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INTERNATIONAL

Victory for Suu Kyi

The opposition leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi had won the election held in Myanmar on 1 April 2012 for 45 parliament seats and NLD won 43 seats.

US Grants $ 12 million Aid to Syria

The US Government announced an additional $12 .2million humanitarian aid for Syria as the second meeting of ‘ Friends of Syria’ held in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul. The US State department said that the new aid, consisting of medical supplies and other humanitarian relief for displaced and vulnerable Syrian communities. The US aid will be used to support the work of international organisation, including World Food Programme.

Mali Tuareg Rebels Declared Independence In Azawad

The Northern part of Mali was captured by a mix of separatist Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters recently on 6 April 2012 and security of the nation was in danger, The insurgent group is called National Movement for Liberation of Azawad and they declared an independence state of Azawad.

USA & Afghanistan Signed MoU On Night Raids

United States of America & Afghanistan on 8 April 2012 signed (MoU) Memorandum of Understanding on the controversial issue of conduct of night raids on Afghan homes. It empowered the Afghan security forces oversight over the raids led by the US troops. The agreement leads its a more comprehensive long term strategic partnership agreement between the two nations after the departure of all foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2014. The issue of night raids was a big hurdle in the way of the strategic partnership agreement

Mitt Romney Won Republic Party Crown

Mitt Romney on April 2012 effectively won the Republican Party crown to challenge President Barack Obama in November elections as the  chief rival Rick Santorum dropped from the election

Qatar is Obesity Capital Of The World

The world’s wealthiest country ranked by Forbes with highest per capita in the world Qatar is the obesity capital of the world. Over half of its population are overweight according to a report an unhealthy combination of low levels of exercise and growing population of fast food outlets has led to this problem. It was very serious problem facing by Qatar.

US-Afghanistan Signed Strategic Pact

US and Afghanistan signed a long awaited strategic pact on 22 April 2012. The pact aims at setting forth guidelines for US involvement in Afghanistan as forces are withdrawn from the trouble torn nation. The pact provides a strong foundation for the security of Afghanistan, the region and the world. Both the countries took almost one year to reach on the mutual agreements.

EU Suspended its Sanctions Against Myanmar

The European Union suspended its sanctions against Myanmar on 23 April 2012 for a year .The EU move came in the back drop of a string of political reforms in the South Eastern Asian Nations. The group however maintained that it will hold on to restrictions on arms.

INDIA & WORLD

India & Britain  Economic Financial Meeting

India & Britain , held the fifth ministerial level India- UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2 April 2012. Both nations discussed ways to strengthen their mutual cooperation and further boost trade and investment between them. Both nations agreed, while the global economy has stabilized in recent months growth will remain subbed and at risk, aim of increasing the role of institutional investors in infrastructure financing. Foreign capital can play an important part in this process . Both nations supported the progress on the Reserve Bank of India ‘s (RBI) road maps for foreign banks in India.

IAERB Became The 11th Member Of MEDP

India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (IAERB) was admitted as the 11th member of MDEP ( Multinational Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012. The other members of this body are China, Finland, Japan, Korea, South Africa, USA, UK Canada, France & Russia, MDEP  is a multinational initiative taken by national safety authorities to develop innovative regulatory authorities who are currently or will be tasked with the review of new reactor power plant designs. the international Atomic Energy Agency participate in many of MDEP activities, including the harmonization efforts

India & UAE Signed Agreement To Ease Indian Contract Workers

India & UAE signed an agreement on 4 April 2012 to ease the entry of Indian Contract workers in the Emirates. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It provides for an electronic contract registration and validation system to safeguard and protect the interests of migrant Indian workers. The electronic contract registration and validation system for this purpose was launched in Abu Dhabi on 4 April 2012. The move would ensure a transparent, legal and less cumber some migration of Indian workers to the Emirates.

India, China To Lead Urban Population Growth Over Next 40 Years

India & China will witness unprecedented increase in their urban population in the next four decades, posing new challenges of providing jobs, energy, housing & infrastructure to their people. The UN’s ‘2011 Revision of the World Urbanisation Projects’ said Africa and Asia will lead the global urban population growth in the next four decades with the largest increase expected in India , China Nigeria US & Indonesia . India will add another 479million to its urban population between 2010 to 2050, while China 341million, Nigeria 200million. US 103million and Indonesia 92milliom people moving to urban cities.

India & America Navy Training” Malabar 2012″

The India & US Navies began their 16th annual ” Malabar 12″ exercise on 7 April 2012 in Chennai, that border of the Bay of Bengal. The 10 days joint exercise which was concluded on 16 April, consists of both ashore and at sea training. and was supported to feature seminars on everything from air defense and integrated antisubmarine welfare operations, to carrier aviation’s and counter privacy operations.

India, Qatar Sign Oil & Gas Pact

India & energy rich Qatar, home to half a million Indian’s on 8 April signed six agreements in diverse areas, including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration. P.M.Manmohan Singh held talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on a range of issues,  including boosting trade and investment as well as energy ties between the two countries. Issues relating to the welfare of India workers in Gulf country were also discussed. Both the countries signed a pact on establishing a cooperative framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in oil & gas.

India, US to Boost Health Cooperation

India and the US has strengthen cooperation in the area of public health by sharing information and best practices, identify and address policy concerns and establish new technologies. The agreement to ensure smooth implementation of issues for bilateral cooperation was reached during a meeting on 9 April 2012 in Washington between India & US.

India To Allow Pakistan FDI

India on 12 April 2012 said that it will allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Pakistan companies, which will make the way for industrial from the neighbouring country to set up business and tap the growing Indian markets . India had taken an in-principle decision as part of the trade non-malisation process to allow Foreign Direct Investment from Pakistan. India – Pakistan business council to be formed soon.

India, US Joint USD 125mn Fund For Research In Clean Energy

India & the United States had announced a joint USD 125 million fund to carry out combined research in the field of clean energy. As such there institutions each from India and the US have been selected for the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research & Development Center (JCERDC), which is part of the US-India partnership to Advance Clean Energy. While national Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Florida & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been selected from US, three Indian Institutions are the Indian Institute of Science- Bangalore, The India Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad, and CEPT University Ahmedabad.

35 Indian Companies Attending ‘Canton Fair’ in China

Thirty five Indian Companies are participating in the China’s biggest trade show ‘Canton Fair’, hoping for a major opening into Chinese markets as Beijing Plans to permit more foreign goods to boost to its domestic consumptions

US Puts India, China & Pakistan On IPR List

The US Government has put India, China & Pakistan along with 10 other countries on the intellectual property watch list for failing to present the theft of copy righted property. Other nations on the watch list are Canada, Argentina, Algeria, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela. These countries will be the subject of particularly intense bilateral engagement during the coming years.

NATIONAL

NPCIL Sets A Record In Production

Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) produced a 32,455 million units of power in the financial year 2011-12, marking an increase of 23% from 26,473 million units generated in 2010-11. Its 19 operating reactors, with a total installed capacity of 4,680MW generated the 32,455 million units.

World’s First Women Paramilitary Band

The World’s first all women paramilitary pipe band on 9 April 2012, marched to its maiden tune after it got its ceremonial colours under the CRPF at an event, during the Valour Day celebrations in New Delhi. Minister Of State for Home Jitendra Singh presented the ceremonial ”  pipe mace ” to the band commander, called Major of pipes’, sub inspector Darshana Kumari. In 1986  the first women CRPF battalion was established.

New Naval UAV Squadorn Inducted

The Eastern Naval Command gt a fill up with the commissioning of a new naval air squadorn an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadorn at INS Parundu, the naval air station at Ramnathapuram in Tamil Nadu. It is the third of its kind in the Indian Navy and the first on the Eastern Coast. INAS344 was commissioned on 11 April 2012 by Flag Officer Commanding in-chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Chopra. The aircraft with long endurance and stealth capabilities are suited for search and detection.

Efftronics Instruments Get RDSO Nod

A city based Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd has  developed the country’s first ever solid state block instrument that is a micro computer supported electronic equipment approved for the use in railway signalling. The Luknow based Research Designs & Standards Organisaton of the Indian Railways ( RDSO) approved the product. It helps in running more number of trains on the same track, it gives stress-free operational environment with smooth push buttons.

Union Cabinet Approved Extension of Funding For Swavalamban Scheme

The Union Cabinet  on 12 April 2012 approved the extension of funding support for implementing the Swavalamban scheme under the new pension system (NSP) from three years to five years for all subcribers enrolled during 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13. The cabinet  decide to provide an additional funding support of Rs. 2065crore to the scheme till 2016-17. The cabinet decision will benefit 70 lakh workers in the unorganised sector.

Union Cabinet Approved A Proposal To Set Up SPV For GSTN

The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved a proposal to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN) to help facilitate the smooth introduction of the New Indirect Tax regime. GSTN SPV is to be incorporated as section 25 not for profit private limited company in which strategic control would be held by the centre. It will provide IT infrastructure& services to various Stakeholders including the centre & states.

Union Cabinet Approved,  Amendment In the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969

The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its approval to the introduction of a bill seeking amendment in the Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969 to include registration of marriages as well, so that the existing administrative mechanism of marriage in accordance with the specified  procedures and be able to maintain necessary records and statistics for registration of marriages also. The proposal Bill is set to benefit the women from unnecessary harassment in matrimonial & maintenance cases. It also seeks to provide evidentiary value in the matters of custody of children.

World’s Most Influential Mamata Banerjee On Time List

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the world released on 18 April 2012.

270 Million Indians Are Illiterate

According to the report by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), there are an estimated 270 million Indians aged 15 and older who are illiterate, while young women aged 15 to 24 are twice as likely as young men their age to be illiterate. people remain illiterate in India despite the country making major progress in cutting down  illiterate , by opening  number of schools.

Asia’s First & Largest Solar Power Park In India, Dedicated

A 600MW solar power park, and the Asia’s first & largest was dedicated to the nation by the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 19 April 2012. The park is situated in the state’s Patan district has a power generation capacity of 600MW, covering 3,000 acres of the waste land bordering of the Rann of Kutch and generating two- third  of India’s total 900Mw of solar power production

TRAI Made Mandatory for Second Billing Option To Customers

The Indian Telecoms Regulatory TRAI issued a directive to all mobile phone operators in India on 20 April 2012 making it mandatory for the operators to offer a per second billing option to customers. The new directive allowed telecoms carriers to charge premium services that mostly include phone calls and text messages sent to participate in TV  and Radio programmes.

Union Government decided on 1 million cap on ECB For Aviation Sector

The Union Government on 20 April 2012 permitted companies engaged in the aviation sector to raise working capital resources through the External Commercial  Borrowings (ECBs) route to the tune of  $ 1 million. The limit for individual airline companies was set at $ 300 million. This limit can be availed themselves of either in a lumpsum or in tranches, depending on the utilisation of the limit during the one year, when the facility is available. So far airlines were allowed to raise foreign capital only for import of capital equipment such as aircraft.

India Second Most Economically Confident Country

Indian’s continue to be among the world’s most confident people about their economy on account of moderating inflationary presence and the easing of tight money policy stance of the  Reserve Bank, Said a report. According to global research firm Ipsos India had emerged as the second most ergonomically confident nation for the second consecutive time with 75% and Saudi Arabia with 89% stood top most and China with 71% in third most . India has overtaken Japan to become the second largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity and is heading for accelerated growth.

Rajya sabha Passed The Right Of Children To Free & Compulsory Education Bill 2010.

The Rajya Sabha , the upper house of Indian parliament on 24 April 2012, passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education ( Amendment) bill 2010. The amendment seeks to provide the right to receive home-based education to children with severe disabilities. The amended bill gives school management committees and advisory role in minority schools, both aided and unaided , and keeps madrases and vedic schools and other institutions providing primarily religious instructions out of the perview of the Act.

India Accounted For 47% of Measles Deaths in 2010

As per a recent World Health Organisation ( WHO) study, published in the British Medical Journal, The Lancet, on 23 April 2012 India accounted for about 47% of Measles deaths in 2010, while Africa recorded 36% of deaths due to the same disease. The study revealed that the death rates from measles went down by 74% between 2000 & 2010, but it missed the WHO target of 90%. Africa & India two key regions of the World where a large number of cases  related to measles came into light significantly under performed which led the WHO to miss its target

Sachin Tendulkar, nominated to Rajya Sabha

Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39th birthday recently will enter the Rajya Sabha along with Bollywood actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga. The nomination of the three personalities was approved on 25 April 2012by the president Pratibha Patil under the article 80 of the constitution.

Information & Broadcasting Ministry Notified Cable Television Networks Rules, 2012

The information and Broadcasting  ( I&B) ministry of India on 28 April 2012 notified the much awaited cable television networks rules, 2012 which paves the way for digitalisation of all the sectors. The I& B ministry had set  30 June 2012 as the date for digitalisation of the cable sector in the four metros and these cables rules would provide the framework on which the digitalised cable network would provide services. As per the new rules, cable operators and multi sector operators will now have to ensure that they have the capability to carry minimum numbers of channels as specified by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority of India. (TRAI)

Health Of Urban Poor Worse Than Rural Poor, Parliamentary Panel

Health indication of the urban poor are worse than their rural counterparts, a parliamentary panel has said slaming the Government failure to launch a key programme for the health of nine crore people who live in slums in big towns and cities with an increasing number of urban poor and few Government policies for them, the report has slammed the ministry of Health & family welfare for not launching the much talked about National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

STATES

Financial City In Bangalore

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 8 April 2012, laid the foundation stone for the country’s first financial city, being built by the state run IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd ( IIDL) at the Hardware park near the International airport a Bagalur, about 30 km from Bangalore.

India’s Largest Solar Power Plant In Rajasthan

L&T Commissions India’s largest solar power plant (40 MWP) owned by Reliance power Limited at Dhursar village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The company officials said L&T Construction, as the largest (EPC) Engineering, Procurement & Construction player in solar power, executed the plant from concept, including detailed design to commissioning in 129 days.

4G Services Launched In Kolkata

Union Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal had Launched the country’s first ever fourth Generation Mobile services from Bharti Airtel in Kolkata on 10 April 2012.

Adarsh Judicial Commission Its Interim Report to Maharashtra Govt

The two member Adarsh Judicial Commission set up by the Maharashtra Government to probe into the scan-tained Adarsh Housing Society submitted its interim report to the state Government on 13 April 2012. The commission was formed under N.N.Kumbahar. It included the commissions findings on two issues – ownership of the land in Mumbai where the 31 storey Adarsh building stands and whether the land was reserved for Kargil war widows and their relatives.The commission refuses to rely on property card submitted by state as evidence. The army was not dispossessed of Khukari park by either the state or the Adarsh society.

Uttar Pradesh Government Scrapped The Post of Cabinet Secretary

The Uttar Pradesh Government on 27 April 2012 decided to scrap the post of cabinet secretary of the state. The cabinet also decided to withdraw a proposed amendment bill meant to give immunity to panchayat heads from no- confidence motion for two years. The decision to withdrew Kshetra Panchayat and district panchayat amendment bill 2011 proposed by previous Mayawati Government  was taken in a cabinet.

State Owned Oil Companies Reduced Jet Fuel, Prices
State owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices by a marginal Rs. 312 per kilolitre on 30 April 20121. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) jet fuel, in the reduction was announced in the wake of Rs. 169.3 per KL cut inrates effected from 16 April 2012.

CONFERENCES

Two Day 20th ASEAN Summit

The two days 2th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was chaired by the Hunsen, the Cambodian Prime Minister on 3 April 2012 in Cambodia. The summit themed (ASEAN) one community one destiny was gathered by the heads of states or Government from 10 ASEAN members. The summit is expected to discuss a wide range of issues including the implementation of the roadmap for an (ASEAN ) Community Building and for (ASEAN ) integration work plan.

India -Russia Seventh Joint Working Meeting

The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on 11 April 2012. India & Russia held comprehensive discussion on combating international terrorism and reaffirmed their commitment  to consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this menace. The two countries emphasised that cooperation in countering new challenges and threats is an integrate part of the India- Russian special and privileged Strategic partnership

RIC Meeting In Moscow

The Russia, India and China (RIC) trilateral conference was held in Mascow on 13 April 2012. Where came up with discussions over the South China sea and discussed on a range of international issues, including North Korea, Iran Afghanistan terrorism and regional security in Asia and over the issue of new sanctions on North Korea.

6th Summit Of The Americas

The 6th Summit of the Americas was held At Cartagena, Colombia on 14 and 15 April 2012. Delegates from 34 heads of states and government addressed the summit  , only Cuba  not attended the summit due to restrictions from US and other countries. The central theme of the summit is ‘ Connecting the Americas’ The main agenda were the lucrative and destructive drug trade and how the countries of the entire regions could meet while excluding one country, Cuba.

World Agriculture Congress-2013 in Hyderabad

The World Agricultural Forum, which organised the biannual event last time in Belgium, for2013 year World Agriculture Congress mega event will be hosted by the Hyderabad city for the first time in the country. The state Government had given assurance for all help and support to the World Agriculture Congress.

AWARDS & HONOURS

 National Award For NTPC Ramagundam

NTPC’s Ramagundam super Thermal Power Station Situated in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh has been awarded with Nation Award on 2 April 2012 for its Meritorious performance

Bhagwan Mahavir Award For Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar’s democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been chosen for the first international Bhagwan Mahavir World Peace Award on 3 April 2012 for her devotion to Promote non-violence and peace for the welfare of the people.

BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) Won British Safety Award

BSES Yamuna Power limited (BYPL) won the prestigious 54th British International Safety Award. BYPL has been selected for this award given the steps taken by it for the safety of its over 11 lakh consumers and safety & health of its employees. The list of awards winner was announced in London in the last week of March 2012. The award will be presented in May 2012. BYPL is the first Indian discom to be selected for this award.

Amitabh To Be Honoured For Polio Campaign

Actor Amitabh Bachchan who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for polio UNICEF Campaign from 2005, will be honoured for his contribution to the cause. In feb, the World Health Organisation had taken India off the list of polio endemic countries.

Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for SCR

Governor N.D.Tiwari presented the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award to South Central Railway’s ( SCR) on 53rd Railway Week Celebrations at Rail Kalarang in Secunderabad on 8 April 2012, which was presented in recognition of its overall excellence among the 16 zones in the Indian Railways

New York Times Won Two Pulitzer Prizes for 2012

The 2012 Pulitzer Prize was announced on 16 April 2012. The New York Times won two Pulitzer prize, for explanatory and international reporting. The Associated press won a Pulitzer prize for investigative reporting for documenting the New York Police Department’s spying on Muslims.The Pulitzer prize are given annually by Columbia University on th recommendation of a board of Journalists. Each awards carries a $10,000 prize except for the public service award, which is a gold medal.

Gallantry Award For Lt. Gen Bikram Singh

President Pratibha Patil on 17 April 2012 presented Gallantry Award to Lt.Gen Bikram Singh and other 16 persons during the Defense Investiture Ceremony held at New Delhi . This award has been presented for showing bravery and service during war time.

Sikkim Won The Best State Award

Sikkim, on 24 April 2012 won the best state award for strengthening its Panchayathi Raj institutions. The North-Easatern state bagged the five pretigious national awards worth of 1.36 crore rupees, at a Panchayat Raj Day functon held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

New Record By 10 Years Old, Aadhil

A 10 years old boy named Aadhil from Beypore, Kerala created a new record by swimming 4.63 km with his hands and legs tied in a World record bid, Aadhil swam across from a point in the Arabian sea to the Chaliyar river and break the current record of two miles set by a Chinese girl. And recorded in the Giunness Bokk of Records.

Yudhvir Award For Shanta Sinha

Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Shanta Sinha has been honoured with this year 2012 Yudhvir Memorial Foundation Award on 30 April 2012. She had been given the award for pioneering and innovative role in protecting and promoting child rights.

Indian American’s Wins White House Journalism Award

Indian American Journalist Manu Raju was among the White House Correspondent Journalism Award winner for 2012 honoured at the Association’s traditional annual dinner with President Barck Obama.

SPORTS

Maimi Masters Title to Novack Djokovic

World’s No-1 Novak Djokovic won the Maimi masters title on 1 April 2012 by defeating fourth seeded Andy Murrey in the final held in Florida.

World Championship For China

World’s no-2 Zhang Jike of China won the Men’s Single World’s Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund, Germany on 1April 2012 by defeating Timo Boll

Women’s Single World Championship

China’s Ning Ding won the Women’s Single World Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund, Germany on 1 April 2012 by defeating Feng Tianwei

Geeta Kumari, First Indian Woman Wrestler to Olympics

Geeta Kumari, the woman wrestler, won a gold in 55kg category at the ongoing Asia qualifying tournament in Astana, Kazakhastan.  Geeta with this victory also made a history as she became the first Indian woman wrestler to have ever qualified for the Olympics

Indian Boxer Vijendra Singh Qualified For London Olympics

In boxing, India’s Vijendra singh on 8 April 2012 qualified for the London Olympics in the 75 kg category, He is the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics for the third time in succession.

Pankaj Advani Win 11th Asian Billiards Championship

Six times world Champion Pankaj Advani on 8 April 2012 clinched the 11th ONGC Asian Billiard’s Championship title after defeating Thowaat Sujaritthurakara of Thailand in the Final in Panaji

Sarena Wins First Title Of 2012

Fifth seeded Sarena Williams captured her 40th career Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)  title by defeating ninth seeded Czech Lucie Safarova on 8 April 2012 in Charleston.

Bubba Won Augusta Masters Title

Bubba Watson of US, a third left hand player won the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament on 8 April 2012 in Augusta by defeating Louis Oosthuizen of British.

Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal Won The EL Gouna International Open

Top Indian Squash player Saurav Ghosal won a 3-2 victory over Rabbie Temple of England at the $120,000 EL Gouna International open in EL Gouna on 9 April 2012

Double Honour For Sangakkara

Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has been chosen one of the five Cricketers of the Year and leading Cricketer in the World for 2011, which was announced in 2012 edition of Wisden Cricketers Almanack on 11 April 2012.

Smriti Named ‘Player Of The Year’

Smriti Mehra, the most successful Golfer on the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour in 2011-12 was named the ‘Player of the Year at the Hero- WGAI Awards function on 11 April 2012 held in New Delhi.

Shiva Thapa Became The Youngest Indian Boxer For Olympics

The 18 years old Shiva Thapa (56 kg category) on 11 April 2012 became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics by beating Japan’s Satoshi Shimize 31-11 to enter the final of the Asian Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Vikas Gowda Sets Nation Award

Discus thrower Vikas Gowda, the 28 years old Indian hurled the discus to 66.28 meters at Norman Oklahana in US on 12 April 2012, to break his National record of 64.96 meters en route to winning the gold in the event, laying down an early marker in the Olympic year. His previous record was made at Salinas, California in 2007.

Mercedes AMG Driver Nico Rosberg Won Chinese Grand Prix

Mercedes AMG driver Nico Rosberg won the Chinese Grand Prix on 15 April 2012, first in his career at Shanghai International Circuit by defeating Jenson Button of Britain

Under 19  Quadrangular Cricket Tournament Winner India

India recorded a convincing seven wicket win over Australia to clinch the under 19 quadrangular cricket championship on 15 April 2012 in Townsville, Australia. The man of the match was given to Unmukt Chand for his unbeaten 112 runs in the match. where four countries Australia, South Africa, India and England participated.

Lanka Ravi Titled By FIDE Lecturer

Former Asian Rapid Chess Champion Lanka Ravi has been conferred a FIDE Lecturer title by the World Chess Body (FIDE) on 15 April 2012. Ravi, who was the first International Master from Andhra Pradesh is the only one from Asia to get this privilege in the list of 24 FIDE Lectures nominated  across the world.

No Champions Trophy After 2013

The ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in England in 2013, will be last tournament, as the association plans to have only one Championship’s for each of the game’s three formats from 2015

Korean City Slated As The Venue For Shooting World Championship

The shooting world championship of 2018 was awarded to,Korean city of Changwon on 17 April 2012. The decision regarding the venue of the championship was made at the general assenbly meeting of international shooting sport Federation ( ISSF) in London. The last World Championships was held in Munich, Germany, in 2010 and the next Championship will be held in Granada, in Spain in 2014.

Rafeal Nadal Won Monte Carlo Masters

Ace tennis player Rafeal Nadal on 22 April 2012 clinched his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters Title match held at Monaco. The second seeded Nadal defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final. The Monte Carlo Title was Nadal’s first since French Open title in 2011 and 47th of his ATP career.

Vettel Won The Formula One Title Race

Defending Double world championship Sebastian Vettel of R ed Bull claimed his first win of the year on 22 April 2012 to take over as leader of the Fotmula One Tile race in Manama.

China’s Chen Jin Clinch The Asian Badminton Championship

The third seeded China’s Chen Jin defeated fellow countryman and fifth seeded Du Pengyu in the Men’s finals of Asian Badminton Championship in China’s eastern city of Qingdao on 22 April 2012

Umadevi On Top In World Ladies Billiards

R.Umadevi claimed her maiden World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association Title beating world no-13 Eva Palmius by 2-0 in the senior’s final held at the Cambridge snooker centre, England on 24 April 2012.

Shon Wan Ho Won Indian Open Badminton

Shon Wan Ho  of Korea defeated Chinese defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the men’s singles final clash and clinch his maiden super series title of the  Indian Open Badminton on 28 April 2012 held in India.

Nadal Won Barcelona Open Badminton Title

Rafeal Nadal defeated Davis Ferrer of Spain to clinch the seventh Barcelona Men’s Singles Title on 29 April 2012 held in Barcelona, and became the first tennis player to win two seperate ATP World Tour events seven times.

Aditya Mehta Wons Asian Snooker Title

Aditya Mehta defeated compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final and won the Asian Snooker Title after eight years on 29 April 2012 held at Qatar

Maria Sharapova Won Porsche Grand Prix

Russia’s Maria Sharapova won the Porsche Grand Prix Title after defeating world no-1 Belarus Victoria Azarenka in the final match held on 30 April 2012 in Stuttgart Germany.

ECONOMY

E-Filling Mandatory For Income Above 10 Lakh

The Government had made it mandatory for individuals with income of over Rs. 10lakh to file their tax returns for 2011-12. Electronically E-filling has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual or a Hindu undivided family, if his or its total income or the total income in respect of which he is or it is assessable under the Act during the previous year, exceeds ten lakh rupees for assessment year 2012-13 onwards.

India Spends Least On Healthcare

Data from World Bank confirm that among the comparable BRICS Nations, which have similar social, political & economic influence in the globe, India spends the least on public healthcare. Among all the BRICS nations, India’s share of public expenditure in the total health expenditure is the lowest in each of the years from 2004 to 2009 at 0.936%

RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 0.50%

After a gap of three years, Reserve Bank of India on 17 April 2012 cut the repo r ate from 8.5% to 8% And the  reverse repo rate reduced from 7.5 to 7%, As the CRR remains at 4.75%, which would stimulate growth and softening of inflation, And set the stage for a reduce in interest rate on home, auto and corporate loans.

Print of MICR & IFSC Code Mandatory on Passbooks, RBI

The Reserve Bank  of India on 21 April 2012 directed all commercial banks to print the MICR( Magnetic Ink Chracter Recognition) and IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) Code on the passbook and statement of account of the customer.

World Economic Outlook By IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead of the IMF World Bank Spring meetings, marginally lowered India;s economic growth forecast to 6.9% in 2012, from 7% projected earlier. The IMF projected world economic growth rate to slump to 3.5% in 2012 from 3.9% in 2011. It pegged India’s growth during the 2013 year at 7.3%. According to the estimates of India’s Central Statistical Organisaton ( CSO), the growth rate during the  financial year 2011-12 slipped to a 3 year low of 6.7%. the Union Government projected a growth rate of 7.6% for 2012-13 fiscal year .

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Navy Inducted Russian Origin Submarine

The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian origin nuclear Submarine, INS Chakra into its flotilla. The nuclear submarine has placed India into the elite group of nations which operate nuclear vessels. The Akula II class submarine K-152 Nerpa, renamed INS Chakra II is on a 10 years lease from Russia at a cost of nearly 1billion dollar

AWACS Test Flight Sucessful

Achieving a major milestone, India has successfully carried out the maiden- test flight of its second indigenous Airborne  Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in Brazil on 5 April 2012 the DRDO said. The successful flight is seen as a major boost as the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in June 2012 to the (IAF) Indian Air Force.

World’s First Flying Car

Woburn, mass based Terrafugia said that its prototype flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle dubbed the transition has two seats, four wheels and wings that folds up so it can be driven like a car. It flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes, Terrafugia will be introduced in the New York Auto show and is expected to cost $ 279,000.

Fossilized Bone Of a Foot In Ethiopia

Scientists in the first week of April 2012, unearthed fossilized bones of a foot in Ethiopia which they believe could be a new species of human that roamed the planet some three million years ago and could offer insight into how man evolved to walk on two feet. The shape of the bones shows that the creature could walk upright at times. The ability to walk upright is an important feature that separate humans from other great apes.

New ISRO Centre to Control Spy Satellite Launch

The Indian rocket that will carry the 1,850 kg indigenous surveillance Satellite- Radar Imaging Satellite(Risat-1) to the skies in April month will be controlled by the new mission control centre at Sriharikota, said by senior officials of Indian space agency ISRO. The second mission control centre was inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil this January. The forth coming rocket launch would be controlled and monitored from the new mission control centre. The new mission control centre is modern and has layer area to accommodate more space scientist.

Pre-Magalithic Period Discovered In Tamil Nadu

Pottery & iron age megaliths dated the Pre -Megalithic/ iron age period in Tamil Nadu 1,800 BC-1,500BC found at Mandapam village, near Aarpakkam intersection, about 14 km from Kancheepuram in April 2012. The importance of the vast urn- burial site is that it belongs to a period earlier than the Megalithic age or 1 run age in Tamil Nadu.

Gravity Changes Along Moon’s Surface

Planetary Scientists claim to have coated a new gravity map of the Moon which shows that the gravity pull changes from location to location oves the surface of the Earth’s Natural Satellite. Using detailed top graph-phase information from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbitar Mission an international term was able to reveal the fine structure of the Moon’s gravity field in brand new detect.

Agni-V Test Fired Successfully

India on 19 April 2012 emerge as a regional super power with the successfully test fired of 5000 km-plus Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Angi -V from the Integrated Test Range on the Wheeler Island in Odisha. India entered into the elite club of nations with Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Technology by successfully test firing nuclear capable Angi-V. This missile is 17.5 metre long, can carry 1 to 1.5 tonne conventional and nuclear warheads. Which can hit targets in large parts of China including Beijing. And can also target whole of Pakistan and South Asia .

India To Join Project To Build Largest Telescope

In a giant leap for astronomy, India will help to build the World’s Largest and most advanced telescope. About 20 institutions like the India Institute of Astrophysics, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and many other will join to construction of the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT), a Telescope that will have nine times the collecting areas of the current largest optical /infrared telescope and will provide unparalleled high sensitivity spatial resolution more than 12 times sharper than what is achieved by the Hubble Space Telescope,

Six Scientists Of Indian Origin Elected Fellows Of Royal Society

Bangalore based biologist Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan and Professor Tejinder Singh Virdee of Imperial College, London who was associated with the design and construction of the large Hadron Collider,proff Chandrashekhar Bhalchandra Khare, Proff Mathukumalli Vidhyasagar, Proff Shankar Balasubramanian, Proff Varinder Kumar Aggarwal are among six internationally renowned scientists of Indian origin elected to the prestigious fellowship of Royal Society, Britain’s Premier Science Academy. They join the ranks of some of the world’s most famous names including Albert Einstein Isaac newton and Stephen Hawking etc.

Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-IV Missile

Pakistan Successfully test fired a nuclear capable international range ballistic missile on 25 April 2012. Intermediate range ballistic missile could reach targets up to  1000 km. The Hatf -IV, which was launched in the sea, was a version of the Shaheen-I with improvements in range .It can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. It can hit  targets anywhere in India

Indigenous Imaging Satellite PSLV-C19 Launched

India’s first indigenously built all weather Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-I with applications ranging from agriculture to natural disaster management, is now in polar orbit after its carrier the PSLV-C19 was launched with clinical precision from the Sriharikota Spaceport of The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 25 April 2012.RISAT-I, weighing 1,858 kg and the heaviest satellite launched yet by the PSLV is a state of the art active Microwave Remote Sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar ( SAR) that will operate in the C-band. RISAT-I can imaging of the Earth surface features at day and night and under all imagined weather conditions.

Indian Navy Inducted Stealth INS Teg

The Indian Navy on 26 April 2012 added one more war fighting capabilties missile stealth frigate INS Teg to its navy. An advanced version of the Talwar class frigate which are already in service with its Teg was commissioned by Vice-admiral K.N Sushil at the ceremony at the Yantar shipyard at Kalingrad Russia . INS Teg had been built to meet the specific command  and control needs of the navy for coordinated surface, air and water missions. The weapons suits of the 125 metre, 4,000 tonne frigate includes the Brohmos surface to surface missile system.

India To Build Anti-Radar Missile

After the success of the Agni-v project, India had set to take its defense capabilities a stride further, It is developing an  Anti- Radiation Missile ( ARM) which can hugely multiply the strike capabilities by destroying the enemy’s advance warning system production of the Anti- Radiation Missile, Which is among the most advanced missiles is being undertaken on priority basis by the Defense Research & Development Laboratory. Such missiles can be mounted on Sukhoi fighter planes SU-30 MKI, 140 of which have already been acquired from Russia and around 100 more are expected to be delivered in due course of  time.

China Launches Two More Satellites For Navigation System

China on 29 April 2012 successfully launched  two more satellites for its proposed Beidou global navigation & positioning network being built to counter the US Global Position System (GPS). China had so far launched 13 satellites. The Beidou 2-satellites launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the province of Sichvan, was boosted by a long march 3B carrier rocket and has entered the sheduled orbit. It is the first time China has launched two Navigation Satellites with one rocket and two satellites will help to improve the accuracy of the Beidou and compass system.

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) Appointments

Ibrahim Kalifulla As Supreme Court Judge

Jammu & Kashmir High Court chief Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifulla was appointed as Supreme Court Judge on 2 April 2012. He will remain a Supreme Court Judge for a period of four years.

New CDM For BDL

Satya Narayana Mantha has been appointed as the new chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Ltd ( BDL ) on April 2 2012.

Ajit Pal Singh Named India’s Chef-de Mission For Olympics

Ajit Pal Singh had became the first sports person to be named India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Olympic games, on 2 April 2012, bringing an end to the bitter wranglings for the post within the IDA. The seven members committee, which was formed to appoint the Chef-de-mission for the July 27 2012 Olympic Games, unanimously selected the former hockey star to head the Indian contingent in the London Olympics.

Amarendra Khatua,  New Envoy To South Sudan & Sudan

India in the last week of March 2012 appointed Amarendra Khatua as its special envoy to South Sudan & Sudan to broker peace between two countries. This was done with the objective of strengthening India’s pursuit of oil & other Hydrocarbon resources in Africa. Amarendra Khatua is the MEA additional secretary he handles the passport division,

Malawi’s New President

Prominent women’s right campaigner Joyce Banda has taken sworn in as Malawi’s new president on 7 April 2012. After the former President  Binju Wa Mutharika died of heart attack on 5 April 2012

Malaysia ‘s New King

Sultan Abdul Halim  takes oath as Malaysia’s new king on 11 April 2012

New Pakistan Envoy To India

Pakistan’s former foreign secretary Salman Bashir was appointed as new envoy to India on 14 April 2012 . Who has been part of the  post 26/11 Indo-Pak dialogue process.

New World Bank President

The World Bank on 16 April 2012 had chosen Korean born American health expert Jim Yong Kim as its new president. Mr. Jim was president of Dartmouth College  will assume his new position from 1 July after the Bank’s current president Robert Zeollick steps down.

World Heart Federation President

Dr. Srinath Reddy had been appionted as the president of World Heart Federation (WHF) on 21 April 2012. Dr. Srinath Reddy was the first Indian ever to be conferred this honour.

S.Narsing Rao took as Chairman of CIL

S. Narsing Rao, former chairman of Singareni collieries company Ltd was appointed as the chairman & Managing Director of Coal India Limited ( CIL) on 24 April 2012.

B) RESIGNS

James Murdoch Stepped Down From British Sky Broad Casting

James Murdoch on 3 April 2012 resigned as the chairman of Satellite Broad Caster British Sky Broad Casting, Murdoch was forced to step down given his alleged role in phone haking at  closed the news of the world newspaper.

Mali President Resigns

The President of Mali, Amadov Toumani Toure resigned on April 8 2012 following the agreement signed with the mediators.

Greek Prime Minister Quits

Greece’s P.M Lucas Papademos resigns to his position on 11 April 2012  to set a stage for early elections on May 6 2012.

Netherland’s Prime minister Resigns

The Netherland’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet resigned on 23 April 2012 after failing to reach agreement on reducing the country’s budget to meet European guidelines.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi Resigned As Congress Spokesperson

Abhishek Manu Singhvi , the spokesperson of the ruling congress party, tendered his resignation on 23 April 2012. Singhvi also resigned from a powerful parliamentary law committee that he headed.

Jordan Prime Minister Resigns

Jordan’s Prime Minister Awn Al- Khasawneh resigned on 26 April 2012, just six months after he took offices with a pledge to push for political reforms.

C) Deaths

Former BCCI President N.K.P. Salve Passes Away

Former BCCI President and former Union Minister N.K.P.Salve passed away on 1 April 2012 in New Delhi. N.K.P Salve had been the president of the BCCI when India won the World Cup in 1983.

Communist Leader Promode Gogoi Passed Away

Veteran communist leader & President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi passed away on 6 April 2012 in Guwahati.

China’s Dissidents & Astrophysicist Died In US

One of China’s best known dissidents & Astrophysicist  Fang Lizhi died in excile in the US on 6 April 2012. He had become a force to reclon with prominent during the 1989-pro-democracy movement. He was known as China’s Sakharavo.

Legendary Newsman Mike Wallace Died

Mike Wallace, a legendary newsman known for impertinent,  the CBS reporter who became one of America’s best known broadcast journalist as an interrogator of the famous & infamous on ” 60 minutes” died on 8 April 2012 in America.

Nityananda Mohapatra Passes Away

Nityananda Mohapatra, author, freedom fighter, Gandhian and editor  passes away on 17 April 2012 in Odisha

D)VISITORS

Pakistan President Visit To India

The Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited India on 8 April 2012 at New Delhi for the high level meeting over trade, security and friendly  issues

Visit of Qatar President to India

The president of Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khallifa Al-Thani visited India for boosting trade and investments between the two countries.

UN Secretary General Visit to India

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India for two days, and had meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding the relatives of victims of the 1984 anti sikh riots.

E)MISCELLANEOUS

 Titanic Wreckage To Become UNESCO Heritage

On the 100th anniversary of  the sinking of the Titanic, its wreckage will become underwater cultural heritage protected by the UNESCO, under a convention ratified  by 41 states, the organisation said on April 14, 1912 Titanic hit iceberg in North Atlantic  and sank. This year will mark 100 years since the tradegy, that the hull will from now on be protected by the 2011 convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage. The convention can only be applied to objects that sank more than 100 years ago. The Titanic, the biggest and most luxurious Ocean liner of its time, sank in international waters and no state has exceptional jurisdiction over the wreckage.

Railways New Rail Bheem

With an aim of hauling heavier trains, railway is ready to roll out a newly designed 5500 horse power diesel locomotive equipped with all modern features including 100 km per hour running speed. Aptly named as ‘ Bheem’, the high horse power locomotive is currently undergoing safe trail. Manufactured at diesel Locomotive Works at Varanasi, the prototype has cost about Rs. 17crore to the railways.

Second Child Genius

A four years British girl, Heidi Hankins has been hailed as a child genius after being ranked just one point below Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking in IQ of 159 against average adult 100 IQ. She has became the second youngest ever child to be accepted into the Elite Mensa Society for people with high IQs. Two and a half years Oscar Wrigley remains the first youngest with an IQ of 160.

London, Most Impressive City In The World

The wealth report, a study which focuses on the ten international cities deemed the most impressive by high net worth individuals each with assets in excess of its 15.5 million. Economic activity, quality of life, political power, knowledge and influence were all factors in assessing what made a city important according to the survey. London has been voted the world’s most important city according to the wealth report study. Taking second & third place, are New York and Hong Kong.

PLACES IN NEWS

 China’s Highest Bridge

Aizhai is the World’s Highest Tunnel Bridge and the fourth suspension bridge in China to cross the valley so wide its seems to be connecting two mountain ranges,  the first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and Beipanjiang bridges of the world’s 400 or so highest bridges, non has a main span as long as Aizhai with a Tower to tower distance of 3,858 feet (1,176mtrs) Located deep in the heart of China’s Hunan province near the city of Jishou. The suspension bridge is the largest structure on the Jishou to Chadong expressway with a deck 1, 102 feet above the Dettang Canyon

8.7 Earthquake Hit Indonesia Aceh Province

An earthquake measuring 8.7 on Richter scale hit Indonesia’s Aceh province on 11 April 2012, which issued tsunami warning over 28 countries mild tremors were felt in all 28 countries. In Indian cities including Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore Andhra Pradesh and several other cities on the Eastern coast.No damage was occurred anywhere  due to the earthquake.

ABBREVIATIONS  

 IIP- Index of Industrial Production

GSTN – Goods & Services Tax Network

EEPC – Engineering Export Promotion Council.

AFSPA – Armed Force Special Powers Act.

TDSAT – Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal

INCOIS- Indian Nation Centre for Ocean Inforamation Services

ICBM- Inter Continental Ballistic Missile.

NTCA – National Tiger Conservation Authority

AWACS- Airborne Warning And Control System

BOOKS IN NEWS

 Book Released on Sachin’s Statistics

A book was released featuring the statistical peak scaled by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39 birthday on 24 April 2012 during his glorious international career. titled  as “Sachin A Hundred Hundreds ” book was introduced by former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid and foreword by the Tendulkar first coach cum mentor Ramakant Achrekar. The book is about every hundred, every peak scaled by Tendulkar and photos.

COMMITTEES IN NEWS

Sub-Committee Suggested Creation Of A National Funds For UTP

A Government sub-committee  was set up to look into probable  sources of funds for Urban Transport Projects (UTP) in the 12th plan recommended creation of a national fund, resources for which can be generated through taxes on vehicles& petrol consumption. The sub -committee on financing Urban Infrastructure in the 12th plan report suggested investments to the tune of Rs. 87,000crore in the five year plan duration.

Defense Minister Set Up 3 Committees to Accelerate BIP

The Defense Ministry in its meeting on 17 April 2012, decided to set up three new committees to procurements and Border Infrastructure Projects( BIP). The meeting was chaired by Defense Minister A.K.Antony. The committee was also set up to decide a whether the Army will get combat aviation assets, and to expedite infrastructure development in the Northern region that has borders with both China and Pakistan.

Responses to “April 2012 Current Affairs Study Material”