JANUARY-2012

January 1Sunday.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 2012 as the International Year of

Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, in

particular recognizing their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social

integration.

2012 is also designated as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

2012 is the Alan Turing Year, commemorating the mathematician, computer pioneer, and codebreakeron the centennial of Turing's birth.

Important scheduled Events of 2012

Some important scheduled events of 2012 are as follows:

January 13 – January 22 – The first Winter Youth Olympics will be held in Innsbruck, Austria.

February 6 – Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the 60th anniversary of her

accession to the thrones of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and the 60th

anniversary of her becoming Head of the Commonwealth.

July 27 - August 12 – 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London

August 6 – August 20 – Mars Science Laboratory also known as the Curiosity rover is  scheduled to land on Mars.

Samoa and Tokelau are the first to toast in 2012

Two countries Samoa and Tokelau are the first to toast in 2012 after skipping a day by jumping west

across the international dateline.

As midnight of 29 December ended, the two South Pacific island nations fast-forwarded to 31

December, missing out on 30 December entirely.

PM identifies 5 Key challenges for India in 2012

Prime Minister identifies 5 key challenges for India as livelihood security, education, food, health and

employment, economic security, energy security, ecological security and national security. Greeting

people on New Year he urges the people to work together as a nation to address these challenges

Expressing concern over growing fiscal deficit, PM says that phased rationalising of prices of

petroleum products and begin again the process of fiscal consolidation so that growth is not

jeopardised.

Rajasthan: Doctors call off strike

In Rajasthan, medical and health services in government hospitals are now coming back on the

rails with the In-service doctors resuming their duties after an 11 day long strike.

The OPD in hospitals functioning normally and indoor patients also took a sigh of relief. Prior to that

the In-service Doctor Association called off their strike after meeting the Power Minister Dr. Jitender

Singh.

Government issued orders of lifting Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act, RESMA, and

release of doctors arrested under the Act. The government also agreed to constitute a five member

committee to look into the demands of the In-service doctors and suspension and dismissal of

doctors during the strike.

Earthquake in Japan:

A major 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Tokyo and surrounding areas. There were no immediate

reports of damage or injury and no tsunami warning was issued.

Its epicentre was located near Torishima, an island about 560 kilometres south of Tokyo and was

about 370 kilometres deep.

Nigeria: 50 people killed in violence

Approximately 50 people were killed south-eastern Nigeria in clashes between Ezza and Ezilo

people of Ishielu district, the two groups that are often in conflict.

Syria: Draft agreement signed

Syrian opposition groups have signed a draft agreement which charts a democratic transition,

should President Bashar al-Assad leave office.

Representatives from the two main opposition groups, the Syrian National Council and the National

Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria, say their draft agreement has been signed in

Cairo.

The two sides reject any military intervention that harms the sovereignty or stability of the country,

though Arab intervention is not considered foreign.

FDI surges by 36% during January-October

FDI in India has surged by 36 per cent to 23.68 billion US dollars during the January-October period

last year. During January-October 2010, the country had attracted FDI worth 17.36 billion US

Dollars.

As per the latest data from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the sectors that attracted maximum

FDI during the nine-month period, include financial and non-financial services, telecom, housing,

real estate & construction and power.

Mauritius, Singapore, US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Germany and UAE are the major sources of

investment in India.

Dalailama performs Kalchakra Puja at Bodhgaya

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama performs "Kalchakra puja" for international brotherhood, peace

and harmony at Bodhgaya in Bihar. He says that the path of non-violence, truth and harmony as a

far more powerful force than the activities of any military power that only believes in lust and

annihilation.

He said, the holy light of Buddhism spread across the world from India which is the abode of

spiritualism and true religious harmony.

Novak Djokovic wins ATP World Tennis Championship

World Number one, Novak Djokovic has won the ATP World Tennis Championship. In the final in

Abu Dhabi, Djokovic thrashed Spaniard David Ferrer in straight sets 6-2.6-1. World Number two

Rafael Nadal came third as he defeated Roger Federer 6-2,7-5.

Pakistan assumes seat as non-permanent member of UNSC

Pakistan has assumed its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council On

January 1, 2012 for a two-year term. This will be for the seventh time that Pakistan has assumed

this position.

January 2

 

Government to allow QFIs to invest in India

The Government has started the New Year with an important policy change by deciding to allow the

Qualified Foreign Investors to invest in Indian equity markets.

The Qualified Foreign Investor is an individual or group or association resident in a foreign country

that is compliant with Financial Action Task Force standards of the government of India. QFIs do not

include Foreign Institutional Investors or sub accounts.

The objective of this policy change is to broaden the class of investors investing in India, attract

more foreign funds and reduce market volatility and deepen the capital market. The move was

expected as there was a significant foreign capital outflows from the domestic equity market in

recent times, leading to volatility in Rupee.

CEC pitches for Constitutional amendment for protection of ECs

India's Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi says that there is need for a Constitutional

amendment to give protection to the Election Commissioners, so that they are not under any

pressure.

As per article 324 (2) of Constitution of India, Election commission consists of the Chief Election

Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may

from time to time fix and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election

Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament, be

made by the President.

There are two election commissioners in India by convention. The Constitution provides protection

to the chief election commissioner by making a provision that Chief Election Commissioner shall

not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the

Supreme Court and the conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied

to his disadvantage after his appointment. However, there are no such protection provisions in

regard with Election Commission.

Mr. Quraishi also favours automatic elevation of the senior-most EC to the post of Chief Election

Commissioner. He says that two ECs who do not enjoy Constitutional protection under the law, be

given the status as they should not feel they are on probation.

India and Macau to sign DTAA

India's latest DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) will be with Macau. The DTAA would

facilitate the exchange of tax-related and banking information between the two and prevent tax

evasion.

Macau is one of the most well-known offshore financial centres and tax havens worldwide. The

agreement will also help create a better investment climate for Indian businesses in Macau and

vice-versa.

Iran test fires missile

Iran has successfully test fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile during navy war games

taking place near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This medium-range surface-to-air missile is

equipped with the latest technology to combat radar-evading targets and intelligent systems which

try to disrupt missile navigation.

This was for the first time that Iran had tested the missile. The missile was domestically designed

and built. The missile's launch and the war games are meant to show Iran's military capabilities at a

time that the United States and other Western nations are increasing pressure over Tehran's

nuclear programme.

US blocks aid to Pakistan

United states has suspended a 1.1 billion dollar military aid to Pakistan. This suspension is a part of

a massive 662-billion dollar defence spending bill which President Obama is expected to sign this

year. The aid was to be given to Pakistan under category Pakistan Counter-insurgency Fund.

India-Pakistan exchange list of Nuclear Installations

On January 1, 2012 , India and Pakistan have exchanged the list of nuclear installations and

facilities covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations

between two countries.

The agreement was signed on December 31, 1988 and entered into force on January 27, 1991. The

agreement makes a provision that two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and

facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. The

exchange of information took place via diplomatic channels.

Sikkim Rail Project

The government has clarified that the Rs. 1340 crore rail project connecting Rangpo in Sikkim to the

rest of the country via Sevoke in West Bengal is expected to be completed by 2015. This rail

connection would be the first step towards linking the capital of the small and landlocked border

state of Sikkim to other parts of the nation.

Andhra Pradesh increases upper age limit for joining Government services

Describing it as a new year gift to the state public, the Andhra Pradesh government has increased

the upper age limit for joining state government services. The upper age limit has been increased

for all categories including the physically handicapped.

The age bar for the General Category has been raised to 36 years from the present 34 years. It is

increased to 41 years in case of SC, ST, and BCs. The age bar is raised to 46 years from the

current 44 years for the physically handicapped.

Similarly, the age bar is raised by two years for the existing state government employees and

physically handicapped employees.

January 3

99th Indian Science Congress

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubneshwar is hosting the 99th Indian Science

Congress. Inauguration by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on January 3, 2012. A total of 15,000

delegates including 20 Nobel Prize winner scientists from across the globe will be attending the five day long Indian Science Congress.

US President signs 662 billion dollar defence spending bill into law

United States President Barack Obama signs a massive 662 billion dollar defence spending bill into

law.

The defence authorization bill for the year 2012 also seeks to suspend 60 percent of 1.1 billion dollar

military aid to Pakistan - under the category Pakistan Counter-insurgency Fund. This seems to be a

point of no return in the mistrust between Pakistan and US.

The bill also imposed tough new sanctions against Iran's central bank and financial sector. The

sanctions require foreign firms to make a choice between either doing business with Tehran's oil

and financial sectors or central bank, or with the US economy and financial sector.It is being

considered the sharpest economic conflict between US and Iran.

President Obama signed the bill despite what he called serious reservations about provisions

regulating detention and prosecution of suspected terrorists.

Maximum Newspapers published from UP

The 55th Annual report of the Registrar of Newspapers for India says that as many as 3671

newspapers were published from Uttar Pradesh followed by Delhi with 1933 and Madhya Pradesh

with 1243 newspapers. In 2010-11, the Newspaper circulation in India rose over eight per cent.

Postal stamp released in memory of late Puran Chandra Gupta

Prime Minister releases a book and a postage stamp in memory of the late Puran Chandra Gupta,

the founder of Hindi daily Dainik Jagaran.

Exports register increase of 17% in November 2011

India's exports registered an increase of over 17 per cent in November 2011, compared to the

corresponding period in 2010. The imports in the same period, grew by over 40%. The Finance

Ministry data say that exports during November, 2011 were valued at over Rs. 1,13,500 crore as

against over Rs. 96,740 crore in November, 2010.

Total imports for the month of November 2011 stood at over Rs. 1,82,600 Crore compared to Rs.

1,29,840 Crore in November 2010. The cumulative value of exports for the period April to November

2011-12 registered an increase of over 35 per cent over the same period last year. The total imports

in the corresponding period grew by over 32 per cent.

Fiji decided to lift emergency law

Prime Minister and military strongman of Fiji Voreqe Bainimarama said decided to lift emergency

laws in place since a 2009 political crisis and begin discussions on a new Constitution. The

emergency laws had draconian regulations, including tight censorship on the news media and a

ban on public meetings, were imposed after a Fiji court ruled that Bainimarama's 2006 coup was

illegal. The move has been welcomed by several countries.

Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) formed in Manipur

Five opposition parties of Manipur have formally formed an opposition pre-poll alliance called

Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) to jointly fight the State Assembly election which has been

scheduled on the 28th of this month. Common minimum programme of the PDF will soon be

declared.

RBI hints decline in policy rates

Reserve Bank Governor D. Subbarao has indicated that the central bank could reverse the tight

monetary stance adopted by it since March 2010 to tame inflation. The statement was made in the

wake of concern over the declining economic growth.

January 4

99th Indian Science Congress Inaugurated at KIIT

99th Indian Science Congress has begun at the KIIT University campus in Bhubneshwar on January

3, 2012.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh inaugurated the five-day event.

More than 15,000 delegates including 500 foreign scientists and 20 Nobel laureates will attend the

Science Congress.

They will deliberate on issues like climate change, food security, preventing maternal and child

mortality, assisted technology for disabled, science and education in rural areas, women in science,

water scarcity, clean energy and space technology. The theme of this year's Congress is 'Science

and Technology for Inclusive Innovation - Role of Women'.

Science Congress is being jointly hosted by the KIIT University and National Institute of Science

Education and Research.

Important announcements made by PM at 99th Indian Science Congress

Inaugurating the event, PM called for increase in the expenditure on research and development,

R&D, by at least 2 percent from the current 1 percent (of the GDP) by the end of the 12th five year

Plan.

He also said that industries should also increase their contribution to R&D expenditure which is at

present one third of the total expenditure.

He also called for public private partnerships and interaction between publicly owned Science and

Technology institutions and industry.

He emphasized the importance of exploring traditional knowledge systems in areas of agriculture,

architecture, handicrafts and textiles. He called upon the scientific community to pool their

knowledge and wisdom to contribute to the success of critical National Missions on Sustainable

Agriculture, Water, Energy Efficiency, Solar Energy and Forestry.

He announced that government is examining a proposal to build national capacity and capability in

supercomputing which will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore at an

estimated cost of ` 5000 crore.

Government is also considering a proposal to establish a Neutrino Observatory in Theni district in

Tamil Nadu with a proposed investment of ` 1350 crore.

Year 2012 has been declare to be the National Mathematical Year to emphasize the importance of

maintaining the traditional strength in mathematics.

The Prime Minister also gave away awards to scientists for their achievements and tribals of

Koraput region for the global recognition they received for conservation of bio-diversity and

developing climate resilient farming systems.

The theme of this year's Congress is 'Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation - Role

of Women'.

Besides the main event, there will be a Women's Science Congress which will be inaugurated by

Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao.

Iran moderates its threat on Strait of Hormuz

Iran has moderated its threat made last week to block the busy sea route. The strait of Hormuz

carries much of the West 's oil supplies through the Gulf, Iran had last week threatened to block the

route. The latest statement from a senior Irani Official says that it will not disturb the strait.

Bihar: Lokayukta Act comes in force

Bihar government implements its new Lokayukta Act. A notification was issued in this regard.

The Lokayukta earlier was an individual, after coming into the new act in force, Lokayukta in Bihar is

an institution.

The Lokayukta Act covers Chief Minister, Ministers, Legislators and public servants. It also covers

Speaker of the Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council besides former Chief

Ministers, Ministers and legislators.

The Lokayukta will also have employees, corporations and organisations receiving government

grants under its scanner.

As per the new Act, the Lokayukta is a multi-member body comprising one chairman and two

members. Of the three, at least 2 persons shall be judicial members

Under the provision of the new Lokayukta Act, the whistle blowers would also be given all protection.

Besides, the office of Lokayukta will have its vigilance and prosecution wings to take the corruption

cases to their logical end.

Knud Bartels: New Chairman of NATO's Military Committee

Danish General Knud Bartels assumes office as the Chairman of NATO's Military Committee to

succeed Italian Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola. General Bartels, Chief of Defence in Denmark, was

elected to the top NATO military post by the Chiefs of Defence of 28 NATO countries on Sept. 17,

2011. He was expected to take over from Admiral Di Paola in June.

However, as Admiral Di Paola was appointed as Italy's new Defence Minister in November and

resigned his NATO post, Bartels had to take office several months earlier. Acting as the chairman,

Bartels will be the principal military adviser to NATO Secretary General, former Danish Prime

Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

The Chairman of the Military Committee is elected for a three-year tenure.

Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2010 gets presidential assent

Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2010 has got president nod and

become an act in Madhya Pradesh. A convict in cow slaughter case would now get seven years jail

term and a minimum fine of five thousand rupees which may be increased by the court. Earlier the

term was 3 years. The new act also makes punishable the transporting a cow outside the state for

slaughter.

Kharif crops may make all time record

As per the data released by Ministry of Agriculture, production of foodgrains, covering only kharif

crops during 2011-12 is estimated at an all time record level of nearly 124 million tonnes.

The increase is mainly due to rise in production of rice in major paddy producing States in the

country. In its year end review, the agricultural ministry stated that the Kharif production of the nine

oilseeds is also estimated at record level of over 208 lakh tonnes.

Production of sugarcane and cotton is also expected to rise significantly. The data say that country

will achieve the target of 245 million tonnes of foodgrains by the end of 2011-12.

Finance Ministry working on Savings Bank Account number portability

Finance Ministry is working on savings bank account number portability. This would will allow a

customer to retain his account number while changing his bank.

Indian Gymnast struck 4 Golds at Dhaka

Commonwealth and Asian Games bronze-medallist Ashish Kumar struck gold four times at the

South Central Asian Gymnastics Championships in Dhaka. The Indian team comprising five men

and four women secured six gold medals in the total tally of 17.

January 5

Prof Trinh Xuan Thuan gets 'Kalinga Chair' award

Eminent scientist, Prof Trinh Xuan Thuan, of Vietnam has been conferred with the prestigious

'Kalinga Chair' award at the 99th Indian Science Congress at Bhubaneswar. The award was

conferred marking the 60th anniversary of the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize.

Kalinga Prize is given by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO) in association with Bhubneshwar-based Kalinga Foundation Trust, Union Ministry of

Human Resources Development, Department of Science and Technology.

EU agreed in principle to ban import of Iranian oil

The European Union has agreed in principle to ban import of Iranian crude oil to put pressure on Iran

for its nuclear programme. The move will be announced in the end of January 2012.

United States, which recently imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, has welcomed the news, however,

Iran has dismissed the threat of new sanctions and denies Western claims that it is trying to

develop a nuclear weapons programme.

11th Auto Expo Starts in New Delhi

The 11th Auto Expo starts in New Delhi on January 5, 2012. The Expo will witness as many as 50

global brands showcasing their products.

The Expo will also witness the unveiling of 24 cars by domestic companies and eight by global

players, besides eight two-wheelers by home-grown firms.

The Expo will remain open for public from 7th January to 11th January 2012.

Union Cabinet approves filling up of backlog vacancies in SC and ST

Union Cabinet approves the filling up of backlog vacancies in SC and ST categories in central

government jobs. There are 50,000 positions to be filled. The decision has been taken keeping in

view the assembly polls in various states.

The proposal comes soon after the government decision to allow 4.5 percent reservation to the

minorities within the OBC quota.

The last such effort was made in 2008 when the government had launched a special recruitment

drive for recruitment in these categories.

Cabinet approved insurance for Overseas Indian Workers

Cabinet has also approved a proposal for providing insurance cover and pension benefits to

Overseas Indian workers. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has already announced that a

fund is being set up for the purpose.

The objective is to offer financial help to Indians working in Gulf region after they return to the

country.

Cabinet approved making hallmarking of jewellery mandatory

As a step to maintain the quality of gold jewellery, the Union Cabinet has approved making hall

marking of gold jewellery mandatory. India is the world's biggest consumer of gold.

This was done by approving amendments to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 1986, which

aims to expand the ambit of compulsory hallmarking to add more products.

At present, gold hallmarking is voluntary.

Jewellery accounts for around 65% of gold demand in India.

Rs. 19000 Crore approved for Katra - Quazigund Railway line project

The Central Government has approved an additional fund of Rs. 19000 Crore for completion of

Katra - Quazigund Railway line project in Jammu and Kashmir.

The decision was taken by Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in New Delhi .

Katra - Quazigund Railway line is to be completed by 2017.

Voting in Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council in Assam underway

The voting for 26-member Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council is underway.

Over 5 lakh 86 thousand electorates of the tribal-dominated district are eligible to exercise their

franchise to elect their representatives among 128 contesting candidates. All major political parties

including the ruling Congress, Asom Gana Parishad, CPI (ML) and BJP have fielded their

candidates for the polls conducted by State Election Commission.

6000 Indira Awas to be constructed in Saranda Forests

Union Rural Development Ministry permits to construct 6000 'Indira Awas' in six panchayats of

Saranda forest range in south west Jharkhand

Saranda forest was in grip of Naxalites and it was freed by security forces via Operation

Anaconda.

Rally in support of Kim Jong-Un

On January 4, 2012, more than one lakh people rallied in support of new leader Kim Jong-Unin

Korea. Kim Jong-Un has been recently proclaimed the great successor of his father.

China initiates action against traders who tortured Indian Traders

China has initiated criminal proceedings against five local suspects, responsible for the torture of

two Indian businessmen, who has been brought to Indian Conciliate at Shanghai.

India Free from Bird Flu: Says Government

Government declares that India has become free from bird flu, H5N1.

However, the states have been advised to have strict surveillance, especially in the vulnerable areas

bordering the infected countries and in areas visited by migratory birds.

January 6

Election Commission takes various steps for effective implementation of Model Code of Conduct

The Uttar Pradesh Government has been asked to transfer 259 Block Development

Officers in view of their over stay in the same districts

Setting up communication centres at district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh.

Lodges 43 FIRs in different cases for violation of model code of conduct.

Seized Rs. 4 crore 50 lakhs unaccounted cash at different places in last 10 days inUttar Pradesh.

Ordered removal of Director General of Police in Manipur.

Makes sure that every voter in Manipur will be photographed during voting.

New TRAI guidelines on consumer grievance redressal

TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) announces 'Telecom Consumers

Complaint Redressal Regulations, 2012"

As per the new regulations, the telecom firms will have to set up complaint centres

and web-based monitoring systems for their customers within 45 days.

The new rules come into force with immediate effect

These regulations will apply to all service providers, including BSNL, MTNL and others providing

basic telephone service, unified access service, cellular mobile telephone service and Internet

service.

Army Chief General V K Singh visits Myanmar

Army Chief General V K Singh begins his five-day visit to Yangon.

The objective of the visit is to bolster defence ties and mutual understanding between

India and Myanmar.

Army Chief will meet Myanmar's President, Commander-in-Chief of its defence forces,

Chief of General Staff of Army and other senior officials in the government.

He will also visit the country's defence institutions like National Defence College,

Command and General Staff College and North Western Command headquarters.

India has decided to offer to increase the number of vacancy reserved for Myanmar's gentlemen

cadets in the National Defence Academy, NDA at Khadakvasla in Pune.

Food Inflation comes down

Food prices drop for the first time in 6 years. Inflation in low, yet prices pinch as

rising cost of living overshadows drop in vegetable prices.

With prices plummeting to record low on account of good production and

oversupply in markets, farmers are now going for distress selling'.

Food inflation slipped into the negative zone, falling to minus 3.36 per cent for the

week ended December 24, as the prices of essential items like vegetables,

onions, potatoes and wheat declined.

This is the first time in almost six years that food inflation has fallen, on an annual basis. Food

inflation, as measured by Wholesale Price Index, had stood at 0.42 per cent in the previous week,

and at almost 21 per cent in the corresponding week of 2010.

As per the official data, Onions became 73.74 per cent cheaper, year-on-year, during the week

under review, while potato prices were down 34.01 per cent. Wheat prices fell 3.41 per cent.

Overall, vegetables became 50.22 per cent cheaper during the week under review.

This would ease the pressure on government as well as RBI to containing inflation side.

15th World Sanskrit Conference Inaugurated in New Delhi

Prime Minister inaugurates the 15th World Sanskrit Conference in New Delhi.

He says that the government is committed to promote and develop Sanskrit

language and a number of measures are being taken to encourage the study of

Sanskrit language in the country.

He also mentions that Sanskrit does not belong to any particular race, sect or

religion.

Sanskrit is one of the scheduled languages of India set out in the eighth schedule of Constitution of

India. Its a nonregional languages and the one out of scheduled languages which is spoken by least

people.

Sanskrit does not belong to any particular race sect, or religion. It represents a culture that is not

narrow and sectarian but open, tolerant and all-embracing.

Kamla Persad Bissessar arrives India

Prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar arrives in New Delhi for a 10

day state visit.

She is accompanied by a high level Ministerial and Business delegation.

Five agreements are likely to be signed between the two countries.

She is the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas celebrations 2012.

Mrs. Bissessar is the first woman of Indian origin who is heading a government.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being held in Jaipur from January 7, 2012.

Mrs. Bissessar will also be conferred Pravasi Bhartiya Samman in Jaipur.

Her ancestral village is in Buxar district of Bihar.

Dalai Lama conferred Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation

Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation was conferred to

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama at Bodhgaya in Bihar.

Ela Gandhi , the grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi presented the award to the DalaiLama.

Award was introduced in 2003 to mark the centenary of "Indian Opinion", a newspaper

published in South Africa by Mahatma Gandhi.

Dalai Lama is performing ongoing Kalchakrapuja at Bodhgaya for international brotherhood , peace

and harmony.

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2012

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2012 is being organized at Jaipur this year.

The theme of the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2012 is 'Global Indian- Inclusive Growth'.

More than 1300 delegates from 54 countries will participate in the 10th Pravasi

Bhartiya Diwas this year to discuss their investment strategy with the

government.

It is organized by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs since 2003, when NDA Government organized

it for the first time.

Commemorates the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in India from South Africa.

January 7

10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas begins in Jaipur

Trinidad and Tobago support India's UNSC ambitions

Government to lower the lower age bar from the central pension scheme

Sukhram surrenders to a local Court

Kerala CM interacts with Tamil Nadu journalists

100 years of African National Congress

Jamaica to go republic

Government soon to notify 100% FDI in single-brand retail

Qatar Open Championship: Rafael Nadal Crashes out

Australia Defeats India in second Test at Sydney

10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas begins in Jaipur

The 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas begins in Jaipur

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh formally inaugurates the event.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated on 9th Jan each year to mark the contribution of the overseas

Indian community to the development of India.

The day commemorates the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in India from South Africa.

Theme of 2012 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is "Global Indian -Inclusive Growth".

8 seminars on issues like, water management, Solar energy, Health, Tourism and Rural

development are being organized in the program.

Pink city beautifully decorated and tight security arrangements made for the 3 day event.

Trinidad and Tobago support India's UNSC ambitions

Trinidad and Tobago has supported India's candidature for a permanent seat in a reformed and

expanded UN Security Council.

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar is India's chief guest in

the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2012.

The join statement issues after delegation level talks between the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan

Singh and his Trinidad counterpart Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar in New Delhi said that two leaders

discussed a host of global issues, including terrorism, climate change and UN reforms.

It has been decided that India and Trinidad and Tobago would intensify the energy collaboration. In

this context, a delegation led by Petroleum Minister S. Jaipal Reddy will visit Trinidad and Tobago in

2012 to identify the areas of cooperation.

Trinidad and Tobago is the largest and most vibrant economy in the Caribbean. It is rich in oil and

gas resources.

India and Trinidad and Tobago also signed five agreements to enhance their economic and cultural

ties.

Government to lower the lower age bar from the central pension scheme

Rural development Minister Jairam Ramesh says that Government is planning to lower the age bar

from 40 to 18 for widows entitled to central pension scheme.

At present BPL widow in the age group of 40 to 59 are eligible for pension.

Ministry has proposed to the Finance Ministry to enhance the pension amount from existing 200 to

500 rupees for the old age people, differently abled as well as for widows.

Sukhram surrenders to a local Court

Former Union Minister Sukh Ram surrendered before a local court in Delhi which sent him to jail to

serve his three-year sentence in a telecom scam case in 1993.

Sukh Ram had been telecom minister between January 18, 1993 and May 16, 1996, in the

Narasimha Rao government.

He had conspired with former bureaucrat Runu Ghosh and Hyderabad-based businessman P

Rama Rao and approved the ARM Ltd's bid despite its rates being higher than other bidders.

Runu Ghosh and Rama Rao have surrendered before the trial court and were sent to jail to serve

their sentence of two and three years respectively.

Besides the jail term, the convicts were also asked to pay a fine of 2 lakh rupees each.

Kerala CM interacts with Tamil Nadu journalists

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy held an interaction with journalists from Tamil Nadu in

Thiruvanathapuram .

The CM urges the people of Tamil Nadu to respond to the safety concerns of the States.

He reiterates that the present quantity of water will be ensured to Tamil Nadu if a new dam is built in

Mullapperiyar.

Kerala is prepared to shoulder the entire cost of the new dam.

100 years of African National Congress

African National Congress (ANC) is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Africa's oldest liberation movement successfully brought an end to the Apartheid which once saw

South Africa legally divided on the basis of race.

African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa's governing Africanist political party.

It defines itself as a "disciplined force of the left".

The organization was founded as South African Native National Congress (SANNC) on 8 January

1912 in Bloemfontein to increase the rights of the black South African population.

John Dube was its first president. The organization became the ANC in 1923 and formed a military

wing, the Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) in 1961.

It has been the ruling party of post-apartheid South Africa on the national level since 1994.

The year-long celebrations have begun with a golf tournament.

Jamaica to go republic

Jamaica's new Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, states that she intends to make the island

country a republic by removing Queen Elizabeth as the head of state.

She was speaking ahead of celebrations to mark 50 years of Jamaican independence from Britain..

In her inaugural address, Ms Simpson Miller said the time has come for Jamaica to break with the

British monarchy and have its own president.

Government soon to notify 100% FDI in single-brand retail

At present, for single brand retailers, 51 per cent FDI is permitted in India.

The Government states that it will soon notify 100 per cent foreign direct investment in single-brand

retail.

Qatar Open Championship: Rafael Nadal Crashes out

Top-seeded Rafael Nadal has crashed out of the Qatar Open Championship.

He loses to Gael Monfils from France in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Australia Defeats India in second Test at Sydney

Australia defeated India by an innings and 68 runs in the second cricket test at Sydney.

With this win, Australia takes a 2-0 lead in the 4-match series.

India made 191 in the first innings after opting to bat first, were all out for 400 in the second.

Anchored by Skipper Michael Clarke's brilliant 329 not out, Australia amassed a mammoth 659 for 4

(declared) in the first innings.

The third test will be played at Perth from January 13th.

January 8

The growth in current fiscal may be 7.0-7.5% says Government

Government to introduce Pension and Life Insurance Fund for overseas Indian workers

Pakistan releases Indian nationals and fishermen as goodwill gesture

Carnic Fest inaugurated at Car Nicobar

Milos Raonic wins Chennai Open Singles Title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins Qatar Open Tennis Championship

The growth in current fiscal may be 7.0-7.5% says Government

India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee states that India's economic growth in financial year

2011-12 is likely to be less than the earlier estimate of 7.5 per cent.

He says that Rupee depreciation is largely driven by global factors and the

pressure will continue until there is a durable solution to the sovereign debt

problem in Europe.

He says that fiscal deficit for 2011-12 could be more than the projected figure of

4.6 per cent of GDP. He says that maintaining the fiscal deficit at 4.6 per cent of

the GDP during 2011-12 will be a major challenge.

While inaugurating the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also said that

Indian economy is expected to grow by 7 per cent this financial year despite the adverse impact of

the global economic slowdown.

Government to introduce Pension and Life Insurance Fund for overseas Indian workers

Inaugurating the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2012, the Prime Minister announces that the Government

has decided to introduce and sponsor a new Pension and Life Insurance Fund for overseas Indian

workers.

The objective is to encourage, enable and assist overseas workers to voluntarily

save for their return and resettlement and old age.

The scheme would also provide a low-cost life insurance cover against natural

death.

PM says that scheme fulfils a long pending demand of our workers abroad.

Pakistan releases Indian nationals and fishermen as goodwill gesture

Pakistan would hand over 183 Indian nationals including 179 fishermen to the Indian authorities at

the Wagah border.

The latest release is a part of measures to normalise bilateral ties with India.

India welcomes the move as a positive development.

Carnic Fest inaugurated at Car Nicobar

CARNIC festival being organized for the first time in Nicobar Islands of the Andaman

and Nicobar to promote tourism in the tribal islands.

The most beautiful island in the Nicobar region, Car Nicobar was devastated

by killer Tsunami in 2004, it has been largely closed for the tourists and at

present, the entry to this island is restricted through tribal passes and strictly

banned for the tourists.

The Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lt Gen Bhopinder

Singh announces that the Car Nicobar islands will be open for the tourists in the near future.

Milos Raonic wins Chennai Open Singles Title

Milos Raonic of Canada has won the Chennai Open Singles Title. He defeated Janko

Tipsarevic of Serbia 6-7-7.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wins Qatar Open Tennis Championship

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from France has won the Qatar Open Tennis Championship 2012.

He defeated his his fellow countryman Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-3 in straight sets.

It was Tsonga's first title of the 2012 ATP Tour season and the eighth of his career

January 9

10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Concludes

Pravasi Bhartiya Samman 2012

20 Indians held hostages by Somali Pirates rescued by NATO

EC reschedules the Poll Dates in Uttar Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh to launch Panch Parmeshwar scheme

Iran producing Enriched Uranium at Fordo: IAEA

NCPCR proposes Shiksha Samvad for states

Magh Mela starts at Allahabad

10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Concludes

10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, PBD concludes in Jaipur.

President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressed the valedictory session and presented this year's

Pravasi Bhartiya Samman.

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Mrs. Kamla Prasad Bissessar is the chief Guest of this

year's PBD.

Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala and Jharkhand elaborated various schemes and

development programmes of their states.

C.M. of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot, who also launched "Know Your Rajasthan" programme for

younger NRIs said that attachment of younger generation of overseas Indians with their motherland

is more important than investment.

Gehlot announces that 4 solar parks are being established in Rajasthan. To promote investors

Rajsthan Government will introduce an act for development of infrastructure.

Jharkhand CM Arjun Munda invited Overseas Indian for investment in Knowledge city and organic

Tusser industry of his state.

Kerala CM Oommen Chandy said that his state was getting its 22% of GDP from non resident

keralites.HJe also announces that social security for the workors of kerala is the priority of his govt

and there is a potential of investment in tourism and nano technology sectors.

Pravasi Bhartiya Samman 2012

Pravasi Bhartiya Samman 2012 was conferred to 14 eminent personalities and Indo-Canada

Chamber of Commerce, for their excellent work in various fields overseas. Prime Minister of

Trinidad and Tobago, Ms Kamla Prasad Bissessar, the chief guest of this year's Pravasi Bharatiya

Divas, also received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for public service.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is the highest award conferred by Government of India on Non-resident

Indians and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and institutions run by them for their contribution in

serving the Indian diaspora and enhancing India's image in different parts of the world.

The eminent personalities who received Pravasi Bharatiya Award 2012 are:

1. Ms Kamla Prasad Bissessar →Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

2. P.V Radhakrishna Pillai from Bahrain

3. Sachchidanand Sahai from Cambodia,

4. Deepak Naraindas Shivdasani from Cote D'Ivoire

5. Victor Shahed Smetacek from Germany

6. Prakash Lohia, chairman of Indorama Corporation,

7. Jose Parayanken from Mozambique,

8. Kiran Navinchandra Asher from Oman,

9. Hassan Abdulkarim Chougule from Qatar,

10. S.R. Nathan from Singapore,

11. Khorshed Noshir Ginwala Rustomjee from South Africa,

12. Rajesh Kumar Saraiya from Ukraine,

13. Surendra Kumar Kaushik from US

14. Kalpalatha Kummamuri Guntupalli from US.

Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also honoured for its contribution in bettering

business and economic relations between the two countries.

With the PBD Awards 2012, the number of NRI and PIOs awarded stands at 133, apart from 3

institutions.

20 Indians held hostages by Somali Pirates rescued by NATO

As per a NATO statement, the NATO warships have freed 20 Indians held hostage by Somali

pirates off the Horn of Africa.

Nine Pakistanis and five Iranians have also been rescued from the pirates.

The NATO said that US warship, USS Carney, intercepted the Indian-flagged dhow Al-Qashmi off

the southwestern coast of Oman and freed its 20 Indian crew members on January 6-7, 2012.

EC reschedules the Poll Dates in Uttar Pradesh

Election Commission announces new poll dates after the postponement of first phase of

Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh will be March 3.

Earlier polling in 60 constituencies spread over 10 districts was slated on February 4, it

has been rescheduled because it coincidences with Eid-e-Milad un Nabi.

Counting of votes will take place on March 6 instead of March 4.

Madhya Pradesh to launch Panch Parmeshwar scheme

The Madhya Pradesh government is launching its Panch Parmeshwar scheme to further empower

village Panchayats.

Under the Panch Parmeshwar scheme funds for different schemes will be provided to more than

23 thousand Panchayats in lump sum.

As of now the funds were being provided into various stages.

Iran producing Enriched Uranium at Fordo: IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA says that Iran is enriching uranium to 20 percent at

Fordo, a nuclear facility 160 kilometers south-west of Tehran.

Uranium enrichment to the level of 20 percent means it can be upgraded more quickly for use in

nuclear weapons than the Iran's main enriched stockpile at Natanz plants.

NCPCR proposes Shiksha Samvad for states

National Commission for Protection of Child Right, NCPCR, has asked the state governments to

propose a system called Shiksha Samvad.

Shiksha Samvad would be the regular dialogue sessions between government officials and civil

society on the implementation of the Right to Education Act.

Implementation of Right to Education Act is monitoted by NCPCR.

Magh Mela starts at Allahabad

Devotees take holy dip at Prayag Sangam in Allahabad since morning on the occasion of first

bathing of magh month Paush Purnima.

With the Paush purnima bathing, the famous magh mela of Allahabad also starts.

January 10, 2012

`Government allows 100% FDI in single brand retail

The Government allows 100% FDI in single brand retail with immediate effect. A notification in this

regard has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

The objective of this important move is to attract more foreign direct investment

in production and marketing of consumer goods and improving their availability.

The 100% FDI will be allowed only when the products are sold in single brand

internationally.

Due care has been taken to protect the interests of small village and cottage

industries.

The government policy keeps mandatory sourcing of at least 30% of the total value of the products

for proposals involving FDI beyond 51% from this sector. This would enhance competitiveness of

Indian enterprises through access to global design, technologies and management practices.

Up till now, for single-brand retailers, 51 per cent was permitted.

Certificates By Unrecognised Teachers Training Institutes Invalid: Supreme Court

A bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly of the Supreme Court has ruled that certificates

awarded by unreognized private teachers' training institutes will have no legality unless the courses

are recognised by the National Council for Technical Education (NCTE).

SC ruled that it is duty of the Regional Committees of the NCTE to ensure that the

institutions follow necessary norms in terms of infrastructure, curriculum and other

stipulations contained in the NCTE 1993 Act to curb unregulated institutes.

Supreme Court has also ruled that no high court in the country can give any interim

relief to such unrecognised institutions in such matters if their recognitions is rejected

or withdrawn at any point of time.

India & Israel sign extradition treaty

In the recent visit of External Affairs Minister SM Krishna to Israel, the two countries have signed an

extradition treaty and a pact on the transfer of sentenced persons.

India has given its go ahead for opening up of Israeli Consulate in Bangalore.

S.M.Krishna met the Israeli President Shimon Peres , Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigadorv Liebernman.

The Israeli President Shimon Peres backed India for a permanent seat in the UN

Security Council. Describing India as the greatest democracy on earth, President

Shimon Peres said that Tel Aviv wanted New Delhi to become a permanent member of the

expanded United Nations Security Council.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that India and Israel should move towards a free trade

agreement to give a boost to bilateral trade and commerce.

PM Releases a report on malnutrition and hunger

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh releases a report on malnutrition and hunger in New

Delhi. The report has been prepared by the Nandi foundation which conducted the survey

to identify the levels of malnutrition.

PM announces that a multi-sectoral programme in 200 districts where malnutrition is very

high will be launched soon.

Moody's upgrades India's short-term foreign currency rating

Global rating agency Moody's upgrades India's short-term foreign currency rating from speculative

to investment grade.

The upgrading would help domestic companies to raise funds from overseas

markets at better rates.

The latest upgrade comes less than a month after Moody's had upgraded the credit

rating of Indian government's bonds from speculative to investment grade, a move

that was expected to encourage Foreign Institutional Investors increase their

exposure in gilts and help companies raise funds from abroad at competitive rates.

FIFA Awards: Lionel Messi bestowed with the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for 3rd Consecutive Year

Argentinean football player Lionel Messi has been bestowed with the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the

third consecutive year.

With this extra-ordinary achievement, Messi has become the second player, after

reigning UEFA President Michel Platini, to win the game's most prestigious individual

honor, for the third consecutive time.

Barcelona coach Joseph Guardiola was adjudged FIFA Coach of the Year.

Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa claimed the women's equivalent of the Ballon

d'Or, after she won the Golden Boot for the top scorer and the Golden Ball for the

player of the tournament. Japan had secured first ever women's World Cup title in Germany. Japan

coach Norio Sasaki was named Women's Coach of the Year.

January 11

EC asks Government to withhold 4.5% minorities sub quota

The Election Commission asks the government to withhold the 4.5 per cent sub-quota

for minorities in the five poll bound states for now.

The direction will remain in force till the poll process is over in these states.

The decision to give this share to the minorities from the 27 per cent OBC quota was

taken in last month.

The opposition parties alleged that this is a violation of Model Code of Conduct.

Government lowers the Minimum Export Price of Onion

Bowing to the demand of traders and farmers, the Commerce Ministry has lowered the

minimum export price of onions by $100 a tonne to $150 a tonne to boost exports.

This order will boost outbound shipments which have declined in recent times.

Pakistan: Army coup fears loom large

Pakistan Government calls for an urgent session of Parliament in the wake of a warning from the

Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has said that action could be taken against the President

and the Prime Minister for failing to reopen high-profile corruption cases.

At the same time, Pakistan Army warns Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of

grievous consequences for his recent criticism of the military and the ISI.

In another move, the Pakistan Army brought in Brigadier Sarfaraz Ali as the

new commander of a Rawalpindi-based army unit that has traditionally played a

vital role in military coups.

Prime Minister Gilani sacked Defence Secretary Naeem Khalid Lodhi with immediate effect for

gross misconduct and illegal action. Cabinet Secretary Nargis Sethi was given additional charge of

the post of Defence Secretary. The Army officials have warned that the army will not cooperate with

the new Defence Secretary.

National Billiards and Snooker Championship Begins in Pune

The National Billiards and Snooker Championship begin in Pune from January 12, 2012.

Indian billiards and snooker players including former world champions Pankaj Advani and

Geet Sethi will be seen in action at the event.

Over 1,000 players from 24 states will participate in the tournament organised by the

Billiards and Snooker Association of Maharashtra.

No Bailouts for Private Airlines: says Government

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh rules out any possibility of a bailout package for private airlines by

the government.

He asserts that government is only responsible for Air India which is a public

sector undertaking. However, government can not keep on pouring in money to

bailout Air India and the management needs to restructure its business

management to become more competitive.

India to Provide 100 Million USD Credit to Mali

Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure is in New Delhi for a state visit. An agreement was signed

between India and Mali via which India will provide 100 million US dollar line of credit to

Mali for Power Transmission projects.

India and Mali also sign pact on cooperation in the field geology and mineral resources to

intensify cooperation in this area.

India has chosen Mali among the nine countries for economic and infrastructure

development cooperation.

Kamla Prasad Bissessar visits her ancestral village

Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Kamla Prasad Bissessar visits her ancestral place at

Bhelpur village in Buxar district of Bihar.

Her parents migrated to Trinidad & Tobago 122 years ago, her close relatives still live in

the village. She was given a warm welcome by the villagers.

Daniel Ortega sworn in as President of Nicargua for third term

Daniel Ortega, who won with a landslide margin in November 2011 elections , has been sworn in as

President of Nicaragua for a third term.

The main opposition party boycotted the ceremony in Managua, saying the poll was

fraudulent and unconstitutional.

Gujarat: 4 Day International Kite Festival Begins

In Gujarat, the four-day international kite festival begins at river Sabarmati in Ahmedabad.

Governor Dr. Kamala Beniwal and Chief Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the festivities

at a ceremonial function.

International Kite festival has put Gujarat on the tourist map of the world.

Sheikh Hasina visits Agartala

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits Tripura's capital for the first time.

She emphasized the need of strengthening bilateral relations with India.

Addressing the business delegation from India and Bangladesh at Agartala, in Tripura,

she said that South Asian Regions have a common problem that is poverty and united

strategy is needed to fight against this problem.

January 12

National Youth Day observed

On 12 January, National Youth Day was observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami

Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902.

He was born Narendranath Dutta and was chief disciple of the 19th century

saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math

and the Ramakrishna Mission.

He was one of the most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian

philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the "Western" World

When this shy genius disciple of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, Swami

Vivekananda rose to address the first "World Parliament of Religions" in

Chicago on September 11, 1893, he created a sensation. His opening line

"Sisters and Brothers of America..." was greeted by a three minute standing

ovation from the audience of 7000. His first message after this opening was

"I thank you in name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the

mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all

classes and sects."

So sensational was his ending-

"Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful

earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood,

destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons,

human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently

hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all

fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between

persons wending their way to the same goal."

Setting up of NCTC Approved by the Cabinet

India's Cabinet Committee on Security approves the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism

Centre.

The objective of NCTC will be to counter terrorism effectively.

NCTC will be a single window organisation that will gather and disseminate

intelligence to central and state security organisations.

NCTC will be a non-statutory body and government will soon issue a notification

for the appointment of Directors and other members of core team of the NCTC.

NCTC will work under Union Home Ministry

It would also coordinate with relevant probe and intelligence agencies to ensure that the

perpetrators of terror are brought to justice besides maintaining a comprehensive data base of

terrorists, their associates and supporters.

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, NDPS Approved

The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, NDPS has been approved by

the Government of India.

The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment,

rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse.

Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime,

improvement in public health.

The policy will serve as an anchor guideline to various ministries.

The policy reiterates the use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crops such as

poppy and cannabis and procedure for the subsequent eradication and development of

alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana coverage extended

The Cabinet reviewed the implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.

The scheme has been extended to a few segments of unorganised workers.

RSBY was launched in 2007 as the health insurance scheme for families living below

the poverty line (BPL).

The scheme is implemented by Ministry of Labour.

Poll Monitoring System, PMS approved by Election Commission

The Election Commission of India approves the use of Poll Monitoring System, PMS, in all the 40

Assembly constituencies of Goa .

In this system, Fingerprints of the voters would be recorded by finger print reading

machines along with their photographs by the web cameras fitted to computers.

Election Commission has sanctioned Rs. 1.84 crore for the purchase of hardware

under the PMS.

Third Phase of Red Ribbon Express launched

Government has launched the third phase of Red Ribbon Express in New Delhi.

Red Ribbon Express is a train that is to create awareness among people about

HIV/AIDS.

Red Ribbon Express will cover 23 States and 162 halt stations during its year-long

journey.

IIP grows 5.9% in November 2011

Index of Industrial Production bounces back to register a growth of 5.9 percent in November 2011

compared to the corresponding month in the previous year.

As per the data released by the government, the Manufacturing sector grew by 6.6

percent, Electricity registered a growth of 14.6 percent but the mining sector reported

a negative growth of 4.4 percent during the corresponding period.

The data say that although there has been negative growth in capital goods, the basic goods,

intermediate goods and consumer durables and non durables have registered a positive growth.

January 13-14

Government permits to prosecute 21 social networking sites

The Government grants sanction to prosecute 21 social networking sites for allegedly promoting

enmity between classes and causing prejudice to national integration.

Department of Information Technology, in its report, tells a Delhi court that

there is sufficient material to proceed against them.

The sites which may be prosecuted include Facebook, Google, Yahoo and

Microsoft.

Higher Acreage of Wheat reported

As per the data released by the agriculture ministry, over 284 lakh hectare area have been brought

under wheat cultivation across the country so far in this year under Rabi Crop season.

This cultivated area is about 80 thousand hectare more than last year during the

same period.

The higher acreage for wheat cultivation has been reported in Madhya Pradesh

followed by Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar.

13 Somali Pirates captured in Indian Ocean

The British Navy captures 13 Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.

As per the information released by British Ministry of Defence, RFA Fort Victoria and a

US Navy vessel intercepted the pirates' boat, which had refused to stop despite warning

shots from a Royal Navy helicopter.

Abhinav Bindra bags gold in 12th Asian Shooting Championships

India's ace shooter Abhinav Bindra bags a Gold medal in the Men's 10-metre Air Rifle event

at the 12th Asian Shooting Championships in Doha.

Rs. 70 Crore sanctioned to BRO

The central Government sanctions Rs. 70 Crore to Border Roads Organisation for strengthening

the road infrastructure in Sikkim.

The projects include widening of National Highway 31-A, the only road

connecting this landlocked State to the rest of the country via Siliguri in West

Bengal, at a cost of fifty one crore rupees. It also includes strengthening

pavements between Ranipool and Gangtok, along the National Highway.

Shaurya Diwas observed

'Shaurya Diwas' function was organized to commemorate the 251st anniversary of the third battle

of Panipat.

Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761, at Panipat between the

forces of the Maratha Empire and a coalition of the King of Afghanistan, Ahmad

Shah Durrani with two Indian Muslim allies—the Rohilla Afghans of the Doab,

and Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh.

The defeat of the Maratha army in this empire led to a clear path of colonization

for the British.

President of India recalls the supreme sacrifices made by the Marathas in the battle and says that

this will always inspire us to safeguard our borders.

Makarsakranti celebrated

Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival, celebrated in different parts of the country with traditional

fervour and enthusiasm.

The festival is known by various names in different states. It is known as Bhogali

Bihu in Assam and West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Sankranti in Andhra

Pradesh and Karnataka and Uttarayan in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

In Uttar Pradesh, devotees gather at Prayag Sangam in Allahabad to take a holy

dip in the river Ganga on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

In Assam, Bhogali Bihu, popularly known as the Magh Bihu was celebrated as part of Makar

Sankranti. In Kerala, the holy shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala is celebrates the Makaravilakku

festival.

Lohri celebrated with special significance in Punjab. Farmers celebrate Lohri to get a good yield of

wheat crop.

January 15

137 foundation day of Indian Metrological Department observed

In the year 1875, the Government of India established the India Meteorological Department, bringing

all meteorological work in the country under a central authority.

Mr. H. F. Blanford was appointed Meteorological Reporter to the Government of India.

The first Director General of Observatories was Sir John Eliot who was appointed in May

1889 at Calcutta headquarters.

The headquarters of IMD were later shifted to Shimla, then to Poona (now Pune) and

finally to New Delhi.

137 foundation day of Indian Metrological Department observed on 15 January 2012.

15th Round of Indo-China Border Talks begins in New Delhi

Special Representatives from India and China meet in New Delhi from January 16 for the fifteenth

round of border talks.

India and China have already concluded an agreement on political parameters and

guiding principles to address the border issue in 2005.

In addition to the India-China boundary issue discussions on a wide range of bilateral,

regional and global issues of mutual interest are expected to be held in the two day

deliberations.

India is represented by National Security Adviser, Shivshankar Menon.

China represented by State Councillor and special representative Dai Bingguo.

Bhogali Bihu festival celebrated in Assam

Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is a harvest festival and marks the end of harvesting season.

The festival celebrates in Assam with traditional pomp and gaiety on 15 January,

coinciding with Makara Sankranti.

People exchanged greetings, bid adieu to the winter season and welcome the

religious month of Magh.

Pongal celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Other parts of South India

Pongal celebrated with traditional fervour in Tamil Nadu and other parts of southern

India.

In Sri Lanka, the Hindus celebrated Thaipongal on this day, the occasion signifies

beginning of the month of Thai.

Makaravilakku festival celebrated in Kerala

Thousands of pilgrims thronged the famous Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala for the

makaravilakku festival.

Pilgrims flock here every year for darshan of Lord Ayyappa on the most auspicious

makarasankranti day.

Ma Ying-jeou re-elected president of Taiwan

Ma Ying-jeou has been re-elected as President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for a four year

term.

Ma had previously won the presidency by 58.45% of the popular vote in the presidential

election of 2008, and has been recently re-elected in 2012 with 51.5% of the vote.

Australia wins Test Series

Hosts Australia wins the 4-match Test series against India, with the MS Dhoni led side losing the

third cricket test at Perth by an innings and 37 runs.

The latest defeat was India's seventh consecutive defeat on international soil.

The latest defeat was also the second straight innings defeat in the tournament.

Moiben Laban wins Mumbai Marathon 2012

Kenya's Moiben Laban wins the Full Marathon category of the Mumbai Marathon 2012.

Moiben accomplished the target in 2 hours and 11 minutes.

India's Ram Singh Yadav won the race among the Indian contenders qualifying for the

London Olympics.

Netsanet Abeyo from Ethiopia has won in the women's Marathon.

Indians Soji Mathew and Priyanka Singh were the winners of the half marathon in the

men and women's category.

January 16

Pakistan's Parliament passes a pro-democracy Resolution

The Parliament of Pakistan has passed a pro-democracy resolution which gives a moral booster for

the beleaguered government that is haunted by the graft issues and the so called memogate

controversy.

The resolution, introduced by a junior partner of the ruling Pakistan People's

Party, was passed by a two-thirds majority in the 342-member National

Assembly.

In the backdrop of government's confrontation with the military and the

judiciary over the memo scandal and the reopening of high-profile graft cases, PPP's coalition

partners reposed full confidence in Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and decided that he

will appear in the Supreme Court to face the contempt notice.

Army Chief General V K Singh drags government to Supreme Court

Army Chief General V K Singh moves to Supreme Court against the government's

rejection of his claim on his date of birth.

In a writ petition, he has questioned the government's decision to treat his date of birth as

May 10, 1950 instead of May 10, 1951. This is the first time that a chief of armed forces of

India drags the government to the court of law. In the petition, General saus that it is matter related

to his "honour and integrity" as he headed a force of 13 lakh personnel. He also questions why the

government had chosen to "change" his date of birth after he had spent 36 years in service and

promoted throughout the career.

Health Ministry Declares 2012 as "Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization"

India's Health Ministry has declared 2012 as the "Year of Intensification of Routine Immunization" in

children against various diseases.

The idea is to bring all children under the enhanced immunization coverage, particularly in the

remote and backward areas as well as in urban slums.

Currently, only 61 per cent of the children are covered under the immunization

programme.

In the year 2012, high priority will be given to the 200 worst performing districts

across the country.

The following strategies would be adopted:

Updating of Micro plans to cover all villages and hamlets

Intensification of immunization activity by observing immunization weeks in low performing

states

Special focus on migrant and mobile populations.

Sukma inaugurated 23rd district of Chhattisgarh

Sukma has been inaugurated as the 23rd district of the Chhattisgarh.

The new district which is the most naxal affected district in the state, was

inaugurated by the Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh.

On January 1, 2012, Dr. Raman Singh announced birth of nine new districts in

Chhattisgarh.

These new districts are Sukma, Kondagaon, Balod, Bemetara, Baloda Bazar,

Gariaband, Mungeli, Surajpur and Balrampur.

The district of Sukma has been carved out of Chhattisgarh's worst Maoist affected

Dantewada district; while Kondagaon has been carved out of insurgency-hit Bastar

district.

Government rejects media reports of Urea Price Hike

The Government has rejected the reports that it is planning to go with 40 per cent hike in urea

prices.

The Government clarifies that the retail price of Urea is notified by the Government and it

is at present 5310 rupees per metric tonne.

5th World Future Energy Summit begins in Abu Dhabi

The fifth World Future Energy Summit begins in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

The 4 day long summit brings together more than 60 top leaders from 50 countries

to discuss global issues related to energy policies and the challenges.

The theme of this year's World Future Energy Summit is - "Sustainable Energy for

All".

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in his inaugural address calls upon the global

community to look for and adopt energy solutions which are viable and sustainable

in the long run.

Google & Facebook tell the Delhi court that they can't control content

Google India and Facebook India tell a Delhi High Court that it was impossible for them to control

content with billions of people accessing the websites.

Google's advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul said that the summons issued to social

networking sites by a metropolitan magistrate showed complete lack of

understanding about how the online system worked.

He argued that the issue was related to the freedom of speech.

He submitted that the petitioner company had no control over websites where

the objectionable material was posted.

"I am only a search engine, the offending materials of websites have nothing to

do with me," he said, reportedly.

He also makes it clear that "Google India is neither a search engine nor a web hosting site and was

a distinct legal entity from its US-based holding company Google Inc., a search engine,"

Indian economy to grow 7.7 percent in 2012: UN

As per the United Nation's department of economic affairs, India's gross domestic

product (GDP) is expected to grow by 7.7 percent in 2012 and 7.9 percent in the

following year as compared to the estimated 7.6 percent in 2011.

Inflation falls to 7.47 percent in December

India's annual inflation based on the wholesale price index fell to 7.47 percent in

December as compared to 9.11 percent in the previous month on the back of a decline in

the prices of food products.

India's winners at Asian Shooting Championship in Doha

India bags two Gold and two Bronze medals at the Asian Shooting Championship in Doha.

In Women's 50-metre Rifle Prone event on January 16, India's Raj Kumari amassed 594 points in

the final round, helping India bag its second Gold of the tournament.

Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra, earlier, baggs a Gold medal in the Men's 10-metre Air Rifle event.

In the team event of Women's 50-metre Rifle Prone category, the Indian team of Raj Kumari,

Tejaswini Sawant and Lajja Gauswami scored a total of 1,755 points, bagging a bronze for India.

The team, however, failed to qualify to the 2012 London Olympics.

January 17

India China Agree on a Joint Working mechanism for Border Issue

India and China have agreed to establish a working mechanism on consultation and coordination on

border issues.

The agreement in this effect has been signed at the end of the two-day meeting of the Special

Representatives of the two countries in New Delhi.

India was represented by the National Security Advisor and Special

Representative Shiv Shankar Menon and the Chinese side by his counterpart

and State Councilor Dai Bingguo.

With this pact, India and China have agreed that they should prepare a kind of

joint agreed record to indicate and spell out the kind of progress made so far.

The working mechanism will be headed by a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of

External Affairs and a Director General level officer of China.

The mechanism will study ways and means to conduct and strengthen exchanges and cooperation

between the military personnel and establishments of the two sides in border areas and will

undertake other tasks that are mutually agreed upon.

It was decided that the mechanism will hold consultations once or twice a year.

Government will soon allow FDI in Airlines to 49%

The Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh announces that Government is all set to allow foreign airlines to

take up to 49 per cent stake in the domestic airlines.

Minister says that FDI is one of the options to help the Aviation industry

survive.

At present, 49% FDI is allowed but it is restricted in case of airlines.

Ajit Singh also announces that a GoM will soon be constituted to look into

the restructuring plan for the public carrier.

IB Ministry declares Citizen Charter

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting declares a Citizen Charter.

Under the citizen charter, the ministry will deliver services to people within a specified time-frame.

As per the Charter, for granting permission to TV Channels for uplinking or

downlinking, the ministry will forward the applications within two months after

receiving them in completed form to the Ministries and Departments concerned for

clearances.

As per the citizen charter, to issue permission for uplinking or downlinking of TV channels from

India, the application is examined by the Department of Space, Ministry of Home Affairs and other

departments.

The Citizen Charter lays down a time-frame of four months for delivering on such applications once

such formalities are over.

India & Sri Lanka sign 5 MOUs

India's external affairs minister SM Krishna is on a visit to Sri Lanka.

During this visit, the two countries have signed 5 MOUs in the field of housing, railways, agriculture,

water supply and telecom.

The MoU on housing specifies the modalities for the next phase of the Housing

Project being implemented with India's assistance of approximately 260 million

US Dollars.

The MoU on Railway extends the line of credit 382.37 million USD for the

restoration of Northern Railway Services in Sri Lanka.

The MoU on water supply was signed between EXIM Bank of India and Government of Sri Lanka for

financing Water Supply Project.

MoU on Agriculture is to promote development of cooperation in the fields of agricultural science

and technology.

MoU on telecom provides for establishing a mechanism of technical and institutional cooperation in

the field of telecommunications.

During the visit, Sri Lankan President assured External Affairs Minister SM Krishna that the 13th

Amendment plus approach will be followed towards devolution of power to the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Its worth note that provisions for setting up of a Provincial Council for each Province; establishment

of a High Court for each Province; and making Tamil an official language and English the link

language was to be achieved via the 13th amendment of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

Import & Excise Duty on Gold, Silver & Diamond pegged to value

The Government issues an important notification, which would cause the prices of Gold & Silver go

up.

With this notification, the import duty on gold has been fixed at 2 per cent of the value, instead of the

earlier rate of Rs. 300 per 10 grams.

On silver, the import duty has been pegged at 6 per cent, as against Rs. 1,500 per

kilogram earlier.

Diamonds will attract an import duty of 2 per cent.

Excise duty on gold has been fixed at 1.5 per cent of the value, as against the earlier

fixed rate of Rs. 200 per 10 grams.

Excise duty on silver is 4 per cent, as compared to a fixed duty earlier of Rs. 1,000

per kilogram.

The ad-valorem rates of excise and customs on gold, silver and platinum have come into effect

from January 16, 2012.

The change will help government to get additional Rs. 600 Crore during the remaining months of

fiscal 2011-12.

Martin Schulz elected President of European Parliament

German Member of European Parliament (MEP) Martin Schulz was has been elected as

the new President of the European Parliament.

He has succeeded Jerzy Buzek.

The European Parliament, one of the three main institutions in the European Union,

represents some 500 million Europeans with its members directly elected in each

member state.

January 18

Gujarat High Court upholds the appointment of Lokayukta

The High Court of Gujarat, Ahmedabad dismisses the plea of the Gujarat Government and upholds

the appointment of state Lokayukt by the Governor.

Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal appointed Justice Mehta as the Lokayukta in August 2011, after

over seven years of the position lying vacant.

On the day of appointment itself, the state government moved the High Court against the

appointment.

The Government contended that the act of the Governor Kamla Beniwal was unconstitutional in

selecting the ombudsman because the state government was not consulted. In October, two High

Court judges delivered a split verdict, and the case was referred to a third judge, Justice VM Sahai,

who delivers the latest verdict.

In the latest verdict, the High Court mandates that "The Chief Minister acted under a false

impression that he could turn down the superiority and primacy of the opinion of the Chief Justice

which was binding. The spiteful and challenging action demonstrates the false sense of invincibility."

The Court also notes that -Chief Minister's recent attempts to amend how the Lokayukta is chosen

were "depraved and truculent actions."

The last Lokayukta of Gujarat was S M Soni, who retired in 2003.

BJP says that this verdict is a setback to federalism and will hurt Lokayukta as an institution.

The Government decides to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court after consultations with

legal experts.

24 Children selected for National Bravery award for 2011

24 children including 8 girls and 16 boys have been selected for the National Bravery award for

2011.

Five awards have been given posthumously.

The names of the award winners were declared in New Delhi by president of the Indian council for

child welfare Geeta Sidarth

The Coveted Bharat Award has been conferred posthumously to 15 year old Master Kapil Singh

Negi of Uttarakhand who helped his classmates cross over a flooded stream.

The prestigious Geeta Chopra award has been conferred on 13 year old Kumari Mittal Patadiya of

Gujarat who faced armed robbers and foiled a robbery attempt.

Sanjay Chopra award has been given to 12 and a half year old Master Om Prakash Yadav of Uttar

Pradesh who saved his school mates from a burning van.

Children born out of inter-caste marriages cannot be denied the benefits of reservation: SC

The Supreme Court has rules that children born out of inter-caste marriages cannot be denied the

benefits of reservation on the mere ground that one of the parents belonged to an upper caste.

This important verdict has been given by a bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash

Desai.

The ruling has upheld an appeal filed by a person challenging the Gujarat Government's decision to

strip him of reservation benefits under ST-quota as his father belonged to the upper caste Kshatriya

community.

PFC pacts with NLM to Accelerate Saakshar Bharat Programme

An MOU has been signed between public sector Power Finance Company, PFC with the National

Literacy Mission Authority to accelerate the Saakshar Bharat Programme.

Via this MOU, PFC has agreed to extend assistance to the Saakshar Bharat Programme, under the

Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, to upgrade 120 Adult Education Centres at a cost of Rs.

6.6 crore.

These centres will be upgraded in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Manipur, Nagaland and Himachal

Pradesh.

India handover Sri Lanka the IInd Phase of Galle to Hikkaduwa Railway Line

India today hands over to Sri Lanka the second phase of the coastal railway line from Galle to

Hikkaduwa.

The railway line has been constructed with the help of India.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who is in Sri Lanka, announces that India will go with a

substantial increase in educational assistance, being given to Sri Lanka.

The funding amounting to 2.5 billion Srilankan Rupees will mark a three fold increase in the

scholarships and self-financing slots for undergraduate, masters and doctorate-level courses under

the "India-Sri Lanka Knowledge Initiative" launched by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

India also announces launching of two new scholarship programmes in Sri Lanka called the

"Maulana Azad and Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme.

Grant Kogan: First adaptive athlete in history to reach the South Pole

Grant Kogan. a paralyzed man from the U.S. state of Nevada has become the first adaptive athlete

in history to reach the South Pole.

Grant Kogan completed his trip to the Antarctic South Pole on the 100th anniversary of Robert

Falcon Scott's trek there with the Terra Nova Expedition.

Kogan was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2010 snowmobiling accident. He used a device

called a sit-ski to make the trip, traveling for more than two weeks in sub-zero temperatures.

His expedition party included guides and cinematographers who were shooting for a documentary

called "The Push: A South Pole Adventure.''

The film will be released in later part of 2012.

January 19

Suresh Kalmadi granted Bail

Delhi High Court grants bail to former Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee chairman,

Suresh Kalmadi in a 2010 Commonwealth Games-related graft case.

Kalmadi was given bail after remaining behind bars for nearly nine months.

On April 25, 2011 Kalmadi was arrested by CBI for awarding illegal contracts to a Swiss

firm for Timing-Scoring-Result (TSR) system for the 2010 Commonwealth Games

causing a loss of Rs 95 crore to the exchequer.

Kalmadi's membership of the Indian National Congress Party was suspended after being

arrested and charged with corruption.

On April 26, 2011 he was also sacked from the post of president of the Indian Olympic Association.

In the recent verdict, Delhi High Court has also granted bail to Former Director General of CWG

Organising Committee V K Verma co-accused in the case.

The bail has been granted to them after furnishing a bail bond of 5 lakh rupees each and two

sureties of the same amount.

The court has also directed them not to leave the country without prior permission of the trial court.

Gujarat Government moved to SC

The Gujarat Government moves to the Supreme Court challenging the High Court verdict upholding

the appointment of Justice (retd) R A Mehta as the Lokayukta by the Governor on the

ground that it was unconstitutional as it was done without the consent of the state

government.

The state Government contends that appointment order was passed without following

due procedure in a wholly unconstitutional manner which was illegal.

Economic Growth slated to be 7.2%: FM

The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee says that the Indian Economy growth rate will be around

7.2 percent during the current year.

The Finance Minister also says that it is difficult to contain the Fiscal deficit at 4.6% as

targeted during the last budget.

The reasons cited by the finance minister include current uncertainty in global economy,

as the problems in euro -zone is still unresolved and volatility in international commodity

prices especially fuel.

Bangladesh Army foils coup attempt

The Bangladesh foils a planned coup attempt to topple the government of Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina.

It has been announced by the Brigadier General Muhammad Masud Razzaq.

General Razzaq said that specific information has been unearthed that some officers in

military service have been involved in the conspiracy to topple the system of democratic

governance and some unruly and derailed military officers have been actively engaged

in the execution of the heinous conspiracy through maintaining contacts with a fugitive officer who is

a Major.

Two former army officers have been arrested so far, a manhunt has been launched for the fugitive

officer while some 16 others were kept under strict military vigil.

India International Coffee Festival organized at New Delhi

India International Coffee Festival organized at New Delhi.

At the occasion, the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia

stated that there is opportunity for the coffee industry to increase footprints in the

domestic market.

He also said that rising income level of the Indian people will ensure 500 million

citizens in 20 years having enough disposable income to spend on products like

coffee.

Indians rescued from Costa Concordia return home

MS Costa Concordia is a cruise ship owned and operated by Costa Cruises.

On 13 January 2012, the Costa Concordia ran aground and partially

sank on the western coast of Italy just off the shore of Isola del Giglio.

Out of the total 4,200 passengers and crew, at least eleven people

were killed, including ten passengers and one crew member, and 23

are still missing.

At present, the ship is capsized off the coast and at high risk of falling into deeper waters and

sinking. It is unclear whether the ship will sail again.

Indian nationals rescued from the Costa Concordia cruise ship have returned home.

Law commission recommends to make Anti-Dowry law less stringent

The Law Commission recommends the dilution of Anti-Dowry law to make it less stringent.

The recommendation would allow the woman, involved in the case, to withdraw it

with the permission of the court, provided she is not under any pressure.

The Law commission headed by Justice P V Reddi, has recommended the

Government to make Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with

harassment for dowry and cruelty to a woman in her matrimonial home, a

compoundable offence.

Compoundable offences are those which can be compromised by the parties to the dispute. The

permission of the court is not necessary. This means that those who would be booked in cases

under this section would find it easier to get bail.

R.V. Kanoria is new FICCI president

R.V. Kanoria, chairman and managing director of Kanoria Chemicals and Industries, has

taken over as president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

(FICCI).

Bihar to go for First Industrial Survey of the State

In March 2012, first survey of industrial units of Bihar to assess the industrial scenario in the state

and to frame measures to attract investments will be carried out. The survey will

collect information about industrial units including micro, small, medium and large

enterprises.

The state government would appoint retired officials of National Sample Survey

Organisation for the work.

January 20

Jaipur Literature Festival, begins

Fifth Jaipur Literature Festival begins in Jaipur on 19th January.

About 250 writers from India and abroadparticipating in the 5-day long Jaipur Literature Festival.

In a session on 'Truth of Poetry and Truth of Politics', Union Minister Mr Kapil Sibbal says that the

Government does not believe in censorship on Internet and that no step has been taken in this

regard.

Writers, critics, film makers and translators from various countries have expressed their views in

various sessions on different literary and social issues.

Jaipur literature festival is now recognized as an important literary event of Asia-Pacific region.

The absense of Salman Rashdie was more prominent that this expected presence and attracts

media all over country.

Author Salman Rushdie cancelled his visit to India for the Jaipur Literature Festival citing threats to

his life. In a statement read out to the press by festival producer Sanjoy K Roy, the Booker Prize

winning author stated that he had been told by intelligence sources in Maharashtra and Rajasthan

that paid assassins from the Mumbai underworld may be on their way to Jaipur to eliminate him.

Later Rashdie tweeted that Police intentionally kept him out.

SC dismisses the PIL of Grenadiers Association

Supreme Court dismisses a PIL seeking a direction to the government to restore the Army Chief

Gen V K Singh's date of birth as May 10, 1951.

The honourable court said that writ petition filed at the behest of an association is not maintainable

and this is purely a service matter.

People of A & N First to get Resident Identity Smart card, RIC

The People of Andaman and Nicobar Islands becomethe first among Indians to receive the

Resident Identity Smart card, RIC under the National Population Register, NPR scheme.

Home Minister P Chidambaram distributes the first batch of the RIC smart cards at Porthrapur

village in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

RIC cards are distributed to all persons above the age of 18 residing in the nine maritime states and

four union territories under the National Population Register, NPR scheme.

The objective of the NPR scheme is to provide valid identity to all people in these areas to

strengthen the security along the country's coastline.

India signs USD 130 Million agreement with World Bank for NE projects

India and the World Bank have signed an agreement worth 130 Million US dollars to improve the

livelihoods for over three lakh village households in the North Eastern region of the country.

The money will be used to finance the Centre's efforts to empower rural communities in the growthdeficient

North East region under the North East Rural Livelihoods Project, NERLP.

The project is being implemented in the eight districts of the four participating states of the North

east which include Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

R.Natraj apointed chairman of TNPSC

Tamil Nadu Government appoints retired director general of police (DGP) R.Natraj as the chairman

of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) that is mired in corruption complaints now

a days.

Merck-Tagore award established by Merck Pharma

Merck, the Germany based pharmaceutical and chemical company, announced the institution of the

Merck-Tagore Award to recognise special contributions for promoting cultural exchange between

India and Germany.

Pakistan's Ajmal becomes world's highest-ranked spinner

Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has become world s highest ranking spinner a day after guiding

his team to a comprehensive ten wicket win in the first Test against England in three days.

Sand artist Sudarshan to receive Godavari award

Odisha-based International sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been selected for the Godavari

Puraskar, 2012.

Planning Commission approves Rudrasagar Drainage Development Scheme for Tripura

Planning Commission has given investment clearance for the scheme Rudrasagar Drainage

Development Scheme, Tripura.

This Rs. 14 Crore Scheme would restrict water spread area of the lake during monsoon and

maintain water level of 13 m during winters and maintain water level of 11 m for boosting the

ecology of the area.

January 21

40th Manipur Day celebrated

Manipur was a princely state under the suzerenity of British India and existed as such until 1947 as

Kanglapak Kingdom.

The Kanglapak King wilfully acceded to the newly independent Union of India.

In 1956, Manipur was made a union territory and it became a full-fledged state in 1972 with

Muhammad Alimuddin becoming the first state Chief Minister.

On 21 January 2012, Manipur its 40th statehood day.

The ceremony was held at the Secretariat in capital Imphal attended by Chief Minister, O Ibobi

Singh and officials of the state government.

40th Meghalaya Day Observed: 21st January

Meghalaya , the "Abode of Clouds" was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam:

the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills on 21 January 1972. Prior to attaining full

statehood, Meghalaya was given a semi-autonomous status in 1970.

The state government celebrates this day as Meghalaya Day.

On 21 January 2012, Meghalaya has completed 40 years of its existence as a state in the Union of

India.

Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2012 was awarded in the ceremony and an Information booklet

- A compendium of Government Schemes, a Literature on Tourism Schemes and the launching of

e-services of Taxation Department, was launched.

Ms Bhu Devi receives first RIC Smart Card of India

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram issues the first set of Resident Identity (Smart) Card at

Porthrapur village of South Andaman.

India s first RIC Smart Card was handed over to Ms Bhu Devi, a resident of Porthrapur village.

Pandit Jasraj sings in Antarctica

Noted classical singer Pandit Jasraj, who is 82, gave a performance at the South Pole, becoming

the first Indian to do so.

An exponent of Mewati gharana, Pandit Jasraj is probably the most popular classical

singer in India after Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who passed away in January last year.

Apart from numerous other awards he was awarded Padma Vibhushan, (art-classical

music-vocal) in 2000. He got the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and Sangeet

Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2010.

Indian-American gets 20-yr sentence for money laundering

An Indian-American entrepreneur Vikram Datta, who was found guilty in September last year on

money-laundering charges, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court in New York.

He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for using his perfume distribution business to launder

millions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels.

Sri Lankan novelist wins $ 50,000 prize at Jaipur Literature Festival

Young Sri Lankan novelist Shehan Karunatilaka wins the DSC South Asian Prize for Literature for

his debut novel "Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew".

January 22-23

T.R. Ramachandran re-elected Press Club of India president

The Press Club of India announced that veteran journalist T.R. Ramachandran of G-Files has been

re-elected president and Anil Anand of Greater Kashmir is the new secretary general.

Leshka project in Meghalaya starts Power generation

The Leshka power project in Meghalaya s Jaintia Hills district has started its power generation

through its first unit.

The Leshka project, being set up at a total cost of Rs 785.88 crore, has also proven to be

economically conducive for production as it rates at Rs 6.24 crore per mega watt translating to a

cost price of Rs 2.42 paise per unit of electricity consumed.

Sudarshan to represent India in Japan Snow sculpture contest

International acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik from Odisha will represent India in the 39th

International Snow Sculpture Contest to be held in February 2012 at Sopporo in Japan.

Shahid Afridi appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador against drug abuse

Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has been appointed United Nations Goodwill Ambassador on Drugs

and Crime (UNODC) for a two-year period.

Shahid Afridi will speak out against drug abuse and promote healthy living through sports in his new

role as National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Team Anna decides to observe 26 January as 'Save Republic Day'

Team Anna decided to observe January 26 as Save Republic Day throughout the country and call

upon people for direct participation in democracy.

Justice (retd) Chandrashekaraiah sworn in as Upa Lokayukta in Karnataka

Former Karnataka High Court Judge, Mr Justice Chandrashekaraiah, was sworn-in as the second

Upa Lokayukta by Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj. Mr Justice Chandrashekaraiah joins first Upa

Lok Ayukta,Mr Justice S B Majage. However, the Lokayukta in Karnataka, which has been highly

successful as a anti-corruption watchdog, does not have a head.

Angad Cheema wins All India Amateur golf title

Angad Cheema has won the All India Amateur Golf Championship.

Pattipulam: First village in India Mainland to get RIC Card

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram launched the Resident Identity (Smart) cards in the coastal

village of Pattipulam, about 50 km from Chennai. The small village have thus achieved the unique

statues of being the first coastal village in the country (main land) to have received these smart

cards under the scheme of National Population Register.

Shoe thrown at Rahul Gandhi

A shoe was thrown at Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi while he was addressing an

election rally in Vikasnagar, in Uttarakhand. The shoe did not reach Mr Gandhi, who responded with

let them throw more shoes and urged the people not to beat the youth. Discuss it Here

Govt approves convergence of MPLADS with MGNREGA

Government has approved convergence of Member of Parliament Local Area Development

(MPLADS) with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for

creating more durable assets.

With this, the MPs may recommend under MPLADS, works from out of the shelf of MGNREGA

projects approved by the Zilla Panchayat for the year when recommendation is being made, and

should have been sanctioned by the District Programme Coordinator which constitutes the

approved annual work plan under MGNREGA of the district.

Once a work is recommended for MGNREGA, MPs will not be authorised to withdraw the same.

Bihar gets its first all-women police station

Bihar's first all-women police station was opened in Nalanda district. The station will deal exclusively

with crimes against women, officials said.

Rajasthan becomes Ranji Champion for Second Consecutive Time

Defending champions Rajasthan retained the Ranji trophy winning the national championship for the

second year in succession, doing so by virtue of their huge first innings lead of 326 runs, over Tamil

Nadu at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Rajasthan captain Rishikesh Kanitkar attributed his team s victory in the Rani Trophy Cricket

Championship final against Tamil Nadu to hard work and team spirit.

Nation rememebers Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

The nation remembered Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on 23rd January on his birth anniversary.

He was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa to Janakinath Bose and Prabhabati Devi.

He was one of the most prominent leaders in the Indian independence movement and is a

legendary figure in India today.

Government allows 100 % FDI in NE power sector

Central Government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) especially from Bangladesh

in North East Power sector.

It was under consideration following expression of interest of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina in participating in 726 MW gas-based combined cycle mega power project in Palatana in

South Tripura during her recent Tripura visit.

January 24

Al-Qaeda takes over Yemen city

In Yemen, Al-Qaeda militants have taken over the city of Rada in the Southeastern Al Bayda

province.

They have named Tareq al-Dahab, a brother-in-law of slain US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaqi, who

was killed in a suspected US drone strike in September as the new Emir or the Governor.

The group has taken advantage of year long protests against the Saleh regime to bolster its

presence in the region.

PGI tag to boost Darjeeling tea exports

Darjeeling tea exports are set to increase by volume and value, following its registration as a

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product from India.

Darjeeling Tea is the first Indian product to be recognised by the European Union as a Protected GI.

National girl child day Observed on January 24

National Girl Child Day is celebrated on 24 January every year since 2009. The theme for the

National Girl Child Day 2012 was "Declining Child Sex Ratio: Issues and Challenges"

Dutch Teen sailor circles globe solo

Dutch teen Laura Dekker became the youngest sailor to complete a solo circumnavigation of the

world, a year after going to court for the right to try. The 16-year-old completed her solo round-theworld

journey when she sailed into harbour on the Caribbean island of St Martin, which is shared by

Netherlands and France.

India, European Union join hands for Anti-Piracy Military Operations

India and the European Union (EU) have joined hands for launching joint military operations in the

Indian Ocean against piracy activities. EU has deployed four warships and supporting military ships

of EU member-countries and is engaged with the Indian Navy in developing synergy in the region.

India-EU summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 10, 2012 where security is going

to be one of the key issues of discussion.

RIL approves buyback

The board of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has approved the buyback of up to 120 million fully paidup

equity shares of Rs 10 each, at a price not exceeding Rs 870 an equity share, payable in cash,

up to an aggregate amount not exceeding Rs 10,440 crore, from the open market. RIL's move

offers an exciting exit opportunity to shareholders by giving a reasonable premium to the current

market price.

Buybacks are seen as an efficient return of cash to shareholders in a highly tax efficient process.

RIL: the country's biggest company by market value, operates two adjacent plants at Jamnagar in

Gujarat which together make up the world s biggest refining complex.

New national permit scheme of goods carriages

A new National Permit System has been implemented in all states and Union Territories in order to

facilitate inter-State seamless movement of goods carriages.

As per the new arrangement, national permit can be granted by the Home State on payment of Rs

1,000 as home State authorisation fee and Rs 15,000 per annum per truck towards consolidated

fee authorising the permit holder to operate throughout the country.

The new national permit system has also been implemented electronically through a web portal

developed by NIC.Under the new National Permit Scheme, the consolidated fee collected by the

Central Government through State Bank of India is distributed among the States/UTs on a pro-rata

basis as per agreed formula.

The new National Permit System is being implemented successfully by all States/UTs and has

been welcomed by the transporters and States as a significant step towards improvement in road

transport system in the country.

Madhya Pradesh Government endorses its Wind Energy Project Policy-2012

Madhya Pradesh Government has endorsed the Wind Energy Project Policy-2012, which aims at

accelerating the pace of setting up 1,200-MW wind energy projects

Khamliana and Abdul Bari share Communal Harmony Award

Mr Khamliana from Mizoram and Md Abdul Bari from Odisha have been jointly selected for the

National Communal Harmony Award for 2011 in the individual category. The Jury headed by Vice-

President Hamid Ansari made the selection.

Mr Khamliana (56) is the founder President of the Mizoram Youth Club, a well known voluntary

organisation rendering social service and strengthening national integration in Mizoram and set up in

1990.

Md Abdul Bari (72) from district Bhadrak of Odisha is a well-respected people s leader and social

activist. He is associated with at least eight social organisations and has selflessly helped police

and the local administration to maintain peace and communal harmony.

RBI Cuts CRR to 5.5%

In the latest monetary policy, the Reserve Bank of India cuts 50 Basis Points in Cash Reserve Ratio

(CRR) from 6.0 per cent to 5.5 per cent, which was expected to infuse Rs 32,000 crore into the

system easing the tight liquidity situation in the country.

January 25

India and Thailand sign MOU in Defense Cooperation

On January 25, 2012, India and Thailand signed an MoU on defence cooperation. MoU on Defence

Cooperation signed during the visit would help both sides to further streamline and facilitate this

process on matters of mutual concern

Both the countries also decided to step up bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the fields of

defence, counter-terrorism and security.

The two countries have also signed the second Protocol to amend the Framework Agreement for

Establishing a Free Trade Area. This would expedite the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral

Free Trade Agreement that would include goods, services and investment.

The above agreements have been signed at the end of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan

Singh and visiting PM of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra.

The latest visit also coincided with the 65th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic

relations, as well as 20 years of India s enhanced engagement with ASEAN.

National Voters day celebrated

2nd National Voters Day was celebrated on 25th January, 2012.

Every year National Voters' Day (NVD) is observed on 25th January, a practice that was initiated in

2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and also to enhance

the participation of the voters, especially the youth, in the democratic process.

The Election Commission's objective behind National Voters' Day is to increase enrolment of

voters, especially of the newly eligible ones, by using this occasion to make universal adult suffrage

a complete reality, and thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy. The day is also utilized to

spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.

National Voters Day is celebrated with the aim and objective to create awareness among the people

and educate the youths who has attained 18 years of age to enroll their names into the electoral roll.

Foundation of Ghogha-Dahej Ro-Ro service laid down by Narendra Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Rs 296 crore Ghogha-Dahej Ro-

Ro service across the Gulf of Cambay. The two terminals at Ghogha and Dahej will be completed in

15 months.

The vessel can ferry up to 1,000 passengers, besides 100 vehicles and containers, to cover 31 km.

Distance between the two on land route is 360 km.

76th senior national badminton championship: Results

Saurav Verma and P V Sindhu have won the men's and women's titles in the 76th senior national

badminton championship.

Verma downed his fighting team-mate and second seed Sai Praneeth 21-19, 21-19, while ninth

seed Sindhu shocked favourite and second seed Neha Pandit with an overwhelming 21-9-21-14 win

in the finals played at KBA courts.

76th senior national badminton championship was organized at Bangalore.

Sam Pitroda launched India's 1st 'e-tutor tablet'

India's first cloud-based Tablet solution for school students, e-tutor tablet , has been launched by Mr

Sam Pitroda.

Sam Pitroda is Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure and

Innovations.

With e-tutor teaching tablet, any school can easily set up a digital classroom with a simple handheld

tablet PC and a projector. The teacher can easily explain concepts using the digital whiteboard that

is set up in the Tablet PC and can save his/ her class notes for later reference by the students.

817 police personnel Awarded Police medals

817 police personnel have been awarded police medals on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day

2012.

Seven personnel have been awarded President s Police Medals for Gallantry while Police Medals

for Gallantry went to 87 personnel. President s Police Medals for Distinguished Service have been

awarded to 93 personnel and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to 630 personnel.

As many as 38 personnel have been awarded correctional Service Medals.

President s Correctional Service Medals for Distinguished Service has been awarded to one person

and Correctional Service Medals for Meritorious Service to 37 personnel.

Twenty four officials of CBI have been awarded President s Police Medal for Distinguished Service

and Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the eve of the 63rd Republic Day.

Summary of President's speech on eve of Republic Day

President calls upon the agencies involved in the delivery of services to work in a transparent,

corruption free and accountable manner.

She says that tremendous work needed to be done to move forward on social and economic

agenda if the country was to achieve fast, inclusive and sustainable growth.

President stressed on the need to adopt constitutional methods to achieve social and economic

objectives as also maintain faith in public institutions like Parliament, the Executive and the

Judiciary.

She also called for resolving all issues through dialogue and not through violence. The President

also called for drawing women fully into the national mainstream.

She also said that reinforcing health and education sectors was fundamental for developing the

country s human resources.

Making a strong advocacy for a permanent seat for India in the UN Security Council, the President

said India seeks an architecture for global institutions that was reflective of the contemporary

realities.

Aurangabad enters 'Guinness Book...for largest simultaneous singing of National Anthem

On the eve of Republic Day 2012, thousands of citizens of Aurangabad created history by singing

the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana , at Divisional Sports Complex ground in the city.

As many as 15,243 people of city took India into the Guinness Book of World Records by singing

the anthem simultaneously, erasing the previous record held by Pakistan for 5,800 individuals.

The swelling crowd was led in the chorus on stage by Shankar Mahadevan, Mahatma Gandhi' s

grandson Tushar Gandhi, Prashant Damle, Roopkumar and Sonali Rathod, Vaishali Samant,

Swapnil Bandodkar, Pramod Sarkate and Mrs Salaskar (widow of 26/11 martyr Vijay Salaskar)

among others, who sang with Aurangabadkars to create the world record.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recommends name of Dhyan Chand for Bharat Ratna

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recommended the name of Hockey legend Major Dhyan

Chand for the coveted Bharat Ratna award.

Earlier the rules for awarding Bharat Ratna have been altered by a notification, the award can be

given to any person excelling in any field.

Late Major Dhyan Chand is acknowledged as the greatest Hockey player across the world. He won

three successive Gold Medals at Olympic Games at Amsterdam in 1928, Los Angles in 1932 and

Berlin in 1936.

Major Dhyan Chand is credited with scoring over 1000 international goals in a career which

spanned from 1926 to 1948.

Himachal Pradesh Day celebrated

On 25 January 2012, Himachal Pradesh finished 41 years as a full fledged state of India.

At the time of India's independence,Himachal Pradesh can in existance as Chief Commissioner's

Province of H.P. on 15 April 1948.

This Chief Commissioner's Province was created by integration of 28 small princely states,

prominent among them being Simla Hills States & four Punjab southern hill States.

After that, India's smallest state at that time "Bilaspur" was merged in it on 1 April 1954 by the

Himachal Pradesh and Bilaspur (New State) Act, 1954. Himachal became a part C state on 26

January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India and the Lt. Governor was

appointed.

Himachal Pradesh became a Union Territory on 1 November 1956.

On 18 December 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new

state came into being on 25 January 1971. Thus Himachal emerged as the eighteenth state of the

Indian Union.

Agreement between India & Pakistan on settlement of Transit Fee Issue for TAPI

India and Pakistan have agreed to settle the Transit Fee issue for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-

Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project at the earliest and conduct negotiations in a transparent

manner keeping in mind the landed cost of gas.

January 26

Kartar Singh Duggal passes away

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expresses deep grief at the death of his friend and eminent writer

Kartar Singh Duggal.

Mr Duggal was not only a versatile writer who wrote in four languages--Hindi, Punjabi, English

and Urdu-but also excelled in public service and as an institution builder.

Kartar Singh Duggal, born in 1917 was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1988.

Kerala Governor M.O.H. Farook passed away

Kerala Governor and former Puducherry Chief Minister M O H Farook (75) passed away.

Ellora-Ajanta festival begins

The four-day Ellora-Ajanta festival began at Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad on the occasion of

Republic Day. The festival, being held after a gap of 3 years, is organized at the same time at

Sonerai Mahal and Kalagarm, for the first time.

Nagaland Govt declares 2012-13 as 'Year of Youths-cum-Tribal Festival'

In order to promote tribal festivals and also to showcase various measures taken to nurture and

harness the talents of the youths, the Nagaland Government has declared the year 2012-2013 as

the Year of Youth-cum-Tribal Festivals.

A year-long string of festivals will be organised to be jointly hosted by the respective Tribal Hohos

and the District Planning and Development Board in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

63rd Republic Day celebrated in INDIA

India celebrated its 63rd Republic Day on January 26, 2012

This year's Chief Guest in the parade was Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Nineteen

of the 24 children selected for the National Bravery Award - 2011 also participated in the parade.

The highlight of this year's Parade was the 3,000 kilometer range Agni-IV missile, 150 kms range

Prahaar tactical battlefield support missile and the Rustom-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

The weaponary put on display by the Indian Army included the T-72 tank, Carrier Mortar Tracked,

SMERCH Multiple Launch Rocket System, Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket System.

The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF, with the C-130J Super Hercules

aircraft participating in the Parade for the first time.

Quick Facts: Lakshya II

Lakshya-II - the advanced version of DRDO s Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA).

Can fly at sea skimming height and can dive down from an altitude of around 800 meters to just 12

mC

an fly for about 30 minutes.

It was again successfully flight- tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur-on-Sea in

Balasore district of Odisha.

The entire flight was pre-programmed and was totally successful. It demonstrated various

technologies and sub-systems including software correction to auto rudder scheme done to prevent

loss of mission, engaging and flying in way point navigation mode.

Designed and developed by the Bangalore based Aeronautical Development Establishment, a

premier DRDO laboratory specializing in UAVs and flight control systems.

Quick Facts: Republic Day Chief Guest →Ms Yingluck Shinawatra

Thailand's PM

First woman Prime Minister of Thailand

At 44 she is the youngest Prime Minister of Thailand

28th Prime Minister of Thailand

Thai businesswoman and politician, member of the Pheu Thai Party

Third woman chief guest at the Republic Day parade in India

First Prime Minister of Thailand to attend the Republic Day parade as the

chief guest

Yingluck's magic: In May 2011, the Pheu Thai Party nominated Yingluck

as their candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 general election. As a

Result: The Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory, winning 265/500 seats House of

Representatives of Thailand. This was only the second time in Thai political history that a

single party won a parliamentary majority.

Important Facts about Republic Day Guests of India:

United Kingdom's Queen Elizabeth II was the first women chief guest at Republic Day parade in

1961, while Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike was the second

woman chief guest.

France has the distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum four times followed by

three times each from Bhutan, Mauritius and USSR/Russia.

Sneha Shekhawat becomes first woman to lead IAF contingent at Republic Day

Flight Lieutenant Sneha Shekhawat

First woman to lead an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent at the 63rd Republic Day

parade

Led the 144-strong IAF contingent at the parade at Rajpath.

She was assisted by 3 other women Flying Officers Heena Pore, Anupam

Chaudhary and Pooja Negi.

Important Firsts on Republic Day 2012

The latest nuclear capable Agni-IV missile

C-130J Super Hercules, special operations plane

A woman officer leading the IAF unit

Quick Facts: C-130J Super Hercules aircraft

Bought recently from the United States.

World's most advanced and tactical aircraft.

Primarily designed to support India's special operations requirement.

Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft can perform precision low-level flying,

airdrops and landing in blackout conditions.

Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air

defense environments. The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for

extended range operations.

Ideally suited to India's mission environment, which often involves operating out of austere, highelevation

airstrips in hot conditions.

Powered by four Rolls Royce AE2100 engines and Dowty six bladed props which provide the

aircraft with tremendous power.

The aircraft has already demonstrated its responsiveness during the recent Sikkim

earthquake where it undertook relief operations within three hours.

January 27-28

IGNOU bags best teaching practices award

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has received an award for the best teaching

practices at the India Today Aspire Education Summit 2012.

India, Canada take vow to fasttrack CEPA

On the sidelines of World Economic Forum at Davos, India and Canada have committed to

fasttracking the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA)they have been

negotiating.

The India Canada CEPA negotations began in 2010 after prime minister Manmohan Singh met his

Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper in the G20 summit in South Korea in 2010.

Early this month, Canada s high commissioner to India Stewart G Beck said the Cepa is likely to be

concluded by 2013.

Canada is looking at driving into the lucrative Indian auto component market through the CEPA,

while India is looking at services sector as well as labour mobility to Canada under this agreement.

Union Cabinet approves commencement of 3rd phase of UID

The Cabinet Committee on Unique Identification Authority of India related issues (CC-UIDAI) has

approved commencement of Phase-III of the UID scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 8,814.75

crore.

It subsumes the earlier approval of Rs 3,023.01 crore and comprises costs for issue of 20 crore

Aadhaar numbers through Multiple Registrars upto March 2012, printing and delivery of 20 crore

Aadhaar letters, technology and other support infrastructure cost for creation, storage and

maintenance of data and services for leveraging the uses of Aadhaar for the entire estimated

resident population upto March 2017.

Out of the amount of Rs 8814.75 crore that has been approved for incurring expenditure upto March

2017, Rs 2412.67 crore would be towards recurring expenditure including IT operational cost and

recurring establishment cost and Rs 6402.08 crore would be towards non-recurring project related

expenditure.

IAF conferred best marching contingent award at R-Day parade

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has been named as the best marching contingent among the

three services at the Republic Day parade. The Border Security Force (BSF) contingent was

awarded the prize for the best marching contingent among the paramilitary forces and other

auxiliary marching contingents.

The awards for the best three Tableaux went to the Tableaux by Ministry of Human Resources

Development (Deptt of School Education & Literacy), the Goa Tableaux and the Tableaux for

Karnataka. The award for best children items went to the performance by Government Sarvodaya

Kanya Vidyalaya, Hastsal (KodiyanchaKarvan) and that by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre at

Allahabad (Gudum Baja of Madhya Pradesh).

US to issue 14% more visas for Indians

The US has taken a number of steps to modify and accelerate visa process and aim 14% annual

increase in travellers from India that would help boost business and political ties.

US to cut down army by 1 lakh

The US Pentagon has declared curtailment of its military forces by 100,000 in view of a $487 billion

cut in its budget over the next 10 years. However it asserted that even after the retrenchment, US

will remain a force to contend with anytime and anywhere.

US military will be smaller and leaner, but it will be agile, flexible, rapidly deployable and

technologically advanced. Army will be gradually resized to 490,000 from the present force level of

562,000. Marine Corps will be 182,000 from 202,000. The transition to take place over the next 5

years.

January 29

India signs agreement to set up Vivekananda Chair at Chicago University

India has signed at agreement with the University of Chicago to set up a Vivekananad Chair at the

University.

The agreement has been signed between India's Ministry of Culture and the University.

This agreement entails the consideration of a 1.5 million dollar grant for creation of an endowment.

As per the agreement, the University of Chicago will establish to honour the life and legacy of

Swami Vivekananda by promoting fields of study most relevant to his teachings.

Iran Parliament debates on banning oil sales to Europe

Iranian parliament debates a draft bill requiring the government to immediately halt crude oil sales to

Europe. The European Union had imposed an oil embargo against Iran and froze the assets of its

central bank.

Many Iranian lawmakers and officials have called for an immediate ban on oil exports to the EU

before the ban fully goes into effect in July. They say the 27 EU nations account for only about 18

percent of Iran's overall oil sales and they would be hurt more by the decision than Iran.

If parliament passes the bill to halt oil sales to Europe, the legislation must still be approved by the

Guardian Council to become law.

India, Bangladesh to jointly set up thermal power plant at Khulna

India and Bangladesh sign an agreement to set up a 1,320 megawatt coal based power project

jointly at Khulna in Bangladesh.

Arab League suspends monitoring mission in Syria

Arab League decides to suspend its controversial monitoring mission in Syria because of the

upsurge in violence. The mission was set up in December to monitor Damascus ' compliance with

the League's plan to end bloodshed. But several countries withdrew monitors.

Previously, the head of the Arab League monitoring mission in Syria , General Mohammed Ahmed

Mustafa al-Dabi said, unrest has soared in the country, especially in the central cities of Homs and

Hama and in the northern Idlib region.

UN appeals for $1.28 bn to fund its 2012 humanitarian operations

United Nations makes an appeal for 1.28 billion dollars to fund its 2012 humanitarian operations in

more than 25 countries.

One third of this total amount is needed for crisis in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa.

Leander Paes becomes first Indian to complete career Grand Slam

Tennis star Leander Paes has created history by becoming the first Indian to complete a career

Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open men's doubles title with Czech player Radek Stepanek.

In the 2012 Australian Open, they defeated the top seeds Bob and Mike Bryan of the US in straight

sets in Melbourne.

The latest feat is the 13th Grand Slam title for Paes with seven men's doubles trophies and six

mixed doubles titles and is India 's most successful doubles player in majors. Paes won French

Open thrice in 1999, 2001 and 2009, and Wimbledon in 1999 and US Open in 2006.

2012 Australian Open: Main Winners

Defending champion Novak Djokovic combated past Rafael Nadal in a five-set Australian Open final

which lasted for 5hr, 53min, the longest title match in Grand Slam history.

Djokovic fought back from losing the first set to take a 2-1 lead, but then he was taken to a

spellbinding fifth set by resurgent Nadal before winning 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 for his third

consecutive Major title.

January 30-31

India's Per Capita Income: Rs 53,331 per annum

The latest Quick Estimates of National Income released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO)

show that India's per capita income grew by 15.6 per cent to Rs 53,331 per annum in 2010-11,

crossing the half-a-lakh rupees mark for the first time. Last year, the income was Rs. 46,117 per

annum.

Per capita income is the earnings of each Indian if the national income is evenly divided among the

country's population of around 120 crore. The Per Capita Income is an important indicator of overall

prosperity in the country.

The above figures is on current prices. The increase in per capita income at constant 2004-05

prices, after discounting for inflation, was about 6.4 per cent in 2010-11. It was 35,993 rupees in

2010-11, as against 33,843 rupees in the previous year.

Kaushik Basu presents outlook for the economy in 2012-13

Chief Economic Advisor, Kaushik Basu presents the outlook for the economy in 2012-13.

He expressed the hope that the inflation rate will come down soon to below 7 per cent & expected

that this will help in accelerating the growth rate faster than the current year.

Growth achieved during the first half of the current year, was 7.3 per cent. There was a sharp

improvement in industrial performance in November last year and overall growth bounced back to

5.9 per cent.

Test Flight of 'Lakshya' Successful

Indigenously developed micro-light and pilot-less target aircraft 'Lakshya' successfully test flown

from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district of Odisha

The objective of the latest test flight was to check the validity of its engine and duration

enhancement.

Lakshya is a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system remote controlled from the ground and

designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots. The aircraft has been developed

by India's Aeronautic Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore to perform discreet aerial

reconnaissance of battle-field and target acquisition. Lakshya has already been inducted into the

Indian Air Force since 2000. Lakshya-II pilot-less target aircraft was successfully test flown from the

same base on the 25th and 27th of this month.

Sports Ministry releases Rs. 8 Crore for Medal Hopefuls in London Olympics

The Union Sports Ministry sanctions Rs 8 crore for imparting customized training to elite

sportspersons who are medal prospects in the forthcoming London Olympics- 2012 and other

international events.

Fund has been sanctioned from National Sports Development Fund, NSDF, to 45 sportspersons

and 12 coaches under the Operation Excellence 2012.

India's Economic growth revised down to 8.4%

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation releases the Quick Estimates of economic

growth. As per these latest estimates, India's economic growth rate is slated to be 8.4% for 2010-11

financial year, slightly down to 8.4 per cent from the earlier estimate of 8.5 per cent.

Major source of growth in the GDP has been from the services sector, which has grown at the rate

of 9.3 per cent.

The agriculture sector growth has also been impressive at 7 per cent during the year 2010-11.

The growth of secondary sector, which includes manufacturing and construction sector, stood at

7.2 per cent.

Finance, insurance, real estate and business services expanded by 10.4 per cent in 2010-11,

against a growth rate of 9.4 per cent in the previous fiscal.

Trade, hotels and restaurants expanded by 9 per cent in 2010-11, against a growth rate of 7.8 per

cent in 2009-10. Construction sector grew by 8 per cent during the year under review, against 7 per

cent in the previous fiscal.

The mining and quarrying sectors registered 5 per cent growth, against 6.3 per cent expansion in

the previous fiscal. Manufacturing grew by 7.6 per cent in 2010-11, compared to a growth of 9.7 per

cent in 2009-10.

Electricity, gas and water production recorded 3 per cent growth, compared to 6.3 per cent. As per

the data, the GDP at constant prices at market prices during the year 2010-11 has grown at 9.6 per

cent.

'Me-Dam-Me-Phi' festival celebrated across Assam

'Me-Dam-Me-Phi' festival of the Tai Ahom community has been celebrated across Assam with

religious fervour and traditional gaiety.

The Tai-Ahoms offer oblations to their departed ancestors and offer sacrifices to Gods in traditional

manner on this day.

The Tai-Ahoms believe that their worthy ancestors are still living in the Heaven. It is one of the

important festivals observed by the Tai Ahoms from very ancient times.

The Ahom Kings, who ruled Assam for around six hundred years till 1826, performed this annual

'ancestor worship' initially at Charaideo, the erstwhile capital of the Ahom Kingdom, now at Sibsagar

in Upper Assam.

RBI to issue ` 500 note with rupee symbol

The Reserve Bank of India, RBI says that it will soon issue 500 rupees denomination bank-notes

incorporating new rupee symbol without inset letter.

The new notes will bear the signature of RBI Governor D Subbaro and the year of printing 2011

printed on the back of the bank note.

The design of these notes to be issued now is similar in all respects to the bank-notes of 500

denomination in Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 issued earlier, except for the new symbol.

Government releases ` 250cr for Saranda Action Plan in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh released funds of Rs. 250 crores

for 'Saranda Action Plan'.

The Action Plan which was prepared after recovering the area from the Maoists last year, targets

900 square Kilometers of the Saranda forest range in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

Indian Hockey team for London Olympic Qualifiers Announced

Hockey India announces the 18-member Indian team that will play in the London Olympic Qualifiers.

London Olympic Qualifiers will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi

from the 18th February.

The team for the tournament will be led by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri. The participating teams in the

event are Canada, France, Italy, Poland and Singapore, besides India.

India Remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary

Mahatma Gandhi was remembered on his 64th death anniversary.

President, Prime Minister and other leaders of nation paid floral tributes at Gandhi's memorial in

Rajghat in New Delhi at a function organised on Monday morning.

Amalraj wins Senior National Table Tennis title

A Amalraj deafeated reigning champion Achanta Sharath Kamal to notch up his maiden Senior

National Table Tennis title.

However, his overt celebration earned him a 25 pc fine of his prize money.

Senior National Table Tennis was organized in Lucknow.

Guru Nanak Darbar: Largest Gurdwara in Gulf region opens

Guru Nanak Darbar has been built at a cost of 20 million US dollars. Even though Dubai has around

50,000 Sikhs residing there, it had no Gurudwara so far.

The Vice-president and Prime minister of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, had

granted 25,400 square feet land for the Gurdwara in Jebel Ali area.

The ruler of Sharjah Dr Sheikh Sultan III bin Mohammed Al Qasimi had given 10 acres for a new

crematorium for Hindus and Sikhs in the first week of January. This move is being seen as a

graceful gesture from UAE and is a reflection of deepening of ties b/w India and UAE