1 Current GK 2011 - 09 Final

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Weekly Current Affairs update

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011
Major news of the week

Section A: INDIA
Land Acquisition Bill tabled in Parliament

Prime Minister concludes State Visit to Bangladesh
Monsoon session of parliament concludes
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011 tabled in Lok Sabha
INCOIS begins vulnerability mapping of coastline
11 killed in bomb blast outside Delhi High Court
Manmohan Cabinet posts assets online
Term of JPC on 2G scam extended
IAF to induct 300 Sukhoi-30, Tejas aircraft
CVC for perks to overcome manpower crunch in CBI
CVC to appear on Sep 15 before House Panel for Lokpal bill
Beijing was asked to stop infrastructure work in PoK
Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act came into force
International Conference on Education organised
Top 200 QS World University Rankings unveiled
WHO, International Pharmaceutical Federation tie up to tackle tuberculosis
Lok Sabha drops impeachment proceedings as Justice Sen resigns
Former Karnataka Minister Janardhan Reddy arrested in Bellary scam
Army Chief got last 2 promotions on basis of 1950 Date of Birth Defence Minister
Filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra passes away
Section B: AWARDS
Faust wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival

President gives away National Award to Teachers -2010
Section C: WORLD
G8 pledges $38bn to Arab states; IMF recognises Libya

5 Indians in 50 Bloomberg Most Influential Global List
Irans first nuclear plant inaugurated
Haitis President Martelly appoints new PM
Japanese space probe Akatsuki to enter Venuss orbit
Section D: ECONOMY & CORPORATE
CAG report on functioning of Air-India in 2002-10 tabled in Parliament

WAN-IFRA Expo India 2011 & WAN-IFRA India 2011 Conference organised
Parliamentary committee calls for performance evaluation of Planning Commission
Indias external debt at $305.9 billion on March 31, 2011
Committee on gas prices against pooling domestic natural gas with imported LNG
UNCTAD unveils Trade and Development Report 2011
Government bans onion exports, allows wheat shipment
India 56th on World Economic Forum Index
Indias biotech sector crosses USD 4 bn E&Y report
Metallurgical sector gets Rs 5,023 crore FDI in 2010-11
Fruit, vegetable production up 3.7% in 2010-11
Indian investment overseas up 94% in April-June 2011
Banks to discontinue prepayment penalty on consumer loans
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RBI Governor calls for lower reserve requirements

First Meeting of the South Asia Forum organised
DD wants equal share in sports broadcast revenue
FICCI launches Credible India campaign
European Central Banks Chief Economist resigns
Russia launches undersea gas pipeline to Europe bypassing Ukraine
Section E: SPORTS
USA tops medals tally in Daegu IAAF World Championships

FIH cancels Delhi as Champions Trophy host
South Korea clinch womens Asian Champions Trophy hockey
Tendulkar, Dravid move up in ICC Test rankings
Vijender Singh wins gold at World Police and Fire Games
Arsenal Jaago Re Soccer Stars win tournament
Arsenal Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars (ATTJRSS) win International Soccer festival (under-15)
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Section A: INDIA
NEWS ROUND UP
Land Acquisition Bill tabled in Parliament
The process of land acquisition becoming more sensitive to the grievances of the owner earned a better prospect as the Land
Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill was tabled in Parliament on September 7, 2011. The Bill has made several
revisions/modifications to the draft introduced in July 2011. Following are the
important points mentioned in the Bill.
Conditions for acquiring land: The Bill suggests that industry is free to
acquire land in cases where the matter pertains to below 50 acres in urban
areas and 100 acres in rural areas, but that it would require mutual
negotiation with the farmers/landowners to arrive at a price. Consent of 80 per
cent of people will be made mandatory except where land is acquired for
public purpose.
Level of compensation: Striking a balance between those who need land
like the state itself, industry and other private entities and those who are
ready to sell it, the bill provides for compensation of land owners at the rate of
four times the market value of a given piece of land whether it is for public or private purpose in rural areas and at the rate of
two times in urban areas. In the original draft bill, this was six times in rural areas. Thus the concerns of those seeking to buy
land have been kept in mind.
Return of unutilised land: Originally, if land was not used by industry for over five years, it was to revert to the owner. This
period has now been increased to ten years. If the land is not used for the stated purpose it will be returned to the state
government land authority and not the owner
Acquisition of agricultural land: While the original draft excluded all irrigated multi-crop land from acquisition, the Bill would
allow acquisition of such land up to five per cent provided an equal area of wasteland in the district is developed. It, however,
does not provide for returning this re-developed land to the cultivator whose irrigated land was acquired. Nor does it explain
who would then cultivate this new land.
No consent required for government acquisition of land for its own use: The Bill rules out the need for consent for public
projects like railways, power projects and canals.
Land for private companies can come under public purpose: The Bill would allow the government to acquire land for
private companies for a public purpose if it is more than 100 acres. The definition of public purpose includes infrastructure,
urbanisation and strategic purposes. The government can, for instance, buy all the land and give it to industry; or industry is
free to acquire all the land on its own or only a part of it. But compensation and R&R (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) will
apply in all cases, no matter which agency acquires the land. If industry has acquired land on its own at lower rates, and
requests the government to acquire more land for reasons of contiguity, the rates of compensation can not be different for the
two parcels of land. The private parties will be forced the pay the higher rate of compensation even for the land it had bought
on its own.
People losing livelihoods also get R&R benefits: The people who lose their land and livelihood get the same Resettlement
and Rehabilitation (R&R) benefits. In the earlier bill, those who lost livelihood got a better package than those who merely lost
land. There is an elaborate package for R&R and this provides wider choice.
What if acquired land is sold by the acquirer: While land would be lost if not used in ten years, every transfer of land would
mean payment of 20 per cent of the appreciated land value to the original owner.
Monitoring agency: The Bill also sets up a new institutional structure to enforce the various provisions. At the Central level it
provides for a national monitoring committee which would oversee all projects. At the State level, it provides for the State LA
and RR Authority to resolve disputes like a civil court, a committee under the chief secretary to determine whether projects
are for public purpose, and an RR commissioner to administer LA and RR in the State.
Responses: The industry has expressed apprehensions about the Bill especially the R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement)
component, saying it is impracticable while the civil society has criticised it for not giving any role to the community and
reducing the Bill to a land apportionment procedure rather than a process of inclusive development. R. R. Singh, director
general, NARDECO (National Real Estate Development Council), said the compensation could have been reduced to double
the market rate.
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Highlights of the Bill

PRE-CONDITIONS
Compensation and R&R applies to all acquisitions more than 50 acres in urban areas and 100 acres in rural areas
Consent of 80 per cent of Project Affected Families (PAF), including landless dependents, needed for such acquisition
The Compensation and R&R clauses would apply to all cases where acquisition not completed at the time of the Act
coming to force
Government can acquire any amount of land for industry provided consent is there, and compensation and R&R done
COMPENSATION
Four times the market rate in rural areas
Double the market rate in urban areas
PAF can opt for 20 per cent of developed land in place of full monetary compensation
PAF can opt for taking shares up to 25 per cent of compensation amount in place of full cash compensation
REHABILITATION & RESETTLEMENT
(For land owners and landless dependents)
Allowance of Rs 3,000 a month per family for a year
Job per family or Rs 5 lakh or Rs 2,000 per month annuity for 20 years with index of inflation
House lost to be replaced by an Indira Awas Yojana house in rural areas
One acre of land for land lost in irrigation projects
Rs 50,000 per family for transportation
A resettlement allowance of Rs 50,000 per PAF
WHEN NO CONSENT IS NEEDED
(but same compensation)
Land for strategic purposes, national security, defence, police, safety of the people
Land for railways, highways, ports, power and irrigation purposes for use by govt and public sector companies or
corporations
Land for project affected people
Land for govt-administered educational, agricultural, health and research schemes or institutions
Prime Minister concludes State Visit to Bangladesh

Agreements and MoUs signed during the visit
1) Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development;
2) Protocol to the Agreement Concerning the Demarcation of the Land
Boundary between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters;
3) Addendum to the MOU between India and Bangladesh to Facilitate
Overland Transit Traffic between Bangladesh and Nepal;
4) MOU on Renewable Energy Cooperation;
5) MOU on Conservation of the Sunderban;
6) Protocol on Conservation of the Royal Bengal Tigers of the Sunderban;
7) MOU on Cooperation in the field of Fisheries;
8) MOU on Cooperation on Mutual Broadcast of Television Programmes;
9) MOU between Jawaharlal Nehru University and Dhaka University;
10) MOU on Academic Cooperation between National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), India and Bangladesh
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT).
The Prime Minister paid a State Visit to Bangladesh on 6-7 September 2011 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of
Bangladesh. He was accompanied by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. The Prime Minister
held extensive discussions with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and also called on the President of that country. The
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, the Leader of Opposition and the President of the Jatiya Party also called on the PM.
Prime Ministers visit to Bangladesh followed the landmark January 2010 visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Under
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas leadership, India has received significant cooperation from the Bangladesh authorities in
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tackling insurgency and terrorism. The Bangladesh PM has also positively responded to Indias efforts to enhance economic
and transport linkages between India and Bangladesh which are important for the development of our North-Eastern region.
Since the January 2010 visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, several agreement of importance to us, viz, Agreements on
Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and on Combating International Terrorism,
Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, have been ratified and are now in force. The need for an Extradition Treaty was
underscored by the Prime Ministers in their discussions.
It is in this context, that Prime Ministers visit to Bangladesh is a major step forward in Indias efforts to develop and
strengthen close and friendly relations with Bangladesh. Following is an account of PM Singhs visit to Dhaka.
Border demarcation
India and Bangladesh have succeeded in securing and demarcating their land borders a long running source of friction
between the two countries, and a nightmare for an estimated 200,000 people who have been trapped in a citizenship limbo.
The two Prime Ministers presided over the signing of a new land border agreement on September 6, which promises to end a
bitter dispute that has cast a dark shadow over the relationship between their countries since 1974. The two governments
had arrived at shared maps of 4,096 km but disputed enclaves left 6.5 km unresolved. Under the agreement, Bangladeshi
enclaves will become Indian territory and Indian enclaves will become part of Bangladesh.
India has 111 enclaves, spread over 17,158 acres, in Bangladesh, with an estimated 150,000 residents; Bangladesh has 51
enclaves, covering 7,110 acres inside India, with a population of about 50,000. In addition, 38 patches of Indian territory
spread over 3,000 acres are in the possession of Bangladesh, while some 50 patches of Bangladesh territory measuring
about 3,345 acres are held by India.
Historically, the enclaves are the result of a series of chess games between two kings, the Rajas of Cooch Behar and
Rangpur, in the eighteenth century where villages were simply gambled away. After Independence, boundaries were drawn
but the fate of these enclaves was never sorted out.
The enclaves have often been sources of dispute. Last October, for example, some 200 homes in the enclave of Garati were
set on fire by a mob. In 2001, friction over the enclave of Pyrdiwah almost led India and Bangladesh to war, after 15 Border
Security Force personnel were killed and their bodies mutilated.
India and Bangladesh have now put in place mechanisms, including the recently concluded Coordinated Border Management
Plan, which we hope will greatly reduce the scope for incidents on the border and strengthen mutual trust and goodwill
among the border guarding forces and people living in the border areas. This is expected to help in better redressal of
problems arising from illegal border crossings and related difficulties will be better addressed by both sides.
Connectivity and transportation
During the visit the two countries agreed to promote trade, investment and economic cooperation and facilitate trade by rail,
road, inland waterways, shipping and air. Several initiatives are under consideration for improvement of transportation links. A
major programme is currently underway to develop border infrastructure through establishment of Land Customs Stations,
Integrated Check Posts, Border Haats etc.
Overland Transit Traffic between Bangladesh and Nepal
The MOU seeks to facilitate rail transit to/from Bangladesh and Nepal by using the Rohanpur-Singhabad route as agreed
during the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India in January 2010. It also facilitates rail transit between Bangladesh and Nepal
using Indian territory through the Radhikapur-Birol line once the Bangladesh portion is converted into broad guage. The
signing of this MOU will facilitate bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Nepal.
Trade relations
There is a large trade imbalance between India and Bangladesh in favour of India which has increased over the years. The
reduction of the trade imbalance has been a long standing request of Bangladesh. During his visit, the Prime Minister
announced the removal of all 46 textile lines, as requested by Bangladesh, from Indias negative list for LDCs under the
provisions of SAFTA with immediate effect. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh conveyed appreciation for this major step on
enhanced market access for that country. During the discussions, Prime Minister emphasized that greater Indian investments
in Bangladesh would help to increase the export potential and earnings of that country.
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Agreement on sharing river-waters
The two countries are keen to arrive at fair and equitable arrangements for sharing of common rivers. But water being a
sensitive issue in both countries, the two governments resolved to work towards arriving at solutions that are acceptable to all
concerned. Bangladesh was disappointed over New Delhis failure to deliver on a promised agreement on sharing the waters
of the Teesta river a critical issue for Sheikh Hasina, who has come under intense domestic pressure for making better
relations with India a keystone of her government. New Delhi had agreed to a deal, which would have given Bangladesh 48
per cent of the Teesta waters, setting a precedent that would have helped resolve pending disputes over 53 other rivers,
including the Feni. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, rejected the deal, and cancelled her plans to
travel with Dr. Singh to Bangladesh, saying the agreement would hurt interests of farmers in the State. Banerjee believes the
agreement will grant Bangladesh upwards of 33,000 cubic feet per second, or cusecs, of water each year instead of some
25,000 cusecs she had agreed to in earlier discussions. New Delhi, however, says Banerjee was briefed on the discussions
Monsoon session of parliament concludes

The Monsoon Session, 2011 of Parliament which commenced on August 1, 2011, concluded on September 8, 2011. The
Session provided 26 sittings spread over a period of 39 days. During the Session, 14 Bills (11 in the Lok Sabha and 3 in the
Rajya Sabha) were introduced. The Lok Sabha passed 13 Bills and the Rajya Sabha passed 09 Bills during the session. A
list containing the titles of the Bills introduced, and, considered and passed during the Session is given below:
I BILLS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA
The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Lokpal Bill, 2011
The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kanchipuram Bill, 2011
The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2011
The Damodar Valley Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Customs (Amendment and Validation), Bill, 2011
The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Bill, 2011
The National Academic Depository Bill, 2011
The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011
The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2011
II BILLS PASSED BY LOK SABHA
The State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks Laws) Amendment Bill, 2009
The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Bill, 2009
The National Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2010
The Customs (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2011
The Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kanchipuram Bill, 2011
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2011
The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research Bill, 2010
The Orissa (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2011
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2011
III BILLS INTRODUCED IN RAJYA SABHA
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2011
The Border Security Force (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Administrators-General (Amendment) Bill, 2011
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IV BILLS PASSED BY RAJYA SABHA
The Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry (Amendment) Bill, 2010
The Coinage Bill, 2011
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children ) Amendment Bill, 2010
The National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2010
The State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks Laws) Amendment Bill, 2011
The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Bill, 2011
The Customs (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2011
Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011 tabled in Lok Sabha

A bill to establish a legal framework to regulate nuclear and radiation safety and establish an authority to carry out the task
was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 7, 2011. The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011, introduced by
Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, V Narayanasamy, provides for creation of a Council for Nuclear Safety headed
by the Prime Minister, to oversee and review policies relating to radiation safety.
It also provides for establishment of a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority, to regulate radiation and nuclear safety and
achieve the highest standards on the basis of scientific approach, operating experience and best practices followed by the
nuclear industry, the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill said.
This Authority would also ensure the use of radiation and atomic energy in all its applications is safe for the health of the
radiation workers, the people and the environment, it said.
The bill came in the wake of Prime Minister, Manmohan Singhs statement in the Lok Sabha, during the Budget Session
assuring that Indias nuclear safety regulatory framework would be strengthened. The statement had come after the disaster
at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, including a series of equipment failures, nuclear meltdowns and release of
radioactive materials, following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11.
The bill also provides for establishment of regulatory bodies for the purpose of national defence and security. It seeks to
empower the Council of Nuclear Safety to constitute an Appellate Authority to enable the central government or any person
aggrieved by an order of the Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority to file an appeal.
Government had set up the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board under the Atomic Energy Act 1962 to carry out certain
regulatory and safety functions. But after the Fukushima disaster, the need was felt to further strengthen regulation of nuclear
and radiation safety in the country, with the government attaching highest importance to the matter
INCOIS begins vulnerability mapping of coastline

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has initiated work on multi-hazard vulnerability mapping
of the countrys entire coastline to help authorities take up precautionary measures in the
event of natural disasters. Once over with the multi-hazard vulnerability mapping,
INCOIS will prepare 3D GIS maps to identify the most vulnerable sectors along the
coast, INCOIS Director Satheesh C. Shenoi said on September 7, 2011. After mapping of
the coastline INCOIS will identify the most vulnerable areas from the hazard point of view
to set up the 3D GIS maps for those selected areas. The estimated time frame of the
project is three years.
The mapping will consider all coastal hazards arising from sea level rise, coastal erosion,
wave action, storm surges and tsunamis. INCOIS, which houses the Indian Tsunami
Early Warning Centre, has already generated multi-hazard vulnerability maps of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu besides Nellore
district in Andhra Pradesh. The 3D GIS maps will provide details on the most vulnerable areas on the coast having more
population and infrastructure. In the event of tsunami and other natural calamities, the multi-hazard vulnerability mapping and
3D GIS maps will enable decision makers including Disaster Management authorities to give accurate information on the
areas (prone to submerge) to plan on the precautionary measures including buildings evacuation.
11 killed in bomb blast outside Delhi High Court: Terror struck the Capital again on September 7, 2011 when a highintensity blast outside the Delhi High Court claimed 11 lives and injured 76 people. The bomb, suspected to be placed in a
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briefcase, exploded at 10-14 a.m. near Gate No 5 when around 200 people were waiting to get entry passes. The deafening
explosion left a small crater at the site. In May, the High Court was targeted when a low-intensity bomb went off in the parking
lot. No one was injured in that explosion. The preliminary probe indicated the possible use of nitrate-based explosives laced
with PETN (pentaerythritol trinitrate). The probe is now being handled by a 20-member National Investigation Agency (NIA)
team. The Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, said the blast was of high intensity and called it a terrorist act. He said
intelligence pertaining to threats from certain groups was shared with the Delhi Police in July. Some media houses claimed to
have received a mail purportedly written by Bangladesh-based terror outfit Harkat-ul-Jehadi Islami (HuJI) claiming
responsibility.
Manmohan Cabinet posts assets online: While PMs assets are over Rs 5 crore, defence minister A. K. Antony jointly
with his wife has just Rs 33.54 lakh worth of property. Praful Patel, Kapil Sibal, Kamal Nath, P Chidambaram and Virbhadra
Singh are among the richest cabinet ministers, going by their assets uploaded by the government on the worldwide web on
September 4, 2011. The government has posted the assets and liabilities of the ministers as on March 31, 2011, on the
website of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). PM Singh had directed all ministers to declare their assets and liabilities and
indicate their business interests by August 31. According to the submitted, heavy industries minister Patels assets, along with
his wifes, are Rs 114.42 crore. Telecom minister Sibal has disclosed assets worth Rs 37.21 crore, urban development
minister Nath has Rs 42.55 crore (assets of 25 companies in which he and his family have interests have not been included),
home minister Chidambaram has around Rs 23.49 crore and SME minister Virbhadra Singh, over Rs 22.22 crore. Out of the
77 members of the Council of Ministers, of assets of five were not available on the website at the time of going to print. They
include cabinet minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, ministers of state with independent charge Krishna Tirath and Jayanthi
Natarajan, and ministers of state Jitender Singh and S Jagathrakshakan.
Term of JPC on 2G scam extended: The Lok Sabha on September 6, 2011 adopted a motion for extending the term of
the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G spectrum scam up to the last date of budget session in 2012. P.C. Chacko, who
heads the JPC, moved the motion in the Lower House for extension of the term of the committee. The JPC was required to
submit its report by the last date of the ongoing monsoon session, which is to end on September 8. But the committee had, in
its meeting in the end August, decided to request the Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, to extend its term upto the last date
of the Budget session next year. The JPC, consisting of 20 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha, was
constituted on March 4 to look into the entire gamut of policy prescriptions in the telecom sector from 1998 to 2009.
IAF to induct 300 Sukhoi-30, Tejas aircraft: India will procure over 300 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets and Tejas Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) at a total cost of Rs 64,408 crore to strengthen the combat capability of the IAF, the government said
on September 7, 2011. Replying to a question on procurement of combat aircraft in the Rajya Sabha, defence minister A K
Antony informed that Su-30 MKI aircraft and Tejas LCA are the major modern combat aircraft that have been contracted for
induction into the Indian Air Force. The total cost of procurement of Su-30 MKI is over Rs 55,717 crore while the cost of
procurement of Tejas LCA is about Rs 8,691 crore. The minister informed the House that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) is already manufacturing the Su-30 MKI aircraft as well as Tejas LCA for the IAF. Further HAL would also eventually be
manufacturing the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) planned for
further induction into the IAF.
CVC for perks to overcome manpower crunch in CBI: The Central Vigilance Commission on September 6, 2011
recommended simplification of the recruitment process and best incentives to attract talent in the CBI which is facing
shortage of close to 1,400 personnel. According to official data as on December 31, 2010, a total of 1,379 posts at various
levels were lying vacant, out of which a highest of 946 vacancies existed at the level of executive officers, the anti-corruption
watchdog said in its annual report for 2010. The CVC, which exercises superintendence over the CBI in matters related to
offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, has also asked the agency to speed up the process of implementing Letters
Rogatory to complete its probe on time.
CVC to appear on Sep 15 before House Panel for Lokpal bill: To avoid overlapping of responsibilities, the Central
Vigilance Commission has decided to recommend several steps to the Parliamentary committee examining the Lokpal issue
including greater powers to prosecute higher bureaucracy in corruption-related cases. The Commission has been asked to
give its views on September 15 and is likely to recommending a slew of measures to avoid conflict of interest in the work
allocation between CVC and proposed Lokpal. The Commission, comprising Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar
and two of his deputies R Srikumar and J M Garg, will appear before the House committee on Personnel, Public Grievances,
Law and Justice. The Committee was formed in August 2011 to come out with a strong Lokpal bill after taking into account
proposals made by Team Anna and others
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Beijing was asked to stop infrastructure work in PoK: Expressing concern over Chinese activities in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK), India has asked Beijing to stop its infrastructure development work there. The government is aware
that China is undertaking infrastructure projects in PoK. We have conveyed our concerns to China about their activities in
PoK and asked them to cease such activities, Defence Minister A. K. Antony told the Lok Sabha on September 5, 2011.
China has also been carrying rapid infrastructural development in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and in areas along the
border with India. On Beijing improving its infrastructure on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the minister said that Chinas
construction of strategic roads, railway lines and airfields close to the LAC has improved its military capability. China disputes
its International Boundary with India and there is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two
countries.
Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act came into force: Two months after the Supreme Court held that
the deployment of Special Police Officers in the fight against Naxals was illegal, the Chhattisgarh Assembly on September 9,
2011 passed an Act authorising an auxiliary armed force to assist security forces in dealing with Maoist/Naxal violence and
legalising existing SPOs by inducting them as members. The Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act came into force
with retrospective effect from July 5, the day the apex court passed its order. Despite anything contained in any judgement,
order or decree of any court, each person working as SPO on the date this Act came into force will have a right to remain at
the post, says Section 11(3) of the Act. The government said the Supreme Court had only pointed at the illegality of process
under which the SPOs were employed. The new law gives legal status to SPOs. Their pay-scale and training have been
legalised.
International Conference on Education organised: The Ministry of Human Resource Development organised a threeday International Conference on Womens Literacy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development from September 8 to 10,
2011 in New Delhi. Fourteen countries including India participated in the Conference. Essentially the SAARC nations and the
E-9 countries will be participating. These countries include: Brazil, China, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, Mexico, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal besides India. The three-day Conference had sessions on
subjects such as Centrality of Womens Literacy to Inclusive and Participative Development, Emerging International
Perspective on Adult Education and Lifelong Learning, Innovations in Design & Delivery of Indias Adult Literacy Programme
and International Cooperation for Promoting Adult Education.
Top 200 QS World University Rankings unveiled: The worlds second-fastest growing economy does not have an
educational institute in the top 200 global list this year. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay the only Indian
varsity that found itself in the Top 200 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings in 2010 at the number 187 spot
dropped 38 places to 225 in 2011. The rankings by QS, a leading networking organisation in higher education, are based
on employer reputation, academic reputation and research quality. University of Cambridge and Harvard University retained
their number one and two positions respectively. Globally, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University
of Oxford bettered their last years rankings from five and six to three and five, respectively, Yale University dropped one
place from third to fourth rank. In the Asia list, Japan was the best-represented nation, with five of the top 10 and 57 of the top
200 universities, ahead of China (40) and South Korea (35), Taiwan (16), India (11), Thailand (9), Indonesia (8), Malaysia (7)
and Hong Kong (7).
WHO, International Pharmaceutical Federation tie up to tackle tuberculosis: The World Health Organisation, in
a landmark initiative to curb the current tuberculosis epidemic, has signed up with The International Pharmaceutical
Federation (FIP) on the role of pharmacists in tuberculosis care and control. The FIP is the apex body of pharmacists. The
st
joint statement on the cooperation was issued at the federations 71 International Congress in Hyderabad on September 4,
2011. The move establishes a series of measures to help detect tuberculosis, offer treatment support to tuberculosis patient
and substantially reduce the number of deaths. The plan is it to encourage the FIPs network of two million pharmacists and
pharmaceutical scientists around the world to become fully engaged in national tuberculosis care and control efforts.
NEWSMAKERS
Lok Sabha drops impeachment proceedings as Justice Sen resigns: The Lok Sabha on September 5, 2011
dropped impeachment proceedings against Calcutta High Court Judge Soumitra Sen who had submitted his resignation to
the President on September 3, two days before the Lower Houses scheduled debate and vote on the matter. After Law and
Justice Minister Salman Khursheed informed the Lok Sabha of Justice Sens resignation, which was accepted by President
Pratibha Patil, Speaker Meira Kumar dropped the proceedings against the judge. Sen was facing impeachment for
misappropriation of large sums of money, which he received in his capacity as Receiver appointed by the Calcutta High
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Court; and misrepresenting facts with regard to the misappropriation of money before the High Court. In August, CPI (M)
leader Sitaram Yechury moved the motion of impeachment in the Rajya Sabha against Justice Sen for misappropriating Rs.
33.23 lakh in a 1983 case when he was appointed Receiver by the High Court. When put to vote, 189 members supported
the motion and 16 opposed it, after the judge, who was standing in the bar placed in the Upper House, mounted a strong
defence.
Former Karnataka Minister Janardhan Reddy arrested in Bellary scam: The former Karnataka Minister, Gali
Janardhan Reddy, and his relative and managing director of the Bellary-based Obulapuram Mining Company, B.V. Srinivas
Reddy, were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on September 5, 2011 and remanded in judicial custody for two
weeks, till September 19. The CBI teams seized more than Rs. 3 crore in cash, 30 kg of gold and several documents from
Mr. Janardhan Reddys house, while the searches in Mr. Srinivas Reddys house yielded more than Rs.1.5 crore in cash and
documents. A director of the controversial OMC, the BJP leader has been at the centre of the controversy over illegal mining
of iron ore on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border, near Bellary.
Army Chief got last 2 promotions on basis of 1950 Date of Birth Defence Minister: Amid the continuing
controversy over the age of Gen V K Singh, Defence Minister A. K. Antony on September 7, 2011 said the Chief of Army Staff
has a little over eight months in office as per his May 10, 1950 date of birth on the basis of which he got his last two
promotions. Gen Singh has two different sets of dates of birth in official documents and has filed a Statutory Complaint on his
age issue. The date of birth of Gen Singh has been maintained as May 10, 1950 at the time of his selection as Corps
Commander in 2006 as well his subsequent promotions as Army Commander in 2008 and the Chief of Army Staff in 2010.
However, a different date of birth finds mention in certain documents and the Army Chief has filed a Statutory Complaint in
this matter. In the Statutory Complaint, Gen Singh has petitioned the Defence Minister against Ministrys July 21 decision
rejecting his contention of treating May 10, 1951 as his date of birth. While the Military Secretary branch records his date of
birth as May 10, 1950, the Adjutant Generals branch has May 10, 1951 in its documents. The Army Headquarters has said
that Gen Singhs matriculation certificate, which shows his date of birth to be May 10, 1951, cannot be ignored while deciding
the issue.
Filmmaker Mundhra passes away: Film director Jagmohan Mundhra passed away at the age of 62 on September 4,
2011. Mundhra was best known for his film Kamla starring Shabana Azmi and Deepti Naval. During the last decade, he
made women-oriented films like Bawandar with Nandita Das and the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer Provoked. His last
release was Govinda-starrer Naughty@forty. Mundhra also wanted to make a biopic on Sonia Gandhi.
Section B: AWARDS
Faust wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival: Faust, a film by Russian director Alexander Sokurov has won the
film a Golden Lion for the Best Film at the Venice Film Festival organised in Venice, Italy from August 31 to September 10,
2011. The classic tale explores the corrupting nature of power as scholar Faust sells his soul to the devil.
Hollywood director-actor Al Pacino was presented with the Glory to the Film-maker award on September 4. Marco
Bellocchio was awarded with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in September. Complete list of winners: Golden Lion
for Best Film Faust by Aleksander Sokurov (Russia); Silver Lion for Best Director Shangjun CAI for the film Ren Shan
Ren Hai (People Mountain People Sea) (China - Hong Kong); Special Jury Prize Terraferma by Emanuele Crialese
(Italy); Coppa Volpi for Best Actor Michael Fassbender in the film Shame by Steve McQueen (United Kingdom); Coppa
Volpi for Best Actress Deanie Yip in the film Tao jie (A Simple Life) by Ann Hui (China - Hong Kong); Marcello
Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress Shta Sometani and Fumi Nikaid in the film Himizu by Sion
Sono (Japan); Osella for the Best Cinematography Robbie Ryan for the film Wuthering Heights by Andrea Arnold (United
Kingdom); Osella for Best Screenplay Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou for the film Alpis (Alps) by Yorgos
Lanthimos (Grecia).
President gives away National Award to Teachers -2010: The President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away
the National Award to Teachers 2010 in New Delhi on September 5, 2011. Given away on Teachers Day every year,
these awards accord public recognition to teachers of primary and secondary schools. Today the awards were given to 298
teachers. The Award carries a Silver Medal, a Certificate of merit and a cash award of Rs. 25,000/-.
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Section C: WORLD
NEWS ROUND UP
G8 pledges $38bn to Arab states; IMF recognises Libya
Finance ministers from the G8 group of industrialised countries on September 10, 2011 pledged nearly $40bn to several Arab
countries to help with reconstruction and moves towards democracy. The funds will go to Egypt
and Tunisia, which overthrew their autocratic leaders, as well as Morocco and Jordan. In
addition, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognised Libyas post-Gaddafi leadership.
The G8 - the worlds richest countries plus Russia met in Marseille, France. In addition to the
pledge of $38bn from G8 countries, the IMF is extending further funds.
The IMF can actually extend an approximate total of $35bn for the region and particularly with
the focus on those that are oil-importing countries because, as we know, they are the ones that
are suffering the most from the high commodity prices, whether its fuel or prices of food, said IMF Managing Director
Christine Lagarde. Morocco and Jordan, both monarchies, have seen some protests but have weathered the upheavals in
the Arab world by offering constitutional reforms.
The total of $73bn in pledges nearly doubles the amount originally pledged by the G8 and lenders including the World Bank
at an earlier summit in May 2011.
The IMF decided to recognise Libyas National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate representatives of the Libyan
people, replacing fugitive leader Col Muammar Gaddafi. The move paves the way for the IMF to offer aid to the new
authorities.
5 Indians in 50 Bloomberg Most Influential Global List: Indian-born bankers Anshu Jain and Vikram Pandit, ICICI
Banks Chanda Kochhar, leading industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Ratan Tata have been named among the 50 most
influential in global finance by Bloomberg Markets magazine in a first such list released on September 9, 2011. Pandit, CEO
of Citigroup, and Jain, imminent co-chief executive of Deutsche Bank, resident Indians Kochhar, CEO of ICICI Bank, Mukesh
Ambani, chairman of Indias largest company RIL and Tata, chairman of Tata group, share the distinction of finding place in
the magazines first annual list with the likes of US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke and Christine Lagarde, MD,
International Monetary Fund. The 50 most influential have been defined as the people who matter most in global finance:
those whose comments move markets, whose deals set the value of companies or securities, whose ideas and policies
shape corporations, governments and economies. Bloomberg has focused on people who matter right now rather than those
who have been influential over the course of a long career, although some clearly meet both criteria.
Irans first nuclear plant inaugurated: Iran has connected its first nuclear plant at Bushehr to the countrys national
electricity grid with an initial contribution of 60 megawatts of power. This was announced by the Atomic Energy Organisation
of Iran (AEOI) on September 3, 2011. The completion of the Bushehr atomic project, which had commenced prior to the
Islamic Revolution of 1979, has faced repeated delays. After the revolution, Iran signed in 1995, a deal with Russia for the
completion of the plant in the next four years. But the facility could be eventually completed after a delay of three decades.
Other factors have also disrupted the previously set time-lines. In February 2011, Iran was forced to remove fuel from the
reactor on account of the attack on the industrial software of the plant by the highly sophisticated Stuxnet computer virus. Iran
has allayed fears that the Bushehr facility can be misused for making bombs. Iran will return to Russia all the spent fuel
the material generated by the reactor that can be potentially used for making weapons.
Haitis President Martelly appoints new PM: President Michel Martelly on September 5, 2011 chose physician Garry
Conille as the new prime minister of Haiti as he seeks to end an impasse with parliament over the makeup of his government.
Conille, 45, has been serving as chief of staff to former US president Bill Clinton, the UN special envoy for Haiti. Conille is
Martellys third choice as cabinet chief since taking office almost four months ago. The opposition-led parliament rejected
names of businessman Daniel-Gerard Rouzier and legal scholar Bernard Gousse.
JAXA to ignite Akatsuis engine to enter Venuss orbit: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on
September 5, 2011 said it will ignite the engine of the space probe Akatsuki twice this month to check if it can enter orbit
around Venus, after its failure to do so late last year. Akatsuki failed to enter the orbit due to overheating of its engine caused
by a foreign substance stuck in the fuel valve. The agency is considering adjusting Akatsukis posture in November to pave
the way for a renewed attempt to enter orbit around Venus in late 2015.
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2011 12:01 IST
NEWS ROUND UP
CAG report on functioning of Air-India in 2002-10 tabled in Parliament
Air Indias decision to buy 68 Boeing planes in 2004-05 imposed an undue long term financial burden on the carrier.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the government and the aviation ministry for the purchase of
planes worth $11 billion by state-owned Air India when it couldnt afford to do so. In its
report on the carrier for 2002-10, the governments auditor has also found fault with what it
said was the excessively liberal grant of flying rights to foreign airlines and the botched
merger of Air India and Indian Airlines. Air India, which has around Rs. 40,000 crore of debt
on its books, is in the midst of a government-backed rescue programme, the first time in its
history that the carrier has had to seek money from the exchequer. It made record losses of
more than $1 billion in each of the last two fiscal years and has been defaulting on
payments to employees, oil companies and airports. The report was introduced in
Parliament on September 8, 2011, the last day of the monsoon session. Following is a
detailed account of the important points raised in the CAG Report.
Aircraft acquisition: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has pulled up the government for risky acquisitions of a
large number of aircraft for Rs 46,000 crore, funded almost entirely through debt, and creating no cost benchmarks before
negotiating with manufacturers. It has raised questions over Air Indias flawed assumption that buying 50 long-range aircraft
to increase capacity would automatically increase its market share. The auditor has also pointed a finger at the speed at
which decisions were taken in acquiring new aircraft. It has observed the aircraft acquisition programme under consideration
from 1996 suddenly picked up steam and a contract for new aircraft was signed in seven months. The CAG says the civil
aviation ministry should have acknowledged that such an acquisition would involve substantially negative cash flows and
should have approved appropriate arrangement for funding the resultant cash deficit.
Liberal access for foreign airlines: The audit report said while the airlines acquisition plans were revised upwards, its
chances of increasing market share were hampered by liberal bilateral entitlements. The Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG) criticised the civil aviation ministry for granting massive increases in bilateral air traffic rights to Gulf nations in 200405, despite Air Indias (AI) strong reservations, as this was its most profitable international sector. Between May 2007 and
March 2010, the Dubai sector saw the number of seats per week rise from 18,400 to 54,200. The CAG said as a result of
unilateral liberalisation of the bilateral rights, Indian carriers did not get any increase in the number of destinations in the Gulf
countries, while airlines from that region got the right to operate to 14 destinations in India, four more than before.
Hasty merger: The report said the financial case for a merger was not validated prior to it. In our view, the focus of the
process leading up to the implementation of the merger was on consideration of alternative options for a merger, stamp duty
and tax implications, creation of top-level posts for accommodating existing incumbents, etc.
Course of action: CAG has recommended the government give autonomy to Air India with regard to commercial and
operational decisions and get strict on bilaterals. It is imperative Air India is headed by a professional, who has a stake in the
success of the airline, it said. It has suggested ways in which Air India could improve revenues and cut costs.
WAN-IFRA Expo India 2011 & WAN-IFRA India 2011 Conference organised
With print circulation continuing to rise, Indian newspapers are in an enviable position. But publishers on the subcontinent still
need to innovate be it in cross-media advertising, digital media, or print quality and
efficiency. That was the message that emerged from WAN-IFRA India 2011, where an
abundance of ideas and best innovative practices was presented to more than 600
senior newspaper executives in Chennai from September 6 to 8, 2011. The conference
consisted of newsroom, printing, and cross-media advertising summits. The conference
was complemented by an expo, the second-largest international exhibition in the world
for trends and practices in the newspaper printing and publishing industry. The event,
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the 19 annual in the series, was organised by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and
co-sponsored by The Indian Newspaper Society.
Jacob Mathew, president, WAN-IFRA, said the print media was expanding its presence in the South Asian region, even as
circulation was dropping in mature markets. This region was still able to guarantee a reliable and sizeable audience for the
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print stream. In India, China, Brazil and South Africa, the circulation was increasing. There were about 170 million newspaper
readers in India, roughly 20 per cent of the adult population (12 years and above). Globally, the industry connected with a
1.8-billion population. On free content being available online, the president of WAN-IFRA, the World Association of
Newspapers and News Publishers, said it was important for print publications to get together and prevent freeloading of
online content. K. Balaji, Managing Director, Kasturi and Sons is the Chairman of WAN-IFRA South Asia Committee
WAN-IFRA Expo India 2011: WAN-IFRA Expo India is the second-largest international exhibition in the world for trends and
practices in the newspaper printing and publishing industry. The industrys top technology and service providers showcased
their latest product and service developments and offerings, providing publishers a vital resource for keeping up with the
industry challenges.
WAN-IFRA India 2011 annual conference featured three parallel summits: Printing Summit: The Printing Summit South
Asia was aimed at technical and production directors, prepress and plant managers as well as IT heads that are tasked with
managing the publishing and printing operations. The programme addressed the challenges of efficient newspaper
production. Newsroom Summit: The Newsroom Summit South Asia was aimed at Editors, Managing Editors, News Editors,
Sub-Editors, Chief Reporters and New media professionals and those who are involved in leading and managing newsrooms.
The programme addressed the issues of creating engaging content, reaching the readers in multi-format and monetizing the
content. Cross Media Advertising Summit: The Cross Media Advertising Summit was aimed at Managing Directors,
Advertising Directors, Advertising Managers, Business Development Managers and other executives in news publishing
companies involved in marketing cross media solutions to advertisers. The Summit addressed the emergence of business on
cross-media advertising, the demands it brings with it and how newspaper publishers can gear upto to offer cross-media
solutions, etc.
About WAN-IFRA South Asia: Headquartered in Chennai, WAN-IFRA South Asia, started its operation in 2001 as a private
limited company registered under the Indian Companies Act. But the origin of IFRA in India dates back to 1992 when the
services of IFRA, with only an Annual Conference, were offered in this country through a representative office. From this
modest beginning, it today stands as a separate company catering to the needs of the Indian publishing industry. Currently
there are about 42 members - both publications and suppliers. Most of the leading publications in India are our members, the
list includes ABP, Amar Ujala, Bartaman, Daily Ajit, Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Sambad, Deccan Chronicle,
Deccan Herald, Dinamalar, DNA, Eenadu, India Today, Kala Kaumudhi, Lokmat, Madhyamam, Malayala Manorama, Manipal
Media, Mathrubhumi, Mid Day, New Indian Express, The Daily Thanthi, The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, The Times of India,
The Tribune, The Hind Samachar, Saakshi, Sanmarg and Sakal.
Parliamentary committee calls for performance evaluation of Planning Commission

The parliamentary standing committee on finance on September 9, 2011 said that the Planning Commissions policies have
failed to deliver the desired results and has suggested that an expert group be
constituted immediately to evaluate the Plan panels role and re-define its
objectives.
The committee has blamed the disjunction between planning, budgeting and lack
of synchronisation between the Planning Commissions plans and implementation
to be the cause of its failures. In a recent note to Plan panel Deputy Chairman
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the standing committee said that the extent of progress
made so far has been far from satisfactory despite the Commissions experience
of over six decades of planning.
Though a good number of policy measures were initiated and interventions made
at various levels, yet the development policies have not benefited majority of the
countrys populace, the standing committee, headed by former Finance Minister
Yashwant Sinha said.
This, committee argued, could be widely seen through prolonged imbalance in development across states and within the
provinces, unsatisfactory human development parameters, failure in achieving desired farm sector growth, high dropout at
primary level education and the absence of universalisation of higher education. The committee said the Plan panels policy
initiatives have not helped in bridging the mismatch in demand and supply of skilled personnel, and in its inability in
earmarking 2-3 per cent of the GDP to the health sector as envisaged.
Stating that the commission lacked futuristic vision in social planning in the post-reforms period, the standing committee
said that while planning was very much relevant in India, the Planning Commission has to come to grips with the emerging
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social realities to reinvent itself to make itself more relevant and effective for aligning the planning process with economic
reforms and its consequences for the poor.
The committee therefore recommend that the government should constitute an expert group immediately for evaluating the
performance of the Planning Commission and re-defining its role and objectives so as to relate the planning process to the
life of the common man and its role in implementation of schemes.
Indias external debt at $305.9 billion on March 31, 2011

Higher external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and short-term trade flows pulled up Indias external debt stock by 17.2 per
cent to $305.9 billion at end-March, 2011 from $261.0 billion at the end-March, 2010. The share of ECBs in Indias total
external debt increased from 19.7 per cent at end-March, 2005 to 28.9 per cent at end-March, 2011. This was largely on
account of strong domestic demand and high growth rate of the economy.
The changing composition of debt in favour of commercial borrowing can be seen as an indication of maturing market
economy and the increasing role of corporate India, an official release from the ministry of finance said on March 8, 2011.
Indias total long-term external debt showed an increase of 15.4 per cent to $240.9 billion at end-March, 2011 from $208.7
billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. It accounted for 78.8 per cent of Indias total external debt. Short-term
debt grew significantly by 24.2 per cent to a level of $65.0 billion in the period from $52.3 billion at end March, 2010 and
accounted for the balance 21.2 per cent of the external debt.
The currency composition of Indias external debt showed that US dollar accounted for 53.5 per cent of total external debt at
end-March, 2011, followed by the Indian rupee at 19.5 per cent, Japanese yen at 11.4 per cent and special drawing rights
(SDRs) at 9.7 per cent.
Committee on gas prices against pooling domestic natural gas with imported LNG
A high-level government committee, headed by Planning Commission member, Saumitra Chaudhari, on September 5, 2011
has ruled out pooling of natural gas prices, stating that domestic natural gas users could not be asked to subsidise costlier
imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This is in marked contrast to its previous interim report a few months ago in which it had
suggested averaging out the price or polling of prices of costlier imported LNG with cheaper domestic gas. The pooling of
prices would have resulted in users of cheaper domestic natural gas paying double the existing rates so that imported LNG
could be sold at affordable rates. In its final report, the committee has stated: The committee does not recommend a pooling
mechanism for natural gas at the overall level, nor does it recommend a price pooling on sectoral basis.
The report backed preferential allotment of domestic gas only for priority sectors such as fertilizers and power. It
recommended that the rest of the consumers such as steel plants be allocated imported LNG. Domestic gas is currently
priced at $4.2 to $5.5 per million British thermal unit (mBtu) while the fuel imported in ships in its liquid form or LNG is priced
at $10 to 14 per mBtu. The non-priority users operate in a market environment where their output prices are market-driven
with no regulatory burden and hence they should be able to pass on the higher costs of gas feedstock, it said.
UNCTAD unveils Trade and Development Report 2011

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has projected an economic growth of 8.1 per cent for
India in 2011 the fastest rate of expansion in the world after China in its Trade and Development Report 2011 released on
September 6, 2011. The report was released in New Delhi by Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman, Director, UN Information Centre for
India & Bhutan, and Jayati Ghosh, Economist, JNU.
The report says that despite the slowdown in developed countries, the Indian economy is set to grow by 8.1 per cent in 2011
as against to 8.6 per cent in 2010. China would have a growth rate of 9.4 per cent in 2011, slightly lower than the 10.3 per
cent posted in 2010. UNCTADs growth projection for India during the calendar year is only marginally lower than the
International Monetary Funds estimated of 8.2 per cent and slightly above the 8 per cent level forecast by the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) for the current fiscal year. The various estimates are also in line with the World Banks projection of 8 per cent
2011-12 and the Asian Development Banks 8.2 per cent for the fiscal.
While global economic growth in 2011, the report said, is likely to slow down to 3.1 per from almost 4 per cent in 2010,
developing economies are also likely to be affected by recession in the developed world. However, even as the developing
countries are expected to regain the pre-crisis growth rate of 6 per cent in 2011, economic expansion in the developed
economies is likely to be only about 1.5-2 per cent, it said. The South Asia region, UNCTAD said, is likely to be among the
best performers globally, with a growth of seven per cent in 2011. On the other hand, growth in the U.S. is likely to remain low
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on account of low domestic demand, stagnating wages while the European debt crisis is also expected to act as a drag on
the global growth. As for India, UNCTAD noted that its growth story is mainly on account of domestic demand.
Government bans onion exports, allows wheat shipment

The governemnt on September 8, 2011 banned exports of onion to increase domestic supplies. The ban comes a day after
the government raised the minimum export price of the commodity by a whopping $175 per tonne to $475. In the last three
months retail prices of onion had almost doubled. Rising onion prices have contributed to the rise in food inflation which had
reached 10.05 per cent for the week ended August 20.
Sufficient stock of foodgrain also prompted the Centre to lift the ban on wheat, after almost four years. Two million tonnes of
wheat and an additional two million tonnes of non-basmati rice have been allowed to be exported under the open general
license. The government had banned exports of wheat and rice in 2007 as domestic prices had jumped due to supply
constraints. Since then, retail price of grains have remained largely stable, but the government had stopped exports because
of the adverse impact on procurement. As on August 1, the government had more than 61 million tonnes of grains in its
warehouses, almost double the quantity required under the buffer norms and strategic reserve needs.
Among other key decisions, the government extended the order for duty-free import of crude palm oil for one year starting
October. The import duty on refined edible oil has been fixed at 7.5 per cent for another year starting October. The scheme to
provide subsidised edible oils to poor families has also been extended by one-year starting October 1. Under the scheme, the
government gives a subsidy of Rs 15 per kilogram for sale of edible oils to poor families.
India 56th on World Economic Forum Index

The annual Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) of the World Economic Forum (WEF) continues to list Switzerland as the
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most competitive country globally, with the United States falling to the 5 position. Singapore is the 2nd most competitive
country in the World Economic Forums Global Competitiveness Report for 2011-12 unveiled on September 8, 2011.
The GCR finds Asia has become globally more competitive, as a result of its rise to economic prominence. The report states
that over the past five years several countries in the Asian Pacific regions, including China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri
Lanka, have made important strides in the GCI rankings. Indias performance is, however, disappointing and it has fallen 5
positions since 2010 from 51 to 56 out of 142 economies. Indias gap with China has widened. China is ranked 26th.
The WEF states that Indias low ranking is due to its mediocre accomplishments in areas which are considered to be the
basic factors underpinning competitiveness. Indias supply of transport, ICT, and energy infrastructure remains largely
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insufficient and ill adapted to the needs of business (89 ). India Inc. continuously cites Indias infrastructure as the biggest
hindrance to doing business in the country. WEF notes that though there has been a slow improvement since 2006 it does
not translate into a higher ranking because other countries have been improving faster. The report paints a similar picture in
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Indias health and basic education (which is 101 ) pillar. It finds that despite improvements over the past years the quality
of public health and basic education are a prime cause of worry.
It also states that though there are some encouraging trends in education quality and public health, the same cannot be said
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of the countrys institutions (69 , 37 in 2010) and macroeconomic environment (105 ), which are the other two
dimensions comprising the basic requirements component of the GCI (Global Competitiveness Index). Indias
macroeconomic environment is rated low down at 105, for its continued large and repeated public deficit and high debt-toGDP ratio. High inflation hovering around 10% is undermining the macroeconomic environment.
However, the reports state that the positive strengths of India are in its more advanced and complex drivers of
competitiveness. It is a country that boasts of a vast domestic market that allows for economies of scale and attracts
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investors. It can rely on a well-developed and sophisticated financial market (21 ) that can channel financial resources to
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good use, and it boasts of reasonably sophisticated (43 ) and innovative (38 ) businesses.
Indias scorecard: OVERALL Ranking 56th; Ranking on different parameters: Transport, ICT, and energy
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infrastructure 89 , Institutions 69 , Macroeconomic environment 105 , Health and basic education 101 , Business
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sophistication 43 , Innovation 38
Indias biotech sector crosses USD 4 bn E&Y report

Domestic biotech industry crossed the USD 4 billion-mark last fiscal, growing from around USD 3 billion in the previous fiscal,
according to an Ernst & Young India report. Vaccines, diagnostics and devices and personalised medicine are the key
innovative growth areas for the domestic biotech sector, says Beyond borders: Global Biotechnology Report - 2011 unveiled
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on August 30, 2011. The report notes that though the year has seen R&D funding increasingly become scarce for vast
majority of firms globally, Indias biotech sector is one of the fastest growing knowledge-based sectors with numerous
comparative advantages in terms of R&D facilities, cost effectiveness and budding capability.
Enhanced performance following the recovery from economic downturn gave rise to a new ray of hope for the global
biotechnology industry, says the E&Y report. The Indian biotech industry is largely dependent on government funding, with
only a handful of venture capital funds focusing on this industry and an almost negligible angel investment flowing in, notes
the report.
On the M&As in the sector, report says the years noteworthy deals included Ranbaxy Labs acquisitions of Biovel
Lifesciences, Biocon s commercialisation agreement with Pfizer (the company also announced plans to establish R&D
centres in Malaysia) and Cipla s acquisition of a large stake in MabPharma and BioMab.
Metallurgical sector gets Rs 5,023 crore FDI in 2010-11: The countrys metallurgical sector garnered Rs 5,023.34
crore in Foreign Direct Investment in the 2010-11, a 150 per cent increase compared to 2009-10. The sector, which also
includes steel, had attracted over Rs 1,999 crore in FDI in 2009-10, Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma said in the Lok Sabha
on September 5, 2011. Japanese firm JFE Holdings had bought a 14.99 per cent stake in JSW Steel in 2010-11. The minister
said the countrys total finished steel production in 2010-11 amounted to 66 million tonnes, while demand stood at 65.6
million tonnes.
Fruit, vegetable production up 3.7% in 2010-11: Indias output of fruits and vegetables increased by 3.7 per cent to
over 213 million tonnes in 2010-11 on the back of an increase in the area under cultivation. The country produced 205.24
million tonnes of fruits and vegetables in the year-ago period, Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat informed Lok
Sabha on September 6, 2011. The total area under vegetable and fruit cultivation rose by 4 per cent to 14.84 million
hectares in 2010-11 from 14.31 million hectares in the year-ago period. India is the worlds second-largest producer of fruits
and vegetables. The country registered a 3 per cent increase in vegetable production to 137.68 million tonnes in 2010-11,
compared to 133.73 million tonnes in the previous year. Fruit production increased 6 per cent to 75.82 million tonnes in
2010-11 from 71.51 million tonnes in 2009-10.
Indian investment overseas up 94% in April-June 2011: Overseas investments by Indian companies jumped by 94%
to USD 5.5 billion in the April-June period of the current fiscal year. In the corresponding period of 2010-11, outward
investment totalled USD 2.8 billion, according to the latest figures given by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Rajya
Sabha on September 6, 2011. Mauritius (USD 548.54 million) was the top destination for Indian investors in the first quarter
of 2011-12, followed by the US (USD 185 million) and Singapore (USD 157.31 million). Overseas investment by Indian firms
was highest in agriculture sector (USD 1419 million) followed by community services (USD 1349 million) and Construction
sector (USD 1336 million). As per data, investments by resident individuals abroad during April-June of current fiscal year
stood at USD 63.9 million against USD 62 million in the previous year.
Banks to discontinue prepayment penalty on consumer loans: Prepayment penalty, levied on home or car loans
taken by individual borrowers is set to end. In a meeting with the Reserve Bank of India held recently, banks agreed to waive
prepayment charges on floating rate loans, the central bank said on September 5, 2011. The move is aimed at bringing
fairness in bank charges. Prepayment penalty in some banks can range between one and five per cent on the loan due,
depending on the nature of the loan. The removal of prepayment penalty will make it easier for customers to shift loans to
other banks if they get a better interest rate. Also, it will increase competition among banks. Banks have also been asked to
revive fixed rate home loan products. Currently banks offer floating rate loan products to protect themselves from interest rate
fluctuations.
RBI Governor calls for lower reserve requirements: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mooted the idea of
lowering banks reserve requirements, which have remained high for the Indian banking sector. The move is aimed at making
more resources available to market participants. Currently, the cash reserve ratio and the statutory liquidity ratio amount to
30 per cent, which has come down from 65 per cent over the years. But it is still considered high, said RBI Governor D
Subbarao, while addressing a national finance symposium organised by Indian Institute of Foreign Trade on September 7,
2011. He said the RBI believes it should be brought down in a gradual manner. Currently, banks are mandated to keep six
per cent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) with RBI as cash reserve ratio (CRR). Banks also have to keep 24 per cent
of NDTL in government bonds and other certified securities as statutory liquidity ratio (SLR). SLR has protected us in crises
because banks had liquidity, and Basel-III has a provision which is similar to SLR, Said Subbarao. He added SLR needed to
be reduced to make credit available for the private sector.
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First Meeting of the South Asia Forum organised: The first meeting of South Asia Forum was organised by the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Anand Sharma, the
Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles, has announced that India will meet its commitment of reducing tariff lines
under sensitive list by 20% for all SAARC countries by October 2011. This will fulfil a critical requirement of the SAFTA
agreement signed by SAARC member countries. The Minister also informed that India has been bringing down the peak
tariffs under SAFTA in a very transparent manner for imports from Pakistan and the peak rates would be 8 percent. The peak
tariff rates would be 8% by 1st January 2012 and again by 5% by 1st January 2013. India has already allowed zero duty
access for the SAARC Least Developed Countries, for almost 97% of the total tariff lines. Indias trade with SAARC stands at
mere US$ 13 billion at a time when our global trade has expanded to cross US$ 600 billion. Indian companies have stepped
out and engaged in foreign shores investing over US$ 100 billion and more than 90% of this investment has been outside
South Asia. India investment flows into SAARC have been around US$ 10 billion. The Objective and scope of the South Asia
Forum will serve as an open platform for generation of debate, discussion and exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future
development; and would provide inputs for charting out the future course of SAARC in the medium and long run. SAARC
comprises Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The next summit of the 1985formed organisation will be at Maldives on November 10-11.
DD wants equal share in sports broadcast revenue: Doordarshan could soon get a bigger slice of the revenue pie in
lucrative sport broadcasting deals. Prasar Bharati the umbrella body that includes Doordarshan and All India Radio on
September 7, 2011 proposed a policy amendment to the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar
Bharati) Act. Passed in 2007, the Act mandates that any live telecast of events of national importance be shared with Prasar
Bharati, with Doordarshan getting to keep 25 per cent of the advertisement revenue while 75 per cent is given to the original
content rights owner. The Prasar Bharati Board has suggested that this arrangement be changed to a 50:50 revenue sharing
ratio.
FICCI launches Credible India campaign: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on
September 4, 2011 launched Credible India, a project aimed at making the country an attractive global investment
destination for foreign and domestic firms, at Chennai. FICCI president Harsh Mariwala said the idea was to push for
procedural reforms and galvanise the States into adopting national best practices so that India was seen as a global
investment destination. Besides, FICCI would evaluate the procedures and processes of indicators that had a direct bearing
on investment decisions in different States across sectors. FICCI had recently launched a joint venture with the government
called Invest India Company to facilitate entry of foreign and domestic firms. Mariwala said the industry chamber would work
with the Credible India project to improve the state of business environment; map the progress of States over time on select
indicators and develop a Credible India Index; and ensure that all States adopt best practices. FICCI Secretary General
Rajiv Kumar pointed that India was in the bottom half of the annual ranking in the World Banks Doing Business report. The
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2011 report places India in 134 place among 183 countries.
European Central Banks Chief Economist resigns: European Central Bank (ECB) Chief Economist, Juergen Stark,
stepped down on September 9, 2011. Stark had repeatedly spoken against ECBs controversial bond buying programme
favoured by its President Jean-Claude Trichet, arguing that it will increase the risk of inflation in the 17-nation euro zone. He
maintained that it could also endanger the banks main goal of preserving stability in the euro area. Announcing Starks
surprise resignation, ECB said he will leave office nearly three years earlier than his terms expiry in 2014 for personal
reasons.
Russia launches undersea gas pipeline to Europe bypassing Ukraine: Russia pumped the first technical gas
into a new undersea pipeline to Germany that will increase Europes dependence on Russian natural gas and drastically cut
Moscows reliance on transit countries. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on September 6, 2011 pressed the start button to
launch the filling of the Nord Stream pipeline at a ceremony in Vyborg, near St. Petersburg, the starting point of the $12.5
billion 1,220-kilometre pipeline built across the Baltic Sea to Germany. Russia currently accounts for about a quarter of the
gas consumed in the European Union. Nord Stream is the first Russian export pipeline that bypasses transit countries. The
pipeline will greatly reduce Russias dependence on Ukraine, which currently carries 80 per cent of Russian gas to Europe
through Soviet-era pipelines. Disputes between Ukraine and Russia over gas prices repeatedly disrupted shipments to
Europe in recent years.
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Section E: SPORTS
USA tops medals tally in Daegu IAAF World Championships
The Jamaican team of Usain Bolt, Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan Blake created the only world record of the
tournament when they won the gold in 4X100 m relay race in 37.04 seconds on the final day
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of the 13 edition of the IAAF World Championships organised from August 27 to September
4, 2011 at Daegu in South Korea. France won the silver while. St. Kitts and Nevis won the
bronze medal. Blake had also won the 100 m individual event.
The United States led the team tally with 12 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze followed by Russia
with 19 medals (9 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze), Kenya with 17 (7 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze),
Jamaica with 9 (4 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze), Germany with 7 (3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), Great
Britain with 7 (2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze), China with 4 (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), Australia with 3 (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze),
Ethiopia with 5 (1 gold, 4 bronze) and Ukraine with 2 (1 gold, 1 bronze) in the top ten list. In all, athletes from 41 countries
took home medals. Several multiple medallist emerged from the championships, with Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot, who won
golds in the 5000 and 10,000m, was the only athlete to have won more than one individual gold medal in the championships.
Complete list of Gold medal winners is as follows:
Gold medal winners MEN:
Gold medal winners WOMEN:
TRACK:
TRACK:
100 metres Yohan Blake (Jamaica) 9.92 sec; 200 100 metres Carmelita Jeter (United States) 10.90 sec;
metres Usain Bolt (Jamaica) 19.40 sec; 400 metres
Kirani James (Grenada) 44.60 sec; 800 metres David
Rudisha Kenya (Kenya) 1:43.91; 1500 metres Asbel
Kiprop (Kenya) 3:35.69; 5000 metres Mo Farah Great
Britain (Great Britain) 13:23.36; 10,000 metres Ibrahim
Jeilan Ethiopia (Ethiopia) 27:13.81; Marathon Abel Kirui
Kenya (Kenya) 2:07:38; 110 metres hurdles Jason
Richardson (United States) 13.16; 400 metres hurdles
Dai Greene Great Britain (Great Britain) 48.26; 3000 metres
steeplechase Ezekiel Kemboi (Kenya) 8:14.85; 20
kilometres walk Valeriy Borchin Russia (Russia);
1:19:56; 50 kilometres walk Sergey Bakulin (Russia)
3:41:24; 4 100 metres relay Jamaica Nesta Carter,
Michael Frater, Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt (37.04); 4 400
metres relay United States Greg Nixon, Bershawn
Jackson, Angelo Taylor, LaShawn Merritt (2:59.31)
200 metres Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jamaica) 22.22

sec; 400 metres Amantle Montsho (Botswana) 49.56 sec;
800 metres Mariya Savinova (Russia) 1:55.87; 1500
metres Jennifer Simpson (United States) 4:05.40; 5000
metres Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya) 14:55.36; 10,000
metres Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya) 30:48.98; Marathon
Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) 2:28:43; 100 metres hurdles Sally
Pearson (Australia) 12.28; 400 metres hurdles Lashinda
Demus (United States) 52.47; 3000 metres steeplechase
Yuliya Zarudneva Zaripova (Russia) 9:07.03; 20 kilometres
walk Olga Kaniskina (Russia) 1:29:42; 4 100 metres
relay (United States) Bianca Knight, Allyson Felix,
Marshevet Myers, Carmelita Jeter 41.56 sec; 4 400
metres relay (United States) Sanya Richards, Ross
Allyson, Felix Jessica Beard, Francena McCorory 3:18.09
FIELD:
FIELD:
High jump Jesse Williams (United States) 2.35 m; Pole High jump Anna Chicherova (Russia) 2.03 m; Pole vault
vault Pawe Wojciechowski (Poland) 5.90 m; Long jump
Dwight Phillips (United States) 8.45 m; Triple jump
Christian Taylor (United States) 17.96 m; Shot put David
Storl (Germany) 21.78m; Discus throw Robert Harting
(Germany) 68.97 m; Javelin throw - Matthias de Zordo
(Germany) 86.27 m; Hammer throw Koji Murofushi
(Japan) 81.24 m; Decathlon Trey Hardee (United States)
8607 points.
Fabiana Murer (Brazil) 4.85 m; Long jump Brittney

Reese (United States) 6.82 m; Triple jump Olha
Saladukha (Ukraine) 14.94 m; Shot put Valerie Adams
(New Zealand) 21.24 m; Discus throw Li Yanfeng
(China) 66.52 m; Javelin throw Mariya Abakumova
(Russia) 71.99 m; Hammer throw Tatyana Lysenko
(Russia) 77.13 m; Heptathlon Tatyana Chernova
(Russia) 6880 points.
FIH cancels Delhi as Champions Trophy host: India has lost the right to host this years Champions Trophy, the
International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on September 6, 2011. The FIH rejected the Sports Ministry-brokered
peace agreement between Hockey India (HI) and the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), saying there could not be more than
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one federation running the game. We regret that we have to move the Champions Trophy from India, FIH president Leandro
Negre said in a statement. It is difficult for the teams, the organisers and the fans. But we feel that this is the only way to
maintain the integrity of our sport. The FIH was reviewing bids from other nations and a new venue for the elite December 311 event would be named within a week. Losing the tournament also means India will have to play in Novembers Champions
Challenge in South Africa in November to qualify for the eight-team event. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable
requirement of the Olympic Charter and the FIH statutes that there only be one governing body for any one sport in any
country, the governing body said.
South Korea clinch womens Asian Champions Trophy hockey: South Korea fought their way back from two-goal
down to overpower hosts China 5-3 and win the womens Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Ordos, China on
September 10, 2011.
Tendulkar, Dravid move up in ICC Test rankings: Batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid gained a place each
in the latest ICC player rankings for Test batsmen, which is being headed by South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis. Bell
and Alastair Cook have jointly claimed the second position after Sri Lankas Kumar Sangakkara slipped three places to fifth.
Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott are other batsmen in the top-10. While Tendulkar improved from fifth to fourth, Dravid
was ninth. In bowlers rankings, Darryl Steyn of South Africa is at the top followed by James Anderson (England), Graeme
Swann (England), Morne Morkel (South Africa) and Stuart Broad (England). In allrounder rankings, Jacques Kallis is again
at the top followed by Stuart Broad of England, Shane Watson of Australia, Daniel Vettori of New Zealand and Shakib Al
Hasan of Bangladesh. Among Test teams, England is No. 1 followed by South Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Vijender Singh wins gold at World Police and Fire Games: Indian boxer Vijender Singh (75kg), an Olympic and
World championship bronze medallist, won gold and also bagged the Best Boxer award as the Indian team ended the
tournament with two golds, two silvers and a bronze at the World Police and Fire Games in New York on September 4, 2011.
Dinesh Kumar (81kg) won the second gold medal for India.
Arsenal Jaago Re Soccer Stars win tournament: Arsenal Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars (ATTJRSS) won the 21st
International Soccer festival (under-15) in UK in August-September 2011. In all, 126 teams from 12 countries took part in the
festival conducted by Arsenal. After losing two matches, the Indian team defeated Marks Park (South Africa), New Windsor
Heronstop (UK) , Flying Eagles (USA) and Forest Royal (Essex, UK) to win the U-15 AISF Cup 2011.
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Ethics for our Times: Essays in Gandhian Perspective by M.V. Nadkarni
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Section A: INDIA
Government accepts recommendations of GoM on corruption

Govt seeks public comments on Draft Food Security Bill
India and UAE sign revised MoU on manpower
Oceansat-2 Ground Station inaugurated
Independent railway safety audit committee constituted
Bengal willing to pay compensation for Tatas in Singur
World Congress on Safety and Health at Work organised in Istanbul
Centre to contribute 90 per cent for RAY schemes for north eastern states
Delhi school rated Indias most respected in EducationWorld survey
Govt approves amendments to NIMHANS Bill
IIT Council decides common entrance test for IITs, NITs
JK Light Infantry adopts Kashmir Stag as mascot
Gujarat govt launches incubation center icreate
My Earth My Duty Campaign plants 1 crore saplings
Remembering Tagore organised at UNESCO headquarters
Professor Sushanta Duttagupta to be new V.C. of Vishwabharti
B C Khanduri appointed new CM of Uttarakhand
S.J. Mukhopadhaya, J.S. Khehar, Ranjana Desai sworn in as Supreme Court judges
Singhvi re-nominated as Parliamentary Committee chairman on Lokpal
Bangladesh PM to visit Tripura, to be conferred D Litt
Veteran celebrity photographer Gautam passes away
Section B: WORLD
Big drop in child mortality rate worldwide: UNICEF

China warns India on oil exploration in South China Sea
India calls for extension of Kyoto Protocol
G7 Financer Ministers meet organised at Marseille
NASA plans launchers for manned space flights beyond low-Earth orbit
Explosion at nuclear plant in France kills one
India, Vietnam discuss cooperation in defence, trade
Helle Thorning-Schmidt to be new Danish PM
Angolas Leila Lopes is Miss Universe 2011
Chinese PM Wen Jiabao calls for more democracy
Otto Molina leads in Guatemala Presidential elections
US woman wins Guinness Record for longest nails
Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson passes away
Section C: AWARDS
CNBC TV 18, Best Bank and Financial Institutions Awards given

President presents Hindi Divas awards
IE correspondent wins The Statesman prize for rural reporting
WWF-PATAs Bagh Mitra Awards given
Mamta Sharma honoured with Sur Sadhna award
Dilip Donde conferred 1st Maritime Achievement Award
RBI unveils mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review

RBI unveils norms for urban co-operative bank licences
ECB norms relaxed, limit raised
DEPB scheme for exporters withdrawn
Telecom Ministry proposes Spectrum Management Commission
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Government approves Approach Paper for 12th Plan

3 Indian companies in WEF New Sustainability Champions
Petrol price up by Rs. 3.14 a litre
RBI doubles overseas gift transfer limit
Indian companies can borrow in Chinese currency
ADB scales down Indias growth forecast to 7.9%
Govt tightens norms for States access to National Small Savings Fund
Worlds largest bank Industrial and Commercial Bank of China forays into India
Axis Bank board approves Enam merger
Insurance firms cannot invest more than 5% in group companies IRDA
India needs Rs 200 crore a day for highway projects Parliamentary committee
First Advance Estimates of kharif crops released
Indian exported flowers worth $48.5 million in 2010
World coffee exports rose 24% in 2010 ICO
SEBI cancels Benchmark MFs registration
FICCI-McKinsey Achieving the Trillion Dollar Dream report on infrastructure unveiled
Global Skills Summit organised
Engineers India, Fortis Healthcare added to FTSE IDFCs infra index
Pipavav, Mazagon Dock team up to build warships
Cairn to share royalty burden with ONGC
CSIR-Mahindras plane makes maiden flight
Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 organised
Sarraf takes over CEO & MD of ONGC Videsh
Section E: SPORTS
England beat India in final ODI, win series 3-0

Djokovic wins first US Open title
Dhoni wins Spirit of Cricket Award at ICC awards
Four inducted in ICC Hall of Fame
Indian Womens team win Archery gold in World Cup (Stage IV) meet at Shanghai
India win Asian Champions Trophy Hockey
Champions Trophy Hockey to be held in New Zealand
Ebrahim secures 2012 Indy Lights racing seat
Bolt clocks season best 9.85 in 100 metres
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Section A: INDIA
NEWS ROUND UP
Government accepts recommendations of GoM on corruption
The Government has accepted the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Corruption in its First
Report, aimed at fast-tracking of cases against public servants accused of corruption. The report was accepted on September
6, 2011.
The Government had constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to
consider measures that can be taken by the Government to tackle
corruption, under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister, Pranab
Mukherjee in January 2011. The terms of reference of the GoM were
as under:(i) To consider all measures, including legislative and administrative, to
tackle corruption and improve transparency;
(ii) In particular, the GoM may consider and advise on the following:(a) State funding of elections:
(b) Fast tracking of all cases of public servants accused of corruption:
(c) Ensuring full transparency in public procurement and contracts
including enunciation of public procurement standards and a public
procurement policy:
(d) Relinquishing discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers at the Centre:
(e) Introduction of an open and competitive system of exploiting natural resources:
(f) Amendment to Article 311 of the Constitution to provide for summary proceedings in cases of grave misdemeanor or
blatant corruption by public servants: and
(g) Consideration of relevance/need for section 6(A) of the Delhi Special Establishment Act, 1946.
The decisions taken by the GoM, which cover items (ii)(b), (ii)(f) and (ii)(g) of the term of reference (ToR), are as follows:(a) Dispensing with the Second Stage Advice of the Central Vigilance Commission. (However, in those cases where
consultation with UPSC is not required under the extant rules, the second stage consultation with CVC should continue.)
(b) Departments/ Ministries should primarily use serving officers as Inquiry Officers (IOs) & Presenting Officers (POs) and in
important cases, they may request CVC to appoint their Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDIs) as lOs. CVC to
maintain a panel of lOs/POs from amongst retired Government officers after due process of screening and empanelment.
These officers could be engaged on advice of the CVC.
(c) In all cases where the Investigating Agency has requested sanction for prosecution, it will be mandatory for the competent
authority to take a decision within a period of 3 months from receipt of request, and pass a Speaking Order, giving reasons
for the decision.
(d) Expediting the setting up of Special CBI Courts already sanctioned by Central Government, by actively pursuing the
matter with the State Governments;
(e) Setting up of a Committee headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court and having as its Members, a retired CVC,
retired Director of CBI and another person of impeccable reputation who could be drawn from the Civil Society, to look into
old CBI cases which are pending for more than 10 years, particularly those under the Prevention of Corruption Act and
suggest ways for their speedy disposal, including withdrawal, if need be.
(f) Strengthening of vigilance administration of Central Ministries/Departments and, in particular, the strengthening of
vigilance wing of the Department of Personnel and Training, with requisite manpower to ensure effective monitoring of
vigilance matters.
(g) Continuation of minor penalty proceedings against public servants even after retirement with provision for a ceiling of 10%
cut in pension for a period not exceeding five years. Such cut in pension in minor penalty proceedings would, however, be
non-mandatory.
(h) Change in the present penalty of compulsory retirement (with full pension) to compulsory retirement with a cut in pension
upto 20%.
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Necessary follow up action for implementing these decisions, by way of amendment of rules, etc., is expected to be taken
shortly.
As regards relinquishment of discretionary powers enjoyed by the Ministers at the Centre, the GoM had reviewed the
information furnished by various Ministries/Departments and had observed that the exercise of such discretionary powers,
such as nomination of members/experts to various boards, etc, were generally found to be governed by guidelines in most of
the Ministries/Departments and has recommended that wherever such guidelines have not been framed, clear cut guidelines
for exercise of these discretionary powers be framed by the concerned Ministry/Department and put in the public domain.
In another significant development, the GoM, in its meeting held on Tuesday, 06-09-2011, considered the recommendations
made by a Committee of Secretaries on the Report submitted by an Expert Committee on Public Procurement and accepted
the recommendations of the COS to come out with an all encompassing Public Procurement Bill in the Parliament by the
end of the current year.
The GoM further recommended that the Law may contain the broad principles governing public procurements, ensuring
transparency and accountability but at same time providing for due independence and flexibility for the procuring agencies.
The GoM further suggested that the rule making exercise may be undertaken in parallel with the drafting of the proposed
legislation covering different aspects of procurement of goods, services, pharma drugs and works. The GoM also suggested
that the exercise of framing of rules and standardisation of documents for PPP projects may also be undertaken concurrently,
so that the system is in readiness and is prepared for implementation of the new legislation without any loss of time.
Govt seeks public comments on Draft Food Security Bill

The Government on September 14, 2011 sought comments on the proposed Food Security Bill, which seeks to provide legal
entitlement to subsidised foodgrains for up to three-fourth of the rural population and half of the urban households. The
Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has placed the draft National Food Security Bill, 2011 on its Web site
http://fcamin.nic.in for public comments.
The proposed entitlement is 7 kg of foodgrains per person, per month for priority or below poverty line
households. This will be at an issue price of Rs 3 a kg for rice, Rs 2 a kg for wheat and Re 1 a kg of coarse
grains. For general or above poverty line households, the entitlement has been reduced to 3 kg of
foodgrains for one person as against the earlier 4 kg recommended by the National Advisory Council
(NAC). This is at an issue price not exceeding 50 per cent of the minimum support price (MSP) of wheat
and coarse grains and derived MSP of rice from paddy.
The 75 per cent rural population would include at least 46 per cent from the priority households. The 50
per cent urban households would comprise at least 28 per cent priority families.
Other provisions in the proposed Bill include legal right to take home ration/meal to women, children,
special groups including destitute and homeless, emergency and disaster affected persons and for people living in starvation.
It also includes right to receive food security allowance from concerned State Government in cases of failure to supply the
entitled foodgrains or meal to the targeted persons.
The State Governments will have to set up a State Food Security Commission for monitoring and review of the
implementation of the legislation.
A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism is being proposed at the district, State and national levels for transparency and
accountability in implementing the Legislation.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has prepared the Draft National Food Security Bill. This is after taking into
consideration the recommendations of the National Advisory Council, the expert committee headed by Dr C. Rangarajan,
Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and consultations with States, Central Ministries and other stake
holders.
India and UAE sign revised MoU on manpower

Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation and Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of
Labour of United Arab Emirates signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on manpower in New Delhi on
September 13, 2011. The revised MoU will boost the initiative of the Ministry in implementing Web Based Attestation
Procedure for employment contracts for emigrant workers in UAE by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
It is estimated that there are approximately 17.5 lakh Indians in the UAE, constituting the largest expatriate community in that
country. Out of this, about 13.5 lakh are emigrant workers, mostly employed in construction, services and household sectors.
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India-UAE trade, valued at US$ 180 million per annum in the 1970s, is today around US$44 billion making UAE, Indias
largest trading partner. There is an estimated US$6 billion UAE investment in India of which about US$ 1.92 billion is in the
form of foreign direct investment, while the remaining as portfolio investment. UAE is the tenth biggest investor in India in
terms of FDI. The annual remittances made by the large Indian community in UAE (estimated to be around 1.75 million)
amount to over US $5 billion.
The MoU provides for the following: (I) Facilitation of the recruitment of Indian manpower for working in the UAE; (ii) Broad
procedure for employment of workers; (iii) Responsibilities of the employers and workers; (iv) Exchange of knowledge and
experience in job-creation and generation of employment opportunity; (v) Protection and welfare of workers under the labour
laws and regulations of the host country; (vi) Authentication of the work contract between the Employer and the employee by
the Ministry of Labour, Government of UAE; and (vii) Constitution of a Joint Committee comprising of at least three Members
each from both the Governments to implement the provisions of the MoU.
Oceansat-2 Ground Station inaugurated: Oceansat-2 Ground Station, a facility that will receive and process data from
satellites, was commissioned at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad on
September 12, 2011. This facility will help the institute cover a larger population of fishermen across the country to provide
advisory services, apart from strengthening its studies on ocean behaviour and tsunamis. The ground station can cover an
area of 5,000-km diameter circle, encompassing the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It can generate images of
chlorophyll, suspended sediment and aerosol optical depth from the Ocean Colour Monitor on real-time basis. The new
facility will facilitate direct reception of data from Oceansat 2 and will help in improving the timelines. It has so far covered 90
per cent of the fishermen population in the southern States and 60 per cent in Orissa and West Bengal. An estimated 65,000
users regularly access this service, which have in the last few years helped them save 60 to 70 per cent of searching time
and increased profits by two to four times. Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth
Sciences, inaugurated the facility in the presence of AP CM, N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, and the ISRO Chairman, Dr K.
Radhakrishnan.
Independent railway safety audit committee constituted: The government on September 16, 2011 announced
setting up of an independent safety audit committee under Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission,
and with E Sreedharan, architect of Konkan Railways and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, as advisor. Sanjay Dhande, Director,
IIT Kanpur and G P Srivastava, director E&I Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, would be part of the committee. The
committee would give its report in three months. Based on the accidents and their consequences witnessed in the recent
past, the committee would examine aspects connected with signalling systems, rolling stock (of all types), fixed structures
(tracks, bridges and OHE), HRD with emphasis on training, education and research, need for a third party audit,
organisational and structural changes in RDSO and in any other department. The railways would try to address the
suggestions by the panel to improve safety on the railways.
Bengal willing to pay compensation for Tatas in Singur: The State Advocate General, Anindya Mitra, on September
15, 2011 said that the West Bengal Government was agreeable to provide compensation to Tata Motors Ltd as fixed by the
district judge of Hooghly under provisions of Sections 23 and 24 of the Central Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The State
Government would consider the structure, shades and building constructed by the auto major at its present market value. The
Advocate General was replying to a directive by Justice I.P. Mukerji, who had asked whether the State Government was
willing to pay compensation to Tata Motors. This was a deviation from the compensation provision earlier mentioned in the
Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act that had revoked the lease agreement between Tata Motors and West
Bengal Industrial Development Corporation. It vested the entire 997 acres at Singur with the government.
World Congress on Safety and Health at Work organised in Istanbul: Union Labour and Employment Minister M.
th
Mallikarjun Kharge represented India at the ministerial summit of the 19 World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
organised in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 11, 2011. Kharge reiterated Indias commitment to ensure the health and safety
of workers at the workplace and pointed to several pieces of legislation it had enacted. The World Congress is held once in
three years. The last one was held in Seoul, South Korea. This years event is being organised by the International Labour
Organisation, the International Social Security Association and the Turkish government. Referring to the Seoul Declaration on
Occupational Health and Safety, Kharge emphasised Indias commitment to protecting the safety and health of workers and
eliminating workplace hazards.
Centre to contribute 90 per cent for RAY schemes: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari
Selja on September 16, 2011 said that the funding pattern on implementation of Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) would be 90:10 in
the north eastern states with the Centre contributing 90 per cent of the fund. The RAY funding pattern in the region, unlike
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other states where the Centre contributed 50 per cent, was decided due to the unique problems faced by the states of the
north east including difficult terrain, transportation costs and others. The main objective of the RAY is to make Indian urban
slum free.
Delhi school rated Indias most respected: Shri Ram School in the Capital, Rishi Valley School in Chittoor and
Woodstock School in Mussoorie have been adjudged the countrys most respected day, boarding and international schools,
according to a survey conducted by EducationWorld magazine along with Delhi-based opinion poll and market research
agency Cfore. Others featured in the top 10 day schools unveiled on September 17, 2011 are: Vasant Valley, Delhi (4);
Springdales (Dhaula Kuan), Delhi (5); Sanskriti, Delhi (6); DPS (R.K. Puram), Delhi (6); Mothers International, Delhi (6);
Vidya Niketan, Bangalore (7); Sulochana Devi Singhania (Thane), Mumbai (8); Gitanjali, Hyderabad (8); Campion, Mumbai
(9); Bombay Scottish (9), Mumbai; and Step by Step, Noida, and The Valley School, Bangalore, both ranked 10.
Govt approves amendments to NIMHANS Bill: Bangalore-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Sciences (NIMHANS) is all set to be re-constituted as a body corporate with all properties currently with the Union health
ministry being transferred to the institute. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by PM Manmohan Singh, approved the
amendments to the NIMHANS, Bangalore Bill 2010 based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee
on Health and Family Welfare on September 15, 2011. The Central Government will nominate the president of the institute
from among the members other than the director. The NIMHANS, Bangalore Bill 2010, which was introduced in the Rajya
Sabha on December 7 last year, proposes to declare the institute as an institution of national importance.
IIT Council decides common entrance test for IITs, NITs: The Joint Council of the Indian Institutes of Technology
(IIT) on September 14, 2011 decided to hold a common entrance test for admissions to the IITs and National Institutes of
Technology (NITs) by scrapping the joint entrance examination (JEE). Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said weightage would
also be given to the Class XII marks. The Board results would be equalised by a formula to be devised by the Indian
Statistical Institute to which the marks obtained in the common entrance test would be added. The results of the two tests
would be combined for an all-India merit list that would form the basis of the admission. Initially, it will be applicable only to
the Centrally-administered institutes, while State institutes can join in after elaborate discussions on the issue. The Joint
Council also agreed to raise the fee of IIT students from the current Rs. 50,000 per annum to Rs. 2 lakh as recommended by
the Kakodkar Committee.
JK Light Infantry adopts Kashmir Stag as mascot: In an effort to preserve Hangul, an endangered sub-species of the
Indian Red Deer, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) on September 14, 2011 announced that it would adopt the
Kashmir stag as its mascot. It is a joint initiative of state Wildlife Department and the Army to preserve the endangered subspecies of the Red Deer. Hunting, loss of habitat and several other factors have pushed their numbers to an alarmingly low of
about 200.
Gujarat govt launches incubation center: The Gujarat government launched its ambitious project called icreate
(International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) on September 14, 2011. The objective is to provide a suitable
environment to young entrepreneurs who want to come up with new innovative ideas and products by using technology.
According to the Gujarat government, the project will be guided by an advisory board led by former Infosys chairman NR
Narayana Murthy and a group of stalwarts from academia, while the industry will help in actualising the projects objectives.
My Earth My Duty Campaign plants 1 crore saplings: Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Ajay
Maken on September 12, 2011 presided over the culmination of the week long My Earth- My Duty Campaign of the Nehru
Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) by planting tree saplings at the site of cloud burst ravaged ITBP Campus in Leh. The
Campaign, that envisages greening, reforestation and a forestation involved planting of over One Crore saplings by 1.25 lakh
Youth Clubs of the NYKS and 37 lakh volunteers of the NSS across the country. Undertaken in collaboration with Zee TV
network, this program had achieved the distinction of planting 47 lakh trees last year and in the process gained place in the
Limca book of records.
Remembering Tagore organised at UNESCO headquarters: India hosted a cultural programme Remembering
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Tagore at UNESCO House, Paris on September 12, 2011 to commemorate the 150 Birth Anniversary of Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore. The programme is part of the two-day High-Level Sponsoring Committee (HLSC) for the Reconciled
Universal for Rabindranath Tagore, Pablo Neruda and Aime Cesaire.
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NEWSMAKERS
Professor Sushanta Duttagupta to be new V.C. of Vishwabharti: Prof. Sushanta Duttagupta has been appointed
the new Vice Chancellor of Vishwa Bharti University, Shanti Niketan. The HRD Ministry issued the appointment orders on
September 13, 2011. Prof. Duttagupta has completed his five year tenure as Director of IISCR, Kolkatta and is on a three
months extension at present. He succeeds Rajat Kanta Ray who has demitted office.
B C Khanduri appointed new CM of Uttarakhand: Former Army general and BJP leader B C Khanduri, 76, on
September 11, 2011 took over as the new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand barely six months ahead of assembly polls following
the resignation of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, 54. Governor Margaret Alva administered the oath of office to Khanduri, who
returned to the top post two years after he was removed by the party following its defeat in all the five Lok Sabha seats in the
2009 election. All eleven ministers, who were part of Nishank cabinet, have been retained by Khanduri. In his first policy
decision, Khanduri said he and all his cabinet colleagues along with IAS and IPS officers will declare their assets within a
month. Khanduri also said his government would bring a strong Lokayukta Bill within two months, incorporating suggestions
of Jan Lokpal Bill of Anna Hazare, a legislation to seize benami property and public service right bill.
Three Supreme Court judges sworn in: Three new judges Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court S.J.
Mukhopadhaya, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court J.S. Khehar and Justice Ranjana Desai of the Bombay High Court
were on September 13, 2011 sworn in as Judges of the Supreme Court by Chief Justice of India S.H. Kapadia. With the
swearing-in of Justice Desai, the number of woman judges in the Supreme Court has gone up to two and the total strength to
29. Of the 29 (the sanctioned strength is 31), Justice Gyan Sudha Misra is the other woman judge.
Singhvi re-nominated as Parliamentary Committee chairman on Lokpal: Abhishek Singhvi was on September
15, 2011 reappointed chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances and Law and
Justice, paving the way for early consultations over the Lokpal Bill. The 31-member Committee is among the several
Parliamentary Committees reconstituted by Speaker Meira Kumar in consultation with Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari.
The Committee has been asked to give its report within three months.
Hasina to visit Tripura, to be conferred D Litt: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will grace the convocation of
Tripura University this winter and would also be honoured with an honorary D.Litt, vice-chancellor Arunoday Saha said on
Sep 13, 2011. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar who visited Dhaka along with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on
September 6 had also invited the Bangladesh Premier to visit Tripura.
Veteran celebrity photographer Gautam passes away: Veteran Bollywood and fashion photographer Gautam
Rajadhyaksha passed away on September 13, 2011 at the age of 62. Rajadhyaksha started his career with the photo
services department of Lintas India. Soon, the talented photographer took up commercial photography full-time and joined
Celebrity, a magazine run by his cousin- model and writer Shobhaa De. In 1997, Rajadhyaksha had released a coffee table
book Faces with portraits of several actresses over the years from Durga Khote to Aishwarya Rai. Rajadhyaksha had also
penned the screenplays for Kajols debut film Bekhudi and Anjaam starring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.
RECENT BOOKS
The Caste Question: Dalits and the Politics of Modern India by Anupama Rao
Social Action Experiences of Young Activist by Manju Panwar
Subaltern Citizens and their Histories: Investigations from India and the USA by Gyanendra Pandey
Political Economy Of Production And Reproduction - Caste, Custom and Community in North India by Prem Chowdhry
Comprising Caste, Class and Power, 2/e; Idea of Natural Inequality, 2/e; and Equality and Universality by Andre Beteille
Broken Mirrors - The `Dowry Problem in India: Robin Wyatt, Nazia Masood
Locating Indias Intelligence Agencies in a Democratic Framework by Danish Sheikh
Craft of Counter Insurgency by Dr. A.P. Maheshwari
Hello Bastar: The Untold Story of Indias Maoist Movement by Rahul Pandita
Permission to Shoot? Police Use of Deadly Force in Democracies by Jyoti Belur
Indian Mujahideen, Tracking The Enemy Within by Shishir Gupta
Simla: The Summer Capital of British India by Raaja Bhasin
Article 370: A Constitutional History of Jammu and Kashmir by AG Noorani
Kashmir and Beyond 1966-84: Select Correspondence Between Indira Gandhi and Karan Singh by Jawaid Alam
Until My Freedom Has Come: The New Intifada In Kashmir by Sanjay Kak (Edited)
Nehrus Kashmir by Sati Sahni
My Kashmir: The Dying of the Light by Wajahat Habibullah
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Section B: WORLD
NEWS ROUND UP
Big drop in child mortality rate worldwide: UNICEF
The number of children under five who die each year has plummeted from 12 million in 1990, to 7.6 million last year, the UN
says. The reasons for the change include better access to health care and
immunisation, says a report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization
unveiled on September 15, 2011.
The report cautions that more needs to be done to reach UN development goals on
reducing child mortality. About 21,000 children are still dying every day from
preventable causes. But even the poorest regions have made progress. Child
mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is declining twice as fast as it was a decade ago.
Focusing greater investment on the most disadvantaged communities will help us
save more lives, more quickly and more cost effectively, said Anthony Lake, the
Executive Director of UNICEF. Many factors are contributing to reductions in child
mortality, including better healthcare for newborns, prevention and treatment of childhood diseases, clean water and better
nutrition.
Sierra Leone in West Africa - one of the worlds poorest nations - ranks among the top five countries seeing improvements in
child mortality in the past decade. The others were Niger, Malawi and Liberia - also in Africa - and East Timor in South East
Asia. One of the reasons for Sierra Leones success is that the government scrapped all fees for child and maternal health.
About half of all deaths among under fives in the world took place in just five countries in 2010 - India, China, Pakistan,
Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Babies are particularly vulnerable. According to the report, more than 40% of deaths in children under the age of five occur
within the first month of life and more than 70% in the first year of life. In sub-Saharan Africa, one in eight children die before
reaching the age of five. That compares with one in 143 children dying before five years old in developed countries.
China warns India on oil exploration in South China Sea

An influential Communist Party-run newspaper on September 16, 2011 called on the Chinese
government to use every means possible to stop the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(ONGC) Videsh from going ahead with exploration projects in the South China Sea, warning
India that any deal with Vietnam would amount to a serious political provocation that would
push China to the limit. China should resolutely stop [ONGC] from pursuing this course of
action, said the Global Times, a widely-read popular tabloid known for its nationalist views,
in a lead editorial.
The editorial described the deal between ONGC Videsh and Vietnam as reflecting Indias
rising ambitions, and a likely Indian move to counter Chinas behaviour in the Indian Ocean.
The editorial cannot be published without the approval of the Communist Partys Propaganda
Department.
The paper is, however, known to represent the views of more hard-line voices within the
party. It reflected a popular sentiment among nationalist voices in the Communist Party, who
have been increasingly calling for China to take a more assertive position in its diplomacy.
Chinese society has already been indignant about Indias intervention in the Dalai [Lama]
problem, the editorial said. India should bear in mind that its actions in the South China Sea
will push China to the limit. China cherishes the Sino-Indian friendship, but this does not
mean China values it above all else.
India calls for extension of Kyoto Protocol

India on September 16, 2011 made it clear that it wanted extension of the current Kyoto Protocol on emission cuts, but said it
would not accept any further legally binding emission framework. The statement to this effect by environment minister
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Jayanthi Natarajan comes ahead of the crucial 17 Conference of Parties to the Climate Change Convention at Durban in
December. So far, India has maintained that while it would make all efforts to cut back on green house gas emissions and
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even report about this to its own Parliament, these would be voluntary. The country has also pledged to strive to reduce
emissions intensity of Indias GDP by 20-25 per cent by 2020 over 2005.
Natarajan maintained that India had done voluntarily far more than developed countries on the issue of carbon emission
cuts, and sought to know from the developed nations about their efforts
on this front before we talk about any other legally binding
commitment.
The 2005-enforced Kyoto Protocol, which requires developed countries
to cut emissions, expires at the end of 2012. The Protocol, signed by
193 parties till now, is an international agreement linked to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its
major feature is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialised
countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-12.
Natarajan, briefing the media after attending the Informal Ministerial Consultations on Climate Change in South Africas
Pretoria, had said the continuation of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol would be a key deliverable in the
upcoming climate change dialogue in Durban. The meeting in Pretoria comes ahead of the climate change talks in Durban in
December.
G7 Financer Ministers meet organised at Marseille

Finance ministers and central bankers from the G7 industrialised nations pledged a coordinated response to the global
slowdown, but offered no specific steps and differed in emphasis on Europes debt crisis a the meeting organised in
Marseille, France on September 11, 2011. While the United States called on Europes biggest economies to provide
unequivocal support to struggling peripheral states to overcome a debt crisis that is crippling the world recovery, euro zones
biggest economy Germany said the priority was cutting deficits.
The final terms of reference, less binding than a formal G7 communique, acknowledged tensions in markets and clear signs
of a slowdown in global growth. The statement voiced support for US President Barack Obamas $447 billion jobs plan and
for Europes 21 July decision to beef up the powers of the euro zones EFSF bailout facility, but papered over cracks in policy
differences. But most of the meeting was devoted to Europes debt crisis and the health of its banks. Seeking to allay fears
over European bank funding, ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet told the meeting European banks held some $5 trillion in
collateral eligible for access to central bank funds.
NASA plans launchers for manned space flights beyond low-Earth orbit: NASA has unveiled plans for a massive
new launcher capable of powering manned space flights well beyond low-Earth orbit and ultimately to Mars. NASA
Administrator Charles Bolden made the announcement on September 14, 2011 of the design for the Space Launch System
(SLS), which the space agency touted as the most powerful rocket since the Saturn V rocket put U.S. astronauts on the
Moon. The launcher, which will take until 2017 to build and cost an estimated $35 billion, will fill a gap in U.S. manned flight
programme created by the retirement of the last U.S. space shuttle in July after 30 years of service. But NASA said it would
be far more powerful, capable of carrying much larger payloads eventually to Mars. The SLS will carry human crews beyond
low-Earth orbit in a capsule named the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The first test launch is scheduled for 2017 followed
by manned flights in 2021.
Explosion at nuclear plant in France kills one: One person has been killed and four injured, one seriously, in a blast
at the Marcoule nuclear site in France on September 12, 2011. There was no risk of a radioactive leak after the blast, caused
by a fire near a furnace in the Centraco radioactive waste storage site. The owner of the southern French plant, national
electricity provider EDF, said it had been an industrial accident, not a nuclear accident. The Centraco treatment centre
belongs to a subsidiary of EDF. It produces MOX fuel, which recycles plutonium from nuclear weapons. There are no nuclear
reactors on site.
India, Vietnam discuss cooperation in defence, trade: India and Vietnam on September 16, 2011 discussed the
entire gamut of bilateral, regional and global issues and agreed to add greater content to their ties in fields like defence and
security and trade and investment. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who was on a three-day visit to Hanoi, held talks
with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh. Their discussions covered bilateral, regional and global issues and the two
ministers expressed satisfaction that the Strategic Partnership was developing well.
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NEWSMAKERS
Helle Thorning-Schmidt to be new Danish PM: Denmarks centre-left has won the countrys general election, ending
nearly a decade in opposition. The bloc led by Social Democrat party leader Helle ThorningSchmidt had won a narrow majority in parliament on September 16, 2011 and is set to become
Denmarks first woman prime minister. Incumbent Lars Lokke Rasmussen of the Left, Liberal
Party of Denmark admitted defeat. Thorning-Schmidt had campaigned on a platform of tax
rises and increased public spending. She also promised to roll back tough immigration laws
proposed by a junior partner of the current coalition. The centre-left bloc won 89 seats in
Denmarks 179-seat parliament against 86 for the centre-right. Turnout was high at 87.7%. The
country has seen its worst economic downturn since World War II. Although Denmark is a member of the EU, it has chosen
not to adopt the euro
Angolas Leila Lopes is Miss Universe 2011: Leila Lopes of Angola was crowned Miss Universe 2011 in the 60th
anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant organised in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. Contestants from 89
countries and territories participated in this years pageant. Olesya Stefanko of Ukraine and Brazils Priscila Machado were
first and second runners-up respectively. Other winners included: Miss Congeniality Nikolina Lonar (Montenegro); Miss
Photogenic Ronnia Fornstedt (Sweden); Best National Costume Sheldry Sez (Panama). Miss Universe is an annual
international beauty contest that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. The contest was founded in 1952 by California
clothing company Pacific Mills. The pageant became part of Kayser-Roth and then Gulf and Western Industries, before being
acquired by Donald Trump in 1996.
Chinese PM calls for more democracy: Chinas Premier Wen Jiabao says China must change its system of absolute
power and introduce more democracy. He made the comments at the World Economic Forum meeting of business leaders in
the Chinese city of Dalian on September 15, 2011. Wen, who is due to retire in just over a year, has spoken several times in
recent months about the need for reform. For six decades the Communist Party has wielded untrammelled power in China.
Ensuring the party continues to rule unchallenged is the first priority of the government, the courts, the army and the media.
Wen Jiabao said the most important task for a ruling party was to act in accordance with the constitution and the law. Wen
spoke about expanding forms of democracy beyond village committees. If people can rule a village well, they can manage a
county well, even rule a town well, Wen said.
Otto Molina leads in Guatemala Presidential elections: Against a backdrop of a violent campaign, Guatemalas
seven million voters on September 12, 2011 gave the first round of the four-yearly presidential election to a retired general,
Otto Prez Molina, who promises a crackdown on crime, drug gangs, and corruption. With 98 per cent of the votes counted,
the Patriotic Partys Prez leads the tycoon-politician Manuel Baldizn of the Renewed Democratic Liberation Party (Lider) by
36 per cent to 23 per cent. The runoff will be held on November 6, and the new President will take office in January
US woman wins Guinness Record for longest nails: For the past 18 years, Chris Walton has been growing and
taking care of her nails. It has paid off finally, as she was named by the Guinness World Record on September 18, 2011 for
having the longest nails in the world. Walton, a professional singer from Las Vegas, US, has not clipped her finger nails in 18
years, leaving them to grow up to 10ft 2in on her left hand and 9ft 7in on her right hand.
Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson passes away: Cliff Robertson, who won an Oscar for playing a mentally
disabled man in Charly (1968) and starred as the late US President John F. Kennedy in PT 109, passed away on
September 10, 2011 at the age of 88. Robertson also played the role of uncle Ben Parker in the Spider-Man films.
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Section C: AWARDS
CNBC TV 18, Best Bank and Financial Institutions Awards given: CNBC-TV18s India Best Banks and Financial
Institutions Awards were conferred on the winners on September 15, 2011 in Mumbai. The awards recognized the
outstanding work of the financial managers as well as financial institutions in creating and sustaining stakeholder value, in
building investor wealth, in driving inclusion and in helping India evolve from a savings to an investing economy.
India Best Banks and Financial Institutions Awards: winners

Best Capital Markets & Related NBFC
Best Housing Finance Company
Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

LIC Housing Finance Ltd
Best General Insurance Provider Public Sector
Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.
Best General Insurance Provider Private Sector
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company limited
Best Life Insurance Provider Private Sector

Overall Best Insurance Company
Best Mid-Size Public Sector Bank
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd.

LIC of India
Corporation Bank
Best Mid-Size Public Sector Bank Special Jury Commendation
Indian Bank
Best Mid-Size Public Sector Bank Special Jury Commendation

Best Public Sector Bank
Andhra Bank
Bank of Baroda
Best Public Sector Bank Special Jury Commendation
Punjab National Bank
Best Public Sector Bank Special Jury Commendation

Best Private sector Bank
IDBI Bank
HDFC BANK
Best Private sector Bank Special Jury Commendation

Best Old Private Sector Bank
Yes Bank
Karur Vysya Bank
Lifetime contribution to the financial sector
Dr. Y.V.Reddy
Outstanding Finance Professional in 2010
M.D .Mallya; CMD; Bank of Baroda

Aditya Puri; Managing Director, HDFC Bank
President presents Hindi Divas awards

The President of India, Pratibha Patil on September 14, 2011 presented the prestigious Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Shield-First Prize to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)/ Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) for effective implementation of official
language Hindi. The CMD of RINL A. P. Choudhary has received the national award at a function in New Delhi on the
occasion of Hindi Divas. World Hindi Day is observed by the Government of India on 10th January every year.
The President also conferred Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Puraskars for outstanding work to the Public Sector Undertakings,
and autonomous bodies/Corporations/Boards located in the three linguistic regions of the country namely, A, B and C
Regions. While the N.H.P.C. Ltd., Faridabad bagged the first prize in region A, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd., Mumbai
and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, Visakhapatnam received the first prizes in regions B and C respectively. Among the
Nationalized Banks, Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India and Punjab National Bank walked away with the first, second and
third prizes respectively.
Under the Indira Gandhi Award for Original Book-writing in Hindi, no book was found eligible for awarding the first prize.
The Second and third prizes went to Dr. Rekha Vyas and Rajinder for their books entitled Samaya Prabandhan and
Karadhan ki Pramukh Avdharnayen respectively. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Gyan-Vigyan Maulik Original Bookwriting in Hindi, Amrit Kumar Singh was given third prize for his book named Bhumandalikaran, Bharat Paridrishya Aur
Vikalp. No entry was found fit for bestowing first and second prizes.
Under the category of House Journals, Vimanika of Air India, Rail Darpan of Western Railway and Vani of Indian
Overseas Bank were awarded the first prizes in regions A, B and C respectively. A new sub-category for conferring
honours on qualitatively excellent House Journals published by organisations in the field of Science and Technology has
been created from this year. The Bharat Petroleum Sansthan, Dehradun bagged the first prize.
IE correspondent wins The Statesman prize for rural reporting: Santosh Singh, a special correspondent of The
Indian Express, received the first prize for rural reporting for the year 2010 announced by The Statesman in Kolkata on
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September 16, 2011. Singh received the award for his series of reports on far flung areas of rural Bihar. Walk the Line by
Narendra Belsare published in Marathi in Lokmat got the second prize and A rats life by Kunal Majumdar in Tehelka
secured the third prize. The Cushrow Irani Prize for Environmental Reporting, instituted for the first time, was presented to
Shalini Singh from the Hindustan Times for her story Mine or Yours on exploitation by mining companies.
WWF-PATAs Bagh Mitra Awards given: R Sreenivasa Murthy, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Panna
Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh; and Tana Tapi, Divisional Forest Officer, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, were honoured
with the WWF-PATAs Bagh Mitra Awards in New Delhi on September 11, 2011 for fighting all odds to protect tigers.
Mamta Sharma honoured with Sur Sadhna award: Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya who sang the track Dhoom
Taana from Om Shanti Om and Mamta Sharma of Munni Badnam Hui fame were honoured with the Sur Sadhna awards
on September 18, 2011 in New Delhi. The awardees this year also include Master Saleem for the song Maa Da Laadla,
Sadhna Sargam and Tochi Raina.
Dilip Donde conferred 1st Maritime Achievement Award: The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju
presented the first ever Maritime Achievement Award to Commodore Dilip Donde, in New Delhi on September 16, 2011.
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2011 12:01 IST
NEWS ROUND UP
RBI unveils mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review
The Reserve Bank of India has warned that the risks to the 8 per cent GDP growth projection for 2011-12, made in its July
review, are on the downside. In its mid-quarter monetary policy review announced on September 16, 2011, the central bank
has attributed the downside risk to the growth projection to weakening global demand and the slowing down of domestic
demand, to which the monetary policy stance is also contributing.
The RBI has upped the interest rate at which it infuses liquidity into the banking system (the repo rate) by 0.25 percentage
points from 8 per cent to 8.25 per cent. Following the hike in the repo rate, the reverse repo rate (the interest rate at which
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banks park surplus liquidity with the RBI) has got adjusted upwards from 7 per cent to 7.25 per cent. This is the 12 time in
the last 18 months that the RBI has hiked its short-term interest rates to dampen inflationary
pressures. In the current scenario, with prices looking to be high for the next few months, rising
inflationary expectations remain a key risk, making it imperative to persevere with the current antiinflationary stance, the RBI said.
GDP growth decelerated to 7.7 per cent in Q1 (April-June 2011) of 2011-12 from 7.8 per cent in the
previous quarter and 8.8 per cent in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Agricultural growth has
accelerated, but industry and services have decelerated. Although Indias exports have performed
well in the recent period, this trend is unlikely to be sustained in the face of weakening global
demand.
According to the bank, inflation remains high, generalised and much above its comfort zone of
4.0-4.5 per cent. The inflation reading for August was 9.78 per cent.
Pointing out that there is an element of suppressed inflation, the RBI said though global oil prices
have moderated, the pass-through to domestic prices remains incomplete. Food inflation, which is at near-double digit levels
despite normal monsoons, underlines the fact that it is being driven by structural demand-supply imbalances and cannot be
dismissed as a temporary phenomenon, the central bank said.
The RBI is of the view that a premature change in its policy stance could harden inflationary expectations, thereby diluting the
impact of past policy actions. It is, therefore, imperative to persist with the current anti-inflationary stance.
Market experts say the RBI may not pause in its interest rate hike cycle till it gets inflation within the comfort zone.
As monetary policy operates with a lag, the RBI observed that the cumulative impact of policy actions should now be
increasingly felt in further moderation in demand and reversal of the inflation trajectory towards the later part of 2011-12.
The RBI expects the hike in repo rate to reinforce the impact of past policy actions (it has hiked the repo rate 12 times in the
last 18 months cumulatively by 3.50 percentage points to 8.25 per cent) to contain inflation and anchor inflationary
expectations.
RBI unveils norms for urban co-operative bank licences

Well managed co-operative credit societies should be given priority while granting licences for
urban co-operative banks (UCBs), particularly in unbanked or inadequately banked centres,
according to a RBI committee on licensing of new UCBs. The co-operative credit societies
should meet certain financial criteria such as profits, capital adequacy, and bad loans
proportion, says the Report of the Expert Committee on Licensing of New UCBs unveiled on
September 12, 2011. The committee has prescribed four entry point norms ranging from Rs 50
lakh to Rs 5 crore, depending on how many states the new UCBs want to operate in.
Separation of ownership from management: To separate the ownership of a UCB as a co-operative society from its
functioning as a bank, the committee has recommended a new organisation structure consisting of a board of management in
addition to the board of directors. New UCBs must have a board of management appointed by the board of directors. The
Chief Executive Officer has to be appointed by the management panel. While the directors will be responsible for laying down
the broad contours of strategy, the board of management will be vested with the mandate to direct and control the day-to-day
operations of the UCB within the limits set by the directors, said the report. At least 51 per cent of the members of the board
of management should have special knowledge or practical experience.
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Regulation: The RBI would have unfettered powers to control and regulate the functioning of the UCB, the management
board and the CEO in exactly the same way as it controls and regulates the functioning of the board of directors and the chief
executive of a commercial bank, the committee added.
Umbrella structure for meeting reserve requirements
The committee, headed by Y.H. Malegam, Director, Central Board, RBI, also recommended the establishment of a separate
national umbrella organisation to provide payments and settlement services and other liquidity support, which are normally
provided by a central bank, to member urban co-operative banks. This move could be aimed at insulating the mainstream
payments and settlement system from any fallout due to failure of urban co-operative banks (UCBs). The umbrella
organisation be preferably in the form of a multi-state UCB with membership restricted to and mandatory for urban cooperative banks other than scheduled ones.
Member urban co-operative banks should be required to maintain their cash reserve ratio (a portion of deposits) in the form
deposits with the umbrella organisation. The organisation should invest its funds only in the form of balances with the RBI,
deposits with commercial banks or in statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) securities such as government securities.
The umbrella organisation should offer repo (liquidity injection) and reverse repo (deployment of surplus liquidity) facilities to
UCBs in the same manner as RBI offers to commercial banks and at the same rates of interest. In turn, the umbrella
organisation should enjoy repos and reverse repo facilities with the apex bank.
ECB norms relaxed, limit raised

With interest rates in the country ruling high, the finance ministry on September 15, 2011 allowed Indian companies to raise
cheaper funds overseas to refinance their rupee loans.
ECBs can be taken in Renminbi: For the first time, the finance ministry has decided to allow Chinas Renminbi as an
acceptable currency under external commercial borrowings with an overall ceiling of $1
billion. India currently allows ECBs in US dollar, euro, British pound and Japanese yen.
ECBs under automatic approval route enhanced: A high-level committee on external
commercial borrowings (ECB) also decided to increase the overall limit for these
borrowings under the automatic route to $750 million from the current $500 million. The
limit for automatic approval has also been increased from $100 million to $200 million for
the services sector (hospitals, tourism) and from $5 million to $10 million for nongovernment organisations and microfinance institutions. Such ECBs, where a corporate
can raise funds without seeking regulators approval, would have a maturity of above five
years. The overall ECB limit of $30 billion was left unchanged, as only about $15.13 billion from it has been used so far this
year.
ECBs can be used to refinance Rupee debt: The companies will now be allowed to use 25 per cent of the ECB to pay off
their rupee debt. The remaining 75 per cent will have to be used for new projects. Under the existing ECB policy, the
government does not allow any corporate to refinance its existing rupee loan through ECB. As the money raised through ECB
is cheaper given near-zero interest rates in the US and Europe, Indian companies can repay their existing expensive loans
from that.
NRI can open joint accounts with resident Indian: Liberalising the foreign exchange rules, the Reserve Bank on
September 15, 2011 allowed NRIs to hold joint account with Indian residents. RBI has allowed residents of India to include
non-resident close relative in their resident bank accounts on former or survivor basis. However, such non-resident relative
shall not be eligible to operate the account during residents lifetime
DEPB scheme for exporters withdrawn

The government has decided to withdraw the duty entitlement passbook (DEPB) scheme from October 1, 2011. Tax
incentives for the 1,100 export items under the scheme will now be available under Duty Drawback Scheme (DDS). With the
decision, tax benefit enjoyed by exporters will be reduced by 1-3 per cent.
During the global financial crisis of 2008-09, the DEPB rates were revised upward as a stimulus. With the average rate of 8
per cent, the DEPB was the most preferred route among exporters. The revenue outgo towards the DEPB scheme has
increased over the years and was Rs 8,700 crore last year.
Of the 1,100 items being shifted to DDS, there would be a ceiling of 5.5 per cent tax refund rate on 660 items. However, the
ceiling would not apply to 340 items. Wherever the duty drawback rates are up to 3 per cent there will be no value caps. In
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fact, the auto sector has been completely exempted from value caps. The duty drawback rate for passenger cars is set to
remain at 3 per cent. For other automobile sector items the rate will be the same as that under the DEPB scheme, minus the
ad hoc rates that were added. The total goods available under DDS will now increase to about 4,000 from 2,835.
The government had spent Rs 8,700 crore last year on DEPB refunds and engineering,
chemical, pharma, textile and marine products have been the major beneficiaries. If the
scheme would have continued the revenue foregone by the government would have been
Rs 10,000 crore, S D Majumdar, chairman, CBEC said. The exact saving of the
government on account of shifting these items to DDS will be worked only after a clear
trend on direction of exports is available by the year-end.
Difference between DEPB and DDS: DEPB is a Duty Credit Entitlement issued on Post
Export Basis to neutralise the incidence of Customs duty on the import content of the export
product. Under the DEPB scheme, an exporter may apply for credit, as a specified
percentage of FOB value of exports. The scheme was based on the assumption that the exporter used duty-paid imported
inputs. Under DDS, exporters receive duty-free scrips which can be used to pay import duties. DDS neutralises levies paid on
inputs.
Balancing Act on Exports
The DEPB scheme to come to an end from October 1 this year
All the 1,100 items eligible for the DEPB scheme to move to drawback scheme
The drawback rates will be capped at 5.5% for most products covered in the DEPB regime
There will be no value cap for availing benefit where the drawback rate is less than 3%
8,700 crore revenue foregone in 2010-11 in DEPB refunds
Telecom Ministry proposes Spectrum Management Commission

The Ministry of Communication and IT on September 13, 2011 proposed to set up a new entity to manage and regulate
spectrum allocation. To be called the Spectrum Management Commission, the new entity will
be set up through the proposed Spectrum Act. The Commission will subsume Wireless
Planning Coordination wing of the Department of Telecom and will get wider powers including
dispute settlement, pricing and regulations related to spectrum.
The Telecom Ministry has taken this move in a bid to separate the licensing and spectrum
allocating agencies. While the DoT will continue to be the licensor, all issues pertaining to
spectrum allocation will be brought under the new agency.
The Commission will formulate policy for allocating spectrum and also determine fees and
charges associated with air waves. It will also maintain a public data base for spectrum
availability and draw a feedback for future allocation.
The agency will also get dispute settlement powers on any issue related to spectrum allocation. At present, the Telecom
Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal is the sole adjudicating body. The Commission can ask the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of Indias recommendations but it will not be binding.
According to draft Act, the decision of the Central Government will be final and the Commission is expected to follow
directives from the Government.
The Telecom Ministry has proposed to set up a spectrum re-farming fund to bear the cost of spectrum vacation by various
agencies. The Commission will administer the fund which will be financed through a percentage of money received as
spectrum charges and licence fees from operators. The money will go to the Consolidated fund of India from where
Parliament will appropriate funds from time to time similar to the way the Universal Services Obligation fund is disbursed.
Spectrum Management Commission

What it will do
Powers to punish operators hoarding spectrum
Adjudicate disputes between operators on issues related to
spectrum
Administer spectrum re-farming fund
Monitor, inspect and licence wireless equipment
Establish rules for spectrum trading and sharing
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What it cannot do
Licensing will continue to be under DoT
The Government will have the final say even
on spectrum issues
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Government approves Approach Paper for 12th Plan

th
The government on September 16, 2011 approved the Approach Paper for the 12 Plan (2012-17) which seeks to push forth
the second generation economic reforms, improving governance and raise annual economic growth rate to 9 per cent during
impending five-year period. The Paper would be placed before the National Development Council (NDC) for its final approval
on October 15-16.
The paper, approved by the Cabinet provides a broad framework of the government policy to be pursued in the five-year plan
period to achieve the desired growth rate of 9 per cent was cleared by the Planning Commission on August 20. The NDC, the
highest policy-making body of the country, is headed by the Prime Minister and its members include Union Ministers,
members of Planning Commission, and Chief Ministers of all states.
Apart from giving more emphasis on inclusive growth, for the first time the Approach Paper has a chapter on governance
and corruption. It suggests that measures should be taken to set up new institutions like the Lokpal and Lokayukta,
indicating that corruption at various levels of administration is weakening the confidence of citizens in the quality of
governance it claimed that the system provides ample opportunity to some to manipulate the state of affairs in their favour.
Highlighting and anticipating intense conflict over land and water, which are prerequisite to development, the paper argues
in favour of evolving institutional mechanism to deal with such issues.
3 Indian companies in WEF New Sustainability Champions: A report unveiled has identified 16 companies from
across the developing world that are best showing how to grow profits at the same time as actively tackling environmental
and social challenges. The New Sustainability Champions report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and management
consultants Boston Consulting Group (BCG) identified firms in countries as diverse as Costa Rica, Egypt and China. The
report unveiled on September 15, 2011 during the WEF meet in Dalian, China, looked at 1,000 companies in the developing
world.
The 16 New Sustainability Champions

Country
Company
Industry
Brazil
Brazil
Chile
Costa Rica
Egypt
Hong Kong
India
India
India
Kenya
Papua New Guinea
China
China
China
Philippines
South Africa
Grupo Balbo
Natura
Masisa
Florida Ice & Farm
Sekem
MTR Corporation
Jain Irrigation Systems
Shree Cement
Suzlon
Equity Bank
New Britain Palm Oil
Broad Group
Suntech
Zhangzidao Fishery
Manila Water
Woolworths
Sugar production
Cosmetics
Forestry/manufacturing
Food and beverages
Agriculture
Transportation
Manufacturing/agriculture
Cement
Renewable energy
Financial services
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Renewable energy
Aquaculture
Infrastructure
Retail
Petrol price up by Rs. 3.14 a litre: Faced with the rising under-recoveries and continuing increase in the international
crude prices, the oil marketing companies announced an increase of Rs. 3.14 in petrol prices on September 15, 2011. This is
the second increase in the past four months. Petrol prices vary from city to city, depending on value-added tax and other
levies. Petrol will now cost Rs. 71.28 a litre in Kolkata, Rs. 71.92 in Mumbai and Rs. 70.82 in Chennai. The companies
attributed the increase to the rising crude prices and a depreciating rupee that have increased the cost of crude imports. The
current petrol price of Rs. 63.70 a litre corresponds to the crude oil price of $103 a barrel. But the Indian crude oil basket
today stands at $110-$111. This difference, coupled with the rupee declining to the two-year low of Rs. 48 against the dollar,
necessitated an increase in the retail price. In December 2010, the oil marketing companies increased petrol prices by Rs.
2.94 a litre. On January 15 this year, the government increased the prices by Rs. 2.50. Again on May 15, the oil companies
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increased the prices by Rs. 5. On June 25 this year, the government increased diesel prices by Rs. 3 a litre, the domestic
LPG price by Rs. 50 a cylinder and kerosene price by Rs. 2 a litre.
RBI doubles overseas gift transfer limit: The Reserve Bank of India on September 15, 2011 doubled the amount a
resident in India can transfer to a person resident outside India as gift, to $50,000, a financial year. The gift can be any
security, including shares or convertible debentures. The transferor is, however, required to obtain approval from the RBI for
the gift. The value of security to be transferred together with any security transferred by the transferor, as gift, to any person
residing outside India which was not to exceed the rupee equivalent of $25,000 during a calendar year has been enhanced to
$50,000 for a financial year, the RBI said in a notification. In the first quarter of 2011-12, persons resident in India transferred
$84.6 million by way of gift to persons resident outside India, against $57.6 million in the corresponding period last year.
Indian companies can borrow in Chinese currency: The Government on September 15, 2011 permitted external
commercial borrowings in Chinas Renminbi. Corporates can borrow up to an equivalent of $1 billion in the Chinese currency.
However, this limit will be a part of the overall ECB ceiling. Borrowing in the Chinese currency would be cheaper but the final
rate of interest would depend on who is borrowing from whom and for what purpose. The Government also decided to
increase the sectoral limit without changing the overall ECB ceiling. Corporates can use ECBs for refinancing rupeedenominated loans. But this facility would be available only for infrastructure projects. It was also decided that 25 per cent of
the amount raised through ECBs could be used to repay debt in existing projects, while the remaining 75 per cent would have
to be deployed in new projects. Another significant decision was about allowing refinance of buyers and sellers credit
through ECBs in respect of infrastructure projects. This facility would be used only for capital goods
ADB scales down Indias growth forecast to 7.9%: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has, in its latest
development outlook report, scaled down the growth forecasts for India in the current year as also in 2012. The ADB had
forecast a growth rate of 8.2 per cent in April this year, which has now been brought down to 7.9 per cent, while the growth
projection for 2012 has been trimmed to 8.3 per cent from 8.8 per cent made in April. The Asian Development Outlook 2011,
released on September 14, 2011, says that weaker industrial development activity and investment, along with persistent
inflationary pressures, have affected the growth prospects. The report has also raised the inflation forecast to 8.5 per cent in
the current year, from 7.8 per cent seen in April, in the context of food and fuel prices still remaining high.
Govt tightens norms for States access to National Small Savings Fund: States will not be able to avail
themselves of NSSF loans at concessional interest rate of nine per cent if they deviate from the targets specified under their
fiscal responsibility legislation. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet on September 15, 2011.
The Cabinet approved a Finance Ministry proposal to withdraw the interest rate of nine per cent on National Small Savings
Fund (NSSF) loans in case a State fails to comply with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) targets.
Worlds largest bank forays into India: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the worlds largest bank in
terms of market capitalisation, launched its Indian operations by inaugurating its Mumbai branch on September 15, 2011. The
bank, which has a licence for wholesale banking, plans to focus on commercial banking services in the first phase. ICBC
plans to focus on the bilateral trade between India and China and target Chinese companies in India in power, infrastructure
and telecom. The bipartite trade between India and China has exceeded $60 billion last year. It has grown 40 per cent yearon-year. ICBC is also open to helping Indian companies looking to raise bonds denominated in Chinese yuan. The bank
plans to tap the domestic market and enter investment, private and personal banking. Indian companies were recently
allowed to raise loans up to $1 billion in Chinese yuan.
Axis Bank board approves Enam merger: The board of Axis Bank has approved the merger of the financial services
business of Enam Securities Private Ltd (Enam) with itself by transferring the business into the banks wholly owned
subsidiary. In a notice issued to the BSE on September 16, 2011, Axis Bank said, it will merge Enam Financial Services
through a share swap, in the ratio of 5.7 equity shares of Axis Bank for every one equity Enam share, as was announced
earlier. After the completion of the share swap transaction, Axis Bank will sell Enam Financial Services to Axis Securities and
Sales Ltd (ASSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the bank, for approximately Rs 274 crore, which represents the book value of
the Enam Financial Services.
Insurance firms cannot invest more than 5% in group companies IRDA: Insurance companies promoted by
corporate houses will not be allowed to invest more than five per cent in group companies, the insurance regulator has
proposed. In its draft guidelines on investment norms unveiled on September 12, 2011, the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority (IRDA) has recommended the overall exposure in promoter group companies should be brought down
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to five per cent, from 25 per cent. The move is aimed at curbing the practice of routing funds through insurance arms in group
companies. According to current guidelines, an insurance company can invest up to 10 per cent in equity and 2.5 per cent in
debt in the promoters group companies. Additionally, in infrastructure firms of the parent company, another 12.5 per cent
exposure is allowed, which means the total exposure can go up to 25 per cent.
India needs Rs 200 crore a day for highway projects: India needs to invest Rs 200 crore everyday for the next 20
years for road projects under NHDP and requires an efficient financing plan to meet this objective, says a Parliamentary
committee. An estimated investment of Rs 200 crore is required everyday for a period of 15-20 years, the Committee on
Estimates said in its report on National Highways Development Project (NHDP). NHDP is the countrys largest road project to
develop and improve the network of over 70,000 kms of national highways. Since the government resources are not enough
for such capital intensive activity, an efficient financing plan mobilising all resources needs to be worked out to ensure steady
flow of funds, the committee said.
First Advance Estimates of kharif crops unveiled: The First Advance Estimates of production of major crops grown
in the country in kharif season were released on September 15, 2011. The total foodgrains production is likely to be 123.88
million tonnes (MT) as compared to 120.20 MT in 2010-11 (fourth advance estimates). It represents an increase of about 3.68
MT over the last estimates. Rice production in the country in the kharif season is likely to be 87.10 million tonnes as
compared to 80.65 million tonnes in 2010-11 kharif. Production of kharif pulses is expected to be 6.43 million tonnes as
against 7.12 million tonnes last kharif. Oilseeds production in the kharif season is likely to be 20.89 million tonnes as against
20.85 million tonnes last season. Cotton production is estimated to be 36.10 million bales as against 33.43 million bales last
season. Sugarcane production is estimated to be 342.20 million tonnes as against 339.17 million tonnes in 2010-11
Indian exported flowers worth $48.5 million in 2010: India earned $48.5 million (around Rs 215.27 crore) from
exports of flowers to over 90 countries last year. The government earned a total foreign exchange of $48.5 million (about Rs
215.27 crore) from the export of flowers during April 2010 to December 2010. The country had shipped 21845.65 tonnes of
flowers to 93 countries during the period, according to data presented by Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat in
Parliament on September 11, 2011. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are the leading flower producing states in
the country. Largest quantity of Indian flowers (5,830 tonnes) was exported to the USA worth Rs 44.81 crore during AprilDecember 2010.
World coffee exports rose 24% in 2010-ICO: Global coffee exports rose 24 per cent to USD 16.5 billion last year, even
as the volumes increased only marginally to 96.7 million bags, International Coffee Organisation (ICO) said on September 12,
2011. Exports in 2009 were worth USD 13.3 billion, while in volume terms 96.2 million bags of 60 kg each were shipped. The
total value of exports in calendar year 2010 is estimated at USD 16.5 billion for a volume of exports of 96.7 million bags,
compared to USD 13.3 billion for a volume of 96.2 million bags in 2009. As per initial the estimates, production in the crop
year 2011-12 (October-September) is estimated at 130 million bags. In 2010, worldwide consumption of coffee was around
134.8 million bags, indicating that the supply and demand balance may remain fragile.
SEBI cancels Benchmark MFs registration: The registration of Benchmark Mutual Fund was cancelled by SEBI on
September 13, 2011 following the transfer of schemes to Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund. Benchmark was acquired by
Goldman Sachs earlier this year in March for around Rs. 125 crore. Benchmark Mutual Fund, which entered the industry in
2001, had established itself as a major ETF player and introduced the first Gold ETF in India. The AUM of the fund house, at
the time of the acquisition, was about Rs 3,000 crore.
FICCI-McKinsey Achieving the Trillion Dollar Dream report on infrastructure unveiled: The Trillion Dollar
Dream of investing in Indias infrastructure sector can only be realised if key challenges are addressed at the pre-tendering,
project execution, and financing stages, says a new McKinsey report released on September 15, 2011. The report,
Achieving the Trillion Dollar Dream, prepared for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),
notes that strategic action at the pre-tendering stage, such as ensuring optimal allocation of resources and standardising
contracts, can ensure that problems do not emerge at later stages. The report comes in the backdrop of the 12th Plan
approach paper, which aspires for planned infrastructure spending of around $1,000 billion-around 11 per cent of gross
domestic product. It points out that at the execution level, setting up clear processes to expedite land acquisition and fast
track courts to settle disputes would ensure smooth work flow. For easy flow of funds, banks should make infrastructure a
priority sector. There is a need to create an active bond market, as also liberalise external commercial borrowing norms to
provide additional sources of funding, the report adds.
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Global Skills Summit organised: There is need for more public-private partnerships (PPPs) to meet the Prime Ministers
aim of having 500 million skilled persons in the country by 2022. However, the biggest challenge at present is the acute
shortage of trainers. The country needs more trainers to meet the target of 40 million skilled persons annually, said Sharda
Prasad, Director-General of Employment and Training, Labour Ministry, said in his address at the fourth Global Skills Summit
in New Delhi on September 15, 2011 hosted jointly by the Labour Ministry and industry chamber FICCI. The shortage of
trainers was despite enhanced investment as well as expansion of the countrys training capacity from about 2.5 million
persons in 2006-07 to 5 million at present. Prasad called upon the private sector to help in providing trainers to meet the
target. The Labour Ministry is setting up 6,500 skill institutes under the PPP model. S. Ramadorai, Adviser, National Skill
Development Council, said the focus should be on creating a skills database or a registry. The countrys expertise in
technology can play a big role in areas such as modernisation of employment exchanges into a marketplace for job-seekers.
Engineers India, Fortis Healthcare added to FTSE IDFCs infra index: Engineers India Ltd and Fortis Healthcare
India Ltd have replaced Torrent Power Ltd and Jai Prakash Hydro Power Ltd in the semi-annual review of the FTSE IDFC
India Infrastructure 30 index. The review is based on the definition of infrastructure, the size of the company, liquidity and free
float. The semi-annual review takes place in March and September. The changes will be implemented on September 19,
2011 and the next review will take place on March 9, 2012. The FTSE IDFC India Infrastructure Index is a benchmark index
covering the entire eligible universe after size and liquidity screening and free float weighting, according to their website. The
three largest constituents of the index are Bharti Airtel, Larsen and Toubro and NTPC.
Pipavav, Mazagon Dock team up to build warships: Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Company (formerly
Pipavav Shipyard) has tied up with state-owned Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) to build warships for the Navy. Each of the
partners will hold equal stake in a proposed joint venture company, Mazagon Dock Pipavav Ltd. Nikhil Gandhi, Chairman,
Pipavav Shipyard made the announcement in Mumbai on September 12, 2011. Indian Navys orders add up to $28-30 billion,
but the execution is only $1 billion a year due to infrastructure and size constraints. The partners will work to fast-forward the
execution of the Mazagon Dock order book using the facilities of both Pipavav and Mazagon Dock.
Cairn to share royalty burden with ONGC: An overwhelming majority of Cairn India shareholders on September 14,
2011 voted in favour of the company reversing its earlier stand and conceding to pay royalty and cess on its mainstay
Rajasthan oilfields. The Cairn India board, however, added a caveat that it will agree to making royalty cost recoverable and
pay Rs. 2,500 per tonne cess on the Rajasthan oil only after its partner Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) issues a noobjection certificate to its parent, Cairn Energys proposal to sell controlling stake to mining group Vedanta Resources. Cairn
Energy held 52.11 per cent stake in Cairn India and Vedanta Group another 28.5 per cent.
CSIR-Mahindras plane makes maiden flight: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, a constituent laboratory of the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Mahindra Aerospace (part of the $12.5 billion Mahindra group) on
September 14, 2011 announced the successful maiden flight of their jointly developed C-NM5 aircraft, marking an important
milestone in their collaborative aircraft development programme. The programme is Indias first public-private partnership in
the development of aircraft and is the result of teamwork across three development teams - CSIR-NAL, Mahindra Aerospace
and GippsAero (a Mahindra Aerospace subsidiary in Australia). The prototype was built over a 10 month period by the rapid
prototyping team at GippsAero in their facilities near Melbourne, Australia.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 organised: The International Automobile Exhibition (IAA), also known as the Frankfurt
Motor Show or Frankfurt Auto Show, is one of the worlds largest motor shows. It is held biennially in Frankfurt, Germany. The
IAA is organized by the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA). Since 1991 the show is split in two: Evennumbered years show commercial vehicles in Hanover and odd-numbered years passenger vehicles (including some
motorcycles) in Frankfurt. The 2011 show, organised from September 15 to 25, 2011 saw all major automotive manufacturers
focus on electric vehicles, hybrid cars and innovation centred on energy savings.
Sarraf takes over CEO & MD of ONGC Videsh: Dinesh K Sarraf on September 16, 2011 took over as the CEO and
Managing Director of ONGC Videsh (OVL), the overseas investment arm of state oil and gas explorer ONGC. Sarraf, 54, was
Director (Finance), ONGC before being selected to head the company tasked with acquisition of oil and gas properties
overseas. The post of OVL Managing Director fell vacant when R S Butola took over as the Chairman of state refiner Indian
Oil Corporation (IOC) earlier this year. Sarraf was selected by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB). Sarraf holds a
Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi. He is also a member of the Institute of
Cost and Works Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
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Section E: SPORTS
England beat India in final ODI, win series 3-0
England reigned supreme in the fifth and final match of the NatWest Series at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on September 16,
2011. The host won by six wickets and the triumph helped England blank India 3-0 in the series. India scored 304 for six in 50
overs with Virat Kohli (107), Rahul Dravid (69) and M.S. Dhoni (50 n.o.) bating well. England had an asking rate of 6.1 at the
start. It increased to 6.27 and finally to 7.08 as two rain-interruptions meant that the target was adjusted to 295 from 47 overs
and the eventual 241 from 34 overs as per the Duckworth-Lewis Method. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was adjudged Man-of-theSeries.
The first ODI of the series played at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on September 3,
2011 was called off due to rain after England had batted few overs in response to Indias 274
for 7 in 50 overs. Play was called off with England at 27 for the loss of two wickets in 7.2
overs. The hosts had won the toss and chose to field. Parthiv Patel with 95 runs in 107 balls
was the top scorer of the match. Ajinkya Rahane scored 40 in his debut innings in ODI.
The second ODI played at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on September 6, 2011 was won by
England by seven wickets. England won the toss and chose to field first. India made 187 for
the loss of 8 wickets in 23 overs in the rain-shortened match. Hosts reached the target at the loss of 3 wickets in 22.1 overs.
Ajinkya Rahane (54 of 47 balls) was the top scorer for India while England captain Alastair Cook was the top scorer (80 runs
in 63 balls) and Man of the Match.
England went 2-0 in the series defeating India by 3 wickets in the third ODI played at Kennington Oval, London on September
9, 2011. India scored 234 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs after the hosts won the toss and chose to field. Man of the Match
Ravindra Jadeja (78 of 89 balls) was the top scorer. England reached the revised target (218 runs in 43 overs) at the loss of 7
wickets in 41.2 overs with Craig Keiswetter (51 of 46 balls) scoring the only half century for the winners.
Fourth match of the series played at Lords, London on September 11, 2011 ended in a tie. England won the toss and chose
to field. India made 280 runs at the loss of 5 wickets in their 50 overs with Suresh Raina (84 of 75 balls) being the highest
run-getter. England was set a shortened target of 271 runs from 48.5 overs after rain affected play. Ravi Bopara made 96
runs in 111 balls as England levelled the score at 270 and the match ended in a tie. Bopara and Raina were declared joint
winners of the Man of the Match honour.
England won the rain-shortened fifth match by 6 wickets at played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on September 16, 2011.
England won the toss for the fifth consecutive match and put India to bat. India made 304 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs with
Virat Kohli (107 runs in 93 balls) scoring the only century of the five match series. England faced a revised target of 241 in 34
overs which they reached in 32.2 overs. Debutant Jonny Bairstow who scored 41 runs in 21 balls was declared Man of the
Match.
+
Most runs in the series: Top five

Player
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India)
Suresh Raina (India)
Ravi Bopara (Eng)
Virat Kohli (India)
Parthiv Patel (India)
Mat
5
5
4
5
5
Inns NO Runs HS
236
5
2
78*
198
5
0
84
197
4
1
96
194 107
5
0
172
5
0
95
Ave
78.66
39.60
65.66
38.80
34.40
BF
241
174
194
229
215
SR
97.92
113.79
101.54
84.71
80.00
100
0
0
0
1
0
Ave
18.37
25.16
40.33
31.40
36.00
Econ
4.45
5.39
5.62
5.06
5.74
50 0
3 0
1 0
1 0
1 0
1 0
4s 6s
19 5
13 9
16 1
14 1
18 3
Most wickets in the series: Top five

Player
Graeme Swann (Eng)
Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Tim Bresnan (Eng)
James Anderson (Eng)
Stuart Broad (Eng)
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4
5
5
4
4
Overs
33.0
28.0
43.0
31.0
31.2
Mdns
1
0
3
3
1
Runs
147
151
242
157
180
Wkts
8
6
6
5
5
BBI
3/33
3/40
3/43
3/48
2/52
SR
24.7
28.0
43.0
37.2
37.6
4 5
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
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Djokovic wins first US Open title

Serbias Novak Djokovic defeated defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain 62, 64, 67(37), 61 in the final to win the
US Open Mens Singles title at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows Park, New York City on September 12, 2011.
Djokovic, who has been ranked number one in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) since 4 July 2011,
has won four Grand Slam singles titles: the 2008 and 2011 Australian Open championships, the 2011 Wimbledon
Championships, and the 2011 US Open.
Samantha Stosur of Australia outplayed three-time champion Serena Williams of USA in straight sets
6-2, 6-3 to win the Womens Singles title at the U.S. Open on September 11, 2011. This was the first
Grand Slam title for Stosur whose previous appearance in a Grand Slam final was a runner-up finish in
the French Open in 2010.
Jrgen Melzer (Asutria) and Philipp Petzschner (Germany) won the Mens Doubles title defeating the
Polish team of Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the final, 62, 62.
The US team of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond beat defending champions Vania King (USA) and
Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) 46, 76(75), 76(73) in the final to win the Womens Doubles
title.
US team of Melanie Oudin and Jack Sock defeated Gisela Dulko and Eduardo Schwank of Argentina
in the final, 76, 46, [108] to win the Mixed Doubles tile.
Mens and Womens Singles received $1,800,000 in prize money while the Doubles and Mixed Doubles winners got
$420,000 and $150,000 respectively.
Dhoni wins Spirit of Cricket Award at ICC awards: Team India captain M.S. Dhoni was named winner of the Spirit
of Cricket Award at the annual International Cricket Council (ICC) awards in London on September 12, 2011. West Indies
leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was chosen the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award and Aleem Dar was again chosen as
the ICC Umpire of the Year. Other awards: LG Peoples Choice Award: Kumar Sangakkara; ICC Associate Cricketer: Ryan
ten Doeschate. ICC T20 Performance of the Year: Tim Southee. Four players from Indias World Cup-winning squad were
named in the ICC ODI team of the year. M.S. Dhoni was named the captain while Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer
Khan were the others. The team: M.S. Dhoni (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, A.B. de
th
Villiers, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Graeme Swann, Umar Gul, Dale Steyn and Zaheer Khan; 12 man: Lasith Malinga.
Four inducted in ICC Hall of Fame: The ICC also announced its latest inductees into its Hall of Fame in London on
September 12, 2011. Alan Davidson, Belinda Clark, Curtly Ambrose and the late Frederick Spofforth joined the earlier list of
64. Australias Davidson, 82, bagged 186 wickets and scored 1,328 runs in 44 Tests. Belinda Clark, a legend among women
cricketers, led Australia to five World Cup triumphs and now heads the Commonwealth Bank Australian Cricket Academy.
Her record of 4,844 ODI runs is yet to be surpassed. She is the second woman to be inducted after Rachael Heyhoe-Flint.
Former West Indies pace spearhead Curtly Ambrose finished with a Test tally of 405 wickets and ODI tally of 225. The ICC
will also formally induct the late Spofforth in the presence of his family members later this year. The Australian fast bowler,
who passed away in 1926, bagged 94 Test wickets and was the first man to claim a hat-trick in Tests.
Indian Womens team win Archery gold: The Indian womens recurve archery team beat World champion Italy with a
215-204 victory in the final of the World Cup (Stage IV) meet at Shanghai on September 10, 2011. The Indian team of L.
Bombayla Devi, Deepika Kumari and Chekrovolu Swuro had been beaten in the final of the World championship at Turin
(Italy) earlier this year. The mens compound team lost to World champion, U.S. in a one-sided match at 229-235. Deepika
also earned India a bronze in the womens recurve individual play-off defeating Indonesias Erwina Safitri 6-4.
India win Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: Goalkeeper S. Sreejesh made two crucial saves as India defeated
Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shootout in the final to clinch the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Ordos,
China on September 11, 2011. Rajpal Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Yuvraj Walmiki and Sarvanjit Singh scored for India in the
penalty shootout while Muhammad Rizwan and Waseem Ahmed scored for Pakistan after both the sides were locked
goalless in the regular and extra time. A last-minute goal by Firhan Ashari helped Malaysia beat Japan and clinch the bronze
medal.
Champions Trophy to be held in New Zealand: Shifted out of India due to the dispute related to hockeys governance
in the country, the high-profile Champions Trophy will now be held in Auckland, New Zealand from December 3 to 11, the
International Hockey Federation (FIH) said in a statement on September 13, 2011. The Champions Trophy was initially
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allotted to India but the tussle between Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation over who would govern the sport cost
the country the hosting rights of the event. FIH President Leandro Negre said New Zealand will replace India in the
Champions Trophy. India was originally allotted a place in the Champions Trophy as the host, but has now been extended an
invitation to play at the Champions Challenge in November in South Africa.
Ebrahim secures 2012 Indy Lights racing seat: 22 year old Armaan Ebrahim has become the first Indian racer to be
selected for the 2012 Indy Lights Championship in the US by Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) team for the 2012 season on
September 13, 2011. It will make him the first Indian to drive in the series, which is a feeder for the high-profile Indy Racing
League (IRL).
Bolt clocks season best 9.85 in 100 metres: Usain Bolt made a cautious start in his first 100 meters since his
disqualification at the Daegu World Championships in August 2011, and still ended up winning in a season-best 9.85 seconds
at the Zagreb World Challenge on September 14, 2011. Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidads Richard
Thompson followed Bolt in second and third places. In the mens 100 hurdles, Cubas world record holder Dayron Robles
beat world champion Jason Richardson of the US. Robles finished first at the world championships but was disqualified for
impeding Liu Xiang of China, giving Richardson the gold.
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For the Weeks: September 18 to 24, 2011

Section A: INDIA
Army beefs up military capability in North East

India seeks safety reports on French N-reactors
Quake rocks northeast
Mission Poorna Shakti launched
Health Ministry launches Mother and Child Tracking scheme
SC Bench delivers split verdict on SIT to probe black money
Govt committee on black money rejects need for new law
Rs. 32 a day enough to cross poverty line Planning Commission
MNREGS wages cannot be below minimum wage Karnataka High Court
Cabinet can decide on Majithia wage board report Apex court
Central Information Commission calls for disclosure of paid news report
Government confirms Jamias minority institution status
Text-to- Speech System in 6 Indian languages unveiled
India to set up Chair on cyber security in Tallinn University
China, India face common challenges Wen
Despite friction, India, China will come close Peoples Daily
Germany and India: Infinite Opportunities launched
S. M. Krishna concludes state visit to Vietnam
2nd Indo-German Max-Planck Centre launched
US-India Study Group calls for greater Indian role in Afghanistan
India, Sri Lanka conduct naval exercises SLINEX II
Chidambaram to inaugurate regional NSG hub in Bengal
First LCA squadron to be stationed in Sulur DRDO
Adaminte Makan Abu to represent India at Academy Awards
Akali DalSant Samaj combine sweeps SGPC polls
ISO General Assembly organised
J&K becomes first State to launch my stamp
Global Conference on Mysticism organised
Karnataka Lokayukta Shivaraj Patil resigns
Kalam opts out of Nalanda University revival project
Educationist G.P. Chopra passes away
Former Union Minister Vasant Sathe passes away
Section B: WORLD
Abbas calls on U.N. to grant Palestine membership

Poor countries lead in mother, child spending UN report
Global Counterterrorism Forum launched
Harmony Centre wins Parliamentary elections in Latvia
National Transitional Council claims Libyan seat at the UN
India viewed more positively in G8 nations Reputation Institute
Nepal-US armies organise joint disaster response exercise
Open Government Partnership launched in NY
Obama unveils $3 trillion debt plan, tax hikes on rich
S&P downgrades Italy debt rating
Greece cuts wages and pensions to reduce deficit
NASA plans to spend $1.6 bn on space taxis
Booker Prize shortlist unveiled
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Michael Sata wins Presidential election in Zambia
Mandela remains world favourite Reputation Institute Survey
Former Afghan President Rabbani killed in suicide bomb attack
Section C: AWARDS
Shukla, Kambar, Kant win Jnanpith awards

Godfrey Phillips Bravery Awards conferred
Times of India announces winners of Social Impact Awards
FE Best Banks awards conferred
ONGC wins four awards at PSE Excellence Awards
Mad Men is the Best Drama at Emmy Awards
Ashbery, Kaplan to receive honorary book awards
Suu Kyi wins Chatham House prize
Maldives documentary wins Toronto film fest audience award
Section C: ECONOMY & CORPORATE
Terms of Reference of Task Force for Direct Transfer of Subsidies expanded

SEBIs new takeover norms re-set open offer trigger at 25%
SEBI announces new norms for Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs)
Three institutions sign MoU for Takeout Finance scheme
RBI issues norms for banks, NBFCs to set up infrastructure debt funds
RBI relaxes forex facilities for individuals
India-U.S. CEO Forum meeting organised
US-India Economic Opportunities Summit organised
IMF projects 7.5-7.75 % growth for India
WTO cuts world trade growth forecast to 5.8%
Expert Group for modernization of Indian Railways set up
Railways to install TPWS on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata route
Consumer Price Index rises 1.18% in August
Centre lifts ban on onion export
DoT rejects Qualcomms Broadband Licence Application
Indias green IT, sustainability spend to reach $70 b by 2015 Gartner
Former SAT Chairman C. Achuthan passes away
Alok Bharadwaj appointed MAIT President
R. Gopalakrishnan appointed Member Secretary
Section E: SPORTS
Ex-Indian cricket captain Pataudi passes away

N. Srinivasan takes over as new BCCI President
BCCI axes Kochi Tuskers from IPL
Marsh named Lanka coach
Tim Nielsen quits as Australias cricket coach
Vinod Kambli quits first class cricket
Japan beats India, enters Davis Cup elite World Group
Peter Svidler wins World Cup Chess
China wins Asian Mens Basketball championship
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Section A: INDIA
NEWS ROUND UP
Army beefs up military capability in North East
The induction of an advanced variant of the 290-km range supersonic cruise missile in the army for mountain warfare has
been approved by the government on September 23, 2011. The
objective is to upgrade military capabilities in the north-east. The
approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Defence
Ministrys apex decision making body will pave the way for induction
of the fourth missile regiment in the army. The approval for inducting a
regiment of the Block III steep-dive variant of the BrahMos is expected
to enhance the lethality of armys firepower in the north-east region.
The steep-dive attack cruise missile can hit enemy targets hidden in
the shadows of mountains.
The army has inducted a total of three regiments already including two
of the Block II variant, which can precisely hit the intended enemy
building or assets even in a cluster of buildings. In the backdrop of
massive military infrastructure buildup by China in its areas along the
frontiers, India has taken several measures to improve its
preparedness in the north-east. These steps include deployment of two squadrons of the Su-30 MKI fighter jet aircraft in
Tezpur and Chabua in Assam and raising of two mountain divisions for deployment in Arunachal Pradesh and adjoining
areas. The government also revised its old military doctrine of not developing roads along the border and is working on
developing over 70 strategic roads on the Sino-Indian border. BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile that can be
launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land and has been inducted in all the three services
India seeks safety reports on French N-reactors

Amid growing public resistance to nuclear power projects, India has sought new test reports from the French nuclear authority
on safety issues raised in the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster in Japan before finalising orders for reactors from Frances
atomic energy giant Areva. Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee on September 20, 2011 said that India
has asked the French to provide the ASN (the countrys nuclear safety authority) report on the safety features related to
EPRs after the new assessment. Banerjee conveyed the decision to have the ASN report to French Energy Minister Eric
th
Besson during the International Atomic Energy Agencys 55 General Conference at Vienna, Austria.
In December 2010, India had signed a USD 9.5 billion framework deal under which Areva would build two European
Pressurised Reactors for the 9900 MW Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) in Maharashtra with an option for four more.
The proposed project is facing stiff resistance from the local population, several political parties and activists who want it
scrapped after the radiation leak at Fukushima nuclear plant after the Tsunami in March this year.
The opposition to nuclear power has spilled over from Jaitapur in Maharashtra to Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), site of the 2000
MW atomic power plant. The opposition from the public and political parties notwithstanding, India wants to raise its atomic
energy component to a quarter of its total power by 2050 from a minuscule three per cent at present.
Quake rocks northeast: The northern and eastern parts of the country were jolted on September 18, 2011 after a
powerful earthquake hit the Sikkim-Nepal border with a magnitude of 6.8 at 6.10 p.m., leaving at least 17 persons dead and
more than 100 injured, besides causing extensive damage to buildings and roads. The epicentre was about 69 km northwest
of Gangtok, 119 km north-northwest of Siliguri and 272 km east of Kathmandu. Tremors were felt in Assam, Meghalaya,
Tripura, parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Delhi. Cabinet Secretary Ajit
Kumar Seth convened an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority. National Disaster Response
Force was sent for relief and rescue operations.
Mission Poorna Shakti launched in Rajasthan: Mission Poorna Shakti was launched by the National Mission for
Empowerment of Women in Rajasthans Pali district on September 16, 2011 in association with the Department of Women &
Child Development, Government of Rajasthan. Minister of State for Women & Child Development (Independent Charge),
Krishna Tirath dedicated the Poorna Shakti Kendra to the nation, terming it as a milestone towards holistic empowerment of
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women. The mission aims to provide a common platform to facilitate convergence of benefits under the programmes of the
various ministries and departments of the Central government. The mission will also facilitate synergy in implementation of
these programmes through their convergence at the state, district and sub-district levels. It will deliver services to the women
at grassroots through its various centers at the village level, to be called Poorna Shakti Kendra. In the beginning, the project
is going to be implemented in 150 Gram Panchayats, which will later be expanded to the whole state and the nation.
Health Ministry launches Mother and Child Tracking scheme for better immunisation coverage: The
government is roping in medical experts to offer free advice to expectant mothers who will be tracked for their immunization
status under the Mother and Child Tracking scheme launched in New Delhi on September 18, 2011. The Health Ministry will
appoint a panel of doctors in its Central Monitoring Cell under the scheme, which seeks to track down every single pregnant
woman and newborn for progress on vaccination. It will help the government examine veracity of claims made by state
governments about achievement under the National Immunisation Programme.
SC Bench delivers split verdict on SIT to probe black money: The Supreme Court on September 23, 2011 gave a
split verdict on the Centres plea seeking to recall its order on black money, with one judge holding that the application was
maintainable and the other saying it was not. Acting on the petitions filed by the former Union Law Minister, Ram Jethmalani,
and others, the court had ordered constitution of a special investigation team headed by the retired Supreme Court judge,
B.P. Jeevan Reddy. The matter was heard by a Bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and S.S. Nijjar. Justice Kabir, in his order,
held that the application was maintainable while Justice Nijjar disagreed. In view of the split verdict, the Bench directed that
the matter be placed before Chief Justice of India S.H. Kapadia for being referred to a third judge.
Govt committee on black money rejects need for new law: A government committee on September 23, 2011 ruled
out voluntary disclosure of income scheme (VDIS), framing a new Act and capital punishment as measures to deal with the
issue of black money stashed abroad. The high-level committee was constituted by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in
May 2011 with the mandate of examining the existing legal and administrative framework to deal with generation of black
money. This includes declaring wealth generated illegally as national asset, enacting or amending laws to confiscate and
recover such assets, and providing for exemplary punishment against its perpetrators. The committee chaired by Central
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman M. M. Joshi, discussed whether a new law was required to curb black money, but
observed existing laws were enough to deal with economic offences and there was a need to strengthen them. The
committee will submit its report within six months.
Rs. 32 a day enough to cross poverty line Planning Commission: The Planning Commission on September 20,
2011 told the Supreme Court that anyone spending more than Rs 965 per month in urban India and Rs 781 in rural India will
be deemed to be not poor. Updating the poverty line cut-off figures, the commission said those spending in excess of Rs 32 a
day in urban areas or Rs 26 a day in villages would no longer be eligible to draw benefits of central and state government
welfare schemes for those living below the poverty line. According to the suggested new criterion, if a family of four in a metro
is spending over Rs 3,860 per month on themselves, it would not be considered poor. The commission said these were
provisional figures based on the Tendulkar committee report updated for current prices by taking account of the Consumer
Price Index for Industrial and Agricultural workers.
MNREGS wages cannot be below minimum wage Karnataka High Court: The Karnataka High Court on
September 23, 2011 declared that the Union Government cannot fix wages for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee (MNREG) scheme that are lower than the minimum wage fixed by State governments for agricultural
labourers. A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice A.S. Bopanna quashed the
notification issued by the Union Government on January 1, 2009 fixing Rs. 82 as the wage for people employed under the
MNREG scheme in Karnataka. The court directed the Union Government to pay the difference in wages at the rate of Rs.
119.42 to those who worked during the relevant period when Rs. 82 was the wage fixed under MNREG scheme. At present,
the wage offered under the scheme in Karnataka is Rs. 125 as against Rs. 133.85. Though the Union Government, under the
provisions of the NREG Act, 2005, has the authority to fix the wage rate, it cannot override the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Cabinet can decide on Majithia wage board report Apex court: The Supreme Court on September 21, 2011
permitted the Union Cabinet to take a decision on implementing the recommendations of the Justice G.R. Majithia Wage
Board for journalists and non-journalists. Any decision would, however, be subject to the outcome of the case filed by ABP
Pvt. Ltd.; the Indian Newspaper Society; Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd., and two others challenging the boards final report
submitted in December 2010, said a Bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma. The newspaper managements
have challenged the validity of the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service and
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Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, under which the board was formed, and wanted it declared null and void and ultra vires the
Constitution.
Central Information Commission calls for disclosure of paid news report: The report on paid news listing
specific allegations and naming the accused written by a sub-committee of the Press Council of India (PCI) in 2011 would
be disclosed on the Councils website. The Central Information Commission (CIC) on September 21, 2011 directed its
publication by October 10, as part of the suo motu disclosure mandated under the Right to Information Act. The PCI had
voted 12-9 against submitting it to the government or making it public last year. Former PCI member Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
had co-authored the paid news report with fellow journalist K. Sreenivas Reddy. The sub-committees report was
commissioned in July 2009 after widespread reports about the payment for news by political parties and candidates in the
Lok Sabha elections that summer. The comprehensive 71-page report was submitted in April 2010, but in a July 2010
meeting, the PCI adopted a diluted final report which failed to name the accused. In an effort to force the PCI to release the
report, an RTI application was filed in January 2011 by Manu Moudgil requesting a copy.
Government confirms Jamias minority institution status: The Union Government on September 19, 2011 informed
the Delhi High Court that it respects the decision of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMI) to
declare the Capitals Central University, Jamia Millia Islamia, a minority institution. The Government made this submission
through an affidavit filed by the Union HRD Ministry. The Centre made its stand on the issue clear before the Court in
response to a petition challenging the minority status granted to the university by the Commission. The Court has said that
admissions to the university under the reserved quota for Muslim minority candidates are subject to the decision on the
petition challenging the February 22 decision of NCMEI to declare the university a minority institution. The university has
reserved 50 per cent of the seats for Muslim candidates. The petitioner, Vijay Kumar, submitted that Jamia could be not
granted said status as it was made a Central University in 1988 by an Act of Parliament.
Text-to- Speech System in 6 Indian languages unveiled: Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State for Communications and
Information Technology on September 22, 2011 released the CD containing Text-To- Speech system (TTS) in six Indian
languages. These are Hindi, Marathi, Bangla, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. He also launched web based Optical Character
Recognition systems (OCR) for Hindi & Punjabi. Technology Development for Indian Language (TDIL) Programme of the
Department of Information Technology, under a consortium project has developed this Text-To- Speech system. Text-toSpeech is computer software which renders the machine readable text into Human Voice. The TTS software shall enable
people with visual impairments or low vision disabilities to listen to written works on a computer or a mobile device.
India to set up Chair on cyber security in Tallinn University: Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource
Development and Communication, Information and Technology, visited Estonia on September 19, 2011 where he met the
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip as also Minister of Education, Jaak Aaviksoo and the Minister of Economic Affairs and
Communications, Juhan Parts. During the visit, Sibal signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Estonia. On
behalf of Estonia, it was signed by Minister of Finance, Jurgen Ligi. India will establish a Chair on Cyber Security in Tallinn
University and a Chair on Indian languages, literature and history in one of the universities in Estonia. The Estonian
government has announced 20 scholarships for Indian students who wish to enroll for an accredited doctoral programme
leading to a PhD degree in Estonian universities.
China, India face common challenges Wen tells Indian youth: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on September 22,
2011 called on a 500-member visiting Indian youth delegation and Chinese youth to seize the opportunity and play a role in
improving relations between the neighbours, in a speech that underscored the common developmental challenges faced by
both countries. It is my hope that all of you will play a role in promoting friendly relations between India and China, he told
the group of 500 young Indians, who are on a ten-day visit to China, at a meeting in Beijings Great Hall of the People. The
visiting delegation, led by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ajay Maken, is here in China under an initiative to mark 2011 as
the year for India-China youth exchanges.
Despite friction, India, China will come close Peoples Daily: Downplaying the perception that India-China
frictions were on the rise, an influential Chinese daily says their ever-expanding common interests are bound to overrule
competition and conflict to lead the two new powers to accept mutual development in future. Peoples Daily, the Chinese
Communist Partys organ said in an article on September 23, 2011 that ties between the two major Asian countries are
increasingly getting close, seemingly boosted both by their mutual exchanges and conflicts.
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Germany and India: Infinite Opportunities launched: Germany and India: Infinite Opportunities, the 15-month-long
collaborative celebration marking the 60 years of the Indo-German diplomatic relations, was launched in New delhi on
September 23, 2011 with the percussion duet by Indias Sivamani and Germanys Christoph Haberer.
S. M. Krishna concludes state visit to Vietnam: India and Vietnam on September 16, 2011 discussed the entire
gamut of bilateral, regional and global issues and agreed to add greater content to their ties in fields like defence and security
and trade and investment. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who was in Hanoi on a three-day visit, held talks with his
Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh. Their discussions covered bilateral, regional and global issues and the two
ministers expressed satisfaction that the Strategic Partnership was developing well. The two Ministers also co-chaired the
th
14 India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and reviewed
implementation of activities for 2007-10 under bilateral cooperation, apart from agreeing to a plan of activities for 2011-13.
Krishna also called on President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his visit.
2nd Indo-German Max-Planck Centre launched: Cooperation in basic sciences between India and Germany reached
another milestone with the inauguration of the second Indo-German Max-Planck Centre in India on September 22, 2011.
The Max Planck-NCBS Centre for Research on Lipids will be located at the National Centre for Biological Sciences
(NCBS) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bangalore. The centre is the outcome of the long-standing
collaborative research between the scientists of the NCBS and the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and
Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden. The first Indo-German Max-Planck Centre - Indo-German Max-Planck Centre for
Computer Sciences (IMPECS) was established by the Department of Science and technology (DST) and the Max-Planck
Society at the IIT-Delhi in February 2010. It was a product of collaborative research between the IIT-Delhi and the MaxPlanck Institute for Informatics (MPI-INF), Saarbrucken. These centres are set up with equal contributions (in value) from both
sides.
US-India Study Group calls for greater Indian role in Afghanistan: A study group tasked to identify shared
national interests between the US and India has suggested among other steps, secretly planning together for exigencies in
Pakistan such as its collapse and loss of control over its nuclear weapons. The joint study group led by experts from both
countries has also called for regular mutual briefings and intensifying consultations between US and India on China given
worrisome and heavy-handed Chinese actions since 2007 in a 54-page report released in Washington on September 19,
2011. On Afghanistan, the report says that India, with US support, must continue to intensify links with the Afghanistan in the
economic, diplomatic, and security domains. Co-sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations and Aspen Institute India,
the study group, heading by former envoys Robert Blackwell and Naresh Chandra, wants the US and India to endorse a
residual US military presence over the long term in Afghanistan beyond 2014. The study group also wants that US heavily
condition all military aid to Pakistan on sustained concrete antiterrorist measures by the Pakistan military against groups
targeting India and the United States, including in Afghanistan.
India, Sri Lanka conduct naval exercises: The Indian Navy gained from the Sri Lankan experience with low intensity
conflict, while the Sri Lankan Navy learnt to operate more effectively in a multi-force environment on the conclusion of the
biggest-ever exercise between the two Navies. The exercises, SLINEX II, which commenced on September 19 and ended
on September 23, were aimed at enhancing interoperability. Involving 6 Indian state-of-the-art vessels of the Eastern
Command, and over 1,200 Indian naval personnel, and 11 Sri Lankan vessels and an almost equal complement of
personnel, the exercises were keenly watched by the international community and the diplomatic corps stationed in Colombo.
Chidambaram to inaugurate regional NSG hub in Bengal: The Regional Hub of the National Security Guard will be
inaugurated by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in Kolkata in the end of September 2011. Following the 26/11 terror
attacks, it was decided by the Centre to set up regional NSG hubs because during the Mumbai attack valuable time was lost
in moving the NSG personnel from New Delhi.
First LCA squadron to be stationed in Sulur DRDO: The first squadron of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas would be
located at Sulur Airbase near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. As many as 20 LCAs would be stationed at Sulur in the first phase
by early next year and as many aircraft would be added to the squadron subsequently and requisite facilities including hanger
and runway were being put in place, DRDO Chief Controller (R&D) Dr W. Selvamurthy said in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu on
September 20, 2011. Similarly another fleet of 40 LCAs, designed by DRDO and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited, would be stationed at an airbase near Dindigul in Tamil Nadu by the second half of next year. The Defence ministry
had already attested initial operation clearance last year and LCAs Air and Naval variants had already been rolled out as
mass production by HAL.
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Adaminte Makan Abu to represent India at Academy Awards: Adaminte Makan Abu, national award-winning
Malayalam film, has been nominated as Indias official entry for the coming Oscar Academy Awards. The Oscar Nomination
Committee of the Film Federation of India on September 23, 2011 selected the film from 16 films shortlisted by affiliated
associations. The film had bagged three other national awards for best actor, best cinematographer and best background
score. Last year, the Oscar Committee had submitted Peepli Live (Hindi) for the category.
Akali DalSant Samaj combine sweeps SGPC polls: The Shiromani Akali Dal, in alliance with the Sant Samaj, on
September 19, 2011 won the elections to the general House of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee by bagging
157 of the 170 seats for which polling was held on September 18. The Akali Dal, which has been at the helm the
organisation, known as Mini Parliament of the Sikhs, accounted for 140 seats in the previous House. Congress supported
Panthic Morcha came second.
ISO General Assembly organised: The 34th ISO General Assembly was organised by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) and hosted by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) from September 19 to 14, 2011 in New Delhi. The
event saw the participation of government officials, representatives of industrial associations and delegates from 116 nations.
J&K becomes first State to launch my stamp: Jammu and Kashmir became the first State to formally launch the
My Stamp concept on September 26 during the four-day-long Philatelic Exhibition in Srinagar. The concept was unveiled in
Delhi in 2010. The customers picture will appear on the stamp he chooses to buy.
Global Conference on Mysticism organised: The 19th Global Conference on Mysticism concluded at Kirpal Bagh in
New Delhi on September 22, 2011. The conference was addressed by Sant Rajinder Singhji Maharaj, President of World
Council of Religions. A number of delegates from over 50 countries participated in the conference.
NEWSMAKERS
Karnataka Lokayukta Shivaraj Patil resigns: Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Shivaraj Virupanna Patil on September 20,
2011 resigned from his post here over charges of violating co-operative housing society laws, to own two residential sites in
Bangalore city. Patil, who took charge as the Lokayukta on August 3, is the first ombudsman to leave office without
completing the term. Patil submitted his resignation to Governor H R Bhardwaj following reports that he had committed a
misdemeanor in owning extra plots in the city. The site was bought by his wife. It was surrendered to the housing cooperative
society recently. According to the cooperative housing society rules, people who own a plot or a house in a city are not
eligible for a plot from a housing society as the plots are sold at prices much below the market price for members of the
society. Patils contention was that his wife was not allotted a plot by the society and it was bought at an auction.
Kalam opts out of Nalanda University revival project: Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, one of the major figures
behind the revival of Nalanda University, has opted out of the project. Kalam, a prime mover of the project since his days as
the President, on September 18, 2011 conveyed his inability to continue as the first Visitor of the university. He has distanced
himself from the prestigious multi-nation project citing conferment of Central university status to the institution wherein critical
powers like appointment of vice chancellor would be with the incumbent President. Besides, there is a Nalanda Mentor Group
headed by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen which is looking into the ways to revive the ancient university. The proposed Nalanda
International University, expected to be functional from 2013 with seven schools initially, is based on the ideals of the ancient
centre of higher learning. The revival is taking place under an international initiative by the East Asia Summit, a regional
grouping of which India is a member, with the ministry of external affairs being actively involved in the project.
Educationist G.P. Chopra passes away: Eminent educationist and DAV College management committee president G.
P. Chopra passed away in New Delhi on September 22, 2011 at the age of 91. A student of English literature, he started his
career as lecturer at Murray College, now in Pakistan. After Partition, he joined Hans Raj College of Delhi University and
served as Principal until he retired. He was a recipient of Padma Shri and then Padma Bhushan.
Former Union Minister Vasant Sathe passes away: The Congress veteran and former Union Minister, Vasant Sathe,
passed on September 23, 2011 at the age of 86. A lawyer by training, Sathe served as Union Minister for Information and
Broadcasting in the Cabinet of Indira Gandhi. Known for his frank views, he had touched on many issues such as the
presidential form of governance and Priyanka Gandhis entry into active politics. Born on March 5, 1925 at Nashik in
Maharashtra, Sathe received his early education at Bhonsla Military School and did his Masters in Economics and Political
Science at Nagpur Mahavidyalaya.
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Section B: WORLD
NEW ROUND UP
Abbas calls on U.N. to grant Palestine membership
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, has called for his country to be granted full membership of the United Nations
a dramatic declaration that comes against the backdrop of failed peace talks and mounting international criticism of Israels
aggressive expansion of settlements.
Abbas on presented a formal letter to the United Nations U.N. Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon asking for the Palestinian request to be presented before the Security Council,
before his address to the General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2011.
Indias Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai had earlier said that New Delhi would support
the Palestinian bid.
Palestinians believe full U.N. membership will put pressure on Israel to return to peace
talks aimed at creating two separate States, compelling it to negotiate on terms of parity
one State with another. The proposal has been resisted by Israel and the United
States, which has threatened to veto the Palestinian bid when it is presented in the
Security Council.
U.S. President Barack Obama argued against the Palestinian bid in a speech delivered to the General Assembly on
September 21. President Obama who told the United Nations a year ago that he hoped there would be a Palestinian State
by now said he was frustrated with the lack of progress, but opposed membership for the country.
The Security Council was likely to delay consideration of the Palestinian request to give the United States, Russia, the
European Union and the United Nations time to persuade both sides to resume negotiations.
For all the contention caused by the Palestinian bid, the fact is that that the U.N. has long recognised its right to a State. The
U.N. had first resolved to create a Palestinian State alongside Israel in 1947, when it passed Resolution 181, partitioning the
region. From 1969, a string of other resolutions followed, culminating in 1974 with Resolution 3236, recognising the
Palestinian right to national independence and sovereignty.
Observer status: The Palestine Liberation Organisation was granted observer status at the U.N. on the basis of Resolution
3236, and in 1977, the Security Council agreed that it could join in its debates. In 1998, five years after Israel and the
Palestinians accepted a road map for peace leading to a two-State solution, the PLO was awarded a permanent mission to
the U.N.
Poor countries lead in mother, child spending UN report: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal and some of the worlds
other poorest countries helped lead the way over the past year as U.N. member states began meeting their unprecedented
pledge of more than $40 billion for maternal and child health, a new study of the spending says. The spending report was
released at a high-level event chaired by U.N. Secretary-General Ki-moon at the UN on September 20, 2011. Julio Frenk,
Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health and the Chairman of the World Health Organisations Partnership for Maternal,
Newborn and Child Health said the leadership shown by the lowest-income countries in their commitments to improve
womens and childrens health has been outstanding. Dr. Frenk said that close to $45 billion has been committed to the U.N.
initiative known as Every Mother Every Child, passing the initial pledges of $40 billion made a year ago. That includes about
$11 billion from the worlds poorer countries, and $13.7 billion from high income governments including the United States,
Britain, Canada and Norway. Worldwide every year, an estimated 8 million children die before reaching their 5th birthday, and
about 350,000 women die during pregnancy or childbirth. In 2000, the U.N. set Millennium Development Goals that included
reducing child mortality by twothirds and maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015. The goals also included cutting
extreme poverty by half, ensuring universal primary education, halting and reversing the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Global Counterterrorism Forum launched: A consortium of nations, including India, has launched a new multilateral
body aimed at fighting terrorism by bringing together members to identify urgent needs and devise solutions to tackle the
menace. The Global counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) was launched on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New
York on September 23, 2011. The forum comprises 29 countries in the EU, 11 Muslim majority nations, China, India, Russia
along with regional representation from South America and Africa. The forum is meant to create a venue where partners can
come together and identify urgent needs in counter-terrorism around the world, devise solutions and mobilise the resources
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to implement those solutions. It will have a coordinating committee of Foreign Ministry officials besides five working groups.
Two functional groups would focus on criminal justice, rule of law and countering violent extremism. Three groups would be
focused on regions of Sahel, the Horn of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Harmony Centre wins Parliamentary elections in Latvia: An ethnic Russian party has won the parliamentary
elections in Latvia for the first time in the post-Soviet history of the Baltic state dominated by anti-Russian politicians. The
Harmony Centre, a party committed to upholding the rights of the discriminated Russian minority in Latvia, received 28.5 per
cent of the vote in the snap parliamentary poll on September 17, 2011, about eight per cent more than the next best
contestant. The victory marks a milestone for the three Baltic republics, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, the only three exSoviet states that have joined NATO and the European Union. In Latvia Russian speakers, who also include Ukrainians and
Belarusians, account for a third of the 2.2 million population, but 345,000 of them are non-citizens who lack the right to vote.
The election victory will allow the Harmony Centre to increase its share of seats from 29 to 34 in the 102 member Latvian
Seim, but its rivals are likely to shut it out of government. The Zatlers Reform Party led by a former President, and the Unity
bloc of Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, which garnered just under 40 per cent of the votes between them, have already
started talks on forming a coalition government.
National Transitional Council claims Libyan seat at the UN: The United Nations on September 18, 2011 voted
overwhelmingly to hand over Libyas U.N. seat to the rebel National Transitional Council, while easing economic and military
sanctions and paving way for the strife-torn nation to begin its economic recovery and restore political order. The U.N.
Security Council resolution 2009, adopted unanimously, mandates a new, three-month U.N. mission that will assist Libyan
efforts to restore security, protect human rights and undertake an inclusive political dialogue towards establishing a
democratic government. The passage of the resolution came just hours after the 193 member U.N. General Assembly, in a
114-17 vote, approved the credentials of the NTC which toppled Muammar Qadhafi, giving it Libyas seat at the U.N. India
voted in favour of the resolution to set up the new U.N. mission as well as the Assembly resolution, accepting the credentials
of the new Libyan authorities.
India viewed more positively in G8 nations Reputation Institute: India finds itself ranked at the 27th place in a
new survey that measures the reputation of 50 countries among people of the G8 nations. The findings emerged in a study
undertaken by New York based Reputation Institute, which placed China at 43 on its list of 50 industrial nations. The global
study, unveiled on Johannesburg, September 23, 2011, measures the reputation of 50 countries among people in Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US. Russia is placed a lowly 45, in the bottom 10 which ends with
Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. The results were based on responses from more than 60,000 participants in G8 countries and were
decided on impressions of a country based on three main factors - the attractiveness of the environment, efficiency of
government and how advanced the economy was. Canada topped the list followed by Sweden and Australia.
Nepal-US armies organise joint disaster response exercise: Nepal and US armies are holding a joint disaster
management exercise in Kathmandu from September 19 to 22, 2011 amid the strongest earthquake to hit the country in
nearly 77 years. The four-day exercise Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) was aimed at building
multilateral inter-operability in disaster response between the two countries to increase preparation and risk mitigation.
Open Government Partnership launched: US President Barack Obama and his Brazilian counterpart, Dilma Rousseff
presided over the launch of the open government partnership an initiative to make governance more accountable to
citizens and to root out corruption in New York on September 20, 2011. India is not part of this eight-member group
comprising USA, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Norway, the Philippines and Britain. Despite being invited, India has
decided against joining the international effort, led by the US and Brazil.
Obama unveils $3 trillion debt plan, tax hikes on rich: President Barack Obama on September 20, 2011 laid out a
$3 trillion plan to cut US deficits by raising taxes on the rich. The Democratic President has vowed to veto any cuts to
Medicare unless Congress hikes taxes on companies and the wealthy. With polls showing most Americans unhappy with his
economic leadership, Obamas re-election hopes could hinge on his ability to convince voters that Republicans represent the
rich, not the middle class. Republicans have consistently opposed any measures resembling tax hikes, saying they will hurt
the struggling US economy by increasing the burden on job-creating businesses.
S&P downgrades Italy debt rating: Standard & Poors on September 19, 2011 downgraded Italys sovereign debt rating,
citing economic, fiscal and political weaknesses in a fresh blow to Silvio Berlusconis fragile coalition government. The rating
agency said it had downgraded Italian debt to A/A-1 from a A+/A-1+ grade because of Italys weakening economic
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growth prospects. It added that Italys weak governing coalition would limit the governments ability to respond decisively to
events. We believe the reduced pace of Italys economic activity to date will make the governments revised fiscal targets
difficult to achieve, S&P said in a statement. It was more bad news for Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi who is under fire
over the economy, in the courts and, increasingly, from the voters; his popularity plunged to 24 per cent in a September poll.
Greece cuts wages and pensions to reduce deficit: Greece on September 22, 2011 said it will accelerate budget
cuts to keep emergency loans flowing, extending austerity measures that have deepened recession and failed to ease doubts
that it can avoid default. The latest round of cuts targeting civil servants wages and pensioners were demanded by
international lenders to ensure Greece reach deficit-reduction targets in a euro110 billion-bailout and receive a payment due
in October 2011.
NASA plans to spend $1.6 bn on space taxis: NASA has plans to spend $1.6 billion over the next two years in a bid to
bolster industry efforts to develop space taxis. The US space agency will be looking for complete systems launchers,
spaceships, mission operations and ground support to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) by the
middle of the decade, The Daily Telegraph online reported on September 21, 2011. The amount will supplement investments
that private firms are making to develop commercial space transportation services. With the US space shuttles retired, the US
is dependent on Russia to fly its astronauts to the ISS, a $ 100 billion project of 16 nations that orbits about 225 miles above
Earth. Russia charges more than $50 million a person, including training and support services. A Russian cargo ship failed to
reach orbit after a launch accident in August 2011, exposing the vulnerability of having only one way for crew to fly to the
space station. The Progress rocket was carrying a cargo capsule of food and fuel.
Booker Prize shortlist unveiled: The shortlist for this years Booker Prize was unveiled on September 6, 2011. The six
shortlisted books include Snowdrops by AD Miller, Jamrachs Menagerie by Carol Birch, The Sense of an Ending by Julian
Barnes, Pigeon English by Stephen Kellman, The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt and Half Blood Blues by Esi
Edugyan.
NEWSMAKERS
Michael Sata wins Presidential election in Zambia: Zambian President Rupiah
Banda has conceded electoral defeat to opposition leader Michael Sata of the Patriotic
Front who was declared the winner on September 23, 2011 after polling 43% of the votes.
Bandas Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has ruled Zambia for 20 years. Sata
started in politics as municipal councillor and served as governor of Lusaka under Zambias
first President, Kenneth Kaunda. Formed Patriotic Front in 2001, losing Presidential election
that year and in 2006 and 2008
Mandela remains world favourite Reputation Institute Survey: Nelson Mandela, the anti- apartheid icon and
South Africa`s first democratically elected President, topped a list assessing the reputations of global personalities, with
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Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being placed at the 27 position. The 2011 Leader RepTrakT, a new global study of
the general public developed by the New York-based Reputation Institute to assess the reputations of the world`s most
visible leaders and public personalities in politics, business, culture and sports, placed Mandela on top, with US President
Barack Obama at number 14. The study unveiled on September 23, 2011 has ranked Swiss Tennis star Roger Federer at
second place because of the philanthropic work he does across the globe, while Microsoft founder Bill Gates was third on the
list.
Former Afghan President Rabbani killed in suicide bomb attack: Burhanuddin Rabbani, former President of
Afghanistan and Chairman of the High Peace Council leading the year-old Afghan effort to negotiate
with the Taliban was killed in a suicide bomb blast at his residence in the centre of Kabuls high-security
diplomatic district on September 21, 2011. A turbaned man, said to be Taliban messenger, is said to have
entered Prof. Rabbanis house and blew himself up. The Taliban members were carrying a message from
the Quetta Shura the Afghan Talibans top leadership council, said to be based in Balochistan. The
assassination of Prof. Rabbani who fought as a mujahideen against Soviet occupation and was
president of Afghanistan for two short stints is seen as a big blow to the reconciliation process as he
was someone who could rally the disparate Afghan groups.
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Section C: AWARDS
Shukla, Kambar, Kant win Jnanpith awards
Eminent Hindi authors Amar Kant and Shrilal Shukla have been chosen for the Jnanpith Award for 2009, while renowned
Kannada litterateur Chandrasekhar Kambar won it for 2010. The selection board chaired by noted
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writer and Jnanpith award winner Dr Sitakant Mahapatra made the selections for the 45 and 46
Jnanpith awards on September 19, 2011. The prestigious award instituted in 1961, carries a cheque for
Rs 7.5 lakh, a citation and a bronze replica of Vagdevi.
Born in 1937, Chandrasekhar Kambar is a novelist and playwright. His noted works include
Takararinavaru, Saavirada Neralu, Chakori (poetry); Jokumaraswamy, Chalesha, Harakeya Kuri
(plays); Karimaayi, Singarevva Mattu Aramane (novels and stories). Kambar is the eighth Kannada
author to have won the award. Others from Karnataka who have bagged the award include Kuvempu,
Da Ra Bendre, Shivaram Karanth, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, V K Gokak, Girish Karnad and U R
Ananthamurthy. A former vice-chancellor of Kannada University in Hampi, Kambar was a recipient of
the civilian honour Padmashri, besides Kabir Samman, Kalidas Samman and Pampa Award. A writer
who popularised the north Karnataka dialect through his poems and plays, Kambar also served as chairman of the National
School of Drama, New Delhi from 1996 to 2000. He was the president of the Karnataka Nataka Academy from 1980 to 1983.
Octogenarian Amar Kant is a leading author whose famous novel Inhin Hathiyaron Se earned him the Sahitya Akademi
Award in 2007. His short stories like Hatiyare, Dopahar ka Bhoj and Diptee Kalaktari have found place in the syllabi of
several Indian universities.
Shrilal Shukla is an eminent novelist and a satirist, whose works threw light on the falling moral values of the Indian society
in the post-Independence era. His noted works include Raag Darbari, Maka an, Sooni Ghaati Ka Sooraj, Agyatvas, and
Bisrampur Ka San.
Meanwhile the Jnanpith award for 2008 was presented to renowned Urdu poet Akhlaq Mohammad Khan Shahryar in New
Delhi on September 18, 2011. Born in 1936 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Shahryar obtained his Ph.D. in Urdu from Aligarh
Muslim University. Subsequently he taught at the AMU Urdu Department and retired as Professor and Head of Department in
1996. His major published works in Urdu, Hindi and English include Satwan Dar, Hijr Ke Mausam, Khwab Ka Dar Band
Hai, Mere Hisse ki Zamin, Kahin Kuchh Kam Hai, The Gateway to Dreams is Closed and Selected Poetry of Shahryar.
Godfrey Phillips Bravery Awards conferred

Godfrey Phillips Bravery, a corporate social responsibility initiative of Godfrey Phillips India, on September 21, 2011 honoured
twelve brave people from West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka with
Godfrey Phillips Zonal Bravery Awards 2011 at Kolkata.
Special Social Bravery Award: Rangu Souriya of West Bengal whose NGO
Kanchanjunga Uddhar Kendra is dedicated to help women and children who have
been trafficked as bonded labour; Padma Srinivasan who dedicated herself to the
service of neglected elderly citizens in the society in Vijaynagar (AP)
Social Bravery Award: Samata, an NGO of Andhra Pradesh working for tribals
and to Dr Achyuta Samanta of Odisha for his untiring efforts in education
Amodini Award: B. Chitamma of Odisha for her exemplary work towards empowerment of poor women.
Special Physical Bravery Award: Gita Nag of West Bengal for showcasing exemplary act of bravery by rescuing her
neighbor from dacoits and Vepagunta Samraj for displaying extraordinary courage.
Physical Bravery Awards: Narayan Rao and Buburu Sahadeb Behera of Odisha, fisherman by profession, showcased
extraordinary spirit to save two drowned Japanese; Tamil Selvan of Karnataka was also awarded with Physical Bravery
Award for his contribution to the community.
Mind of Steel Award: Amrendra Behera of Odisha.
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Times of India announces winners of Social Impact Awards

The Times of India, the worlds largest English daily, on September 23, 2011 chose ten organisations as winners of the
inaugural The Times of India Social Impact Awards. A jury chaired by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar picked the winners
from a shortlist of 38 organisations. The other judges included civil society activists Aruna Roy and Sunita Narain, rural
development minister Jairam Ramesh, banker Deepak Parekh and Nandan Nilekani, former Infosys CEO and now the
chairman of the Unique ID Authority of India. The awards, in partnership with JP Morgan, recognise outstanding social
transformation work for the underprivileged in the areas of livelihoods, advocacy & empowerment, health, education and
environment. This initiative is the first such attempt to shine a spotlight on those quietly carrying out inspirational work that
others can emulate.
In the area of healthcare work by government agencies, the jury chose joint winners: the district administration of Bahraich
in Uttar Pradesh and the collectors office of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The Bahraich administration dramatically reduced
water-borne diseases by providing elevated flood-proof hand pumps and floodproof septic tank toilets. The collectors office in
Kolhapur has attached silent observer devices to ultrasound machines in all 263 sonography centres in the district, resulting
in a sharp improvement in the child sex ratio.
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Complete list of winners: ENVIRONMENT: NGO BAIF Development Research Foundation; Government 135 Infantry
Battalion, Territorial Army (Assam). EDUCATION: NGO Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre;
LIVELIHOODS: NGO Shroffs Foundation Trust; Corporates Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative;
HEALTH: Government District administration of Bahraich (UP) & Collectors Office, Kolhapur (Maharashtra); NGOs
Comprehensive Rural Health Project; ADVOCACY & EMPOWERMENT: Corporates Srinivasan Services Trust, NGOs
Dhas Gramin Vikas Kendra (Madhya Pradesh); LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION: Baba Adhav; GLOBAL CONTRIBUTION TO
INDIA: Association for Indias Development
FE Best Banks awards conferred

The FE (Financial Express) Best Banks awards were presented to the winners on September 17, 2011 in Mumbai by Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee. List of winners:
Individual winners: HDFC vice-chairman and CEO Keki Mistry won the Banker of the Year award. The award for Lifetime
Achievement went to PJ Nayak who took Axis Bank to become the third largest private sector bank in the country in nine
years. A former bureaucrat, Nayak transformed the bank into a robust, well-capitalised organisation with a de-risked business
model. UIDAI Chairperson Nandan Nilekani won Innovator of the Year award.
PSU Banks: Corporation Bank (Rank I) and Indian Bank (Rank II) topped the PSU category while Corporation Banks
cash management was noteworthy, Indian Bank re-established itself as a fast-growing and profitable bank by pioneering
many schemes for financial inclusion and also forayed overseas.
New private banks: Yes Bank (Rank I) won the award in the new private bank category in just seven years, it carved out
a place for itself in the competitive Indian banking arena. The second award in the category went to HDFC Bank (Rank II).
Old private banks: In the old private bank category, J&K Bank (Rank I) won for managing to acquire a more national
character today, a fair share of the banks business is generated outside its home state. Karur Vysya Bank (Rank II), the
other winner in the old private bank category was one of the first to adopt technology across its branch network, an initiative
that gave it an edge over its competitors.
Foreign banks: DBS Bank India, which entered India in 1994, was one of the winners (Rank I) in the foreign bank category,
for its sharp focus on wholesale banking and by offering a bouquet of services like investment banking, treasury and trade
finance. India has now become the third largest contributor to revenues of DBS after Hong Kong and Singapore. Deutsche
Bank, the other winner (Rank II) in this category, is today among the leading players in investment banking, having been
involved in almost every large issue of debt and equity.
ONGC wins four awards at PSE Excellence Awards: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) received awards for
Best Financial Performance, Good Corporate Governance, Best Human Resources Management and Environment
Excellence & Sustainable Development at the ICC PSE Excellence Awards-2011 in New Delhi on September 22, 2011. The
awards are given by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) under aegis of Department of Public Enterprise. They are
presented to PSUs for their performance in the development of Indian public sector in 2010-11. The Award ceremony was
part of the Summit India Public Sector Agenda @ 2020 which was attended by top brass of Indian PSE, Senior Govt. officials,
planners, intellectuals and executives from cross section of Indian business and industry. National Aluminium Company
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Limited (NALCO) bagged the PSE Excellence Award 2011 for Corporate Social Responsibility and Responsiveness in the
Maharatna and Navratna category.
Mad Men is the Best Drama at Emmy Awards

Mad Men won the Best Drama Emmy for the fourth year while Modern Family again took the comedy glory at US
televisions awards Emmy show organised in Los Angeles on September 18, 2011. Titanic co-star Kate Winslet won the Best
Actress in a Mini-Series Emmy for her role in period drama Mildred Pierce. Complete list of winners:
CATEGORY: Drama Series: Best Drama Mad Men; Actress Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife); Actor Kyle
Chandler (Friday Night Lights); Supporting actor Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones); Supporting actress Margo
Martindale (Justified); Writing Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights); Directing Martin Scorsese (Boardwalk Empire)
CATEGORY: Comedy Series Best Comedy Modern Family; Actor Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory); Actress Melissa
McCarthy (Mike & Molly); Supporting actress Julie Bowen (Modern Family); Supporting actor Ty Burrell (Modern
Family); Writing Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman (Modern Family); Directing Michael Spiller (Modern Family).
Ashbery, Kaplan to receive honorary book awards: Poet John Ashbery and bookseller Mitchell Kaplan will receive
honorary National Book Awards. Ashbery is a highly acclaimed poet known for such collections as Self-Portrait in a Convex
Mirror. He is this years winner of the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Kaplan, whose Books &
Books in Florida is among the countrys leading independent stores, has won the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to
the American Literary Community. The awards were announced on September 20, 2011 by the National Book Foundation.
The organization sponsors the National Book Awards. Honorary and competitive prizes will be presented at a ceremony
November 16, 2011 in New York.
Suu Kyi wins international relations prize: Myanmar democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi has won this years
Chatham House prize for her contribution to the improvement of international relations, the British think-tank said in London
on September 23, 2011. The 66-year-olds fight to bring political change to Myanmar, for which she has had to spend most of
the last two decades under house arrest, had made her an international symbol of democracy and peaceful resistance. Suu
Kyi was freed in November 2010 but her movements are still restricted by the ruling military junta in Myanmar. Former US
secretary of state Madeleine Albright will accept the prize a crystal award and scroll on her behalf at a ceremony in
London in December 2011. Last years winner was President Abdullah Gul of Turkey, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva and Ghanaian President John Kufuor have also won in previous years. Aung San Suu Kyis National League for
Democracy party won a 1990 election but was never allowed to take office. It boycotted an election held last year, the first in
two decades, and was de-listed as a political party by the regime as a result. Recently, however, the regime has adopted a
more conciliatory stance toward its opponents and relaxed its grip on access to independent information
Maldives documentary wins Toronto film fest audience award: Mohamed Nasheed, the 44-year-old president of
Maldives, is the subject of a documentary film, The Island President, which premiered at the just ended Toronto International
Film Festival (TIFF), and won the Cadillac Peoples Choice Award for the best documentary on Toronto September 20, 2011.
The documentary, directed by American filmmaker Jon Shenk, chronicles Nasheeds first year in office and his constant
reminders to the world of the risks posed by climate change and rising sea levels to his low-lying nation comprising 1,200
islands in the Indian Ocean. The film ends with an inside look at his trip to the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009.
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2011 12:01 IST
NEWS ROUND UP
Terms of Reference of Task Force for Direct Transfer of Subsidies expanded:
The terms of reference of the Task Force under the Chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI) was on September 20, 2011 expended to include an Aadhaar-enabled unified payment
infrastructure. The said Task Force was constituted by the Ministry of Finance in February 2011 to recommend and
implement a solution for direct transfer of subsidies on Kerosene, LPG and Fertilizer to the intended beneficiaries.
It has been now decided to extend the Terms of Reference of the aforesaid Task Force so as to include the following:
i Recommend a detailed solution architecture for direct transfer of subsidy wherein Ministries and State Governments through
a payments bridge can transfer funds into any Aadhaar-enabled bank account on the basis of the Aadhaar number;
ii Recommend an architecture for e-banking through interoperable Business Correspondents and examine alignment of
current standards for devices that will be deployed by them;
iii Recommend an architecture to align the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Group on a Framework for the Delivery of
Basic Financial Services using Mobile Phones with Aadhaar enabled payments infrastructure;
iv Recommend a solution that incorporates a robust, customer support and grievance redressal mechanism;
v Recommend the feasibility of extending the solution architecture to include payment instruments apart from bank accounts
and post office savings bank accounts to facilitate the fostering of e-commerce; vi Oversee and evaluate the implementation
of the solution proposed on a pilot basis through the concerned Implementing Ministries, as and when approved by E-GoM;
and
vii Suggest a common framework to adopt the above solution to all Government welfare schemes involving disbursements to
individual beneficiaries. The solutions devised by the Task Force should ensure that the entire country can leverage the same
payments platforms.
viii Recommend an approach to harmonize various exercises related to opening bank accounts for financial inclusion and
electronic benefit transfers;
ix Identify and recommend amendments, if any, required to existing Government payment and accounting procedures to
enable direct subsidy transfers.
The solutions devised by the Task Force may necessarily be incentive-compatible for all stakeholders in payments
processing, respect beneficiary choice, drive competition, be fully interoperable and should be an implementable solution;
For the purpose of this extended Terms of Reference, the Task Force will have the following as additional members:
i A representative of the Reserve Bank of India;
ii A representative of the Indian Banks Association;
iii Director General, NIC;
iv Controller General of Accounts (CGA) or his representative; and
v CEO, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
The Task Force may also co-opt other members who are, inter alia, industry experts, academicians and domain specialists to
the Task Force based on necessity.
The Task Force will submit its Final Report on the extended Terms of Reference within three months of the extension of the
Terms of Reference. During this period, along with other pilots, the current pilots being undertaken by the Ministries
implementing the Interim Report of the Task Force on Direct transfer of subsidies on Kerosene, LPG and Fertiliser will need
to be aligned.
The recommendations of the Final Report on Aadhaar enabled payment infrastructure may also be incorporated in the Final
Report of the Task Force on Direct Transfer of subsidies on Kerosene, LPG and Fertiliser.
SEBIs new takeover norms re-set open offer trigger at 25%

Market regulator SEBI, in its notification on September 23, 2011, has accepted most of the proposals made by the Takeover
Regulation Advisory Committee, headed by the late C. Achuthan, were accepted by SEBI. The regulations come into force on
October 22, 2011. Any open offer for which a public announcement has been made under the repealed regulations would be
completed under the earlier norms.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Open offer trigger increased from 15 to 25 per cent.
Offer size increased from 20 to 25 per cent
Auto-delisting not allowed
Voluntary open offer subject to conditions
Non-compete fees removed
Open offer trigger limit: SEBI has decided to reset the trigger for open offers at 25 per cent from 15 per cent and pegged
the process of tendering shares in open offers to 10 days.
Minimum offer size: The norms stipulate the minimum size of an open offer at 26 per cent, up from the earlier 20 per cent.
This would go up in case of increase in the number of shares not contemplated as on the date of the public announcement
(such as issue of bonus shares).
Open offer price: The offer price shall be the highest of the negotiated price, volume weighted average price of the last 52
weeks prior to the public announcement, highest price payable or paid in the last 26 weeks before the public announcement
or the volume weighted average price of 60 trading days prior to the public announcement.
Maximum promoter shareholding: In addition, companies cannot breach the maximum promoter shareholding limit of 75
per cent. If this happens, the acquirer has to shed the stake that is over 75 per cent through a public offer.
Automatic delisting criteria: Automatic delisting has been disallowed and acquirers whose stake exceeds 75 per cent are
ineligible to voluntarily de-list before 12 months of completion of the open offer.
Definition of indirect acquisition/control: SEBI has defined indirect acquisition or control as the ability to exercise or direct
the exercise of voting rights which would otherwise attract the obligation of making a public announcement of an open offer.
In case this ability exceeds 80 per cent of assets or net sales or market capitalisation of the target company, it would be
deemed as a direct acquisition. If the indirect acquisition exceeds 15 per cent of either the assets, net sales or market
capitalisation the acquirer has to divulge details of how the valuation of offer price was done in his letter of offer.
SEBI announces new norms for Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs): The Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) on September 24, 2011 amended capital raising and disclosure norms, allowing issuers of Indian
Depository Receipts (IDRs) to launch a rights issue. Also, merchant bankers have been directed to disclose
the performance of their past issues as part of the due diligence certificate. According to Sebi, an IDR
issuer will be allowed to come out with a rights issue after making an application to all exchanges where the
IDRs are listed, and if there is no breach of ongoing material obligations under the IDR Listing Agreement.
IDRs are shares issued by foreign companies and are listed on the Indian exchanges. It basically gives
investors an opportunity to own a share of a foreign company. Currently, Standard Chartered Plc, which is
listed on London Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is the only entity that has listed its IDR
in India. The global banking major came out with its IDR issue in May 2010 and was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange
and the National Stock Exchange in June 2010.
Three institutions sign MoU for Takeout Finance scheme

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between IIFCL, LIC and IDFC in Mumbai on September 17, 2011 to
provide Takeout Finance for infrastructure projects. There was felt need for higher take out. The MoU between IIFCL and
LIC and IDFC will provide for takeout up to 50 per cent of the total project cost in the ratio of 20:20:10 by these institutions
respectively. I expect this mechanism will help financing to the tune of Rs.30,000 crore under the scheme. This will facilitate
banks to take more exposure in new projects, which in turn will help in bridging the gap in infrastructure financing to a great
extent, said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion.
Takeout Finance Scheme was launched on October 12, 2010, when an MoU between IIFCL and PNB, Allahabad Bank,
Union Bank, Indian Bank and UCO Bank was signed. This scheme is aimed at removing the bottlenecks in infrastructure
financing by addressing asset liability mismatch (ALM) and group exposure issues.
What is Takeout Finance? Takeout finance is essentially a mechanism designed to enable banks/lenders to avoid asset
liability mismatch that may arise out of extending long tenor loans to infrastructure projects. Under this arrangement, banks
that extend credit facility to infrastructure projects enter into an arrangement with a financial institution (FI) for transferring the
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loan outstanding in the banks books to the books of the financial institution who take out the loan. Subsequent to the
announcement in the Union Budget of 2010-11, the Government entrusted India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL)
with the task of introducing the Takeout Finance Schemes (TFS).
Broad features: The scheme enhances the availability of long tenor debt finance for infrastructure projects, enables
availability of cheaper cost of finance available for the borrower, addresses sectoral / group / single party exposure issues of
banks / lenders who are providing long-term debt financing to infrastructure projects, addresses asset-liability mismatch of
banks arising out of financing infrastructure projects and also to free up capital for financing new projects.
FI can take higher debt exposure: Earlier IIFCL could take out debt up to 20 per cent of the total project cost. With this MoU
in place, the take out of debt up to 50 per cent of the total project cost will be possible. This will facilitate banks to take more
exposure in new projects, which in turn will help bridge the gap in infrastructure financing to a great extent.
RBI issues norms for banks, NBFCs to set up infrastructure debt funds
The Reserve Bank of India on September 23, 2011 issued guidelines for permitting banks and non-banking financial
companies (NBFCs) to set up Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs), to help meet long-term financing for the sector. The Finance
Minister, in his budget speech for 2011-12, had announced setting up of IDFs to accelerate and enhance the flow of longterm debt in infrastructure projects for funding the governments ambitious programmes in the sector. The government has
said that the infrastructure sector requires an investment of $1 trillion during the XII Plan beginning next fiscal. Of this, 50 per
cent of the funding is expected to come from the private sector. IDFs would be set up either as mutual funds (MFs) or NBFCs.
IDF-MF
Outlining the parameters for setting up IDF-MF, the central bank said an NBFC sponsoring IDF-Mutual Fund should have a
minimum net owned funds (NOF) of Rs.300 crore and capital adequacy ratio of 15 per cent.
Besides, its net NPAs should be less than 3 per cent of net advances and the NBFCs should have been in existence for at
least five years and earning profits for the last three years, it said.
Banks and NBFCs would be eligible to sponsor (as defined by the SEBI Regulations for Mutual Funds) IDFs as mutual funds
with prior approval of the RBI.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had amended the (Mutual Funds) Regulations to provide regulatory
framework for IDF-MFs.
Banks acting as sponsors to IDF-MFs would be subject to existing prudential limits including limits on investments in financial
services companies and limits on capital market exposure.
IDF-NBFC
As for the setting up of IDF-NBFC by banks and non-banking finance institutions, sponsors of NBFC-IDFs will have to
contribute a minimum equity of 30 per cent and a maximum equity of 49 per cent of the IDF-NBFC.
Banks and NBFC-Infrastructure Finance Company may sponsor IDFs as NBFCs with prior approval by the RBI. Postinvestment in the IDF, the sponsor must maintain minimum CRAR and NOF prescribed for IFCs.
The IDF should be assigned a minimum credit rating A or equivalent of CRISIL, FITCH, CARE, ICRA or equivalent rating by
any other accredited rating agencies. Tier II capital cannot exceed Tier I. The minimum capital adequacy ratio should be 15
per cent of risk weighted assets.
RBI relaxes forex facilities for individuals

The Reserve Bank of India on September 22, 2011 further liberalised the foreign exchange facilities for individuals under the
Foreign Exchange Management Act, (FEMA), 1999.
Individual residents in India are now permitted to include non-resident close relative(s) as joint holder(s) in their resident bank
accounts, namely, savings (SB), Exporter Earners Foreign Currency (EEFC) and Residents Foreign Currency (RFC)
accounts, on former or survivor basis.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO), are now permitted to open Non-resident (External) (NRE) Rupee
Account scheme/Foreign Currency (Non-Resident) (FCNR) Account (Banks) scheme with their resident close relative(s) as
joint holder(s) on former or survivor basis.
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A person resident in India can now give to a person resident outside India, by way of gift, any security/shares/debentures of
value up to $50,000 in value per financial year subject to certain conditions. Earlier, a person resident in India could give to a
person resident outside India, by way of gift, any security/shares/debentures of value up to $25,000 per calendar year.
Sale proceeds of foreign direct investment (FDI) can be credited to Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Account
scheme/Foreign Currency (Non-Resident) Account FCNR (Banks) scheme, provided the original acquisition was by way of
inward remittance or funds held in their NRE/FCNR (B) accounts.
Resident individuals are now permitted to make rupee gifts within the overall limit of $200,000 per financial year as permitted
under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) to an NRI/PIO who is a close relative by way of crossed cheque/electronic
transfer to the Non-Resident (Ordinary) Rupee Account (NRO) of the NRI/PIO.
Similarly, resident individuals are now permitted to lend in rupees within the overall limit under the liberalised remittance
scheme of $200,000 per financial year to a NRI/ PIO close relative by way of crossed cheque/electronic transfer, subject to
certain conditions.
Resident individuals are now granted general permission to repay loans availed of in rupee from banks in India by their NRI
close relatives. Earlier, repayment of loans by close relative in respect of rupee loan availed of by NRIs was restricted only to
housing loans. Residents will now be allowed to bear the medical expenses of visiting NRIs/PIOs close relatives. The RBI
said that these permissions were given based on the recommendations of the committee set up under the Chairmanship of K.
J. Udeshi, which submitted its report in early August.
India-U.S. CEO Forum meeting organised

Anand Sharma Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister of India along with Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister and Deputy
Chairman, Planning Commission led the Government of India delegation to the India-U.S. CEO Forum meeting in
Washington D.C. on September 22, 2011. The Forum comprises top CEOs from both sides and is co-chaired by Ratan Tata
on the Indian side and David M. Cote, CEO of Honeywell Corporation of the USA.
Minister Sharma and the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Ron Kirk chaired the session on Review
of CEO/Government collaborative projects in different areas including energy efficient buildings, water, agriculture, health
care/diabetes; Strategic, high tech and defence trade; and facilitating business travel and totalization agreement. US
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Froman led the US Government delegation.
Sharma underscored the importance of free movement of professionals between the two countries. He specifically pointed to
serious problems being faced by the Indian IT industry in obtaining H1B and L1 visas and sought its early redressal. He drew
attention to the estimates by the Indian industry that the uptake of H1B visa this year has been less than half of annual
prescribed limit, and the rejection rates have gone up. He also elaborated on the need and importance of the early signing of
the India-U.S. Totalization Agreement. He said that India has signed totalization agreements with several European
countries, whose social security systems are different from the Indian system, and from the U.S. system. The United States
has also has signed bilateral social security agreements with the same European countries. As such, the differing systems of
social security should not be an impediment in signing of the India-U.S. Totalization Agreement.
US-India Economic Opportunities Summit organised: The US-India Economic Opportunities and Synergies Summit
was organised in Chicago, US on September 20, 2011. Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Commerce and Industry
Minister Anand Sharma and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah represented the Indian government at the Summit.
The centennial summit of the prestigious Executives Club of Chicago was organised in collaboration with the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on September 20. The
annual event organised by FICCI reviewed the investment potential offered by Indias infrastructure sector, which is projected
to require USD 1 trillion over the coming years to sustain the countrys economic growth rate. The event also discussed to
find ways to enhance trade, political and economic relations between India and the United States. Also the Eighth Annual
Institutional Investors Forum was organised by FICCI in New York on September 21.
IMF projects 7.5-7.75 % growth for India: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that India would have a
year-on-year projected growth rate of 7.8 per cent in 2011 and 7.5 per cent in 2012, even as it warned of overall slowing
global activity, renewed financial instability and an uneven post-recession expansion. Releasing its semi-annual World
Economic Outlook report on September 19, 2011, the Fund said that in India, growth was forecast to average 7.5-7.75 per
cent during 2011-12 and while economic activity driving this growth would be led by private consumption, Investment is
expected to remain sluggish, reflecting, in part recent corporate sector governance issues and a drag from the renewed
global uncertainty and less favourable external financing environment. The IMF argued that a top challenge for policymakers
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in India would be to dampen the rise of inflation, which is currently running close to double digits and has become
generalised. The WEO noted that despite policy tightening, real interest rates in India were still much lower than pre-crisis
averages, and credit growth was still strong.
WTO cuts world trade growth forecast

The World Trade Organization (WTO) cut its 2011 trade growth forecast to 5.8% from 6.5% as earlier predicted, amid
increasing economic uncertainty, on September 23, 2011. WTO director-general Pascal Lamy said that countries should
desist from unilateralism and preserve the global trading system. The WTO noted that member states resisted protectionist
pressures during the financial and economic crises of 2008 to 2009, but another sharp downturn could test their will. Global
trade expanded by a record-breaking 14.5% in 2010, making up some ground lost in 2009s slump of 12%
Trade volumes in developed economies are now projected to grow by 3.7% for 2011, as opposed to the 4.5% predicted in
April. For developing economies, full year trade growth is expected to reach 8.5%, down from the earlier forecast of 9.5%.
WTO economists said that since their previous forecast, developed economies in particular have been buffeted by strong
headwinds, including the lingering effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the prolonged budget impasse and credit
downgrade in the United States, and the ongoing euro area sovereign debt crisis.
Poor output and employment data have also hammered consumer confidence and contributed to the turmoil in the financial
markets.
Strong growth in China and other emerging economies are currently helping to buffer the overall slowdown. But the
economists warned that the current forecast still carries an unusually high degree of uncertainty as it is made on the
assumption that trade would slow down instead of declining drastically.
Expert Group for modernization of Indian Railways set up: An Expert Group has been constituted under the
Chairmanship of Sam Pitroda to recommend ways and means to modernize Indian Railways to meet the challenges of
economic growth, the aspirations of the common man, the needs of changing technology and the expanding market while at
the same time ensuring adequate focus on addressing social and strategic requirements of the country in consonance with
Indian Railways national aspirations. The formation of this significant committee was announced by the Union Railway
Minister, Dinesh Trivedi on September 21, 2011. The terms of Reference of the Committee would involve outlining strategies
for modernization of Railways with a focus on track, signaling, rolling stock, stations and terminals; using ICT for improving
efficiency and safety; augmenting existing capacities of Railways through indigenous development; reviewing projects and
addressing PPP issues. The Committee will inter alia address issues connected with organization, management and resource
mobilization and professionalisation of manpower on Indian Railways. The other members of the Committee are: Deepak
Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Bank; M.S. Verma, former Chairman, State Bank of India; G. Raghuram, Professor, IIM,
Ahmedabad; Dr. Rajiv Lall, MD, IDFC; Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback, Infrastructure Services Limited and Ranjan
Jain, Adviser (Infrastructure), Railway Board. The committee is expected to submit its report in December 2011
Railways to install TPWS on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata route: The Railways on September 23, 2011
decided to install Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) on the busy Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi- Kolkata route in the first
phase. TPWS ensures automatic application of emergency brakes in case the loco pilot jumps the red signal but is estimated
to cost Rs 50 lakh per kilometre. Of the total 2763 train accidents between 2000 and 2010, more than 50 per cent accidents
have been attributed to failure of railway staff. The system requires installation of an equipment in the locomotive cabin and
another in the signal pole along the rail track to make the TPWS operational. Currently, the automatic warning system is
operational in suburban section of Central and Western Railway for the last 15 years. There has been no accident on these
suburban sections in the last 15 years. TPWS is the advanced version of the automatic warning system
Consumer Price Index rises 1.18% in August: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged by 1.18 per cent in August,
according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on
September 19, 2011. This is due to the marginal rise in prices of food products, fuel and clothing
items. The CPI based on retail prices was recorded at 111.7 points in August, compared to 110.4
points in July. The general index for rural and urban consumers stood at 113.1 points and 109.8
points, respectively, in August. 111.7 points is the index for Combined. In July, they were recorded
at 111.6 points and 108.9 points, respectively, for rural and urban consumers. At the all-India level,
the CPI for food, beverages and tobacco surged by 1.27 per cent month-on-month in August. The
main increase was seen in the case of vegetables, with the index rising 4.61 per cent, while the
indices for milk and milk products and fruits went up by over one per cent each. The index for oils
and fats was also up by 1.27 per cent sequentially. Prices in the fuel and light segment rose by 0.69 per cent in August visGJ Tutorial
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-vis the previous month, while the CPI for clothing, bedding and footwear clocked an increase of 1.12 per cent. The index
for Housing was up 0.65 per cent month-on-month in August. Miscellaneous items rose by 1.19 per cent in August.
Centre lifts ban on onion export: The government on September 20, 2011 announced the lifting of the ban on export of
onions with immediate effect. The decision was taken by the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on Food headed by
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. The ban was imposed on September 9 to check the spiralling prices that touched Rs. 25
a kg in retail in Delhi. The Minimum Export Price (MEP) has been fixed at $ 475 a tonne, the same level when the
government decided to prohibit onion shipment. While the ban brought down the wholesale prices the decision triggered
protests from farmers in the key producing regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Farmers in Nashik district and Bangalore
refused to bring their produce to markets, protesting the drop in their profit level due to the ban.
DoT rejects Qualcomms Broadband Licence Application: US-based telecom chipmaker Qualcomms application
for licences to offer broadband in four service areas was rejected by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) on September 22, 2011 as Qualcomm missed the deadline
and a licence can only be given to one company and not to four separate subsidiaries
as the company had applied. The company was the only technology firm to win wireless
broadband airwaves (BWA) in the June 2010 auction and spent Rs. 4,913 crore for permits in Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and
Kerala. To comply with foreign investment norm, Qualcomm inducted Tulip Telecom and GTL group as India partners offering
them each an equal share of 26% in the company.
Indias green IT, sustainability spend to reach $70 b by 2015 Gartner: Indias spending on green IT and
sustainability initiatives will double from $35 billion in 2010 to $70 billion in 2015, according to Gartner, Inc., a leading IT
research and advisory company on September 19, 2011. In its report Hype cycle for green IT and sustainability in India,
2011, Gartner said green IT and sustainability have found their way into the IT organisations of many industries in India.
Although still buzzwords for many, they will soon emerge as top priorities for businesses, investors and technology
professionals across industries and policymakers in India.
NEWSMAERS
Former SAT Chairman C. Achuthan passes away

Former Securities Appellate Tribunal Chairperson and Chairman of SEBIs Takeover Regulations
Advisory Committee, C. Achuthan passed away on September 19, 2011 at the age of 70.
Achuthan served as the SAT presiding officer for six years from 1997 to 2003. A Masters in Economics with
a degree in law from the Bombay University, Achuthan joined the Indian Legal Service and served as a
legal advisor to the central government. He also served on the Company Law Board before becoming the
first presiding officer of SAT in 1997. He allowed more than 20 appeals to be filed against SEBI orders
during his tenure as SAT Chairman. After his six-year stint at SAT, Achutan helped set up Corporate Law Chambers, a firm
specialising in securities law. The government also nominated him to the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
(FSLRC).
He was also one of the independent directors appointed by the Centre in 2009 to help Satyam Computer Services
navigate its way out of one of the biggest corporate scams to hit the country. In that capacity, he facilitated the takeover of
Satyam Computers by Tech Mahindra by getting the necessary amendments in takeover regulations to prevent competitive
bids.
As Chairman of the Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee, which submitted its report earlier this year, Achutan
virtually rewrote the entire takeover regulations recommending 100 per cent open offer in the event of a 20 per cent
acquisition by an acquirer in the target company. This was later modified by the SEBI Board.
Alok Bharadwaj appointed MAIT President: The Manufacturers Association of IT Industry (MAIT) on September 24,
2011 announced the appointment of Alok Bharadwaj as its new President for 2011-12.
R. Gopalakrishnan appointed Member Secretary, National Innovation Commission: The Appointments

Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on September 23, 2011 approved the appointment of R. Gopalakrishnan as Member
Secretary, National Innovation Council for a period of two years.
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Section E: SPORTS
Ex-Indian cricket captain Pataudi passes away
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, one of Indias greatest cricket captains ever and whose flair and acumen inspired a generation of
cricket players, passed away on September 22, 2011 at the age of 70.
Pataudi was given leadership of the Test team in his fourth Test, when he was only 21, in
Barbados in 1962, because the captain Nari Contractor was in hospital after getting hit on the head
by Charlie Griffith. Pataudi was the youngest Test captain, a record that stood until 2004 when
Tatenda Taibu (born May 14, 1983) captained Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka on 6 May 2004 at
Harare. Pataudi led India in 40 Tests and had a successful career despite impaired vision in the
right eye, which was damaged in a car accident. He also captained Sussex and Oxford University.
He scored 2,793 runs in 46 Tests at an average of just under 35 and made six centuries, the
biggest of which was an unbeaten 203 against England in Delhi in 1964. Pataudi retired in 1975
after West Indies tour of India. Under Pataudis captaincy, India won nine Tests. India achieved its
first overseas Test victory under him, against New Zealand in Dunedin in 1968. India then went on
to record its first overseas series win by beating New Zealand 31.
After retirement, Pataudi served as a match referee between 1993 and 1996, officiating in two Tests and ten ODIs. He was
also a part of the first IPL governing council but refused to continue in the role in October 2010, when the BCCI made
significant changes to the league following the sacking of Lalit Modi as its chairman.
Since 2007, bilateral Test series between India and England have been contested for the Pataudi Trophy, named after his
family for their contribution to Anglo-Indian cricket. Pataudis father, Iftikhar Ali Khan, represented both England and India in
Tests.
Pataudi was the ninth and last Nawab of Pataudi (near Delhi) until 1971, when the Indian government abolished royal
entitlements through the 26th Amendment to the Constitution.
BN. Srinivasan takes over as new BCCI President

N. Srinivasan took over as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from Shashank Manohar at
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its 82 Annual General Meeting organised in Mumbai on September 19, 2011. There were no elections for any of the posts
of the office bearers with Sanjay Jagdale, the outgoing joint secretary being elevated to the post of secretary, while Anurag
Thakur of Himachal Pradesh and Ajay Shirke of Maharashtra were elected unopposed as joint secretary and treasurer
respectively of the countrys richest sports body.
The senior selection panel was also recast with 1983 World Cup winning team member Mohinder Amarnath was the only
new entrant to the five-man All India Senior Selection Committee replacing Yashpal Sharma from North Zone.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth, of South, would continue to be its chairman while three other committee members - Surendra
Bhave (West), Narendra Hirwani (Central) and Raja Venkat (East) were also re-appointed for one more year.
Other appointments confirmed at the AGM include Rajiv Shukla as Chairman of IPL Governing Council; Shivlal Yadav as
Chairman of Junior Cricket Committee; Niranjan Shah as Chairman of Umpires sub-committee; Anil Kumble as Chairman
of National Cricket Academy Board, Vilasrao Deshmukh as Chairman of Media committee; Farooq Abdullah as Chairman
of Marketing sub-committee; Venkat Sundaram as Chairman of Ground & pitches committee and N. Srinivasan as
Chairman of Disciplinary committee.
BCCIs net profit triples to Rs 190 crore: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recorded a net surplus of Rs
189.72 crore in 2010-11 against Rs 63.18 crore in 2009-10, according to the annual report released on September 19, 2011.
Compared to 2009-10, IPL-3 made a profit of Rs 118.62 crore with an income of Rs 973 crore in 2010-11.
BCCI axes Kochi Tuskers: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has terminated its contracts with Kochi
Tuskers Kerala for non-payment of bank guarantees. Under the terms of the agreement, each franchise has to submit a
bank guarantee every year that covers the fee payable to the BCCI. The Kerala team is said to have defaulted on a Rs 156crore annual payment. The 2010-founded team was bought for Rs 1,550 crore and the consortium has to pay a bank
guarantee of Rs 156 crore every year for the next one decade. We have terminated the franchise because the breach is not
capable of being remedied, pointed out 1928-founded BCCIs new president N Srinivasan, at the boards annual general
meeting in Mumbai on September 19, 2011.
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Marsh named Lanka coach: Sri Lanka appointed former Australian batsman Geoff Marsh as its national cricket team
coach on September 23, 2011. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that Marsh had been offered a two-year contract starting from
September 27. The 52-year-old has played 50 Tests and 119 ODIs for Australia and coached the Australian and Zimbabwe
teams. He has also been a selector for Australia. Sri Lanka has been without a permanent coach since the World Cup when
Trevor Bayliss quit.
Tim Nielsen quits as Australias cricket coach: The Australian cricket team national coach Tim Nielsen has decided
to step down rather than re-apply for his job. He announced his decision on September 20, 2011 soon after the team posted
a 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka in Colombo. Nielsen, 43, who held the job for four years, would have had to re-apply for
the expanded role of head coach, a post which is being created following recommendations made by the seven-month Argus
Review of Australian cricket.
Vinod Kambli quits first class cricket: Former India batsman Vinod Kambli on September 23, 2011 announced his
retirement from first class cricket, bringing to an end a long career that started in 1989. 39-year-old left-hander Kambli played
his last Test when he was 24 and was the fastest to score 1,000 runs (in Tests for India). Kambli made his Test debut against
England in 1993 two years after playing in his first ODI against Pakistan. His last Test was against New Zealand in 1995
while the match against Sri Lanka at Sharjah in 2000 turned out to be his last ODI. In 17 Tests for India, he scored 1,084 runs
at a phenomenal average of 54.20 with the help of four centuries. Of the four centuries, three were scored in successive
innings and two of them were double centuries. Kambli also scored 2,477 runs in 104 ODIs, including two centuries, with the
highest being 106. Representing India, Mumbai, and South Africas Boland, he scored 9,964 runs, including 35 centuries,
from 129 first class matches at an average of 59.67.
Japan beats India, enters Davis Cup elite World Group

Vishnu Vardhan made an impressive Davis Cup debut but failed to win as an injury-hit India was relegated to the
Asia/Oceania Zone Group I after losing the World Group play-off tie 1-4 to Japan in
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Tokyo on September 18, 2011. The 456 ranked Vishnu Vardhan lost 5-7, 3-6, 3-6
against World No. 55 Kei Nishikori in the first reverse singles, handing the host an
unassailable 3-1 lead. The score became 4-1 after Rohan Bopanna retired in the fifth and
final match against Go Soeda with score at 5-4 in the first set. Indias only win was in
doubles by Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna. Earlier Devvarman and Bopanna had
lost both the singles on September 16.
Japan was thus promoted to the elite 16-nation World Group after a gap of 26 years.
India came to the play-off stage after losing the World Group first round to reigning
champion Serbia and will now yet again compete in the Asia-Oceania Group I in the
2012 season.
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Score: Japan 4 beat India 1 1 match: Yuchi Sugita beat Somdev Devvarman 6-3 6-4 7-5; 6-3 6-2 6-2; 2 Match: Kei
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Nishikori beat Rohan Bopanna Kei Nishikori; 3 match: Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna beat Tatsuma Ito and Yuchi
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Sugita 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-7(4); 4 match Kei Nishikori beat Vishnu Vardhan 7-5, 6-3, 6-3; 5 match Go Soeda beat Rohan
Bopanna 4-5 (retd.).
Peter Svidler wins World Cup Chess: Peter Svidler on September 20, 2011 won the World Cup chess championship at
Khanty Mansiysk, Russia, on September 19, 2011 after drawing the fourth game in the final with fellow Russian Alexander
Grishuk to finish 2.5-1.5 ahead on points. Vassily Ivanchuk took the third spot and the final qualifying place for the
Candidates tournament by completing a 2.5-1.5 victory over his Ukrainian compatriot Ruslan Ponomariov. Final: Game Four:
Peter Svidler (Rus, 2.5) drew with Alexander Grischuk (Rus, 1.5). For third place: Game Four: Ruslan Ponomariov (Ukr, 1.5)
drew with Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukr, 2.5) .
China wins Asian Mens Basketball championship: The 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men is the
intercontinental championship for basketball organized by FIBA Asia that doubles as a qualifying tournament for the mens
basketball tournament of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England, United Kingdom. The tournament was held in 15
25 September 2011 at Wuhan, Hubei, China. China won the tournament, defeating Jordan 7069 in the final. Indonesia
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defeated India 84-75 for the 13 place.
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For the Week:: Sept 25 to Oct 1, 2011

Section A: INDIA
BJP wins Karnataka bypoll

Court upholds Singur land act
Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth organised
Navy neutralises pirates in Gulf of Aden
Rs.1000 crore Central aid for quake-hit Sikkim
Agni II test launched successfully
Establishment of Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) approved
India, UK agree to work on defence technology development
Bilateral meeting between the Justice Ministers of India, UK organised
Centre to set up six pharma national institutes
Indian scientists sequence neem tree genome
World Heart Day observed
World Tourism Day celebrated
Hindi Fortnight observed
Ozone Day celebrated
International Girl Child Day observed
Mamata wins Bhowanipore seat, moves into Assembly
Mayawati announces three new districts in UP
U.K. Bansal appointed BSF Director General
Ashish Bagga is new INS president
Stamp depicting Jain Acharya released
Rajya Sabha MP Ram Dayal Munda passes away
Section B: WORLD
PM Manmohan Singh addresses UN General Assembly

PM Singh to visit Teheran
Differences stall India-EU FTA talks
Court of Arbitration stays Permanent works on Kishenganga dam
Local domain names to widen internet reach
Airlines to pay for carbon emissions in Europe from Jan 2012
EU to introduce financial transaction tax (FTT)
UN to conduct review of its actions in Sri-Lanka-LTTE war
Last all-male poll organised in Saudi Arabia
China launches space lab module Tiangong-1
NASAs dead satellite UARS crashes over the Pacific
Lagaan on all-time best sports films list
Green warrior and Nobel laureate Maathai is no more
Sonia, Tata among worlds 50 most influential people New Statesman
Section C: AWARDS
CSIR declares Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize 2011

CSIR Young Scientist Awards conferred
CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children given
CSIR awards G. N. Ramachandran gold Medal
CSIR Technology Awards 2011 given
Manmohan Scholarship winners announced
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Azim Premji Foundation wins Rajiv Gandhi International Prize
Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 conferred
Section C: ECONOMY & CORPORATE
Cabinet approves Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill 2011
Government unveils fourth revision of Consolidated FDI Policy
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council reconstituted
Indias overseas investment at $103.9 bn in June-end 2011:
Trade deficit at $35.4 billion in first quarter of 2011-12
Forex reserves at $312.707 billion on September 23
Indias external debt at US$ 317.0 billion at June-end
RBI issues revised draft norms for securitisation of loans
Draft National Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy unveiled
India-Pakistan trade negotiations conclude
Telecom Minister unveils National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2011
TRAI puts an end to unsolicited calls and text messages
Planning Commissions expert group calls for 187 new medical colleges
Expert group on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) submits report
ONGC gives conditional clearence of Cairn India sale to Vedanta
BP sees D6 gas output rising from 2014
GAIL forays into shale gas market in US
Delhi Metro is worlds first to get UN carbon credit certification
Second-quarter report of the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) unveiled
First-ever India-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED) organised
EU raises concerns over telecom manufacturing policy
Myanmar, India seek to double trade by 2015
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) reconstituted
Health insurance policies become portable
Government approves ILO Convention on Domestic Workers
First AC double-decker train launched
NSDC ties up with Future Group, NIIT for industry training
CAG appointed external auditor of IAEA, WIPO
India Post signs MOU with NSE for Financial Awareness
Ways to strengthen collaboration between UN-HABITAT and Govt. of India discussed
Kerala becomes first total banking State
NSSO launches Indias 1st quarterly urban employment data survey
PipavavMazagon warship joint venture put on hold
YES Bank to open salary accounts for Army personnel
SBI Life tops global list of agents
Raheja appointed President of National Real Estate Development Council
Rajiv Vastupal appointed AIMA President
Sam Balsara is ABC Chairman
Section E: SPORTS
China wins both titles at Japan Open Badminton

Makau sets new Marathon World record
Vettel reigns supreme at Singapore Grand Prix
Bharat Chetri named Indian Hockey captain
Salgaocar wins Federation Cup
Deepika bags silver in Archery World Cup
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Section A: INDIA
NEWS ROUND UP
BJP wins Karnataka bypoll: BJP in Karnataka on September 29, 2011 won the Koppal Assembly bypoll with its
candidate Karadi Sanganna declared elected by a margin of over 12,000 votes in the first election faced by D V Sadananda
Gowda after taking over as Chief Minister last month. Sanganna polled 60,405 votes as against 47,917 of K Basavaraj Hitnal
of Congress. With the electoral outcome marking BJPs continuing winning streak in several by-elections held since it came to
power more than three years ago.
Court upholds Singur land act: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on September 28, 2011 won a major legal battle
against Tata Motors when the Calcutta high court ruled that her government was well within its rights to re-acquire nearly
1,000-acre Singur land that the previous state government had allotted to the automobile major for its now defunct Nano
plant. Rejecting the Tata Motors plea, the court declared the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act 2011 as
constitutional and valid. It was by enacting this law that Banerjee had acquired the land so that she could return the 400 acres
among the unwilling farmers. The court, however, said that the Tata Motors could apply for compensation to the district
judge of Hooghly who will determine its quantum the Land Acquisition Act 1894.
Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth organised: The Ministerial Dialogue on Green
Economy and Inclusive Growth, hosted by Ministry of Environment and Forests and the United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development, was organised in New Delhi on October 03, 2011. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan released a book titled Sustainable Development in India on the occasion.
Navy neutralises pirates in Gulf of Aden: Naval warship INS Sukanya thwarted the piracy attempts by Somali pirates
in the Gulf of Aden on September 25, 2011 and September 20 saving two merchant vessels MV Fairchem Bronco and MV
Conqueror. INS Sukanya, currently on anti-piracy operations, had spotted two high speed pirate boats approaching merchant
vessels. The commandos successfully neutralised the pirates and seized the arms and ammunition, including communication
equipment.
Rs.1,000-crore Central aid for quake-hit Sikkim: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced on September 29, 2011
assistance of Rs.1,000 crore to Sikkim to meet the requirements of relief and rehabilitation in the wake of the earthquake that
ravaged the Himalayan State on September 18 claiming 60 lives and causing injuries to hundreds and leaving behind a trail
of destruction. A team of experts on earthquake-resistant technology is to be sent by the Centre to assist the State in
rebuilding its infrastructure. Dr. Singh also urged Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling to make Sikkim a model State in
earthquake mitigation to show the way the way to other earthquake-prone States in the country.
Agni II test launched successfully: Agni II was once again launched successfully from the Wheeler Island off the coast
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of Orissa on September 30, 2011. The launch was a hat-trick after successful launches of Shourya and Prithivi-II, on 24 and
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26 September, 2011 respectively. The successful launch once again proved reliability of the Medium Range Surface-toSurface Missile. The 2,000 km range missile, already inducted and part of Strategic Forces arsenal for strategic deterrence,
was launched as a training exercise by the Armed Forces. The two stage missile was propelled by a solid rocket propellant
system. The missile reached an apogee (peak altitude) of 220 km and hit the target.
Establishment of Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) in India approved: The Union Cabinet on September
30, 2011 approved the proposal of Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Research and Education to accept the
proposal of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) to establish an international institute, namely,
Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) in India with centres at Ludhiana in Punjab, Pusa in Bihar and Jabalpur in Madhya
Pradesh. The establishment of BISA in India will enable India to harness the best of international science, in meeting food
security challenges.
India, UK agree to work in defence technology: India and Britain have signed an agreement to pool their science and
engineering expertise to work on various projects such as unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced explosives. A Letter of
Arrangement was singed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its British counterpart Defence
Science and Technology Laboratory in London on September 16. The agreement was signed by DRDO chief V K Saraswat
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and British chief scientific adviser (CSA) Sir Mark Welland. Under the agreement, the two countries will explore ways to
defend chemical and biological threats through protection, decontamination and medical counter-measures.
Bilateral meeting between the Justice Ministers of India and UK organised: Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law &
Justice and United Kingdoms Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Harry Clarke held a meeting in
New Delhi on September 26, 2011 to further strengthen the co-operation between the two countries in the field of law.
Centre to set up six pharma national institutes: The Union Cabinet on September 30, 2011 approved setting up of six
new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) to meet the shortage of skilled manpower in the
pharmaceutical sector. The new institutes will come up at Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Hajipur, Guwahati and Rae
Bareli. The decision would facilitate the establishment of full fledged NIPER campuses for imparting higher post-graduate
level education as well as undertaking R&D projects. It would also help in meeting the requirement of highly skilled manpower
of the pharmaceutical industry and focus on R&D. The government had set up the National Institute of Pharmaceutical
Education and Research at Mohali under the NIPER Act, 1998.
Indian scientists sequence neem tree genome: For The first time ever, researchers in India have sequenced the
entire genome of neem tree (Azadirachta Indica) in its entirety. A team of ten researchers at Ganit Labs an integrated
genomics lab in Bangalore set up earlier this year under a public-private partnership between Institute of Bioinformatics and
Applied Biotechnology and Strand Life Sciences, a bioinformatics company has successfully sequenced the genome of
the plant known for its medicinal properties. This is the first time the genome of a higher organism has been sequenced in
India, the head of Ganit Labs Binay Panda said on September 29, 2011. Researchers in the US and elsewhere have
sequenced genomes of several complex organisms but neem plant is not one of them. While India has traditionally known the
medicinal properties of neem, understanding its genetic complexity will help in developing agriculturally important compounds
and pharmaceuticals.
World Heart Day observed: World Heart Day was observed on September 29, 2011 with the theme One World, One
Home, One Heart. In India Hyderabad-based International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
introduced a new variety of healthier and safer nutritious snacks made of sorghum and millet for the fast food consumers.
These cereals have higher nutrition value than rice and wheat besides being rich in dietary fibre, a quality that makes them
diabetic friendly. These snacks, sold under brands such as Pearl Millet Pops, Krunchess and Sorghum Pops, were developed
by the scientists at the NutriPlus Knowledge Programme (NPK), which is a part of ICRISATs Agribusiness and Innovation
Platform (AIP). According to the WHO, Cardiovascular diseases are the worlds largest killers, claiming 17.3 million lives a
year. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking,
inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables, overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.
World Tourism Day celebrated: World Tourism Day (WTD) 2011 was celebrated around the world under the theme
Tourism Linking Cultures on September 27, 2011. Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has
celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO
were adopted. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on the role of tourism within the international community and to
demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. At its Twelfth Session in Istanbul, Turkey,
in October of 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the
Organizations partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. Egypt was the host country for 2011.
Hindi Fortnight observed: Hindi Fortnight-2011 was observed from September 5 to 16 to commemorate the day on which
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Hindi was declared as Official Language of the Union i.e. 14 September, 1949.
Ozone Day celebrated: The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer better known as Ozone day was
celebrated on September 16, 2011 worldwide to generate awareness about ozone protection. The global theme for Ozone
Day 2011 was HCFC Phase-out: a Unique Opportunity. Under the Montreal Protocol, the entire globe agreed to accelerate
the phase-out of production and consumption of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However the implementation of this
phase-out has been slower than expected. NASA has discovered vast holes in the ozone layer over Antarctica and the Arctic.
Ozone Layer prevents ultra violet radiation from entering the earths atmosphere. Its passage through the ozone hole can
cause skin cancer and also affect biodiversity and agricultural production due to global warming.
International Girl Child Day observed: International Girl Child Day was observed on September 24, 2011. India is
known to have a highly skewed sex ratio. Census 2011 data reveals that one in 13 girls do not survive beyond six years of
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age. Particularly in North India, the picture seems bleak with Haryana and Delhi having some of the worst sex ratios in the
country. Despite the implementation of the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act of 1994, there have been just 13
convictions since its enactment. In fact even in cities, progressive areas like South Delhi or South Mumbai have done so
badly in terms of sex ratios. Haryana is of course the worst with 838. Twenty eight of the countrys 35 states and territories
recorded a decline in sex ratio.
NEWSMAKERS
Mamata wins Bhowanipore seat, moves into Assembly: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief
Mamata Banerjee on September 28, 2011 won the Bhowanipore Assembly by-election by a convincing margin of 54,213
votes. Her party also emerged triumphant in the Basirhat Uttar by-election in North 24 Parganas district. Banerjee defeated
her rival Nandini Mukhopadhyay of the Communist Party of India(Marxist) marking her maiden entry into the Assembly,
though she had been consistently elected to the Lok Sabha since 1984, except in 1989. While Banerjee received 73,635
votes, Mukhopadhyay, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Jadavpur University,
polled 19,422 votes. Having assumed the office of the Chief Minister after giving up her Railway portfolio at the Centre,
Banerjee was required to contest the polls within six months of taking charge. Trinamool candidate A.T.M. Abdullah,
contesting from the Basirhat Uttar seat, also posted a comfortable victory against the CPI(M) candidate Subid Ali Gazi by a
margin of 30,941 votes. With Abdullahs victory, the strength of the ruling party in the 294-seat Assembly rose to 185, while
CPI(M)s came down to 39. The Basirhat Uttar seat, which was won by the CPI(M) in the last election, fell vacant after MLA
Mustafa Bin Quasem died on May 29. The Bhowanipore seat was won by the Trinamool candidate Subrata Bakshi by a
margin of 49,939 votes in the last election. He vacated the seat on August 19 to make way for Banerjee. The Bhowanipore
seat falls in the Kolkata Dakshin Lok Sabha constituency from where Ms. Banerjee had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election.
Mayawati announces three new districts: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on September 28, 2011 announced
the formation of three new districts: Hapur, new name Panchsheel Nagar; Shamli, rechristened Prabudh Nagar; and
Sambhal, to be known as Bhim Nagar. These will be carved out of Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad and Badaun
districts respectively, and are located in the western part of the State. The State will now have 75 districts.
U.K. Bansal appointed as DG BSF: U.K. Bansal was on September 29, 2011 appointed as the next Director General of
the Border Security Force (BSF). He will take the place of Raman Srivastava who retires on 31.10.2011. Bansal is currently
Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ashish Bagga is new INS president: Ashish Bagga Ashish Bagga of India Today was on September 30, 2011 elected
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president of The Indian Newspaper Society for the year 2011-12 at its 72 annual general meeting organised in Bangalore.
He succeeds Kundan R Vyas of the Janmabhoomi Group. K.N. Tilak Kumar (Prajavani) was elected deputy president,
Ravindra Kumar (The Statesman) vice-president and Rakesh Sharma (Aaj Samaj ) honorary treasurer. V. Shankaran is the
secretary-general of the Society.
Stamp depicting Jain Acharya released: A postal stamp on Jain Acharya Shree Jaymalji Maharaja Saheb was
released on September 25, 2011. Acharya Shree Jaymalji Maharaj was born in a royal family in Lambiya, an erstwhile state
in Jodhpur. Like many great Jain Acharyas he renounced the materialistic world to take to spiritual path. He stood for the
principles of peace and non-violence, authored Jain epics like Badi Sadhu Vandana and 250 more books on Jainism. A
press-release says that he was a Maha Tapaswi who undertook fasting during his initiation into monkhood. He also worked
for the uplift of women, helped abolish Sati and dowry and other social evils of the time.
Rajya Sabha MP Ram Dayal Munda passes away: Rajya Sabha MP Ram Dayal Munda, an educationist and a key
player in the formation of Jharkhand passed away at the age of 72 on September 30, 2011. Munda, a member of the National
Advisory Council, was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2010. He was also known for authoring a number of books on tribal
languages, culture and politics of the region and was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award. Munda did his PhD in
Linguistics from the University of Chicago in 1970 after finishing MA in Anthropology from Ranchi University in 1963. After
teaching stints at the University of Chicago and University of Minnesota, he returned to Ranchi University, where he headed
the Department of Tribal and Regional Languages. He went on to become the Vice-Chancellor in 1985. In 2010, the
Congress nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.
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Section B: WORLD
NEW ROUND UP
PM Manmohan Singh addresses UN General Assembly
The sixty-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on September 13, 2011 and is presided over by
former Qatari permanent representative to the UN Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed
the UN General Assembly on October 1, 2011.
On regime change in the pretext of promoting democracy: PM Singh strongly criticized Western powers for using force to
change regimes in other countries, a reference to Libya amid calls for a similar intervention in Syria,
cautioning that societies cannot be reengineered by outsiders. In a direct criticism of Western military
operations, he asserted at the UN General Assembly in New York that absence of democracy and rule
of law cannot be a pretext to violate sovereignty and integrity of countries. The observance of the rule
of law is as important in international affairs as it is within countries. Societies cannot be reordered
from outside through military force. People in all countries have the right to choose their own destiny
and decide their own future, he said in a speech which also drew applause for a strong call for
expanding the UN Security Council.
On recession and protectionism: The PM said the traditional engines of the global economy such as
the US, Europe and Japan, which are also the sources of global economic and financial stability, are
faced with continued economic slowdown. Recessionary trends in these countries were affecting
confidence in world financial and capital markets. These developments, he said, are bound to have a negative impact on
developing countries which also have to bear the additional burden of inflationary pressures. The Prime Minister said
countries should not allow the global economic slowdown to become a trigger for building walls around themselves through
protectionism or erecting barriers to movement of people, services and capital. Effective ways and means must be deployed
to promote coordination of macro economic policies of major economies. The reform of governance systems of international
financial institutions ought to be pursued with speed and efficiency, he said.
On Security Council expansion: G-4 countries (India, Brazil, German and Japan) have been pushing for reform of the
UNSC in which India wants to be a permanent member. The Prime Minister said the world needed a stronger and more
effective UN. We need a United Nations that is sensitive to the aspirations of everyone - rich or poor, big or small. For this
the United Nations and its principal organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, must be revitalised and
reformed. The reform and expansion of the Security Council are essential if it is to reflect contemporary reality. Such an
outcome will enhance the Councils credibility and effectiveness in dealing with global issues. Early reform of the Security
Council must be pursued with renewed vigour and urgently enacted, Singh said in his 15-minute address.
Improving relations with Teheran: The Prime Minister on September 30 accepted an invitation from President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad after their discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Indias foreign secretary
Ranjan Mathai said the two countries would soon work out dates for Singhs visit. India, which irked Iran with its vote at the
IAEA against the Islamic republics refusal to clear suspicions about the objective of its nuclear programme, has since
conspicuously tried to mend ties with the regime in Tehran. The fact that the Prime Minister intends to visit Iran now signals
Indias concerns about the future of the region, and the belief that Iran needs to be engaged more intensively. The confidence
between the two has also increased after an oil payments crisis earlier this year which both countries resolved together.
Differences stall India-EU FTA talks

The much-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) was high on the agenda of the
meeting of the European Council on Foreign Affairs on September 25, 2011 in Brussels, amid growing uncertainty regarding
the conclusion of the talks. These have got stalled over deep differences over tariff concessions and market access.
According to the agenda, apart from tariffs on wines and spirits and automobiles, there are wide gaps on intellectual property
rights (IPR), specifically issues related to geographical indications, liberalisation of services and government procurement.
The talks were expected to be concluded by the end of this year. However, it seems now that it might be well into 2012 when
a deal may see the light of day. As much as 90 per cent of the bilateral trade in goods and services would be covered under
the pact. The EU is a leading trade partner for India, with annual bilateral trade about $85 billion. Both sides have set a target
of $200 bn by 2013.
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What India wants?:

While the EU had been urging for greater tariff relaxation on Indias wine and automobiles sector, India is seeking greater
movement of its professionals to EU countries. It has also urged the EU to remove some of the non-tariff barriers faced by
Indian exporters.
What EU wants?
On automobile exports: The EU had been demanding major tariff cuts specifically on fully-built vehicles, which is
unacceptable to the Indian auto industry. It would give European car manufactures such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz,
Volkswagen, FIAT and Renault considerable access to the Indian market. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers is
staunchly opposed to giving the EU an advantage over all other trading partners in tariff concessions. They have pointed to
other bilateral deals, such as with Japan and Korea, where such a provision was never discussed. At present, the import duty
on fully built-up cars is 110 per cent.
On IPR protection: The EU is seeking IP concessions from India that go beyond what is already committed under the World
Trade Organization rules. Patients and health activists across the country have protested against the EU demand to grant
data exclusivity provisions to drug-makers that would impact the Indian generics drugs industry.
Court of Arbitration stays Permanent works on Kishenganga dam

In a setback to India in its dispute with Pakistan over the Kishenganga project in Jammu and Kashmir, the Court of Arbitration
on September 26, 2011 restrained New Delhi from undertaking any permanent dam works on or above the river bed that
might inhibit the flow of the river. The court did not place any restriction on India going ahead with construction of other
components of the dam, namely the water conductor system, coffer dams, the temporary by-pass tunnel and excavation
below the river-bed level. As per international law, India will do so at its own risk in case the final order provides for changes
in the project design.
Pakistan, which had taken the matter to the court, had sought full moratorium on the entire 330 MW Kishenganga project
under construction in Baramulla district. New Delhi has to file a counter-petition by November on why it is right and
Islamabads objections do not hold. In the dispute over the project, Pakistan maintains that it has the rights over the western
rivers including Jhelum (of which Kishenganga is a tributary) and diversion of waters by India for its project on Kishenganga
will adversely affect its project on Neelam river (as Jhelum is called in Pakistan).
India, however, holds that it is well within its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty to deliver waters into a tributary to the
extent that the then existing agriculture and hydroelectric uses by Pakistan are not affected. New Delhi says that so far
Pakistan has not given details of any agriculture use and its hydroelectric use is also non-existent.
Before this, Pakistan had taken the matter of Indias 450 MW Baglihar hydroelectric dam to a neutral expert. At Islamabads
behest the works on the Tulbul Navigation project have also been stayed at the bilateral level.
Local domain names to widen internet reach

Digital divide continues to be a challenge in India. In a population of over a billion people, the total number of users accessing
the internet is only around 100 million. Also, nearly 72 per cent of the pages on the internet are in English, while around 77
per cent of the population comprises non-English speakers. This makes the access of a predominantly English internet
difficult.
Internationalised domain names (IDNs), scheduled for launch in the second half of 2011, are expected to change this trend.
IDNs are domain names, or web addresses, in local languages. Historically, domain names contain American Standard Code
for Information Interchange (ASCII) characters. This means domain names have used the English alphabet (a,b,cz),
numbers (0, 19) and the hyphen (-). While web content in various languages has been around for a long time, domain
name addresses in local language scripts were launched two years ago. In October 2009, the Internet Corporation for
Assigned Names and Numbers announced the launch of IDN country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), written entirely in
local languages.
IDNs make the internet more accessible for non-English speaking countries by allowing users to access the internet in their
local language. India has already the passed the evaluation phase with the launch of the new TLD.bharat in seven Indian
languagesHindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati.
The primary reason why IDNs are important is the growing number of internet users around the world, who find it difficult to
recognise and use ASCII characters and reproduce them on keyboards or use software to enter website addresses in
browsers.
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Airlines to pay for carbon emissions in Europe from Jan 2012

The European Union airline emissions cap is expected to begin in January 2012. From January, all airlines will have to buy
carbon credits under the European Unions emissions trading scheme (ETS) to help offset the carbon emissions of flights that
land or take off in Europe. Europes highest court on October 6, 2011 said that European rules forcing all airlines to pay for
carbon emissions are within the law.
So far 25 countries including India, China, Brazil and Russia are opposing the EUs move. New Delhi held a meeting at the
end of September, bringing together 26 non-EU members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN
aviation body, including the US, China, Russia, and South Africa. At the end of the meeting, delegates adopted a joint
declaration, stating the EUs plan to include aviation in the ETS was discriminatory and a violation of international law. One
study shows that if the proposed carbon credit scheme is implemented in 2012 it would push up the fare of a London-DelhiLondon flight by about 6 to 10 Euros.
The ETS sets a cap on the level of emissions allowed from the industries in its ambit. Airlines that emit carbon above their
cap have to buy permits to cover these emissions. If they emit less than their limit, they can sell spare permits from their
emission allowances.
The scheme will apply to all airlines that fly in or out of an EU airport. Brussels has given some respite by announcing that
airlines would initially only be required to pay for 15 per cent of the carbon they emit, to be increased to 18 per cent from
2013-2020. The remaining allowances would be allocated for free.
Brussels says aviation contributes almost four per cent of man-made carbon emissions, with a rapidly increasing share.
Hence, it has unilaterally decided to include airlines in addition to factories, power plants and other installations in its regional
carbon trading scheme.
EU to introduce financial transaction tax (FTT)

The European Commission on September 28, 2011 announced it was pressing forward with proposals for the adoption of a
financial transaction tax (FTT). Member EC President Jose Manuel Barroso was undeterred as he made the announcement
in a state of the union speech to the European Parliament at Brussels.
The proposed tax will be levied on all financial instruments between financial institutions in which at least one party to the
transaction is located in the European Union. The exchange of shares and bonds would be taxed at 0.1 per cent and
derivative contracts at 0.01 per cent. The EC estimates that euro 57 billion would be generated as a result.
Proponents: The taxs main proponents are the governments of France and Germany. The popularity of the proposal in
Brussels, Berlin, Paris and elsewhere has to do with the fact that it appears to be a morally just way of raising the funds that
could be used to deal with future banking collapses, rather than leaving it to taxpayers to pay for the sins of irresponsible
bankers.
Opponents: Those opposed argue that such a tax might worsen the ongoing crisis by weakening the euro zones banks,
which are in urgent need of recapitalisation, rather than a tax. It is opposed by that of Britain, home to some of the most
important financial markets in the world. Experts say the essential problem is that the tax would be a unilateral move by the
EU, without any corresponding taxation at the global level. Given the globalised, inter-connected nature of the financial world,
a financial tax has to be global if markets are not simply to shift their operations to where they will not be taxed.
Likely outcome: Given the strong opposition of the UK to the proposal, it is possible that it will be shot down when debated by
the European Council later in the year. An alternative plan being talked about in Brussels would then have the tax adopted
only by the 17 members of the euro zone.
UN to conduct review of its actions in Sri-Lanka-LTTE war: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has
initiated a review of the U.N.s actions regarding the implementation of its humanitarian and protection mandates during the
Eelam War IV and its immediate aftermath. The U.N., on September 24, 2011, announced the appointment of Thoraya
Obaid, former head of the UN Population Fund to conduct the review. Obaids mandate is to look at the conduct of U.N. and
its personnel on the ground but experts are of the opinion that the review could not be carried out without commenting on the
war itself. The three-member UNSGs panel of experts on accountability issues, which went into the questions of human
rights allegations during the war in Sri Lanka, and also the manner in which the United Nation functioned during the months
leading to the end of the war, said there were credible reports that both government forces and the LTTE committed war
crimes during the final months of the war.
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Last all-male poll organised in Saudi Arabia: Saudi men on September 29, 2011 voted in municipal elections, the last
all-men election in the Muslim kingdom after a royal decree gave women the right to cast ballots in four years. Earlier
monarch King Abdullah granted women the right to vote and run in the next municipal elections, a historic first for the ultraconservative country. Saudi Arabia applies a strict version of Sunni Islam and bars women from driving or travelling without
the consent of a male guardian. King Abdullah also announced he had decided to admit women to the Shura Council, an allappointed consultative body. Saudi Arabia does not have an elected Parliament.
China launches space lab module Tiangong-1: China on September 29, 2011 successfully launched its first space
laboratory module, a key first step in its objective of becoming only the third country, after Russia and the United States, to
assemble its own space station by 2020. The unmanned module, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern China, will dock with a spacecraft, Shenzhou-8 after orbiting the earth for about a month. The 8.5-tonne Tiangong-1,
or Heavenly Palace, laboratory module has a 15 cubic metre space where two or three astronauts can work and live, the
official Xinhua news agency reported. Tiangong-1 would be used to take images of Chinas farmlands to detect heavy metal
pollution, residue of pesticides and plant diseases. The module was carried by a Long March-2FT1 rocket, a modified version
of a rocket that earlier had a failed launch.
NASAs dead satellite crashes over the Pacific: The National Aeronautics and Space Administrations dead six-tonne
satellite fell to the Earth on September 24, 2011 somewhere over the vast Pacific Ocean. The United States Air Forces Joint
Space Operations Centre and NASA said that the bus-sized satellite first penetrated the Earths atmosphere somewhere over
the Pacific Ocean. The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is the biggest NASA spacecraft to crash back to Earth,
uncontrolled, since the Skylab space station and the Pegasus 2 satellite, both in 1979. Russias 135-tonne Mir space station
slammed through the atmosphere in 2001, but it was a controlled dive into the Pacific.
Lagaan on all-time best sports films list: Lagaan, which won an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film
th
category, finds a place in the all-time 25 best sports movies list of Time. It is in the 14 spot Even those who know none of
crickets complicated rules will bounce in their seats to A. R. Rahmans irrepressible tunes; here, one can immediately and
fully accept the Bollywood music and dance as an expression of lifes deepest, most soaring emotions. As a sports film, social
document or communal ecstasy, Lagaan is the all-time all-rounder, Time said on September 26, 2011.
NEWSMAKERS
Green warrior and Nobel laureate Maathai is no more
Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist who started out by paying women a few shillings to plant trees and went on to
become the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, died on September 25, 2011 at the
age of 71.
Maathai, one of the most famous and widely respected women on the continent, wore many hats
environmentalist, feminist, politician, anti-corruption campaigner, human rights advocate,
protester and head of the Green Belt Movement she founded. In 2004, she won the Nobel Peace
Prize, with the Nobel committee citing her contribution to sustainable development, democracy
and peace. Wangari Muta Maathai was born in 1940 in Nyeri, Kenya, a mid-sized town in the
foothills of Mount Kenya. She won a scholarship to study biology in the US, and went on to obtain a doctorate in veterinary
anatomy. She formed the Green Belt Movement in 1977 which planted trees across Kenya to fight erosion and create fuel
and jobs for women.
Sonia, Tata among worlds 50 most influential people New Statesman: United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
chairperson Sonia Gandhi and industrialist Ratan Tata were among the worlds 50 most influential people along with
German Chancellor Angel Merkel, who was ranked No 1, according to a survey by UK-based magazine New Statesman on
September 25, 2011. The list features a number of controversial figures including the chief of the Pakistan Army, General
Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the Republican Tea Party leader Michele Bachmann, described as scarier than Sarah Palin and al
Qaedas spiritual leader Anwar al-Awlaki. Describing Gandhi as Madam India, the survey included the Congress president
in the list for the political power she wields as much as her capacity as the chairperson of the ruling UPA.
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Section C: AWARDS
NOBEL PRIZES
CSIR declares Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize 2011

Eleven Scientist have been selected for Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize for Science & Technology for the year 2011.
Dr Samir K Brahamachari, Director General, Council of Scientific Research and Industrial development announced the
names of scientists on September 26, 2011 on the occasion of CSIR foundation Day. The prize is named after the founderDirector of CSIR and carries a cash component of Rs.5 lakh. It is given annually to young scientists below the age of 45 who
have made outstanding contributions in any field of science and technology. Till 2010, 463 scientists (including 14 women
scientists) have been bestowed with the prestigious SSB Prize. The awardees for 2011 are:
Biological Sciences: Dr Amit Prakash Sharma of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New
Delhi & Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan of CSIR Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Hyderabad
Chemical Sciences: Dr Balasubramanian Sundaram of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research,
Bangalore & Dr G. N. Sastry of CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences: Dr Shanker Doraiswamy of CSIR National Institute of Oceanography,
Goa
Engineering Sciences: Shirshendu De of Indian Institute of Technology, Durgapur and Dr U. Ramamurthy of Indian
Institute of Science, Bangalore
Mathematical Sciences: Dr Mahan Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Howrah and Dr Palash
Sarkar of Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
Medical Sciences: Dr K. N. Balaji of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Physical Sciences: Dr Shiraz Minwalla of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
CSIR Young Scientist Awards conferred

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Awards were conferred on the winners on the CSIR Foundation Day on
September 26, 2011.
CSIR Young Scientist Awards, 2011 were instituted in 1987. CSIR Young Scientist Awards seek to promote in- house
excellence in various fields of science and technology. CSIR scientist, below 35 years of age, as reckoned on 26 September
(CSIR Foundation Day) of the preceding year, is eligible for the Award.
These awards are given annually in the fields of Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and
Planetary Sciences and Engineering Sciences Physical Sciences (including instrumentation).
Each award consist of a citation, a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) and a plaque. CSIR Young
Scientist Awardees are also entitled to a research grant of Rs. 5.0 Lakhs (Rupees five lakh only) per annum for a period of
five years and an honorarium of Rs. 7,5000/- (Rupees seven thousand and five hundred only) per month till the age of 45
years.
Till 2010, 140 scientists (including 17 women scientists) have received the CSIR Young Scientist Award and out of these 15
scientists have been conferred with the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. This year, none was found suitable in
Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences (including instrumentation). The winners of CSIR Young Scientist Awards in
different categories are:
Chemical Sciences: Dr Bikash Kumar Jena of CSIR Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar; Dr
Dattatraya Hanumant Dethe of CSIR National Chemical Laboratory, Pune; Dr Rahul Banerjee of CSIR National Chemical
Laboratory, Pune.
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences: Dr. Arun Singh of CSIR National Geophysical Research Institute,
Hyderabad; Dr Rajeev Saraswat of CSIR National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
Engineering Sciences: Dr. Amol Arvindrao Kulkarni of CSIR National Chemical Laboratory, Pune; Dr Kaushik Biswas of
CSIR Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata.
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CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children 2010 given: CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award
for School Children 2010 were also given on September 26, 2011. CSIR had announced the Diamond Jubilee Invention
Award for School Children for the first time 26 April, 2002 the day celebrated as WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY
throughout the world. The objectives of this competition are: to capture creativity and innovativeness amongst school children
and create awareness about IPR. For the year 2010 , only two inventions were selected out of 353 proposals received for the
various categories of prizes to be given. No first prize is however being given. The winner gets a cash prize, trophy and a
certificate. Master Shantanu Gangwar from Delhi Public School, R K Puram ,New Delhi and Master Ankit Kumar Mittal
from Dr Raghubir Prakash S D Sen Secondary School, Barnala, Punjab were given CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention award
for School Children 2010.
CSIR awards G. N. Ramachandran gold Medal: CSIR instituted a Gold Medal in 2004 in the memory of Prof. G N
Ramachandran, a pioneer of protein chemistry and the sounding father of structural biology in India, for recognizing
excellence in the interdisciplinary subject / field of Biological Sciences & Technology. The For the year 2009, 2010 and 2011,
the Advisory Committee recommended Prof. R. V. Hosur (2009) of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Dr
Dinakar M. Salunke (2010) of Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Gurgoan and Prof. Jayant B. Udgaonkar (2011) of
National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore.
CSIR Technology Awards 2011 given

The CSIR Technology Awards 2011 given on September 26, 2011 seek to foster and encourage multi-disciplinary in-house
team efforts and external interaction for technology development, transfer and commercialisation. For the Year 2011, five
awards are given in four categories. Each Technology Award comprises of a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a plaque and a citation.
The Technology Award for Life Sciences goes to CSIR North East Institute of Science and technology (CSIR-NEIST),
Jorhat.
The Technology Award for Physical Sciences including Engineering goes to CSIR Central Institute of Mining and Fuel
Research (CSIR-CIMFR), Dhanbad.
The Technology Award for Innovation has been given to CSIR Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai.
The Technology Award for Business Development and Technology Marketing is given to CSIR Indian Institute of
Petroleum, Dehradun (CSIR-IIP).
Manmohan Scholarship winners announced: St. Johns College, University of Cambridge, on September 28, 2011
announced the winners of the prestigious Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarships for 2011. The winners are Shashi Ratnaker
Singh, a research fellow at TERI; Avishek Ranjan, a Masters degree holder from IIT Madras; Arjun Datta, a fellow M.Tech.
from IIT Roorkee; and Sohini Vanjari, a Masters degree holder in zoology from Pune University. The scholarship programme
has been funded by BP, Rolls-Royce, Hardeep Rai (a UK alumnus) and two anonymous sponsors. The programme, instituted
in 2008, enables academically outstanding Indian students to pursue doctoral degrees in science and technology, economics
and social science at St Johns College. PM Singh is a graduate and Honorary Fellow of St Johns College.
Azim Premji Foundation wins Rajiv Gandhi International Prize: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
honoured the Azim Premji Foundation with the Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for Technology in Education and
Development in New Delhi on September 28, 2011 for its significant contributions in education, particularly educational
technology, in developing countries across the world. Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal presented
the award to Azim Premji and released a book containing lectures complied by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Latha Pillai and Prof.
Babu P. Ramesh. Premji released a CD containing interactive multi-course study material of the university. The award,
instituted by IGNOU to mark its silver jubilee, comprises a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation.
Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 conferred: The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has identified Health
care for Senior Citizens as the theme for International Day of Older person observed on October 1, 2011. Vayoshrestha
Samman 2011 were given to the winners on the occasion. Winners: Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 for Institution of Service
to Kinnera Welfare Society, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad; Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 for Best Panchayat to Prashant Nagar
Gram Panchayat, Medak, Andhra Pradesh; Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 for Lifetime Achievement to Dr. Vinod Kumar,
New Delhi; Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011 for Creative Art to C.S.N. Patnaik, Vishakhapatnam; Vayoshrestha Samman, 2011
for Sports Person to Dr. (Wing Commander) Ashish Roy, New Delhi; Vayoshrestha Samman ,2011 for Economic
Leadership to Om Prakash Gupta, New Delhi.
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2011 12:01 IST
NEWS ROUND UP
Cabinet approves Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill 2011
The Union Cabinet on September 30, 2011 approved the proposal to introduce the Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Bill (MMDR Bill), 2011, in terms of National Mineral Policy, 2008 in Parliament and also to repeal the existing
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Bill is likely to be introduced in the winter session of
Parliament. Major provisions of the Bill are as follows:
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill 2011: Changes proposed
1. ROYALTY
2. ALLOTMENT
3. REGULATOR
Current provision: Royalty based on market value of mineral; rate revised every 3 years
New: In addition to royalty, coal miners to shell out amount equal to 26% of profit for benefit of local
people. For non-coal minerals, miner to share amount equal to annual royalty. Govt can revise profitsharing percentage
Current provision: Mines allotted after MoUs between states and miners
New: Competitive bidding to be conducted for licences and leases. States can invite financial bids even
at prospecting stage
Current provision: No regulator. Indian Bureau of Mines works as only a technical regulator
New: National Mining Regulatory Authority and national Mining Tribunal to be set up for better regulation
at the Centre with power to recommend prosecution. Authorities can be set up in states.
Coal companies will have to share 26 per cent of their net profits with the project affected people. Miners of other major
minerals such as iron ore and bauxite have to shell out an amount equal to the royalty paid to the States. This will be credited
to the proposed District Level Mineral Foundation that would be utilised for the welfare of the project affected people.
The Bill aims at attracting investment and technology in the mining sector. Besides, it envisages sustainable and scientific
mining, better regulation and has punitive provisions to prevent illegal mining. It wants special courts at the State level for
speedier disposal of cases relating to illegal mining.
States, which own the mineral resources, can invite companies for prospecting. They can introduce the competitive bidding
process for granting concessions and set their own minimum floor price. Under the current law, mineral concessions are
granted by States on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Bill will have a special provision for mining of small mineral deposits in clusters, where co-operatives can apply. It
stipulates levy of cess 10 per cent by the State Government and 2.5 per cent by the Centre on the total royalty paid for
setting up Mineral Funds at national and State levels for capacity creation.
Reactions: The mining industry slammed the Governments move on benefit sharing. Top officials of both Coal India Ltd and
NMDC felt that the Bill, coupled with the forthcoming Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Bill, if not moderated, will make
mining completely unviable in the country
Government unveils fourth revision of Consolidated FDI Policy

The consolidated FDI policy document is a single reference point for investors and regulators.
The first such consolidation was released in March, 2010 after which it has been updated every six months. This Circular 2
of 2011-is the fourth edition of the consolidated policy document. The significant changes introduced in this edition are:
(i) Exemption of construction-development activities in the education sector and in old-age homes, from the general
conditionalities in the construction-development sector:
FDI into construction development activities in the education sector and in respect of old-age homes has been exempted
from the conditionalities imposed on FDI in the construction development sector in general i.e. minimum area and built-up
area requirement; minimum capitalization requirement; and lock-in period. These conditionalities perhaps posed a constraint
to FDI coming into these areas since educational institutions like schools, colleges, universities etc. as well as old-age homes
have their own special requirements which do not necessarily fit these conditionalities. This step should augment the
educational infrastructure in the country and bring it up to global standards. Similarly, with growing urbanisation, there is an
increasing demand for old-age homes to cater to the needs of senior citizens. The physical infrastructure in this area also is
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short of the requirements. Hence, it has also been decided to exempt old-age homes also from the general conditionalities
applicable to the construction development sector.
(ii) Inclusion of apiculture, under controlled conditions, under the agricultural activities permitted for FDI:
FDI has been allowed upto 100% under the automatic route in apiculture under controlled conditions. Apiculture is an
important agro-based industry and has the potential of bringing in high economic returns with comparatively low levels of
investment. Being a decentralized activity, it does not bring pressure on land and can flourish as a household activity in
villages. The activity has the potential of large scale income generation with some infusion of capital and technology. This
liberalization would not only provide the desired thrust to the sector but would also bring in international best practices to
upgrade the product and the methods of production.
(iii) Inclusion of basic and applied R&D on bio-technology pharmaceutical sciences/life sciences, as an industrial
activity, under industrial parks:
FDI, up to 100%, under the automatic route, is permitted in existing and new industrial parks. Under the existing regime,
industrial parks cover specified sectors.
The coverage has been expanded to specifically include research and development in bio-technology, pharmaceutical and
life sciences, given the urgent need to augment research and development infrastructure in these areas as also expand the
production facilities.
(iv) Notification of the revised limit of 26% for foreign investment in Terrestrial Broadcasting/ FM radio:
The foreign investment limit for FM radio has been enhanced to 26% from the earlier 20%. This change ensures conformity of
the foreign investment limit in this sector with other similar activities in the Information & Broadcasting sector.
(v) Liberalisation of conversion of imported capital goods/machinery and pre-operative/pre-incorporation expenses
to equity instruments:
Conversion of imported capital goods/machinery and pre-operative/pre-incorporation expenses to equity instruments had
been permitted in the last Circular on FDI policy, effective 1 April, 2011. It was stipulated that such conversions must be
made within a period of 180 days of the date of shipment of capital goods/machinery or retention of advance against equity
and that payments made through third parties would not be allowed. This conveyed the sense that the onus of conversion is
on the investor with no allowance for the FIPB process involved. This has been clarified through the present amendment,
under which the time limit for making applications for such conversions will be 180 days. Further, payments for preoperative/incorporation expenses can now be made directly by the foreign investor to the company or through a bank
account, opened by the foreign investor, as provided under the FEMA regulations.
(vi) Introduction of provisions on pledging of shares for raising external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and
opening of non-interest bearing escrow accounts, subject to specified conditions:
The policy has been amended to provide for pledge of shares of an Indian company which has raised external commercial
borrowings, or that of its associate resident companies for the purpose of securing the ECB raised by the borrowing
company, subject to conditions. The policy also now provides for opening and maintaining of non-interest bearing Escrow
accounts in Indian Rupees in India, on behalf of non-residents, towards payment of share purchase consideration and/or for
keeping securities to facilitate FDI transactions. An escrow account is meant for carrying out certain specific financial
transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, buy-back of shares, take-overs and custody.
HIGHLIGHTS
FDI in buildings meant for education and old-age homes exempted from the conditions prescribed for the construction
sector.
Inclusion of basic and applied research and development on bio-technology, pharmaceutical and lifesciences as an
industrial activity under industrial parks.
Liberalisation of conversion of imported capital goods/machinery and pre-operative/pre-incorporation expenses to equity
instruments.
Allowing 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in apiculture (beekeeping) under controlled conditions.
Revised limit of 26 per cent for foreign investment in terrestrial broadcasting/FM radio formally notified.
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Provisions on pledging of shares for accessing ECBs and opening of non-interest bearing escrow accounts relaxed.
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council reconstituted

The government on September 26, 2011 reconstituted the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) under
the chairmanship of Dr. V. Krishnamurthy. The 28-member NMCC was reconstituted vide a Government Gazette Notification
dated August 17, 2011. NMCC was set up by the Government as an interdisciplinary body at the highest level to serve as a
policy forum for credible and coherent policy initiatives in the manufacturing sector. The Councils role is to energise and
sustain the growth of manufacturing industries in India and also help in the implementation of strategies. Following the
reconstitution, composition of the NMCC will be as follows:
Government of India representatives: Member (Industry), Planning Commission; Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy
and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Secretary, Finance; Secretary, Heavy Industry; Secretary,
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME); and the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research.
Industry representatives: President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); President, Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI); and President, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) will
represent the apex industry organizations.
Economists: Dr. Kaushik Basu, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance; and Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia of the Indian
Council for Research in International Economic Relations are the two economists in the reconstituted body.
Representatives of various industrial sectors: Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group of Companies; Venu Srinivasan,
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD), TVS Motor Company Ltd; Mukul Kasliwal, Chairman, S. Kumars Group; A.M. Naik,
CMD, Larsen & Toubro Ltd; Y. C. Deveshwar, CMD, ITC Ltd; Jamshyd Godrej, CMD, Godrej & Boyce Ltd; Baba N.
Kalyani, CMD, Bharat Forge Ltd; Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, CMD, Wockhardt Ltd; Dr. Surinder Kapur, Proprietor, M/s Sona
Steerings, Gurgaon; Uma Reddy, Proprietor, M/s Hitech Magnetics, Bangalore and Ex-President, AWAKE; Dr. V.
Sumantran, Executive Vice-Chairman, M/s Hinduja Automotive Ltd; B. P. Rao, CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL);
and Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman & CEO, HCL Infosystems.
Indias overseas investment at $103.9 bn in June-end 2011:

Indias Quarterly International Investment Position (IIP) at the end of June 2011 was unveiled by the RBI on September 30,
2011. International investment position (IIP) is a statistical statement that shows at a point in time, the value and the
composition of (a) financial assets of residents of an economy that are claims on non-residents and gold bullion held as
reserve assets; and (b) liabilities of residents of an economy to non-residents. The difference between an economys external
financial assets and liabilities is its net IIP, which may be positive or negative. Such balance sheet analysis of international
accounts helps in understanding sustainability and vulnerability and is useful for analysing economic structure, studying the
relationship to domestic sources of financing and other policy considerations.
International financial assets {includes Direct Investment, Portfolio Investment (Equity Securities, Debt securities),
Other Investment (Trade Credits, Loans, Currency & Deposits and Other Liabilities) and Reserve Assets} stood at US$
435.6 billion as at end-June 2011 with increase of US$ 11.1 billion over the previous quarter. Reserve assets, which
remained the major source, increased by US$ 10.9 billion to US$ 315.7 billion at end-June 2011. Among other sources,
Direct Investment abroad moved up by US$ 5.7 billion during the quarter to US$ 103.9 billion as at end-June 2011.
International financial liabilities {includes Direct Investment, Portfolio Investment (Equity Securities, Debt securities)
and Other Investment (Trade Credits, Loans, Currency & Deposits and Other Liabilities)} increased by US$ 25.3 billion over
the previous quarter to US$ 669.2 billion as at end-June 2011. Direct and portfolio investments in India increased by US$
13.5 billion and US$ 2.8 billion, respectively and, among other investments, trade credit and loans (mainly ECBs) increased
by US$ 3.0 billion and US$ 4.6 billion , respectively.
Net claims of non-residents on India as reflected by the Net IIP (International financial assets less International financial
liabilities) increased by US$ 14.2 billion over the previous quarter to US$ 233.6 billion as at end- June 2011, mainly due to
increase in net inflow on account of direct investments and external commercial borrowings (ECBs) even as reserve assets
and direct investment abroad increased substantially.
Trade deficit at $35.4 billion in first quarter of 2011-12

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During Q1 of 2011-12, a rise in trade deficit, despite sharper increase in exports than imports and increase in net export of
services, led to widening of current account deficit (CAD) as compared with Q1 of the previous year, according to the
Reserve Bank of Indias balance of payments data, released on September 30, 2011.
On a BoP basis, goods exports recorded a growth of 47.1 per cent while imports registered a growth of 33.2 per cent during
Q1 of 2011-12.
The trade deficit on BoP basis, in absolute terms, amounted to US$ 35.4 billion, which was higher than the corresponding
quarter of the previous year (US$ 32.3 billion).
Net exports of services recorded a growth of 19.1 per cent during Q1 of 2011-12 over Q1 of 2010-11 mainly due to higher
growth in receipts led by transportation, telecommunication, computer and information services and other business
services.
While net secondary income (private transfers) receipts remained buoyant at US$ 13.7 billion, primary income account
(investment income) continued to show a net outflow.
Consequently, the CAD at US$ 14.1 billion was higher in Q1 of 2011-12 than the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Major Items of Indias Balance of Payments
(US$ Billion)
April-June 2011(P)
April-June 2010(PR)
January-March 2011(P)
Exports
Imports
Net
Exports
Imports
Net
Exports
Imports
Net
A. Current Account (1+2+3+4)
127.9
142.0
-14.1
97.9
109.9
-12.0
129.3
134.7
-5.4
1. Goods
80.7
116.1
-35.4
54.9
87.2
-32.3
77.4
107.1
-29.7
2.Services
30.6
18.7
11.9
26.5
16.4
10.0
35.2
20.8
14.4
3. Primary Income
2.2
6.5
-4.3
2.9
5.7
-2.9
2.2
6.0
-3.9
4. Secondary Income
14.4
0.7
13.7
13.7
0.6
13.1
14.6
0.7
13.8
B. Capital Account
0.0
0.3
-0.3
0.1
0.1
-0.1
0.1
0.2
0.0
127.3
111.6
15.7
94.5
81.5
13.0
115.7
109.5
6.2
C. Financial Account
D. Errors & Omissions - (A+B-C)
-1.3
-0.9
-0.8
P: Preliminary, PR: Partially Revised
Forex reserves at $312.707 billion: Indias foreign exchange reserves declined $4.056 billion to $312.707 billion in the
week ended September 23, according to Reserve Bank of Indias Weekly Statistical Supplement on September 29, 2011.
Foreign currency assets were $276.934 billion. Gold was unchanged at $28.319 billion. SDRs declined to $4.497 billion.
Indias reserve position in the IMF declined to $2.957 billion.
Indias external debt at US$ 317.0 billion

Indias External Debt as at the end of June 2011 was unveiled by the Reserve Bank of India on September 30, 2011.
Major Highlights
Indias external debt, as at end-June 2011, was placed at US$ 317.0 billion recording an increase of US$ 10.5 billion or 3.4
per cent over the level at end-March 2011. The share of commercial borrowings in total external debt continued to be the
highest at 29.4 per cent as at end-June 2011, followed by short-term debt (21.6 per cent), NRI deposits (16.7 per cent) and
multilateral debt (15.6 per cent).
The ratio of short-term debt to foreign exchange reserves rose marginally to 21.7 per cent as at end-June 2011 from 21.3
per cent as at end-March 2011.
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The debt denominated in US dollar accounted for the highest share with 54.2 per cent in total external debt as at end-June
2011 followed by the Indian rupee (19.2 per cent) and Japanese Yen (11.1 per cent).
The ratio of foreign exchange reserves to external debt as at end June 2011 at 99.6 per cent remained almost at the
same level as at end-March 2011.
RBI issues revised draft norms for securitisation of loans

The Reserve Bank of India on September 27, 2011 issued revised draft norms to regulate the growth in securitisation of bank
loans. This may increase the securitisation of retail assets like home and consumer durables. The banking regulator has, for
the first time, framed norms for bilateral sale of loans. These loans involve the transfer of any single standard asset or
portfolio of assets.
The central bank has retained the minimum holding period norms set in the draft guidelines in April 2010. For loans with
maturity periods of less than two years with quarterly repayments, banks would have to hold loans for at least nine months
before hiving these off. For loans with less than quarterly repayment schedules, banks can securitise loans after six months.
This may boost the securitisation of consumer loans.
Securitisation is the process of converting existing assets or future cash flows into marketable securities. Typically, vehicle
loans, home loans and corporate loans are pooled and packaged into securities. The repayments from borrowers are
assigned to investors in securities.
Draft National Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy unveiled

The Union Finance Ministry on September 27, 2011 came out with a draft National Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy
with a view to improving transparency and promote infrastructure sector projects. In pursuance of governments commitment
to improve the level and quality of economic and social infrastructure service, the Policy proposes to expand the scope of the
PPP scheme.
The development follows the announcement made by the Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, in the budget. The 26-page
draft policy seeks to put in place the broad principles for pursuing a project on PPP basis. Besides, it will also provide a
framework for identifying, structuring, awarding and managing PPP projects.
It also seeks to address the issues concerning definition of various terms and also processes so that a clear and consistent
position can be adopted by stake holders, including centre, states and private investors. The Policy will also ensure that a
value-for-money rationale is adopted with optimal risk allocation in project structuring with life cycle approach.
The government has asked stakeholders to give comments on the draft National PPP Policy by October 15. The objective is
to bring more transparency in the award and implementation of PPP projects which are mainly undertaken to provide public
service by private players.
The Ministry also plans to publish separate mandatory disclosure norms for projects and also set up a dedicated dispute
resolution mechanism to address issues related to bidding and award of PPP projects.
What is PPP?
Public Private Partnership means an arrangement between a government and a statutory or government owned entity on one
side and a private sector one on the other. It is aimed at provision of public assets or services through private sector
investment and/or management for a specified period of time.
Highlights of the new policy:
Risks will be defined and allocated between the private sector and the public entity. The private sector receives performancelinked payments that conform to specified performance standards, measurable by the public entity or its representative.
Models where ownership of the underlying asset remains with the public entity during the contract period and the project is
transferred back to the public entity after the termination contract are the preferred forms of PPP models.
India-Pakistan trade negotiations conclude

The trade talks between India and Pakistan in New Delhi ended without any significant progress on September 29, 2011
when commerce ministers from both the countries failed to iron out the long-standing irritants that hamper smooth flow of
goods and investment even as both sides decided to double bilateral trade to $6 billion from the current level of $2.7 billion by
2014.
Liberal visa regime: They two countries have decided to put in place a liberalised visa regime from November 2011 for
business communities of both nations. The new business visa regime is expected to allow multiple-entry and could be for a
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period up to one year. The Ministers expressed hope that such a new visa regime would rapidly expand the vistas of bilateral
commerce. They emphasised that a more secure regional environment would progressively help both countries to keep
liberalising the visa arrangements for business persons.
MFN status & negative list: Pakistan gave no indication to grant the most-favoured nation (MFN) status to India or trimming
its negative list of items during talks between Commerce and Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma and his Pakistani
counterpart Makhdoom Mohammad Amin Fahim. Under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, trading partners offer
MFN status to each other so as to not discriminate between their trading partners. Granting of MFN status means lowering of
tariffs and customs duties for products traded between them. At present, more than 12,000 items are on Pakistans negative
list while 1,948 items come under the positive list. India wants Pakistan to prune its negative list.
SAFTA: India had been demanding proper implementation and ratification of the provisions under the South Asia Free Trade
Agreement (SAFTA) that would ensure greater access for Indian products in the Pakistani markets with reduced tariffs while
Pakistan called for removal of several non-tariff barriers that hamper the entry of its goods into India.
MoU signed: Both the countries also inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the India Trade Promotion
Organisation and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to promote trade and investment. The MoU shall foster better
trade promotional activities for the benefit of business communities of both countries.
Joint statement: The ministers agreed their countries would cooperate for a high ambition of preferential trade relations
under the framework of the SAFTA. They noted with satisfaction the joint and collaborative efforts already being made by
India and Pakistan to liberalise trade in goods and services under SAFTA. They agreed all mutual obligations contracted
under SAFTA will be implemented with full sincerity, said the joint press statement.
This is the first such visit by a Pakistani commerce minister to India in the last 35 years. It was decided that the Commerce
Secretaries of the two nations would meet in November to take forward what had been agreed at the talks.
Telecom Minister unveils National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2011

The Communication and IT Ministry on September 30, 2011 unveiled the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) 2011,
which gives the broad direction for future spectrum allocation to ensure its efficient and effective management.
The NFAP, which comes into effect from October 1, seeks to earmark the entire 700 Mhz band for mobile broadband
services.
The use of S-band has been opened up for broadband services. This band, falling between 2.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz, is being
currently used exclusively by INSAT systems for satellite based services including meteorological data dissemination.
To promote local research and development in the country, the allocation plan suggests earmarking small chunks of
spectrum in the 900 Mhz band for indigenously developed technologies. This band is currently being used for GSM mobile
services and is considered prime location because of its favourable propagation characteristics.
The NFAP is only a broad guideline outlining the future roadmap for spectrum usage in line with international standards. The
actual implementation of this Plan depends upon inter-ministerial negotiations.
TRAI puts an end to unsolicited calls and text messages

More than 850 million customers are expected to get relief from unsolicited calls and text messages, as the telecom regulator
started enforcing the national customer preference registry norms from September 27, 2011 an improved version of the
do-not-call regulation.
While introducing the new regulations, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) revoked the 100-SMS-a-day limit for
some categories, allowing text messages from social networking sites, directory services, electronic recharges and e-ticketing
services. At the same time, the regulator said it was planning to introduce termination charges of 5 paise for every
commercial text message. Telecom minister Kapil Sibal said that messages involving transactions such as messages sent by
schools to students, parents, financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, credit cards et al did not fall under this
restricted category.
As per the new regulations, telemarketers have to register with TRAI under a distinct number series beginning with 140 to
allow consumers to easily distinguish between ordinary and marketing calls. TRAI also said that no customer would receive
unwanted messages or calls from 9 pm to 9 am.
Telemarketers calling or sending text messages to consumers registered for not receiving any unsolicited communication or
violating any other rule will be fined Rs. 25,000 for the first violation. This will increase to Rs. 2.5 lakh for the sixth violation
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along with blacklisting for two years. The monetary punishment is much harsher compared to a fine of Rs. 500 per violation
that was imposed earlier.
Telemarketers would have to scrub or sift through data banks customers registered with do-call and do-not-call registrys to
ensure they are calling or sending text messages to the right customers. Trai will also monitor this system, an official said.
Cellular Operators Association of India, a body representing GSM operators, said the new regulations attributed more
responsibility to the service provider.
Planning Commissions expert group calls for 187 new medical colleges
India will take at least 17 more years before it can reach the World Health Organizations (WHO) recommended norm of one
doctor per 1,000 people. The Planning Commissions high-level expert group (HLEG) on universal health coverage (UHC)
headed by Dr K Srinath Reddy in its report finalized on September 25, 2011 has predicted the availability of one allopathic
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doctor per 1,000 people by 2028. It has suggested setting up 187 medical colleges in 17 high-focus states during the 12 and
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13 five-year Plan to achieve the target.
HLEG estimates that the number of allopathic doctors registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) has increased since
1974 to 6.12 lakhs in 2011 a ratio of one doctor for 1,953 people or a density of 0.5 doctors per 1,000 people . The nation
has a density of one medical college per 38.41 lakhs. There are 315 medical colleges that are located in 188 of 642 districts.
There is only one medical college for a population of 115 lakhs in Bihar, UP (95 lakhs), MP (73 lakhs) and Rajasthan (68
lakhs). Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu each have one medical college for a population of 15 lakhs, 16 lakhs and 19 lakhs,
respectively.
The HLEG has proposed a phased addition of 187 colleges. It expects that by 2015, under phase A, 59 new medical colleges
will admit students in 15 states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana , J&K , Jharkhand, MP, Maharashtra ,
Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP and West Bengal. By 2017, 13 of these states will have an additional 70 medical
colleges, and by 2022, another 58 institutes will be built in two additional phases (2017-2020 and 2020-2022). By 2022, India
will have one medical college per 25 lakh population in all states except Bihar, UP and West Bengal.
The World Health Statistics Report (2011) says, the density of doctors in India is six for a population of 10,000. India is
ranked 52 among 57 countries facing human resource crunch in healthcare. The nation has the largest number of medical
colleges (315) in the world, with an annual churning rate of over 30,000 doctors and 18,000 specialists.
The Expert group has also recommended that India should increase its public spending on purchasing drugs by five times in
order to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure of the common man. Currently, the public health system in India spends about Rs
6,000 crores (0.1% of GDP) for procuring drugs. Dr Reddy said that at present, millions of Indian households do not have
access to drugs because of lack of the necessary purchasing power and inadequate public health facilities. However, the
number of hospitalisation episodes in which an ailing population paid out-of-pocket has risen dramatically from about 41% to
close to 72% in the past decade. In outpatient care, the proportion of drugs fully purchased by households decreased from as
high as 80% in the mid-1990s to 65% in 2004. Medicines started becoming unaffordable since the mid-1990s and by 2004, in
over one-fourth of outpatient episodes, patients did not receive medicines because they could not afford them.
Expert group on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) submits report

A high level expert group on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on September 25, 2011 proposed making health care an
entitlement to every citizen. It has strongly recommended a re-configuration of the entire health system where the
government will have a major role to play. The group suggested that health care be offered as a National Health Package
(NHP) covering all common conditions and high-impact health care requirements including in-patient and out-patient care free
of cost. K. Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation of India, was the Chairperson of the expert group.
According to the group, the health care services would be made available through the public sector and contracted-in private
facilities (including NGOs and non-profit groups).
Source of funding: Describing general taxation as the most viable option for mobilising resources to achieve the target of
increasing public spending on health and creating mechanisms for private protection, the group favoured a surcharge on
salaries or taxable income to pay for the UHC and offer cashless health care to all sections. Financing the proposed scheme
will require public expenditure on health to be stepped up from around 1.2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) now
to 2.5 per cent by 2017 and to 3 per cent of GDP by 2022. Increased public expenditures, in our estimate, will lead to a
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sharp decline in the proportion of private out-of-pocket spending on health from 73 per cent at present to 33 per cent by
2022, according to the draft report submitted to the Planning Commission.
Integration of govt. funded insurance schemes with UHC: The group has also suggested integration of all governmentfunded insurance schemes with the UHC system; replacement of all insurance cards with the National Health Entitlement
Cards, and removing conditionalities, specifically two-child norms for maternity or other benefits, from all health programmes
so as not to punish women and girls for behaviour over which they have little or no control.
User fee should no be the primary source of resource mobilisation: The group has suggested that user fee of all forms
be dropped as a source of government revenue for financing health. While such fee has, in some instances, helped to a
limited extent in deterring consumption of excessive and unnecessary medical care, it has not proven to be an effective
source of resource mobilisation.
Availability of free medicines: Calling for ensuring availability of free essential medicines by increasing public spending on
procurement, the report pointed out that low public spending on drugs and non-availability of free medicines in government
health care facilities are major factors discouraging people from accessing public sector health facilities. The group wanted
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare strengthened by bringing the drugs and pharmaceutical companies within its
purview that would in turn strengthen the drug regulatory system.
Emphasis on primary health care: Envisaging a major role for primary health care in the UHC system, the report has
suggested earmarking at least 70 per cent of public expenditures, both in the short run and over the medium term, for
preventive, promotive and primary health care.
National Health Regulatory and Development Authority: Calling for a structured regulatory framework to monitor and
enforce essential healthcare regulations to control entry, quality, quantity and prices of drugs, the report suggests the
establishment of a National Health Regulatory and Development Authority that would regulate and monitor public and private
healthcare providers, with powers of enforcement and redressal.
Indian Public Health Service cadre: Pitching for the creation of an Indian Public Health Service cadre, the group feels that
there is an immediate need to establish public health training institutions. It also endorses the establishment of health science
universities, which will give degrees in various courses and ensure uniformity in admissions, curricula, training and
accreditation for all degrees in medical, nursing, pharmacy, public health and allied health professional fields.
National Health and Medical Facilities Accreditation Authority: Another proposed body, the National Health and Medical
Facilities Accreditation Authority will define standards for healthcare facilities and help them adopt and use management
technologies. It will ensure meaningful use of allocated resources and special focus will be given to information technology
resources and oversee the operations and administrative protocols of healthcare facilities.
Bachelor of Rural Health care (BRHC) degree: Endorsing the setting up of the proposed National Council for Human
Resources in Health to prescribe, monitor and promote standards of health professional education, the group has backed the
introduction of a three-year Bachelor of Rural Health care (BRHC) degree that will produce a cadre of rural healthcare
practitioners for recruitment and placement at the sub-centre that will help in overcoming the shortage of healthcare workers.
ONGC gives conditional clearence of Cairn India sale to Vedanta

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation on September 27, 2011 decided to allow NRI industrialist Anil Agarwals Vedanta Resources
to acquire control of Cairn India, a subsidiary of Scottish explorer Cairn Energy Plc. The decision, however, came with the
rider that Cairn will have to sign a legally-binding agreement with ONGC before the NOC (no-objection certificate) is issued.
Cairn will have to commit on paper two things: The royalty paid on crude will be added to the costs of operating the Barmer
fields before calculating profit; and it will pay Rs 2,500 per tonne cess on its share of the production.
The issues of royalty and cess have been vexing the deal ever since it was announced over a year ago. Though ONGC holds
30% interest in the Barmer fields, it has been paying royalty on the entire production due to a historic policy anomaly. Cairn
has been paying its share of cess under protest and had launched arbitration proceedings.
ONGC had threatened to block the deal by asserting it has the first right of refusal and hence Cairn Indias control cannot
change hands without its consent. ONGC had said it would not allow the deal unless the two companies agreed to equitable
sharing of levies. The government cleared the deal only after Vedanta and Cairn relented.
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The legal document envisages Cairn giving in writing that it will pay Rs 2,500 per tonne cess on its share of production from
the Rajasthan oilfields and also make royalty payments cost-recoverable. After such an undertaking, ONGC will agree to
issue NOC.
BP sees D6 gas output rising from 2014: In his first visit since BP-Reliance Industries alliance got the Government
nod, BP Group Chief Executive Officer, Bob Dudley, on September 28, 2011 said the two entities have set up a joint team to
study options to increase D6 gas fields output. Decline in D6 output has been a cause of concern for the consumers,
producers as well as the Government. The RIL-operated D6 block is the largest gas field in the country. The output after
hitting the peak of 60 mscmd in end-2009 has been consistently dipping. Reliance is currently producing 42 mscmd from the
fields. This is expected to further drop. This would mean that gas consuming industries benefiting from the fields will have to
depend more on expensive imported gas. To enhance D6 production, the operator has roped in BP, to gain from the British
firms deepwater expertise.
GAIL forays into shale gas market in US: GAIL India, the countrys largest marketer and transporter of natural gas on
September 30, 2011 became the first government-owned energy company to get a foothold in the US market. It has entered
into a deal with Carrizo Oil and Gas Inc for acquiring 20 per cent stake in Eagle Ford shale acreage. Its entry into the shale
business comes within a year of Reliance Industries Ltd. marking its presence in the US through the acquisition of shale
assets in three assets. GAIL will pay a total of $95 million to Houston-based Carrizo, which includes $63.7 million in cash and
another $31.3 million for developing the area in the Eagle Ford deposits in Texas. GAIL, through it recently formed subsidiary
GAIL Global (USA) Inc, will invest $205 million over the next five years in the assets. The joint venture will have 20,200 gross
acres, of which the GAIL subsidiary will have 4,040 net acres spread over four counties in Texas. The JV is expected to drill
an additional 139 wells in the acreage. Carrizo will continue to function as the operator for the joint venture.
Shale gas refers to underground rock formations that hold reserves of oil and natural gas. The US is becoming increasingly
attractive for companies across the globe for shale acreages. Shale gas accounts for around 20 per cent of the US gas
production.
Delhi Metro is worlds first to get UN carbon credit certification

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was on September 26, 2011 certified by the United Nations as the first metro rail and railbased system in the world to get carbon credits for reducing green house gas emissions and helping in reducing pollution
levels in the city by 6.3 lakh tonne every year. With this certification, the Delhi Metro has earned carbon credits worth about
Rs. 47 crore annually for the next seven years and with the increase in number of passengers, this figure will only increase.
About 18 lakh people travel by the metro rail which is completely non-polluting and environment-friendly. But for the metro,
these people would have travelled by cars, buses, two or three-wheelers which would have resulted in emission of green
house gases. Thus, the DMRC has helped in reduction in emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere and the United
Nations-body administering the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol has certified that DMRC has
reduced emissions.
According to the DMRC, no other metro in the world could get the carbon credit because of stringent requirement of the
United Nations-body to provide conclusive documentary proof of reduction in emissions. It is difficult to give documentary
proof of the difference of energy consumption of two scenarios -- with metro and without metro. The Delhi Metro proposed
an innovative method of proving the emissions using sampling techniques. After rigorous persuasion, the UN-body has finally
agreed with this technique as it is scientific in nature.
The Delhi Metro has helped in removing over 91,000 vehicles from the roads in the city daily. The resource efficiency of
transporting passengers in Delhi by metro has improved emissions per passenger kilometre are reduced compared to the
situation had the Delhi Metro not operated.
Second-quarter report of the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) unveiled

Dainik Jagran and The Times of India are holding on to their top spots as the most read publications in the Hindi and English
language dailies respectively, according to the IRS (Indian Readership Survey) second-quarter report released by the Media
Research Users Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research on September 30, 2011.
Hindi: Among the Hindi dailies, Dainik Jagrans average issue readership (AIR), which had seen a drop in the previous
survey, has gone up. The top four players have seen surge in AIR, while Rajasthan Patrika and Punjab Kesari have seen
marginal fall. Dainik Jagrans AIR has risen in Q2 to 16.39 million, from 15.91 million in the trailing quarter. Dainik Bhaskar
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(AIR of 14.17 million), Hindustan (11.98 million) and Amar Ujala (8.89 million) follow. Navbharat, which was pushed out of the
top 10 Hindi dailies by Hari Bhoomi in previous report, has still not managed to get back.
English: Among the English dailies, the Times of India continues to hold its numero uno position. TOI has garnered a total
AIR of 7.47 million, slightly higher than the trailing quarter report (7.44 million). It is followed by Hindustan Times (AIR of 3.74
million) which also saw a marginal growth as compared to Q1. The Hindu (AIR of 2.28 million), saw a dip from AIR of 2.09
million in the Q1. Interestingly, The Economic Times, which was pushed to eighth place behind DNA and Mumbai Mirror in
Q1, managed to outnumber Mumbai Mirror. However, it is still behind DNA.
Regional: Meanwhile, the pecking order of the regional dailies has remained same as of Q1. Malayalam Manorama has once
again topped the chart with 9.96 million AIR, up from 9.94 million in Q1 followed by Lokmat (Marathi) (AIR of 7.59 million) and
Daily Thanthi (Tamil) with an AIR of 7.29 million.
First-ever India-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED) organised: India and China agreed to boost
economic cooperation, open up their markets and improve the investment environment for each others companies during the
first-ever Strategic and Economic Dialogue (SED), which was held in Beijing on September 26, 2011. Montek Singh
Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and Chinas Zhang Ping, who heads the National and Development
Reform Commission (NDRC), lead the delegations of the two countries. The two countries agreed to initiate the SED dialogue
during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabaos visit to India in December. The next round will be held in New Delhi in April 2012. A
particularly promising outcome of the SED was an agreement to have closer cooperation between the two countries railway
networks, which could subsequently pave the way for the involvement of Chinese companies in proposed plans to build six
high-speed rail corridors in India.
EU raises concerns over telecom manufacturing policy: The European Union on September 29, 2011 raised
concerns against the proposed telecom manufacturing policy on grounds that it may flout WTO norms. In a letter to the
Secretary, Department of Telecom, the EU said that though India has the right to define a domestic manufacturing policy, it
should respect the obligations under international law. The Ministry of Communication and IT had floated a proposal to
reserve 30 per cent of all electronic equipment procurement to items manufactured in India. This includes telecom gear and
IT peripherals. When the policy is announced, telecom companies, both private and public sector, will have to buy 30 per cent
of their hardware from those that have manufacturing base in the country or face penalty. The policy also gives fiscal benefits
to local products in terms lower taxes. If implemented, it will have major impact on European manufacturers, including Nokia
Siemens, Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent.
Myanmar, India seek to double trade by 2015: India envisages doubling the current $1.5 billion trade with Myanmar by
2015, along with broad-basing the trade basket of the two countries, commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma said on
September 27, 2011. Businesses of both sides need to be encouraged to utilise duty free tariff preference scheme and
ASEAN free trade agreement channels to diversify trade, Sharma said after meeting his counterpart U Win Myint in New
Delhi. India and Myanmar had signed a Bilateral Investment Promotion Agreement (BIPA) in October 2008. Myanmar has a
trade surplus of $1 billion.
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) reconstituted: The ministry of commerce and industry
on September 27, 2011 reconstituted the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) bringing in corporate
figures like Tata group chairman Ratan Tata, and TVS Motors CMD Venu Srinivasan. The council will be function under the
chairmanship of Dr V Krishnamurthy. NMCC was set up by the government as an inter-disciplinary body at the highest level
to serve as a policy forum for credible and coherent policy initiatives in the manufacturing sector. In the restructured council,
apart from the chambers like Confederation of Indian Industries, FICCI and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry,
Chief Economic Advisor to the finance minister Kaushik Basu, and Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Chairperson, ICRIER, will also be
included. The objective is to increase the share of manufacturing in Indias GDP from the current 15-16 per cent to 25 per
cent by the year 2025.
Health insurance policies become portable: Health insurance consumers will be able to change their service
providers from October 3, 2011. Those who seek to switch to a new general insurer should apply at least 45 days prior to the
expiry of the policy. The customers would also be eligible to carry forward credit for pre-exiting diseases (or bonus) in
migration. Both individual and family-floater policies (in which insurance is extended to select family members) are eligible for
portability. Portability is permitted only between non-life insurers. At present, there are 24 general insurance companies in the
country.
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Government approves ILO Convention on Domestic Workers: The Union Cabinet on September 30, 2011
approved the proposal for placing the new instrument adopted by International Labour Organisation (ILO) - Domestic Workers
Convention (C-189) and Domestic Workers Recommendation (R-201) before the Parliament. The International Labour
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Conference (ILC) of ILO at its 100 Session held in Geneva in June, 2011 adopted the Domestic Workers Convention (C189). Background: Domestic workers constitute a huge segment of the workforce especially in the developing countries.
Domestic work is informal, undocumented and poorly regulated. Migrant domestic workers are worse affected. It has also
been observed that domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. There are about 6.4 million domestic workers
in India as per available statistics. A large number of such workers come from poor and backward areas and are illiterate and
unskilled
First AC double-decker train launched: The Railways flagging off its first air-conditioned (AC) double-decker chair-car
train between Howrah and Dhanbad on October 1, 2011. The double-decker trains are designed indigenously by Research
Development and Standard Organisation and developed by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. The coaches run on diesel
traction for now. The train will consist of nine coaches, including seven AC double-decker chair-cars, with 128 seats in each
coach. When it comes to carrying freight trains, the double-decker option is available for container flats, which are run on
Rewari-Kandla port route in India.
NSDC ties up with Future Group, NIIT for industry training: The National Skill Development Corporation on
September 30, 2011 tied up with Future Learning, an education arm of the Future Group, and NIIT to train 14 million persons
in the next 10 years. The aim is to provide industry and job-specific training to around 70 lakh young Indians by 2022, thus
helping create a pool of job-ready workforce for the service industry. The 73:27 joint venture between NSDC and the Future
Group will be known as Future Sharp Ltd. Electricians, beauticians, technicians and others will be trained through this
partnership, said Muralidhar Rao, Chief Executive Officer, Future Learning.
CAG appointed external auditor of IAEA, WIPO: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was on
September 30, 2011 chosen as the external auditor of two major UN organisations the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), Vienna, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva. The tenure of these audits could
extend up to six years. These appointments for organisations such as IAEA and WIPO, which are specialised agencies, is a
recognition of the professional capabilities of the CAGs auditing talent pool. Last year, CAG was selected by the United
Nations World Food Programme for a six-year contract to audit its books.
India Post signs MOU with NSE for Financial Awareness: India post on September 26, 2011 signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with National Stock Exchange (NSE) for deploying LCD TV screens in selected post offices across
the country. These LCD TV screens shall be utilized for disseminating financial awareness and awareness on various postal
products and services for the common public visiting post offices.
Ways to strengthen collaboration between UN-HABITAT and Govt. of India discussed: Joan Clos, Executive
Director, UN-HABITAT on September 26, 2011 called on the Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture
Kumari Selja in New Delhi and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between UN-HABITAT and the Government of
India and also explored possibilities of new areas of cooperation. The Minister made a commitment to enhance the
contribution from Government of India to UN-HABITAT, which currently stands at $80,000 (US Dollar) per annum. The United
Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN
General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate
shelter for all.
Kerala becomes first total banking State: Kerala was on September 30, 2011 declared the first State in the country to
achieve total financial inclusion. The achievement means that each household in the State has at least one bank account and
the facility for need-based credit. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy distributed certificates to the banks that had participated in
a drive to take banking services to every corner of the State. The Chief Minister drew the banks attention to the need for
extending credit support to the Clean Kerala Mission, a programme to make the State live up to its nickname of Gods Own
Country. S. Raman, Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank, in his capacity as the convener of the State Level
Bankers Committee (SLBC), said that Palakkad district had become the first district in the country to achieve total financial
inclusion four years ago.
NSSO launches Indias 1st quarterly urban employment data survey: The National Sample Survey Organisation
(NSSO) has started the pilot project for the countrys first-ever quarterly data on employment in urban areas. The survey will
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give a comprehensive picture of the labour force in urban areas. It would reveal key employment indicators like number of
people employed, wages and salaries of employees, number of casual labourers and even the number of self-employed and
educated unemployed in urban parts of the country on a quarterly basis. The need for such a data was being felt for a long
time as the country does not have regular information on employment and unemployment. At present, the data on
employment and unemployment by NSSO comes every five years and that too with lot of lag making policy decisions based
on them redundant. The last data for the year 2009-10 on NSSO came earlier this year. However, under the new format,
NSSO data will come after every three months and regularly. The employment data for July-September quarter will be
released by October 2011. The pilot is being conducted in Gujarat, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh and would be rolled out
across the country as and when the pilot is over.
Pipavav warship joint venture put on hold: The Defence Ministry on September 26, 2011 put the Mazagon DockPipavav Shipyard deal to jointly build warships for the Indian Navy on hold. Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that the joint
venture of Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) would be put on hold till a policy on joint ventures is put in place by the Government.
MDL had issued an expression of interest in March 2011 seeking strategic partnership with Indian private sector shipyards to
meet the timelines for liquidating its order book of Rs 1 lakh crore. Based on responses, L&T, Bharati, ABG and Pipavav
yards were shortlisted by the public sector undertaking. This was followed by presentations by the shipyards and site visits by
MDL officials to evaluate their strengths and capabilities. On September 12, Pipavav Shipyard announced that the MDL
Board had met and selected the yard as its joint venture partner to make warships for the nation. The other three bidders sent
individual representations to MDL and Defence Ministry alleging total lack of transparency in finalising the deal, while also
pointing out that the decision had been taken without waiting for their detailed submissions.
YES Bank to open salary accounts for Army: YES Bank on September 28, 2011 signed a memorandum of
understanding with the Indian Army for the YES Vijay Salary Account, which has been designed exclusively to cater to the
needs of the Army personnel. The agreement was signed by Rana Kapoor, Founder, Managing Director & CEO, YES Bank;
and Lt. General S.P. Kochhar, Signal Officer in Chief, Indian Army.
SBI Life tops global list of agents: SBI Life Insurance on September 28, 2011 topped the prestigious Million Dollar
Round Table (MDRT) 2011 across the globe with 2,661 members, according to statistics from the MDRT Web site. State-run
Life Insurance Corporation is ranked fourth with 1,993 members. SBI Life and LIC are the only two Indian life insurance
companies featuring in the top-10 of the MDRT list for 2011. MDRT is an association of the worlds best life insurance sales
(advisors) professionals.
NEWSMAKERS
Raheja appointed President of National Real Estate Development Council: Raheja Developers Limited chairman
and managing director Naveen Raheja was on September 27, 2011 appointed president of the National Real Estate
Development Council (NAREDCO), a regulatory body under the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation. In a
statement here, it said the other new members elected at the annual general meeting include Vigneshwara Developers
managing director Sunil Dahiya (senior vice-president); Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd. chairman Sunil Mantri (vice-president); and
Arora & Associates Realty Ltd. managing director Rajesh Arora (member, finance). Raheja said that with the support of the
government and other members of the Council, he would work towards bringing transparency to the real estate sector.
Rajiv Vastupal appointed AIMA President: Rajiv Petrochemicals chairman & managing director Rajiv Vastupal was on
September 30, 2011 elected president of the All-India Management Association (AIMA) in New delhi. He succeeds Gautam
Thapar. Nokia India managing director D. Shivakumar has taken over as AIMAs new senior vice-president. Apollo Hospitals
managing director Preetha Reddy is the new vice-president, while Max India group human capital director P. Dwarkanath will
continue as treasurer. Founded in 1957, AIMA is an autonomous body which plays a proactive role in pooling management
thoughts within the country.
Sam Balsara is ABC Chairman: The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) on September 26, 2011 elected Sam Balsara,
Chairman and Managing Director, Madison World, as its Chairman for the year 2011-12. T. Venkattram Reddy of Deccan
Chronicle Holdings was unanimously elected Deputy Chairman. Balsara has been on ABCs management council since 2002
and was Deputy Chairman for 2010-11. On the management council from the advertiser community this year are S. M.
Ahmad (ITC), Ravi Pisharody (Tata Motors), Debabrata Mukherjee (Coca-Cola India) and Anil Dua (Hero MotoCorp).
Representing ad agencies will be Mr Shashidhar Sinha of Universal McCann Erickson India (Honorary Secretary).
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Section E: SPORTS
China wins both titles at Japan Open Badminton: Fourth-seeded Chen Long of China beat top-seeded Lee Chong
Wei of Malaysia 21-8, 10-21, 21-19 in the final to win the Japan Open badminton championships in Tokyo on September 25,
2011. In the womens singles final, Chinese world champion and number one Wang Yihan beat eighth-seeded Juliane
Schenk of Germany 21-16, 21-14 in 43 minutes to win the title. Fourth-seeded Saina Nehwal of India lost to Schenk in the
semifinals 19-21, 10-21 on September 24.
Makau sets new Marathon World record: Kenyas Patrick Makau set a new World record in the Berlin Marathon in an
official time of 2hr 03min 38sec at Berlin on September 25, 2011. The 26-year-old defending champion smashed the old mark
of 2hr 03 min 59 sec set by Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie in the same race in 2008. Makau led home a Kenyan 1-2-3
with Stephen Kwelio Chemlany coming second in 2hr 07:55 while Edwin Kimaiyo was third finishing in 2hr 09:50. Meanwhile
Kenyas Florence Kiplagat won the womens title in 2hr 19 min 43 sec coming ahead of Germanys Irina Mikitenko and thirdplaced World record-holder Paula Radcliffe of England.
Vettel reigns supreme at Singapore Grand Prix: Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel finished ahead of McLaren-Mercedes
driver Jenson Button to win the Singapore Grand Prix on September 25, 2011. Vettel crossed the line 1.7 seconds ahead of
Button with Red Bull team mate Mark Webber a further 27.5 seconds back in third. Force Indias di Resta finished career-best
sixth while his teammate Adrian Sutil came eight.
Bharat Chetri named Indian Hockey captain: Bharat Chetri was on September 30, 2011 named captain of the 22member team which will play in a four-nation nine-a-side international super series followed by a three nation-tournament
involving Australia and Pakistan. This is the first time that 27-year-old Chetri, with 114 International caps will lead the
country. The other teams in the four-nation series, to be played from Oct. 20 to 23 at Perth, are Pakistan, New Zealand and
Australia. India will also play an international tournament after the super series with Australia and Pakistan as the other
teams.
Salgaocar wins Federation Cup: I-League champion, Salgaocar SC beat defending champions East Bengal 3-1 to
regain the Federation Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on September 29, 2011. Karim Bencherifa, Salgaocars
Moroccan coach, proved he possessed the winning formula becoming the first foreign coach to win the I-League and the
Federation Cup in a single calendar year. This was Salgaocars fourth Federation Cup title. Nigerian Edeh Chidi began the
scoring for Salgaocar before Francis Fernandes doubled the lead. Scottish striker Alan Gow reduced the margin converting a
penalty, but Japanese substitute Ryuiji Sueoka took the match away from the host making it 3-1 late in the second half.
Deepika bags silver in archery World Cup: Indias Deepika Kumari went down to Chinas Cheng Ming 5-6 in the tiebreaker of the womens individual recurve summit clash at the World Cup archery finals in Istanbul on September 25, 2011.
The mens title went to World No. 1 archer Brady Ellison of the US. He defeated Dia Xiaoxiang of China 6-2 in the final.
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Weekly Current Affairs update

Major news of the week

Land Acquisition Bill tabled in Parliament

Faust wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival

G8 pledges $38bn to Arab states; IMF recognises Libya

Section D: ECONOMY & CORPORATE

CAG report on functioning of Air-India in 2002-10 tabled in Parliament

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

RBI Governor calls for lower reserve requirements

USA tops medals tally in Daegu IAAF World Championships

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Highlights of the Bill

Prime Minister concludes State Visit to Bangladesh

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Monsoon session of parliament concludes

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011 tabled in Lok Sabha

INCOIS begins vulnerability mapping of coastline

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Section D: ECONOMY & CORPORATE

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Parliamentary committee calls for performance evaluation of Planning Commission

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Indias external debt at $305.9 billion on March 31, 2011

UNCTAD unveils Trade and Development Report 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Government bans onion exports, allows wheat shipment

India 56th on World Economic Forum Index

Indias biotech sector crosses USD 4 bn E&Y report

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Gold medal winners MEN:

Gold medal winners WOMEN:

200 metres Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jamaica) 22.22

Fabiana Murer (Brazil) 4.85 m; Long jump Brittney

For the Week: September 4 to 10, 2011

Weekly Current Affairs update

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

Major news of the week

Government accepts recommendations of GoM on corruption

Big drop in child mortality rate worldwide: UNICEF

CNBC TV 18, Best Bank and Financial Institutions Awards given

Section D: ECONOMY & CORPORATE

RBI unveils mid-quarter Monetary Policy Review

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

Government approves Approach Paper for 12th Plan

England beat India in final ODI, win series 3-0

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

Govt seeks public comments on Draft Food Security Bill

India and UAE sign revised MoU on manpower

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011

For the Week: September 11 to 17, 2011