20 June 2013 Current Affairs
Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Visited Iraq
Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister was on a two-day visit to Iraq from 19 to 20 June 2013. This is the first visit of any Minister from Indian Union to Iraq after 23 years in the war-raved country. The two nations discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests including import of oil for energy security along with the avenues of partnership. Former Prime Minister of India, Inder Kumar Gujral visited Iraq in 1990 during his tenure as an External Affairs Minister of Indian Union.
China – Russia “Cooperation 2013” Held in Beijing
Chinese Armed Police Force and the Russian internal security force’s “Cooperation -2013” Joint training was held from 11th to 20th June in Beijing at Armed Special Police Academy.46 personnel from the Snow Leopard Commandoes, an elite anti-terrorism force under the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (PAPF), and 29 from a special task force unit of Russia’s domestic security force.The demonstration of the joint training achievements focused on capturing and wrestling, shooting with sniper rifles and pistols, shooting in group searching, climbing and hunters’ challenge.Before this joint training held in Beijing, the two sides previously conducted a joint anti-terrorism drill, “Cooperation 2007,” in Moscow .
40 Percent Indian Women Use Internet
On 20 June According to the Google study report ,About 40 percent of the 150 million internet users in the country are women and close to 24 million of them log in everyday to check emails, interact on social networking sites and shop online.Around 60 million women in India are now online and use the Internet to manage their day-to-day life.75 percent are in the 15-34 age group with over 24 million women accessing the Internet daily.
2011-12 Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Released
On 20 June The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in its 68th round survey has released the poverty and key indicators of household consumer expenditure in India, generated from the data collected during July 2011–June 2012 .The National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) 68th round of survey is based on samples consisting of 7,496 villages in rural India and 5,263 urban blocks except some remote areas.
Highlights Of The Poverty and Household Consumer Expenditure Indicators Data Report :-
* 5 per cent population on the bottom rung had an average monthly per capita expenditure (MCPE) of Rs 521.44 in rural areas and Rs 700.50 in urban areas.
* Poorest of poor in the country survive on barely Rs 17 per day in villages and Rs 23 a day in cities.
* On the other end of the spectrum, top five per cent of the population had an MPCE of Rs 4,481 in rural areas and Rs 10,282 in urban areas.
* On an average on the all-India basis, MPCE was around Rs 1,430 for rural India and about Rs 2,630 for urban India.
* For the average rural Indian, food accounted for 52.9 per cent of the value of consumption during 2011-12.Among non-food item categories, fuel and light for household purposes (excluding transportation) accounted for 8 per cent, clothing and footwear 7 per cent, medical expenses 6.7 per cent, education 3.5 per cent, conveyance 4.2 per cent, other consumer services (excluding conveyance) 4 per cent, and consumer durables 4.5 per cent.
* For the average urban Indian, 42.6 per cent of the value of household consumption was accounted for food, including 9 per cent by beverages, refreshments and processed food, 7 per cent by milk and milk products, and 6.7 per cent by cereals and cereal substitutes.Education accounted for 6.9 per cent, fuel and light 6.7 per cent, conveyance 6.5 per cent, and clothing and footwear 6.4 per cent.
Three Biotechnology Scientists Awarded “2013 World Food Prize “
On 20 June Three biotechnology researchers were named the winners of the 2013 World Food Prize for their independent, individual breakthrough achievements in founding, developing, and applying modern agricultural biotechnology.The three scientist are – Marc Van Montagu of Belgium, and Mary-Dell Chilton and Robert T. Fraley .The Iowa based award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for agriculture.The World Food Prize was created in 1987 by the late Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, and is the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have contributed landmark achievements in increasing the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.
China Woman Astronaut Astronaut Delivers First Space Lecture
On 20 June China’s second woman astronaut Wang Yaping, who is currently orbiting the earth in an experimental space lab, has become the country’s first space teacher as she delivered a lecture to over 60 million Chinese students about various aspects life in space.In a 45 minutes lecture, Wang, an air force pilot assisted by her two male colleagues demonstrated weightlessness and how it affects the Newton laws of gravity.
” Ambedkar Speaks ” Book Released
On 20 June M Hamid Ansari, vice president of India released a book titled ” Ambedkar Speaks ” in New Delhi.The book was authored by by Dr. Narendra Jadhav.The book has been published by Konark Publishers.”Ambedkar Speaks” is the first ever attempt at a systematic study of Dr Ambedkar’s 537 speeches.The series is available in four languages – Marathi, English, Hindi and Gujarati. The first series was first launched in Marathi.