SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR PRIZE

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science & Technology was instituted in 1957 in the name of the founder Director General and the principal architect of CSIR. The Prize has now become the most coveted national recognition for scientists and engineers. The Bhatnagar Laureates (winners of the prize) exemplify the best of talents in Science & Technology in India.


The prize consists of cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs, a citation and a plaque.

The prize is given by CSIR for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in Biological, Chemical, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary, Engineering, Mathematical, Medical and Physical Sciences.

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Sources used:
Wikipedia for Photograph
A Handbook of SS Bhatnagar Prize Winner (a pdf document)

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Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) Chandigarh

Established in 1984, the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) is one among the chain of 38 national laboratories functioning under the aegis of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and is its youngest laboratory. Set-up to be a fore-runner in the sun-rise area of Biotechnology, the Institute occupies an area of about 47 acres, of which the labs covered 22 acres and the residential campus 25 acres. The Institute has a built up area of about 3.60 lakh sq. ft., which is spread over five main buildings, namely, Main R&D block (~2.00 lakhs sq. ft.), Fermentation block (~0.50 lakhs sq. ft.), Animal House (~0.30 lakhs sq. ft.), Workshop, Stores and Services area (~0.50 lakhs sq. ft.), and Cafeteria (~0.10 lakhs sq. ft.). The Institute provides functionally modular and large, air-conditioned, clean research areas to all the scientists. The Institute's primary asset is a team of 48 highly motivated young scientists, 36 of whom are Ph.D.s with many of them having several years of training in world-renowned laboratories. Supported by more than 145 well-trained technicians and graduate students, these scientists are engaged in research, both basic and application-oriented, in four major areas namely:

Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics
Cell Biology and Immunology
Protein Science and Engineering
Fermentation Technology and Applied Microbiology

It is the youngest laboratory among the 38 national laboratories functioning under the aegis of CSIR.

The present director (year 2008) is Girish Sahni. (in Photograph)

Address of the Institute:
Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39-A, Chandigarh - 160036 (INDIA)
PH: +91-172-2695215, 2695225, 2636680 - 94 (15 Lines)
Fax: +91-172-2690632 (Administration), +91-172-2690585 (Director)

Website: Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh (CSIR)

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Credit: The contents of this post are verbatim repetition of description of the Institute as given at its website mentioned above.
The photograph has been taken from the website of the institute itself.

G.P.S. Raghava: SS Bhatnagar Prize 2008 for Biological Sciences

G.P.S. Raghava is a scientist working at Bioinformatics Centre (BIC), Institute of Microbial Technology(IMTECH), Chandigarh. He joined IMTECH in 1986. His primary duty is to develop computer software, to maintain computer hardware/software and to maintain network at IMTECH. He is also looking after distributed information centre (DIC) supported by DBT under BTISNET programme, where his primary duty is to built/maintain infrastructure required for protein modeling and engineering. He is developing software in the field of bioscience since 1990.

He belongs to Village Nagla Karan, District, Bulandhshahr, Uttar Pardesh.

G.P.S. Raghava has won S S Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for 2008 along with L. S. Shashidhara, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. They have won the prize for Biological Sciences.

The prize consists of Rs. 5 lakhs, a citation and a plaque. It is otherwise a big honour in the field of science within India.

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Sources: G. P. S. Raghava Home Page.
Photographs: G. P. S. Raghava Home Page. (Op cit)
The Hindu: CSIR names Bhatnagar Award.
The above links were retrieved on September 30, 2008 at 8.17 pm IST.

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Nooyi hat trick as powerful woman in business: Fortune

Nooyi is most powerful woman in business: Fortune

It is taken from Sify News item.

In the forthcoming list of the Fortune Magazine, to be released October 13, 2008, Indra Nooyi is going to be declared as the first among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. She is going to be declared at that position for the third time in row. She is an alumni of IIM Calcutta and presently chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo, an American company. She has been able to achieve this position by expanding the international business of breverages of her company in North America and diversifying into to juices with useful fat contents.

Apart from that she is fourth most powerful women in the world. To quote the report, "Nooyi also ranks fourth on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women overall, not just in business."

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Remember: The questions on women empowerment and achievements are regularly appearing in GS at prelims and mains level. Indra Nooyi had made it to the question list earlier also and question on her can be repeated.

It is co-incidence that in this very month, an international women personality has been included in Tzipi Livni who is younger to Nooyi by two years. Prime Minister Livni is 50 years and Nooyi is 52.

Also remember, that poisition of Livni is to be watched as there can be elections before May 2009 and then the position may be different. However, it makes good heading for the notes of 2009.

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Photograph source: The same news report as mentioned above.

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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for 2008.

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology for 2008 has been announced by Director-General Samir K. Brahmachari of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The announcement was made on Friday, September 26, 2008.


Biological sciences – G.P.S. Raghava, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh; and L.S.Shashidara, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Chemical sciences – Pradeep Thalappil, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and Jarugu Narasimha Moorthy, IIT, Kanpur.

Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences – P.N.Vinayachandran, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.


Engineering Sciences – Ranjan Kumar Mallik, IIT, Delhi.


Mathematical Sciences – Jaikumar Radhakrishnan, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.


Medical Sciences – Ravinder Goswami, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.


Physical Sciences – Raghunathan Srianand, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune; and Srikanth Sastry, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Bangalore.

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Kindly note that same information is now available on CSIR site at http://csirhrdg.res.in/ssb2008.htm. This page was accessed on October 1, 2008 reached through the main site of CSIR at http://csirhrdg.res.in/

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Source and Acknowledgement:
It is word by word copy from The Hindu: CSIR names Bhatnagar winners.

Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy is the first class domestic cricket played in India. It has same importance for the Indian cricket as the County Championship in England and Sheffield Shield in Australia.

It was started in 1934 and the championship was named ‘The Cricket Championship of India’. The first matches (fixtures) were played during 1934-35. It was later named after Jam Sahib of Nawannagar who was called Ranji. The actual name of Jam Sahib was Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji. The Trophy was donated by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala.

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Source:

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External Links for further additions:

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Irani Trophy

Irani Trophy is played for between the winners of the Ranji Trophy and Rest of India team.

It is named after Z. R. Irani, who was a treasurer of BCCI, and had remained associated with BCCI since the year of its inception in 1928 till his death in 1970.

Irani Trophy was started to mark the completion of 25 years of Ranji Trophy championship. It was first played in the season 1959-60. From thereon, it also marks the beginning of new domestic season in India.

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Source:

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External Links:

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Irani Trophy 2008: Winner Rest of India

Irani Trophy is played between the Ranji Trophy winner team and the Rest of India Team. This year Rest of India Team has won the Trophy after defeating the Delhi team, The Winner of Ranji Trophy.

The match was played at Vadodra. Anil Kumble had lead the Rest of India.

The Score:
The scores: Rest of India — 1st innings: 252.
Delhi — 1st innings: 177.
Rest of India — 2nd innings: 302
Delhi —190

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Source:
The Hindu: Rest of India posts a thumping win

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Tzipi Livni of Kadima Party, PM of Israel

Tzipi Livni (50) has taken over as the Prime Minister of Israel. She occupied the post on Monday, September 22, 2008. She has taken over the charge from Ehud Olmert. Ehud Olmert was facing a corruption scandal. She belongs to Kadima Party. The election in Israel is due only in 2010.

The opposition party is Likud party. The Likud party is headed by Benjamin Netanyahu.


Third important party is Shas party, which an ultra-orthodox party. It is presently supporting Kadima party.

In case, Livni is not able to form her government, then the next elections may take place in March 2009. However, regular elections are due in 2010. Hence, presently, her post is that of Acting Prime Minister.

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Source Links:
Israeli Foreign Minister Begins Formation of New Government (voa.com)
Ultra-Orthodox party emerging as Israel kingmaker(yahoo news/Associated Press)
Livni charged with forming new Israeli govt (Reuters India)
Wikipedia for Photograph

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This news item has to be revised before May 2009

Taro Aso Becomes Japan's New Prime Minister

VOA News - Aso Becomes Japan's New Prime Minister

Taro Aso becomes the new Prime Minister of Japan. His appointment was ensured on September 22, 2008. He replaced Yasuo Fukuda.

Taro Aso is now leader of Liberal Democratic Party in the lower house of Japanese Parliament. He is expected to call a snap poll in October 2008.

Yasuo Fukuda resigned because of the economic problems which bedevils the country and political conflict with the opposition political party.

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This news report is to be watched before the May 2009.

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Sources:
Photograph source: Wikipedia

What are Tornadoes?

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Animated guide: Tornadoes

The site as shown above will help the readers to develop the rudimentary understanding of the natural disaster which is called Tornadoes.

They will be able to understand the mechanism which comes into play in order to creat a Tornado. The reader will under the scale Fujita. The display demonstrates with graphics the devastation effect of F0 to F5 scale of a Tornado.

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The readers can also learn about Earthquakes, Hurricane, Volcanoes and Tsunamis from the same site.

They can watch the lesson in flash play or as PDF files or HTML display as per the capabilities of the devices which they are using to access the internet. It is strongly recommended that they should prefer flash display which is more communicative.

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Hollywood Legend Paul Newman passes away

Paul Newman, who had become a legend in Hollywood Film world, an actor and director, had died of cancer on September 26, 2008, Friday.

He was know for his anti-hero roles the Hud, Cool Hand Luke, The Color of Money. He had worked for directors like Alfred Hitchcock, John Huston, Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese. His co stars were Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and Robert Redford.

His wife was Joanne Woodward.

He had been nominated for Oscar ten times (earned 1 of them for "Color of Money)and acted in more than 50 films. He was also declared best actor honour in 1986 film “The Color of Money”.

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Sources:
Sify News also for Photograph
The Tribune Chandigarh
IMDB

Kgalema Motlanthe: The President of South Africa: 2008

Kgalema Motlanthe is the new President of South Africa. He replaces Thabo Mbeki. The appointment was declared on Thursday, September 25, 2008.

Kgalema Motlanthe is from African National Congress party. The President of ANC party is Jacob Zuma. He is not the member of the Parliament of South Africa.

Thabo Mbeki had replaced Nelson Mandela.

Kgalema Motlanthe is also Anti-apartheid activist. Nelson Mandela has praised him as "quiet, firm and principled" leader who can unite the country.

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Special Note: This appointment is to be kept under observation for the 2009 prelim notes.

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Sources:
Anti-apartheid activist elected SAfrica president: Associated Press

Zuma soothes fears over South Africa's leadership: Associated Press

Mandela praises new South Africa leader Motlanthe: Reuters India

Above three links as re-retrieved on September 28, 2009

Kris Srikanth Cheeka is new Chairman Senior Selection Committee of BCCI

Kris Srikanth (Cheeka) has been appointed as the new Chairman, Senior Selection Committee of BCCI. He replaces Dilip Vensarkar. The tenure of Kris Srikanth is for four years. Now onwards, the post and also the posts of the members of the selection committee will be paid posts.

The other members of the Selection Committee are Yashpal Sharma, Narendra Hirwani, Surendera Bhave and Raja Venktaraman.

Srikanth represents South Zone and heads the committee as the Chairman. Yashpal Sharma represents the North Zone. He was member of the Senior Selection Committee earlier also. Surendra Bhave represent the West Zone. Narendra Hirwani represents the Central Zone. Raja Venktaraman represents the East Zone.

Srikanth, Yashpal Sharma and Narendra Hirwani had remained the members of the playing national team.

Dilip Vensarkar after leaving the post of the Chairman, Senior Selection Committee of BCCI, is presently Vice President of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

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sources:
cricinfo.com for contents and photograph
The Telegraph, Calcutta, India

Singer Mahendra Kapoor passes away-India-The Times of India

Singer Mahendra Kapoor passes away-India-The Times of India

Mohinder Kapoor, an established playback singer of erstwhile golden era of Bombay Film Music Industry, which was dominated by Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Talat Mehmood and Hemant Kumar among the male voices and Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle among female singer passed away on September 27, 2008, Sunday at Mumbai.

He was from Amritsar Punjab. He was given a break in Hindi film playback music by C Ramchandra also popular as Chitalkar. Mohinder Kapoor became famous with his first song Adha hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi. His another famous song is Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se from Gumraha. Another famous song was Nile Gagan ke Tale, Dharti ka Piyar Phale.

As it was popular in 60s and 70s that each singer was identified with some leading hero of that period, therefore, as Mukesh was popular playback for Raj Kapoor then Mohinder Kapoor was made a team with Manoj Kumar. No doubt, many patriotic songs by Mohinder Kapoor are still popular. Among them, the popularity of Mere Desh kee Dharti Sona Ugle of Upkar of Manor Kumar is still recognized.

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Photograph source: Times of India

What are Hurricanes?

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Animated guide: Hurricanes

The site as shown above will help the readers to develop the rudimentary understanding of the natural disaster which is called Hurricane.

They will be able to understand the following terms.

Hurricane,

Typhoons

Cyclones.

Further, with the help of graphics, different dimensions of a hurricane can be understood.

The reader will also understand the scales used to measure the hurricane. It explains the Saffir-Simpson Scale. It also gives data of the category 1 to 5 of a hurricane.

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The readers can also learn about Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Volcanoes and Tsunamis from the same site.

They can watch the lesson in flash play or as PDF files or HTML display as per the capabilities of the devices which they are using to access the internet. It is strongly recommended that they should prefer flash display which is more communicative.

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Sources:

How do earthquakes take place?

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | How earthquakes happen

The above suggested link from the BBC site can help the readers about the rudimentary geography. Such questions appears in Prelims. They are objective type questions based on the core understanding of the fundamentals.

The readers can learn about the following terms:

Hypocentre

P waves,

S waves,

Epicentre

Surface Waves,

Rayleigh Waves

Love Waves


The readers can also learn about the man default centre or the world plates all over the world. They can also learn about the core structure of the Earth crust. All the terms are well illustrated.

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The readers can also learn about Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Volcanoes and Tsunamis from the same site.

They can watch the lesson in flash play or as PDF files or HTML display as per the capabilities of the devices which they are using to access the internet. It is strongly recommended that they should prefer flash display which is more communicative.

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Source: Earth crust graphics from BBC News
Terms further links from Wikipedia

PM Manmohan Singh's Speech at the 63rd session of United Nations General Assembly

Dr Singh at the UN: His speech

At the above given link of Rediff News, the speech of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of Republic of India can be accessed. The speech was delievered on September 26, 2008 at 63rd session of United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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The following are some of the extracts from the speech itself.

The composition of the Security Council needs to change to reflect contemporary realities of the twenty-first century.


Globalisation has contributed to ever widening circles of prosperity and we in India have benefited from it.


Ensuring inclusive growth within nations, and inclusive globalization across nations, is a central challenge that faces us.


The development gains that many countries have made are today threatened by a possible food crisis, a global energy crisis and most recently, unprecedented upheavals in international financial markets.


There is, therefore, a need for a new international initiative to bring structural reform in the world's financial system with more effective regulation and stronger systems of multilateral consultations and surveillance.


The world needs a Second Green Revolution to address the problem of food security. We need new technologies, new institutional responses and above all a global compact to ensure food and livelihood security.


It is feared that many of the conflicts of the 21st century will be over water.



Poverty, ignorance and disease still afflict millions of people.



Poverty alleviation and livelihood security are closely linked to energy security.


Climate change can be overcome successfully only through a collaborative and cooperative global effort.




India has unveiled an ambitious National Action Plan on Climate Change.


The growing assertion of separate identities and ethnic, cultural and religious intolerance threatens our developmental efforts and our peace and stability.


We should conclude expeditiously the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.


The United Nations is a living symbol of pluralism.

State Bank of Saurashtra merges with SBI

Moneycontrol >> News >> Business >> State Bank of Saurashtra merges with SBI

State Bank of Saurashtra merges with SBI. There are news since long that all the subsidiaries will merge with SBI. However, it is the first merger of that sort and now there remains six subsidiaries of the SBI.

However, State Bank of Saurashtra had a history. An extract from the moneycontrol.com has been reproduced below which has affinity with the nature of this blog.

"State Bank of Saurashtra traces its history to the princely Bhavnagar Darbar Bank, which was established in 1902. When the princely states were integrated to form Saurashtra in 1948, the four Darbar Banks - Rajkot State Bank, Porbandar State Bank, Palitana Darbar Bank and Vadia State Bank - were merged, and on July 1, 1950, when State Bank of Saurashtra was born.

In 1960, SBS became a subsidiary of SBI at the suggestion of the All-India Rural Credit Survey Committee."

Taare Zameen Par: India's Official Entry to Oscar

The Chairman of a jury established by Film Federation of India (FFI), Sunil Darshan on September 20, 2008, that Taare Zameen Par will be the official Indian entry to the Oscar.


Taare Zameen Par is about dyslexic Child and his Teacher relation. It is the directorial debut of the Bombay Film Industry Actor Aamir Khan. Aamir Khan has played the role of Ram Shankar Nikumbh. The child role is played by Darsheel Safary. He had played the role of the lead character Ishaan Awasthi. It was released on December 21, 2007. The producer of the film is PVR Pictures in association with Aamir Khan. The international name of the film is Stars on Earth.


There were nine movies including Taare Zameen before the Jury to select the Indian entry.


Before that, in 2001, another movie, in which Aamir Khan played a lead role, Lagaan was also sent for Oscar nominations.


Lagaan was directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar. In this movie, an Indian village during the Victorian Empirical rule stake their future on a cricket match. Aamir Khan had played the role of Bhuvan in the movie. It was produced by Aamir Khan Productions.

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Sources Used:
Indian Express: Aamir Does it Again

The Internet Movie Data Base

TOI: Taare Zameen Par is India's Entry for Oscar

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Civil Services Mains Examination Date Sheet on UPSC site

Datesheet of the Mains Examination 2008, commencing on October 17, 2008 is now available at UPSC Web site.

Path:

UPSC Web Site--------->Examination--------->Examinations Time Tables--------->Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2008

Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act

Vacant quota seats will go to general category: SC

On April 10, 2008, the bench headed by Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan had upheld that the Act was valid.

On September 15, 2008, the Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice K. G. Balakrishnan ruled, "There is no confusion about our judgment that seats, which remain vacant after the implementation of the 27 per cent quota, will go to the general category."


In short, the seats remaining vacant after the implementation of the rule of 27 percent under Central Education Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act 2007 at the time of admission for Central Institutions (IITs and IIMs and AIIMS) will go to general category.

Saina Nehwal, Winner of Chinese Taipei Badminton nearing Top 10 World Ranking of Shuttlers

Top 10 not beyond Saina, feel experts - Badminton - Other Sports - The Times of India Sports

Saina Nehwal is up to No. 12 in the world rankings. If she come into first ten in world ranking, which she can possible do, then she will be first Indian Women Badminton player to achieve that submit.

Saina won the title in Yonex Chinese Taipei Open badminton on Sunday, September 14, 2008.

In Beijing Olympics 2008, she had reached upto quarter-finals.

Saina Nehwal is a 19-year-old Hyderabad-based girl.

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Sources: Both the Photoprints are from Times of India sports section retrieved first on September 11, 2008 and then on September 18, 2008.

Article 355

Centre to warn Orissa, Karnataka under Article 355:

"Article 355 is a rarely used constitutional provision that typically holds out the threat of dismissal of a state government and imposition of President's rule if the warning of the Centre goes unheeded.

Under Article 355, a duty has been cast on the Union government to ensure that governance in states was carried out in accordance with the Constitution."


The issue of evoking this article has come up during the riots in Orissa and Karnataka.

Relations with Nepal 2008: Dignitary visits India

Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, the Prime Minister of Nepal came to India on Sunday, September 14, 2008 on a five day good will visit. He is the first Maoist Prime Minister of Nepal. He headed a 44-member delegation that includes four ministers, senior government officials, heads of business federations and journalists. The visit ended on September 18, 2008.


It was a good will visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India. He was counselled by his cabinet not to sign any treaty on the visit. The Indo-Nepal relations involve the following issue when he had visited India.


The Prime Minister of Nepal and India had to review the Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950. The Prime Minister of Nepal came with a draft of Peace and Friendship Treaty. There are forces in Nepal which want that the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 should be abolished.


The Kosi Treaty 1954, is another issue between Nepal and India. In recent days, 10,000 people had been effected in Nepal and 3 million in India. There is further need to discuss over the reconstruction and relief measures along with the details of the Kosi Treaty of 1954. There is a pressure from Nepal that India should look after the maintenance of the Kosi river.


Nepal also wants to review the Mahakali River Pact of 1996.


Nepal also wants to review the Gandak River Pact. Nepal’s communist groups feel that Gandak Treaty clauses are unfavourable to Nepal on irrigation rights.


On Trade front, Nepal demands numerous concessions. It demands tax schedule restructuring, quarantine rights and transit rights for its trade from Mumbai Port and Radhikapur Port which is in Bangladesh. The balance of trade is presently in favour of India.


The hydropower project participation is important issue between Nepal and India. India is planning a big dam on Kosi with irrigation facilities for India. Nepal demands that the Hydroproject on Kosi should fulfill the power needs of Nepal on favourable terms. It also demands increased role of India in Hydro projects being started with Nepal within Nepal.


It is pertinent to note that India had played a major role in peace settlement with Nepal when in 2006 the Maoist groups signed 12 programme with other political groups in Nepal.

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Source used: Prachanda begins goodwill visit to India: Economic Times.

Intel unveils first Made-in-India chip- Hardware-Infotech-The Economic Times

Intel unveils first Made-in-India chip- Hardware-Infotech-The Economic Times

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Extracts from the Web Report:
"The Intel R&D centre in Bangalore designed the Xeon 7400 series processor and it marked the first time that work on the 45 nanometre technology was taken up by the company outside its US home base. The six-core microprocessor is based on Intel’s x86 architecture."

" A 300-member team from Bangalore undertook the work with support from units in the US and Costa Rica, Intel India president Praveen Vishakantaiah said."

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Question for 2009 Notes:

Who is Praveen Vishakantaiah?

Praveen Vishakantaiah is President, Intel India. He leads the team which work on 45 nanometre technology in Bangalore.

National Commission of Minorities (NCM): Office Bearers

Year of Report: September 2008

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Chairman Mohammed Shafi Qureshi

Vice Chairman Michael P Pinto

Secretary M K Khanna

Members: Harcharan Singh Josh

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Source: Sify News

Blog Bans May Not Return

Centre to issue guidelines to internet service providers: The Hindu News Update

The terrorist activity in any form, at any level and in any manner can never be defended.

There should be every effort to support, contribute and participate in any activity of the government to contain the mindset which dominates the cowardly misguided adventurism based on unfounded sanctification and justification.

However, let us hope that there may not come again a ban on some of the ISP and DNS as it had occurred earlier during 11/7 train blast of Mumbai. The Government may do everything possible to impart the citizen the sense of security and security of life. But it should also check that it may not flounder as it has done earlier while monitoring cyber space.

MTP Act 1971 May be Reviewed

Govt. mulls to enhance legal limit for abortion to 24 weeks

The recent judgement of the Mumbai High Court in Nikita Mehta case, has moved the Union Health Minister to review the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 in light of recent technical advancements.

It is reported on the link that "According to MTP Act 1971, a pregnancy can be legally aborted only if its continuance is a threat to the woman’s physical or mental health, or if there is a substantial risk of neo-natal baby to develop any physical or mental abnormalities or be seriously handicapped."

Benegal's Film Screening in London Film Festival

Banegal's 'Welcome to Sajjanpur' at London film festival

"Welcome to Sujjanpur" a film by Shyam Benegal, will be screened in prestigious London Film Festival in October 2008. It will be screened in OWE1 and Waterman's Art Centre, London.

The film is produced by UTV Spot Boy.

It is reported in The Hindu (Link given above), that Benegal said, "The film is an entertaining, musical and comic interpretation of characters and events that are at once hilarious and poignant." The comic side is build around a character named Mahadev.

Eurotunnel/Channel Tunnel fire.

BBC NEWS | Europe | Channel Tunnel shut after blaze

The Eurotunnel, the only land contact between United Kingdom and European Continent, was closed on September 11, 2008.

However, on September 13, 2008, it was reopened.

The news could have caused scare to due to the date on which it had occurred.

Secondly, it again bring into light a man made marvel where two landmass are joined by 39 km longest undersea tunnel. It joins Calais in France with Folkstone in United Kingdom.

"The Channel Tunnel has suffered several incidents since it opened to traffic in 1994 although only one - a fire in 1996 - caused casualties.

In August 2006, 34 people had to be led to safety after a fire broke out on a lorry being carried on a freight train."

Lehman Brothers Holding Inc. Crisis

Lehman Brothers an Introduction:

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (Lehman Brothers) serves the financial needs of corporations, governments and municipalities, institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. The Company provides an array of services in equity and fixed income sales, trading and research, investment banking, asset management, private investment management and private equity. The Company operates three business segments: Capital Markets, Investment Banking and Investment Management. Lehman Brothers generates client-flow revenues from institutional, corporate, government and high-net-worth clients by advising on and structuring transactions; serving as a market maker and/or intermediary in the global marketplace, including having securities and other financial instrument products; originating loans for distribution to clients in the securitization or principals market; providing investment management and advisory services, and acting as an underwriter to clients.

The Crisis:
Throughout the year 2008, the Lehman Brothers has reported losses. It has suffered from subprime lending rates. Gradually, its shares have started falling at world capital market. It has given rise to rumours that the management is trying to find buyers to help them come out this crisis. It is one of the major financial institution of America. If some things go wrong with it, it will push the capital market into crises and its repercussions will also appear in Indian Capital Market.

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Sources:
Google Finance

Wikipedia

Subprime Mortgage: Wikipedia

Sikkim becomes first state to enforce 'model' police act - www.ddinews.com

Sikkim becomes first state to enforce 'model' police act - www.ddinews.com

The Sikkim Government has passed the Sikkim Police Act 2008. It has come into force from September 5, 2008.

The Act has now brought into force a fixed tenure for police officers, establishment of Police Accountability Commission etc.

India successfully test-fires missile 'Astra'-India-The Times of India

India successfully test-fires missile 'Astra'-India-The Times of India

Astra is an air to air missile. It was tried at ITR (Integrated Test Range) at Chandipur in Orissa. It is a project looked after by Defence Research Development Organisation.

The single stage, solid fuelled 'Astra' missile "is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR (beyond visual range) missiles and it is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets,"

Pink Slips on Increase in IT Industry

Satyam fires 400 employees- Software & Services-News-Indiatimes - Infotech

The four IT majors of Indian Job and Capital Market, Infosys, TCS, Wipro and Satyam, (in that order), are relieving their employees for one reason or the other. Some of the reasons are: Rise of Dollar in relation to European currencies, possibility of reduced contract from America the major client in IT industry are the two main one.

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The Blogger strongly believes that Capital Market and IT Industry have started place in GS Prelims. The aspirants must develop liking for keeping tap on Indian Industry as a separate heading. The Economy Heading will continue separately. There is a need to collect notes under new heading.

3G services

MTNL to test launch 3G services in Delhi by September-end- Telecom-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times

"3G services will enable the users to get high speed data services, video streaming and better voice solutions. The company has already been allocated the scarce 3G spectrum much ahead of the auction scheduled to happen by the end of this month."

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For a good understanding and preparation of notes on Third Generation Mobile (3G in short) Kindly visit here. In case, the link does not function, then kindly leave the message in the comments section, the blogger will upload the notes on 3G.

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Times of India. as accessed on September 13, 2008

Phelps replaces Mark Spitz with Eight Golds

Phelps makes history as USA win men's 4x100m medley gold - Aquatics - Other Sports - The Times of India Sports

"Michael Phelps became the first competitor in the history of the Olympics to win eight gold medals at single Games on August 16, 2008, surpassing the record set by fellow US swimmer Mark Spitz 36 years ago."

"Phelps had opened the swimming competition with a victory in the first event, the 400m individual medley, and went on to win the 200m medley, 100m and 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle and both the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays."

Usain Bolt of Jamaica, 100 record holder, Olympics.

Bolt could have run 100m in 9.55sec, study - Athletics - Other Sports - The Times of India Sports

Usain Bolt of Jamaica is record holder in the Beijing Olympic 2008 in 100m sprint.

Double crown for Advani in world billiards - Snooker/Billiards - Other Sports - The Times of India Sports

Double crown for Advani in world billiards - Snooker/Billiards - Other Sports - The Times of India Sports

The 'Wonder Boy of Billiards' Pankaj Advani (23) won ONGC IBSF World Billiards Championship at Bangalore.

Chandrayaan-I passes thermal vacuum test-India-The Times of India

Chandrayaan-I passes thermal vacuum test-India-The Times of India

Chandrayaan I satellite is the first Indian mission to moon.

According to TOI report, " The ambitious moon mission is slated for second half of October. An ISRO official said on condition of anonymity that the first available date is October 22, and the launch window has been fixed between October 22 and 26. "

Further, " The nearly 1,400 kg Chandrayaan-I satellite would be launched by the 316-tonne Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at the spaceport of Sriharikota.

There are six scientific payloads from NASA, ESA and Bulgaria in addition to the five Indian instruments onboard Chandrayaan-I."

The final announcement will be made by:
G Madhavan Nair, the Chairman of ISRO.

The Hindu : Front Page : 300% pay hike for President

The Hindu : Front Page : 300% pay hike for President

The salary of President of India has been increased from Rs. 50000 to Rs. 1.50 lakhs.

The salary of Vice President of India has been increased from Rs. 40000 to Rs. 1.25 lakhs.

The salary of Governor of a State has been increased from Rs. 36000 to Rs. 1. 10 lakhs.

The changes would be effective from January 2006.

The decision has been taken by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Yuvraj Singh: T-20 International Performance of the Year

AFP: Dhoni and Yuvraj win ICC awards

Yuvraj Singh has became the inaugural winner of the Twenty20 international performance of the year. In other words, Yuvraj Singh is the T-20 International Performance of the Year 2008 (First to be awarded).

M. S. Dhoni, has won International Player of the Year 2008.


An added account be access here.

Cricinfo - Dhoni is ODI Player of Year

Cricinfo - Dhoni is ODI Player of Year

India's one-day captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has won the ODI Player of the Year award at the ICC Awards ceremony in Dubai.

The Associated Press: Quake in Iran kills 4, sends tremors across Gulf

The Associated Press: Quake in Iran kills 4, sends tremors across Gulf

It is latest news coming up. The quake is 6 in magnitude. It has epicenter about 850 miles south of the capital Tehran in the province of Hormozgan.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the initial quake's strength at magnitude 6.1.

In February 2005, a magnitude 6.4 quake in southern Iran killed 612 people. A magnitude 6.6 quake flattened the historic city of Bam in the same region in December 2003, killing 26,000 people.

Why it's so difficult to remove a judge-India-The Times of India

Why it's so difficult to remove a judge-India-The Times of India

In the above mentioned article on Times of India, the issue of impending Bill bringing amendment to Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968 is discussed.


Kindly note that in examination, generally hypothetical issues are not taken up. Secondly, the issue relates to Judiciary which can not be discussed publicly. However, this is an issue which can be part of interview especially for those candidates who may clear mains from Punjab and West Bengal.

Apart from that it takes up Article 124 of the Constitution, under which, the judge will be impeached if the motion is supported by two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting.

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NDTV.com news item Impeaching Justice Sen may not be easy by Deepak Bajpai, Anasuya Roy, and Sidharth Pandey is not right because it claims that it is the CJI which recommends the impeachment and then it is taken by the Parliament and that is not correct. The Times of India Report has specifically pointed a lacuna in it and writes, "Unprecedented as it is, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan's recommendation to the government for the removal of Calcutta High Court judge Soumitra Sen has exposed a legal lacuna. For, Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968 does not envisage a contingency where the judiciary approaches the executive for the removal of a judge; the impeachment process provided by it is entirely in the domain of Parliament."

Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Experiment

Scientists Will Play God In A Tunnel Near Geneva

The European Organization of Nuclear Research (CERN) will conduct its largest experiment in Large Hadron Collider (LHC) on September 10, 2008, Wednesday.

The Times of India Report studies the Indian participation in the above mentioned experiment. It further explains many of the terms and facts associated with the experiment like it is going to continue for weeks together after September 10 or how there will be creation of Black Holes for the billionth part of a nano second and so on.

The Atlas Experiment of The Times Online is another article which studies some additional dimension of the experiment.

The Nuclear Deal Diary after Vienna NSG approval

The nuclear deal: The story so far

Rediff News has brought up an article in which it has tried to develop a chart of happenings already taken place and about to take place in September 2008

What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India

What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India

The above link to an editorial of TOI, the genesis of the controversy before the NSG in Vienna on the issue of supplying the nuclear material to India is covered. The editorial also speak in favour of working of the 123 Deal.

The Indian Personalities behind NSG Waiver to India

The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News

Shyam Saran

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Anil Kakodkar

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M.K. Narayanan

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Shiv Shankar Menon

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Ronen Sen

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S. Jaishankar

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Source:The Tribune Indian September 7, 2008

Nuclear Deal: A chronology

Nuclear Deal: A chronology

The Contemporary happenings in India having international relations dimension has been passing through varied hurdles.

It has become an occasion for showing some historic thinking in present times.

Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) has given a waiver to India for not being a signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty. This has become an occasion for reviewing the history of the whole story and Rediff News has covered it.

The above mentioned post on Rediff News is a good note which can be useful in October 2008 as well as preparing for the interviews in March 2009

UPSC asked to reveal cut-off marks of civil services exam: HC-India-The Times of India

UPSC asked to reveal cut-off marks of civil services exam: HC-India-The Times of India

A Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice S Muralidhar had asked upsc to make public the cut-off marks obtained by candidates in preliminary test of the civil services examination.

The main contention of the UPSC was that it would be misused by coaching institutes and hamper chances of meritorious students.