April 2012 Current Affairs Study Material
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Afghanistan as forces are withdrawn from the trouble torn nation.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.
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.
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