MARCH MONTH TOTALCURRENTAFFAIRS

Gandhi Peace Prize for 2013 bagged by Chandi Prasad Bhatt:

nvironmentalist and Gandhian Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt won Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013. He was awarded this prize on 28th February 2014. The jury for the prize met under the
chairmanship of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to finalize his name for this prestigious award. Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt was born in 1934 in UttarakhandShri Chandi Prasad Bhatt was
awarded with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982 for Chipko movementShri Chandi Prasad Bhatt also received Padma Bhushan in 2005. He is well known for his work on social
ecology.Gandhi Peace Prize was lauched on the occasion of 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 1995 by Government of India. It is very prestigious award carring an amount of 10 million
rupees, a citation and a Plaque. It is worth mentionting here that award is selected by a jury directly under the chairmanship of the Prime minister of India.This prize can be given to an
individual or an institution for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non voilence.
Kolar, Karnataka got approval to set up rail coach manufacturing unit:
As per the press notificaion of Government of India on 28th February 2014, The Union Cabinet gave its approval for setting up a new rail coach manufacturing unit at Kolar, Karnataka. This
new unit of rail coach manfacturing will be responsible of manufacturing of 500 coaches per annum at an estimated cost of Rs 1460.92 cr.(excluding cost of land) with active participation of
State Government. The Ministry of Railways will finance 50 percent of the cost and the Government of Karnataka shall provide the required land, free of cost as well as meet the remaining 50
percent of the project completion cost with escalation. Government of Karnataka will provide Land to the extent of about 1118.38 acres free of cost.The proposed plant shall help Indian
Railways in ensuring timely availability of passenger coaches to meet the increasing demands of passenger transportation.
Vice President released book entitled "Akbar: The Aesthete"
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari released a book on Mughal Miniatures entitled "Akbar : The Aesthete" on 28th February 2014 at India International Centre (IIC),
Delhi Book "Akbar : The Aesthete" is authored by acclaimed educationist & Principal, Janki Devi Memorial College, Dr. Indu AnandMeaning of Aesthete: A person who is appreciative of and
sensitive to art and beauty.
Important points about Abkar :
While writing this article I felt to write few more points about Akbar which you may find useful in gk. These are :
Akbar was a Mughal Emperor from 1556 to 1605. Akbar was son of Humayun Akbar was born on 14 October 1542
Akbar was succeeded by his son Jahangir
Workdays for tribals under MNREGA raised from 100 to 150
Union Government of India on 28 February 2014 raised the number of workdays under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
2005) from 100 days to 150 days. This hike in the workdays will benefit 14 lakh families in India and the decision Union Cabinet will come into effect from April 2014.
3rd March 2014:
a. Dubai tennis championship title won by Roger Federer
b. Union Cabinet cleared reservation for Jats community under OBC category
c. President rule imposed in Andra Pradesh
d. Oscar Awards announced
ICC under 19 World Cup 2014 won by South Africa
Dubai tennis championship title won by Roger Federer:

Dubai Tennis Championship single title won by Roger Federer on 1st March 2014 . He defeated Tomas Berdych by 3-6, 6-4,6-3 in the final. It is his 78th career title.Indo-Pak duo Aihsan ul
Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna also won the doubles title by defeating Daniel Nestor and N. Zimonjic 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
Important to note :
Roger Federer also defeated second seeded Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of this tournament. Roger Federer is from Switzerland.
Union Cabinet cleared reservation for Jats community under OBC category:
Union Cabinet cleared reservation for Jat community on 2nd March 2014. Reservation for Jat community was cleared under the central list of OBC (other backward castes quota) category
in nine northern states. It is expected reservation for Jat community will benefit approx nine crore people of this community. Jats were demanding same since a long time.
President rule imposed in Andra Pradesh:
As, The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent for Telangana, he also signed for President's rule in Andra Pradesh. As we are aware that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N
Kiran Kumar Reddy resigned on 19 February 2014 over Telangana issue thenafter Governor E S L Narasimhan recommended President Rule in the Andhra Pradesh State.
Important to note :According to the Article 356 of the constitution, if the President, on receipt of report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in
which the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, the President may declare the president rule in the state
Oscar Awards announced
Important Oscar Academy Awards 2014 Winners:
BEST PICTURE - 12 Years a Slave
BEST DIRECTOR - Alfonso Cuaron [Gravity
BEST ACTOR - Matthew McConaughey [Dallas Buyers Club]
BEST ACTRESS - Cate Blanchett [Blue Jasmine]
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY - Her [Spike Jonze]
 BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY - 12 Years a Slave [John Ridley]
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Lupita Nyongo [12 Years a Slave]
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Jared Leto [Dallas Buyers Club]
BEST ANIMATED FILM - Frozen
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - The Great Beauty [Italy]
ICC under 19 World Cup 2014 won by South Africa:
For the first time South Africa under-19 team has captured ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014. South Africa Under -19 team defeated former champions Pakistan by six wickets. Final of
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014 was held in Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Corbin Borsch of South Africa was declared as man of the match.
Important to note :*Captian of South African tean was Aiden Markram * Captian of Pakistan tean was Sami Aslam *In Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2014 India is on the 5th spot after South
Africa, Pakistan, England and Australia
4th March 2014
a) India orders bribery probe by CBI into Rolls-Royce deal
b) Retired SC judge K.T. Thomas refuses to head Lokpal search panel
c) Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat clinches German Open title
d) Jaswant Singh released his book India at Risk
e) Bill Gates is World's richest Billionaire in annual list of Forbes
f) Govt gives NSF status to Hockey India
India orders bribery probe by CBI into Rolls-Royce deal:
A CBI investigation was ordered by Union Defence Ministry on 3rd March 2014 to probe into the purchase of jet fighter engines from Britain's Rolls-Royce that worth 10000 crore rupees. The
Central Bureau of Investigation will look into more than Rs. 500 crores in alleged kickbacks in the deal. It was a deal of supplying engines to state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
between 2007 and 2011 by Rolls-Royce.
important points:Earlier, India on 1st January 2014 cancelled a 740 million US dollar (3600 crore rupees) contract with AgustaWestland following bribery allegations.
Retired SC judge K.T. Thomas refuses to head Lokpal search panel:
Retired judge of Supreme Court Mr. K.T.Thomas refused to head the Lokpal Committee Search panel. He refused on 3rd March 2014. Mr. K.T. Thomas claimed that panel constituted for
this purpose will not be albe to conduct an independent search as it is mandated to pick names only from a government drawn list. The eight-member search committee is mandated to prepare a
panel of persons to be considered by the Selection Committee headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for appointment of chairperson and members of Lokpal. Members of Lokpal
Committee Search panel were :
Justice K T Thomas,
Fali Nariman (senior advocate),
S.Y.Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner),
Meenakshi Gopinath (Principal, LSR College),
Mrinal Miri (Educationist),
Kaki Madhava Rao (ex-AP Chief Secretary) and
H.K. Dua (Rajya Sabha MP)
Important to note : Few days before senior Supreme Court lawyer Fali S Nariman also opted out of the search committee Mr. K.T. Thomas was unanimously chosen to head the
Search Panel by the Lokpal Selection Committee on 21st February 2014.Mr. K.T. Thomas was a judge in the apex court between March 29, 1996 to January 1, 2002.
Indian shuttler Arvind Bhat clinches German Open title:
India's shuttler and new fame Arvind Bhat clinched German Open Grand Prix title in Germany. Arvind Bhat defeated Hans-Kristian Vittinghus a Danish player by 24-22 19-21 21-11 in
Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany on 3rd March 2014, to won $120,000 prize money title.
Important to note : Arvind Bhat rank is 87th in the world,Arvind Bhat became first Indian ever to win this title,Pullela Gopichand lost in finals of German Open Grand Prix title in 1999
Jaswant Singh released his book India at Risk:
Former minister in the NDA government Mr. Jaswant Singh released a book entitled "India at Risk Mistakes, Misconceptions and Misadventures of security policy" on 3rd March 2014.This
book throws a light on several events that took place during his appointments as minister of external affairs and minister of defence. It also includes history event like Indo-China wars, the Indo-
Pak war, Kargil, the Emergency, etc.Jaswant Singh puts forth his opinion on crucial factors that will shape India this centuryfrom combating terrorism to a policy of non- proliferation, from
clear governance to diplomatic relations.
Important to note : Mr. Jaswant Singh is currently a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.This is his ninth term as a parliamentarian, across both houses.Mr. Jaswant Singh is the only Member of
Parliament to have simultaneously held the portfolios of the Minister of External Affairs and the Minister of Defence.
Bill Gates is World's richest Billionaire in annual list of Forbes:
Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates was back on top as the world's richest person. In Forbes 28th annual ranking which was released on 3rd March 2014 he was again on Top after four years.
Important to note :Gates has topped the list for 15 of the last 20 years. With a net worth of $76 billion, up from $67 billion in 2013, Gates moved up on top.WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and
Brian Acton join the ranks of Silicon Valley's wealthiest for the first time. Mukesh Amabani with a net worth of 18.6 billion dollars is richest in India.
Govt gives NSF status to Hockey India:
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 3rd March 2014 declared Hockey India as the sole body responsible towards promoting the sport in India. With this Hockey India has been accorded
with the status of a National Sports Federation (NSF) for governing the sport of hockey (both men and women) in India.As per the release of Union Sports Ministry, "Hockey India has been
made responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, regulation, control, promotion and development of the sports discipline".
Important to note : To be recognised as a National Sports Federation any institution or body needs to be recognised by its international body. Hockey India recognition was mandatory by
International Hockey Federation (FIH), as well as the Indian Olympic Association which it has fulfilled both these criterias, since 2009.
5th March 2014
a) South African cricket team Captain Graeme Smith announced retirement
b) R. Neelakantan appointed as CFO by SpiceJet
c) Lok Sabha elections to be held in 9 phases from 7 April 2014 - 12 May 2014
d) Post Office's hiked interest rate Fixed deposits by 0.2%
e) Myanmar hosted third BIMSTEC summit 2014
f) Sheila Dikshit appointed as the new Governor of Kerala
g) Assam observed Child Protection Day
h) Laxmi won International Women of Courage Award
South African cricket team Captain Graeme Smith announced retirement:
South African cricket team captain Graeme Smith announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the test match against Australia at Newlands. He announced it on 4th
March 2014.
Important to note : Graeme Smith is the longest serving captain for South Africa in international cricket. Till date Graeme Smith has played 197 one-day international matches, 33 T20
international matches and 117 test matchesGraeme Smith made his test debut in March 2002 against Australia in Cape Town.
R. Neelakantan appointed as CFO by SpiceJet:
SpiceJet Ltd, second largest low-cost carrier, appointed R Neelakantan as its chief financial officer (CFO) on 4th March 2014. R Neelakantan will be replacing Sam Isaac.
Important to note : R Neelakantan had served as CFO from November 2010 to February 2013 in SpiceJet Ltd so he is returning to the role after serving as the internal audit head at the parent
Sun Group.
SpiceJet Ltd also made other appointements :
Shilpa Bhatia as senior VP for sales and distribution,
Sudhakar Kondisetty as senior VP of information technology,
Fares Azeem Kilpady as VP and head of revenue management,
Anurag Jain as senior VP network planning and strategy development.
Lok Sabha elections to be held in 9 phases from 7 April 2014 - 12 May 2014:
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on 5th March 2014.The Election Commission said that elections will be held in nine phases
from April 7, 2014 to May 12, 2014.With this announcement the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect.
Important Dates of Lok Sabha Elections 2014 :
First Phase on 7 April 2014 - will cover five Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam and one in Tripura
Second Phase on 9 April 2014 - will cover seven constituencies spread over Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland
Third Phase on 10 April 2014 - will cover 92 constituencies of 14 states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
Fourth Phase on 12 April 2014 will cover five constituencies in three states including Assam will be covered
Fifth Phase on 17 April 2014 will cover 122 Lok Sabha seats of 13 states namely Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar
Sixth Phase on 24 April 2014 will cover 117 seats in 12 states namely including Assam, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh
Seventh Phase 30 April 2014 will cover 89 constituencies spread over nine states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
Eighth Phase on 7 May 2014 will cover 64 seats in states including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and West Bengal
Ninth Phase and end of the polls on 12 May 2014 will cover 41 constituencies in Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
Important to note : Counting will happen on 16 May 2014.These will be the 16th Lok Sabha elections of the country.
Post Office's hiked interest rate Fixed deposits by 0.2%:
Government of India on 4th March 2014 hiked the interest rates on fixed deposit scheme that is offered by post offices by up to 0.2 percent. These new interest rates will be effective from
1st April 2014 onwards.
After this hike :
Return on 1 to 2 years deposit hiked by 20 basis points from 8.2 percent to 8.4 percent
Return on 3-year maturities hiked from 8.3 percent to 8.4 percent
Return on for 5-year deposits - it has been raised to 8.5 percent
Myanmar hosted third BIMSTEC summit 2014:
Third BIMSTEC summit hosted by Myanmar concluded on 4th March 2014 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The Third BIMSTEC summit was attended by the heads from six countries and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Thailand, namely
Prime Minister of India - Manmohan Singh,
Prime Minister of Bangladesh - Sheikh Hasina,
Prime Minister of Nepal - Sushil Koirala,
President of Sri Lanka - Mahinda Rajapaksa,
Prime Minister of Bhutan - Tshering Tobgay,
President of Myanmar - Thein Sein
Following three pacts were signed :
Memorandum of Association on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Permanent Secretariat.
Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO).
Memorandum of Association among BIMSTEC Member Countries Concerning Establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate.
Important to note :
Full form of BIMSTEC : Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Sheila Dikshit appointed as the new Governor of Kerala
Former cheif minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit was appointed as Governor of Kerala on 4th March 2014. She has become 22nd Governor of Kerala. She will succeed Nikhil Kumar, a
former Delhi Police Commissioner who took over as the governor of Kerala in March 2013. Nikhil Kumar had given resignation to the President of India that has been accepted.
Important to note : Sheila Dikshit served as three times Delhi's chief minister from 1998 to 2013.
Assam observed Child Protection Day
Assam became the first state in the country to observe Child Protection Day on 4th March 2014. A central function was organized with the support of Assam State Commission for Protection
of Child Rights (ASCPCR) in collaboration with United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF).
Laxmi won International Women of Courage Award
Indian acid attack victim Laxmi was honoured with prestigious International Women of Courage Award on 4th March 2014. She received this prestigious award at the State Department
ceremony in Washington by first lady of US Michelle Obama. She got this award as she has fought hard to end acid attacks and also fighting legal cases for same.
Other than Laxmi, other awardess are :
Nasrin Oryakhil of Afghanistan,
Roshika Deo of Fiji,
Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze of Georgia,
Iris Yassmin Barrios Aguilar of Guatemala,
Fatimata Toure of Mali,
Maha Al Muneef of Saudi Arabia,
Oinikhol Bobonazarova of Tajikistan,
Ruslana Lyzhychko of Ukraine and
Beatrice Mtetwa and Zimbabwe.
6th March 2014
a) Indo-Nepal joint military exercise underway at Sailahandi
b) 64th National Basketball Championship concluded in New Delhi
c) NDMC announces special health scheme for women
d) National Cycling Academy inaugurated in New Delhi
e) In Quarter 3 of 2013-14 - Current Account Deficit declined to 0.9 percent of GDP
Indo-Nepal joint military exercise underway at Sailahandi
India and Nepal on 6 March 2014 started a joint military exercise which will end on 18 March 2014. This Indo-Nepal joint military exercise at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district of Nepal.Nepal
Army Major General Victor SJB Rana inaugurated this two week exercise. This exercise is named as Ex-Surya Kiran Drills VI.this excerise includes 250 personnel from Indian Army and 200
personnel from Nepal Army.
Important to note:The joint training between the armies of the two countries started following an agreement reached during the 7th India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security in
2011.
64th National Basketball Championship concluded in New Delhi
Delhi hosted 64th National Basketball Championship. This championship concluded on 5th March 2014 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The winners received one lakh
rupees, while the first and second runners-up received 75000 rupees and 50000 rupees respectively.
Harish Sharma Most Valuable Player Award :
Rikin Pethani of Tamil Nadu and Kavita Kumari of Chhattisgarh were awarded the Harish Sharma Most Valuable Player Award.
Important to note : Chhattishgarh emerged as winner of women's title beating Indian Railways 81-77.Tamil Nadu emerged as winner of men's title as they defeated Punjab 74-57 to win the
this title.
NDMC announces special health scheme for women:
New Health scheme named "Stri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna" was launched by North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) for women. This scheme was launchedon 6th March 2014. The
Scheme aims to bring services closer for those living in rural areas and unauthorized colonies.
Various health camps and mass awareness drives will be held under this scheme in various areas of North Delhi. Medical services will be provided through various hospitals, nodal centres and
mobile dispensaries marked for this scheme.
National Cycling Academy inaugurated in New Delhi
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Sports Authority of India National Cycling Academy (SAI NCA) at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New
Delhi on 5th March 2014.
The academy with complete back-up facilities has been set up following the decision taken in the 42nd meeting of the Governing Body of SAI. The academy would be financed by the
government initially, ultimately becoming self-sustaining in the long run.
The academy would cater to the identification and nurturing of talent at both sub-junior and junior levels and to the training of elite athletes for international/national competitions.
Apart from above said inauguration, the Youth Affairs and Sports Minister also launched a project to create swimming pools at three stadiums in the New Delhi, namely
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS)
Indira Gandhi Sports Complex (IGSC)
Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range
Project of creating swimming polls is having an estimated cose of 907.50 Lakhs.
In Quarter 3 of 2013-14 - Current Account Deficit declined to 0.9 percent of GDP
A Report on Developments in Indias Balance of Payments released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 5th March 2014. As per this report Current Account Deficit (CAD) reached to its lowest
in the past eight years.
In Quarter 3 (Oct-Dec) of 2013-2014 Current Account Deficit (CAD) declined to 0.9 Percent of Gorss Domestic Product (GDP).
What is Current Account Deficit (CAD) ? :
Current Account Deficit (CAD) is a measurement of a countrys trade in which the value of goods and services it imports exceeds the value of goods and services it exports.
7th March 2014
a) China to extend Tibet rail to town near Nepal border
b) Crimea Voted to become a part of the Russian Federation
c) China to increase its Military Budget by 12.2%
d) Priyadarshi Mohapatra appointed as Managing Director for India and SAARC by Avaya
e) Indian-American Scientist Anil Jain developed First 3D model of human fingerprint known as Phantom
China to extend Tibet rail to town near Nepal border
China announced on 6 March 2014 to extend the Qinghai-Tibet railway line to Xigaze in Tibet. Xigaze is hometown of Panchen Lama. The proposed extension is the worlds highest railway
line. The 253-km Lhasa-Xigaze railway line will be open before October 2014. It will run at 120 km per hour through valleys and over three bridges that run across the Brahmaputra River or
Yarlung Zangbo as it is known in China. China has also proposed extending the line from Shigatse to the border with Nepal. Through this extension China aimed to meet both political and
military goals.
Important to note : The Xigaze region borders India's Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan. The new extension line will make it easier for the China to carry men and machinery to the Indian border at
short notice.
Crimea Voted to become a part of the Russian Federation
Authorities in Crimea voted to accelerate secession from Ukraine and unanimously backed a law that declared the territory to be part of the Russian Federation on 6 March 2014. The cabinet
had decided to take the decision by referendum in 10 days. MPs of Crimea had voted by 78 votes to nil for the territory to leave Ukraine. A referendum on more autonomy for the region due on
30 March 2014 was brought forward to 16 March 2014. Now the residents had the option to unify the Black Sea peninsula with Russia.
Important to note : The Autonomous Republic of Crimea is an autonomous parliamentary republic within Ukraine and is governed by the Constitution of Crimea in accordance with the laws
of Ukraine.
China to increase its Military Budget by 12.2%
China announced on 5th March 2014, its biggest hike of 12.2 percent in defence budget. The hike of 12.2 percent will make the Chinese government spend 808.2 billion Yuan or 130 billion US
dollar in 2014-15 on defence. This is the biggest increase in three years.
Important to note : India in its Interim Union Budget 2014-15 allocated 224000 crore rupees or 37.15 billion dollar for the national defence. The allocation represents 9.98 percent increase
over the 2013-14 defence budget.
Priyadarshi Mohapatra appointed as Managing Director for India and SAARC by Avaya
Avaya has appointed Priyadarshi Mohapatra as its Managing Director (MD) for India and SAARC operations. He will be responsible for providing strategic direction to the India operations,
managing India business priorities, and enhancing Avaya's position as a leading business communications company.
About Priyadarshi Mohapatra : Mohapatra had join Avaya from SAP. He had joined SAP in 2008 and had held various leadership positions. Before SAP, Priyadarshi had worked for retail
practice for Sun Microsystems in India and previously co-founded, Oyzterbay, a venture capital funded jewellery chain.
Indian-American Scientist Anil Jain developed First 3D model of human fingerprint known as Phantom
On 6th March 2014, Indian-American scientist Anil Jain developed the first 3D model of a human fingerprint called Phantom. The development could boost the accuracy of fingerprint-
matching systems and improve security technology.
About Anil Jain : Anil Jain is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and at present is the lead computer scientist & Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University. He has six US patents on
fingerprint matching and has written a number of books on biometrics and fingerprint/facial recognition.

8th March 2014

a) Muslim Brotherhood declared as a Terrorist Organisation Saudi Arabia
b) RBI announced to set up a Committee to assist banking sector to apply Basel III norms
c) International Women Day celebrated across the world
d) Asha Kiran a health insurance cover for girl child announced by New India Assurance
Muslim Brotherhood declared as a Terrorist Organisation Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia declared Muslim Brotherhood, al-Nusra Front, Hezbollah and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) jihadist group as Terrorist Groups. This declaration was made by Saudi
Arabia on 7th March 2014.
Important to note : The move is expected to curb the activities of terror outfits and prevent the people from taking part in the conflict directly. The ban was described as a sign of the kingdom's
resolve to fight terrorism and to avoid direct consequence in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi interior ministry has gave 15 days to its citizens fighting abroad to return to the kingdom or face
imprisonment.
RBI announced to set up a Committee to assist banking sector to apply Basel III norms
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced to set up a committee under the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on 7th March 2014.
The committee would br responsible to set the guidelines for the banking sector to comply with Basel-III capital norms. The decision to set up this committee was taken in a sub-committee
meeting of FSDC which was chaired by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan.
Highlights :
i. The implementation of the non-legislative recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC)
ii. The issue of setting up a repository for providing investors with a single view of all financial asset classes.
iii. The ways to suggest the capital requirements of the banking sector over the next five years in view of the Basel-III regulations and requirements for supervisory capital.
iv. Issues of greater harmonisation of regulations across sectors for similar activities were also taken up.
v. Also, it discussed about ways for setting up an effective resolution regime for the financial sector.
International Women Day celebrated across the world
International Women Day was observed across the world on 8th March 2014. On this day all over the world the achievements of the women are celebrated.
Important to note:
8th March is observed as International Women Day every year.
International womens day is also called Working womens day.
The first International Women's Day was observed in 1911.
Asha Kiran a health insurance cover for girl child announced by New India Assurance
New India Assurance which is a Public sector general insurer announced an exclusive health insurance cover New India Asha Kiran for girl child. This policy was announced on 7th March
2014. New India Assurance cut health insurance rate for 50 per cent for the girl child.
Besides being cheaper, the girl child policy also provides a personal accident cover for parents. On occurrence of any accident to parent, the sum insured would be placed as a fixed deposit in
the names of the girl child.
The ASHA KIRAN policy has daily cash benefit on hospitalization, critical care benefit up to 10 per cent sum insured and emergency ambulance charges.
9th-10th March 2014
a) 68th Santosh Trophy of football clinched by Mizoram
b) President Conferred Stree Shakti Puruskar's 2013
c) Windham Campbell Literature Prize 2014 won by Indian Writer Pankaj Mishra
d) Indian-American student Kush sharma won spelling bee
 e) Virat Kohli on top position on ICC ODI batsmen rankings
f) New class of antibiotics discovered
g) Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Vice President of Afghanistan died
68th Santosh Trophy of football clinched by Mizoram
68th senior National football championship of Santosh Trophy was clinched by Mizoram. Mizoram defeated Railways with 3-0 score to get this title. Final match was played between
Mizoram and Railways on 9th March 2014 at Kanchenjungha Stadium in Siliguri, West Bengal.
From Mizoram side First and second goal was made by Zeco Zoram Sanga (captain of Mizoram), and Third goal was scored by Lalrin Puia.
Important to note :
Railways for the last time bagged Santosh Trophy in 1966 and since then (48 years) it has never won a single trophy.
Mizoram bagged 5 lakh rupees, while Railways as the runners-up got 3 lakh rupees.
President Conferred Stree Shakti Puruskar's 2013
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee conferred Stree Shakti Puruskar 2013 to six women in recognition of their achievements in New Delhi on 8th March 2014.
List of Awards :
Rani Lakshmibai Award for the year 2013 conferred to Manasi Pradhan from Odisha for her work in the field of womens empowerment.
Rani Rudramma Devi Award for the year 2013 conferred to Dr. M. Venkaiah from Andhra Pradesh for her contribution in the field of womens health.
Mata Jijabai Award for the year 2013 conferred to Bina Sheth Lashkari from Maharashtra for her achievement in the field of education and training.
Kannagi Award for the year 2013 conferred to T. Radha K. Prashanti from Andhra Pradesh for her achievement in the field of providing support to orphans, visually impaired,
handicapped and destitute women.
Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award for the year 2013 conferred to Dr. Vartika Nanda from Delhi for creating awareness on womens issues through media.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award for the year 2013 conferred to Dr. Seema Sakhare form Maharashtra for contribution in the field of womens rights, gender issues, legal counseling and
institutional support to women and girls.
Important to note :
These awards are awarded to the women who have done work in any of following :
Support and rehabilitation of women and children in especially
Difficult circumstances like destitute women and children, widows, victims of atrocities and conflicts, disabled women and children, aged women etc.
Education and training
Promoting self help groups
Support to women in agriculture and rural industry, including promotion of technology to reduce drudgery
Environment protection
Empowerment of women for community and political participation
Health, including through propagation of indigenous systems of medicine
Creating awareness and consciousness on women's issues through the arts, media (including electronic and mass media), community bases programmes and others
Selection Criteria for these awards :
The nominee should be alive on the date of nomination and be above the age of 30 years of age
The nominee should have been working in the relevant field for at last five years
The achievement of the nominee in the relevant field should be clearly documented
The achievement of the nominee should be verifiable and subject to objective appraisals
Preference should be given to women who have come up in life after a great deal of struggle and adversity
Windham Campbell Literature Prize 2014 won by Indian Writer Pankaj Mishra
Windham Campbell Literature Prize 2014 in non-fiction category was bagged by Indian writer Pankaj Mishra on 9th March 2014. Pankaj Mishra is an Indian essayist, memoirist, travel writer
and novelist. The award was announced by The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale.
As this news is among International Current Affairs , he has made India proud on international level.
Important to note :
Pankaj Mishra won 150000 dollar Yale University prize. Also seven other writers won this value.
All eight writers will accept the prize in person at a ceremony at Yale on 15th September 2014.
Indian-American student Kush sharma won spelling bee
One more news among International Current Affairs emerged related to India, as Kush Sharma an Indian-American student won spelling bee competition in US. Kush sharma is 13 years old
student. He won the National Spelling Bee Competition in the US in a verbal duel at Kansas City Public Library, Missouri. He defeated Sophia Hoffman a 11 year old student.
Important to note :
 Earlier among International Current Affairs in 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee was won by Arvind Mahankali a student of New York.
Virat Kohli on top position on ICC ODI batsmen rankings
By gaining 12 points during the Asia Cup by scoring 189 runs in three innings with 136 against Bangladesh Virat Kohli on 9th March 2014 reclaimed the number one position in the ICC
Player Rankings for ODI Batsmen.
New class of antibiotics discovered
Among the current international news, Scientists have discovered a new class of antibiotics to fight deadly bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA and other
drug-resistant bacteria. The new class, called oxadiazoles, was discovered by University of Notre Dame researchers led by Mayland Chang and Shahriar Mobashery in silico screening .
MRSA has become a global public-health problem since the 1960s because of its resistance to antibiotics, so it was a keen subject for reseachers.
Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Vice President of Afghanistan died
Vice President of Afghanistan Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim died on 9th March 2014 due to natural causes. He was 57.
He had been a top commander in the Northern Alliance, a group of anti-Taliban militia leaders, after the 1992-96 civil war.
Important to note :
Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim was appointed defence minister in 2002. He also served as a vice president from 2002-2004.
Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim returned as senior vice-president in the 2009 election.
11th March 2014
a) Author of Fatal Vision - Joe McGinniss, died
b) India to provide 5000 crore rupees Assistance Package to Bhutan
c) Festival of India organised in Vietnam
d) Finisih trial of lawmakers within one year: Supreme Court deadline for lower courts
e) New Zealand to hold referendum on changing the National Flag
f) Sheila Dikshit took oath as Kerala Governor
g) Heena Sidhu and Chain Singh bagged Gold at 7th Asian Air Gun Championship
h) World's largest aircraft unveiled
Author of Fatal Vision - Joe McGinniss, died
An author of nonfiction and novels, Joe McGinniss died on 10th March 2014 at UMass, Massachusetts. He was 71years old.
Important to note :
Few important books by him which were part of international current affairs :
In 1969 at the age of 26 he wrote, The Selling of the President 196. The book closely looked at campaigning and marketing of Presidential Candidate, Richard M Nixon
In 1983 he authored Fatal Vision that focused on the murder case of former Green Beret doctor Jeffrey MacDonald
In 1980 he wrote Going to Extremes, that is on the reality of life in Alaska
In 2010, he wrote his last a book entitled The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin
India to provide 5000 crore rupees Assistance Package to Bhutan
India will provide development assistance of Rs.5,000 crore to Bhutan over the next five years, a joint statement said after Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay met Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday, which is also important among International Current Affairs. According to the joint statement, India's assistance package for Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan
(July 1, 2013-June 30, 2018) was agreed upon at the meeting between the two prime ministers. "India will contribute Rs.4,500 crore towards Bhutan's 11th Plan, as well as Rs.500 crore towards
an economic stimulus package," said the statement.
"Government of India reiterated its commitment to Bhutan's socio-economic development. The two countries agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations," a joint statement
said after the talks.
Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay also met President Pranab Mukherjee.
Festival of India organised in Vietnam
A 10 day long event started from 5th March 2014 named as Festival of India took place in Vietnam. It showcases classical dance recital, Buddhist festival, folk dance, food, toga and mehendi.
The event has been organised in three cities of Vietnam namely Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Important to note :
The festival was organised by Embassy of India and the Ministry of Culture of India in coordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other agencies.
Finisih trial of lawmakers within one year: Supreme Court deadline for lower courts
Among the important current affairs, Supreme Court of India on 10th March 2014 directed the lower courts to complete trial in cases that involves lawmakers. Supreme Court of India has fixed
a deadline of one year for framing charges against them. Supreme Court has also asked the lower courts to expedite the proceedings against sitting MPs and MLAs in criminal cases. The Court
has also said that if in case the trial is not completed within a year than the trial courts will have to give explanation for not completion to Chief Justice of the respective High Court.

Important to note :
This direction was given following the PIL as the trial of these lawmakers is pending for years and this delay in framing charges allows them to enjoy membership of the legislative body
although they have been charged in different offences.
New Zealand to hold referendum on changing the National Flag
Among the important international current affairs, Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key on 10th March 2014 announced the plan to hold a referendum on changing the National Flag by
2017.
The decision to hold referendum on changing National Flag was taken in lieu of many citizens feeling that it is a relic from the colonial past.
Important to note :
The current flag depict the Southern Cross star constellation and includes Britain's Union Jack in the top left corner.
Sheila Dikshit took oath as Kerala Governor
Former Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit took oath as the Governor of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram on 11th March 2014, which among important current affairs. The oath was
administered to her by the Kerala High Courts Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur.
She was appointed at the post of the state's governor on 4th March 2014. She has succeeded Nikhil Kumar. Her appointment to the post came following resignation of Nikhil Kumar.
Heena Sidhu and Chain Singh bagged Gold at 7th Asian Air Gun Championship
There is a good news in sports current affairs for India as Shooters Heena Sidhu and Chain Singh have clinched gold medals in 7th Asian Air Gun Championship, Kuwait.
Important to note :
At present Heena is the world record holder in finals with a score of 203.8 at ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany in 2013.
Heena Sidhu is the third Indian shooter after Anjali Bhagwat and Gagan Narang to win in the Rifle World Cup Finals in 2013.
World's largest aircraft unveiled
World Longest aircraft Airlander or HAV304 was unveiled at Cardington in Bedfordshire, Britain in the first week of March, which is a noticable news among International Current Affairs.
Important to note :
Aircraft Airlander has been manufactured by the Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV).
The aircraft is 302 feet long and is a hybrid aircraft.
The airship is capable of flying non-stop for three weeks without refuelling and will travel across the difficult terrain throughout the world as well as deliver aid to risky areas.
The low carbon ship is about 70 per cent more environmentally friendly than a cargo plane as it is filled with inert helium.
It is capable to transport up to 50 tonnes of freight and passengers.
12th March 2014
a) Michelle Bachelet sworn-in as President of Chile
b) Former SC Judge Srikrishna appointed as Chairman of FPSB
c) India's exports contracted 3.67 percent in February 2014
d) India and United States Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi
e) European Commission announced loan worth 11 billion euro to Ukraine
Michelle Bachelet sworn-in as President of Chile
Michelle Bachelet was sworn-in as the President of Chile on 11th March 2014 in Valparaiso. Which is among major international current affairs news. Michelle Bachelet is 62 years old. She
succeeded the conservative President Sebastian Pinera.
In the Presidential election conducted in December 2013, Michelle won 62 percent of the vote in the second round against the 38 percent vote won by the conservative leader Evelyn Matthei.
Former SC Judge Srikrishna appointed as Chairman of FPSB
Justice (Retd.) BN Srikrishna was appointed as the Chairman of Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) on 11th March 2014.
He will succeed Dhirendra Swarup. Justice (Retd.) BN Srikrishna is a retired judge of Supreme Court and has served as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court.
He has also served as the Chairman of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) set up in March 2011 by the Union Ministry of Finance. He also headed the Sixth Central
Pay Commission set up by the Union Government on 5 October 2006.
India's exports contracted 3.67 percent in February 2014
In February 2014 Indias exports have contracted by 3.67 percent to 25.7 billion dollars (159858.16 crore rupees). This contraction is the first in past eight months. Imports of the country also
have fell by 17.09 percent to 33.8 billion dollars (210451.11 crore rupees) during the month. This fall in imports and exports has resulted in narrowing the trade deficit to a dive-month low of
8.1 billion dollars.

Important to note :
The trade deficit during April-February 2013-14 was estimated at 128086.26 million US dollars, which was lower than the deficit of 179929.64 million US dollar during April-February 2012-
13.
India and United States Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi
From 5th March 2014 to 11th March 2014 India and United States Energy dialogue was held in New Delhi. This was co-chaired by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the
Planning Commission, and Dr. Ernest Moniz, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy.
At the India-US Energy Dialogue India and United States agreed to promote scientific cooperation, research & development for greater technological innovation and for deployment of
environmentally friendly technologies and products.
European Commission announced loan worth 11 billion euro to Ukraine
In another international current affair, European Commission announced 11 billion euro package of loans and grants for Ukraine on 12th March 2014. The assistance is aimed to put economy of
Ukraine back on track.
The assistance will be discussed by European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels on 13 March 2014, and requires widespread reforms by the new Ukrainian government and the signing of a
deal between Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund.
March 13
a) IPL 2014 to be held in three countires - UAE, Bangladesh and India
b) NALCO appointed Soma Mondal as director
c) Nagaland and Assam first states to be issued with Plastic Photo Identity Cards
d) 4.4 billion dollar deal inked between Spice jet and Boeing
e) World Kidney Day observed on 13th March
f) CBI probe ordered by IRDA for ICICI Lombard alleged fraud in Government Schemes
IPL 2014 to be held in three countires - UAE, Bangladesh and India
As per a release from BCCI on 12th March 2014, IPL tournament will be held in three countries - United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh and India from 16th April 2014 to 1st
June 2014. So IPL 2014 will be played in three phases accordingly.
Decision for matches outside India was taken due to polls in India. In India mathes and playoffs will be played from 13th May 2014 to 1st June 2014, so cricket fans can buy IPL
tickets accordingly, although no matches will be conducted on the day of counting of the polls on 16 May 2014.
Important to note :
Do you know who is chairman on IPL ?
Answer : Ranjib Biswal.
NALCO appointed Soma Mondal as director
Navratna Public Sector Unit (PSU) National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) got a new director (commercial) - Soma Mondal. Soma Mondal is first woman director of NALCO.
She was appointed as director of NALCO on 12th March 2014. Soma Mondal joined Nalco in 1984 as a Graduate Engineer Trainee.
Important to note :
National Aluminium Company Ltd. (Nalco) is a public sector enterprise of the Government of India. It was incorporated in 1981 to exploit a part of the large deposits of bauxite
discovered in the East Coast.
Nagaland and Assam first states to be issued with Plastic Photo Identity Cards
Nagaland and Assam became the first two states to be issued with Plastic Photo Identity Card for elections in India. Deputy Election commissioner Sudhir Tripathi in Kohima
announced this on 12th March 2014.
The voters of Nagaland and Assam will be using the cards for the first time in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Election commission decided to provide plastic Electors Photo
Identity Card (EPIC) instead of laminated paper card to voters in India to avoid duplication and forgery.
4.4 billion dollar deal inked between Spice jet and Boeing
At the inauguration of India Aviation 2014 in Hyderabad, Spice Jet and Boeing Company signed a deal worth 4.4 billion dollar which in terms of rupees is 26000 Crore.
The Spice Jet placed the order for 42 Next Generation 737 MAX8 aircraft and the aircrafts will be delivered in 2018. The 737 MAX8 (737-800) is 14 percent more fuel efficient
compared with its 737 planes. 737 MAX8 has pleasing effect, bigger wings and new engine.
World Kidney Day observed on 13th March
World Kidney Day was observed across globe on 13th March 2014.
Important to note :
The first World Kidney Day started in 2006. It is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
CBI probe ordered by IRDA for ICICI Lombard alleged fraud in Government Schemes
The IRDA on 12th March 2014 ordered a CBI probe into alleged fraud in government-sponsored insurance schemes. The schemes were sponsored by ICICI Lombard Insurance which
was meant for the poor.

These four government-sponsored insurance schemes were :

o Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana,
o Weather Insurance Scheme,
o Shetkari Apghati Durghatana Bima Yojana,
o Panjikrut Kishan Durghatana Bima Yojana and
o Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.
Important to note :
 Full Form of IRDA : Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
14th March 2014
a) New Election Law approved by Syrian lawmakers
b) Nandan Nilekani resigned as chairman of UIDAI
c) Trade transaction limit hiked from 2 Lakh to 5 Lakh by RBI
d) Asian Grand Prix - Indian archers win 2 gold, one silver
New Election Law approved by Syrian lawmakers
Among the imortant international current affairs, Syrian lawmakers unanimously approved a new election law on 13th march 2014. This new law which was passed in parliament of Syria will
allow multiple candidates to run for the post of President.
This passage of the law has opened the doors for other contenders apart from President Bashar Assad. Only that candidates will be eligible to run for Presidential election who have lived in
Syria for minimum of 10 consecutive years so this law prevents exiled opposition leaders from running against President Bashar al-Assad.
Important to note :
The Presidential polls will be held between 60 and 90 days before the end of term of Bashar Assad.
Bashar Assad's seven-year term in the office of the President will officially come to an end on 17 July 2014.
Nandan Nilekani resigned as chairman of UIDAI
Infosys co-founder Mr. Nandan Nilekani resigned as Chairman of UIDAI three days after joining congress. He will be contesting Lok Sabha polls from Banglore south. He has submitted his
resignation to Prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Important to note :
Full form of UIDAI : Unique Identification Authority of India.
Mr. Nilekani will be fighting against five-time BJP MP Ananth Kumar in south Banglore.
Aadhar is a 12 digit individual identification number issued by the UIDAI on behalf of the Government of India under Aadhar Programme.
Aadhar programme comes under the Planning Commission headed by the Prime Minister.
Trade transaction limit hiked from 2 Lakh to 5 Lakh by RBI
This is important news among banking current affairs that, RBI has hiked the trade related remittance limit from Rs 2 Lakh to 5 Lakh per transaction with immediate effect.
RBI decided to increase the limit of trade transactions on a review of the permitted transactions under the Rupee Drawing Arrangements (RDAs). These changes have been included in
Memorandum of Instructions for Opening and Maintenance of Rupee/Foreign Currency Vostro Accounts of Non-resident Exchange Houses.
Meanwhile, RBI said the government has notified the repurchase of its securities through reverse auction for an aggregate amount of Rs 15,000 crore (face value).
Asian Grand Prix - Indian archers win 2 gold, one silver
In the ongoing 1st Asian Grand Prix Archery Championships at Bangkok Indian archers clinched 2 gold and 1 silver medals in the team events on 13th March 2014.
The women compound team included Gagandeep Kaur, V Jyothi Surekha and P Lily Chanu won gold.
In the Mens Recurve, the team of Jayanta Talukdar, Tarundeep Rai and Kapil won gold.
Indian team of Abhishek Verma, Sandeep Kumar and Rajat Chouhan won silver in the Mens compound section.
Important to note :
1st Asian Archery Grand Prix 2014 (World Ranking) is being organised in Bangkok from 10 March to 16 March 2014. The event has been organised following the World Archery Rules for
2012 in both divisions Recurve and Compound.
15th March 2014
a) Astronomers discovered largest ever yellow hypergiant star - HR 5171 A
b) Former President and leader of Sierra Leone Ahmad Tejan Kabbah died
c) ONGC, OIL buy 10% government stake in IOC
d) GK Pillai resigned as MCX-SX chairman
e) Cricketer of the Generation - SACHIN TENDULKAR
f) Czech Catholic priest Tomas Halik wins $1.83 million Templeton Prize
Astronomers discovered largest ever yellow hypergiant star - HR 5171 A
A hypergaint star which is 1300 times wider than wider than the sun has discovered. This is the biggest yellow star ever spotted. It is named as HR 5171. This star is 12,000 light years away.
The star was studied by a team lead by Oliver Chesneau of the Cote d'Azur Observatory in Nice, France with the Very Large Telescope in Atacama, Chile. This star can be about one million
times brighter than the Sun.
About a dozen of such yellow stars are known in our galaxy of which the most famous known is Rho Cassiopeiae.
Former President and leader of Sierra Leone Ahmad Tejan Kabbah died
Former President and leader of Sierra Leone, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah died on 13 March 2014 in Freetown at the age of 82. He had played a great role in gaining peace to the country after 11 year
long civil war. He was elected as President in 1996 after long military rule. In less than a year, due to a military coup by Revolutionary United Front (RUF), he fled to Guinea and formed
government-in-exile. He returned in 1998 and was successful in establishing peace in the Sierra Leone with the help of United Nations. He was again elected in 2002 and ruled the country till
2007.
ONGC, OIL buy 10% government stake in IOC
State run upstream ONGC and OIL on 14th March 2014 together bought 10% government stake in IOC. By this government shareholding in IOC has been reduced to 68.92 percent from 78.92
percent. The aim of this deal was to encourage the disinvestment programme by the government of India.
An empowered group of ministers headed by finance minister P Chidambaram had last month agreed to sell stake in IOC to oil majors after petroleum and oil ministry opposed a stock market
offer at depressed prices.
Important to note :
Full form of ONGC : Oil and Natural Gas Corp
Full form of OIL : Oil India Limited
Full form of IOC : Indian Oil Corp
ONGC already had 8.77 percent share in IOC which has been increased to 13.77 percent now.
GK Pillai resigned as MCX-SX chairman
On 14th March 2014, GK Pillai resigned as Chairman of MCX-SX. Current Vice Chairman and former LIC Chairman, Thomas Mathew T was elected as new Chairman and Ashima Goyal was
elected as Vice Chairperson by the Board members.
"It was a wonderful experience to work with the team and I am stepping down due to personal reasons," said an exchange press release, quoting Pillai.
Cricketer of the Generation - SACHIN TENDULKAR
So a current affair for all the cricket fans and specially for the fans of Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar was voted as Cricketer of the Generation by a 50 member jury on 14th March 2014.
Jury was comprised of current and former cricketers and journalists. Shane Warne and Jacques Kallis were also in the race for this but eventually Sachin emerged as winner.
The award ceremony was organised in Mumbai to honour the most outstanding cricketer between the years 1993 and 2013. Award was given on the occasion of seventh annual ESPNcricinfo
Awards.
Czech Catholic priest Tomas Halik wins $1.83 million Templeton Prize
Czech priest Tomas Halik won the Templeton Prize for 2014. He was given this award on 13th March 2014 and under the award he will receive $1.83 million. Tomas Halik won this prize for
his work affirming the spiritual dimension of life.
Important to note :
Templeton Prize honours a person who has contributed to "affirming life's spiritual dimension" through insights, discoveries or practical work.
The first winner of Templeton was Mother Teresa in 1973.
Dalai Lama also got this prize in 2012.
16th-18th March 2014
a) Novak Djokovic won Indian Wells title
b) Paris Imposes Partial Driving Ban to fight pollution
c) Putin signs decree recognizing Crimea as independent state
d) European Parliament passed a law to introduce a Universal Mobile Device Charger
e) Indian Oil to build 30000 crore rupees refinery in Gujarat
f) Vijay Hazare Trophy 2013-14 bagged by Karnataka
Novak Djokovic won Indian Wells title
On 16th March 2014, International sports current affairs get one more news as Novak Djokovic won BNP Paribas Open Final in Indian Wells ATP Tennis Masters in California by defeating
Roger Federer. He won by 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.
Both were strong contenders as Djokovic lost to Federer in the semi finals of the Dubai tennis championship earlier.
Important to note :
Italian Flavia Pennetta won Women's Single Title.
Women's doubles title won by top seeded Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng Shuai by defeating fifth seeds Cara Black and Sania Mirza.
Paris Imposes Partial Driving Ban to fight pollution
France on 17 March 2014 introduced driving restrictions in Paris to tackle dangerous pollution levels. Under the scheme drivers are allowed to use their cars only on alternate days, according
to the odd or even numbers on their licence plates.
Paris is more prone to smog than other European capitals because of France's diesel subsidies and its high number of private car drivers.
Well, we can say it is good move to combat the pollution and it adds one more current affair in internatioal current affairs as we may get asked in some exam that which country introduced
driving restrictions, then we should be aware that answer is France :)
Putin signs decree recognizing Crimea as independent state
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin signed a decree that recognises Crimea as a sovereign state.This decree was signed on 17th March 2014, which is very important international current
affair.
The signed decree said that Russia has taken into account the referendum of 16 March 2014 of Crimea in which about 97 percent of the voters backed breaking away from Ukraine. Crimean
residents voted in support of seceding, seeking to join Russia.
Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine on 17 March 2014 declared itself as an independent state. On the other hand, the deputy Prime Minister of Crimea has announced that the region has set up a new
central bank, which is expecting to get 30 million US dollars in support from Russia.
Although it is also important to be aware that referendum of Crimea has been rejected by the European Union and the US. They said this referendum as violation of both Ukrainian sovereignty
and international norms and imposed sanctions on 21 officials from Russia and Ukraine.
Important to note :
Meaning of Decree : an official order that has the force of law.
European Parliament passed a law to introduce a Universal Mobile Device Charger
Other important international current affair is that European Parliament passed a law to develop a common charger for all mobile phones sold in the continent of Europe. This law was passed
on on 17th March 2014. European Parliament had amended its radio equipment laws to develop a common charger for all mobile phones.
It will be good for both the consumers and the environment. It will help reducing 51000 tonnes of electronic waste annually [Good thinking]. It was expected that the universal charging
configuration would come into force by 2017.
Indian Oil to build 30000 crore rupees refinery in Gujarat
IOC (Indian Oil Corp) announced to set up 30000 crore rupees refinery at Mundra in Gujarat. This refinery is will be of 15 million tones capacity. This announcement was made by IOC on 17th
March 2014. The plant is scheduled to come up by 2021-22. The Adani Groups offered land to IOC to set up refinery at Mundra.
A coastal refinery would enable IOC to ship in larger quantities of heavier grades of crude oil, which are cheaper because they are more difficult to process into fuels. All the refineries of IOC
are landlocked.
Also, IOC is planning to expand few of its refineries to achieve the 100 million tones target.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2013-14 bagged by Karnataka
Karnataka won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2013-14. Karnataka defeated Railways by four wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 16th March 2014 to bag this title. Railways scored 157 in
47.4 overs whereas Karnataka scored 158 in 43 over for six wickets. Abhimanyu Mithun was named as the man of the match for picking up 4 wickets for 19 runs.
Important to note :
Karnataka for the first time won the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Karnataka won the Ranji and Irani Cup champion and this is the third consecutive tournament win. [Team is in full form :)]
Vijay Hazare Trophy was started in 2002-03.
19th March 2014
o UNSC extended mandate of UNAMA till March 2015
b) Russia suspended from G-8 Countries Club
UNSC extended mandate of UNAMA till March 2015
The UN Security Council on 17 March 2014 extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year until 17 March 2015. The mandate is
focused on local ownership and leadership regarding security, governance and development in Afghanistan.
As per a release issued by UNSC, the 15-member council during the New York meeting unanimously adopted a resolution saying that the mission would continue to lead and coordinate
international civilian efforts in Afghanistan, that includes support for 2014 Presidential election on 5 April 2014, the 2015 Parliamentary elections and future electoral processes.
Important to note :
The United Nations Council in 2002 adopted a resolution in form of mission to help Afghanistan to achieve peace and development. The resolution in form of UNAMA was scheduled to come
to an end on 19 March 2014 but this meet has extended the period to 17 March 2015.
Russia suspended from G-8 Countries Club
As Vladimir Putin signed a treaty making Crimea a part of Russia, Russia has been suspended from Club of G-8 nations. As we are aware the Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a treaty
making Crimea a part of Russia despite international objections.
Important to note :
G-8 countries :
France, Germany Italy japan UnitedKingdom USA[suspended now]
20th March 2014
a) Renowned Author and Journalist Khushwant Singh died
b) SEBI issued new norms to ease KYC details for investors
c) Aditi Khanna became first women President of IJA
d) New Molecule HSP90 discovered
Renowned Author and Journalist Khushwant Singh died
Renowned Author and Journalist Khushwant Singh died at the age of 99 on 20th March 2014. He was very well known for his witty, fearless writings. Mr Khushwant Singh was born on 2nd
Feb, 1915, in Hadali [Now in Pakistan].
He was confered with Padma Bhushan [1974] and Padma Vibhushan [2007] by government of India.
His autobiography, "Truth, Love and a Little Malice", was published by Penguin Books in 2002.
Few of his writings are "Train to Pakistan", "I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale" and "Delhi - A Novel". At the age of 95 he wrote The Sunset Club.
SEBI issued new norms to ease KYC details for investors
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a new set of norms to ease the process of Making Know Your Client (KYC) for investors on 20 March 2014. This will allow various
market entities like brokers and Mutual Funds to get details from the centralized KYC agencies, instead of carrying out a fresh KYC verification procedure.
This facility will allow the market intermediary to access the centralized KYC Registration Agency system in the case the client is already KYC complaint to verify and download the clients
details from the Agency's system.
Important to note :
KRA is the institution that maintains the KYC details of the investor and the wholly-owned subsidiaries of stock exchanges and depositories are eligible to act as KRA.
Aditi Khanna became first women President of IJA
On 20th March 2014, Aditi Khanna was unanimously elected as President of Indian Journalist's Association (IJA). She was elected in London.
The most important to note about this current affair is : Aditi Khanna is first women President of IJA in 67 years of history.
Aditi Khanna is the London based correspondent for the Press Trust of India.
Rupanjana Dutta, the Associate Editor of Asian Business Publication was appointed as its general secretary of IJA.
Important to note :
Indian Journalist's Association (IJA) was set up in May 1947.
New Molecule HSP90 discovered
A new molecule Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) with potential to kill malaria parasite was discovered in the second week of March 2014. The new discovery could help in effective treatment of
malaria. The discovery was made by the researchers from the University of Geneva led by Didier Picard.
21st March 2014
a) Deputy Governor of RBI KC Chakrabarty resigns
b) Ibibogroup acquires bus tracking platform yourbus.in
c) Five Indian Languages To Be Official Subjects In South African Schools
d) RBI issued notice to banks about Windows XP
e) Indian Journalist Shubhranshu Choudhary bagged 'Digital activism award'
Deputy Governor of RBI KC Chakrabarty resigns
Dr KC Chakrabarty, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India resigned on 20 March 2014. His resignation came three months ahead of the completion of his term due to personal
reasons. Dr KC Chakrabarty was appointed as RBI Deputy Governor for a three year term on 15th June, 2009 and was subsequently given a two year extension. His extended term was to come
to end on June 15, 2014 but he resigned earlier.
Important to note : RBI as its official Directors have a Governor and four Deputy Governors.
After the resignation of Dr KC Chakrabarty, now two posts of deputy governor of RBI are vacant. Earlier, on 20th Jan 2014 Mr. Anand Sinha retired from the position of Deputy Governor of
RBI.
Ibibogroup acquires bus tracking platform yourbus.in
Online travel company and an e-Commerce firm ibiboGroup on 20th March 2014 announced to acquire Bangalore based startup YourBus.in. It will give it more strength in the field of bus
travelling space. YourBus.in is an online GPS-based bus tracking and analytics platform. YourBus is functional in 200 buses and is already integrated with redBus mobile and web applications.
YourBus was founded in 2011 by Rajesh Mallipeddi and Satya Padmanabham. Both are BITS-Pilani graduates. YourBus application shows the real time location of buses smartphones.
Important to note : Eariler redbus.in was also aquired by ibiboGroup
Five Indian Languages To Be Official Subjects In South African Schools
Five Indian languages were again started in South African Schools, which were discontinued in 1994.
These languages are :
Hindi, Tmail Gujarat Marathi urdu
These languages were offered as official subjects in schools of South Africa until 1994. These languages will be offered to students as optional third language.
In this regard the circular was issued to schools in South Africa on 20th March 2014.
RBI issued notice to banks about Windows XP
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued notice to banks on 19th March 2014 to take measures as Microsoft has announced discontinuation of Windows XP from 8th April 2014. Microsoft will
not be giving any support for XP after 8th April 2014. So after that there will be no updates and patches for Window XP. As many banks or ATMS are using window xp they are issued a notice
by RBI to take appropriate measures.
Important to note : Windows XP came in market in 2001 and it is product of Microsoft.
Indian Journalist Shubhranshu Choudhary bagged 'Digital activism award'
Indian Journalist Shubhranshu Choudhary bagged prestigious award 'Digital Activism Award' 2014.
The Award is conferred every year by a London based organization called Index Freedom of Expression. He got this award for his CGNET SWARA project. Journalist Shubhranshu
Choudhary's used internet and mobile phone networks to get the voices of tribals from deep inside of forests of Chhattisgarh across the world in Gondi Language.
The jury chooses from among the bravest of journalists, artists, campaigners and digital innovators, the world over and among the four categories only the Digital Activism Award is judged
through public voting online.
Important to note : American whistleblower Edward Snowden was also a contender for this award.
22nd March 2014
a) Former Brazilian footballer Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini died
b) G D Birla Award 2013 bagged by Physicist Rajesh Gopakumar
c) Government of India divested its 9 percent stake in Axis Bank
d) World Water Day observed across the Globe on 22nd March
Former Brazilian footballer Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini died
On 21st March 2014 former Brazilian international footballer Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini passed away. Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini was 83 years old.
Bellini played for three clubs in his career and enjoyed spells with Vasco da Gama and Sao Paulo before finishing with Atletico Paranaense.
Important to note :
Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini was the captain of the team when Brazil won the first World Cup in 1958 in Sweden. There is a statue in his honour in the pose outside the Maracana stadium in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
G D Birla Award 2013 bagged by Physicist Rajesh Gopakumar
A theoritical Physicist Mr Rajesh Gopakumar bagged prestigious G D Birla award for scientific research for 2013. He is working at the Harish Chandra Research Institute in Allahabad. He got
this award for his contribution in the Quantum Field Theory and String Theory. Mr Rajesh Gopakumar was born on 14th December 1967 and is 46 years old.
Important to note :
The G D Birla award for scientific research was instituted in 1991 by K K Birla Foundation to recognise significant scientific research undertaken by Indian scientists below the age of 50 and
working in India.
The G D Birla award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a citation.
Government of India divested its 9 percent stake in Axis Bank
The Government of India divested its 9 percent stake in Axis Bank on 21 March 2014.
Through SUUTI, Government of India disposed 42.26 million shares or 9 percent of Axis Banks share capital.
Important to note :
SUUTI : Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India
Axis Bank is the third largest private sector bank of India in which Government of India holds 20.7 percent share by assets.
World Water Day observed across the Globe on 22nd March
World Water Day was observed on 22 March 2014 across the globe with the theme Water and Energy to raise awareness of the inter-linkages between water and energy. World Water Day is
observed for awareness to preserve the water.
Friends we know Earth is covered with more 70% by water. But fresh water is only 2.5%, from which 70 per cent is frozen in both the polar caps, so at the end we have very small percentage of
drinking water with us.
Important to note :
In 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) recommended to celebrate an international day of freshwater. The UN General Assembly accepted the
recommendation of UNCED and celebrated first World Water Day on 22 March 1993
23-24th March 2014
a) Syrian military jet shot down by Turkey for violating airspace
b) Book "Rationalised Roman for Kashmiri" released
c) Indian first ever truck racing championship won by Stuart Oliver
d) Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards conferred by President
e) First elected Prime Minister of Spain Adolfo Suarez passed away
f) Assam Government proposed trimming of Rhinos horn
g) Ebola virus detected in Guinea victims
Syrian military jet shot down by Turkey for violating airspace
Among the important International Current Affairs, Turkey shot down military jet of Syria for airspace violation. The Syrian jet was shot down by Turkish F-16 fighter jet.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that the Syrian plane was shot following violation of Turkish airspace. But Syria had accused Turkey that the plane was over the Syrian
territory when it was shot.
Important to note : Turkey and Syria share more than 500 miles (800km) of border.
Book "Rationalised Roman for Kashmiri" released
Book "Rationalised Roman for Kashmiri" was released on 23rd March 2014. This book is written by Dr R L Bhat.
Book gave the explanation on how to write the language on a computer using Microsoft word or type writer without the need for any special fonts.
This book is based on scientific modification of English alphabet for writing Kashmiri language without any of cumbersome diacritical marks. Developed in a logical manner, the author has
applied the principles of Brahmi alphabet to English letters and produced an easy and adaptable scheme. Rationalised Roman for Kashmiri (RRK) can also be used for writing Hindi, Urdu,
Dogri and other languages.
Important to note :
The Kashmiri language is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India as per the Constitution of India.
Indian first ever truck racing championship won by Stuart Olive.
British racer Stuart Oliver won the inaugural Tata T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship at Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Stuart Oliver was repersenting Castrol
Vecton team in the race.
Important to note :
Team title was awarded to Castrol Vecton.
Stuart Oliver [50 years old] is 10 time British Truck Racing Champion.
Race Director of T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship was Alex Felix.
Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards conferred by President
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards on 22nd March 2014.
He conferred three Kriti Chakras and ten Shurya Chakras to Armed Personnel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The five Surya Chakra was given posthumously.
These awards are given for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty.
First elected Prime Minister of Spain Adolfo Suarez passed away
First elected Prime Minister of Spain Adolfo Suarez passed away. Adolfo Suarez was 81 years old. Adolfo Suarez was suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past decade.
Adolfo Suarez became the first elected Prime Minister after the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975 so he led Spain to democracy after decades of dictatorship.
Adolfo Suarez recognised pluralism in Spanish society and legalised the Communist Party which was banned under General Franco's regime. He also led the successful referendum on making a
new Constitution of Spain. He retired from politics in 1991.
Assam Government proposed trimming of Rhinos horn
Assam government has come out with an idea of trimming horns of the rhinos translocated or straying out of the Kaziranga National Park. This bid can be made by Assam government to save
rhinos from poachers.
This Assam government's proposal was made public through an advertisement in local newspapers over the week, inviting citizens opinion on the pros and cons.
Few of my friends may relate it to de-horning, but in actual is trimming, like we trim our hair, So trimmed horns will grow back to their original size in 4-5 months. So do not worry about
attraction of the rhinos :) .
Important to note :
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Assam had recently constituted a committee to ascertain the feasibility and necessity for trimming horns particularly of
translocated and stray rhinos.
This idea was propsed by the Indian Rhino Vision (IVR) 2020.
Indian Rhino Vision (IVR) 2020 is a joint programme of WWF-India, Assams forest department, International Rhino Foundation and some NGOs. Its objective is to increase the
population of rhinos in Assam to 3000 by 2020.
Ebola virus detected in Guinea victims
A virus causing haemorrhagic fever called Ebola Virus was detected on 23rd March 2014 in Guinea.
More than 80 persons have been detected to have been infected with Ebola virus. Out of this 59 persons from Sierra Leone and Liberia have died.
Government spokesman Damantang Albert Camara said the virus was found in tests conducted at a laboratory in Lyon, France.
Previously in 2012, Ebola outbreaks have been reported in Congo and Uganda.
25th March 201
a) Hindi writer Mr. Govind Mishra selected for Saraswati Samman 2013
b) Veteran film actress Nanda died in Mumbai at 75
c) Senior women hockey National Title clinched by RSPB
d) TCPSL roll out first white label ATMs
e) Aadhaar card is not mandatory for citizens, Supreme Court directed Centre
f) Instant Money Transfer Scheme launched by Bank of India
g) Stamp on Noor Inayat Khan released by Britain's Royal Mail
Hindi writer Mr. Govind Mishra selected for Saraswati Samman 2013
The renowned Hindi author Govind Mishra will receive Sarawasti Samman for the year 2013. He will receive this Samman for his book Dhool Paudho Par which was published in 2008.
First novel of Govind Mishra was Wo Apna Chehra published in 1969.
Important to note :
 Harivansh Rai Bachchan is the only Hindi author who have received this title in 1991.
Saraswati Samman is an annual award which was established in 1991 by K. K. Birla Foundation and carries a prize amount of 10 lakh rupees along with a certificate and is given in
recognition of outstanding prose or poetry literary works in Indian languages.
Saraswati Samman is given for the literary works of last 10 years.
Veteran film actress Nanda died in Mumbai at 75
Veteran film actress Nanda died in Mumbai at the age of 75 on 25th March 2014. She had done acting in Hindi and Marathi Films. She was daughter of Master Vinayak Damodar Karnataki who
was a Marathi actor and director.
She acted in many super hit films like Ittefaq, The Train and Joru Ka Ghulam. Her last film was Prem Rog which was released in 1983.
Senior women hockey National Title clinched by RSPB
Senior women hockey National Title clinched by RSPB (Railway Sports Promotion Board) on 23rd March 2014, which is among important current affairs of national sports.
It was 4th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship (Division A) and was held in Bhopal. RSPB defeated Haryana in a clean sweep manner by 4-0.
Best Player of the Tournament goes to Monika from Haryana Team.
TCPSL roll out first white label ATMs
TCPSL (Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd.) roll out first white label ATMs on 20th March 2014 under the brand name of Indicash. Very first White Label ATM was inaugurated at
Chandrapada in district Thane. For this project TCPSL has tied up with Federal Bank. Federal Bank is sponsor bank of care of cash operations, dispute resolutions and regulatory reporting.
TCPSL has a target to deploy 15000 Indicash ATMs by 2016.
Important to note :
What are White Label ATMs : White Label ATM's are also like normal ATM's but they are owned and operated by Non Bank entities. From such White Label ATM customer from any bank
will be able to withdraw money by giving service fee for that.
Aadhaar card is not mandatory for citizens, Supreme Court directed Centre
Honourable Supreme Court of India has directed centre to withdraw instructions to make Adhaar Card mandatory for citizens. "If there are any instructions that Aadhaar is mandatory, it should
be withdrawn immediately" a bench of justices BS Chauhan and J Chelameswar said. The judgement was given in light of Supreme Court receiving lot of letters which say that Aadhaar card is
mandatory in spite of court orders.
Important to note : In September 2013 earlier Supreme Court in its interim order said that Aadhaar card is not made mandatory for the people for availing government services.
Instant Money Transfer Scheme launched by Bank of India
Bank of India (BOI) launched a new scheme on 24th March 2014 in Mumbai. Name of the scheme is Instant Money Transfer (IMT) scheme.
Unique feature of this scheme is that It will enable customers to withdraw cash without using credit or debit card at Bank of India's IMT enabled ATM's. It is first of its kind innovation by any
public sector bank.
Features of IMT Scheme:
IMT Scheme allows the customer to send money to a receiver only by using the receiver's mobile number using Bank ATM and Retail banking facility.
One can withdraw money from a Bank of India ATM without using any card.
The monthly withdrawal limit is 25000 rupees for receiver, and per transaction limit of 10000 rupees.
IMT will be valid for 14 days from the date of issuing.
You may remember that RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan announced earlier in February 2014 that RBI is currently working on a new system that will allow users to withdraw cash from ATMs
even if the recipient doesn't have a bank account.
Stamp on Noor Inayat Khan released by Britain's Royal Mail
Among the International Current Affairs, Stamp on Noor Inayat Khan released by Britain's Royal Mail on 25th March 2014. She was World War II heroine, who fought fascism and died in the
Dachau concentration camp. This stamp honours Noor Inayat Khan on her centenary year.
About Noor Inayat Khan :
Noor Inayat Khan was born in Moscow to an Indian Father, Hazrat Inayat Khan and an American mother, Ora Ray Baker in January 1914. Noor was brought up in Paris and family immigrated
to London when Paris was occupied by Germany during the World War II in 1940. She joined Women's Auxiliary Air Force and was later recruited for the Special Operations Executive which
was a secret agency. At the age of 30 she was betrayed, arrested and finally executed in the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.
Britain awarded George Cross to Noor Inayat Khan , which is highest honour of Britain.
26th March 2014
o India's First Revolver Nirbheek, designed for Women launched
b) Book titled "Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership" released
c) Japan to hand over nuclear material to the US
d) Pakistan's only Parsi cricketer Rusi Dinshaw died
e) The Hague hosted third nuclear security Summit 2014
f) 1979 batch IAS Mr. Rajiv Takru appointed as the new Revenue Secretary
g) Japanese architect Shigeru Ban won the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2014
 h) RBI panel headed by Aditya Puri submitted its report
India's First Revolver Nirbheek, designed for Women launched
A light weight revolver named Nirbheek was launched by Indian Ordinance factory on 25th March 2014 which is especially designed for women to defend themselves from assault. Nirbheek
that weighs is very less around 500 gm and it is a .32 bore revolver which can be easily carried by women in their purses or handbags.
Nirbheek revolver is made of titanium alloy and is priced Rs. 122360. The revolver is capable of firing six rounds loaded in a revolving chamber.
Important to note :
Nirbheek is India's first Firearm designed for women.
Neerbheek name is derived from of the paramedical student Nirbhaya, who was a victim gang rape in Delhi on 16 December 2012.
Book titled "Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership" released
Book titled "Lal Bahadur Shastri: Lessons in Leadership" was released on 23rd March 2014 in New Delhi by spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Book is authored by Anil Shashtri and Pawan Choudhary. This book covers all stages of his life and book also highlights his virtues of simplicity, integrity, tenacity, wisdom and leadership.
Former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri has left behind a legacy that is hard to match. This book also touches the points of 1965 war.
Anil Shashtri is Son of Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri.
Important Points about Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji :
He was born on 2nd October, 1904.
He passed away on 10th January, 1966.
He was second Prime Misiter of India.
Outstanding Slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" is given to India by Lal Bahadur Shashtri.
He was Prime minister from 9 June 1964 to 11 January 1966.
Japan to hand over nuclear material to the US
Japan to hand over nuclear material to the US, as Japan and the United States have co-signed an agreement to remove and dispose of hundreds of kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU)
and separated plutonium from the Asian nation.
This agreement was made on Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, where US and Japanese leaders arranged a deal on "final disposition" in the US of well over 300 kilograms
of weapons grade plutonium and an unspecified quantity of highly enriched uranium (HEU).
This is a bid to reduce the amount of dangerous nuclear material in the world.
Important to note :
Belgium and Italy has also agreed to hand over excess nuclear materials to the US.
Pakistan's only Parsi cricketer Rusi Dinshaw died
Pakistan's only Parsi cricketer Rusi Dinshaw died on 24th March 2014 in Karachi. He was suffering from schizophrenia and was 86 years old.
Rusi Dinshaw was the only Parsi to have ever been selected in a Pakistan team. He was the member of Test squad of Pakistan that first toured India on 1952-53.
It is really very sad to know that he was reduced to begging at the Karachi Parsi Institute and at some traffic signals before his death. Rusi Dinshaw was a left-handed batsman and left-arm
spinner. He scored a double hundred in the Ruby Shield schools tournament in Kolkata.
He also led Karachi University won against Bombay University in the Maharaja Kumar of Cooch Behar Trophy in 1946.
The Hague hosted third nuclear security Summit 2014
The Third Nuclear Security Summit was held in The Hague, Netherlands, from 24th to 25th March 2014.
This important summit make an news in international current affairs, this summit was attended by the 58 World leaders. At this summit all the leaders reached to an aggrement to prevent
terrorists getting access to nuclear material that could be used to make a nuclear weapon which will be very dangerous to mankind.
So this will further reduce the threat of a nuclear attack.
Important to note :
Under this initiative 35 countries has agreed to incorporate the guidelines of IAEA in their national legislation. These guidelines will be binding and also engage IAEA teams to assess the
security of nuclear materials.
These 35 countries are :
Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of
America and Vietnam.
1979 batch IAS Mr. Rajiv Takru appointed as the new Revenue Secretary
An IAS officer of 1979 batch Mr. Rajiv Takru was appointed as Revenue Secretary on 25th March 2014, which is among important national current affairs. He will succeed Mr. Sumit Bose
who is going to retire on 31st March 2014. So Mr. Rajiv Takru will be taking on new postion on the 1st April 2014.
Earlier Mr. Rajiv Takru was serving at Financial Services Department as its Secretary under the Union Finance Ministry.
In the place of Mr. Rajiv Takru, a Rajasthan cadre IAS officer of the 1980 batch Mr. Gurdial Singh Sandhu has appointed as Financial Services Secretary. He was earlier serving as the
Minorities Affairs department in the Rajasthan Government.
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban won the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2014
World's most prestigious architecture award "Pritzker Architecture Prize" won by a Japanese architect Shigeru Ban on 25th March 2014. Shigeru Ban has bagged this prize for his creative
and inexpensive designs for disaster relief shelters.
Pritzker Architecture Prize:
Pritzker Architecture Prize is an international prize which is awarded annually to living architects who have contributed to humanity by their excellence in built work.
This prestigious prize was instituted by Hyatt Foundation in 1979. It carries $ 100000 grant, a citation and a bronze medallion.
This prize was started by Hyatt Foundation in 1979.
Shigeru Ban :
Shigeru Ban is 56 years old and as told earlier he is a Japanese architect. He started his involvement in disaster relief structures in 1994. He have worked for many countries like Sri Lanka,
India, Haiti, Italy and New Zealand. He also participated in Bhuj earthquake relief work in 2001. His objective is to build inexpensive, easy-to-construct structures.
RBI panel headed by Aditya Puri submitted its report
A RBI panel which was headed by Aditya Puri, submitted its report. The report was submitted on 22nd March 2014. The Report is titled as "Data Format for Furnishing of Credit Information to
Credit Information Companies (CICs)".
This committee has made many recommendations relating to credit information, best practices to be followed by credit institutions etc.
Highlights of recommendations :
The Committee has suggested to provide customers with a free copy of their Credit Information Report (CIRs). It would help create awareness about the need to have credit discipline
and help detect identity theft at an early stage.
The committee also recommended a common Data Quality Index that could assist credit institutions in determining the gaps in their data and also help move towards improving their
performance over a period of time.
It was also recommended to use a common data format that includes additional information in the formats, such as, dispute codes, consumer comments on dispute, details of collateral
and a continuing mechanism for making changes to data formats that could help improve data quality.
The committee has showed its concern that low usage of credit information by member institutions and other specified users needs to be addressed. It can be addressed by increasing
the coverage of credit information in terms of membership (all credit institutions should be members of all CICs) and products and by creating awareness about Credit Information
Reports (CIRs).
CICs should have a common classification of Credit Scores so that it would be easier to understand and interpret them.
CICs may provide a single CIR for a borrower even if there are multiple addresses, using a unique identification number (PAN/Aadhaar No.).
CICs may have link with the database of Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI) which has data on mortgages so that CIRs can
also provide information on property mortgages.

27th March 2014

a) SEBI to issue guidelines for FATCA compliance fiscal year 2014-15
b) Smartphone Virus Dendroid detected
c) Air pollution is killer of 7 million in 2012 : WHO
d) All elections booths will be smoking free in J&K, became first state to do so
e) EPFO to provide Universal Account Number
f) Facebook to acquire virtual reality technology firm Oculus VR
g) Ancient caves discovered in Andhra Pradesh
h) India clinched 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title
SEBI to issue guidelines for FATCA compliance fiscal year 2014-15
On 25th March 2014 SEBI announced to release FATCA compliance norms in the next fiscal year 2014-15. It will help combat possible tax evasion by Americans through Indian entities.
FATCA is a law with deals with withholding tax on illicit activities by some individuals who use offshore accounts to evade millions of dollars in taxes.
For the complete implementation of FATCA US government is required to sign Inter Government Agreement (IGA) with countries including India. With 22 countries US has already signed
IGA's, while to sign IGA with India negotiations has been going on.
Once this new Act come into effect, all financial institutions in India would need to carry out a detailed due diligence on all their clients and report details of their US clients to the US tax
department.
Any non-compliance of the FATCA provisions would result in penal withholding of 30% of the total US-source income of such financial institutions.
FATCA became a law in 2010. It has now emerged as a global standard for detecting offshore tax evasion by people.
Important to note :
FATCA : Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
Smartphone Virus Dendroid detected
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) detected a Smartphone Virus called Dendroid. Dendroid is a virus of smartphone which can compromise the data stored on the
users phone.
Dendroid virus can change the command and control server of phone and can intercept all incoming and outgoing data. It belongs to Trojan Family. Dendroid is a HTTP RAT, having a
sophisticated PHP administration panel and an application APK binder package.
Friends if you also use Andriod phones then please read following points :
Install applications only from trusted application market, do not download from any untrusted source.
Check what permission required by application before installing it.
Use device encryption or encrypting external SD card feature available in andriod phones.
Check if data usage of your phone is actual.
Do not use unsecured and unknown Wi-Fi networks and always take a backup of your phone.
Air pollution is killer of 7 million in 2012 : WHO
WHO released estimates on 25th March 2014 which shows that around 7 million people died due to air pollution in 2012. Its really huge, because it means that every 1 person in 8 persons died
due to air pollution. So it suggested to combat with it seriously to save many lives. This reports clearly shows air pollution is largest single environmental risk. This report also linked the air
pollution with cancer and respiratory diseases.
Low and middle income countries in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions had the largest air pollution related issues in 2012. As per WHO estimates, due to indoor air
pollution there are total 3.3 million deaths and due to outdoor air pollution there are 2.6 million deaths.
Friends we should really be aware about air pollution and should do our part to minimize it.
All elections booths will be smoking free in J&K, became first state to do so
There is some positive current affair coming in, Jammu and Kashmir became the first state in the country to declare all election booths in the coming Lok Sabha polls as no smoking zones.
Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir Umang Narula issued a circular to all concerned on 25th March 2014 about it.
This will make mandatory for all election booths to show warning of No Smoking. J&K Voluntary Health Association had made a request for this action.
Important to note :
Section-4 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products prohibits smoking at all public places.
EPFO to provide Universal Account Number
EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation) on 24th March 2014 said to provide Universal Account Number (UAN) to its five crore subscribers from 1st October 2014.
Permanent or Universal Account Number (UAN) will be beneficial for its users to avoid filing Provident Fund (PF) account transfer claims on changing jobs. After getting UAN, a user will
only have one account number for PF and will not have to change it after changing the employer. Thus it can also be used for various other schemes.
It will also reduce the workload of the EPFO. During 2012-13, EPFO received over 12 lakh claims for transfer of PF account on changing of jobs by its subscribers.
Facebook to acquire virtual reality technology firm Oculus VR
Facebook on 26th March 2014 decided to acquire virtual reality technology firm Oculus VR for 2 billion dollar.
Recenty Facebook was also in news for acquiring Whatsapp in 19 billion dollars.
Oculus VR founded by Palmer Luckey develops virtual reality glasses for gaming.
Ancient caves discovered in Andhra Pradesh
Ancient caves discovered in Andhra Pradesh by Researcher K Ramakrishna Reddy. These caves are depicting 7000-year-old civilisation. These were inhibited by ancient humans in Akkampalli
of Andhra Pradesh. This site is considered to be contemporary to the rock sites that exist at Ketavaram and Chintakunta of the state.
This is important discovery as it represent the civilisation and culture of 7000 year ago.
Total fives caves and found, out of which 3 are natural and 2 are rock cut. Their artworks provide an insight of variuos prospects. As per the artwork, Musalla Gunda (boulder of crocodile) name
is given to caves, because there artworks which depict the presence of crocodiles, but at present there is no water, may be at that time there would be water and crocodiles.
India clinched 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title
On 26th March 2014, India clinched the 3rd South Asian Handball Championship title, whcih is important news in the sports current affairs. This match was played at Genesis Global School in
Noida. The championship started on 23th March 2014. Final was between India and Pakistan, India defeated Pakistan by 36-31.
Teams that participated in the championship were
India,
Pakistan,
Bangladesh,
Afghanistan and
Nepal.
28th March 2014
a) Super Hercules aircraft of IAF C-130 J crashed in Rajasthan
b) General Sedki Sobhi is new Defence Minister and Army Chief of Egypt
c) All States and UTs directed to implement Manual Scavengers Act by Supreme Court
 d) Indian Export of Spices increased by 41percent during April to December 2013
e) All banks are required to comply with the Basel III norms by 31 March 2019
f) India certified as Polio Free country by WHO
g) Gopal Rao won UK Twitter Prize
h) Actor Arjun Kapoor will be Brand Ambassador of Earth Hour 2014
i) Deodhar Trophy 2014 won by west zone
Super Hercules aircraft of IAF C-130 J crashed in Rajasthan
In a major set back to IAF, the most modern military transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules crashed on friday around Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. By this accident five IAF personnel
on board also killed.
The aircraft took off from Agra at 10 a.m. for a routine flying training mission when this accident happened on the way. Court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of accident.
Important to note :
India has inducted six C-130J Super Hercules Aircrafts, which were brought from the US at a cost of around 6000 crore rupees. Now India is left with 5 such aircrafts.This aircraft can carry a
weigh up to 20 tonnes and has the capability to land and take-off from short runways.
General Sedki Sobhi is new Defence Minister and Army Chief of Egypt
Among the international current affairs, important to note that on 27th March 2014 General Sedki Sobhi was sworn in as the new Defence Minister and Army Chief of Egypt. This happened
after resignation of Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The Interim President of Egypt Adly Mansour confirmed the General Sedki Sobhi appointment.
Important to note :
Former Army Cheif of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi resigned on 26 March 2014 to contest in Presidential election. He led the military coup to overthrew Mohammed Morsi, the then President of
Egypt in July 2013.
All States and UTs directed to implement Manual Scavengers Act by Supreme Court
All the States and Union Territories were directed by Supreme Court of India on 27th March 2014 to implement Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act,
2013.
Bench comprised of Chief Justice P Sathasivam, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice N V Ramana ordered a series of directions to abolish the practice of manual scavenging. The Apex court also
deprecated the practice of manually removing night soil with bare hands, brooms or metal scrappers.
Guidelines by Supreme Court :
At least one member of their family shall be given, subject to eligibility and willingness, training in livelihood skill and shall be paid a monthly stipend during rehabilitation period.
Besides, one adult member of the family is given subsidy or concessional loan for taking up an alternative occupation.
To address sewer deaths, it suggested that entering sewer lines without safety gears should be made a crime even in emergency situations. And for such death, a compensation of 10
lakh rupees should be given to the family of the died.
The people who were employed as scavengers should be allotted residential plots or constructed houses or money for such construction according to their eligibility and willingness.
Persons released from manual scavenging should not have to cross hurdles to receive what is their legitimate due under the law.
Safai karamchari women should be provided support for dignified livelihood in accordance with their choice of livelihood schemes.
The Railways should take time-bound strategy to end manual scavenging on the tracks and persons released from manual scavenging should not have to cross hurdles to receive what is
their legitimate due under the law.
Important to note :
In the year 2002-03, there were 676009 identified manual scavengers in the country.
Indian Export of Spices increased by 41percent during April to December 2013
Spices exports from India has seen considerable increase as, during April-December 2014 it has seen increase of 41 percent. This was brought in the notice by Spices Board of India at Kochi.
Pepper and Cardamom were the leading contributors in the spices export with Pepper with 1846 crore rupees.
Important to note :
Spices Board of India comes under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Current Chairman of Spices board of India is A Jayathilak.
All banks are required to comply with the Basel III norms by 31 March 2019
Among the important Banking Current Affairs, on 27th March 2014 RBI announced that it has extended the deadline for Indian banks to meet capital requirements under the so-called Basel III
norms by a year to 31 March 2019. RBI offering relief to an industry burdened by bad loans in the face of slower economic growth.
As per RBI, In view of the implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations, banks need to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes.
What is Basel III ?
Basel III is a comprehensive set of reform measures, developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking
sector.
India certified as Polio Free country by WHO
A good current affair coming for Indians. On 27th March 2014 The World Health Organisation (WHO) certified India as a Polio free Country officialy. This news was out many days back but
its official now. By this India became among the 11 countries of South East Region to hold a tag of polio free country.
The Union Health Minister of India Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad received official certificate in New Delhi. The polio was eradicated from the country with the help of technological innovations and
combined efforts.
Important to note :
India introduced the oral polio vaccine in 1985. India's first national polio immunization campaign to stop polio was launched in 1995. That time on an average 50000 children were getting
affected by polio every year. Now after 2011 there is not even a single case reported of polio.
Polio is a disease that can be prevented only but there is no cure for it.
Gopal Rao won UK Twitter Prize
Gopal Rao, An Indian origin MBA student at the University of Cambridge has won a Twitter competition which asked a question regarding UK's foreign policy. Prize was to British Foreign
Secretary William Hague and to discuss the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI).
PSVI was launched on May 29, 2012 by Hague. It aims to strengthen and support international efforts to respond to sexual violence in conflict - including by enhancing the capacity of
countries, institutions, and communities to support survivors and end impunity for perpetrators.
What Gopal Rao wrote on twitter ?
UK foreign policy should focus on emancipation of girlsandwomen through enterprise, supported by vibrant #socent culture within UK. #meetFS.
Actor Arjun Kapoor will be Brand Ambassador of Earth Hour 2014
Bollywood Actor Arjun Kapoor on 27 March 2014 was selected as the brand ambassador of the Earth hour 2014. On 29th March 2014 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m Earth Hour 2014 will be
observed. It is very nice initiative which under which citizens are advised to switch off all electricity for an hour.
Important to note :
It was started in Sydney, Australia in 2007. In 2013 it was celebrated on 23 March 2013.
Friends you are also requested to take part in this event which dedicated to save our earth. Thank you.
Deodhar Trophy 2014 won by west zone
Cricket's Deodhar Trophy 2014 was won by West Zone on 27th March 2014. West Zone defeated North Zone in the final at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in
Visakhapatnam.
Important to note :
Deodhar Trophy is a 50-over over inter zonal knockout Indian domestic cricket tournament. It is annual tournament played among five zonal teams namely North Zone, South Zone, East Zone,
West Zone and Central Zone.
It is named after Prof. D. B. Deodhar.
29th March 2014
a) EU Court Rules that ISP's Can Be Forced To Block Piracy Sites
b) Former PM of Norway Jens Stoltenberg appointed as new NATO chief
c) Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar appointed as President of BCCI
d) UN passed non-binding resolution de-recognising Crimea as a part of Russia
e) Half brother Moqren appointed as next heir to throne by Saudi King
f) Astronomers discovered miniature planet with two rings
EU Court Rules that ISP's Can Be Forced To Block Piracy Sites
In a major bid to limit the online piracy on 27th March 2014 European Union Court uphold that ISP's (Internet Service Providers) can legally deny access to that websites which infringe
copyrights of their customers. Though court also maintained that ISP must ensure that blocking a website should not deprive users from the possibility of lawfully access to the information
available.
This decision was made on the basis of the EU laws and regulations provide power to ISPs to deny access to such websites. The Court of Justice of the European Union upheld the decision of
an Austrian Court to compel an ISP to deny its customers access to the website.
Important to note :
Earlier Austrian court prohibited UPC Telekabel Wein (ISP in Australia) from providing access to its customers to the sites of two companies that holds movie rights.
Former PM of Norway Jens Stoltenberg appointed as new NATO chief
It is among the important International Current Affairs that Former PM of Norway Mr. Jens Stoltenberg appointed as new NATO chief. This announcement was mande by North Atlantic
Council in Brussels in Belgium on 28th March 2014. Mr. Jens Stoltenberg was also appointed as Chairman of the North Atlantic Council.
He will be taking the charge of Secretary General of NATO from 1st October 2014. He will be succeeding former Prime Minister of Denmark Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen who is current
Secretary General of NATO.
What is NATO ?
Full form of NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). It was established in 1949. It is headquarterd in Belgium, Brussels.
In actual it is an inter governmental military alliance of North Atlantic Countries which has 28 members mainly from Europe and America.
Oh ! you must be thinking the names of 28 countries, let me list them for you :)
These are :
Albania Germany Norway Slovakia Croatia france
Poland united kingdom slovenia czechRep
Porchugal Bulgaria spain Denmark
Romania Canada Turkey Estonia
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar appointed as President of BCCI
Among the sports current affairs, Important to note that former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has been appointed as interim BCCI chief. This was done after Honorable Supreme court decision on
28th March 2014. As per Supreme Court Order Sunil Gavaskar replaced the present BCCI chief N Srinivasan.
All these changes have been done after the Mudgal Committee report.
Read About Mudgal Committee
On the appointed of Sunil Gavaskar he said, "I am deeply humbled and honoured that the honourable Supreme Court of India has entrusted me with the job of being the interim president of the
BCCI till the end of IPL-7. Like with my cricket, I will give it my best shot".
Why BCCI cheif N Srinivasam made to resign ?
Former BCCI chief N Srinivasan was removed by the Supreme Court on the ground that his position as the Chairman of BCCI he may interfere with the investigations going into the alleged
involvement of his sons-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan which was in news for IPL spot fixing allegations.
Do you know :
Sunil Gavaskar has a criket career of 16 years from 1971 to 1987, as we say Sachin Tendulkar Little master, Our parents used to say him little master. Means He was also given title of Little
Master by Public and Media. He was part of 1983 world cup winning Indian Team.
UN passed non-binding resolution de-recognising Crimea as a part of Russia
On 27th March 2014, UN General Assembly passed the Non Binding resolution that refuses recognition of annexation of Crimea by Russia from Ukraine. Ukraine has drafted this resolution
and had urged international community to back the text.
Among the 193 members, this resolution was supported by 110 countries, opposed by 11 nations.
58 nations did not vote. India also preferred not to vote.
Important to note :
The accession of Crimea in the Russian Federation was signed between Russia and Crimea on 18 March 2014 in Kremlin in Moscow.
Half brother Moqren appointed as next heir to throne by Saudi King
King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah appointed his half-brother Moqren as the next heir to the throne. Moqren is 69 years old. This announcement was made on 27th March 2014. So Moqren will be
the future king of the country which is world's largest exporter of crude oil.
As per process this decision was announced in a royal decree. As of now Moqren is the second deputy Prime Minister.
Astronomers discovered miniature planet with two rings
Team of researchers from Niels Bohr Institute discovered a miniature planet with two rings which is named Charkilo. Charkilo has two rings of ice and pebbles between Saturn and Uranus in
the Kuiper Belt. The centres of the two rings are 14 kilometer and the gap between them is 9 Kilometer.
Though this planet is known from many years but two rings around it were observed first time. Rings around it were discovered with new camera made by Neils Bohr Institute.
31st March 2014
a) Heena Sidhu bagged silver medal in 10m Air Pistol Women final of ISSF World Cup
b) Delhi IITian Ambar Srivastava developed TrueHb Hemometer to test haemoglobin
c) SC uphold the age of juvenile to 18 years
d) Simon Santoso of Indonesia won Malaysia Grand Prix Gold
e) International Monetary Fund agreed to provide 18 billion dollars fund to Ukraine
f) Djokovic won fourth Miami Masters crown after defeating Nadal
g) Lewis Hamilton Won Malaysian Grand Prix
Heena Sidhu bagged silver medal in 10m Air Pistol Women final of ISSF World Cup
Heena Sidhu, the World number two air pistol shooter on 28 March 2014 won a silver medal of 10m Air Pistol Women at the ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning, United States. To clinch the
silver medal, she shot 200.8 points in the finals. The gold medal was won by 28-year old Bulgarian shooter Antoaneta Bovena, the Olympic finalist of London 2012, with 203.6 points. The
Bronze medal went to Serbia's Zorana Arunovic with 180.9 points.
Delhi IITian Ambar Srivastava developed TrueHb Hemometer to test haemoglobin
Ambar Srivastava of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi on 29 March 2014 developed the TrueHb Hemometer to test haemoglobin. The device of the size of a mobile phone is the first
case of an innovation from biomedical engineering department of IIT-Delhi actually getting productized.
SC uphold the age of juvenile to 18 years
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lower the age of a juvenile from 18, saying the legislature has fixed the age, which is constitutionally permissible.
A three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice P. Sathasivam, rejected two petitions, filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and parents of the December 16 gang-rape victim, challenging the
constitutional validity of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000.
Simon Santoso of Indonesia won Malaysia Grand Prix Gold
Indonesian Shuttler Simon Santoso won the Malaysia Grand Prix gold against Sourabh Varma in Men's Single at Pasir gudang, Malaysia on 30 March 2014. Malaysian Grand Prix gold was
held from 25 March to 30 March 2014.
International Monetary Fund agreed to provide 18 billion dollars fund to Ukraine
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed on 27 March 2014 to provide loan to Ukraine worth 18 billion dollars for next two years.Under the IMF deal Ukraine will have to cut the budget
deficit, raise taxes, shift to a flexible exchange rate and increase retail energy tariffs toward their full cost.The Ukrainian Parliament needs to pass a set of reforms to accept the package of IMF.
Then IMF board will revive the deal in April 2014. It may also provide an opportunity to receive the loans from United States and the European Union which brings in total 27 billion dollars
for two years.
Djokovic won fourth Miami Masters crown after defeating Nadal
Novak Djokovic, the six-time Grand Slam winner won his fourth Miami Masters crown on 30 March 2014 by defeating Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-3. This title was a combination of ATP and WTA
Tour hardcourt tournament. This win has helped him 850430 US dollars as the winners cheque.Second seed Djokovic, benefitted from two walkovers didnt dropped a set winning his third
Miami title in four years and fourth in total to odd to triumphs in 2007, 2011 and 2012. Nadal has lost the Miami Masters title in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Lewis Hamilton Won Malaysian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton led from pole position to win his first Malaysian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton won the race by 17.3 seconds by taking advantage of his pole position on 30th March 2014.