Reason for strike</em></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Employees of public sector banks have gone on a one-day strike opposing outsourcing of non core activities to the private sector among other things. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Central trade unions have sponsored the strike demanding guarantee of labour rights, end to the contract labour system, bringing workers in the unorganised sector under the social security net and pension benefit for all workers.</li> </ul></div>

Nationwide trade unions' strike hits key services

Public sector banking operations remained paralysed throughout the country while transport services were hit in some states as the nation-...

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S Korea passes resolution; Demands China to stop N Koreans’ deportation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6138" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">South Korea's Parliament passed a resolution demanding that China stop the repatriation of North Korean refugees. The move follows a string of protests over the fate of some 30 North Koreans who are reportedly facing deportation from China and harsh repercussions.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The resolution was backed by 154 lawmakers. They also called on the United Nations and other bodies to put pressure on Beijing to follow international law. It is estimated that more than 20,000 North Koreans have fled to the South since the 1950s. The majority of them escape via China.</li> </ul></div></div>

S Korea passes resolution; Demands China to stop N Koreans’ deportation

South Korea's Parliament passed a resolution demanding that China stop the repatriation of No...

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After NCTC, CMs oppose RPF Amendment Act

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">After National Counter-Terrorism Centre proposal some of the Chief Ministers are now gearing up to block another initiative of the Union government, the RPF Amendment Act.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In what can be another headache for the UPA, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that the latest proposal goes “against the federal structure of the constitution.”  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>This was exactly the same argument put forward by a group of CMs when they had made their apprehensions clear on the NCTC. Chief Ministers of states like Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Bihar, Gujarat, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Tripura had opposed the creation of NCTC which was expected to be operational on March 1.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The proposal to empower RPF with police powers has come under attack from Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi too.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span>The provisions being inserted by the proposed amendment of the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957 is not in consonance with the schemes provided under article 246 of the Constitution of India, Modi said.</span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span>"Public order" and "police" are state subjects and proposing an amendment on these subjects under entry 22, 30 and 93 of Union List with entry 2 of the concurrent list in schedule VII of the Constitution of India is, not only a step to infringe upon powers of the state but also a serious blow to the federal structure of the Country, he said.</span></span></li> </ul></div>

After NCTC, CMs oppose RPF Amendment Act

After National Counter-Terrorism Centre proposal some of the Chief Ministers are now gearing up to block another initiative of the Union g...

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Panel submits Kudankulam report to Jayalalithaa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The four-member committee set up by the Tamil Nadu Government on the safety aspects of Kudankulam nuclear power plant submitted its report to Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa amid indication that it has given a clean chit to the project stalled by protests. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Committee Convenor Prof. S. Iniyan handed over the report to Ms. Jayalalithaa but declined to divulge details, saying the government would take follow up action. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The committee, set up by Ms. Jayalalithaa to break the impasse caused by the over five-month-long protests, was given two tasks -- reviewing safety features and allaying concerns of the local people. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The commissioning of the first reactor of the Indo-Russian joint venture, originally scheduled for December last, has been delayed following the continuing protests by the local people who have raised safety concerns.</li> </ul></div>

Panel submits Kudankulam report to Jayalalithaa

The four-member committee set up by the Tamil Nadu Government on the safety aspects of Kudankulam nuclear power plant submitted its report...

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RAPID GK SERIES 62

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">  <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style></div><ol style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Who is the father of Geometry?</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Homolographic projection has the correct representation of</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Who invented the BALLPOINT PEN?</li> <li class="MsoNormal">B. C. Roy Award is given in the field of</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Who wrote the famous book - 'We the people'?</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Which of the following is not a chief organ of the United Nations Organisations?</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Battle of Plassey was fought in</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The name of the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi islands was changed to Lakshadweep by an Act of Parliament in</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Development expenditure of the Central government does not include</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Paithan (Jayakwadi) Hydro-electric project, completed with the help of Japan, is on the river</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is situated at</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Rabindranath Tagore's 'Jana Gana Mana' has been adopted as India's National Anthem. How many stanzas of the said song were adopted?</li> <li class="MsoNormal">The first death anniversary day of Sri Rajiv Gandhi was observed as the</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Brass gets discoloured in air because of the presence of which of the following gases in air?</li> </ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ANSWERS</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><ol style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Euclid</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Area</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Biro Brothers</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Medicine</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Nani Palkhivala</li> <li class="MsoNormal">International Labour Organisation</li> <li class="MsoNormal">1757</li> <li class="MsoNormal">1973</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Defence expenditure</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Godavari</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Hyderabad</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Only the first stanza</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Anti-Terrorism Day</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Hydrogen sulphide</li> </ol></div>

RAPID GK SERIES 62

  Who is the father of Geometry? The Homolographic projection has the correct representation of Who invented the BALLPOINT PEN? B. C. Roy...

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Antony calls for global efforts to uproot threat of piracy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6121" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Defence Minister A K Antony has called for global efforts to uproot the threat of piracy. Inaugurating the Annual National Maritime Foundation Conference in New Delhi , Mr. Antony said, India has already submitted certain proposals at the United Nations. He said, if ever there was a need for consensual and cooperative effort, it is in relation to piracy and India has put forward certain proposals at the United Nations.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Defence Minister pointed out that the Indian Navy has made significant contribution to the global anti-piracy efforts in the Indian Ocean Region, IOR, since 2008. Mr. Antony said that the challenge of piracy is yet to be effectively quarantined.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Defence Minister also voiced concern at the military presence of world’s major powers in the IOR despite the waters being far from their shores.</li> </ul></div></div>

Antony calls for global efforts to uproot threat of piracy

The Defence Minister A K Antony has called for global efforts to uproot the threat of piracy. Ina...

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DERC decides to introduce smart metering system

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6122" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, has decided to introduce a smart metering system in the national capital to bringing next-generation reforms in the power sector. Through the initiative, consumers can make informed choices about electricity use based on varying cost and availability during the course of a day. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Informing this in New Delhi, the Chairman of the Commission, P D Sudhakar said that under this service consumers will get real-time information about price of power depending on availability and procurement cost.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">He said for this service Advanced Metering Infrastructure which is widely used in US and European countries, will be installed. Mr. Sudhakar said the advanced metering system will empower the consumers to voluntarily decided on their power consumption.</li> </ul></div><a href="http://www.tippani.in/blog/xbusiness.php?submit=showComments&id=6122"> </a></div>

DERC decides to introduce smart metering system

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, has decided to introduce a smart metering system i...

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Indian men's Hockey team qualifies for London Olympics

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6123" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India beat France 8-1 in the final of Olympics Qualifier at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>With this spectacular win India qualified for Olympics men's hockey after eight years. India's ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh slammed five goals, including a hat-trick. He was the highest scorer with the sixteen goals in the tournament. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Both India and France earned seven penalty corners each, but the visitors failed to utilise a single one while the hosts converted six. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has congratulated Indian Men's Hockey team for qualifying for London Olympics, and announced the bonanza of cash rewards included five lakh rupees per goal scored by each player of Haryana. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In addition, 11 lakh rupees per player would be given to each player hailing from Haryana. Mr Hooda also announced to give 2.51 lakh rupees to each player of Indian team. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has congratulated Indian Hockey Team and announced that the Madhya Pradesh government will give reward of one lakh rupees each to every player of the winning Indian team.</li> </ul></div></div>

Indian men's Hockey team qualifies for London Olympics

India beat France 8-1 in the final of Olympics Qualifier at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium ...

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WikiLeaks begin release of e-mails from Stratfor Global Intelligence

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The whistle-blower website WikiLeaks says, it has begun releasing more than 5 million e-mails from Stratfor Global Intelligence, a private U.S.-based firm providing strategic analysis.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>WikiLeaks said on its website that the e-mails reveal the company's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment-laundering techniques and psychological methods. It said the e-mails also contain privileged information about the U.S. government's attacks on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Stratfor's own attempts to subvert WikiLeaks.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The WikiLeaks said, the e-mails date from July 2004 to December 2011 and include more than 4,000 e-mails mentioning WikiLeaks or Assange, who is currently fighting extradition from Britain to Sweden on sexual assault charges.</li> </ul></div>

WikiLeaks begin release of e-mails from Stratfor Global Intelligence

The whistle-blower website WikiLeaks says, it has begun releasing more than 5 million e-mails from Stratfor Global Intelligence, a private...

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Various projects to be undertaken by Railways in next five years

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">High Speed trains, Dedicated Freight Corridors and modernisation of 19000 kilometres of track, are among the ambitious projects to be undertaken by the Indian Railways in the next five years at a cost of over 8.2 lakh crore rupees. These are the recommendations of the Expert Group Chaired by Sam Pitroda, submitted to Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in New Delhi. These also include a High speed railway line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai with 300 kilometers per hour speed. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Modernisation of 100 major stations and Radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking systems for wagons, coaches and locomotives are also on the anvil. Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said, to ensure safety, modernisation is a requirement and the roadmap laid out by the Expert Group looks at a future where the Indian Railways contributes to two per cent of the country's GDP. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Trivedi said, for various ambitious plans of the government including the Food Security Bill, fast movement of goods is a necessity. The Expert group has also recommended to develop Public-Private Partnership models to attract private investment to augment core capabilities including High speed railway lines, elevated rail corridors, private freight terminals and Loco and coach manufacturing. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of the Expert Group who attended through video conferencing from Chicago, said the Railways would strengthen 11,250 bridges to sustain higher load at higher speed, eliminate level crossings and implement automatic signalling system. He said, 15 focus areas of the Railways have been identified for revamping. He further said, the recommendations include that the Railway Board be reorganized along business discipline and reflect the Chairman as CEO.</li> </ul></div>

Various projects to be undertaken by Railways in next five years

High Speed trains, Dedicated Freight Corridors and modernisation of 19000 kilometres of track, are among the ambitious projects to be unde...

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The European Union slaps new sanctions on Syria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6126" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The European Union has slapped new and stricter sanctions on Syria. These include sanctions on the Iran’s Central bank, cargo flights, precious metal trade and seven ministers. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal said in Brussels that EU foreign ministers may also consider a peacekeeping mision to Syria. However the EU Ministers have insisted that military intervention is ruled out.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>EU's new round of sanctions slaps travel bans and asset freezes on the ministers of health, education, presidential affairs, communications and technology, oil and mineral resources, industry, and transport.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Syrian Central Bank will also no longer have access to any funds it may hold in the EU. Syrian-operated flights carrying only cargo will not be allowed to land in the 27 member bloc. EU businesses will be banned from trading in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Syrian public bodies. </li> </ul></div><a href="http://www.tippani.in/blog/xbusiness.php?submit=showComments&id=6126"> </a></div>

The European Union slaps new sanctions on Syria

The European Union has slapped new and stricter sanctions on Syria. These include sanctions on th...

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Tourism Ministry introduces three new categories of awards

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Ministry of Tourism has introduced three new categories of awards from this year as part of National Tourism Awards. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>A new award called the Best State for Campaign Clean-India has been introduced to encourage states to put into place effective mechanisms for maintaining cleanliness at tourist destinations. Apart form this, two new categories of awards are introduced for Best Heritage City and Best Heritage Walk.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>According to an official release, the President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will give away these awards on Wednesday in New Delhi. AIR Correspondent reports that the Ministry presents these national awards to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry in the country.</li> </ul></div>

Tourism Ministry introduces three new categories of awards

The Ministry of Tourism has introduced three new categories of awards from this year as part of National Tourism Awards. A new award called...

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Italian vessel not to be let off until 27th :Kerala HC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6128" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Kerala High Court on Feb 27 directed that the Italian vessel Enrica Lexie should not be allowed to leave the Cochin coast till 5 pm on Feb 28. The Court was considering the Admiralty petitions moved by the relatives of the two deceased fishermen, who were shot dead by the armed naval personnel on board the vessel on the 15th of this month. The Court also ordered that the petitions be heard by an appropriate Bench of the High Court.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Meanwhile, the Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi President Charles George petitioned the High Court that the Captain of the Italian vessel be made an accused in the case. He also demanded that a Special Investigation Team should be formed comprising Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Police and officials of the Mercantile Marine Department to probe the case.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">On Feb 28  the Kerala High Court will consider a petition moved by the Marines accused of killing the fishermen and the Italian Consul General in Mumbai, seeking to quash the FIR registered in connection with the case.</li> </ul></div></div>

Italian vessel not to be let off until 27th :Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court on Feb 27 directed that the Italian vessel Enrica Lexie should not be allow...

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SC directs centre to implement rivers-interlinking project

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6129" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Supreme Court directed the centre to implement the ambitious interlinking of rivers project in a time-bound manner. Observing that the project has already been delayed resulting in an increase in its cost, a three judge bench, headed by S H Kapadia, appointed a high-powered committee to chart out and execute the project. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The committee will comprise of Union Minister of Water Resources, its Secretary, Secretary of Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and four expert members appointed by Water Resources Ministry, Finance Ministry, Planning Commission and MoEF.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Representatives from state governments, two social activists and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who has been assisting the court in the case, will also be members of the committee. </li> </ul></div></div>

SC directs centre to implement rivers-interlinking project

The Supreme Court directed the centre to implement the ambitious interlinking of rivers project i...

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Indian special envoy holds talks with Norway’s Foreign Minister

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6130" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India's special envoy M. Ganpathy had positive discussions with Norwegian Foreign Minister in Oslo regarding early return of the children, taken away from an NRI couple there.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Ganpathy was rushed to Norway as a special envoy and met Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store to find an expeditious and amicable solution to the custody row of Aishwarya and Abhigyan who were taken away by child welfare officials in Norway and placed in foster care. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>An official spokesperson in the MEA, Syed Akbaruddin, said in a tweet that the Indian special envoy has had positive discussions with the Norwegian Foreign Minister in Oslo. He also tweeted that Special Envoy will meet Norway's Minister of Children, Equality And Social Inclusion, Audun Lysbakken later. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, BJP and CPI-M joined the grandparents of the two children and held a sit-in near the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, launching a four-day protest demanding Norwegian government to send the kids back to India immediately.</li> </ul></div></div>

Indian special envoy holds talks with Norway’s Foreign Minister

India's special envoy M. Ganpathy had positive discussions with Norwegian Foreign Minister in...

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RAPID GK SERIES 61

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. This King built the Sanchi Stupa<br /> 2. In 1994, the Malhotra Committee recommended the Privatization of this Sector<br /> 3. India is this much of largest in terms of area-wise<br /> 4. The chairmanship/presidency of the UN Security Council rotates among the Council Members<br /> 5. Chakiarkoothu is the dance which believed to be originated from this Indian State<br /> 6. The Kalhari Desert is situated in this Place<br /> 7. The Study of Algae is called<br /> 8. Knot is the measure to know the speed of this<br /> 9. Glauber’s Salt is also known as<br /> 10. The Highest Indian Peak is<br /> <br /> <strong>ANSWERS</strong><br /> <br /> 1. King Ashoka<br /> 2. Insurance<br /> 3. Seventh<br /> 4. Every Month<br /> 5. Kerala<br /> 6. Botswana (Africa)<br /> 7. Phycology<br /> 8. Ship<br /> 9. Sodium Sulphate<br /> 10. K 2 (Godwin Austen, 8611 meters) </div>

RAPID GK SERIES 61

1. This King built the Sanchi Stupa 2. In 1994, the Malhotra Committee recommended the Privatization of this Sector 3. India is this much...

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IMF approves plan to distribute gold sale profits

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The International Monetary Fund on Feb 24 2012 approved a plan to distribute about $1.1 billion in profits from past gold sales to IMF member <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10">countries</span>, with the expectation they would return the money to fund an anti-poverty loan <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11">programme</span>. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Under theIMF <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4">board</span>’s decision, the $1.1 billion in gold sales profits would be distributed once member countries have provided “satisfactory assurances” that they will return at least 90 percent, or $978 million, for the currently zero-interest<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3">loan program</span> for low-income countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The IMF board approved a limited sale of the Fund’s gold reserves in 2008 to diversify income soures. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7">The sales</span> carried out between October 2009 and December 2010 generated total revenue of about $14.8 billion, of which $10.6 billion was profit. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Fund has already decided to place at least $6.8 billion of the profits in an endowment to diversify the IMF‘s income away from the money it earns on loans. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>It still has not decided how to distribute another $2.7 billion in profits from the gold sales.</li> </ul></div>

IMF approves plan to distribute gold sale profits

The International Monetary Fund on Feb 24 2012 approved a plan to distribute about $1.1 billion in profits from past gold sales to IMF mem...

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India reiterates Arunachal is ours

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6112" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Highly-placed government sources have reacted sharply to Chinese remarks that India should refrain from taking any action that could "complicate" the border issue.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei had "asked India to work with China to maintain peace and stability in border areas" after Defence Minister AK Antony visited Arunachal Pradesh for its statehood celebrations. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Reacting to the remarks, government sources reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India and that it was not the first time Antony had visited the northeastern state.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>China routinely takes exception to any high level visits of Indian officials to Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is a part of Southern Tibet. It was part of the discussion of the past 15 rounds of border talks by the Special Representatives by the two countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>China also denies visa to people of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its claim to the area.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In a recent case, visa was denied to a senior Indian Air Force officer to visit China as part of defence delegation prompting New Delhi to scale down the size of the delegation. </li> </ul></div></div>

India reiterates Arunachal is ours

Highly-placed government sources have reacted sharply to Chinese remarks that India should refrai...

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CBEC to issue Bio-metric cards soon to check fraud

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6113" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will soon issue bio-metric cards to custom house agents to check fraud and misuse of services.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>CBEC chairman SK Goel said Bio-metric smart cards will be issued first in Mumbai in all the three Customs zones.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">He gave information that a fraudulent person will not be able to file documents anywhere in the city as his fingerprints would not match and his photo would be flashed across all zones.</li> </ul></div></div>

CBEC to issue Bio-metric cards soon to check fraud

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will soon issue bio-metric cards to custom house a...

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Rhino census starts from March 15 in Assam

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6114" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In Assam, forest department will start rhino census from 15 March. State Wildlife’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Suresh Chand says that census will be conducted in Kaziranga and Orang National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>It may be noted that Assam is the home of the highest number of one -horn rhinoceros in the world. As per 2009 survey, a total of 2 thousand 301 rhinos were found in Assam.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The census will be categorized in male, female, calf and adult section. The exact number of rhino will be traced through camera mapping.</li> </ul></div></div>

Rhino census starts from March 15 in Assam

In Assam, forest department will start rhino census from 15 March. State Wildlife’s Principal Chi...

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'Give freedom to states in use of rural funds'

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has made a strong pitch for flexibility in use of funds under his ministry and suggested to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that 50 percent of his ministry's annual allocation be given to states as flexi-funds by the end of 12th Plan.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The minister, who was in Kerala on a three-day visit, called for a change in architecture of rural development programmes so that better developed states reap as much benefit as those lower on the development parameters.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Ramesh said that rural development programmes did not have "built-in flexibility" and were "too rigid". He said that rural development schemes were focused more on states that were backward and did not reflect the needs of states like Kerala which has high literacy and effective grassroots organisations.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The rural development ministry, which monitors some key flagship schemes of United Progressive Alliance Government (UPA), pumps in around Rs 90,000 crore every year in rural development schemes.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The demand for greater flexibility in rural schemes also came from Kerala Rural Development Minister KC Joseph who met Ramesh and participated with him at a Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) meet in Alapuezha district.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Joseph demanded that coir industry in the state should be included in MGNREGA and working hours under the scheme should be 9 am to 4 pm as there is high participation of women. </li> </ul></div>

'Give freedom to states in use of rural funds'

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has made a strong pitch for flexibility in use of funds under his ministry and suggested to Prime...

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Indian Railways fall under CCI's ambit:

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Delhi High Court has held that the Indian Railways is an 'enterprise' and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is empowered to hear complaints against it for alleged abuse of its dominant position in goods transport sector.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Holding that there is a "commercial angle" to the services rendered by the railways, Justice Vipin Sanghi dismissed the railway ministry's plea challenging the CCI jurisdiction to decide cases related to it. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The railways had taken a plea that it was not an "enterprise" as defined under the Competition Act and the CCI lacked jurisdiction to hear a complaint that it was allegedly abusing its dominant position in the trade of goods transport.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The judgement, which broadened the ambit of the panel by bringing railways' commercial activities under it, came on the plea of the public carrier against a CCI verdict. </li> </ul></div>

Indian Railways fall under CCI's ambit:

The Delhi High Court has held that the Indian Railways is an 'enterprise' and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is empower...

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SBI to slash interest rate on education loans

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6117" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The State Bank of India, SBI, has taken in-principle decision to slash interest on education loans by up to one percentage point. SBI Managing Director and Chief Finance Officer Diwakar Gupta said, the bank will issue the notification shortly.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>At present, interest rates on education loans range from 12.25 per cent to 14.50 per cent, depending on their quantum and the duration. SBI is also offering a concession of 0.5 per cent on interest rates for loans given to female students. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">About the possible slashing of home loan rates, Mr. Gupta said, the possibility is less.</li> </ul></div></div>

SBI to slash interest rate on education loans

The State Bank of India, SBI, has taken in-principle decision to slash interest on education loan...

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Budget: CII urges FM to retain current tax rates on excise

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6118" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Confederation of Indian Industry, CII today asked Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to retain the current rates of excise and service tax in the Budget to boost investments.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>CII said in its pre-Budget memorandum that there is a strong need for retaining the current rates of excise and service tax to spur investment by the industry.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>As the government is faced with widening fiscal deficit, there are apprehensions in the industry that excise duty may be hiked in the Budget. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present the Budget for 2012-13 on March 16.</li> </ul></div></div>

Budget: CII urges FM to retain current tax rates on excise

Confederation of Indian Industry, CII today asked Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to retain the...

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Incidence of cancer highest in North-East

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The incidence of cancer in North-East is the highest in India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, it is well over the national cancer incidence of approximately 10 to 13 thousand individuals per crore of population.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is the only hope for the cancer patients of the one crore population of the three districts of Barak valley of Assam, where more than 15 thousand patients are being treated annually. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The hospital and research centre was started in 1996 by a voluntary organization at Silchar. Today it has become one of the three specialized hospitals for cancer patients available in the entire north east India. Most of the patients are daily wage laborers and agricultural workers.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The hospital has got facilities for chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It has divisions of pathology, preventive oncology, and pain and palliative care.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Not only treatment and cure, they also work for awareness creation for prevention of cancer. Patients from the neighboring states of Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and even Arunachal Pradesh have started coming to this hospital for their treatment.</li> </ul></div>

Incidence of cancer highest in North-East

The incidence of cancer in North-East is the highest in India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, it is well over...

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Guv takes initiative to launch white revolution in Assam

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In Assam, Governor J B Patnaik has taken initiative to launch a white revolution. It will cover Tinsukia in the first phase as a few places of the district have already achieved success in milk production. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Upper Assam Division Commissioner Ifitkar Hussain said, in a bid to improve the social and economic condition of the people of insurgency affected Sadia, Kakopathar and Tinsukia areas, the Governor have initiated the scheme. He further said, Bharat Integrated Social Welfare Agency has already submitted the detailed project report on it. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Tinsukia district administration has involved various government departments, Self Help Groups (SHGs), dairy development societies and local banks to implement the scheme. There are 200 dairy development societies and 15 SHGs being involved in this process.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Assam government is likely to extend the scheme to Majuli in the next phase. </li> </ul></div>

Guv takes initiative to launch white revolution in Assam

In Assam, Governor J B Patnaik has taken initiative to launch a white revolution. It will cover Tinsukia in the first phase as a few place...

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RAPID GK SERIES 60

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">  <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style><br /> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue, New York is the world's<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Entomology is the science that studies<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>Eritrea, which became the 182nd member of the UN in 1993, is in the continent of<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>Garampani sanctuary is located at<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>For which of the following disciplines is Nobel Prize awarded?<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>Hitler party which came into power in 1933 is known as<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>FFC stands for<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>Fastest shorthand writer was<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>Epsom (England) is the place associated with<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span>First human heart transplant operation conducted by Dr. Christian Bernard on Louis Washkansky, was conducted in</li> </ol><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>ANSWERS</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div><ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">largest railway station</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Insects</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Africa</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Diphu, Assam</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Physics ,Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Nazi Party</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Film Finance Corporation</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Dr. G. D. Bist</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Horse racing</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">1967</li> </ol></div>

RAPID GK SERIES 60

  Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue, New York is the world's     Entomology is the science that studies     Eritrea, which became t...

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Decision on Bt. Brinjal not influenced by NGO: Jairam Ramesh

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh denied any NGO influencing his decision to put a moratorium on Bt Brinjal. He was responding queries on allegations that some NGOs based in Scandinavian countries funded the protests against Bt Brinjal. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>He said his position on Bt Brinjal was determined by the positions taken by state governments on the issue. There was lack of consensus among the scientific community. Besides, tests were not completed and there was no independent professional mechanism which will instill confidence in the public. Ramesh said he did not ban Bt Brinjal and only put a moratorium on it .</li> </ul></div>

Decision on Bt. Brinjal not influenced by NGO: Jairam Ramesh

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh denied any NGO influencing his decision to put a moratorium on Bt Brinjal. He was responding quer...

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WHO removes India from polio endemic countries’ list

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that health and education will be the key priorities of the 12th Five-year plan. He said that the public expenditure on health had been increased from less than one per cent of GDP in 2006-07 to an estimated 1.4 per cent of GDP by the end of the Eleventh Five-Year plan. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Dr. Singh stressed the need to work harder to achieve the goal of increasing public expenditure on health to two and a half per cent of GDP.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Inaugurating the Polio Summit, 2012 in New Delhi today, Dr. Singh asserted to accelerate the efforts for providing universal access to healthcare. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Dr. Singh said there was a need to work towards hassle free and cash less outpatient care in public hospitals. The Prime Minister said the Government's massive effort to rid the country of the terrible scourge of Polio had shown result. Expressing satisfaction over the completion of one year without a single new case of polio in India, he said it had become possible because the Centre and the states had worked in close partnership. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>He also lauded the work of NGOs and 23 lakh volunteers who repeatedly vaccinated children even in the remotest areas of the country. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Earlier, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that World Health Organisation had taken India's name off the list of Polio endemic countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Minister said it had been done in view of remarkable progress in containing new case of polio in the country and not a single polio case has been reported for more than past one year. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Azad said the Government was aware of the risks that persist not only on account of indigenous transmission but also importation from other endemic countries and a zero tolerance plan has been put in place across the country. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>It is reported that there were four countries in the list including Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. India will now have to remain Polio free for the next two years to achieve the Polio free status.</li> </ul></div>

WHO removes India from polio endemic countries’ list

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that health and education will be the key priorities of the 12th Five-year plan. He said that t...

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EGoM meet fails to decide on gas allocation issue

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6103" style="display: block;"> <ul><li>The meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on gas remained inconclusive and decided to maintain a status quo on the allocation of gas. </li> </ul><ul><li>The EGoM, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, has decided that no allocation of domestic gas would be made to the captive power plant and non-Urea fertiliser units. </li> </ul><ul><li>The EGoM head did not take a decision on fixing the proportion of fuel supply to non-core sectors such as steel. </li> </ul></div></div>

EGoM meet fails to decide on gas allocation issue

The meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on gas remained inconclusive and decided t...

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Chinese delegation hold talks with India to step up tourism

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration Wang Zhifa, called on Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai. They discussed ways to step up tourism between the two countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Speaking on the occasion Sahai said, efforts are on by the two friendly neighbours for increased cooperation to boost people-to-people exchange between India and China. He said, improving the tourism prospects of the Buddhist circuit is also being explored. Sahai told the Chinese delegation that India needs investments in the hotel and hospitality sector and 22 lakh hotel rooms are required in the country. He said that hundred per cent FDI is permitted in the hotel sector. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Chinese delegation also included Ambassador of China to India Zhang Yan and Director of China National Tourist Office in New Delhi Liu Shijun. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Sahai also said that he met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday and sought budget allocation of 50 thousand crore rupees for his ministry. This, he said, will help to increase the arrival of tourists by another five million in the country.</li> </ul></div>

Chinese delegation hold talks with India to step up tourism

A Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration Wang Zhifa, called on Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kan...

+ Read more »

Sania -Vesnina crash out of Dubai Open

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6105" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Sania Mirza and Yelena Vesnina duo have crashed out of the WTA Dubai Open Championship. In the final of the tournament, the pair of top seed Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond defeated the Indo-Russian duo in straight set 6-2, 6-1. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In the women’s Singles final, Polish Agniesza Radwanska plays Germany’s Julia Goerges. The defending champion Caroline Wozniacki was upset by the debutante Julia Goerges 7-6, 7-5. Radwanska upset the number eight seed Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in three sets.</li> </ul></div></div>

Sania -Vesnina crash out of Dubai Open

Sania Mirza and Yelena Vesnina duo have crashed out of the WTA Dubai Open Championship. In the fi...

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US keen to invest in North East

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6106" style="display: block; text-align: justify;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>United States Ambassador Peter Burleigh said trade missions from his country will visit the north eastern region soon to explore possibility of investment in key sectors. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>"Trade missions of US to India's major cities are going on and we are in the process of expanding it to other areas including the north east," he said. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>"We are learning about increasing business opportunities in the N E region and American companies have shown interest for investments," the envoy, who is on a visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, said. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Climate change and renewal of energy were being focussed on by the USA, Burleigh said his country was, however, open to collaboration in almost all major areas of interest. "We are open to exploring virtually any area for investment." </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>USA was currently participating in a conservation programme at Kaziranga National Park in Assam, he said and expressed satisfaction at the 'amazing' pace of development activities taking place in the state and its congenial atmosphere for investment.</li> </ul></div></div>

US keen to invest in North East

United States Ambassador Peter Burleigh said trade missions from his country will visit the north...

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India seeks exclusion of its waters from war zone notification

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India will make a fresh appeal before the London-based Joint War Committee, a body of insurance underwriters, to exclude India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from the war zone notification as there have been no piracy incidents in Indian waters for the last nine months. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Navy has sanitised the country’s EEZ. There have been no piracy-related incidents over the last three quarters and India is keen to see that its waters up to 78 degree East are excluded from the war zone notification. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>If that is not possible, at least its EEZ should be out of the zone, said Union Shipping Secretary K. Mohandas and Director General of Shipping S. B. Agnihotri at a press conference. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Exclusion of India’s EEZ from the war zone has implications on premiums on insurance cover. More importantly, it has a security angle to it. Once within the war zone list, ships plying the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea will hug the Indian coast for safety from perceived threats.</li> </ul></div>

India seeks exclusion of its waters from war zone notification

India will make a fresh appeal before the London-based Joint War Committee, a body of insurance underwriters, to exclude India’s Exclusive...

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IAEA team inspects Kudankulam plant, protesters announce fast

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A two-member team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carried out a detailed inspection at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project(KNPP) even as the anti-plant protesters announced a 72-hour fast to protest a clean chit by a state government panel.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Noting that the inspection and the accounting of nuclear materials will be detailed and meticulous, Jain said it normally takes two days to complete such an inspection.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>To a query on to the choice of inspection time when KNPP is facing opposition from the villagers and protests are on, Jain said: "The IAEA has the right to inspect at any time they want."  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The first unit of KNPP is under safeguards as per the agreement between Indian government and IAEA.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>India's nuclear power plant operator, NPCIL, is building two 1,000 MW atomic power reactors with Russian collaboration at Kudankulam in Tirunelveli, around 650 km from Chennai.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>However villagers in Kudankulam, Idinthakarai and nearby areas, fearing their safety in case of any accident, protested against the project.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Their agitation, led by the People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), has put a stop to the project work, delaying the commissioning of the first unit slated last December.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span>The Tamil Nadu government set up a four-member expert committee to look into the project's safety aspects and the fears of the local people about the project.</span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span>The panel members certified that the KNPP is safe and has sufficient safety measures. The clean chit upset the PMANE, who announced their fast. </span></span></li> </ul></div>

IAEA team inspects Kudankulam plant, protesters announce fast

A two-member team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carried out a detailed inspection at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project...

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Health & education to get priority in 12th Plan: PM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6109" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that education and health will be the key priorities of the Twelfth Five year plan. He said that public expenditure on health has been increased from less than one per cent of GDP in 2006-07 to an estimated 1.4 per cent of GDP by the end of the Eleventh five year plan.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Dr. Singh stressed the need to work harder to achieve the goal of increasing public expenditure on health to two and a half per cent of GDP.Dr. Singh stressed the need to accelerate the efforts for providing universal access to health care.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Prime Minister said that government's massive effort to rid the country of the terrible scourge of Polio has shown results. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Expressing satisfaction over the completion of one year without any new case of polio in India, Dr. Manmohan Singh said it has become possible because Centre and the States have worked in close partnership. He also lauded the work of NGOs and 23 Lakh volunteers who repeatedly vaccinated children even in the remotest areas of the country. Earlier, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that World Health Organisation has taken India's name off the list of Polio endemic countries.</li> </ul></div></div>

Health & education to get priority in 12th Plan: PM

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that education and health will be the key prioriti...

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US envoy's secret cable warns of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6110" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">America's envoy to Kabul has warned that the existence of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan and insurgent activities of the Haqqani network are a deal-killer for the US strategy in Afghanistan. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In a top-secret cable to the Obama administration last month Ambassador Ryan. C. Crocker said it amounts to admitting that years of US efforts to curtail insurgent activity in Pakistan by key Taliban ally and lethal Haqqani network are failing. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Disclosing this, the Washington Post reported that the cable was sent through CIA channels rather than the usual State Department ones to keep it secret. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The State Department refused to comment on the authenticity of the cable. Spokesman Mark Toner said in Washinton that they are not in a position to comment on alleged leaked cables. He said the adminstration's position is that the Haqqani network remains and safe havens continue to pose a threat to Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States . All must be done to eliminate them, he said.</li> </ul></div></div>

US envoy's secret cable warns of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan

America's envoy to Kabul has warned that the existence of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan and ...

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RAPID GK SERIES 59

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. The World Red Cross Day is observed on<br /> 2. This National Leader has composed the National Patriotic Song ‘Vande Mataram’<br /> 3. This American Nobel Laureate Leader (1964) who fought for the Black People in the non-violent way<br /> 4. The National Game of Spain is<br /> 5. This Personality was the First Deputy Prime Minister of India<br /> 6. Akbar established Mansab System in the year<br /> 7. Article 14 to 18 in the Constitution of India cover<br /> 8. The Protection of Civil Rights in India was passed in this year<br /> 9. The Raghavan Committee is associated with this<br /> 10. The Tourism Phrase ‘Paradise Unexplored’ is associated with this Indian Part<br /> <br /> <strong>ANSWERS</strong><br /> <br /> 1. 8th October<br /> 2. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee<br /> 3. Jr Martin Luther King<br /> 4. Bull Fighting<br /> 5. Sardar Vallabhai Patel<br /> 6. 1565<br /> 7. Right to Equality<br /> 8. 1955<br /> 9. Anti-ragging Measures<br /> 10. North East India</div>

RAPID GK SERIES 59

1. The World Red Cross Day is observed on 2. This National Leader has composed the National Patriotic Song ‘Vande Mataram’ 3. This America...

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India, US discuss ways to expand their strategic partnership

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6080" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Strengthening their military ties further, India and the US have discussed ways of expanding their growing strategic partnership and cooperation at the 12th Defence Policy Group meeting held in New Delhi.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and US Acting Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Jim Miller. Miller also called on Defence Minister A K Antony and Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma to discuss bilateral defence issues. He also held meetings with National Security Advisor </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai addressing a range of regional and global issues. In a statement, Miller said, the US sees India as a partner in advancing stability and security in the region and globally. He said, the US looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership on defence and security with India. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The next meeting of the Defence Policy Group will be held in the US next year. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>India and the US have enhanced their cooperation in defence and have held a series of exercises involving their defence forces in the last decade. India has also emerged as one of the major importers of US defence equipment and has spent close to 10 billion US Dollar in procuring systems such as C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft for the Navy.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">It is also in negotiations with the US Government for the procurement of 145 ultra light howitzers and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles.</li> </ul></div></div>

India, US discuss ways to expand their strategic partnership

Strengthening their military ties further, India and the US have discussed ways of expanding thei...

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NSG will become country's premier force to fight terrorism: Chidambaram

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram asserted that National Security Guards will become country's premier force to fight terrorism and hijacking activities. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the NSG regional hub in Mumbai this evening, the Home Minister said that setting up of four NSG regional hubs will boost people's confidence and allay their concerns about security.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Chidambaram informed 1266 crore rupees have been earmarked for NSG to improve infrastructure facilities in the 12th five year plan. Our Mumbai correspondent reports that this is the first permanent NSG hub set up after the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008. About 21 acres of land have been allocated by the Maharashtra government for setting up of the hub.</li> </ul></div>

NSG will become country's premier force to fight terrorism: Chidambaram

The Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram asserted that National Security Guards will become country's premier force to fight terrorism and...

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Over 25 agri activities included in new MGNREGA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6082" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">More than 25 agriculture and allied activities have been included in the new version of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gaurantee Act, MGNREGA, which will be implemented from 1 st of April this year. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Minister of Rural Development Jairam Ramesh said that new version of MGNREGA will lead to better farm output. Rebutting the claims that MGNREGA is leading to fall in agricultural productivity, he said, on the contrary the studies done by independent bodies suggest the rural job scheme has led to better farm output.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">After recieving a report on revised Operational Guidelines for MGNREGA, Mr. Ramesh said the new guidelines will also respond to demands of the states for location specific flexibility in permissible works as valuable suggestions from the states are incorporated in the guidelines. The Report was prepared by a committee headed by Planning Commission member Mihir Shah.</li> </ul></div><a href="http://www.tippani.in/blog/xbusiness.php?submit=showComments&id=6082"> </a></div>

Over 25 agri activities included in new MGNREGA

More than 25 agriculture and allied activities have been included in the new version of Mahatma G...

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BSE launches 1st environment friendly equity index

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6083" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The first environment friendly equity index 'BSE-Greenex' was launched in Mumbai. Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily inaugurated the Bombay Stock Exchange’s new initiative by striking the gong. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The BSE-Greenex is a first of its kind benchmark index, which includes top 20 companies based on Green House Gas Numbers, Free Float Market capitalization and turnover.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">This index has been developed by BSE in association with ‘gTrade’ so as to promote green investing, with emphasis on financial performance and long-term viability of companies.</li> </ul></div></div>

BSE launches 1st environment friendly equity index

The first environment friendly equity index 'BSE-Greenex' was launched in Mumbai. Corpora...

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India seeks 5 million tons more crude from Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6084" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India on Feb 23 sought 5 million tons of more crude oil from Saudi Arabia next fiscal as its refiners look at replacing at least 10 per cent crude oil imported from Iran. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Minister of state for petroleum and Natural Gas R P N Singh said he sought 5 million tons of more crude oil from Saudi Arabia in 2012-13. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>India currently buys 27 million tons of crude oil per annum from Saudi Arabia while its annual imports from Iran is about 17 million tons.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Saudi Minister said his country has a spare production capacity of 2.5 million barrels per day beyond current output of 9.8 million barrels a day.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India also sought more LPG from Saudi Arabia to meet growing energy needs.</li> </ul></div></div>

India seeks 5 million tons more crude from Saudi Arabia

India on Feb 23 sought 5 million tons of more crude oil from Saudi Arabia next fiscal as its refi...

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Vice President releases book titled "Sufism and Indian Mysticism"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6085" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Vice President Md. Hamid Ansari today on Feb 23 released a book titled "Sufism and Indian Mysticism" at his residence in New Delhi this evening. Speaking on the ocassion he said, Sufism in Islamic tradition has for centuries been a source of inner peace, spiritual awakening and enlightenment for millions.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Mr. Ansari hoped the book would prove as a source of knowledge for students to understand Sufism and the Indian contribution in this regard. The volume having 29 well researched papers presents a wide spectrum of perspectives and in depth studies on diferent aspects of Islamic Sufism and Indian Mysticism.</li> </ul></div></div>

Vice President releases book titled "Sufism and Indian Mysticism"

Vice President Md. Hamid Ansari today on Feb 23 released a book titled "Sufism and Indian My...

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Delhi Metro installs AEDs to handle cardiac arrests

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6086" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Delhi Metro installed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at two stations to provide emergency treatment if a passenger suffers a cardiac arrest. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses a potentially life-threatening cardiac arrest in a patient. The medical equipment treats patients through defibrillation -the application of electrical shock to allow the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>To start with, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) along with Opto Circuits (India) Ltd, a manufacturer of medical equipment and interventional devices, has installed AEDs at the two biggest interchange stations - Central Secretariat and Kashmere Gate.This will be followed by training for a group of DMRC staff. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The AED`s have already been installed at all the six stations on the Delhi Airport Metro Express line. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>As per medical experts, an estimated 40 million Indians suffer from at least one cardiovascular disease or disorder, making them susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">"If cardiac arrest patients are not attended to immediately, they can lead to irreversible brain damage within three to five minutes. Defibrillation systems such as AEDs enable the detection and identification of life-threatening arrhythmias and when appropriate, deliver a shock to restore the normal heartbeat," Vanita Arora, senior consultant cardio electro physiologist, Max hospital added.</li> </ul></div></div>

Delhi Metro installs AEDs to handle cardiac arrests

The Delhi Metro installed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at two stations to provide eme...

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India concerned over piracy menace from Somalia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6087" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India on Feb 23 pledged to help Somalia in its economic development as New Delhi underlined the need for stability in the war-torn nation which has become a breeding ground for pirates.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said India desired stability in the Horn of Africa state which has been hit by protracted crisis.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>He said piracy was the "most obvious example of the lack" of stability there, and hoped the Conference will reflect India's concerns on the issue.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Indians constitute 7 per cent of all the world's seafarers and a manifestation of the Somali predicament has been the tremendous human cost that these seafarers pay.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The conference is being attended by British Prime Minister David Cameron, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN chief Ban Ki-moon among officials from about 50 countries and organisations to discuss a roadmap for Somalia. </li> </ul></div></div>

India concerned over piracy menace from Somalia

India on Feb 23 pledged to help Somalia in its economic development as New Delhi underlined the n...

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National competition policy will lower prices: Minister

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6088" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">A National Competition Policy will be ready by March 31 with several positive benefits for the country's economy, including lowering of food prices, says Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>"It has lots of benefits, because all the monopolies and anti-competitive forces will have to be dismantled," Moily said, after a Corporate & Investor Meet. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>He said monetary policy alone would not be able to rein in inflation. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>"The National Competition Policy, by targeting cartelization, will go a long way in moderating prices, especially the food prices," Moily said, referring to the US, where such a policy had resulted a cut of petroleum products prices. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">"The forthcoming National Competition Policy is an instrument capable of triggering second-generation of economic reforms," Moily said.</li> </ul></div></div>

National competition policy will lower prices: Minister

A National Competition Policy will be ready by March 31 with several positive benefits for the co...

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CERN to re-run Einstein tests in May after cable

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Physicists are to run new tests in May after the CERN research institute said that its startling findings appearing to show that one of Einstein's fundamental theories was wrong could have been caused by a loose cable.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The CERN lab near Geneva appeared to contradict Albert Einstein's 1905 Special Theory of Relativity last year when they reported that sub-atomic particles called neutrinos could travel fractionally faster than light.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Einstein's theory, which underpins the current view of how the universe works, says that nothing can travel faster than light, and doing so would be like traveling back in time. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>CERN said two possible effects had been identified that could have an influence on its neutrino timing measurement during its OPERA experiment. "New measurements with short pulsed beams are scheduled for May," it said in a statement.<br /> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>One effect concerned an oscillator used to provide the time stamps for GPS (Global Positioning System) synchronizations, which could have led scientists to overestimate the neutrino's time of flight.<br /> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>However, the other effect appeared to be more significant in the faster-than-light finding of the original OPERA experiment.<br /> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The second concerns the optical fiber connector that brings the external GPS signal to the OPERA master clock, which may not have been functioning correctly when the measurements were taken. If this is the case, it could have led to an underestimate of the time of flight of the neutrinos.<br /> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The faster-than-light finding was recorded when 15,000 neutrino beams were pumped over three years from CERN to an underground Italian laboratory at Gran Sasso near Rome.<br /> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Physicists on the experiment said when they reported it last September that they had checked and rechecked over many months anything that could have produced a misreading before announcing what they had found. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span>Edward Blucher, chairman of the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago, said the original finding would have been breathtaking if it had been true. As it was, the research inspired many spirited discussions, if few believers. </span></li> </ul></div>

CERN to re-run Einstein tests in May after cable

Physicists are to run new tests in May after the CERN research institute said that its startling findings appearing to show that one of Ei...

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Men's hockey Qualifiers: India beat Canada

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6090" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">India rode on Sandeep Singh’s brilliance to virtually seal its place in the final of the men’s hockey Olympic Qualifying tournament after defeating Canada 3-2 at the Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi on Feb 22.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Sandeep converted two penalty corners to not only see India through in the pulsating encounter, but also increase his goal-tally to nine in the tournament. With four wins out of four matches, India more or less are through to the summit clash of the tournament.  </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">In another match Poland defeated Singapore 11-3 while France beat Italy 3-0. In Women's section South Africa beat India 5-2.</li> </ul></div></div>

Men's hockey Qualifiers: India beat Canada

India rode on Sandeep Singh’s brilliance to virtually seal its place in the final of the men’s ho...

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RAPID GK SERIES 57

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. Author of the book “Sons of Babar” is…….<br /> <br /> 2. The name of the small island(in Bay of Bengal) which was source of tension between India and Bangladesh…….<br /> <br /> 3. Who are the beneficiaries of TAPI pipeline?<br /> <br /> 4. Which part of poppy plant is used to make opium?<br /> <br /> 5. Chilka lake region is a delta between these two rivers……..<br /> <br /> 6. President of the World Bank……<br /> <br /> 7. Lake which forms the international boundary between Tanzania and Uganda<br /> <br /> 8. City of Eternal springs…..<br /> <br /> 9. The line of demarcation between North and South Korea….<br /> <br /> 10. Ashwini Ponappa plays which sports?<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Answers:</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <ol><li>Salman Khurshid</li> <li>Nalpatti</li> <li>Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India</li> <li>Flowers</li> <li>Mahanadi and Godavari</li> <li>Robert Zoellick</li> <li>Victoria</li> <li>Quito</li> <li>38th Parallel</li> <li>Badminton</li> </ol></div>

RAPID GK SERIES 57

1. Author of the book “Sons of Babar” is……. 2. The name of the small island(in Bay of Bengal) which was source of tension between India an...

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Single entrance test for engineering institutions from 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The government has decided to hold a common entrance test for engineering institutions in the country from 2013. Briefing the reporters in New Delhi after State Education Ministers meet, the Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal said that the proposal for a common national examination with effect from 2013 with weightage to State Board results has been endorsed in principle by States. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The Minister said, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry and West Bengal sought more time to study the proposal in detail. He said that it was decided that details for the common examination process would be finalized in the next two months in consultation with States. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>He said the State Ministers were informed that the IITs and other Central Educational Institutions were proposing to adopt a weightage of 40 per cent for State Board marks. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>It was also clarified that the examinations would be conducted in English and Hindi and where States intend to use the same examination for admission to State engineering institutions. The examination could be conducted in the regional language of the State too. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Sibal said that it was also decided to start 100 Community Colleges on a pilot basis in 2012-13 and then scale up gradually. For this a committee of State Education Ministers has been constituted headed by Minister for School Education of Madhya Pradesh Mrs.Archana Chitnis. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Mr. Sibal also called upon them to consider introduction of the National Vocational Educational Qualification Framework, NVEQF to qualitatively upgrade vocational education across the country.</li> </ul></div>

Single entrance test for engineering institutions from 2013

The government has decided to hold a common entrance test for engineering institutions in the country from 2013. Briefing the reporters in...

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Country plans produce 63,000 Mega Watt nuclear power generation in next 20 years

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today on Feb 22 said the country plans produce 63,000 Mega Watt nuclear power generation in the next 20 years. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The atomic power is advantageous in terms of transportation and storage. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Addressing a seminar in New Delhi, Mr Shinde said India plans to have a total installed nuclear capacity of 63,000 megawatt electric by the year 2032. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Both indigenous technology and the imported reactors will be used for the purpose. He said nuclear technology is greener than all other technologies of power generation.</li> </ul></div>

Country plans produce 63,000 Mega Watt nuclear power generation in next 20 years

Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today on Feb 22 said the country plans produce 63,000 Mega Watt nuclear power generation in the next 20 ...

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JPA 2012 launches in Colombo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6072" style="display: block;"> <ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Joint Plan for Assistance (JPA) for Northern Province 2012 was launched in Colombo, by the Sri Lankan Government together with the United Nations. The JPA identifies priority activities and strategies which have been developed in support of the overall national programme to assist the people of the war ravaged Northern Province to recover further and to sustain their livelihoods in coming years. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Agriculture, shelter, livelihood, fishery, water and sanitation, electricity, education, health and nutrition and banking will be the key areas that would be focused through the initiatives of this joint plan for assistance. </li> </ul><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The JPA provides a framework for meeting immediate needs of the resettled communities in the Northern Province while linking humanitarian interventions to longer-term development efforts including the priorities of building houses and shelters, supporting agriculture, food security and livelihood recovery.</li> </ul></div></div>

JPA 2012 launches in Colombo

The Joint Plan for Assistance (JPA) for Northern Province 2012 was launched in Colombo, by the Sr...

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IAEA mission to Iran ends in failure; Iran still defiant

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">U.N. nuclear officials conceded failure on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-day visit to Iran yielded no progress in clearing up allegations about the country’s pursuit of nuclear weapons technology. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Iran’s top leader again said his country has no intention of producing a nuclear weapon. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span>But the IAEA officials were barred from visiting a key testing facility known as Parchin, where some of the research was alleged to have occurred.</span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span>Intensive efforts were made to reach agreement on a document facilitating the clarification of unresolved issues in connection with Iran’s nuclear program, particularly those relating to possible military dimensions.<span>Unfortunately, agreement was not reached on this document.</span></span></span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span><span><span><span>IAEA Director General</span> Yukiya Amano <span>called the visit’s outcome disappointing.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul></div>

IAEA mission to Iran ends in failure; Iran still defiant

U.N. nuclear officials conceded failure on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-day visit to Iran yielded no progress in clearing up allegat...

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e-payment of wages in all districts by July in Karnataka

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The State Government, which has been carrying out a pilot project for electronic transfer of wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Nelamangala taluk in Karnataka over the past four months, plans to implement the electronic fund management system in all districts by the end of July. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Principal Secretary for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Anita Prasad said that the Government hoped to roll out this facility by July. This month, the pilot project, which has been “successfully implemented” in Nelamangala taluk, will be extended to 48 other taluks in seven pilot districts. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The project is being carried out with the support of the National Informatics Centre. The pilot in Nelamangala taluk was able to carry out monetary transactions directly to the bank account of MNREGS workers. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>According to the status report presented by officials, out of 1,175 total transactions, 1,146 were conducted successfully. Among the challenges mentioned were getting beneficiaries to open bank accounts, validating existing data and ensuring the data in the informatics system is accurate. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Speaking at the meeting, Joint Secretary (MNREGS), Government of India, D.K. Jain said the system was a “good example for e-governance and good governance”. This is transparent, effective and has accountability for all the transactions carried out in the system, he said.</li> </ul></div>

e-payment of wages in all districts by July in Karnataka

The State Government, which has been carrying out a pilot project for electronic transfer of wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural...

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Decontrol urea prices; raise excise duty: PMEAC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Amid widening fiscal deficit, Prime Minister’s economic advisory panel suggested aligning diesel prices to global market in a phased manner and also raising excise and service taxes to pre-crisis level of 12 per cent. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Chairman of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) C. Rangarajan also pitched for deregulation of urea prices, while releasing the Review of the Economy: 2011-12. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The government expects that its subsidy bill would increase by Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 2.34 lakh crore, mainly on account of higher outlay towards fertiliser, food and oil. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>On improving the tax to GDP ratio, Mr. Rangarajan said the excise duty and service tax should be increased to pre-crisis level, a move which will bring in additional Rs 35,000 crore. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Before the economic crisis, service tax and excise duty rates were at 12 per cent, but as a stimulus the government had brought them down to 10 per cent in 2008-09.</li> </ul></div>

Decontrol urea prices; raise excise duty: PMEAC

Amid widening fiscal deficit, Prime Minister’s economic advisory panel suggested aligning diesel prices to global market in a phased manne...

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Bangladesh Home Minister on 3 day tour to India to participate HM talks

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Bangladesh Home Minister Shahara Khatun will leave Dhaka for New Delhi on Feb 23 on a three-day tour to India to participate in the Home Minister Level talks between India and Bangladesh. Home Minister P. Chidambaram will be leading the Indian Delegation while Bangladesh Home Minister Shahara Khatun will be leading a 12 member delegation at the ministerial-level talks scheduled to take place on Feb 24. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Officials of the two sides are expected to meet a day ahead to firm up the agenda for the ministerial level discussions, which will be focused on co-operation in security matters. According to sources India is likely to press for the signing of the Extradition treaty, which has been under active consideration of both the governments. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Apart from this the two sides will also review the progress made on the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan signed between BSF and BGB during the visit of Home Minister P. Chidambaram to Dhaka in July last year. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In addition this the discussions between the two leaders are also expected to focus on a gamut of bilateral issues related to cooperation in counter terrorism, consular matters and curbing border crimes like smuggling, arms, fake currency, drug and human trafficking.</li> </ul></div>

Bangladesh Home Minister on 3 day tour to India to participate HM talks

Bangladesh Home Minister Shahara Khatun will leave Dhaka for New Delhi on Feb 23 on a three-day tour to India to participate in the Home M...

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WTA Dubai Tennis: Sania-Elena duo storms into quarterfinals

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In the Dubai Open Tennis Championships, India's Sania Mirza and her Russian partner Elena Vesnina have waltzed into the quarterfinals of Women's Doubles main draw event.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In the pre-quarterfinals , the second seeded Indo-Russian pair defeated Oman's Fatma Al Nabhani and Slovakia's Andreja Klepac in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Sania and Elena will next play the Israeli-Spanish pair of Shahar Peer and Maria Martinez Sanchez for a place in the semi-finals. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>In the Women's singles first round matches, played yesterday, Serbia's Ana Ivanovic won the battle between two former French Open champions, as she defeated seventh seeded Italian Francesca Schiavone 6-1, 7-5.  </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Poland's fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska beat Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada 6-1, 6-7, 7-5. Daniella Hantuchova of Sloavkia also had a tough fight to overpower Polona Hercog of Slovenia 1-6, 7-5, 7-6.</li> </ul></div>

WTA Dubai Tennis: Sania-Elena duo storms into quarterfinals

In the Dubai Open Tennis Championships, India's Sania Mirza and her Russian partner Elena Vesnina have waltzed into the quarterfinals o...

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Govt. notifies direct import of jet fuel

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6078" style="display: block;"> <ul><li>Meeting a key demand of the cash-strapped airline industry, the government on Feb 22 issued the notification allowing private airlines to import jet fuel or ATF directly. </li> </ul><ul><li>Air carriers interested in importing the aviation turbine fuel (ATF), instead of buying from local refiners, would have to apply to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for an import licence, an official press statement said. </li> </ul><ul><li>A Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on February 7 decided that the Commerce Ministry would permit direct import of ATF. </li> </ul><ul><li>Beleaguered Kingfisher Airline has been demanding permission to get fuel supplies from overseas so that they do not have to pay sales tax that are as high as 30 per cent in some States. </li> </ul><ul><li>The notification said ATF imports have been allowed by or on behalf of Indian carriers on actual use basis.</li> </ul></div></div>

Govt. notifies direct import of jet fuel

Meeting a key demand of the cash-strapped airline industry, the government on Feb 22 issued the n...

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Budget session of J&K Legislature is begin on Feb 23

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature is beginning in Jammu tomorrow with Governor’s Address to joint session of Legislature. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The session is expected to be stormy with the opposition parties gearing up to take on ruling National Conference-Congress coalition Government on a host of issues. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The opposition from both Jammu and Kashmir regions is going to target the ruling alliance on the death of Haji Mohammad Yusuf and alleged ‘mis-governance and corruption’’ besides discrimination and delimitation of Assembly constituencies etc . </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The New Recruitment Policy is also expected to be raised in the on-going session. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Under the policy fresh recruits will get a meager amount for first five years of their services till they are regularized. The issue of disqualification of seven BJP MLAs is expected to figure prominently in the session.</li> </ul></div>

Budget session of J&K Legislature is begin on Feb 23

The Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature is beginning in Jammu tomorrow with Governor’s Address to joint session of Legisla...

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RAPID GK SERIES 56

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. During the Budget Session of 2009-10, all the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families have come under this     development scheme<br /> 2. According to the Census 2011-12, the Sex Ratio of India is<br /> 3. The Banking Ombudsman, which is the Customer Redress Forum maintained by the RBI was introduced in this year<br /> 4. This World Bank body used to provide Financial Assistance with the help of Private Investors to the developing Countries even during the War & Civil Disturbances<br /> 5. Limnology is the study of<br /> 6. Angkor Wat is the magnificent temple situated in<br /> 7. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of India<br /> 8. The Man who climb the Mount Everest First<br /> 9. The abbreviation of DICGC is<br /> 10. “Be Proud that You are an Indian, Proudly claim that I am an Indian, every Indian is my Brother”, is the famous quotation of this personality<br /> <br /> <b>ANSWERS</b><br /> <br /> 1. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana<br /> 2. 940 Females per 1000 Males<br /> 3. 2002<br /> 4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)<br /> 5. Lakes<br /> 6. Cambodia<br /> 7. K. M. Cariappa (1949-53)<br /> 8. Tensing Norgay (1953)<br /> 9. Deposit Insurance Credit Guarantee Corporation<br /> 10. Swami Vivekananda </div>

RAPID GK SERIES 56

1. During the Budget Session of 2009-10, all the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families have come under this     development scheme 2. According...

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Govt sets deadline to Kingfisher to come out with revised flight schedule

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6059" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The government has given an ultimatum of 24 Hours to the private airlines Kingfisher to come out with a revised schedule of flights to avoid any hardship to passengers. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Bharat Bhusan said the airline has been asked to ensure passengers difficulties are minimised.</span></span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Kingfisher Airline's CEO Sanjay Aggarwal also briefed the aviation regulator, about their plans to end the large-scale disruptions of flights and their financial troubles. Concerned over the sudden cancellations and passenger inconvenience, DGCA had summoned the airline's CEO and top officials to appear before them to explain the large-scale disruptions in the operations and the reasons.</span></span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Earlier, Civil Aviation minister Mr. Ajit Singh ruled out any bail out package for the private airline.</span></span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span>While 13 flights were cancelled from Mumbai, 8 were cancelled from Kolkata and four from Delhi leaving many passengers stranded. The major air route of Mumbai-Delhi was the worst-hit with maximum cancellations and clubbing of flights. The carrier had yesterday cancelled 30 flights including those to Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu and Dhaka, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at various airports across the country.</span></span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The Airlines faced fresh problems yesterday with 34 pilots quitting and a large number of staff being put on notice </span></span></li> </ul></div></div>

Govt sets deadline to Kingfisher to come out with revised flight schedule

The government has given an ultimatum of 24 Hours to the private airlines Kingfisher to come out...

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Jordan invites trade and investment from India

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6060" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Jordan has invited the captains of industry from India for investment and trade with the country. At a meeting of the representatives of the Indian and Jordanian Business Councils in Dubai the two sides agreed to work together to enhance trade and commerce between the two countries. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The move will give a boost to Indo-Jordanian trade and investment. The CEO of the Jordanian Development Corporation, Yarob Al Qdha said Jordan is the gateway to Iraq, Syria, Libya and Egypt and any entry will facilitate entry into the regional markets. The meeting was also attended by a delegation of Jordanian trade and business leaders. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>The meeting was organized by the Jordanian Consulate in Dubai. During the meet it was stated that concerns regarding security and stability in Jordan is not an issue. Around 20 big companies in Jordan are owned by the Indians with a trade worh $50 million and it has the potential to grow bigger and better.</li> </ul></div></div>

Jordan invites trade and investment from India

Jordan has invited the captains of industry from India for investment and trade with the countr...

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India's next-gen electronic warfare system

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6061" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT">India plans to develop new-generation Electronic Warfare (EW) systems to be fitted on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aircraft and satellites that would help it see "deep inside enemy territories", a key defence research and development official said.</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> Chief Controller, Research and Development (Electronics and Computer Sciences), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), R Sreehari Rao, said the present EW system, especially ground-based ones fitted on Naval platforms have got "limited range" (10-20 km) and "can't intercept beyond the line of sight".</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> He noted that EW systems (to be) fitted on higher platforms like UAVs, aircraft and satellites would give "very long range". The ones on UAVs and aircraft would give the country a 400-500 kms range capability and those on satellites "much longer range".</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> "We can see deep inside enemy territories.We have plans to go in for higher platforms", Rao told reporters in response to questions ahead of the second international conference on electronic warfare, which will be formally inaugurated in Bangalore.</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> He also said a prototype of synthetic aperture radar, development of which is being pursued by DRDO constituent lab, Electronics and Radar Development Establishment would be flight-tested on a Dornier aircraft this year.</span></li> </ul></div></div>

India's next-gen electronic warfare system

India plans to develop new-generation Electronic Warfare (EW) systems to be fitted on Unmanned Ae...

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Military education has gained attention

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6062" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has stressed the need for imparting military education to students citing "rising" threat to internal security.</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> "Even 64 years after independence, India is being threatened by China and Pakistan....with rising concern over internal security, we should give top priority to military education to students to make India strong," Bhagwat said.</span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT">Bhonsala Military School was founded in 1937 by the staunch Hindu leader Dr BS Moonje who also played a role in mentoring Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar.</span> </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT">"The Bhonsala Military School was founded by Moonje in a view to protect the nation and has been acting as a feeder institute to fulfil backlog of military officials," the RSS chief said.</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> Senior RSS functionary Prakash Pathak informed that the BMS was going to start a similar facility exclusively for girls in Nashik.</span></li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span id="advenueINTEXT"> The BMS run by the Central Hindu Military Education Society (CHMES) is also mulling to set up a flying club and a pilot training institute besides a centre for service preparation and aeronautic engineering education. </span></li> </ul></div></div>

Military education has gained attention

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has stressed the need for imparting military education to students citin...

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State Education Ministers to meet on common entrance test

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="6063" style="display: block;"> <ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Education Ministers of states will meet in New Delhi on Feb 22 to decide on the Centre's move to hold a single entrance test for admissions to under graduate science and engineering programmes across the country. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>HRD Minister Kapil Sibal says 11 education boards in the country have unanimously supported the move and the government now intends to seek the views of other boards in this regard. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Responding to a question whether the single entrance test would come into force by 2013 as planned he said in New Delhi that the government intends to write to other Boards in the country asking them to give their views and explain whether they have any problem with regard to conduct of the single test. </li> </ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> He said the main issue of bringing about equalisation of the Class XII marks across the boards has been sorted out by a formula designed by the Indian Statistical Institute that would give more representation to states in the IIT system.</li> </ul></div></div>

State Education Ministers to meet on common entrance test

Education Ministers of states will meet in New Delhi on Feb 22 to decide on the Centre's move...

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