Amir Khan on the Cover Page of Time Magazine"31-08-2012"

31 August 2012 Current Affairs

Amir Khan on the  Cover Page of Time Magazine

The most successful Tv show Satyamev Jayate made Amir Khan features in the cover page of the Time Magazine.Aamir Khan is featured on the cover of Time with the caption ‘Khan’s Quest’. Bollywood actors who have featured before on Time cover are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Parveen Babi. Parveen Babi became the cover girl of Time’s July 1976 issue, after acting in super hit flick Deewar. The cover story was titled ‘Asia’s Frenetic Film Scene’.On one of 2003 issues, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was called ‘New Face Of Film’. The magazine mentioned: ‘Aishwarya Rai leads the invasion as Bollywood goes global and becomes hip.’

---

Kishiram Rana, The Former Union minister Passed Away

Former Textile Minister Kashiram Rana, Who had who had recently quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined hands with the former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel in his tirade against Chief Minister Narendra Modi, died here on 30 Aug by massive heart attack.He was 74.

---

The New Cheif Of Navy is Devendra Kumar Joshi

Admiral Devendra kumar Joshi an anti submarine warfare specialist on 30 Aug 2012 took over the charge as the New chief of navy.He was replaced by Admiral Nirmal Verma who retired on 31 Aug 2012.

---

Nine Indian- Americans Awarded for Enhancing Indo-US Ties

Nine  Indian- Americans were awarded by Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) for their contribution towards enhancing relationships between India & US. The 2012 Excellence Award, was presented to Suresh Khator. RK Chopra was awarded International Business Advocate of the Year. Woman entrepreneur of the year award was presented to Vijay Dhingra and Pushpa Shenoy. The other awardees include Harminder Chana for community service, Charlie Yalamanchili and Amit Bhandari for Entrepreneur of the year.

Read More

Non Alignment Movement Summit in Iran"30-08-2012"

30 August 2012 Current Affairs

16th Non Alignment Movement Summit in Iran
The Two-day meet of the 120 grouping of nations takes place at Tehran in Iran. The key issues like the worsening situation of Syria, Iran’s nuclear programme and other matters of global are main agenda of this NAM summit. Which  opened on 30 Aug 2012. Prime Minister Manmohan singh is leading the Indian delegation to the summit, which is being attended by over 30 Heads of state and government.

Read More

Supreme Court Confirmed Death Sentence to Kasab-"29/08/2012"

29 August 2012 Current Affairs

Delhi Scientist Aditi Mukherji won Norman Borlaug award

A Delhi based scientist, Aditi Mukherji has won the world’s most prestigious award for young researchers in food and water management, named after the father of India’s Green revolution Norman Borlaug on 29 Aug 2012. The World food prize Foundation started by Borlaug has picked Mukherji for the first ever Norman Borlaug award for his application of work in transforming access to water for thousands of farmers in west Bengal. The award comes with $10,000 prize. It will present to Mukherji on October 17 in Dea Moines , lawa US.

---

Supreme Court Confirmed Death Sentence to Kasab

Supreme Court of India on 29 Aug up hold the death sentence for Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only surviving Pakistani terrorist who attacked Mumbai in 2008. Kasab along with nine other Pakistani terrorists had executed the country’s one of the deadest terror attack on 26 November 2008. They had traveled from karachi by sea and had gone on a shooting spree at various city landmarks including TajPalace hotel, in which 166 people were killed. While Kasab was captured alive, the other eight terrorists in his group were killed by security during the counter terror operations.

---

England Test captain Andrew Strauss Announced his Retirement from International cricket

England test captain Andrew Strauss on 29 Aug 2012  announced his Retirement from all three formats of  International cricket. Strauss scored 7,037 test runs at an average of 40.91, leaving him ninth in England’s all time run scores list. During his time in charge, England became the World’s Best Team for the first time. He retires at the age of 35.

---

“Young woman in Science Award” for Indian Origin Sorojini Nadar

Indian Origin has been selected for a prestigious science award in south Africa for her contribution to the advancement of science and building the knowledge base. Sarojini Nadar has been named the winner of the Distinguished Young Women in Science Award, which was announced by Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of Science and Technology.

Read More

China Military test fires 14,000km range missile"28/08/2012"

28 August 2012 Current Affairs

China Military test fires 14,000km range missile

The china central television(CCTV) reported that the china’s military had successfully tested the new 14,000km rang Dong feng-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It have the capacity to carry 10 nuclear war heads. 

---

Ban on employment of Children aged up to 14
The Union cabinet on 28 Aug 2012 approved a proposal for amending the child labour(Prohibition and Regulation)act,1986 to ban employment of children aged up to 14 in any form of industry. employment of such children’s not only seen in Industries, but also in homes or on farms. Quoting the national sample survey organization’s figures, official sources said the amendment would benefit 46 lakh, who have been working in various industries now.

---

Southern Naval Command gets new chief Staff

Rear Admiral G.Ashok Kumar has taken over as the chief of staff of the southern Naval command, kochi, specialist in navigation and direction, he commanded INS Kulish and INS Ranvir.

---

SBI cards Launched ‘Click2card’ online application service

 ’Make life simple’ by fulfilling the quote SBI cards launched a new online application sevice’click2card’,aimed at netting about 3,000 customer in the next 4 months. click2card is another innovation service offering and is in line with our digital road map.

---

SL Committee pulled up for diluting civil nuclear Liability Rules

The subordinate legislation committee of the lok sabha has pulled up the department of atomic energy for ‘diluting’ the civil. liability for clear Damage(CLND)Act. The committee monitors whether the rules tabled in parliament are in tune with the act passed by parliament. This is 15 member panel has represented from all parties.

---

New Chancellor for AMET University

Admiral Efthimios E. Mitropoulous, former secretary-general of the International maritime Organization, has joined the Chennai – based AMET as is chancellor.

---

Hashim Amla Fastest Player to score 3,000 ODI runs

South Africa’s Hashim Amla became the fastest player to get 3,000 one day International runs during the course of his 150 that set up the protea’s 80-run win over England. Amla’s brilliant 124-ball knock on 28 Aug 2012, featuring 16 fours, saw him reach the land mark in 57 innings.

Read More

SBI cards Launched ‘Click2card’ online application service-"27/08/2012"

SBI cards Launched ‘Click2card’ online application service

 ’Make life simple’ by fulfilling the quote SBI cards launched a new online application sevice’click2card’,aimed at netting about 3,000 customer in the next 4 months. click2card is another innovation service offering and is in line with our digital road map.

---

China Military test fires 14,000km range missile

The china central television(CCTV) reported that the china’s military had successfully tested the new 14,000km rang Dong feng-41 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It have the capacity to carry 10 nuclear war heads.Simultaneously, the state media also announced that China's first Aircraft carrier, Varyag has set out for 10th sea trials. The retrofit carrier, whose hull was bought from Ukraine is capable of carrying 30 fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.  It was expected to become operational later this year.

---

Southern Naval Command gets new chief Staff

Rear Admiral G.Ashok Kumar has taken over as the chief of staff of the southern Naval command, kochi, specialist in navigation and direction, he commanded INS Kulish and INS Ranvir.Rear Admiral Kumar was the defence adviser of India in Singapore, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command and head of Naval Training at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.

Rear Admiral Kumar, who hails from Ponnani in Malappuram district, was commissioned into the Navy in 1982.He is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal.

---

Ban on employment of Children aged up to 14

The Union cabinet on 28 Aug 2012 approved a proposal for amending the child labour(Prohibition and Regulation)act,1986 to ban employment of children aged up to 14 in any form of industry. employment of such children’s not only seen in Industries, but also in homes or on farms. Quoting the national sample survey organization’s figures, official sources said the amendment would benefit 46 lakh, who have been working in various industries now.

---

SL Committee pulled up for diluting civil nuclear Liability Rules

The subordinate legislation committee of the lok sabha has pulled up the department of atomic energy for ‘diluting’ the civil. liability for clear Damage(CLND)Act. The committee monitors whether the rules tabled in parliament are in tune with the act passed by parliament. This is 15 member panel has represented from all parties.The panel’s report added that the Rules framed by the executives should be consistent with the substantial provisions of the Act and should not contain any limitations or excesses not contemplated under the Act.

The entire Opposition and a section of the UPA and its supporters had acted together to put stringent liability provisions in the CLND Act in 2010.

---

New Chancellor for AMET University

Admiral Efthimios E. Mitropoulous, former secretary-general of the International maritime Organization, has joined the Chennai – based AMET as is chancellor.

---

Hashim Amla Fastest Player to score 3,000 ODI runs

South Africa’s Hashim Amla became the fastest player to get 3,000 one day International runs during the course of his 150 that set up the protea’s 80-run win over England. Amla’s brilliant 124-ball knock on 28 Aug 2012, featuring 16 fours, saw him reach the land mark in 57 innings.

Read More

India & China Joint Working Group to Look Over trade related Issues-"27/08/2012"

27 August 2012 Current Affairs

India & China Joint Working Group to Look Over trade related Issues

India & china on 27 August agreed to set up a joint working group(JWG) to look into not only trade related issues but also investments. The working group is expected to come out with a  report  with in 90 days.Both countries commerce Ministers Anand Sharma of India and Chen Deming of china at the 9th session of India-china Joint group on economic  relations,trade,science and technology meeting in New Delhi on 27 Aug.

---

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi Quit as Iraq communication Minister

Iraqi Communications minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi quit his post in 27 Aug accusing Prime Minister Nuri – Maliki of “Political Interference” in his ministry. Allawi’s resignation is the first by a cabinet member since Iraq’s national unity government was formed in December 2010.

---

Lydia Ko won CN Canadian Women’s Open LPGA Golf  

Lydia Ko Won CN Canadian Women’s Open LPGA Golf  on 26 Aug to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour History and only the fifth amateur championship. she is 15-year-old .

---

‘Jaane Apna Rajasthan’ scheme for NRIs

The Rajasthan Government on 27 Aug launched a scheme aimed at making the young non-resident Indians(NRIs) familiar, with the culture and traditions of the state under the ‘ Jaane Apna Rajasthan’(Know your Rjasthan)scheme announced by the chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. According to this scheme the NRIs who visit Rajasthan will be taken around” historical places, tourist attractions,sanctuaries,famous educational institutions, ancestral villages and major Industrial projects” .

Read More

India Won Under-19 World Cup-"26/08/2012"

26 August 2012 Current Affairs

India Won Under-19 World Cup

India lifted the under -19 world cup for the third time by beating Australia by 6 wickets. This world cup final held at Townsville in Australia. unmukt chand received the player of the match.

 

---

Veteran actor Hangal Passed away

Actor A.K.Hangal, who had the rare ability to imbue the smallest and the most ordinary of roles with quality and dignity, passed away on 26 Aug at Mumbai followed Health complications caused by a recent hip fracture.

---

New Heaven Open title to Czench star

Petra kvitova beat Maria Kirilenko on 25 Aug to win the New Haven Open, the Czech star’s second WTA tournament title.

Read More

Prithvi-II Missile Successfully Test Fired at Odisha-25/08/2012

25 August 2012 Current Affairs

Prithvi-II Missile Successfully Test Fired at Odisha
a Surface- to surface Prithvi- II missile successfully test fired by Indian on 25 Aug 2012. The strategic forces command. which is in charge of nuclear weapons , successfully fires the Prithvi-II missile from chandipur in Odisa’s Balssore district proved that the armed forces are capable of launching nuclear missiles independently. The range of this nuclear missile is 350km and smashed the targeted area with a dummy payload in the Bay of Bengal, with an accurate of less than 10 meters. DRDO has developed three prithvi variants are:Prithvi-I for army, Prithvi -II for for the Indian Air Force, and the Dhanush for the Navy.

---

Neil Armstrong, the First Man on the Moon has Passed away
We lost our first man go to moon.Neil Armstrong, has died at the age of 82. on 25 Aug 2012. Armstrong under went a heart by pass surgery earlier on august Month. As a commander of the Apollo-II mission, Armstrong became the first human to set on the moon on July  20,1969.Though Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Aldrin together spent nearly three hours walking on the moon.

---

New Jammu Varsity Chancellor is Vohra

Jammu & Kashmir governor N.N.Vohra has been appointed the first chancellor of the Central University of Jammu. Pranab Mukharjee on his visit to that University appointed Mr. Vohra the chancellor if the University for a period of five years.

Read More

First woman Chief Justice for Philippines Supreme Court-"24/08/2012"

24 August 2012 Current Affairs

The First woman Chief Justice for Philippines Supreme Court

President Benigno Aquino on 24 Aug named a veteran Judge as the first woman chief Justice of the Philippine supreme Court, Maria Lourdes sereno,53 replaced the Renato corona as chief Judge of Supreme court.

She added: “I would like to assure our countrymen I will keep my oath of office faithfully to the end of my term. We will deliver to the people our priorities and schedules in due time.”

Sereno said she would emulate the good governance started by Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose death in a plane crash on Aug. 18 the nation is mourning.

 

---

Life Long Ban on Lance Armstrong

The U.S. anti doping agency 14 years of Lance Armstrong strong career on 24 Aug , including his record of seven tour de France Titles and banned him for life from the sport. He was cyclist who retired an year ago. He would no longer challenge USDA and declined to exercise his last option by entering arbitration. He denied again that he ever took banned substances in his career, called USADA’s Investigation a “witch hunt” without any physical evidence.

---

Two Member Panel to Study on Universal Health coverage

The National Advisory council has set up a two-member working group to study the report on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) prepared by the high level expert scope of the National rural health Mission(NRHM) and convert it into a National Health Mission. The Two-member group, comprising Mirai chatterjee and A.K.Shiva kumar,will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Family welfare and the planning commission to resolve any possible issues arising on health.

Read More

Pilot less Aircraft “Lakhshya-I” test flown successfully-"23-08-2012"

23 August 2012 Current Affairs

Pilot less Aircraft “Lakhshya-I” test flown successfully

India’s developed Micro light pilot less target aircraft ” Lakshya-I’ was successfully test flown from the launch complex-2 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Orissa on 23 August 2012. Lakshya-1, a sub-sonic, re-usable aerial target system, is remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both air borne and air defence pilots. It is launched by a solid propellant rocket motor, and sustained by a turbojet engine in flight.

---

Himachal Hotel Gets Heritage Status

The Castel Magar, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s prime hotel in the picturesque, Kullu Valley was notified under the heritage status by the Union tourism ministry on 23 August 2012.  Maggar was the capital of the erst while kullu state for about 1460 years.  The Castle was built by Raja Sidhi Singh in the 16^th century.

---

Sonia Gandhi Ranked Most Powerful Woman in the World

Sonia Gandhi, the congress party president and chair woman of the coalition government running the country, is India’s most powerful woman and the sixth most powerful woman in the world, according to the Forbes Magazine.  The 9^th year edition of Forbes magazine listed the 100 women.  “Who impact the world”, Mrs.Gandhi, 65, made it to the list for the fourth time.  She was also named the 11^th powerful person in the world.  Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany once again ranked first followed by Hillary Clinton.  The US secretary of State President Dilma Rouseff of Brazil next in the list is Melinda Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation was fourth.  Indra Nooyi, the chairman and Chief  Executive of Pepsico.

Read More

Union Finance Minister Approved the Proposal of FDI raise up to 49%-22/08/2012

22 August 2012 Current Affairs

Union Finance Minister Approved the Proposal of FDI raise up to 49%

The Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram approved the raise of FDI in Insurance and Pension sector up to 49%. Earlier the limit of FDI was up to 26%. This Proposal of 49% raise of FDI was made during the tenure of Pranab mukherjee. It was delayed

---

Gruber cosmology Prize 2012 to Charles L Bennett

Johns Hopkins University professor Charles L. Bennett and members of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) space mission that he led will receive the Gruber Foundation’s 2012 Cosmology Prize in Beijing, China.Bennett and the 26-member WMAP team will share the $500,000 prize and are being recognized by the foundation for their transformative study of an ancient light dating back to the infant universe. So precise and accurate are the WMAP results that they form the foundation of the Standard Cosmological Model.he Gruber Prize is the second for Bennett, who also was a member of a NASA team that won the prize in 2006. As the member of the COBE Team he conducted a ground-breaking studies confirming that our universe was born in a hot Big Bang.

---

Punjab Approves Rs.93crore Milk Production Scheme

The Punjab Government has started a special programme to increase the milk production in the state by spending Rs.93crore during 2012-13.  This was announced by Dairy Development Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike.  Punjab government has bought 3 lakh doses of foreign semen from America and Canada for improvement of cow breeds in the state.

Read More

Obama cancelled three times to kill laden: a new book released-"21/08/2012"

21 August 2012 Current Affairs

Obama cancelled three times to kill laden: a new book released

Us President Barack Obama cancelled puts off three times operations to kill the world’s  most breaded terrorist Osama bin Laden before finally going ahead with the mission at the insistence of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a new book has claimed.The book, which is slated for released on 21 August, claims that the White House’s carefully-crafted narrative of Obama as a decisive leader who sanctioned the killing of the al-Qaeda supremo was a “myth” and challenges a key element of Obama’s re-election bid – that his decision to kill Osama symbolizes his resolute leadership.

Miniter, a former ‘Wall Street Journal’, ‘Washington Times’ and ‘Sunday Times’ of London journalist, cites an unnamed source within Joint Special Operations Command as revealing that three ‘kill’ missions were cancelled by Obama in January, February and March 2011.

Bin Laden was eventually killed by US Navy SEALs inside his compound in Abbotobad, Pakistan in May 2011.

---

Kurien elected as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Congress member PJ Kurien was on 21 August 2012 unanimously elected as deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh moved the motion for the election of Kurien.  He has been a member of national parliament for the last 3 decades.

---

Delhi launched a New Scheme of Free Kerosene

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on 21 August, 2012 distributed  liquid petroleum gas (LPG) connection papers and stoves to 20 people at a function at Delhi secretariat to mark the launch of a scheme that aims to make the capital kerosene – free by December this year.  Under this scheme 3.56 lakh Antodaya Anna Yojana  (AAY), Below Poverty line (BPL) and Jhuggi Ration Card (JRC) would be provided a free gas connection and stove in lieu of their kerosene quota.

---

Indo American Fareed Zakaria resigned from Yale Government Board

After a long association with Yale University the noted Indo American Writer  and and journalist Fareed Zakaria has resigned from its governing body to focus on journalistic career.Zakaria, who received his bachelor’s degree from the university, was associated with the Yale Corporation for past six years. The decision of Zakaria to shed some of his non-journalistic responsibilities has come close on the heels of accusations of plagiarism against him.

Read More

Prime Minister of Ethipio Meles Zenavi passed away-20/08/2012

20 August 2012 Current Affairs

Prime Minister of Ethipio Meles Zenavi passed away

Meles Zenavi, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, passed away on 20 August 2012 following prolonged illness.  He was 57 Ethiopio’s foreign minister will assume the change as the acting P.M. of the country.In 1991 when Mengistu Haile Mariam led Military Council was finally thrown out of power, Meles assumed the charge as the president in a transitional government. Later in 1995 he took over as the prime minister of the country. He went on to lead the African country for nearly 20 years and influenced the Ethiopian public life until his death.

---

Panel to Examine Western Ghats Report

Environment Ministry has constituted a high level working panel to headed by eminent space scientist and panning commission member  K Kasturirangan to examine the Western Ghats ecology expert panel report “in a holistic and multidisciplinary fashion”. The nine member group will examine the the Madhav Gadgil committee report released recently “in a holistic and multidisciplinary fashion keeping in view the comments received from the concerned state governments, central ministries, stakeholders”.It will also study the “effects and challenges of climate change in the ecologically significant Western Ghats region,” “the implications of the UNESCO heritage site recognition of some parts of the Western Ghats” and the constitutional implications of Centre-State relations regarding the conservation and sustainable development of the region.” It is also expected to “recommend further course of action” regarding the report within two months.

Read More

Roger Federer and Lina were Crowned the Cincinnati Masters Tennis Championship-"19/08/2012"

19 August 2012 Current Affairs

Roger Federer and Lina were Crowned the Cincinnati Masters Tennis Championship

World No.1 Tennis player Roger Federer won a record fifth Western and Southern open title (Cincinnati Masters) at Cincinnati on 19 August 2012.  Federer beat second seeded Novak Djokovic 6-0, 7-6.  This was the first time when top seeded men’s players clashed in the final.

Women’s singles Crowned by China’s Li Na by beating german Angelique Kerbar to win her first season.To wrap up the quarter-finals, Milos Raonic and Stanislas Wawrinka will take each other on after having seeing off Tomas Berdych and Kei Nishikori in their respective third round ties.

---

Drug Trial Related Deaths Highest in Maharastra

According to data released by the Drug Controller General of India Maharastra has recorded the maximum deaths number of deaths due to serious adverse events (SAEs) during drug trials, while Madhya Pradesh saw the least number of such deaths.During the 49 months period (January 2008 to January 2012) , the country had recorded the 2,061 drug trial related deaths. while maharastra recorded maximum number of deaths 268 deaths to stand first among top five states.It is followed by Andhra Pradesh (153), Delhi/National Capital Region (97), Gujarat (87) and Karnataka (78). The number of deaths in Maharashtra was over 10 times that of Madhya Pradesh, which is the lowest among the top 10 States.

---

Philippine Minister Jesse Robredo died in Plane Crash

The most powerful minister of Philippine died in plane crash on 19 August 2012.  The Interior secretary Jesse Robredo.  This crash was held at the central island of Masbate.Mr Robredo was seen as one of the few Philippine politicians who was not corrupt and who genuinely wanted to make the country better, says the BBC's Kate McGeown in Naga City.

Read More

Miss World 2012 is Wenxia Xu-"18/08/2012"

18 August 2012 Current Affairs

V.V.S.Laxman Announced Retirement from International Cricket

Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, one of the finest batsman in contemporary cricket, is contemplating retirement from International cricket on 18 August, 2012.  He played 134 tests, amazing 8781 runs at an coverage of 45.97 and hitting 17 hundreds.  He played 86 ODIs for an aggregate of 2338 runs at an average of 30.76.

---

International Temple Summit 2012

The International temple summit (ITS) 2012, a global convention of temple trusts and holy shrines, will be held in GOA.  The met willfocus on key topics such as security, financial management, infrastructural enhancement, etc.  The CFOs and Chief functioniers of all major temple trusts from India, Nepal and other International temples are expected to attend the meet.The CEOs and chief functionaries of all major temple trusts from India, Nepal and other international temples are expected to attend the meet.

---

Miss World 2012 is Wenxia Xu

China’s Wenxia Xu won the gown of Miss World 2012.  She became the World’s most beautiful Woman.  Wales Sophie Moulds was first runner up and the second runner up position to Jessica Kahawaty of Australia.  Indian Vanya Mistra is on the 7^th position by winning two awards in miss world competition.  The Multimedia award and social networking skin and beauty award goes to Indian beauty. The 62nd edition of theMiss World pageant was held on August 18, 2012 in Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium, ordos city, inner Mongolia in china.

---

National Sports awards to Olympic Medalists

London Olympic medalists, shooter Vijay Kumar and Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt have been the country’s highest sporting honour “Rajiv Gandhi Kel Ratna”.  Yuvraj and other Olympic medalists totally 25 sports persons gave the Arjun Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 29, 2012.

Read More

New Envoy to Syria is Lakhdar Brahimi-"17/08/2012"

17 August 2012 Current Affairs

P.M.’s Economic Panel Lowers the Indian Growth Estimate to 6.7% for 2012-13

Prime Minister’s economic advisory panel on 17 August 2012 pegged GDP growth for the current financial year to 6.7 percent.  This is mainly due to poor Monsoon which will pull down the agriculture growth rate to 0.5 percent from 2.8 percent last year.  “Economy will grow at 6.7 percent in 2012-13, Prime Minister’s economic Advisory council (PMEAC) chairman C.Rangarajan said that while releasing “Economic outlook for 2012-13”.  He asked the government to open multi – brand retail to foreign investment and raise diesel prices in one (or) more steps to contain the subsidy bill.  India has registered 6.5% growth in the fiscal year 2011-12.  Which was the lowest in the past nine years.

---

New Envoy to Syria is Lakhdar Brahimi

The United Nations on 17 August, 2012 confirmed that Veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi will replace the former UN Secretary  general Kofi Annan as the International mediator on Syria as the 17 month old conflict slides deeper into civil war.  Brahimi, who served as Algeria’s foreign minister from 1991 to 1993 and joined UN in 1994 and served various high profile positions until he retired in 2005.

---

A Three  member Committee to Resolve Hockey Affairs

The Indian Olympic Association has set up a 3 member committee to resolve the issue of how best to run the affairs of hockey in the country.  Hockey India and the Indian.  Indian Hockey Federation have been asked to present their case before the committee on August 21.  The three members are former wrestling federation of India President G.S.Mander, the Indian Weigh lifting federation President Birendra Prasad.

---

Martime franck Famous Photographer passes away
Martime Framck, the world famous photographer and co-founder and president of the henri cartier- Bresson foundation in paris died on 17 august 2012.she was 74. An elegant, brooding beauty and a stunningly good photographer in her own right, she became a member of Magnum, the photo agency set up in 1947 by five photographers, including Frank Capa and Cartier-Bresson.Franck spent her childhood in the U.S. and in England, then later studied art history at the University of Madrid, then at the Ecole du Louvre in Paris. She began her photography career by assisting Eliot Elisofon and Gjon Mili at Life magazine.

Read More